Author: MamatheFox

Here’s Your Ultimate Guide To Working From Home

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of office workers and business owners found themselves working from home. This quickly became the easiest and most effective way to maintain social distancing while keeping businesses running and effectively firing on all cylinders. Now that we are starting to see a recovery from the pandemic, it is expected that things are about to settle down and people will return to the office.

However, experts aren’t predicting this is what’s going to happen. Instead, it’s widely assumed that people are going to continue working from home. Why is this? Well, there are a few reasons.

First, working from home provides a more flexible lifestyle and it’s perfect if you have a lot of commitments that you need to juggle at any given time. The other point to keep in mind is that for businesses, working from home is cheaper and more cost effective. You don’t need to worry about issues with managing the heavy costs of a company office. This can really eat into your business budget.

However, if you are planning on working from home or even running your company from home, there are a few things that you need to understand. This guide will explain how to work from home the right way and ensure that you avoid some of the more common mistakes.

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The Right Set Up

First, you should think about ensuring that you have the right setup for your business office. Let’s start with your furniture. It can be tempting to work in the most comfortable place in your home such as in bed. However, this could be a problem because it might stop you being as productive as you need. It could also mean that you struggle to work with the wrong posture. This can lead to issues with chronic pain and that will slow you right down.

Instead, you should make sure that you do set up a space in your home that is specifically for working. At the very least, you’ll need a desk and a chair. The desk needs to be large enough that you can rest your wrists and forearms on it comfortably while you are typing. You should also think about choosing ergonomic furniture. Ergonomic furniture will guarantee that you are typing using the right position. This is going to guarantee that you do remain comfortable while you are working and avoid issues with pain completely. Ergonomic furniture is always going to be more expensive, but in the long term it will be worth the investment. Particularly when you can avoid issues with low levels of productivity.

You might have a separate room when you are working from home. Or, you could need to use a space or area of another room like your living area. If that’s the case, then you might want to consider investing in a room separator. This can be a great way to guarantee that you have a productive space where you will be able to work effectively without distractions.

You might also want to think about how you design your office space. For instance, you could add some artwork to the wall. This is a great way to inspire yourself to be creative as well as innovative.

Important Tech Options

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Next, let’s consider some of the tech choices that are available to you when you are setting up your business from home or simply working from home for your job. Implementing the right technology in your home office is vital for effective work. The type of technology you need will depend on the nature of your work. For example, if you work in an office that requires a lot of printing, a multifunction printer with customized solutions can be very helpful. This type of printer can help you save time and money by allowing you to print, scan, and fax documents all in one machine. In addition, it can also provide you with a variety of other features, such as the ability to connect to your email account and print wirelessly from your mobile device. Investing in the right technology for your home office can maximize your productivity and get the most out of your workday. You will definitely need either a desktop or a laptop. There are numerous different types of computers available on the market to choose from. We recommend that you look at the reviews to find the best one for you. Be aware that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get the results that you want here.

When you are choosing a computer, think about everything from battery life to speed and of course the screen. Some people will benefit from getting two screens because it will mean that they can use one for working and another for research. This saves you using software to either show two displays on one screen or simply switching between different taps which can be far less efficient than you might like.

You also need to make sure that your computer or laptop is running effectively. For instance, if you are using a Mac it could be worth looking at how much Mac storage space is free. If you have a low level of free space then you’re going to struggle with a computer that operates significantly more slowly than you would like. That’s the last thing that you want when you are working from home.

There are a few ways that you can speed up a slow computer. For instance, you might want to think about rebooting it. You could also consider condensing down some of your larger files to guarantee that they take up far less room on your hard drive. The steps required to complete this action will depend on the computer that you are using. However, there are various guides only that you can explore which will help you on the way.

You should also consider getting your employees their own work phones and tablets from somewhere like My FoneTel. Supplying state-of-the-art equipment to your employees helps them to be more productive and allows them to get on with work without being distracted by their personal contacts on their own phones. Employees are often reluctant to use their own phones for fear of filling them up with work-related contacts and files that they don’t want to look at whilst at home, so supplying them with a work phone can help them to switch off at the end of the day too.

What About Security?

There’s a common misconception that businesses that are run from home don’t need the same level of security as a typical business and this is not the case. Instead, businesses that are run from home are more likely to be targeted. The reason? Criminals and hackers are expecting you to have a lower level of security. You can’t afford to prove them right and this means that you need to make sure that you do invest in the right security options.

At the very least, you should have antivirus software running in the background on your computer. It’s important to understand that a virus is still the option that most hackers will use to gain access to your company.

You can of course go further than this, such as hiring an IT management team. IT management teams can operate remotely and will ensure that you do not have to worry about holes in your home security set up. They will often provide a scalable solution so it is going to fit into the budget that you are working with in your company which is great news.

Besides IT protection, if your business comes under data protection policies like GDPR, it might be best to hire a consultancy to be compliant with the government regulations. Regardless of the physical location of the work, GDPR requires the same security measures to avoid data breaches. You can approach Privacy Helper (learn more straight from the source) or similar GDPR consultancy services and protect your business from the pitfalls of non-compliance.

Keep Productive

We’ve already discussed a few of the steps that you can take to ensure that you do remain productive working from home or running a home company. But there are other options that you can consider. For instance, you might want to think about exploring a screen time tracking app. An app like this is great if you think that you are wasting time on social media or different websites that aren’t relevant to your company throughout the day.

Another way to ensure a high level of productivity would be setting a schedule. If you set a schedule, you are always going to be in a far better position. You need to avoid working at times when you are going to be less than effective.

