Tag: Lifestyle

Are You Prepared For Anything Life Throws At You?

If the Coronavirus pandemic has taught us anything, it is that our lives can be turned upside down overnight. While there wasn’t much any of us could have done to prepare for this pandemic personally, it is now important to look to the future to see what you can do to be better prepared for other life-changing events that may arise in the future.

Staying as Safe as You Can On a Day to Day Basis

Safety is most of our top priority. Every single day, we take steps to make sure that we don’t come into unnecessary trouble. Half of them are subconscious and ingrained as habit. Some we take more thought and care over. Here are just a few that you might like to focus on to stay happy and safe all of the time!

Finding Calm Amidst Chaos- How To Be Productive During Quarantine?

How do we make this quarantine time interesting and less of a burden, how can we start seeing something positive in this time of extreme distress, how can we find our calm amidst this chaos? Let’s hear it from some of my fellow bloggers and friends on how are they coping up with the situation and keeping themselves occupied and how these tips can give you more than one reason to be productive and creative during these tough times.

‘Souza In The 40’s​’, An Art Extravaganza At Sunapranta, Goa

Art in its any form, literally draws me and pulls me to it. Creativity is something that I imbibe in myself and have a great appreciation for. Be it performing arts or static, I have huge respect for artists who vent out their innermost emotions through their art. I sometimes try to do that myself through my writing or my paintings and even through my cooking.

Things That Will Help You Have an Effective Workout Session

Exercising is one of the best ways you can attain total body fitness. We all have different aims when we work out. Some people do it with the primary goal of shedding off those extra pounds. There are those who do it to increase muscle mass. All of these will help you stay healthy. You will get rid of fat and other toxic substances that can cause illnesses in your body.

The 5 E’s To Consider When Upgrading Your New Business

When you’re running a new business on the block, trying to be heard over the competition can be a frustrating battle. You just don’t have the same brand recognition as some of the bigger players in the game, but that’s okay. Good things come in time. Still, in the business world, simply waiting for good things to come isn’t enough. If you’re not happy about the snail-like progress of your company then it’s time to do something about it. You have to be unique to stand out. These are the 5 E’s to consider when upgrading your new business.

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Efficiency.

The first ‘E’ is efficiency. An efficient business is a successful business. If you can improve your use of both time and money then you’ll reduce overhead costs and boost profit margins. In turn, you’ll have more money to invest in your business, but we’ll discuss that more in the next point. You’ll also be able to reach a wider customer base if you improve productivity because you’ll have an increased daily output. Again, we’ll talk about expansion more in the next point. For now, let’s discuss ways in which to make your business more efficient. This will help to give your business stronger foundations as it starts to grow.

 

For starters, you might want to start automating certain operations in your business. No, this doesn’t mean you have to make workers redundant. In fact, we’re talking about making your workers more productive. If repetitive and time-consuming tasks are automated (e.g. admin work) then your employees will be able to focus their energy on the more technical aspects of their job roles. Additionally, you might want to look into time clocks to help keep track of work hours and ensure everybody is paid fairly. It’ll make your business more efficient because you’ll know that you’re never underpaying or overpaying employees. This will keep the team happy and protect your finances.

 

Expansion.

The expansion is essential to the evolution of your company and the growth of your reputation. If you want to upgrade your new business then you should keep thinking of ways to expand it. Now, you might not be able to achieve your biggest goals within the early days of opening your company. Growth has to be gradual if it’s going to be steady and long-lasting. But it’s about making investments that will bring in increased profits. For example, you might want to increase your product or service output so that you can meet the needs of a larger customer base. Instead of investing in several new employees, however, you might want to outsource certain services to meet the increased workload. It’ll help you to achieve the same level of expansion but cost you far less money than hiring some new full-time workers. If your business is going to really upgrade itself to the next level then you need to expand in time-effective and cost-effective ways. That’s the smart way to create a bigger presence in your respective marketplace.

 

Environment.

The environment in which your employees’ work has such a big impact on their productivity. We’ve already talked about automating operations for efficiency, but another way to optimize business operations is to focus directly on the mindset of your workers. And this all starts by creating a nice workspace for your team. How do you feel when your home or your office is messy? Distracted? Uncomfortable? Well, think about how your entire workforce will feel if their work environment is cluttered or aesthetically unappealing. Improving the office is a worthwhile investment. Even simply repainting the walls with a white coat of paint to reflect light and brighten the work environment could make a big difference. You might want to put a ping pong table and some couches in the break room too. Give your employees a way to unwind.

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Expectations.

This is one of the biggest E’s to consider if you want to ensure that your business is successful in the long-term. Start thinking about customer expectations and the ways in which you can exceed them. That’s how you’ll upgrade your business. Your goal should be to solve problems before they even become problems. To clarify, you need to show your customers that no issue is too small or too insignificant. Most people will understand that mistakes are made in life – we’re all human, after all. But they won’t understand a business that fails to remedy the problem quickly and professionally. Invite customers to send in questions and complaints on social media. Have a team ready to respond to customers as soon as they contact you; that’ll show you care.

 

Exceeding expectations can go a long way to boost your business’ brand. In turn, you’ll gain a reputation as a caring and reliable company. You’re trying to build loyal relationships with your customers. That’s how you’ll start to build up a lasting client base. Obviously, you want to chase new leads, but you also want your existing customers to stick around. This is how your new business will grow into something impressive from small and humble beginnings. It’s all about the customers, at the end of the day.

 

End-goals.

Always reinvent the business plan. That should be the main piece of advice you’ve taken away from the points raised in this article. You might not have to change your end-goals but simply restate them. Repackaging a brand can sometimes be the best way to start turning heads in an industry once more. If you’ve been struggling to make an impact on the target market then it makes sense to try a new approach. Simply saying something in a different way can make a big difference. After all, if your competitors are successful then the problem might not be your products or services but the way in which you’re selling them. Hold onto your end-goals but keep finding new ways to reach them if you want to upgrade your business and take the next step up the entrepreneurial ladder.

Barbie initiates Project Udaan to enable girls live their dreams

In a bid to fulfill the dreams of young girls, Mattel India has joined hands with the NGO, Masoom, to launch ‘Project Udaan’. The project has come into the existence with an understanding that there are numerous girls who are locked by boundaries of social and economic status. While these girls have grown up admiring Barbie, Mattel believes every girl, like Barbie, has the right to be themselves i.e. smart, successful, ambitious, poised and confident. Project Udaan aims to give these girls the wings to fly with their dreams.

Project Udaan

Project Udaan is a comprehensive three-fold programme that focuses on leadership skills, feminine hygiene program, and vocational training basis participants’ interest mapping. It is a year-long program which will be actively volunteered by the ‘Barbie’ team, designed to equip over 100 girls aged between 14-18 years. The project is aimed to build confidence, self-expression and enable effective learning and development that can present the girls with a chance for a better life.

Activities

As a part of this initiative, Barbie created an exposure for young and enthusiastic kids of the city. The girls from Masoom were taken to KidZania where they could not only explore but live and experience 90+ role-playing activities. These little girls were shown that their dreams could fly free at KidZania through 90+ career opportunities. The trip enabled a roadmap, guiding these tiny feet towards a realistic and achievable goal to fulfill their dreams. It was also an eye-opener for many, as most of the activities showcased were unique and attractive for many of them, thus further enlightening their vision.

Brand Speak

Commenting on the initiative, Ishmeet Singh, Country Manager, Mattel India, said, “Every girl is talented and has the potential to reach for the stars. But where society tries to pull them down, Barbie supports them to help them to live their dreams.”

 

“Project Udaan has enabled us see the spark on so many faces and we are highly motivated by their overwhelming response.Through our initial activity at KidZania, children got a chance to experience the world of multiple career options. They cherished the life of becoming a Chef, an RJ, a Pilot, a Teacher, an Actor, and so on”, he added.

 

About Mattel

Mattel is a creations company that inspires the wonder of childhood. Our mission is to be the recognized leader in play, learning, and development worldwide. Mattel’s portfolio of global consumer brands includes American Girl®, Barbie®, Fisher-Price®, Hot Wheels®, Monster High®, and Thomas & Friends®, among many others. Mattel also creates a wealth of lines and products made in collaboration with leading entertainment and technology companies. With a global workforce of approximately 31,000 people, Mattel operates in 40 countries and territories and sells products in more than 150 nations. Visit us online at www.mattel.com.

 

Preparing Your Nearly-Grown Child For Life Success

Many parents have a skewed understanding of what it takes to be a success in life, especially if they came into adulthood in the seventies, eighties, and nineties. Back then, jobs were plentiful and secure, housing was affordable, and there were less “global issues” to think about. There’s a reason why many teenagers are suffering from mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. If you have a child who will soon be in adulthood, then one of the best things you can do for them is to prepare them real-world success. We take a look at a number of ways you can do this below.

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Stop Babying Them

 

In the olden days, children were the employees of their parents. Now, they’re the bosses. However, it’s just a fact of life that out there in the real world, there are no bosses, and if there are, it’s unlikely to be your son or daughter. As such, it’s a good idea to prepare them for life by nudging them towards adulthood in your own way. You can give them more responsibilities, and make sure they’re accountable for their actions. It’s what they’ll have to face when they’re out there trying to make it. There won’t be anyone to clean up after them when they’re living on their own.

 

Put Away Funds

 

As we said at the beginning of the article, it’s not easy for young people out there. There aren’t that many jobs, and for the ones that are, competition can be fierce. People are often forced into taking unpaid internships if they want to have any hope of making it in the most desirable industries. To ensure your child doesn’t need to turn down these opportunities due to money issues, look at putting a little bit of cash away each month. If the time comes when they need to take an internship – or pursue another option that requires startup cash – then you’ll be on hand to help them out. It’s not a gift though; they can pay you back when they finally land that job.

 

Setting Them Up

 

Many young people have to deal with debt, be it because of education or the high cost of living. As such, many young aren’t thriving and being the best version of themselves: they’re just trying to get by. And that means that the basics of life, such as property or a case, can be impossible to come by. Here’s where you come in. Consider buying a piece of real estate, and letting your child live there rent-free (or they can pay a discounted rent). If you have a car that you were thinking of replacing, hand the keys down to your son or daughter when you buy your new vehicle. Both of these will make a dramatic difference to your child’s life and will have a minimal impact on your own. You were going to buy a new car anyway, and the property will still be in your name and part of your financial portfolio.

 

Handling Finances

 

The most common grievance people have about school is that they learned a lot about useless topics, and not enough about the things that really matter, such as how to handle finances. But schools can’t be responsible for everything. As such, look at filling in the blanks, and educating your child about the best approach to money. It’s much easier to avoid debt altogether rather than try to get out of later on down the line. Learning good practices as early as possible will set them up for a financially healthy life.

 

Set Expectations

 

There’s no such thing as a self-driven person. Those entrepreneurs who pushed through their dreams weren’t self-driven; they were simply responding to the expectations that were set for them. Humans have a phenomenal capacity, every single one of us, but sometimes we need to be nudged in the right direction to reach our full potential. If you maintain high standards in your personal life and let your child know what you expect of them, then you’ll be setting a bar for them to reach. The people who are a success often look back at the discipline and atmosphere of hard work in their family as the reason why they were successful.

 

…But No Pressure

 

It’s worth remembering, however, that there’s a fine line between expectations and pressure. Expectations reflect a standard of output (as in “if you’re going to do something, do it well”). Pressure pushes people into doing something that they don’t really want to do. Your son or daughter will be more likely to be successful (also happier) if they feel the freedom to go in any direction they want (within reason, of course). We’re all different, including your child, so let them find their own path.

 

Helping with the Career

 

Because competition is so fierce for jobs, it usually takes more than just a cover letter and resumes to land a position. Indeed, somewhere in the region of 80% of jobs aren’t even advertised. When your child is just reaching adulthood, they won’t have any of the contacts that can help grease the wheels when it comes to finding employment. But you might. Talk to your friends, colleagues, and so on to see if anybody knows of a job that’s available. You’d be surprised just how many jobs are filled this way.

 

Dealing with Setbacks

 

Life isn’t easy, no matter what circumstances we’re in. Even if everything seems like it’s going swimmingly, it can all become undone pretty quickly! It’s not what happens to us that matters, however, but how we respond. Teach your children the art of resilience and overcoming setbacks. It’ll be one of the best tools in their arsenal as they navigate their way through life.

 

Be Open

 

Finally, remember to be open. If they feel like they can talk with you about what’s going on in their life, you’ll be providing a mightily useful service in their life. Just because they’re an adult, you’re still their parent!

 

 

4 Signs Your Home Needs Urgent Roof Repair

Simply because it’s hard to reach and inspect on a regular basis, the roof of a home tends to be neglected even by the most observant homeowners. No part of a home’s exterior suffers as much damage from changing weather as does the roof, for it is constantly exposed to sunlight, rain, wind, snow, hail, bird droppings and so on.

Over time, your home’s roof loses structural strength and needs regular repair and maintenance to preserve its longevity and reverse damage from the elements.

To keep your roofing in top shape, be proactive and check regularly for the following signs of deterioration.

Your roof has started to sag at some places

If your roof is sagging, it is a tell-tale sign of impending trouble. A roof would usually sag because it has turned old and weak and has suffered continuous damage over time. Poor installation is also a common cause of sagging and faulty alignment.

Ideally, regular upkeep and repair would help you avoid reaching such a situation. However, if for some reason you have not been able to care for your roof(for instance, if you live in a different location or if your home suffered unprecedented damage from a natural event), take a slumping roof as a warning sign that it could collapse any time if not repaired or replaced urgently.

The shingles on your roof are falling apart

Remember that even a couple of loose, broken or damaged shingles should be enough to consider a professional roof inspection followed by necessary repairs. Loose or missing shingles is an indication that your roof is not as robust and strong as before. This could be due to aging or damage from hail or dust storm.

Similarly, if you notice cracks (caused by excessive dryness) or blisters (caused by excessive moisture) on the shingles or find some of them curled, it is time to consider getting a professional opinion on whether you should have your roof repaired or replaced.

Rainwater is leaking into your home

Leakage is the most obvious sign that there are cracks in your roof or in its supporting elements such as the flashing or the underlayment. While inspecting for leakage, don’t forget to check the attic and hard-to-reach areas around the house.

Faulty ventilation, broken flashing or sealing, and aged shingles can all cause water to leak through the cracks and damage your possessions. To preserve your roof in time and avoid costly repairs and replacement, get a free roof inspection by a local Boise roofing expert.

Your power bills have shot up

One of the common causes of high electricity bills is damaged, poorly maintained roofing. Damage to any of the components of a roofing system can cause cool or warm air to escape your home, causing your HVAC to work harder. If you’re wondering why your energy bills have shot up in the recent past, have your roof and ventilation checked for deterioration by a licensed roof technician.

 

 

 

 

Are These The Security Gadgets Of The Future?

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Security technology has come a long way since padlocks and safes. Recently, a number of gadgets have been developed that have revolutionized the security industry. Here are just a few pieces of security tech that could help to safeguard us in the future. 

Facial recognition technology

Facial recognition technology is already being implemented in our mobile phones as an alternative to using a password. It’s thought that this technology could eventually replace all passwords – already banks are using it to help customers access online banking. This technology can also be used to check people against ID to ensure that they are who they say they are making it a good screening method for businesses. Companies such as https://www.jumio.com/trusted-identity/netverify/ can help you implement this technology if you currently run a business. This could help you to keep out frauds and prevent a data breach.

Smart locks

It’s possible to do away with a regular lock and house key and instead introduce a smart lock. This could allow you to open the lock using your phone. This could be used in conjunction with fingerprint scanning or facial recognition technology so that if a thief gets hold of your phone, they cannot enter. It could also allow you to lock and unlock doors remotely – this could be useful for unlocking and opening a garage door when in your car. It’s worth reading online reviews such as this onehttps://uk.pcmag.com/august-smart-lock-homekit-enabled/ in order to find the best smart lock for your needs and budget.

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Drone security guards

Drones are more than a toy – these flying machines have found all manner of purposes from DIY aerial photography to monitoring crops. More recently, they’ve also found use as remote flying security guards. Drones can record footage and scan the perimeter of a building or event more easily and more quickly than a human. Human personnel can then be deployed if a breach is detected (some security companies have gone so far as to fit speakers to drones so that they can alert the criminal in the act!).

Motion sensing CCTV

CCTV can sometimes be a big cost for businesses due to the amount of footage that needs to be stored. Motion sensing CCTV records only when motion is detected so that there isn’t a ton of wasted footage showing nothing. This can be combined with motion sensing lights. These cameras can be found at sites such as https://www.spycameracctv.com/spy/spy-cameras/portable-hidden-spy-cameras/motion-detection-spy-cameras/.

Heartbeat-scanning wristbands

Similar to facial recognition technology, heartbeat-scanning technology is thought to be another future replacement of passwords. By simply wearing a bracelet around your arm that scans your heartbeat, you could use this technology as a unique form of identification. This could be used to gain access to companies or as a form access control for festivals and events.

 

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