Steps to Increasing Your Value as an Employee and Getting Paid More!

There's a lot of employment advice focusing on finding a new job or starting a new business. Advice on becoming a more valuable employee at one's current employer appears to be virtually non-existent. So, what is a woman supposed to do if she loves her job, but wants and needs to make more money? How does she guarantee herself an opportunity to advance from where she is now without jumping ship? Good news! There are many ways to earn the confidence of co-workers and become the kind of employee that bosses are willing to pay top dollar for. Looking to get ahead at work? Take some time to consider the following:

Don't Become Pigeon-Holed

Expertise can be a two-edged sword. Consider this scenario. Joan is a whiz when it comes to the email system her company is using. If there are problems with the email server, she knows just what to do to get it started up again. If one of her co-workers wants to figure out how to send an email with an electronic signature, Joan has the skills to help. In other words, Joan is the go-to person for that particular piece of technology. Chances are this has earned Joan quite a bit of praise. Here's the problem. A company's loyalty to a particular piece of technology is fickle. What happens if Joan gets a new boss who is a fan of another email system? Can she adapt? Will she be replaced by another go-to person? Hopefully, Joan has also demonstrated leadership skills and adaptability in addition to her technical skills. If she has, she might be up for a promotion.

Become an Example of Positivity

Many people underestimate the value of soft skills. That's a shame. Here's the truth - people want to work for and with people who make them feel good. Not only that, they talk about it to others. So, anybody who wants to earn that raise or promotion should take the following into consideration:

·      Life is stressful. Lack of sleep, arguments with loved ones, bad commutes etc., are things that everybody experiences. Shake it off at the door and become a positive, engaging co-worker.

·      Notice the accomplishments of co-workers and genuinely praise them.

See the Big Picture

In the corporate world especially, it can be very easy to develop tunnel vision. Marketing people tend to focus on marketing; IT people tend to focus on computers and networks; Operations staff tends to focus on the day to day nitty-gritty of running the business. Anybody who wants to get ahead should ask themselves the following questions:

·      What projects would my boss like to accomplish over the next twelve months, and how can I help?

·      What is the company doing in the community? Are there opportunities for me to become involved?

·      Is there any training I should be pursuing in order to become more valuable in my department?

·      Do I already possess talents that I can begin utilizing in order to become a more effective team member?

Finally, Self-Promote

It's a shame that so many people are taught to be modest to such an extreme extent that they cannot use their own hard work and accomplishments to get ahead. Fact is, bosses, admire those who are willing and able to list their triumphs. So, never be afraid of asking to be acknowledged for any positive contributions to the corporate culture or bottom line.

Employers do not want to lose valuable people – it takes a lot of time to recruit, interview, and train a new hire. Make yourself valuable by using the strategies above, and do not be afraid to ask for that raise, once you know that your boss values you!

Bio:

Kateline Jefferson believes that, only through experiential knowledge does one become an engaging and creative writer. Her degree in Journalism and a host of real-world study and experience has made her a permanent and popular blogger for PremierEssay.com

Top Pallet Projects as Seen on Pinterest

Pallets are made of sturdy wood to support huge shipping loads, such as landscaping materials or boxes of foodstuffs. You most often see them at home improvement stores and grocery stores. Though they can often be reused by companies, many more are simply thrown out once they are used. Some thrifty DIY’ers have found a number of ingenious uses for pallets that save them from the landfill and create some interesting furniture and décor pieces.

Here are just some of the most interesting, unique and appealing pallet projects that you can do yourself, as seen on Pinterest:

Pallet Bedroom (http://pinterest.com/pin/566679565582893311/)

Rustic charm and a solid bed are the result with this easy pallet project. It would be easy to adjust the size for a twin, full or king.

Wall Shelf (http://pinterest.com/pin/385550418070169155/)

A little bit of stain turns an ordinary pallet into an interesting shelf.

Patio Benches (http://pinterest.com/pin/293015519476459045/)

With a little paint and some decorative cushions and seating, these pallets are transformed into unique benches for your outdoor entertaining.

Bed and Playhouse (http://pinterest.com/pin/6966574396625384/)

This pallet project is every little kid’s dream: It combines a loft bed with a playhouse and features a bench and cubby holes.

