Archives for February 2019

Best Business Ideas for Housewives

 

Being a stay at home wife does not mean that you cannot do anything to help your husband in terms of financial matters. You can contribute a lot by starting a small business right in the comfort of your home. If this is your first time venturing into business do not worry because we are here to help you. Here are a couple of smart and practical business ideas that may work to your advantage.

Jewellery making

If you love fashion and accessories then designing and making your jewellery line is a good business idea. You might want to check out designs for a fingerprint necklace UK suppliers offer to get some inspiration on how to design unique pieces of jewellery that you can sell at an affordable price. Make sure to focus on the quality of your jewellery by using high-quality materials to ensure that your designs will last longer. You can market your products online or through social media, it may take much time and effort to get noticed but as long as you work hard to make your business successful.

Baking cakes and pastries

One of the best business ideas that are worth trying is baking cakes, cookies and other types of comfort food. Many people are willing to spend money on good food without hesitation. You can make a good profit selling food as long as the quality and taste of your products are excellent. You may start baking with low capital investment and sell your goods to your friends, relatives and people in your community. If your clients appreciate your products, then you will not have any problems expanding your business in the future.

Beauty products

The majority of people would like to invest in products that can get rid of pimples, acne, blackheads and oily skin. You can also start selling different beauty products that will make your clients come back for succeeding orders such as makeup, lotions, perfumes and moisturisers. If you want your business to last better make sure that your cosmetics are safe to use, hypoallergenic, useful and worth every penny.

Baby clothes and cloth diapers

If there is something that you can sell to your fellow mothers without leaving the comfort of your own home, it will be baby clothes and cloth diapers. You do not need much capital to start the business. However, you will need to invest in high-quality cotton fabrics and a sewing machine to get started with the business. You can start making cloth diapers because it is easier and more cost efficient to manufacture them, then you can eventually venture into baby tops and bottoms. You can sell them to your fellow stay at home mothers by creating your online shop or website. It might take a little more time to get back your return of investment, but as long as you are committed to your business, there is a big chance of earning unlimited income.

As a homemaker, it may be challenging to juggle your responsibilities at home and running a business. However, knowing that you can contribute to the household income can make you feel better.

Hack Marathon- Think, Innovate and Build

There is a misconception in everyone’s mind that hackathon is basically to hack something (due to the word hack) or it is only related to coding but it is basically to build a prototype for your idea and problem statement in an innovative way in given time. The word “hackathon” is a portmanteau of the word “hack” and “marathon”, where “hack” is used in the sense of exploratory programming, not its alternate meaning as a reference to computer security. A hackathon is an event, usually hosted by a tech company or organization, where programmers, students and sometimes even professors get together for a short period of time to collaborate on a project. The participants work rapidly and often work without sleep to achieve their task, as the events generally only last 24 hours or take place over a weekend. Here, you don’t have to invent something but rather you have to give an alternative approach to solve the real-world problems in an innovative way keeping in mind the basics requirements of the user who is going to use it. It is all about learning and teaching, solving problems, meeting like-minded people, building something innovative, collaboratively pushing the limits of technology.

To conduct or participate in a hackathon online, there are many platforms available where you can conduct or participate. Some examples of hackathon platforms are: datahack, codechef, hackerearth, mettl, etc., where all upcoming hackathons and current on-going events are shown. In hackathon there are two rounds, one is idea phase round and second is actual hackathon (Online and offline both). All you have to do is read their problem statements carefully and answer their questions. Afterwards if they like your idea then they will inform you via email and then actual hackathon begins. Sometimes colleges and companies organize their own hackathons so visit their websites independently to take part in. Also, there are rewards for those who participates and outperform with his skills and different rewards according to the positions they achieved at the end of the event, where reward is generally a cash prize and some goodies too with various other opportunities.Some types of hackathons:

  • For an application type- Some hackathons focus on a particular platform such as mobile apps, a desktop operating system, web development or video game development.
  • Using a specific programming language, API, or framework- There have been hackathons devoted to creating applications that use a specific language or framework, like JavaScript, Node.js, HTML5 and Ruby on Rails. Some hackathons focus on applications that make use of the application programming interface, or API, from a single company or data source.
  • For a cause or purpose- There have been a number of hackathons devoted to improving government, and specifically to the cause of open government.
  • For a demographic group- Some hackathons are intended only for programmers within a certain demographic group, like teenagers, college students, or women. Hackathons at colleges have become increasingly popular.
  • For internal innovation and motivation- Some companies hold internal hackathons to promote new product innovation by the engineering staff. For example, Facebook’s Like button was conceived as part of a hackathon.
  • Code sprints- In some hackathons, all work is on a single application, such as an operating system, programming language, or content management system. Such events are often known as “code sprints”, and are especially popular for open source software projects, where such events are sometimes the only opportunity for developers to meet face-to-face.

The most popular form of a hackathon is a physical or offline one. For the participants, a hackathon platform is perfect platform to explore new technology, work on a project they are passionate about, and build it in a short span of time. Anyone who can contribute to building a product can participate this. Organizations conduct hackathons to encourage creative problem solving, drive innovation, and build brand awareness. Many companies conduct internal hackathons within their organization to engage their employees and promote a collaborative work environment. Additionally, external hackathons help companies in finding and recruiting talented professionals at a lesser cost than traditional recruiting methods. Companies can assess potential candidates by their performance in a hackathon instead of going through tedious rounds of interviews.

In today’s digital world, the success of a business depends on its ability to sustain innovation. To meet growing customer expectations and beat the competition, companies must innovate fast and build new features to improve their product or service. The biggest advantage a hackathon offers is a structure to scale innovation and build new features. Concrete ideas derived from hackathons can help companies provide better customer experience and thus improve revenue.

Traditionally, the only way to be part of a hackathon was to be physically present at the venue. This meant that you’d miss all the fun and action if you couldn’t make it to where the hackathon was being held. Thanks to the internet, things have changed.

The emergence of the digital world and crowdsourcing platforms has made the concept of online hackathons possible. Hackathons can now be conducted online or offline, or as a hybrid. You can participate in an online hackathon from anywhere in the world.

In an online or virtual hackathon, all participants are remotely connected. Irrespective of their location, hackathon enthusiasts can participate and show their skills on an online hackathon platform using various tools. Thus, gives everyone the opportunity to participate, showcase their skills, and have fun.

For a company, these are the advantages of hosting a hackathon

  • Crowdsourcing business ideas and solutions
  • Increasing API adoption
  • Internal engagement
  • Engaging with developer community/ branding
  • Putting data to better use
  • Identifying tech talent

Engaged employees pursue ways to innovate, which can translate to improved quality, enhanced customer experience, brand building, increased profitability, or more creativity. They go the extra mile, align their career goals with the organization’s goals, steer better business outcomes, and boost workplace happiness and creativity. Thus, they are a great way to learn, make innovations, show your creative skills, to collaborate with external partners and get rewarded.

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Setting Up a Low-Cost Website For Your Business

Believe it or not, it is quite easy to create a low-cost website for your business these days. A website will let you comminicate with your customers as well as allow you to sell your products. So it is always a good idea to have a website for your small business.

Building a good website involves getting a domain registered and hosted, installing small business budget templates, and adding content. Back in the day, creating a website without the help of a coder and designer was impossible. But nowadays, you have many free tools that let you create a wonderful site, without the worry of spending a fortune on developers and designers.

In this guide, we’ll help you set up a small business website with as little cost as possible.

Get your website domain registered and hosted

A domain is basically the name and address of your website such as www.yoursmallbusiness.com. Since names can already be taken, you’ll have to search for a suitable name on a domain registrar and then purchase it. Normally domains cost not more than $10 unless you are buying an already used domain through auction. For a small business, it is recommended to get a fresh domain.

Once you have your domain, the same company you got the domain from can also help you host your website. Hosting is necessary because all your data needs to be kept on a server. For a small business, you should get a regular hosting package that offers you at least enough storage space to upload your small business budget templates, a few pages of content, and a couple of videos.

Create a website using WordPress

Your domain registrar or hosting company will help you install WordPress on your site. When WordPress is active on your site, you can easily start designing your website. Just be sure to look for budget templates to save costs. There are literally thousands of templates to pick from when working with WordPress.

Populating your small business budget templates

Once you set up a template, you should be able to immediately start adding content on it. Content is key to growing your business on the internet. Be sure to also pick a template that gets regular support from its developers and is at least mobile friendly. The rest of the work is very simple. You’ll be picking colors for your theme, adding logos, and creating pages. All of these can be done from within the WordPress dashboard without technical know-how of developing or coding.

Seek professional help from freelancers

If you find it difficult to work with small business budget templates, seek help from freelancers available through platforms like Fiverr, or Upwork. Freelancers usually don’t cost a lot and they provide excellent services. You can also get content creators on the same platform if you are having trouble creating engaging content.

Let people know of your website

Once you have set up a logo, a good looking business website template, and some content, you can start sharing your website with existing users and customers. Let them know that you are finally available on the internet.

Join the discussion on this topic with Trash Talk HC by visiting our contact page.

Tips on How to Stay Happy in Your New Home

Moving to a new house could be exciting, but you also fear that things will not be the same. You also left several people close to you behind in search of a better future for your family. The first few weeks could be tough. You might still miss your old home. You have a difficult time adjusting to your new house. Since this is your reality now, you need to make the most of it. These are some tips to help you stay happy in your new place.

Explore the new city

You are new to the place, and in some instances, it is the first time that you have seen it. You can tour around and explore the beautiful sites. Start with the popular tourist destinations in the city like museums, parks and libraries. You could also try eating in fancy restaurants or shop in local stores. It also helps you determine the location of these places if you need to buy something there the next time.

Start decorating your home

It is fun decorating a house that is still empty. You are building everything from scratch. You can decide the theme for every corner of your home. You can also think of new furniture and appliances to buy. You can shop online or head to local stores for home accessories. You will start to forget your old house once you fall in love with your new home after decorating it.

Know your neighbours

You will be with these people for the next several years unless you decide to move again. You need to start being friends with them. Get to know them. Bring them something nice as a way of introducing yourself. These are the same people who will help you if you are in trouble in the future.

Start a hobby

You might have been too lazy to start a hobby before because every day seemed to be a routine for you. Since you are starting everything over again, you might consider including a new hobby in your daily schedule. You can opt for gardening or painting. You want to have a sense of accomplishment as it could make you happy.

Apart from a hobby, you can also start a family tradition. It could be a weekly game night. You could even eat out at the weekend. You want to start something fun with your family so that the kids will have something to remember when they grow up.

Take time to be alone

Perhaps, you were too busy with your previous job, and you failed to take care of yourself. It is best to reconsider your daily schedule. You need to include some ‘alone’ time. You need it to stay mentally healthy. Dealing with the problems around you could be overwhelming at times. It might even have been the reason why you decided to move out of your old home. You have a chance to change your path this time, and spending time alone even for an hour a week is a healthy practice.

If you are yet to move and you need help, you can contact removal companies in Gloucester now. You cannot finish packing everything alone within the time you set, and these professionals will help expedite the process.

Image: Unsplash.com

 

Tips on How to Quickly Prepare Your Home for the Arrival of Guests

It is quite stressful having guests coming over. Whether they are your relatives coming over for Thanksgiving, or friends from abroad you met many years ago, you need to prepare your home for their arrival. The problem is when you are too busy; you have no time to prepare your house. These quick fixes will make your home ready for your guests.

Start with the guest room

Upon arrival, your guests will feel tired. They will not care how lovely your house is. They will want to see the bedroom where they can rest. You can speak with them the next day and catch up. Therefore, it is crucial to prepare the guest room first before anything else. Place extra hangers in the closet. Remove the items that you still keep in this room since someone is using it. Replace the sheets and add pillows depending on the number of people coming over.

Clean your bathroom

You want the bathroom to be clean since it is a relaxing space for your guests. Since they will be staying with a family, it might be the only place where they can feel like they have a private space. You can also have an entire container filled with toiletries reserved for your guests if you are sharing the bathroom with them, to avoid confusion. If they brought their own stuff, you could leave space for them to store it.

Return everything to its proper place

De-clutter your house, and it will start to look pleasing again. Sometimes, you only need to return the books to the shelves or the magazines to the rack. Pick up pieces of paper or trash from the floor. Wash the dishes and store all the utensils in the drawer. It will not take much time for you to finish all these tasks.

