Tag Archives: fyi

Birthday Freebies

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Birthday Freebies

Hellooo everyone and happy Tuesday! Okay, so for those of you who don’t know, my 23rd birthday is tomorrow! Yikes. I can’t say that I’m thrilled about this but, I have to say, I am hyped about the plethora of freebies that I have received so far for my big day. As you guys know, your girl is constantly ballin on a budget so whether it be a free travel sized lotion to a percentage off a purchase, I’m all about that sale bout that sale SO FRUGAL (Sung to the tune of All About That Bass. Thank you, thank you I’ll be here all week.) ANYWAYS, take a look at my Birthday Freebies so far and let’s discuss:

  • One free small smoothie from Robek’s
  • One free beverage of any size from Dunkin’ Donuts
  • A ten dollar gift card from Victoria’s Secret for being an Angel Card holder
  • One free burrito from Moe’s
  • One free beverage of any size from Starbucks

Ayyyy! So, obviously I’m getting the birthday hookup and I freaking love it. There is nothing better than going out for a coffee or for dinner with friends and not having to pay a dime for it. Thanks to apps and rewards programs, getting extra bang for your buck on your birthday has never been easier. The beauty of some of these rewards is that I never even go to these places anymore, but because my account is open, I still get to reap the birthday benefits.

Like Moe’s and Dunkin’? Literally haven’t been to either in close to a year. BUT I have the Moe’s app and the Dunkin’ rewards program card (which works like a gift card but I haven’t uploaded money on it for years), so my birthday is in their registry. And Robek’s? It’s a rarity that I go there, but I have the app so my smoothie will be on them for my next visit! Of course, ten dollars at Victoria’s Secret doesn’t get you very far, but still. That’s a free panty or lip gloss and we all know by now how much I love free.

Being a savvy shopper whether that be with restaurants, coffee shops, or clothing stores is all about playing along with their promotions. Sign up for the emails, let their app take up a bit of extra space on your devices, give the loyalty program a try, apply for the credit card if you shop there frequently enough. Before you answer with a solid “no” to the salesperson telling you about these things, hear them out. You’ll be glad you did once you score some free birthday swag.

So there you have it, my Birthday Freebies (so far!)! What other restaurants/stores offer freebies on birthdays? What restaurants/stores offer the best every day promotions? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Making Sure That Your Home Is A Safe Environment

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Making Sure That Your Home Is A Safe Environment

As the saying goes, home is where the heart is. So it’s not surprising that we all want to protect our homes from any possible harm that may come their way. Most problems can be easily avoided, so here are some of the main issues that pose a risk to the safety of your home and the best ways to deal with them:

Burglary: Any home is a target for burglars. Regardless of the place that you choose to live, your home could be broken into if you are not careful. But there are several precautions that can be taken to put would-be burglars off. Some precautions are common sense: making sure that all doors are locked and that windows are closed when there is nobody in the room to supervise them. There are also some extra steps that you can take to put your mind at ease. Always pull curtains closed at night. This means that potential thieves won’t be able to take a look in and scout out certain prize items that they might like to take.

You can also install motion sensor lighting around the perimeters of your home. These will be activated by the slightest movements, alerting you to anyone’s presence in the vicinity of your home’s grounds. If you want to go the extra mile, you can also install CCTV cameras near access points into your home, such as windows and doors. To protect your home from the inside, you might like to consider investing in a home security system. This will alert you to intruders downstairs when you are upstairs asleep.

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Not today, burglar. Not today.

Accidental Damage: Despite our best efforts, there will always be some form of accidental damage in the home. A little one might kick a ball indoors and send a TV set falling from its wall mount. Or perhaps a pet will walk along your mantelpiece, knocking off precious ornaments and crockery. Regardless of the cause of accidental damage, it is important that you are prepared for it. This is where home insurance comes into play. Make sure that you have a generous policy that states it will repair or replace anything that is accidentally damaged in your home. Remember though: prevention is better than cure. Lay down some house rules with your family and visitors to minimize the chances of accidents occurring in the first place.

