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You Deserve a Relaxing Bath After Several Hours at Work

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You face a lot of problems at work with the people you work with and with the nature of your job. You might even extend a few more hours before heading home to complete the tasks you need to finish. As you reach home, you still need to take care of your kids. You will prepare the meals, clean the house, wash the dishes, and tuck them in. Even though you divide the tasks with your partner, you will still do lots of chores at home.

It helps if you have a routine to help you relax once your work is over. You cannot go to sleep feeling heavy because of everything that you did during the day. You might not even have quality sleep. The next day, you have to face another battle. It becomes a vicious cycle where you usually end up being in trouble.

The best thing to reward yourself is to have regular whirlpool baths. When you do lots of things during the day, you want something to look forward to once the day is over.

Moment of silence

When you are inside the bathroom while dipping your body in a whirlpool bath, it could be the only time when you are alone. Your kids are not there to ask you to do things for them. You are not with your office colleagues who cause stress because they are yet to finish their work. When you are alone, you can finally relax. You can take the chance to think about your day and what you need to do the following day. You might also forget everything while you are bathing. Do not worry about work or your kids. The moment is for you, alone, and no one can tell you what to do.

Relaxing experience

Another reason for purchasing a whirlpool bath is that it relaxes you. The motion of the water in the tub makes you feel like something is trying to massage your back. You do not need to head to a local spa since you already have a spa-like experience at home with the help of a whirlpool bath. Therefore, even if you spend a lot to invest in one, you will still not regret it.

It is okay to be selfish

Do not feel guilty if you spend a lot of money to buy a whirlpool bath. You should also not feel guilty for taking thirty minutes of your time away from everyone else. You deserve to have that moment to yourself. You already gave your entire day to other people, and it is not selfish to ask for a few minutes where you drop everything else to relax.

Besides, when you are not in a good mood, it will affect how you deal with people the next day. It could even affect the quality of your output. You deserve time to relax, so do not let anything take it away from you.

To read more on topics like this, check out the house category.

Effective Marketing Strategies for Trade Shows

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Businesses today participate in trade show exhibits to increase brand recognition and network with other companies in similar or different fields. But trade shows are competitive, and if you want your company to stand out, you need to invest in the right marketing tools and strategies. Advertising and marketing can be done effectively through a variety of mediums, but not all are suitable for a trade show setting. Experts recommend that the following marketing tools are what every trade show exhibitor needs to use.

Market research

Every marketing plan begins by conducting market research. The purpose of this research is to gather information about your company’s target audience. The data collected is used in creating a customer profile which is crucial in choosing which group of people to target during the exhibit.

In addition to gathering information about the target audience, you can also carry out market research to learn about the demographics of the intended audience and expected attendees at the event. Through this process, you can determine whether there will be suppliers, retailers, and customers at the event. This information will give you a better insight into what marketing strategies and tools to use for the exhibit.

Promotional marketing tools

Promoting products and services during a trade show involves making use of a variety of tools such as a display stand, samples, demonstrations, and giveaways. Display stands are considered one of the most effective ways to attract the attention of consumers at a trade show. You can include crucial details about your company products and services and make attendees aware of your brand.

Giveaways are small tokens that you hand out to exhibit attendees. These little keepsakes usually bear the company or brand logo. Some of the most common trade show giveaways used today are stress balls, pens, key chains, and water bottles.

Product demos and samples are useful when used appropriately. By sampling your products or by viewing demonstrations, you can get immediate feedback from attendees and determine how to improve your product or service better.

Marketing through social media

Social media is the latest trend in marketing and using this strategy can result in an immense advantage for your business. If your company already has an active social media presence, you can use it for advertising the event and encouraging followers to attend.

During the event, you can use your company’s social media accounts to run contests and actively promote your booth. Social media is effective in engaging customers and keeps them updated about what is new in your business.

Blogging

Another effective method of promoting a trade show or exhibit is via blog posts. Active followers of your business can read about the trade show and encourage them to attend. Blog posts have the added advantage of providing readers with extensive information about what customers can expect with the upcoming event. Blogging using your company website or posting on third-party sites increases not only visibility but also the company’s chances of being associated with the trade show or event.