You should also consider how you’re going to stay organised in an effective way. If you work across different departments, between marketing and revenue, for example, you’ll need a quick and easy way to cooperate with the rest of your team. You can click here to see how different operating systems might be able to help you stay on top of things.

Think About Connectivity

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Finally, you should think about connectivity when you are working from home. It’s important to make sure that you do take steps to guarantee that you can stay connected to everyone from your employees to your customers. One of the first things that you will need to think about here is your broadband connection. It needs to be fast enough to deliver the right results. You might want to compare a few different broadband providers to discover the speed that will work for you.

Next, look at the apps and software available to ensure that people remain connected to your home company. One example would be WhatsApp and other instant messaging apps. The big benefit of instant messaging is that you can get immediate responses to queries and questions without any concerns about delays. That’s vital because it will ensure that your company is always on the ball. Another benefit is that these apps are free so you don’t have to worry about some of your team members being unable to access them.

Another option that you could explore would be a shared platform. You can set up a shared platform for your company using the right solution. A great shared platform can be custom built and created specifically for your business requirements and goals. For the customization part, you might want to contact service providers like the ones who deliver job management software australia, for instance. Shifting to an online platform can replace all your paperwork and manual processes that you do. You can also stay connected with your employees and customers together anytime and anywhere. What better ways than to stay connected with the help of technology!

Alternatively, you might want to consider using a cloud server. The big benefit of cloud servers is that information can be sent in your business instantly. Again, this means that there will be absolutely no delays. It’s also a great way to ensure that your business feels more professional to clients. That’s important, particularly when you consider that there is still a certain stigma attached to home run businesses.

We hope this helps you understand some of the steps that you need to take to guarantee that you can work from home effectively. If you explore these options, then you can make sure that working from home isn’t going to be a handicap for your business or even your career. Instead, working from home can be one of the best choices that you can make.

 

An excellent point for those looking to pick up a side gig or work full time is teaching English online. The TEFL Academy have written extensively about what it entails https://www.theteflacademy.com/teach-english-online/

8 Reasons Why Your Kid Should Play Sports

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As your kids grow, they’ll develop their own interests and hobbies, providing you give them the opportunity to try new things. While it’s common for children to commit to a particular activity only to want to give it up shortly afterward, it’s natural for them to try various activities and sports before they find the ones that are right for them. Sports can not only promote fun and exercise but kids can also get involved with activities such as sports cards that they can trade with their friends as they follow along, whether that be football cards, WNBA trading cards, or NBA cards, kids can connect with various sports as they bond with their friends.

While you can’t force a child to be interested in something they’re not, you can encourage them to keep trying different sports until they find something they like. With so many benefits on offer, it’s important that youngsters enjoy sports from a young age and continue this passion through the adulthood. To find out why, take a look at these eight important reasons why your kid should play sports:

  1. Improve Coordination and Motor Skills

When children begin playing sports from a young age, it helps them to develop their coordination and motor skills. Whether it’s a local basketball club, a soccer team or even playing catch in the backyard, learning how to run, catch and pass a ball helps to enhance hand-eye coordination and optimizes physical development.

By giving your child plenty of encouragement at a young age, regardless of their ability, it teaches them that sport is something fun. In turn, this leads to increased enjoyment and makes it more likely that they’ll want to take part in sports as they get older too.

  1. Better Physical Health

Today’s kids are generally considered to be unhealthier than some previous generations, often because of the reduced physical activity that they do. Of course, this can have serious consequences for them in later life. In fact, millions of Americans are dealing with the impact of an unhealthy lifestyle as early as their twenties and thirties.

From maintaining a healthy weight to optimizing lung function and cardiovascular performance, playing sports can transform your kid’s well-being and enhance their physical health. Take, for instance, the game of golf. Practising swings can help improve muscle memory while navigating a course gives you a greater sense of distance and depth. When kids play golf, their circulation improves, so their heart works as efficiently as possible. In addition, golf teaches accuracy, focus, and concentration. This game encourages creativity and creative thinking, such as foresight in anticipating where and how far the shot will go. That said, nowadays, golf can also be played indoors. Wondering how? With the latest technological golf tools like a golf simulator, enclosure, and golf impact screen (which can perhaps be purchased online by looking up keywords similar to “golf-impact-screen-new-poly-spacer-material-choose-size/ golf-impact-screen-new-poly-supertex-choose-size”), individuals can experience a similar outdoor experience while playing golf indoors.

Anyway, while some kids may be motivated by the health benefits that sports offer, this doesn’t need to be something that you focus on too much. Instead, making sports fun will encourage your kids to take part and enable them to enhance their physical health at the same time. It is important that they enjoy themselves, so when they get older and they want to do it in a more professional environment, they’ll take to it like a duck to water. However, you will have to brace yourself for some injuries as they may get into it depending on what sport they pick, as long as you have a good massage therapist like a massage jacksonville fl service such as sportsrecoveryannex.com on hand (or one like it) they’ll be able to get back out there as soon as possible. Remember that a sprain in the neck or leg should not be considered a massive setback and, therefore, should not hinder your kid’s interest to get involved in sports. Instead, teach them that these are just minor obstacles that can be vanquished with the help of physical therapy service providers like Fyzical.

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  1. More Educational Opportunities

Kids that are good at sport often have their pick of colleges and can even secure scholarships to prestigious schools. You only have to look at the College GameDay Predictions for 2021 to see what a big deal college football is! By encouraging your kids to play sports, develop their talents and become noticed, you can help them to secure future educational and professional opportunities.