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 Yikes!

Faulty Goods: In a similar vein to accidental damage lies faulty goods. Sometimes stores will unknowingly sell you an item that just isn’t quite up to scratch. Faulty goods can often break before you have gained much use from them. At best, you are left with a worthless item lying about your house in need of repairs or replacement. At worst, faulty goods could pose serious risks, such as fires or electrical hazards.

Your products should always live up to your expectations. Good quality products most often will. This is why you should always invest in items with a good warranty. A long lasting warranty displays the manufacturer’s confidence in their product. What’s even better? If something does go wrong, you will be able to have the faulty item replaced free of charge. Check out some of the best warranties on the market at https://warrantyguides.com/best-home-warranty-companies. This site will show you the most promising guarantees on the market.

Many home warranty companies will allow you to customize a plan that makes sense for your home, lifestyle, and budget. Do a walk through of your home and make a list of the items that you think should fall under the warranty and ones that you have questions about. Then, enter a search for “home warranty companies in Arizona” (or your local area) for a consultation. Should any problems arise, you will be so glad that you took this step.

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 Lol, why is there a game controller in the fridge?

Fire: Fire can destroy homes in a matter of minutes, so they are to be avoided at all costs. This mainly takes a little common sense. Don’t leave candles burning unsupervised. Unplug items that are not being used. Make sure that you turn the oven off as soon as you have finished cooking with it. If you are a smoker, refrain from smoking in the house. Stub out your cigarette ends and dispose of them safely in an ashtray.

However, sometimes accidents can occur. You should be prepared for these, even if they are unlikely. Regularly check that your smoke alarms are working properly. You should also have basic fire safety equipment in your home, such as a fire blanket in the kitchen. Make sure that you have a plan in place for the unfortunate event of a fire. Know your exits and the fastest routes out of your home.

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Check your batteries often!

Child Proofing: Even if you don’t have any children, your home should always be child-friendly. This means that if visitors arrive with children, that your home is immediately ready to accommodate them. There are certain key elements when it comes to making sure that little ones are safe and sound in your living space. Make sure that blind cords are rolled up and out of the way. Children can easily become tangled in them, which could prove fatal. Cover plug sockets, as little fingers will often stray into them and this could result in a nasty shock. For the same reasons, make sure that there aren’t any exposed wires lying about. Remove any piles of objects balanced on top of each other, as they can topple and knock a small child down.

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Garden Safety: The garden can often be overlooked when looking at a home’s overall safety. But it is just as important of an area as the rest, especially in the summer months when people will be tempted to spend more time outdoors. Make sure that any tools are stored away in a locked shed when they are not being used. Loose tools scattered around the garden pose a serious trip hazard or could be stood on, resulting in twisted ankles or injuries from sharp edges or points.

The same goes for bicycles or garden toys. Keeping belongings in a shed is also beneficial for deterring potential burglars, who are likely to take desirable items such as lawn mowers or bicycles from gardens at night. Make sure that any ponds or water features are clearly visible and marked to avoid people falling in. You should also check the perimeters of your garden every so often. Broken or splintered fences can catch on clothes and skin as you brush by.

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Lock your shed at night!

Creating a safe living environment means creating a happy one that is free from injuries and unneeded stress. Follow these tips to ensure that your home is as safe as can be!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Money Management For Summer Fun

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Money Management For Summer Fun

The summer season is unquestionably the greatest time of the year. It offers the opportunity for non-stop fun through a wide array of activities. Sadly, though, those ventures can hit your wallet hard. So, needless to say, finding the right balance between amazing summer adventures and not breaking the bank is essential.

Summer is the perfect time to start generating savings at home because with vacas and day trips, you won’t be there as often. However, you will still be there sometimes, which is why you need to have some entertainment features on hand. You could probably cut down your TV package without noticing the difference, I’m sure there’s countless channels that go unused! Try downloading the Cinemabox movie app for access to the latest films and shows. Not only does it save money, but it also gives you the option to watch from the back yard hammock or on the move.