To read more on topics like this, check out the business category.

How to Improve Video Calls on Google Hangouts

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Over the years Google Hangouts has steadily improved the quality of its video calls and in most cases they are actually quite good. That being said there are still steps that you should take to ensure your video calls are up to scratch in terms of their quality and overall appearance.

Some of the best ways that you can improve your video calls on Google Hangouts are by:

  • Using a fast and stable internet connection

The quality (read: resolution and frame rate) of the call will depend heavily on the bandwidth and stability of your internet connection. If possible you should free up bandwidth by making sure you aren’t downloading any files (and no one else on your network is).

Ideally you should also plug in your computer to your router using an Ethernet cable. That will make the network connection much more stable than Wi-Fi could ever hope to be.

  • Adjusting the bandwidth setting manually

If you find that your video call on Google Hangouts seems to be lagging or stuck, try adjusting the bandwidth setting in Google Hangouts and lower it. When you do Google will optimize the video call accordingly and may lower its resolution slightly to ensure that it look smooth.

  • Getting a good microphone

If you rely on the built-in microphone on your webcam you can expect the audio quality to not be that great. Instead you should invest in a decent external microphone, as it will make a world of difference.

  • Wearing headphones

As a rule it is best to wear headphones or earphones while you’re making video calls. At times the audio from your speakers may get picked up by your microphone and sent over the call – which will sound like an echo.

By wearing headphones or earphones there isn’t much risk at all of that happening.

  • Improving the lighting

Just like any video the lighting can have a big impact on the quality of your video calls – and you should try to improve it. At a very minimum there should be lots of light but the light source should not be in the frame of the video call. Instead it should be positioned above and behind your display.

If you want to improve it further you should consider using a softbox or some other type of diffused lighting.

Keep in mind that you can record Google Hangout using Movavi Screen Recorder or some other screen recorder. Its features will let you easily set it up to capture the area of the video call, along with its audio. In fact you can even adjust the volume level, frame rate, and other recording parameters.

As you can see improving the quality of Google Hangouts video calls isn’t that difficult. In fact you should be able to see the improvement firsthand with each and every step that you take – and it should translate into video calls that look and sound far better, and have fewer issues overall too.

To read more on topics like this, check out the business category.

5 Ways to Improve Office Productivity

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The environment you work in can have an effect on your mood and productivity and with a few simple décor tricks you can feel more energised and motivated. Most offices will have plain walls and strict rules in place that your workspace must be kept spotless at all times. Working in this kind of environment can leave you feeling uninspired and unenthusiastic about your job and it can be hard for you to stay focused on the tasks at hand. But by making some slight adjustments to the office décor, you can create a happier and more productive environment.

If you’re looking for some office inspiration, Furniture At Work have put together 5 floor plans of famous #OnScreenOffices from films and TV. From Dumbledore’s office in Harry Potter to Mr Burns’ in The Simpsons, there’s something you can take away from each office. Here are 5 ways you can improve office productivity with the right décor.

Comfort is key

An employee’s health and comfort should be a priority in any company. When you spend around 8 hours sat at your desk, it’s important that you are as comfortable as you can be. Office chairs that offer firm back support and that can be adjusted easily in height, back position and tilt, can help reduce back strain and will help employees work better.

Maximise natural light

An easy way to boost energy and reduce eye strain is by maximising natural light within the office. Small businesses generally have offices in closed spaces, so if you find that your office lighting is quite dull, you can opt for bright white bulbs which will make a huge difference. By finding ways to add natural lighting to your workplace, you’ll create a more energetic and productive environment.

Add some greenery

Studies have found that introducing plants into the office can help reduce stress, anxiety and fatigue. Adding greenery to your workplace can help purify the air whilst also boosting productivity levels. Not only do plants create a relaxing environment, but they offer more opportunities to enhance and customise the office interior without having to decorate the whole place. Take Miranda Priestley’s office from The Devil Wears Prada for example, she has fresh flowers around her office from orchids and roses and it just gives her office a warm and cosy vibe.