When applying to colleges, applicants are asked about their hobbies and interests. Being an active member of a sports team or regularly taking part in sports can be hugely advantageous when applying to schools, so there are numerous educational benefits that can stem from a love of sports, even if a scholarship isn’t on the cards.

  1. Learning to Work as a Team

When a child plays team sports, they learn how to work with others from a young age. Furthermore, being part of a team gives them a sense of belonging and camaraderie, which is important at every age. As children grow, they need to develop their social skills and being in different environments gives them numerous opportunities to do this.

If you encourage your kids to play sports, attend activity classes or join a team, you’re also enabling them to broaden their social circle, make new friends and improve their social skills. As a result, kids can grow in confidence and become more adaptable when sports are a part of their lives.

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  1. Enhanced Mental Health

Regular exercise is well-known for delivering physical health benefits, but it can also have a positive impact on your mental and emotional well-being. As we become more aware of children’s mental health, it’s vital to find effective ways to help kids manage their emotions in a healthy and proactive way.

Fortunately, sport is a fantastic way to do this. With regular exercise, kids can reduce feelings of frustration and anger and even relieve anxiety. In addition to this, playing sports and exercising releases endorphins, which helps to boost your mood and reduce stress. From tots to teens, playing sports can be an effective way to nurture your child’s emotional well-being and give them the opportunity to use up pent-up energy in a healthy way.

  1. Experience Friendly Competition

Winning and losing are part of life but this is something that many kids find hard to learn. If you’re worried that your child won’t cope well with not winning a tournament or being part of a losing team, there’s no need to panic. In fact, this is a common worry among parents when their kids first start taking part in sports!

However, established kids’ sports teams and classes are well-run and coaches are fully aware of how important it is for each child to be recognized for their efforts and accomplishments. At the same time, letting your child experience friendly competitions and sometimes losing helps them to learn important life lessons.

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  1. Learning Discipline

Kids need to learn discipline in order to function well in society. While kids are taught discipline by parents at home and teachers at school, sports offer another opportunity for youngsters to learn the importance and benefits of discipline. In many ways, the benefits of being disciplined are more apparent when it comes to sports, which means kids will learn the benefits more easily.

When a child dedicates themselves to a sport and attends practices regularly, for example, they’ll enhance their skills quickly and perform better. As the child grows in confidence, they can see that their hard work, commitment, and discipline is paying off. Not everything that requires discipline offers such short-term rewards, which is why playing sports is such an effective way for kids to learn this essential school.

  1. Improve Academic Performance

Many studies have shown that regular exercise can enhance your cognitive performance, which means can optimize their academic performance by getting involved in sports. From improving concentration to enhancing memory skills, taking part in any type of sport can help kids to reach their potential in the classroom.

As a result, kids who get involved with sports tend to perform better at school, which leads to additional opportunities in the future. While the short-term benefits might involve a higher GPA, increased confidence, and a desire to learn, long-term benefits can include more advanced classes, better college placements, and even a solid springboard for a thriving career.

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Getting Your Kid Interested in Sports

With so many very good reasons to get your kid involved with sports, it’s easy to see why it’s a top priority for many parents. However, persuading your kid to give sports a go isn’t always as easy as it should be. If your child doesn’t naturally gravitate towards sports, it’s important not to put too much pressure on them. Instead, find ways to make sports exciting for them and allow them to develop their skills at their own pace.

Similarly, encouraging kids to try a range of activities can help them to settle on something they genuinely like. Once you’ve found the sport or activity that your kid enjoys, you’ll find it easy to nurture their interest and support them from the sidelines. As you do, you can be confident that your encouragement will enable them to reap the rewards that sports offer throughout their life.

HOW TO CREATE A KEEPSAKE BOX FOR LIFE’S MOST SPECIAL MEMORIES & MILESTONES

At different ages and stages, there are those unique and special events in life that are fundamental in the moment, and important because of the incredibly precious memories that you can rely on for comfort, every day thereafter.

Ensuring that you have the keepsakes from these life events is an intentional act: one where you place importance on the items that will bring memories flooding back, a day, a year, or a decade into the future. Throwing these items into a random box doesn’t give these items the respect that the memories deserve. Think instead of creating a keepsake box to preserve and protect them for the future. A hand crafted and personalized keepsake trunk from Petite Keep is the perfect solution. Customizable and easily personalized, it’s a beautiful and meaningful way to preserve and display those memories for years to come.

Childhood Keepsakes

Young children don’t always have a lot of memories of their early years, so preserving mementos from their first year, their first day at school, their many firsts, is a worthy endeavor. They’ll be able to look at the items later and know that they were cherished: the proof is in the box!

-While ‘firsts’ are undoubtedly valuable memories to keep, there are plenty of other stages to commemorate too:

-Birthday cards and invitations.

-Baptismal keepsakes.

-A child’s favorite stuffed animal, or baby toy.

-Baby blanket, particularly if it is to be passed down to the next generation.

-Special vacation mementos: a jar of sand from a first beach vacation, for example.

-Milestone outfits: stepping up from kindergarten to grade 1 is an occasion never to be forgotten!

-Printed pictures.

Memories of high school graduation, sports team trophies, medals and ribbons, academic achievements and more, especially if they have a number of items from https://www.jostens.com/graduation/high-school/gifts-and-keepsakes and the like, are all wonderful to commemorate with keepsakes that will keep these memories alive and thriving. From the first pair of baby shoes to a high school yearbook or college acceptance letter, there are so many memories to treasure through these years.