Pallet House (http://pinterest.com/pin/239746380136252755/)

With a lot of elbow grease, you can make anything out of pallets – even a house!

Pallet Couches (http://pinterest.com/pin/205476801721904031/)

Just like the patio benches, all you need are some colorful seating cushions to make pallets into a beautiful couch.

Garden Patio (http://pinterest.com/pin/105905028710423783/)

Grow herbs, flowers and produce between the slats of your pallets, and create a deck for relaxing. Paint it a bright color for a unique look.

Room Divider (http://pinterest.com/pin/149322543868074255/)

Whether stained or painted, pallets can be used to create a unique room divider.

Dog House (http://pinterest.com/pin/448460075364913008/)

Give your pooch a place to rest in style with some upcycled pallets.

Playhouse (http://pinterest.com/pin/198510296048150241/)

… or build the house a little bigger and make it into a play space for your children.

What other great upcycling ideas have you seen for pallets? Have you made any of them yourself? Share your finds and your experiences in the comments!

About the Author:

Bridget Sandorford is a freelance blog and culinary writer, where recently she's been researching the career path of a chef. In her spare time, she enjoys biking, painting and working on her first cookbook.

5 Tips for Mixing and Matching Your Home Decor

by Jane Blanchard

The idea of traditional decor is being challenged every day by homeowners who want a style that goes beyond the basics. Creating your own design is easy and doesn't require anything other than a little imagination, some planning and a willingness to experiment.

via SF Girl By Bay

Decide on a Theme

Designing a themed room gives you a blueprint to work with as you choose furniture and accessories. Think about whether you want a formal look or something relaxed. Do rugged, outdoorsy styles appeal to you or are you a lover of modern minimalism? Your preferred theme will create a unified look for the finished room.

Anchor the Style with Consistency

Start with one colour or pattern that you love and work your way up from there as you decorate. This may be your favourite deep blue or the pattern on an overstuffed sofa that you've loved for years. Repeat this motif in other elements of the room to create a consistent backdrop for your more unusual decor elements.

When introducing wood pieces, choose those made from the same type of wood or stained in similar colours. The idea is to create uniformity that allows different styles to work together. However, try to avoid picking two styles of furniture that noticeably contradict each other such as mixing ornate antiques with do-it-yourself bookshelves from a department store. Keep color choices to a minimum to ensure that the room doesn't wind up looking busy.

Add a Modern Edge

Once you've established a basis for your design, it's time to get creative. Look for accent pieces that complement the look of the room while adding visual interest. Try placing boldly patterned pillows on your sleek modern sofa or hanging café style art in your formal dining room. Introduce a few mismatched furniture pieces that share a colour or texture element with other fixtures of the room for a unique twist.

Go Beyond Traditional Use

A fun way to mix and match styles is to place furniture pieces in rooms they're not traditionally meant for. Nightstands, for example, make fun end tables in the living room. A sideboard can be moved from the dining area to the front hall and used as a unique place to display photos or flower arrangements. You might even want to shake things up in the bathroom by adding a dresser for storing linens or creating a themed display with an open-back bookshelf.

Make it Personal

You're never obligated to stick to a particular style just because it's how your home is "supposed" to look. What works in the houses you see in magazines or online may not work in your home. Don't be afraid to try new designs and mix things up to find a style that's truly yours. Use decorating advice as a general guideline rather than a strict set of rules. Thinking outside the box can lead you to a style that no one has ever tried before and open up new possibilities for decorating other rooms in your home.

How to Pick Up the Pieces after a Tragedy

We are never prepared for a tragedy like the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary. Or like the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. Or like the attacks on the World Trade Centers. Devastating, horrific events like these are rare, but they do happen. When they do, it is not just those who were directly affected who must learn how to survive and how to live life again. Even the spectators -- even those of us who lived hundreds or thousands away from the events -- can feel the same fear, grief, and despair that these tragedies can cause.