Speaking of the back yard, that could be one of your greatest assets throughout this part of the year, too. Nothing beats relaxing on the patio with rattan furniture. Whether it’s a relaxed evening with a book or spending family time together in the evening doesn’t matter. Those joys are better than anything offered during the colder months. Best of all, enjoying the garden is virtually free. Your lush back yard could even become your new place for social activities. Invite friends over for a summer BBQ or garden party, and it’ll be far cheaper than heading out to the local bar. And, let’s be honest, this option sounds like a lot more fun!

There are many other ways to save money at home during the summer. This is the ideal opportunity to complete various home upgrade tasks for long-term rewards. Increasing the home insulation will work wonders that will truly pay dividends in the winter. Meanwhile, looking for cheaper energy quotes can help decrease the bills even further. Growing food and generally living a greener life should bring ample rewards, too. Of course, it might be a bit late in the year to start with certain fruits and veggies. But that’s okay! Do your research and learn what types of produce grow best for this time of year and in your area and you’ll be well on your way to delicious summer salads in no time!

You will still inevitably go out on various occasions – it is summer, after all. The key is to make smarter choices. Leave the expensive internal activities for the autumn through spring. The summer months should be filled with hikes, sports, and exploration. I’m sure we’ll all be longing for those opportunities once the weather gets worse.

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Pretty!

Vacations are another crucial part of the summer. Most families have their big trip of the year during this time. Be sure to follow these ideas for a non-budget breaking holiday so that you can score the best deals during your big vaca. Money shouldn’t dictate every decision that you make in life. But maintaining a greater sense of control over your finances will enhance the summer and the rest of your year. If you can generate those savings without sacrificing your enjoyment, then you’re in for a fabulous summer, for sure!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

When An Injury Knocks You Down: Getting Up Again

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When An Injury Knocks You Down: Getting Up Again

Most people will deal with some kind of injury during their life, which might affect them in a significant way. An injury could lead to you being out of work, unable to perform everyday tasks, or suffering a knock to your confidence. It’s important to give yourself time to recover if you ever get hurt. However, the physical health aspect isn’t the only thing that you need to worry about if you suffer an injury. There are other issues, too, such as the financial impact it might have or how it makes you feel emotionally. If you’re recovering from an injury, keep the following things in mind:

Follow Your Doctor’s Advice: If you’ve seen a doctor about your injury, listening to their advice for recovery is essential. If you don’t take care of yourself, you could end up making your injury worse. There might be various treatments that your doctor recommends, from surgery or medication to physical therapy. On the other hand, some advice could be as simple as spending some time with your feet up. If you’re unsure about a doctor’s advice, you can get a second opinion from someone else. Your doctor can also be helpful if you need to take some time off of work or perhaps need some special accommodations at work.

Finding a doctor can be a daunting task if you don’t already have someone in mind. If this is the case for you, seek references from friends and family and do your own research as well. For example, if you are experiencing issues with your shoulder, enter a search for “cure for frozen shoulder Evanston” (or your local area) for practitioners near you.

The Financial Side: Money can be a worry if you suffer an injury. You might have medical bills to pay for, even if you have insurance, and you might have to take time off of work. Both of these things can make you worried about your financial situation. Looking for ways that you might be able to get any financial assistance of compensation could help you. If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, a slip and fall lawyer could help you get the money you deserve. You can also turn to friends and family to help you out, whether it’s by lending you money or doing something like providing childcare.

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Helpppppp!

The Emotional Effects: Being injured doesn’t always just affect you physically. It can also have an emotional effect, which can be tough to deal with. Talking to someone can be useful if you’re struggling to deal with how the injury or its effects are making you feel. That could just mean chatting with a friend or you might benefit from seeing a professional to help sort the injury woes out.

Getting Back on Your Feet: Getting back to normal can take some work after you’ve experienced an injury. This is especially true if you suffered a broken bone or even spent some time getting stronger at Pursue PT or a similar physical therapy clinic. The important thing to remember is not to rush yourself. You should make sure that you feel able to return to work or do other things before you push yourself to do it.