For families who want to celebrate and commemorate their relationship with faith, a box of memories can include so many important mementoes. Whether for a First Communion and Confirmation, Bar or Bat Mitzvah, or other important milestone in a person’s life with faith. These are valuable keepsakes that need to be cherished, as a person’s faith is with them for their entire lives.

Milestones and Memories

There are so many important moments in our lives, from milestone birthdays to the bucket list vacations. It all comes down to one’s own priorities. For some, it will be those special times with family and friends, celebrating an important event. For others, it will be about the goals one has achieved.

The range of keepsakes that could be included to keep these memories alive and well could include:

-Concert of theatre ticket stubs or programs.

-An invitation to an event.

-A coaster from a treasured venue.

-Photographs and artwork.

-A favorite scarf or tie, worn on a special day and preserved from that moment.

-A souvenir or two from the best vacation ever.

-Mementoes from the dream trip that finally happened.

If it matters to you, it matters. And the memories these keepsakes generate keep you steeped in the good feelings you had at the time. They are also a fun way to share your experiences with others, including your family.

Grandparents Memory Box

As acknowledged by Gavin Wallace from Great Gifts, buying a gift for a grandparent can be “very hard to do”, especially if they’re a first-time grandparent. Luckily, a memory box is the perfect solution. Whether as a gift for grandma, empty and waiting to be filled, or with a few well-chosen gifts inside, or for a grandparent to buy and fill with things they would like to share and pass down, a keepsake box from the generation before can become a precious treasure trove to the ones that follow.

-Cookbook with all the family recipes carefully noted for future generations to try their hand at.

-Artwork from the grandchildren that meant something.

-Cards, tickets, programs… Anything and everything that shines a light on a life well lived.

-Pictures and frames.

-Family linens or other heirlooms, to be kept safe and secure.

Wedding Memories

Whether as a gift to the happy couple, as an item on the registry list, a bridal shower gift or as a first anniversary present, the Wedding Classic Trunk from Petite Keep is a classic example of the perfect way to keep the memories of a wonderful day intact.

It’s up to the couple to decide what they want to keep in their wedding keepsake box, but some options include:

-Invitations from the shower(s), engagement party, or the big day!

-Cards received with gifts.

-Bridal shoes or the bride’s headpiece or tiara.

-Wedding favors.

-Dried boutonnieres or bouquet elements.

-Photographs or DVDs, music and images from the day.

-Program or menus from the day.

-Table numbers or other accessories.

In these unique times, even a mask would be a significant reminder of the uniqueness of the day!

What is meaningful to one person might mean nothing to another, so it’s important to include those items that remind you of the day, in the most positive way.

Beyond the wedding day, the memories of special anniversaries like the 10th or 20th, with mementoes from family gatherings and celebrations for these important events are worth holding on to and revisiting from time to time.

Keepsakes are tangible proof of a person’s life experience, and they carry significant meaning. Treating them as such preserves the memories in a way that is special.

About Lindsay Mullenger and Petite Keep

With the birth of her daughters, Heidi, Bella, and Louisa, came meaningful welcome cards, treasured baptismal mementos, and intricate, beautiful dresses that Lindsay simply couldn’t pack away in a plastic tub. She searched high and low for a classic keepsake box to store these many reminiscences and came up empty handed. That is how Petite Keep, https://www.petitekeep.com/, was born. Petite Keep are custom crafted, personalized keepsake trunks that store and display treasured keepsakes from life’s milestone events such as births, weddings, graduations and more. Each trunk is a one-of-a-kind heirloom treasure trove.

Staying Cool this Fall with ELEGEAR – ARC-CHILL

I love to be outside. Feeling the summer heat. It is just a mood booster for me.

But, when it comes to bedtime, I need to be cold. I cannot handle sleeping in the heat.

Thankfully I discovered ELEGEAR – ARC-CHILL and their line of cooling products.

 

Coupon Codes

 Elegear bamboo cooling blanket: COUPON: 10% J5ATISYA end date: 2021/12/31
Elegear Cooling Mattress Protector :COUPON: 10% S6WOCMSL end date: 2021/12/31

 

 

I switched over from a basic top sheet to a bamboo cooling blanket from ELEGEAR – ARC-CHILL. It is a HUGE difference. I was a slightly on the edge of non belief, but I am so glad their products actually work!

Their cooling blanket is a perfect lightweight blanket for all seasons. The way bamboo bedding can keep you warm enough without causing you to wake up overheated and sweating during the night. The sheen of the bamboo fibers and the small geometric pattern of the knit are very attractive. It’s pretty enough to be a decorative throw. It’s also an excellent extra layer for your bed.

This Bamboo blanket is naturally breathable, fabric weaving structure has a gap, moisture wicking and thermal regulating. It can keep your body snug and dry all night long that will have you waking up feeling rested and refreshed every morning.

 

 

 

Another crowd who can really appreciate a cooling product are the menopausal women. Doctors think that the change in estrogen levels cause a reaction which leads to sweating. I am starting to get night sweats from pre-menopause.  It stinks, and its gross. Waking up wet is awkward and embarrassing. Now you can help but a damper on your dampness by using a a cooling mattress cover from Elegear.  Elegear Cooling Mattress Protector is made of a Japanese Arc-chill Super Cool Technology Fabric. This technology can absorb human body heat and reduce skin temperature by 2 to 5°c. This product currently comes in two sizes: Twin/Twin XL and Queen. his deep pocket twin fitted sheets are designed for twin and twin xl mattress pad up to 18″, most suitable for 14″. The elastic stretch design allows the mattress cover to fit your mattress perfectly. Thankfully their products are machine washable and easy to care.