Cook a nice meal

When you have guests arriving after a long flight, they might want to grab something to eat. If not for the night, they will eat a lot the following day after resting. Therefore, it is an excellent idea to cook the best meal that you can. They will appreciate your effort. You can order takeout though if you have no time to cook.

Do not only focus on fixing your house

It is important for your guests to have a comfortable place to stay. Apart from that, you also want them to make the most of their trip. Give them a list of the places they can visit nearby and how they can get there. If your guests are coming with kids, you can prepare an area where they can play with toys. You can make their experience enjoyable as they start heading out of your place to discover the locality.

Remove the trash

The problem when you are in a hurry to clean your house is that you throw everything away and forget to take the garbage out. The piles of trash might cause an unpleasant smell that you cannot hide. If you have no time to manage it, you can ask a debris removal company to come over and pick it up. They will help remove the trash in time for the arrival of your guests.

These tips will make your guests feel welcome and comfortable throughout their stay.

Image: Unsplash.com

 

Office Cleaning Mistakes You Need to Avoid

Cleaning the office is not easy given its size and the number of people using the space each day. It is vital for all employees to be responsible for maintaining their area and for your business. These are some mistakes they might make, and you need to remind them to avoid such errors.

Scrubbing spills on carpets

If you have a carpeted office, you need to maintain it well and keep it in perfect condition. It easily absorbs stains. Removing these stains is such a difficult task. Some people might panic when they spill coffee or red wine on the carpet. They will rush to scrub the stain in the hope that they will get rid of the stain. The truth is that this action will only make things worse. Scrubbing carpets will untwist the fibers and distort the carpet. The damage is also permanent. Put a towel on top of the stain and use a stain remover to get rid of the problem. You may also ask for help from professional steam carpet cleaners.

Using too much water for cleaning

Remind everyone not to use too much water when cleaning the upholstery. It can easily get damaged because of water as it does not dry out quickly. Water might also cause mildew and pose serious health risks. It is also crucial to not use water when cleaning items made from metal as it could result in rust.

Using a dry rag for dusting

If you use a dry rag to remove dust off the surface of any equipment or furniture, it could cause scratches. Use a soft microfiber cloth instead. It grabs and holds on to the particles. Besides, using a dry rag will only make you repeat the entire process, and it takes time.

Using different cleaning products

You need to check the ingredients used in any cleaning agent before using it. There could be contents that are damaging including bleach and detergents. They might damage the surface of the furniture. They also leave fumes that are not good for your health.

Vacuuming everything first

You might think that using the vacuum is the answer to all your cleaning problems. The truth is that when you vacuum without wiping down the surfaces first, it will only make you repeat the process several times. It helps if you wipe the surface thoroughly before vacuuming. You also need a high-quality and high-powered vacuum to ensure that you do not leave anything behind.

Spraying on surfaces directly

It is a common mistake that you need to avoid because it will only attract more dust instead of removing it. The best way of dealing with the problem is to spray the cleaner on a microfiber cloth first instead of spraying directly on the surface.

Improper waste segregation

You need to pay attention to waste segregation as you throw piles of trash away each day. You cannot do the job yourself. You also do not want your employees to do it. You need a junk removal company to do the job since they are experts in waste management. You can even ask them to deal with a garage clean out at home if you need such services.

Avoid these mistakes and have an excellent workplace for you and your employees.

Image: Unsplash.com

 

Dress to Impress: 8 Essential Style Tips to Help You Dress Better

Feeling like your style is hopelessly out of date? Time for a fashion makeover. Here are 8 essential tips to help you dress better this year.

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If you’re feeling uninspired by your closet, then it may be time to spice it up and dress better.

As we age and grow, our style interests change. Our favorite sweater may all the sudden be a reminder that we’re just not that person anymore. Putting it on may now feel awkward instead of comfortable.

This is a great sign that you’re ready to dress better and level up your style.

But, where to begin? Our favorite comfy sweater shows us what we don’t want, but we may still have no vision for what we do want our style to look like. We know we’ll have to purchase new clothing, but how can we be sure we’re not wasting our money?

Read on to discover how to makeover your style and dress better this year with these eight essential tips.

Dress Better: 8 Essential Style Tips

Our clothes reflect who we are, so dressing better means feeling better. When we feel great, we exude confidence and set ourselves up for success in all areas of our lives. Explore the following eight tips for upgrading your style in 2019.

1. Pick and Choose

Take time to pick and choose which clothing items you want to keep from your closet. Make a day of it to determine what fits you, what doesn’t suit you, and what you want to get rid of.

This phase is difficult for many people because some of the clothes in their closets may still have tags or be perfectly wearable. To reduce guilty feelings that arise, Tidying Expert, Marie Kondo, suggests holding each piece clothing item and thanking it. Thank it for serving its purpose even if that purpose was to show you it doesn’t fit your style anymore.

You can also donate or sell your clothing to feel like it’s not going to waste. The cash you receive from selling your clothing to a second-hand shop can also help to fund your new wardrobe.

2. Get Basic

Start with a basic style palette. Starting with basic, staple items will help you to accessorize and add in more adventurous style options later on. Staple items are the go-to footwear and clothing items that help you to form your style.

These are items that you can wear over and over. They are versatile and usually simple in nature. For example, a basic black top, a pair of brown shoes, and a pair of dark fitted jeans.

Selecting neutral colors is a great way to start. Neutral colors like black, gray, or brown can be paired easily with other colors and accessories.

3. Find Style Role Models

A great place to find style role models is Pinterest. You can use Pinterest to search for clothing styles and create a folder dedicated to understanding your style. After a while, you’ll notice a pattern in the type of styles and clothing items you’re interested in.

This will help you to determine what layering options, colors, and accessories you’re drawn to. You’ll also get an idea of how these pieces could look with different outfits. For example, if you notice that you’re drawn to black blazers matched with a casual look, search “casual black blazer outfit” to see how others have styled it.

Following celebrities who have great style on Instagram is also a great way to get inspired.

4. Understand Your Fit

Fitted clothing will always be in.

Fitted clothing doesn’t mean that it’s tight, it means that it fits your body. When you find the right fit, invest in it! Especially, for more expensive items like jeans and suits.

The last thing you want to do is go out in the world and feel out of place in your new wardrobe. Remember you’re upgrading, not trying to be someone you aren’t.

Your clothes need to be the right size and not give you a baggy look. They also need to highlight your features and make you feel comfortable wearing them. For example, if skinny jeans make you feel exposed and uncomfortable, then you likely won’t come to appreciate them later on even if they are trending.

Instead, find a different fit that accentuates your personality and style.

5. Experiment with Trends

Trends are fun! But, trends come and go sometimes at a moment’s notice. So, before you invest all your money into the latest style trends invest in a classic, staple item-centered wardrobe.

Once you get the basics, then have fun with trends. Buy one to two trending items at a time to see how you feel wearing them on a consistent basis. Feel free to experiment with new colors and patterns.

It’s important to stick to your fit when experimenting with trending items. For example, if loose baggy dresses are trending, but you know you don’t like the way they look on you then don’t force it. Let them trend and stick to feeling confident instead of fashionably forward.

6. Avoid Buying in Bulk

Avoid going on a large shopping spree and buying everything at once. Try out one to two items before investing further. If you find that a gray v-neck t-shirt is a staple in your wardrobe, then feel free to purchase more gray v-necks or buy v-necks in other colors.

7. Accessorize 

Accessorizing is a great way to spice up your wardrobe. Accessories can instantly alter your overall look without breaking the bank.

Consider purchasing staple accessories before purchasing trending ones. For example, invest in a great watch you can wear daily such as Tag Heuer Watches.

Then expand your accessory options by adding in trending accessory styles. For example, a necklace or chain that you would only wear with certain outfits or on certain occasions.

8. Be Patient and Keep Exploring

Building your new style will take time. Be patient with yourself and don’t feel the need to have it all figured out in one shopping trip. As you continue learning more about yourself and your style preferences, you’ll feel more confident in making authentic style choices.

Dress Better to Feel Better

Dress better to feel better and you’ll be well on your way to becoming the most confident and authentic version of you. Choose items that are versatile, but be open to experimenting.

When in doubt, throw items out! The more you de-clutter your closet, the more inspired you will feel to add more items that reflect who you are at this point in your life.

Want to learn more style waves sweeping the globe? Check out our blog post all about gender-neutral style to get inspired.

Relocating from CA to Washington State: Pros and Cons

 

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Domestic migration is a big part of life in every country. Every year, nearly 40 million people in the US move from state to state in search of something they cannot get in their previous location. Some of the reasons people move include lower taxes, better job opportunities, marriage, school, weather conditions, or even to start fresh. And although anyone can move to anywhere for any number of reasons, statistics have shown that some states have more influx of domestic migrants than others. You can read more about it here.

Moving from your location to another can be expensive, with costs mounting up as much as $9,000. It can also be emotionally stressful when you are leaving a place you have called home for a long time (say, your place of origin) to somewhere new. This is even more stressful for kids of school age who may are leaving their friends behind. Then there’s the weather condition. Moving to Washington State from California is moving to the northernmost part of the US. This means moving to a colder region of the country.

Despite all these inconveniences if you still choose to relocate to Washington from California these are some of the pros of your decision to relocate.

The Pros

Great Climate

Yes, it rains a lot in the northwest but not that withstanding. Washington State has a beautiful mild climate throughout the year. The summers are not too warm (in the west) which means you may not need to use an air conditioner. And you won’t have to shovel snow in the winters. On the eastern part of Washington is a warm, desert-like climate which is colder than the western region in the winter, but very favorable if you are looking to go into the wine business. You can check this link to know more about the wine country, Washington: https://www.seattlemag.com/article/washington-wine-country-getaways

Environmentally Favorable

They describe Washington State as the ‘Evergreen’ State. This is because the State boasts of an ample number of forests, parks, and water. It has one of the best air qualities in the United States and there are large residential areas that are situated around water bodies. If you love cycling, then you will love Washington as it is more bike friendly than California. Washington also recycles about 70% of its wastes, has green and energy-saving buildings, and a clean car law governing all forms of transportation.

Health and Wellness Friendly

Research has proven that frequent contact and interaction with nature helps to ease mental stress and depression. This makes Washington State one of the best places to live in. Its abundantly green scenery with lush vegetation, green parks, high air and water quality, beautiful hiking trails, water recreational activities, and locally grown food items make it an ideal place to live a healthy life. Washington also has top-quality healthcare services, better than the ones you get in California.

Employment Prospects

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Washington State is literally a haven for job seekers. It is home to the headquarters of global giants like Starbucks, Nordstrom, Boeing, Amazon, Google, etc. and a host to other thriving establishments. Washington has an unemployment rate of about 4.5% but that number is gradually, and significantly, decreasing. In August 2018 alone, there was over 9000 gain in jobs in the state. Washington also has the highest minimum wage in the USA which is about $13.25 per hour. You can go here to learn more about it.

 

The Cons

As with nearly everything in life that have advantages, there are disadvantages. And Washington is no different in this regard. Here are a few cons to consider (no pun intended) if you are thinking about moving to Washington State.

High Average Cost of Living

Yes, Washington state is a pretty expensive place to live in. The site www.cityrating.com/cost-of-living/washington/ has a graphical representation comparing the average cost of living in Washington with the national average. Although there are cities in Washington that aren’t as expensive to live in as, for instance, Seattle but you would still spend between 3% and 4% more than anywhere in the US.

High Rate of Property Crimes

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The state boasts of a lower violent crime rate than in California and most other states. However, it has the highest property crime rate in the country. And you can expect to hear a lot of news and stories about car thefts, larceny, burglary, arson, etc. You may need to take extra security measures to safeguard you home and belongings.

Susceptible to Acts of Nature

Washington State may have a great climate, especially in the summer but it is prone to severe acts of nature. It is home to St. Helen and Mt. Rainier, both active volcanoes with Rainier more likely to erupt. The state is also susceptible to cyclonic winds and heavy rains especially in spring and fall.

Summary

In the end, Washington State is a beautiful city that is bustling with life and exciting cultural and recreational activities. Only be sure it is the right place for you to move to. You can do more findings, ask lots of questions and garner valuable information from people who live there. If you are certain it is where you want to spend a significant amount of your life, then by all means, make that move.