If physical therapy is required, it is so important to follow their advice to the letter. This includes doing the exercises they recommend at home! Going to physical therapy is only going to help you and you will want to find a well reviewed practitioner. To get started, simply enter a search for “Physical Therapy Near Me“. It is also helpful to get recommendations from friends and family too.

Suffering an injury usually has an impact on your life in some way. Recovering can take a while, but it’s essential to not let it get you down.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Summer Skin Care

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Summer Skin Care
Hi everyone and welcome to my darling friend, Carlie’s, post for my Salute To Summer guest bloggers series! Carlie is one of my favorite gals on the planet and I’m lucky enough to be able to FaceTime with her pretty frequently. Be sure to check out Carlie’s blog at Bombshell and give it some love! I am sure that you will enjoy her pinup princess antics just as much as I do. Now, on to Carlie’s post that will teach you how to keep your skin healthy and glowing this summer:

Summer Skin Care

It’s that time of the year again, SUMMER TIME! So when one of my truly wonderful girlfriends, Sarah (lifewithlilred), asked me to be a guest blogger for her summer series, I was all for it. For my Salute To Summer blog post, I am going to talk about how to prevent your skin from getting sun burned and damaged in the hot sun. Here are some tips to help you and your skin enjoy the summer all of the better:

1. SUNSCREEN: This should be a no brainer, but you can’t believe how many people, especially where I live in Southern California, don’t bother to wear sunscreen. Not only do a lot of them opt for lounging in the sun unprotected, but they also do tanning beds (which I refuse to ever try) and spray on tans. Sunscreen is a god send for not just my fair skin but for my girl, Sarah, who has such a gorgeous porcelain skin tone, herself!

As far as sunscreens go, I prefer a SPORTS Cream with an SPF around 50, (you can never be too careful!). They last longer and the Sports ones are waterproof. Spray sunscreens are great, too, especially when you don’t have anyone to apply sunscreen on your back! Despite how convenient spray sunscreens are, just be aware that you do have to reapply them more often than Sports waterproof sun screen.

2. MAKEUP FOR SUMMER: If you feel like you need to wear makeup while on the beach, vacation, or lounging by the pool, first of all, DON’T wear a lot of makeup. It’s not a good look. I recommend a waterproof mascara, a lip stain, and also the brand, BARE MINERALS! I have talked about Bare Minerals since it first hit the market about ten or eleven years ago when they only had the Bare Minerals store – unlike now, where you can get it at many department stores. Bare Minerals is a great makeup brand, which originally had a powdered foundation, a cheek color, and a mineral veil (which gives an air brushed finished to your foundation.). The best thing about Bare Minerals, is that they all have SPF sunscreen in them without looking greasy.
I, of course, love the MATTE coverage foundation and mineral veil. Bare Minerals now has many different products, like delicate colored shadows and formulas. But, for me, I’m old-school and like the original powdered products. Another Bare Minerals bonus, besides the sunscreen in it, is that if you find your skin really dry during the warm months, they actually make hydrating foundations and powders. Plus, the coverage is fantastic. I recommend this brand for sunscreen on the face. You can even layer the foundations over a delicate swipe of regular sunscreen, let it sit for a minute, and then apply the sunscreen powdered foundation.
3. SUMMER ACCESSORIES: Whether you are at the beach or the pool, summer accessories are a must. Bring a big umbrella to cover your beautiful skin if you’re lounging on a bench with music or a good book. A big floppy hat and oversized sunglasses can also never hurt when it comes to covering up your precious skin. Oh, and of course, don’t walk out of the house without a cover up over your bathing suit!
XOXO Carlie

Thank you so much again to the gorgeous Carlie for walking us through some Summer Skin Care tips! How do you step up your skin care game in the summer? What is your preferred sunscreen brand? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Ford And Fiat Battle For The Ultimate Small Summer Car

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Ford And Fiat Battle For The Ultimate Small Summer Car

Let loose the rays of ultraviolet, may the buds that sprout shoot into blossoming flowers that drench the world in their splendor, and may the sound of puppies playing and children laughing swamp the world. Summer is finally here – and about time, too. The wind, rain, and unpleasant gray clouds all have bowed to the supremacy of the sun and ran away. Times like these make you want to go on a holiday with your best friends and never come home.