Fortunately, you can pick up the pieces after a tragedy and learn how to move on. Of course, the process will be different depending on how close you were involved in the tragedy -- and if you were directly affected, you will need to do serious work with a counsellor. However, these steps can help you start the healing process:

Don't Dwell on the "Why"

You will want to find answers to explain why a tragedy happened so you can make better sense of it. After the Sandy Hook shooting, people questioned the shooter's motivation, how mental health care treatment have prevented the tragedy, and of course, how different gun laws may have kept weapons out of the shooter's hands. After Hurricane Katrina, people questioned the evacuation procedure and the quality of the city's infrastructure.

Though you may want to question how the tragedy could have happened, answers will rarely be found. You will dwell on asking "why" but will likely never get the satisfaction of an answer. Therefore, you will not be able to move on. Don't focus on why the tragedy happened; focus on what you can do to heal.

Mourn the Loss

Even if you were not directly involved in the tragedy -- even if you were not present or do not know anyone who was present -- you may feel grief. You may feel grief for those who were lost. You may feel grief over a certain loss of "innocence" or hope on your part. You may feel fear, hopelessness, or despair.

Allow yourself to mourn that loss. Experience the grieving process so you can get through those feelings and begin healing.

Get Support

Find others who can understand what you are going through and can offer you support. You may want to find other survivors or others who were affected in a similar way by the events. Or you may simply want to surround yourself with family and friends who can offer you support.

If you have been more directly impacted by the tragedy, your support can be a counselor or group therapy. It is important to get the right kind of support to help you process your feelings and get on the road to healing.

Maintain Your Routine

It is important to continue with your "normal" life as much as possible. Instead of giving in to despair and falling into inaction, you should focus on maintaining your regular routine as much as possible. Get up and go to bed at the same time, eat meals, go to work, see friends, and get some exercise. If you don't try to do these things, you run the risk of allowing yourself to wallow in your grief and become immobilized by despair.

Focus on Positive Action

You may feel angry or helpless after a tragedy because you feel like there is nothing you can do about what has happened. While you cannot change the past, you can focus on positive action to shape the future. You can volunteer with relief groups. You can work with advocacy organizations that are trying to bring about change. You can make a donation to a non-profit organization doing important work on a related issue.

By focusing on these positive actions, you can feel like you are doing something to prevent future tragedies, and that can help you in the healing process.

No one can ever be truly prepared for a tragedy. However, when a tragedy does happen, these steps can help you to pick up the pieces and begin again. Ultimately, you will make it through the healing process and learn how to live again.

Carmen Brettel is a writer and manager for Studentgrants.org. In her spare time, Carmen enjoys gardening and volunteering at animal shelters.

How to Fit Planning a Dinner Party Into Your Busy Schedule

Dinner parties are, in theory, an opportunity to spend some time with your friends, enjoy yourself, and relax. However, throwing and hosting a dinner party isn’t always relaxing. It can be quite stressful, especially when your schedule is jam-packed with a million other things. So, how do you find the time to plan and throw a dinner party? Here are some tips to help you fit planning and preparing for a dinner party into your busy schedule:

1. Don’t wait to go shopping – Try to get all the things you need for the party the weekend before the party happens. For instance, you could take a trip to the grocery store on the Saturday or Sunday before the party, when you have some extra time. If you go to the grocery store at a certain time each week to do your regular shopping, pick up the party food then. You don’t have to make a trip to get all the necessary food on the day of the party. This will just make you feel more pressed for time. If you’re getting any supplies or decorations for the party, get these in advance as well. You might even want to order them online to save yourself a trip to a party supply or similar store.

2. Don’t stress about cleaning – Your house doesn’t necessarily have to be immaculate for the dinner party. If you clean regularly anyway, you shouldn’t have to devote too much time to cleaning before the party. Your party guests won’t notice if you haven’t scrubbed every inch of your kitchen and bathroom floors with a toothbrush. If you don’t have as much time as you’d like to devote to cleaning each week, and your home has become a little bit cluttered and disorganized, don’t freak out! Just spend some time the week of the party cleaning for fifteen to thirty minutes each day. It’s best to break up the work, so you don’t overwhelm yourself.

3. Encourage the party guests to bring extra food – You probably won’t be able to get out of cooking before the dinner party. However, you don’t necessarily have to do all the cooking. Potlucks are a common kind of dinner party. If you decide to throw a potluck, you can encourage all the guests to bring food with them. Even if you don’t have a potluck, you can ask a few of your close friends to bring some extra snacks and appetizers to the party to lighten your load in terms of cooking.

So, take care of shopping and cleaning in advance, and don’t be afraid to ask the party guests to share the cooking load. A dinner party shouldn’t be a source of stress in your life!

Author’s Bio: Melissa is an event planner and guest post writer on the subjects of event planning, party supply options, and Mario party supplies for kids’ parties. 

5 Uses for the Baking Soda - D.I.Y Sundays

Ditch the Chemicals! 5 Uses for the Baking Soda Already in Your Pantry

Forget buying expensive green products! Everything offered by the top name brand green household cleaners can be found in one simple non-toxic ingredient that your grandmother has been using for years: household baking soda. 

Most of us have a box of baking soda in our pantry and we might grab it from time to time wondering if it will take out grass stains, but, other than that, the typical box of baking soda usually just sits there, only living up to about an eighth of it's full household potential. 

So, from now on, try out these uses for baking soda that will save you money, preserve the environment and have stand the test of time.

1.  Kitchen and Bathroom Cleaner

To use baking soda for cleaning counter tops, just grab the box and lightly sprinkle it onto the counter. Wet a washrag and rub the baking soda around, scrubbing areas that need more cleaning. For whiter counter tops, rub some lemons along with the baking soda.

2.  Air Freshener

Without the use of any other fragrances or ingredients, baking soda can truly freshen and deodorize some of the smelliest locations. Pour a pile of baking soda into a dish and place it in the area that needs to be deodorized.

3.  Carpet and Fabric Cleaner

You can use baking soda to clean and deodorize you carpet or garment fabrics. If you have pet odor or other unwanted smells coming from your carpet, just sprinkle it over the smelly area. Leave it until the smell goes away and then vacuum. Do the same with clothing and just shake them out when the smell has faded.

4.  Jewelry and Silverware Polisher

Make your own silver cleaner by mixing some baking soda with a little hydrogen peroxide to make a paste. Rub the paste over the metal you would like to shine or clean and wipe with a dry rag.

5. Drain Cleaner

If your drain is moving a bit slowly, wait for the sink to drain and the pour about a cup of baking soda and three cups of boiling water down the drain. You can also try baking soda and vinegar, which will bubble and clean the drain further.

By-line:

This guest post is contributed by Angelita Williams, who writes on the topics of online courses.  She welcomes your comments at her email Id: angelita.williams7 @gmail.com.

4 Ways to Stay Productive in the Office

Your eyes and shoulders are heavy and droop.  Your attention span is thin, and your motivation even thinner.  You try to focus, but everything seems hazy.  You're listless.  We all know what it is: the 4 o'clock doldrums.  


Working in an office (or at any job or activity) can be physically, mentally, and even spiritually stifling.  When the afternoon finally rolls around, we often find ourselves watching the clock tick so slowly that it's painful instead of doing the work we know we need to do.  


It's almost impossible to fight the distraction and the malaise after sitting in front of a computer screen for eight hours straight.  We were not meant for it.  If you are having trouble staying productive and clear-minded at work all day, try some of these tricks to keep you focused, refreshed, and smiling all day.

1. Take Breaks

Numerous studies have shown that people are more productive when they split their work up into manageable time slots with breaks in between.  If you are working on several projects at once, and especially if each project requires a different skills set, try switching between projects every half hour or so, just to keep your mind challenged and engaged.  Take five minutes to drink some water, stretch your hands, and let your mind unwind.

2. Read a Book

Taking breaks is the most important part of any good productivity plan.  However, it is equally important to make sure that those breaks aren't spent simply staring into nothingness.  If you don't have multiple projects that you can work on simultaneously, take a ten minute break every hour to read a book you love.  Reading serves two purposes: first, it lets your brain change gears, which helps to keep it engaged, and second, it refreshes you by doing something you enjoy.  Plus, it gives you something to look forward to every hour, which should help keep you on task.

3. Exercise

Of course, you're in an office, so this doesn't necessarily mean breaking out the weights and pumping iron.  But you can do some quick cardio exercises, like jumping jacks in the hallway, or sprints up stairs, to get your heart rate up and the oxygen flowing back to your brain.  Your brain feeds on oxygen and oxygen is transported in the blood stream.  Exercise gets your blood flowing and will reinvigorate you, as well as give you new focus.

4. Have a Conversation

If you can coordinate your breaks with someone else, this is a great way to keep your attention in top form.  Conversation will sharpen your focus, and the interaction with another person will get ideas flowing.  Talking to others releases endorphins, which elates you and can, again, make you more productive.
Work is important, but no one is designed to do one task for eight hours uninterrupted.  Mix up your day a little, and you'll find that you're actually more productive than if you didn't take breaks.


By-line:
Alvina Lopez is a freelance writer and blog junkie, who blogs about accredited online colleges. She welcomes your comments at her email Id: alvina.lopez @gmail.com. 

3 Incredible Health Benefits of a Smile- Guest Post

This is the first instalment for the New Look, New Attitude Lioness Rebirth Blog Event.

A smile- whether it's achieved consciously or subconsciously, it’s seen as a symbol for  

w        warmth, happiness, and  friendliness all  around the world. While it’s understandable that        

           there may be a time where you don’t feel much like smiling, it’s important that you do-  

           smiles are  actually a powerful tool that can promote health and overall well being. 

           That said, to learn why you should never forget to smile even on your  saddest days, 

continue reading below.                   

Eliminates Moodiness

Smiling is not only a by product of being happy—it can actually help produce happiness. This is why some researchers suggest that forcing yourself to smile even when you’re moody can actually lift your spirits and make you feel better. In fact, one British study says that one single smile has the same effect as eating 2,000 chocolate bars—which means you get the added “feel-good” chemicals that chocolate provides like dopamine and endorphins without the risk of gaining weight.

Can Expand Life Span

According to another study from Wayne State University, your smile may actually also predict how long you will live. These findings were concluded after researchers examined the photos of more than 230 Major League Baseball players from the early 50s. Those that had large, “beaming” smiles lived an average of 79.9 years of age, while those with only partial smiles lived an average age of 75 years of age. Those who didn’t smile at all only lived an average of 72.9 years of age.

Boosts Immune System

Lastly, smiling can help boost your immune system because it triggers a portion of your brain that makes it believe that everything is “ok” when you are stressed, anxious, or scared. Thus a smile can stop the production of adrenaline—a stress hormone that can actually hinder your immune system.  Therefore a smile could potentially make your body stronger to fight illnesses.

By-line:

This guest post is contributed by Katheryn Rivas, who writes on the topics of online universities advice.  She welcomes your comments at her email Id: katherynrivas87@gmail.com.

Three Inspiring Activities for Life and Work

I am so and thankful that you took the time to read this post and others. Today's post is from Mariana Ashley. I know you will enjoy it. Please stop by her website.

Whether you are a student, employed full time, or a homemaker, we are all in need of a little motivation and inspiration every now and then. So much of our lives are about routine and productivity that it can be easy to slip into the same old boring pattern day in and day out. While this pattern can be the best way to get things done each day, it can also slow us down eventually. We have to find ways to inspire ourselves to do the best job we can and to be as happy as possible each and every day. While this may sound sentimental or silly, it is undoubtedly true. Inspiration and motivation in our lives is found through our senses. We have to see, feel, touch, smell, and hear new things in order to find new inspiration. Use these three activities to add a little excitement, energy, and inspiration to your everyday lives.

Exercise

Feel something new. Use exercise as a way to spice up your everyday routine. Even if you work nine to five every day or you have family to care for at home throughout the entire day, try to find a slot in your day or week to get some physical exercise in. Exercise can help relax your mind, keep your body healthy, and motivate you for the rest of your daily tasks. Go for a run in a new location each week to experience new things. Just this simple switch up in your regular routine is enough to really encourage some new and creative thinking. Exercise in general is essential to staying healthy (mentally and physically), but it also acts as a wonderful tool for the creative mind. Get your senses buzzing and adrenaline pumping by trying new forms of exercise each day. To stay motivated with my daily to-dos I like to take different exercise classes each week and my local gym. They offer tons of different types of exercise programs and classes that are perfect for experiencing something new.