De-clutter your desk

A build-up of clutter on your desk can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed and stressed, therefore slowing down your productivity. Only keep necessary items on your desk and make use of office storage such as filing cabinets, desk drawers, shelfs and bookshelves. In Harry Potter, Dumbledore has a huge bookshelf that goes from the floor all the way up to the ceiling, and while you may not be allowed such a grand bookshelf in your office, you can take inspiration from it. By keeping the office tidy and clutter-free, you will generate a more positive vibe.

A pop of colour

Colours can have an effect on our mood and behaviour. Some offices utilise this within their workplace to make employees more productive. Blue is said to be the most productive colour as it has a calming effect and yellow helps raise happiness and positivity. If you are not allowed to add colour to the office walls, just add a pop of colour with various desk items such as your stationery or even a photo frame.

Virtual Office In The US – What You Should Know Before Enquiring

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As the remote office platform takes form, the virtual office is taking centre stage as a way to support office space that functions primarily online. The remote worker is not the only group of professionals who have found the virtual office a great tool. Freelancers, startups, and small businesses have also joined the virtual office revolution because it can provide your business infrastructure online.

The virtual office platform is one characterised by great versatility because of the ability of users to manage it from any location in the world. However, it is marked by affordability as well because the office requires users to pay on an as-needed basis depending on the plan. When it comes to virtual offices – Servcorp US, for example, is one provider that offers a plan through a serviced office that provides business with technology and brick-and-mortar office space. The idea is really an ingenious one, but because there are so many, finding the right one can be a challenge.

Read more to learn about what you should enquire about before purchasing a virtual office plan.

Virtual Office Types

Of the many types of virtual offices, there are two main types that you might find in the office landscape. The subscription-based offices can be used anywhere in the US, and it is simply software a business would purchase that allows them to do a number of business activities online. This type of online suite works well for home businesses or for those who do not need an onsite meeting space.

Then, there are the serviced office virtual offices. These offices provide businesses an internet connection and a business address and phone number with some also providing businesses with access to meeting and boardrooms. These offices typically have a receptionist or some type of answering service, and some come with concierge services like a mail courier. This particular office lease is great for businesses with employees and for those who have to travel frequently.

Office Rates

The subscription rates might vary depending on the number of tools the software offers, but they usually need to be renewed every six months with some even lasting for at least twelve years. Alternatively, the virtual office lease through a serviced office is one that can be as short as a month-to-month. The virtual office lease is great because it allows businesses to transition into other office space styles easily with little downtime if leasing from the right office provider.

Advantages

The advantages of using the virtual office are plentiful. Of course, overhead costs are reduced, but those who purchase a plan might find that their business runs a little more efficiently. With productivity a little higher, you can expect to get more growth out of the virtual office.

Another benefit to adopting the virtual office is that it allows businesses to grow into the online landscape and for free. A business needing to transition but not necessarily sure that they want to do so in an office will only need to modify the combination of applications used to run their office or tweak their website to adjust to company growth. In no other situation can a business expand into other space without taking on a whole lot of extra costs, but the online format can this for many businesses.

In The Know

The virtual office has allowed small businesses to leverage the business community simply by providing access to some of the tools needed to do well. While virtually eliminating the commute on any one of the American highways and drastically reducing costs are immediate benefits, being able to launch an idea with little start-up costs is one of the best reasons to go with the virtual office. Worst case scenario, if it does not work out, all you need do is simply log off – no harm done.

Author Bio:-Alexandra Richards is a business consultant, located in United States. She takes a keen interest in the business structures and work culture of US based businesses. She has recently been working with Servcorp to help deliver tailored solutions to local businesses.

To read more on topics like this, check out the business category.

Tips on Building Your First DIY Shelf

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If you enjoy taking on DIY projects around your home and are confident that you can build a sturdy yet chic looking shelf, simply continue reading to discover a few helpful tips on building your first DIY shelf.