Nothing can replicate the feeling of a summer vacation that’s totally in your own hands. No scheduled flights to catch, no delayed trains, no sleeping on the floor of some godforsaken terminal somewhere. Now, all you need is the perfect little car to drive you to all of the vacation hot spots. But If you’re in the market for a small car, which one should you pick? The honest answer is that there are a multitude of choices but none of them dominate the others in the field; it’s all relative. However, here are two of the totally beach ready cars that you can consider:

Dancing With Urbanity: Fiesta de resistance. Ever since Ford shrunk their Focus model and the Ford Fiesta was born, they’ve made a perfectly reliable, fun, scoot-mobile. The design is really quite unique as the car’s rear is taller than the front and has a sweeping slope angle towards the front of the car. The indented lines run from the trunk, down the side doors, and onto the top of the bonnet and into the headlights. The Fiesta is a four door car with great legroom for your friends in the back seats. It has a peppy little 1-liter Ecoboost engine which has great low-rev grunt, which makes it the obvious choice for little streets which require a decent amount of torque for quick bursts of acceleration.

Drinking and driving is a very serious issue and some people can get carried away on holiday. If you know someone who may fall prey to vaca temptation and you can see they need help, you could reward them with a road trip holiday in one of these cars after they’ve been to a place like https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/alcohol-abuse/. Nevertheless, Ford have always made strong and sturdy cars, and the little Fiesta is no different with the Euro NCAP crash tests giving it a staggering 91% protection rating for adults and similarly astonishing 86% for child protection. When you’re driving in countries you’re unfamiliar with, knowing that you’re safe behind the wheel should an accident befall you is something that travelers are understandably putting high up on their list.

Italian Magnificence: The Fiat Punto is one of the iconic cars of the latter part of the 20th century and now is a staple car for those looking at an affordable little zipping machine. Pointy, small, agile, and totally adorable – the Punto uses a 1.2 petrol engine. Italians are known for their automotive engineering and this little car is no exception. The engine has as strong block, so it will tend to rev out a lot. But most small cars are made to be loud shouty things when you really put your foot down! The style is very sleek and curvy, perfect for the voguish girl who wants to make a statement driving through town. The proportions are incredibly well sized and timed; the Punto wouldn’t look out of place driving through Monaco. And get this, it has a combined 60 miles per gallon capability; that means more miles as you navigate through the city.

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Pretty!

A vacation isn’t complete without a cool car to drive around in. And with so many new options on the table – the problem won’t be finding one but deciding on one model!

Featured Image By: Cherylholt

What Are The Other Symptoms You Should Never Ignore?

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What Are The Other Symptoms You Should Never Ignore?

It’s pretty likely that everyone is aware of the common list of symptoms that you should never ignore. These symptoms are important to know and it’s undeniably a good thing that so many people are made aware of them. However, one of the odd things about that kind of list is that it usually involves symptoms like “sudden blindness”. Now, this might be an assumption, but it seems pretty likely that there aren’t many people out there who would otherwise have ignored suddenly going blind (or maybe they do, to each their own)!

The problem that many people have is not that they’re ignoring huge, sudden symptoms. It’s that they are ignoring some of the smaller symptoms that are much easier to treat as if they’re no big deal. Because of this, people end up putting themselves in danger because they are leaving it be for far too long before getting themselves checked out. To prevent that from happening, here are a few more symptoms that you should never ignore:

Losing Weight (Without Trying): Pretty much everyone would like to shed a couple of pounds here and there so, for many people, the idea of losing weight without having to do anything is a dream come true. However, it could potentially be a sign of a serious problem. Losing five percent of your weight within a six to twelve month period is a sign that you need to see your doctor, because it could be any number of things, including cancer, depression, or thyroid problems.

