Three Fun Things to do this Summer

Summer is a time for fun, sun and relaxation. However, if you are not on holidays and you have to work at a 9- 5 job; then the beauty of summer will be lost on you. Here are three fun things you can do this summer that will make this summer memorable.

Weekend Road Trip

Planning a road trip is a great way to get away from your everyday routine. A great road trip will enable you to explore different places and to spend much needed time with family and friends.

There are different types of road trips. Here are a few:
Type 1: a direct car trip to get to a specific event or location

Type 2: an extended planned trip with multiple destinations

Type 3: the indefinite trip with spontaneous destinations

D.I.Y. Summer Items

What I love about summer is the sense freedom it brings.  As adults we often feel trap by our daily lives. This is because there are times when we are forced to be practical. Designing cool Do It Yourself (D.I.Y) summer items is a way to shelf the practicality of our lives and just have fun.

Here are some summer D.I.Y. items you can make:

Reconstructed Blouses 

D.I.Y. Scarf Sandals

D.I.Y Belt

Break the Routine: Tour Your City

Find those tucked away places in your own city that you have often over looked or you have been too busy to explore.

These can include but are not limited to:

• Art Gallery Tours
• Bicycle Tour around the City
• Spending a day at the beach or local attractions
• Going to festivals and local concerts
• Exploring historical building and churches

 The idea is to do something out of the ordinary.


Further Reading: Summer Road Trip

FREE Online Tools for Small Business Growth

If you have ever started a small business you will know that often you have to grow your business on a shoe string budget. Here are some free online tools that you can use to make your make business grow.

Waveapps.com

Wave provides business with ten or less employees with accounting software. Wave is a cloud-based, integrated software tool for small businesses. The software includes invoicing, accounting, payroll, payment collection and more. It also includes a platform for the user to manage their personal finance along with their business finance. However, users of this site will have to pay to use the payroll software.

What I love about this software is that you can create excellent invoices that you can tailor to your

unique needs for customers. Your invoices can be shared to your customer via a unique link. Once your customer views the invoice. You the business owner will see that reflected in Wave. If you own a small business but accounting is not your strong suit, this software simplifies the process for you. It is very user friendly.

The draw back to this software is that some of the futures are only available for persons operating a business in The United States or Canada.

Jotforms

Jotform is a personal favourite of mine. JotForm is a web based form builder; that allows the user to create forms by dragging and dropping various fields on a template to create a form.

You can create what seems like any document that you need for your small business. What makes Jotform ideal for the small business users is that it  you can integrate these forms into your website, blog, email or facebook page at no cost to you.

When you integrate JotForm into your site and you can receive real time messages to your email when someone completes your form. A copy of the completed form is also in the email you receive.

Canva

Canva instantly turns you into a graphic artiste. With Canva, you can create newsletters,  blog headers, Facebook covers, business cards and the list goes on. Canva is very user friendly, you can also upload your pictures or purchase pictures from them at a minimal cost. Once you have created your desired design you can download it as a picture and share it with your friends.

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

The Different Types of Walking

SOURCE

Here are some different types of walking you can consider incorporating in your new year health plan.

Fitness walking is called by many different names - power walking, fitness walking, health walking. Power walking is commonly used to represent an exaggerated walking style. This style of overstriding and exaggerated arm movements is often linked with injuries. Because of this, I don't generally use the term power walking. A better term for a healthful energetic walking pace is "fitness walking".

Fitness walking is much more than a stroll or nature walk. When fitness walking you incorporate the muscles of the upper body making it a GREAT aerobic activity. It burns approximately the same calories as running, yet it is much easier on the body. Because more muscles are used it burns calories much quicker than less aggressive walking. It also tones muscles in the buttocks, thighs, hips, shoulders, upper back and abs. Most fitness walkers average about 12 to 15 minutes per mile.

Unlike racewalking; there is no official definition. There are no rules. If you walk at a purposeful fitness walking pace using the good technique you are a fitness walker. Use the tips above to ensure good walking form and to increase your pace. 

SOURCE

One FREE App for New Year's Weight Loss

I will be sharing five free apps that you can use this year to help you achieve your New Year's Resolution goals. Each day this week there will be a new post featuring a different app. Until then check out our recommended weight lost app.

1. Weight Loss Resolution

2014 might not have been the best year for weight loss or healthy eating for you. So, you resolve that in 2015 all of that will change. Here is a a quick and easy app that you can use to achieve your weight loss goal.

Lose it is a comprehensive app that track your calorie and exercise for free. Loseit.com says that the app 'Lose It!' is designed with one goal - to help you lose weight in a healthy, sustainable way. No magic pills, no crazy diets - just a simple, easy-to-use program that helps you stay in your calorie budget. 

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.