Tips on building your first DIY shelf:

1. Consider installing modern floating shelves

If you want to add shelves that suit a home which boasts a contemporary, modern aesthetic, you may want to seriously consider installing modern floating shelves in your home. As floating shelves don’t feature brackets and are designed to give the illusion that your shelves are simply suspended in the air against your wall.

2. Think about creating a pegboard shelf

Pegboard shelves are a creative option, which may interest you if you’d like to have the flexibility to change the width and size of your shelves, over time, to incorporate items which boast varying dimensions.

As an example, while you may originally use your pegboard shelf as a bookshelf, with small shelves, you’ll be able to move some of the large wooden pegs which make up your pegboard shelf in order to fit larger items on your makeshift shelves such as a tall vase or a pot plant.

3. A frame shelves

If you like the idea of installing A frame shelves without being an expert carpenter, you’re in luck as you can easily build A frame shelves for your home using a couple of A frame ladders. Which you’ll use as the basic frame for your A frame shelves. Once you have three A frame ladders, you’ll be able to balance wooden boards between all three of your ladders to create a simple A frame ladder based shelving unit.

4. Fun rope shelves

If you love whimsical looking decor items, you may be interested in installing DIY shelves which hang from ropes, like a swing. Just be sure not to overload your rope shelves with heavy items. If you don’t have much experience with DIY projects, you may find that this particular project may be ideally suited to your skillset. As it’s hard to mess up building a rope based shelf.

5. Corner shelves

If you want to make use out of the space in the corners of your room, you may want to find out how to create handy corner shelves. Which you may want to decorate with your book collection or some of your favorite plants.

6. Crate based shelves

Did you know that you can repurpose unwanted used crates as brand new shelves that are guaranteed to be a great conversation starter?

As an example, you may want to place three crate based shelves on top of one another, in your bathroom to hold your toiletries. If your bathroom has a color scheme such as a predominantly white aesthetic, you may even want to spray paint your crates white, before you hang them up on your wall.

So if your home could do with a couple of new DIY shelves, it’s well worth selecting the DIY shelving project listed above, which best suits your home’s requirements and your DIY skillset.

3 Amazing Travel Destinations

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If you’re in need of a dose of travel inspiration, continue reading on to discover 3 amazing travel destinations to add to your bucket list.

3 Amazing Travel Destinations:

1. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is a large cosmopolitan city in Argentina which boasts a population of boasts a population of over 2.8 million individuals.

If you’re interested in attending cultural events such as Opera, it’s well worth booking a ticket to a live Opera at the Teatro Colon, a stately Opera house which was built in 1908 and which houses over 2,500 seats.

Alternatively, if you’re a self-confessed art lover, you may want to head to the MALBA Museum, which is a world renown art gallery which specializes in featuring artwork from the most prestigious Latin American artists in the world.

As Buenos Aires is football mad, it’s also a great idea to book tickets to a Boca Juniors home game. If you are unfamiliar with Boca Juniors, it’s Buenos Aires premiere football team and was founded over 100 years ago. If you’re interested in the Boca Juniors home stadium is the Estadio Alberto J. Armando, which can comfortably seat 49,000 spectators.

Lastly, whilst in Argentina, you may want to take an Argentinian tango dance, from a professional instructor. For an amazing, once in a lifetime experience.

2. Brussels, Belgium

Brussels, which is located in Belgium, is an underrated tourist destination as Brussels is a picturesque, charming city which features beautiful historical buildings. Should you visit Brussels, the first destination which you should head to is the Grand Palace. Which is a 14th-century city square, which functioned as a bustling marketplace and now is home to some of the most stunning, well-preserved buildings in Brussels.

Examples of which include the King’s House, which is also known as the Breadhouse and which now houses the Museum of the City of Brussels and the Brussels City Hall.

While Brussels features countless historical buildings, it’s also worth viewing the Atomium. A 92-meter tall, contemporary stainless steel building and art installation which was originally built for Brussel’s World Fair and looks like a stainless steel Ferris Wheel.

3. Ankara, Turkey

If you’re not afraid to get off the beaten tourist track and are a self-confessed history buff, it’s also well worth booking a plane flight to Ankara, the capital of Turkey.

Whilst exploring Ankara, you’ll get to visit Ankara Castle which is a hilltop castle which boasts 360 views of Ankara as well as Kocatepe Mosque, which is located in Ankara’s city center and which is the most recognizable structures in Ankara.

Another of Ankara’s famous structures which is well worth visiting is the Anitkabir, which is an Ottoman-inspired mausoleum, which was built to house the body of the first president of the Republic of Turkey.

If you’re interested in viewing ancient artifacts from various eras such as the Paleolithic era and the Ottoman Empire, it’s well worth spending a couple of hours touring the Museums of Anatolian Civilizations.

So while the majority of tourists who visit Turkey head straight to Istanbul, it’s definitely well worth uncovering Ankara’s gems.

Hopefully at least one of the three amazing travel destinations listed above piqued your interest.

DIY Home Decor Tips and Tricks

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If you’re handy with a paintbrush and super glue and love DIY home decor projects, continue reading to discover a list of fun DIY home decor projects.

DIY Home Decor Tips and Tricks:

1. Decorate plain photo frames with small pieces of glass in order to create mosaic photo frames

If you want to give your old, tired photo grames a new lease on life, you may be interested in using tiny pieces of different colored glass in order to create eye-catching mosaic photo frames. Just be sure to be careful with your hands when you try to DIY your own mosaic photo frames and to use a super glue which dries clear, in order to ensure that your finished products look professionally made.

Not only can you use DIY mosaic photo frames to decorate your framed photos and your artwork but you can also use DIY mosaic photo frames to decorate the frames which hold your important documents such as your degree or your wedding license.

2. Fill empty light bulbs with flowers, which you can hang around your home

If you love displaying fresh flowers in your home, you may be interested in filling empty light bulbs with single stem flowers, which you can then hang around your home. As an example, you may want to hang a line of six flower filled light bulbs from strings attached to a series of hooks, in your home office.

If you’re feeling particularly creative, you may also be interested in filling the bottom part of each lightbulb with decorative pebbles or gemstones. The latter of which are sure to sparkle in the sun. Alternatively, you can also use crystals to fill the bottom of your decorative light bulbs.

3. Place pump bottle lids on old bottles to create fun, makeshift soap dispensers

Instead of purchasing new soap dispensers for your master bathroom and secondary bathroom, simply place inexpensive pump bottle lids, which can be found on cheap spray bottles onto decorative glass bottles. As an example, you can turn a Jack Daniel’s bottle into the base of a new soap dispenser. Simply by placing an inexpensive pump bottle lid onto your washed out Jack Daniel’s bottle.

4. Display candles in mason jars

Another DIY decor idea which won’t negatively affect your bank balance is to choose to display pretty candles in mason jars. Which is a whole lot cheaper than purchasing candlestick holders.

5. Alternatively, consider placing pretty candles on vintage saucers

If you’re not a big fan of mason jars, you may be more excited by the idea of placing your candles on pretty vintage saucers, which you can pick up for a couple of dollars from your local thrift store or a nearby yard sale. As an example, if you love floral prints, you’ll be able to place a rose scented candle on a saucer which boasts a beautiful rose print.

So if you love making your own DIY home decor items, it’s well worth spending a few weekends handcrafting all five of the ideas listed above.

4 Worthwhile Lifestyle Tips

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If you want to learn how to save money, how to double the items in your closet and how to motivate yourself to work out on a regular basis, simply continue reading to discover a few fun lifestyle tips.

4 Worthwhile lifestyle tips:

1. Don’t be too shy to ask to borrow items from close friends and family members

If you want to be able to save more money to meet your goals such as embarking on an overseas adventure, it’s well worth asking trusted friends and family members to borrow items which you may only require once or twice.

As an example, if you’re booked flights for a business trip and don’t have the right sized suitcase, you may want to ask a close family member such as a sibling, parent or aunt or uncle if they have a suitcase which you can borrow. Alternatively, you may want to borrow books from friends, instead of purchasing them.

As often you can save hundreds of dollars, if you borrow items from your contact network, instead of purchasing items which you may only use a couple of times, for full price. Just be sure to return all the items which you borrow, in the same condition which you received them.

2. Swap your unwanted clothes with friends who are the same size

If you’re looking to update your wardrobe or simply make well-needed space in your closet, it’s a great idea to swap your unwanted clothes with friends who are roughly the same size. As a benefit, some of your friends may be willing to part with some items, which are just your style or which come from one of your favorite brands.

3. Purchase presents when major sales are on instead of paying full price for your gifts

Instead of waiting until the last minute to purchase gifts such as wedding gifts, Christmas gifts, anniversary gifts, and birthday gifts, it’s a great idea to put aside money to purchase gifts when major sales are taking place such as Black Friday. As that way, you’ll be able to purchase high-quality gifts for a fraction of the price, that you’d usually expect to pay for each item!

As an added bonus, if you purchase your presents, well in advance you won’t have to stress about finding gifts when important occasions such as family member’s birthdays approach. Which in turn will decrease your stress levels.

4. Get into the habit of wearing athletic outfits on a casual basis

Instead of saving your athletic outfits for your workouts, it’s also a great idea to wear your favorite athletic pieces such as shorts, tank tops, and leggings on a regular basis. As you’ll be far more likely to be motivated to complete a workout if you’re already in your workout clothes.

As let’s face it, on some days, it’s far too hard to get changed out of your everyday clothes into your workout clothes. Just be sure not to wear your favorite workout clothes to work!

If you follow the tips listed above, you’ll be sure to save money, double your closet and to work out on a regular basis.

Fun Budgeting Tips

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If you assumed that sitting down to create a monthly budget has to be a negative experience, think again! If you’re interested in making budgeting a positive, fun experience, simply continue reading to discover a few invaluable, fun budgeting tips.

Fun Budgeting Tips:

1. Try to see how much money you can save by trying to find generic versions of the items which you purchase on a regular basis

As an example, you may want to see how much money you can save at your local grocery store by purchasing unbranded versions of your favorite food items. As you may be surprised at just how much money you can save each money, if you stop purchasing overpriced branded items, in favor of high-quality generic brands.

2. Try to find free events and activities in your area to keep yourself entertained

One simple way to spend less money each month is to try and find free activities and events to keep your household thoroughly entertained. As an example, you may find out about free festivals in your city or free movies in your local park. Finding free activities and events in your area is a wonderful idea as you’ll start spending more time getting out of your house and exploring your town, city or community!

3. Choose a few new recipes to try out each week

If you’re interested in cutting back on your food budget and the number of meals which you eat out, it’s a fun idea to select a few new recipes to try out each week. As an example, instead of going out to a fancy restaurant for your weekly date night, you may want to try cooking a pumpkin risotto for your partner. As generally, it’s a lot cheaper to cook at home, than it is to eat out.

4. Pack exciting homemade lunches

If you’re looking to save money by packing a homemade lunch, instead of eating out on a workday, it’s also worth trying out new recipes, instead of eating the same sandwiches every day. As there is no reason why you can’t pack exciting lunches on a budget such as nachos, stir-fried rice, kebabs, hummus and crackers, and fruit salad.

As if you pack exciting, fun, lunches you’ll be far less tempted to purchase an expensive lunch from a cafe or takeaway restaurant.

5. Create a collage of experiences you want to have and items which you’d like to own

If you create a collage of the experiences you want to have, such as embarking on your first cruise or purchasing your first home, you’ll be far more likely to stick to your budget. As you’ll be reminded every day of why you’re trying to cut down on your expenses and to increase your savings.

Also be sure to add pictures of the items which you’d like to save up for too such as a new car or a new piece of clothing.

If you follow the five creative budgeting tips listed above, you should find that budgeting becomes a little more bearable.