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Shortness Of Breath: For those of us who aren’t constant gym bunnies, occasionally getting a little winded when doing any kind of strenuous activity is pretty much par for the course (sad but true!). However, if you find that you’re becoming short of breath even while doing incredibly simple activities that don’t require much effort, that might be a sign of something worse than an inactive lifestyle. Shortness of breath can be a sign of something like asthma or potentially something worse, like mesothelioma. Check out mesotheliomahelp.org to see if you are exhibiting any other symptoms. Sometimes shortness of breath is just a sign that you need to exercise more often, but it’s worth seeing someone about it just in case.

It may be worth seeking some legal advice if you are diagnosed with this condition, especially if this is due to the negligence of a company or an individual. Speaking with a mesothelioma attorney in Jersey City can be beneficial as they can assist you with any complexities with your legal case, should you feel it is necessary to take action. They will be able to assess the strength of your case, help you understand your rights and what action needs to be taken in order to ensure you are compensated correctly. Sometimes shortness of breath is just a sign that you need to exercise more often, but it’s worth seeking a diagnosis if you have multiple symptoms, or are aware of exposure.

You’re Constantly Thirsty: It’s undeniable that far too many people simply aren’t hydrated enough on a day-to-day basis. However, if you find that it doesn’t matter how much water your drink, you’re still thirsty, then definitely get that checked out. While it could simply be down to your lifestyle, it could also be a result of a problem with your kidneys or potentially high blood sugar levels. High blood sugar makes you urinate more frequently, which is likely to leave you dehydrated.

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#throwitback

Remember, even if you’re pretty sure that a symptom is nothing, it’s always better to get it checked out early rather than waiting for it to become something more serious. Even if it turns out not to have been that important, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Avoiding The Legal Headaches Of The Business World

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Avoiding The Legal Headaches Of The Business World

Running your own small business is like every other aspect of your life, as you need to be cognizant of the law. Just as you will know when you are at home how loud you can play music and that you need planning permission to make any changes to your house. And while you are in public, you will acknowledge the importance of not behaving in certain ways, you should also be aware of the things that you have to do in the business world when it comes to your legal obligations and limits.

A lot of laws are ostensibly superfluous because the things that they prohibit are already governed by a sort of tacitly agreed social contract. Many people do not do certain things because they would not want to do them in any case, irrespective of whether there is a law in place that tells them that they shouldn’t. However, with some things, the law imposes obligations on you that you may find to be quite restrictive or expensive. The reality is, that you still need to attend to these things because they often have the benefits of your employees or society as a whole in mind. Failing to do so can result in legal difficulties which can feasibly end the viability of your business. Here are a few things that you should consider to make sure that your business is compliant:

Some things are rather obvious, like the importance of running an office or other business venues in such a way that reduces the potential risk of fire. These measures are sensible not only because they can help prevent horrific injury or death, but also because a fire can be disastrous for business. Taking out business insurance is always a good idea. It is not just for pessimists; in the event that your office does burn down, you will realize that it is for realists. However, there are also lots of fire codes, which you need to know and submit to. They are often detailed and complex and rather than reading, understanding, and implementing them yourself, you may want to hire a fire safety franchise to come into your business and make sure that everything is as it should be. It will ensure that your business is not closed down by government inspectors, as well as keeping you and your employees safe.

Not all of the threats to your business are so impersonal as something like fire, though. The people that you hire can also prove to be a disadvantage to you. Research conducted by the Ponemon Institute in Tucson, Arizona, found that 60% of employees who quit a job or who are asked to leave steal from that company. 65% of those same people took email lists, while 35% took employee records. Remarkably, 16% had the temerity to take financial information. This is illegal and can present a major threat to your business. If that person takes that data to one of your competitors, you may not be able to compete as effectively as you’d like. However, if that data is leaked, it could hurt your reputation and leave you vulnerable to being sued. Encrypting your data and implementing clearance levels and non-disclosure agreements is a good idea. You should also have an excellent lawyer on standby for consumer complaints, defamation, and employee disputes. To get started, simply enter a search for “litigation lawyers melbourne” (or your local area). Whomever you choose should know your business and its employees inside and out to provide the best help possible.