 

 

 

If you are considering trying a cooling product I sincerely suggest using this brand. The blanket is soft. It is pretty. But above all else, it works! I have gotten better sleep since switching to these blankets. They make perfect gifts for kids going to college, a mom who just had a baby, a holiday gift for your cousin…anyone can appreciate a cooling product.

5 Reasons Why You Should Consider Installing Solar Panels

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More and more homeowners are installing solar panels nowadays through local roofing contractors in their area like the twin cities roofers Midwest Roof & Solar, and renewable energies are becoming much more accessible to all. You can use solar panels to power your appliances, conserve electricity, and even heat your home. Solar panels may be an investment at first but they will save you money in the long term and even add to your curb appeal. Today’s buyers are more eco-conscious so installing solar panels will increase the value of your home. Here are a few reasons why you should consider going solar.

Save money on your energy bills

By using solar energy to power the majority of your appliances, you’ll reduce your electricity consumption. This is one of the best ways to save on your utility bills. Solar panels are also cheap and easy to maintain. You’ll also get plenty of energy during the winter months and can use electricity reserves at night. If you’re looking to cut costs on your monthly expenses, solar panels could be one convenient solution.

Enjoy the tax benefits

Reducing your energy bills is not the only way installing solar panels can save you money. You can also benefit from a federal solar tax credit. If you’re a homeowner and you use your solar panels to generate electricity you should be entitled to this. It’s a government initiative to incentivize citizens to live more sustainably.

Make your more eco-friendly

Renewable energies such as solar power are much better for the environment. If you want to make your home more eco-friendly you could consider alternative ways to power your appliances, and for heating and cooling. As well as solar power, things like biomass systems, air or ground source heat pumps, and hydroelectric systems are becoming more popular. By making your home more sustainable you can add to its value and appeal to more buyers in the future.

Spruce up your exterior

Solar panels are a great way to advertise your home as eco-friendly and energy-efficient. This will help to boost your curb appeal. They’re also quite subtle and elegant looking. You may also want to consider carrying out roof maintenance before installing the to spruce up your exterior even more. If you’re interested in roofing services for your property, you can read more here. You’d be surprised how much difference a few little upgrades to your exterior can make to your curb appeal. Solar panels are a good example of how to appeal to today’s buyers.

Expect minimal maintenance work

Most φωτοβολταικα στεγης 2021 panels tend to be very robust and have fewer chances of succumbing easily to wear and tear. After the initial investment of setting them up, you’ll be unlikely to spend much on maintenance and repairs. Most manufacturers will also offer a warranty of 20-25 years. You can clean your solar panels once or twice a year yourself and maybe have the inverter inspected every five years. Apart from that, they’re pretty low maintenance. Solar panels are much more convenient than you may think, and from the money you’ll save on your bills, they’re a worthwhile investment.

National Geographic Shark Book Giveaway

Welcome to the Apple a Day Giveaway Hop

Enter for your chance to win a set of Shark books

from National Geographic

 

The Ultimate Book of Sharks (ages 9-12, hardcover, $19.99) by internationally acclaimed marine photographer and National Geographic Explorer Brian Skerry is an underwater adventure like no other. With exclusive photographs and personal insight from Skerry, this book takes the reader below the surface and into the minds of these spectacular predators. Beyond the feared fins and terrifying teeth, readers will learn what its like to swim with these amazing fish, how they live, what they eat, their superhero-like senses and better understand why these graceful, confident, perfectly sculpted predators are also vulnerable animals that we need to protect.

 

 

 

NG Kids Sharks Sticker Activity Book (ages 4-8, paperback, $6.99) Rule the ocean in this activity book from National Geographic Kids that features over 1,000 stickers! This boredom busting activity book is packed with mazes, spelling and pattern games, drawing activities, shark facts, and more. Shark-crazy kids are sure to love these pages loaded with fun, learning as they go.

 

 

 

 

 

Little Kids First Big Book of the Ocean (ages 4-8, hardcover, $14.95 ) – An adorable animal reference that includes the sea’s high-interest animals, such as dolphins, sharks, sea otters, and penguins, and introduces kids to some of its lesser-known creatures. More than 100 charming animal photos illustrate the profiles, with facts about the creatures’ sizes, diets, homes, and more. This book will quickly become a favorite at storytime, bedtime, and any other time.

 

 

 

 

Extreme Ocean: Amazing Animals, High-Tech Gear, Record-Breaking Depths and Much More by National Geographic Explorer Sylvia A. Earle (ages 8-12, paperback, $12.99) An action-packed combination of science and adventure, famed National Geographic Explorer Sylvia Earle leads readers on an in-depth tour of life beneath the waves. Come face-to-face with whales and sharks, learn about the newest and most hi-tech ocean gear and gadgets, experiment with hands-on activities, and join Earle as she recounts her most daring dives. Packed with fascinating tidbits, animal profiles, and up-to-date science, each chapter combines stunning photography with fun, accessible text. Perfect for curious kids, ocean lovers, young explorers, and the classroom. Extreme Ocean reveals the mystery, majesty, danger, and — above all –the importance of our ocean.

 

So Cool! Sharks (ages 3-7, hardcover, $6.99 ) – Sharks are among the world’s top predators, but that’s just ONE reason why they are SO COOL. So who wouldn’t want to hang out with them to learn more! These books blend awesome animal photos with silly quips and info that will delight young readers and animal enthusiasts. For example, kids can catch the hunting habits of a great white shark while learning that its true nature is as chill as a frozen fish stick. This is the perfect little reader to get their brain buzzing and keep them laughing during their downtime.

 

 

 

Weird But True!: Ocean (ages 8-12, paperback, $8.99) Dive into these fishy facts: Did you know that the prehistoric shark, megalodon, had jaws so big that it could swallow a car? Or that goats, pigs, dogs, cats, and even an alpaca have all learned how to surf? And if that’s not weird enough for you, one man even rowed solo across the Pacific Ocean for 312 days! In this book filled with 300 facts and pictures, you’ll glimpse the ocean’s weirdest wildlife, uncover shocking shipwrecks, and meet sensational seafarers, from pirates and sailors to ground-breaking marine scientists. Perfect for ocean enthusiasts and trivia-loving landlubbers alike!

 

 

 

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3 Advantages of Choosing Southport in North Carolina as a Place to Settle Down

To consider the advantages of buying real estate and settling down in Southport is also to think about what it is like in North Carolina. So, in this article, we will explore with duality the advantages offered by Southport Homes for Sale alongside what North Carolina has to offer its residents that perhaps other parts of the world cannot.

Charm Attached to Southport Homes

The real estate sold in Southport has the charm of the habour town setting. It is an historic town that is surrounded by history. There is plenty of character and romance about the place. Getting into real estate can be great for those who want to put their money into something that is important and a potentially lifelong investment. There are people like Lincoln Frost and others in a variety of areas, that can help people with their real estate development, especially if they are planning on expanding and adding to their portfolio and investing in other similar areas.

You could describe Southport’s location as the point where the Cape Fear River mouth intersects with the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest ocean in the world, covering 20% percent of its surface. It is home to lots of species of dolphins and sea turtles, for the nature lover to observe.

Southport’s Fame

If you like to live somewhere famous, then Southport is the place in North Carolina. It has become well-known for its use as a filming location for television shows and movies. During the summer of 2012, the town was used to film scenes that appeared in “Safe Haven”. This featured the actors Julianne Hough and Josh Duhamel.

The location has been named in the top ten list of “America’s Happiest Seaside Towns”. So, this is good to know when you are looking to buy real estate here to settle down. Why choose anywhere outside of this list? You want to live somewhere where you can feel happy and relax. Keep in mind that if you do decide to go down this route, you will need to make sure that you have all your papers in order and ready, that means speaking with a legal firm like MB Property Law or a similar company that specializes in real estate law, so you are able to transition into buying your chosen real estate smoothly.

North Carolina

For education, North Carolina has the oldest public university in the U.S. It is the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. So, this will be somewhere your children can head for a good education, should you decide to move to these parts.

If music inspires you, then North Carolina is known for its famous musicians who made it their home. Chris Daughtry, for one. He came fourth in the fifth season of American Idol. Chris is the lead vocalist and guitarist in his band, Daughtry. So, you might end up rubbing shoulders with him.

North Carolina is known for sweet potatoes if you are a foodie, and the endangered Venus Fly Trap, if you are a nature lover who believes in conservation. The environment is a big part of settling down somewhere that we want to feel at home. An inspection inside a myrtle beach homes for sale under $200 000, either in person or virtually, will then make sure that all our needs are catered for by the very latest technologies. Modern conveniences are essential for comfortable living. You want these wherever you may settle down. A real estate agent will be able to guide you to the properties that have these features. Size can exist in the first place as well as be created by good design.

In conclusion, the harbour town of Southport has charm as a place to seek out real estate. Southport and the wider area of North Carolina have claims to fame. There is access to a well-established university to continue education. Then, there are musical, food, and delights of nature all associated with North Carolina too.

In terms of the types of real estate available in Southport, there are numerous detached properties with plenty of land to enjoy. They look just like something from a picture postcard and have spacious interiors as well as surroundings. You can feel at home in most of those offered for sale. It just depends on your budget and what you desire.

Achieving Super Comfortable Outdoor Living In Style

 

https://unsplash.com/photos/csK5XPO87lI

Outdoor living is something that we all desire, isn’t it? When the sun is shining, there is nothing better than chilling outside with a nice cool drink and enjoying our surroundings. However, in order to do this, you need to make sure you have a beautiful and enjoyable outdoor environment. You need to think about how to create a space that has heaps of personality but also has a lot of character as well, and that is what this blog post is all about. Below, we are going to take a look at some of the different ways you can create an outdoor space that is extremely comfortable but looks great too.

  • Focus on the furniture pieces first – Of course, the best way to create comfort outdoors is by investing in comfortable outdoor furniture. This outdoor sectional is a prime example. You can kick back, relax, and enjoy the outdoors when you know you have a comfortable sofa or chair to relax on. It makes all of the difference. Nowadays, when looking for outdoor furniture, shopping online is the obvious choice, and it is something that we would highly recommend. After all, you will have a broad selection of options available to you. At the same time, though, we do advise that you spend time assessing your options carefully and reading reviews that have been left by others. If a specific piece of furniture is very uncomfortable, you can be sure that there will be a lot of comments warning other people from making the same sort of error.
  • Add some rug and cushions to your outdoor space – Think about your living area or your bedroom. What makes these areas so comfortable? It is the different fabrics and the layering, isn’t it? There is no reason why you cannot have the same sort of approach in your garden. Adding a rug, some cushions, and a table cloth can really help to create a comfortable space when it comes to your outdoor environment. However, we certainly do not advise that you spend a lot of money on purchases like this. After all, you will find that the outdoor weather causes a lot of problems when it comes to fabrics and color fading. Though the fabrics of good quality or branded cushions and rugs do not fade as easily, try spending a little less than what you would usually do for choosing the same items for your indoor area.
  • Consider privacy – Privacy and comfort tend to go hand in hand. After all, there is nothing relaxing about your neighbors looking into your garden all of the time, is there? You may want to consider having a fence constructed so you can have some true privacy and relaxation in your garden.
  • Bring some relaxing scents to your garden – When we plant flowers, trees, and so on in our gardens, we tend to think about the impact they have in terms of their appearance. Needless to say, this is very important. However, you should also think about the scents that you are going to bring to your garden. Some scents, like lavender, are incredibly relaxing and they can help you to chill out and unwind in your garden. One option to consider is creating a herb wall. Herb walls are great for many different reasons. Not only do they make BBQ cooking more convenient and a lot tastier, but they are also beneficial because of the brilliant aromas that they bring into the outdoor environment as well.
  • Consider a pergola or a canopy for a shaded area – Last but not least, another way to create a comfortable and relaxing spot in your garden is to make sure that there is an area that provides some shade. When the sun is shining bright, it can soon get very uncomfortable outside if you are sitting directly underneath the sun. if you have a shaded area, you are going to have the option to pick and choose whether you sit underneath the sun. not only is this vital in terms of your comfort levels, but it is important for your health as well.

So there you have it: some of the different ways that you can achieve a beautiful and comfortable outdoor environment. If you follow the tips and advice that we have provided above, we are sure you will be able to enjoy your summer days outdoors. After all, there really is nothing better than when the sun is shining, is there? It lifts the mood and it makes everyone feel a lot better!

Baby Care Guide: Things to Consider When Buying Baby Garments

“The children we bring into the world are small replicas of ourselves and our husbands; the pride and joy of grandfathers and grandmothers. We dream of being mothers, and for most of us, those dreams are realized naturally. For this is the Miracle of Life.”

 

  • Azulene Williams 

 

Let’s face the fact, most of us underestimate the process of raising babies. Until you do not have a baby in your life, you can’t imagine the amount of effort and struggles it comes with. Once you welcome the first baby in your life, you encounter an eased and struggling time, both at the same time. It’s a 24*7 responsibility, and it’s beautiful to experience for sure. 

 

When discussing the different aspects of baby care, you need to consider many things ranging from selecting the baby skincare products to the appropriate food type. Here, having a professional hand by your side is always advisable to go for the best for the little life. 

 

A vital part of baby care – choosing garments wisely. 

 

Almost every expecting couple tends to become a shopaholic in no time. This can be the excitement of welcoming a new being in your family or expanding the family. Here, putting together the newborn’s wardrobe can be both – challenging and puzzling. New parents see the right size and color type as the biggest trouble finding a suitable baby garment. But when you wake up to the world of realities, you see baby cloth fabric selection as a challenge. 

 

We may be able to wear any fabric type, but when it comes to babies, we need to be ultra-conscious as their skin is extremely sensitive and may lead to skin rashes or irritation. Therefore, it’s necessary to look through the kind of fabric chosen. If you are living in the same dilemma, here is something for you. 

 

Before we move on to how a baby garment should be chosen, let’s put some light on the problem. 

 

Can babies catch skin allergies due to poor quality fabric?

 

Baby’s skin is ultra-fragile; therefore, a baby is likely to suffer from skin allergy due to poor quality garment fabric. Even a harsh touch on a baby’s skin can leave marks ending up in skin issues. A wrong decision about a baby’s garment may help you save a few bucks but can take a toll on the baby’s skin. Your newborn can suffer from different types of skin rashes and allergies, leading to significant consequences. If skin allergies go to the next level, the baby may suffer from vomiting or nausea issues.

 

Some common skin-related issues witnessed in infants include – eczema, hives, papular urticaria, and much more. For such problems, the practitioner may recommend changing the baby’s garment fabric quality, eliminating the use of fragrance-enriched detergents, and much more. Typically, it’s a good idea to avoid hypoallergenic detergent, which may lead to further irritation. 

 

Ultimately, you can preserve your baby from all these skin issues by spending more time finding the right garment type. If you are a newbie to this experience, here is everything for you to consider. 

 

Things to look at when buying your baby’s garments for the first time. 

 

This is something you can excel in with time. But when it comes to buying for the first time, you need to look upon many things, and it includes – 

 

The garment’s size – Babies grow at a faster speed, especially in the first year of birth. This often leads new parents to buy oversized clothes that last for long. Here, you may be making efforts to save some bucks but remember, you put your baby in an uncomfortable position. The baby’s clothes should be in an appropriate size for complete comfort. Moreover, it allows the baby for easy movement, which ultimately keeps the baby in a happy mood. Also, when looking for a suitable size, you must consider the baby’s height, age, and overall weight to make a wise buying decision. 

 

Season – Geographical and weather conditions of your area say a lot about your baby’s garments selection. Choose wisely according to the weather outside. For instance – you can’t think of draping your baby in a woolen upper during the summer. Therefore, look through the fabric quality based on the weather. 

 

Fabric – When choosing a dress for the new baby in the family, everyone runs after looks while neglecting the fabric quality factors. But remember, a baby’s clothes should not only be fancy but comforting too. Therefore, it’s wise to prefer sustainable baby wear as it comes in reliable fabric quality. It’s not easy to find a good quality fabric for babies, especially when several online stores offer baby wear derived from natural materials like soybean, etc. From bodysuits to summer essentials, you can shop for an eco-friendly range of fabrics and other baby belongings for better security. 

 

Safety – This factor is of utmost importance for busy parents who do not find much time to preserve the health and hygiene of their little ones. Every year, the world witnesses millions of cases talking about not meeting the safety standards in babywear productions. And this raises safety concerns. Avoid buying baby clothes with sharp-edged buttons, net flowers, or hooks, making it difficult for the baby to wear them. Moreover, your notorious baby may end up choking such decorative creating trouble for you. 

 

Gender-oriented clothing – It’s OK to go for unisex clothing aside, especially when the baby is a year old. But with time, you should go for a particular clothing pattern according to the baby’s gender. For instance – a baby boy may not feel comfortable in glittering frocks as in baby shorts. Plus, it will help your baby adapt to a clothing pattern at the right age. 

 

The final word – 

 

Buying garments for babies can be a joyful and concerned task. Usually, new parents look through renowned brands and overall appearance rather than digging into the fabric quality. This leaves a significant impact on the baby’s skin. Therefore, avoid taking such risks with the baby’s delicate skin and choose wisely. 

 

What Do Hobby Knives Bring to Your Crafts?

Crafting is bigger than ever. The global market has increased from $35 billion to $43 billion since 2017-and it’s projected to exceed $50 billion by 2024.

Why is crafting so popular? It’s fun, allows you to express your creativity, develop new skills, and can even help reduce stress levels. But equipping yourself with the right tools is one of the most important parts of crafting-and a quality hobby knife is a must.

Let’s find out why.

What Is a Hobby Knife?

Hobby knives are designed to cut, scrape, and shape various materials, such as paper, plastic, and vinyl.

They offer a reliable, accurate cutting solution that can help you get more out of your crafting activities. You can create smoother lines and shapes than if you usually rely on kitchen knives-they may be sharp and strong, but they’re designed for totally different applications. They handle and cut differently from hobby knives, so you may struggle to achieve the same delicate cutting.

Hobby knives are built for precision cutting, handling, and durability. One of the major benefits of craft knives like these is that they’re made for intricate shapes, especially the ones with rounded tips, which allow you to create complex designs and structures without feeling restricted. A textured anti-slip control grip keeps the knife stable and secure in your hand while you work. Anyone who’s seen a perfectly good piece of work ruined by a slippery handle knows just how important that is.

These knives (mentioned above) also accommodate high temperatures if you’re working with heated materials (up to 1600 degrees Celsius). That means you can still create the crafts you love without the fear of destroying your blade.

Pay attention to the labels. Some hobby knives are non-sparking, non-magnetic, and don’t conduct electricity. They’re also chemically inert and have no need for oil coating, so they’re safe and ready to use with little to no prep.

For the leftie craft designer, having an ambidextrous design makes handling the hobby knife easier, especially if you work with a group and all need to use the same knives.

Investing in a hobby knife will enable you to undertake different forms of crafting:

  • Creating your own jewelry
  • Stenciling
  • Cutting fabrics to size for custom clothing
  • Making models from plastics and rubber
  • Sculpting foam

From these ideas above, are you feeling creative? Let’s explore more benefits.

Benefits of Using Hobby Knives for Crafting

Here are four of the top reasons to use a quality hobby knife in your crafting:

Stay Safe While Cutting and Shaping Materials

Safety is crucial in any form of crafting, whether you do it alone, with friends, or with your kids.

You could make crafting much safer by investing in a utility knife from safety cutters or other similar e-stores as this finger-friendly blade might help reduce the risk of injuries. Also, look for a knife with a textured grip to help you keep a tighter hold while cutting and prevent slippage.

Also, try hobby knives with rounded-tip blades. They’re safer than traditional pointed tips without compromising on performance. Rounded-tip blades cut materials effectively and won’t tear your paper-ideal when creating paper-based crafts.

Achieve Better Precision and Value for Money

Hobby knives will transform your crafting if you usually rely on standard household scissors or even kitchen knives to cut materials.

Firstly, you’ll create smoother, cleaner, more precise cuts with a hobby knife. This is essential in any form of crafting, whether you’re customizing clothes, creating greeting cards, or trimming bespoke candles.

Secondly, the best hobby knives are made from durable materials, such as zirconium oxide. These blades are harder than traditional metal blades and offer superior resistance to wear, so it stays sharper for longer.

Zirconium oxide blades’ durability and longer lifespan make them ideal if crafting is your full-time job or you do it multiple times a week. You won’t need to change blades as often as you would with metal blades, saving you money on replacements, creating less waste, and reducing the risk of injury. Make changing blades quicker, easier, and more convenient with snap-off blades. You don’t need a tool to replace these, so you can switch them and get back to crafting in less time.

It’s also highly recommended that you prioritize rust-free blades for longer-lasting, safer performance. Wash your blades and rinse paint away without the worry of causing rust over time.

Work More Effectively and Efficiently

You can achieve the perfect smooth edge or a rounded curve with fewer passes-making for a simpler, more enjoyable crafting experience.

Quality hobby knives designed for precision performance also reduce the likelihood of making mistakes due to poor cutting. You’ll have more time to do what you love, with better results.

So, what do hobby knives bring to your crafts?

The best knives can improve safety, create more precise cuts, reduce the need to replace blades frequently, and make your work look better than ever!

Keep these tips in mind when shopping for hobby knives for your crafting. Preparation will pay off when you find a cutting tool that helps you unleash your full creative potential.