Travel

See something new. Traveling to new and exciting places is a wonderful way to find new and exciting inspiration in your daily life. Even if you are merely traveling to a new destination within your own home town, trying and seeing unfamiliar things is a wonderful way to stay alive and excited about each coming day. Try visiting a local park you haven't been to before, taking a weekend trip to a nearby town you've never seen before, or taking a longer vacation to a completely new and exotic destination. Seeing new things may be exactly the motivation you need to really excel at your work. Traveling is a great option for individuals with creative careers (like blogging). New experiences can inspire creative thought like little else can. Taking small breaks from your usual routine can help keep things fresh day in and day out.

Listen to Music

Hear new things. This may sound silly, but listening to and singing with music can be a great way to inspire and motivate yourself. Try listening to music you've never heard before. Ask your friends to suggest something new or search online for a new band or style you are unfamiliar with. Just relaxing and blasting some music that is new to you or old music that you adore can help you step out of your current stress and monotony.

By-line:

Mariana Ashley is a freelance writer who particularly enjoys writing about online colleges. She loves receiving reader feedback, which can be directed to mariana.ashley031 @gmail.com.

5 Back to School Saving Tips- DIY Sundays

For today's DIY Sundays it is my pleasure to present a GUEST POST from Nadia Jones. This post kick starts my 100th posts celebration. I hope you find this beneficial.

Glitterfy.com - Back to School Glitter Graphics

With summer over, you’re probably scrambling to buy all the right supplies for your kids in time for the first day of school. And if you’re like most parents, you’re looking to buy the best quality products for your kids with as little damage as possible done to your wallet.  Here are five easy to follow tips that’ll help you save money while you prepare your little one for the new school year.

Look Online First

Often you can buy a good deal of your child’s school supplies without ever leaving your house. Sites like Amazon.com feature clothing, school supplies, and textbooks all at discounted rates. Amazon.com compares the store price products to their price so you can see just how much money you’re saving. Often the savings on these retail sites exceed 50%!  If you plan ahead, you can order all your supplies well before the back to school season starts.  Also be sure to join store email lists to hear about the latest deals. Retail sites will often send coupons and insider tips to discounted material through their email lists, so join the retail lists of retail stores near you and start saving!

Budget Yourself

Take a good hard look at your finances and determine the amount that you can comfortably set aside for school shopping. Don’t overstretch your funds school shopping simply because you can find most supplies at low prices. Once you’ve drawn up a healthy budget, do everything you can to stick to it. If you stick to your budget you’ll be less likely to impulse buy. If your child wants the next trendy new (and expensive) thing for school and you can’t afford it, simply tell them that it doesn’t fit in the budget and move on.

Start Early

You’ll find that you’re less stressed when you shop early. Whether you’re shopping online or not, people tend to be more level headed about their purchases when they don’t feel rushed. If you start early you can shop in easy to handle spurts: one day you look for uniforms, another day you check out the bargain-priced notebooks. While you might miss the back to school sales, you can take your time shopping around for the best deals in town and skip out on the huge crowds.

Recycle

If money is really tight, don’t hesitate to shop at second hand or thrift stores. These stores regularly have high-quality clothing sold to them simply because they no longer fit the owner. You’d be surprised to find that the variety in thrift stores runs from every day clothing to high-dollar uniforms. Also keep in mind that those supplies leftover from last year—unused notebooks, stray writing utensils, etc—work just as well as newly bought materials. Use what’s left around the house and save your money for more important items.

Always pack a lunch for your child

This tip is a classic that always works to keep school spending low. Schools offer lunches that can be costly, and many of them don’t even serve food for a balanced and nutritious diet. Take charge of your children’s diet (and save some money in the process) by packing them healthy lunches that cost a fraction of lunches served at the cafeteria. Pack plenty of fruits and vegetables and avoid sugary drinks and snacks.

Author Bio:

This is a guest post by Nadia Jones who blogs at online college about education, college, student, teacher, money saving, movie related topics. You can reach her at nadia.jones5 @ gmail.com.