Finally, it is so important for your business to ensure that everything is above board and perfect in terms of taxes. An issue with the IRS can be absolutely detrimental to yourself and those under your employment. The person in charge of the company’s finances must be well versed in all aspects of tax law and it is wise to have regular audits and inspections. You should also have a tax lawyer like Hughes Noff Tax Law, a Maryland tax law firm (or a similar practice in your local area) on standby should any issues ever occur.

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Featured Image By: Pexels

Get Smarter – How To Learn More About The World Around You

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Get Smarter – How To Learn More About The World Around You

All of us want to get smarter, no matter who we are and what we do. That eternal drive to get better, to know more, and to be a more well rounded human being is something that pushes us through each day of our lives. We want to do better at work, to get promoted, and to feel satisfied when we get home. We want to be good partners, daughters, parents – but if you want to get smarter for your own benefit in your own time, what exactly should you do? Here are some tips to help:

Keep Reading: One of the best ways to get more informed and to develop more views about the world in which you live is to read more. Hit up the library and check out books about anything that strikes your fancy. It could be anatomy, animals, or maybe brushing up on history by learning more about the purchase of the Louisiana Territory. It’s also a good idea to read the newspaper every day – but you need to remember that what you read in the media and what you see on TV is not necessarily the absolute truth. Everything is written through the lens of the writer and through what they want to put across – nothing is completely neutral. In order to be a critical and intelligent reader, you should make sure that you take your information from more than one source. Aside from the media, you should also start reading more books, whether they’re fiction, non fiction, commercial literature, or far more highbrow. They make you a much more emotionally intelligent person as you understand how to empathize with lots of different people.

Get Online: One way to get smarter is to get online. Using social media like Twitter, you can follow a lot of different people and news outlets so that you can read stories and articles from a number of different sources with a lot of different opinions. Whether you’re reading the New York Times or Variety, the point is that you’re reading, learning, and interacting with people. You could also start to do some research into subjects that you’re interested in. Playing art history games will quiz you and keep you sharp, while you could spend days and days learning about things like the fall of the Roman Empire or the colonization of India and understanding how they’re relevant to your life today.

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Enjoy your reading with a cup of tea!

Start Talking: Finally, the best way to open your mind to the world around you is to start talking to people that you encounter throughout the day. There are some perspectives that are definitely not worth listening to – let’s face it, anyone who’s racist, sexist, or homophobic isn’t worth a single second of your precious time unless you’re the one educating them – but it is important to get out of the house, to go to talks, lectures, debates, and start listening to other people. Communication is about more than talking yourself – learning to hear others and to respond to what they’re saying is the keystone of how to understand other people much more effectively. The best way to get smarter and more knowledgeable about the world around you is to listen to other people’s experiences and learn from them. And remember to really try and tune into everything your conversation partner is saying – even if it is boring!

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Three cheers for chit chatting! 😀

Featured Image By: Pexels

Monday Update: Salute To Summer Guest Bloggers Series Lineup

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Monday Update: Salute To Summer Guest Bloggers Series Lineup

Hello everyone and happy Monday! This week is a fun one because tomorrow is the beginning of my Salute To Summer guest bloggers series! With the change of the seasons, I love inviting my fellow bloggers to join me on my page to celebrate their favorite parts of that time of year. It’s a joy to see the tips, fashion, beauty, and hang outs from all over the world, thanks to the wonderful ladies that bravely volunteer to write an article for lifewithlilred. Chit chatting over email with all of my girls always makes my day and each of them have come up with a wonderful and unique article to share with all of you. So let’s get to the lineup:

Salute To Summer Guest Bloggers:

As you can see, I have a fabulous lineup in place for this guest bloggers series and I cannot wait for it to start tomorrow with a gorgeous OOTD compliments of K.M.! Thank you to all of my amazing guest bloggers for participating in my Salute To Summer series – I so loved working with all of you. And, of course, you are welcome back on lifewithlilred any time!

What is your favorite part of summer? What is the summer weather like in your neck of the woods? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah