Tag Archives: new

Mar1

Getting Off To The Best Start With Your Pup

Posted on by
Standard
Getting Off To The Best Start With Your Pup

Welcoming a new dog into the home should be and is a joyous occasion. Then, the honeymoon period quickly starts sharing room with the realization of the demands that a pet brings with them. Whether you’re a new owner or this is your first new dog in a while, it’s important to get a refresher on how to turn them from little strangers to a family member in no time:

Make Sure You’re Ready For Them: It’s vital that you take your responsibilities as a dog owner as seriously as possible. They have needs and they look solely to you to help them fulfill them. You have to know what those needs are before they come in the home. Who is going to feed them, walk them, and play with them? Do you have the budget to take care of all the costs in food, bedding, and vet visits? We don’t want to put anyone off getting a dog. However, if your family isn’t ready for them, then you should reconsider for the sake of the animal and the family.

Welcome Them In The Home: Having a space for the dog is important. You need to think about how much space they’re going to take when sleeping and make sure that you get a bedding area that’s both big and comfortable enough. You also have to know that dogs, young pups especially, are going to try to get into just about anything. For that reason, pet-proofing the home is vital. You need to make sure that no food or dangerous little odds and ends are in reach of them. You should also make sure that your houseplants are not poisonous to your new pet.

Get Up To Date On Their Health: Finding a good veterinary surgeon as soon as possible has to be on the agenda. Not only because you want someone who you can go to in an emergency but you also need the sources that can keep you up to date on all the essentials of keeping the pup healthy. Their immunizations, regular pest control treatments, getting them microchipped, and so on. Keep a schedule of those essential visits and don’t be afraid to ask the vet for any advice that you might need.

Don’t forget regular cleanings for their teeth and nail trimming too. Your vet will have the best veterinary dental equipment to be able to treat any major issues or can recommend you to a great groomer for maintenance visits.

Train Your Pup: It’s just as essential that you make sure your dog is becoming the kind of family dog that you want. Early habits like potty training and chewing on things aren’t the only habits that you should be concerned about. Many people neglect to get their dog properly socialized, which means that they can bark, jump up, and even display aggressive behavior to new people and animals alike. One of the habits that the humans in the relationship need to make sure that they don’t get into is feeding the dog scraps. Doing that too often can make it so that the dog’s palate doesn’t quite enjoy dog food the same way and instead they spend their free time looking for even more treats. It might be endearing, but when they’re constantly trying to jump up to your dinner plate, it can get old very fast.

Taking care of a whole new creature brings with it plenty of challenges. But do it right and you’ll end up with one of the most loyal friends your family could have! <333

Totes Adorbs Featured Image By: Pixabay

Mar1

Finding Work: Get Ahead Of The Competition

Posted on by
Standard
Finding Work: Get Ahead Of The Competition

It can be a difficult time when you are looking for work, especially if the roles you are going for are particularly competitive. The truth is, everyone worries when they are in this situation that they will not be good enough or that they won’t get the job that they want. As long as you are keen to focus on continually improving yourself, however, you should find that the process is not as hard as you might have thought. In this article, we are going to look at some of the essential things that you should think about doing if you want to get ahead of your competition as easily and quickly as possible. With any luck, following this advice should help you greatly in the long run, thanks to some pretty simple solutions:

Apply For More Jobs: This first piece of advice might sound too simple to be effective, but the truth is very often that those who succeed in their work efforts are those who put more work into applying for jobs. If you think about it, this makes perfect sense. After all, you need to be doing everything in your power to increase your chances of finding work, and one of the most important things in that regard is the simple act of applying for more work. The more you apply for, the more you are opening yourself up to possible chances and the more luck you will have on the whole. If you are worried that the quality of your applications is not as good as it could be, then practicing or attending resume workshops is the best way to fix that problem. Either way, applying to numerous places is always going to be a top solution for the issue.

Get Qualified In Your Field: Hopefully, you will be applying for a relatively slim area of jobs, as it is this focus which enables you to get ahead more easily. It also means that you can more easily prepare for the roles you are likely to get. What’s more, you can get qualified in the area that you are interested in so that you are a much more attractive prospect to those potential employers than your rival candidates. The more qualifications you can get in your field, the better off you will be, so make sure that you are doing everything you can to get as qualified as possible.

Do your best to ensure that you are going for qualifications which are as specific to the desired roles as possible. If you are keen to be a nurse, then look at what your local nursing schools have to offer. If you want to be a teacher, then look into getting your teaching diploma from a reputable institution. It is hard to overstate just how important the qualifications can be. Make sure that you are doing everything you can to be more qualified than your fellow candidates.

comp1

#suit&tie

Work On Your Confidence: A lot of people have trouble with developing confidence but, the truth is, is that confidence is a skill which can be developed just like any other. If you are wanting to become a more confident person, then the first step is to realize that you have within you all of the necessary ability to do so. All you really need is a change in attitude, and then you will find that this is reflected in the outside world. To work on your confidence in the particular area of job hunting, however, it is simply a matter of practice.

Go to as many interviews as possible, treat them like practice, and you will soon be speaking and presenting yourself in a much better manner. As long as you want something enough, it is likely that you can easily work on your confidence to the point of getting it. The trick is to fake it till you make it, in that very often confidence is merely a show. With some time and patience, you can become more confident than you have ever been before.

Networking: Although you might not like the idea initially, networking actually often proves to be a very powerful way of increasing your chances of success in the world of work. As with anything else of this nature, networking takes some practice, but it can be easily achieved as long as you are happy to put the necessary effort in. With any luck, this will ensure that you massively increase your chances of landing that ideal job and beating the competition.

comp2

Networking webs!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feb24

Change These 3 Things For A New Kitchen Today

Posted on by
Standard
Change These 3 Things For A New Kitchen Today

Of all the rooms in the house, the kitchen is often the one which people care about the most. Even when you are selling a property, you will find that people tend to go straight to the kitchen to see what it is like. For this reason, it also adds a lot of value to a home, particularly if it has been renovated. If you are looking to improve your kitchen, then there are a great number of things that you can do towards that end. Fortunately, many of them are not too expensive, so you can easily give yourself a brand new kitchen even if you are on a tight budget. Let’s take a look at three things that you can change to give yourself the look and feel of a fresh and new kitchen today:

Appliances: Although they might be strictly practical, it must be said that the appliances in any kitchen do also add to the overall look and feel of the room. There are many great styles which you can choose from these days and it is worth bearing that in mind when you are thinking about changing around your kitchen. Changing the appliances is especially worthwhile if you have had the current ones for a long time. Doing so will also mean that you have a more effective kitchen in practical terms. There is nothing better than a brand new oven for baking, after all. Change your appliances, and you should find that the whole room looks much different in no time at all.

While it might not be the same as a full fledged appliance makeover, you might find that getting your current appliances tuned up could have a similar effect. Whether appliances are brand new or now functioning as they should will still improve your cooking experience. Simply enter a search for “Park City Appliance Repair” (or your local area) to see how the pros can get your appliances working better than ever.

kitch2

Very nice!

Flooring: There is practically no limit to what you can do with your kitchen floor. If you are looking for a change, then your only real problem will be that you are spoiled for choice. However, that being said, there are some particular favorites which do seem to come around time and again, so it might be worth keeping them in mind. For example, you might want to think about getting some laminate flooring installed, which looks especially nice in kitchen areas. When you update your flooring in this way, the whole room can seem to take on a new life altogether. This is definitely worthwhile if you are looking for a change which is inexpensive and fast.

Counters: The counter tops, where you do most of your cooking, are an important part of the overall look of the kitchen. If you are a fan of the old and rustic feel, then going for some dark, deep mahogany or oak might be a fun way to add fresh life to your kitchen. Or more practically, and no less attractively, you could consider using marble or granite for those counter tops. Whatever you go for, you have that brand new feeling to look forward to. It doesn’t come around that often, so make the most of it and enjoy it! With any luck, your kitchen will be looking like a whole different space in no time at all.

When you are considering countertops, don’t forget about backsplashes to really help make them pop. This can be as bold or as subtle as you would like and is a project even a novice DIYer can do. Explore guides for laying tiles in patterns if you want to try and put your skills to the test!

Whatever you go for in terms of appliances, flooring, and counters, you have that brand new feeling to look forward to. It doesn’t come around that often, so make the most of it and enjoy it! With any luck, your kitchen will be looking like a whole different space in no time at all.

kitch3

Treat yourself to new tools, too!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feb24

Finding Your Fit As An International On The Job Market

Posted on by
Standard
Finding Your Fit As An International On The Job Market

Moving to a new country always comes with its fair share of challenges. One of those is making sure that you’re contributing to society through employment, particularly by getting work in the field that you’re best qualified and suited to. It may be difficult, but it’s not impossible. A little research and re-aligning your skills can get you in a job in no time at all:

What You Need To Have And Know: It’s important to get a grasp of the rights and requirements of working in any country. If you’re a temporary international, you are likely to need a specific kind of visa, which you can inquire about before making your move. You also need to look into acquiring anything like a tax number when you do start working, which is also important for making use of the benefits that you can be entitled to. A local employment center can help ensure that you’re not missing anything vital.

Master The Language: Whether you have a job waiting for you or you’re new on the market, there is no better skill to get under your belt than a proper grasp of the language that is used where you live. There are plenty of English language course options and options for other languages that help you no matter what your current competency level is. Not only will it allow you the kind of professional mastery over your speech that can make you a more appealing hire, but it’s important to be able to be thoroughly understood when communicating with colleagues. Language barriers can get in the way of work and personal work relationships.

Get Help With The Resume: Your resume, CV, or however else you might consider it, will change not only from place to place but position to position. You need to do your research on what employers in the country look for in a resume. Employment centers can be a big help in giving your skills the kind of presentation that they need.

Know The Etiquette: Every country has its cultural differences and some of them are going to take time and experience to thoroughly understand. What you should research in advance, however, is professional etiquette. From how to dress professionally to how to address superiors as well as simple interpersonal etiquette. You can make your first day go a lot smoother if you take the time to learn, which will (hopefully!) prevent major blunders or etiquette no nos.

Getting Your Match: If you have specific skills or experience in a specific industry, then it might be easier to get you a match that fits your expertise, rather than having to start by scanning the market. There are a lot of programs that help internationals work in the field that they know, so have a look to see if any of these can help you find your match.

Getting a job isn’t only going to keep you sustained, but it’s one of the easiest ways to find yourself getting used to the culture and the people of a new location. The friends that you make at work, in particular, can help you do away with those newcomer blues in no time.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Feb21

Asian Food? Give It A Thai

Posted on by
Standard
Asian Food? Give It A Thai

Did you know that the average household uses a range of five or six main ingredients in their diet. This doesn’t include seasoning and herbs but focuses on the main features such as one or two types of meat, a source of carbohydrate such as potatoes or rice, and three main vegetables. That’s about it.

With busy lives we tend to scale down how adventurous we are in the kitchen and spend less time creating exciting meals than we do sitting down to eat. It’s kind of sad. There are so many great recipes out there that are quick, easy, and above all tasty so if your taste buds need a little treat at home, try including one, out of the safety zone, meal every week (and try to enjoy the cooking as much as the eating!).

Asia is the largest continent in the world and has such a diverse range of cuisine. There are flavors that will suit every palette, from Freekeh which is a gentle, smoked grain from Palestine to the complicated layers of spice and herbs that you would find in India. Asian food, on the whole, is healthy and boosts longevity which makes it a great addition to any household that is trying to get healthy but doesn’t want to spend their weeks eating salad and poached chicken. There are loads of recipes that are based around quick cooking and high flavor, which you can recreate at home.

When was the last time you bought any shellfish?  If it has been a while then you are really missing out. Steamed crabs offer a delicious meat and because of the delicate flavor, they only get better with a little bit of creativity. So check out this brilliant Thai Crab Cake recipe and see if you can add a little spice to your life:

Place about a half pound of crab meat, onion, lime zest (or kaffir lime leaf), chili powder, fish sauce, oyster sauce, 1 egg, and ¾ of a cup of panko (or polenta) into a food processor and blitz to combine all of the ingredients. Add another ¼ cup of panko (or polenta) and stir to combine. The mixture should be moist enough for you to create a cake but not so moist that it sticks to your hands and falls apart. You are better off if you find yourself in a situation where you need to add more panko, than trying to moisten things down.

Create your cakes, which should be about 3 inches in diameter, then place aside.  Add garlic salt into ¾ cup of your panko or polenta and set into a bowl. In another bowl whisk 2 small eggs. Dip your cakes into the egg first, then roll in the panko/polenta mix until completely coated.

In a sizzling hot pan, drop your cakes into the oil and cook for 2 minutes on each side.  Serve with a squeeze of lime, a little coriander salad, and some Thai sweet chili sauce. Simple as that – a delicious meal in under twenty minutes!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feb17

New Nails!

Posted on by
Standard
New Nails!

Hey everyone and TGIF! As you guys know if you follow my stiletto nail saga, I have a wonderful relationship with Vinny, my nail tech. He is such a fantastic friend and a nail wizard but, unfortunately, is now working at a salon closer to his home but way far away for me. I wouldn’t have minded continuing to go to the salon that he worked at previously but I was never happy with how the other technicians working there did my nails when Vinny couldn’t. So, I began the hunt for a new salon to go to.

I searched through Google, asked for recommendations from friends, and turned to Facebook which helped me settle on a salon that’s a whopping two minutes away from my house, LT Nails. For the most part, the salon had excellent reviews and their prices were fair so I figured that I would give it a shot. I’ve been itching to get new nails for a while now as I’ve had the same set since the beginning of November so the technician at LT hooked me up with these little beauties:

new7.jpeg

Now, wait, something appears to be missing…My middle finger crosses perhaps? Yeah. I honestly wasn’t sure if the salon even had airbrushing because it wasn’t advertised on their price menu and also the lady who did my nails kind of scared me. But, that’s no big deal, I’ll snag some nail art pens or something elsewhere and draw the crosses on myself because how hard can it be?!

Anyways, I’m really happy with how my nails turned out, especially because they’re longer than the old set that I had taken off. I wanted them long enough for them to still feel like talons but short enough to be functional and I think that this was a good in between length. But, I am secretly looking forward to them growing out a little!

The one thing that I wasn’t too thrilled about at LT asides from my fingers getting stabbed quite a few times was that they charged five dollars extra for all services involving long nails. I mean, okay, I get it because they do take more time but I had never been to a salon or even heard of one doing that before which was a little annoying. So, now I’m on the great debate of continuing to go to LT when I need a fill or going to my old salon to see if a tech that I haven’t been to before could potentially do a good job. Oh, what a tangled web we weave!!

But, regardless, my new nails still look really good which is all that matters, I guess! Who else likes to sport stiletto nails? What is one of your favorite nail polish colors to wear? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb15

Moving In 101

Posted on by
Standard
Moving In 101

In terms of stress- moving into a new place is right up there with starting a new job. All the packing and unpacking, hammering nails, and setting up of bills, it’s enough to send anyone into a panic. Before chaos ensues, take a breath, and read these top tips for packing up your old place and setting up your new one:

Lists: As much as the mention of lists might cause some sighs and eye-rolls, they are an essential part of moving. Boring yes, but completely essential. Before you move out make a list of things that you need to do. This will probably include finding and hiring movers, decluttering your home, and the careful packing up of your belongings. Tick off your list as you go so you know what’s left to do. This will keep you organized and on schedule throughout the move.

Packing & Decluttering: It’s time to be ruthless. Be realistic about what you’re keeping, especially if you’re downsizing. Get the measurements of your new place and make sure that everything is going to fit. Once you’ve sorted through your belongings it’s time to pack. Try and pack your items in room by room boxes. This will make it so much easier on the other end. Pack the heaviest items first to avoid crushing any smaller items. Avoid packing heavy books or ornaments in cardboard boxes. Even with tape on the bottom, it’s best to opt for a sturdier book box (the plastic kind).

102.png

Pixabay Image

Setting Up The Bills: This stresses a lot of people out, but it doesn’t need to! For most of us, it’s about finding the internet, phone, gas and electricity providers. There are lots of sites out there that compare different gas and electric providers for you, based on your postcode. For internet and phone providers, shop around and find a deal that suits you that’s within your budget. This can all be done before you move in. The previous tenants or homeowners might also be able to provide some good tips about which providers worked for them.

Moving In Date & Time: If your move in date is flexible, be sure to choose wisely. Choose a date when you don’t have work the next day, or request it off. Try moving in as early in the day as possible. This gives you time to at least set up your bed with linen and unpack some essential toiletries and kitchen utensils. This means that when you wake up the next day you won’t be met by lots of unorganized chaos.

103.png

Unpacking party!

Sleep: Moving is stressful! There’s no way around it. By following these tips and tricks you should be able to at least minimize the stress. But it’s still so important to get a great night’s sleep the day before the move. This will allow you to feel your best for the physically demanding day ahead! Try not too talk to much about the move the night before. This could lead to a sleepless night of worrying. As long as everything is planned and organized beforehand, you should be worry free!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Feb14

Your First Day On A New Job

Posted on by
Standard

The first day of a new job can be a mixture of feeling terrified and excited. You are usually excited to get your teeth into your new role and prove yourself to your new colleagues. However, it can be pretty terrifying to be the only new person in a group of workers that have all know each other for ages! Luckily there are a few ways to make your first day go as smoothly as possible. Just read on to find out what they are:

Be Punctual: Whatever you do on the first day of your new job, make sure that you are punctual. Not only do you want to make a good impression and look keen, but you also don’t need the stress of rushing and wondering whether you are going to make it on time or not. Do a trial run of the journey at that time in the morning so you know exactly how it will go, and make sure you leave extra early for your first day. You don’t always have to leave at that time once you are established in your role but it can really help reduce your stress levels in the beginning.

newjob.jpg

Tick tock!

Make Conversation: Something else that can be really helpful to do on the first day of work is to talk to as many people as possible. This is easier for some than others. Introverted folks will especially have a hard time with this. But do a little prep work to help you beforehand. Research topics for conversation in the news or the internet. Or pick out certain aspects of the company to talk about, like a major event that is coming up or their social club.

Remember, too, that if you have had a career change, that it’s best not to go on too much about your old job, the positives or the negatives. In fact, it’s better to be more interested in the role that you are doing now.

newjob1.jpg

Chatty Kathy!

Take a Packed Lunch: A great idea for your first day is to take a packed lunch with you. This is because you probably don’t know what the lunch facilities will be like there, or if you’ll even get a proper lunch break on the first day, as you may be super busy learning the ropes. It is super useful to have something with you that you can nibble on if you get hungry. Then, if you do get asked out to lunch with your colleges, you can just leave your pack up in the car. No harm done!

It’s Only Your First Day: The last thing you need to remember on the first day of your new job is that it’s just your first day! Most people won’t be asked to do anything too drastic unless you are in the military or medical fields. Instead, your employer will be expecting you to take a little time to get settled in, so use this to your advantage. Also, don’t stress too much if you don’t make any lasting connections with colleges straight away. These things take time and usually develop naturally if you are patient.

Feb9

Going Local: Enjoying Where You Live

Posted on by
Standard
Going Local: Enjoying Where You Live

We are probably all a little guilty of spending too much time in our homes or venturing far away when we want to enjoy a little social time. It’s crazy to think that we choose to live somewhere because we love a location and then spend a majority of our time enjoying other places, instead!

Getting to know your area is great fun and brilliant for increasing your social circle, support unit, and even living a healthier lifestyle both physically and mentally. A great place to start is getting online and researching the history and culture of your home town and surrounding area. What is it famous for? Did any celebrities live here? What are the restaurants like? Getting an understanding through research can help introduce you to things you didn’t even know existed right on your doorstep.

The best way to understand a place, though, is to get involved with the community. You will probably have a local church, shop, or park with a variety of events happening and it is here that you will meet the experts on local knowledge. Getting out and meeting other parents will help you find out what activities you have within walking distance of your front door, it will also help your children and gives you the chance to spend quality time with your friends. Heading to the local bar is great for adults who want to know more about the services in the areas. Most small towns love to advertise other small businesses and will have attended all kinds of networking events with the owners. So get to chatting and find out what is on offer!

Taking long trips to the larger supermarkets is pretty time consuming. You can use the internet to find out what shops you have in your area. From seeking out a local green grocer to sticking donuts near me in your search engine, you’ll be surprised what you can buy locally to save you time and support local companies. Of course you will also have restaurants near you, too. The internet has loads of review sites to let you share feedback with other customers, although the best way to find out what the local buzz is is to hit the streets and eat. Try everything, one person’s bad experience may not reflect your own. Plus, you have the added benefit of not needing to drive, so you can enjoy a couple of drinks with your dinner!

Your local services such as the police and fire station are good things to know and if you have young children, they can offer a fun day visit. What kid doesn’t enjoy putting on a fire hat and watching people slide down poles? It’s also likely that you have some form of library even if it is a mobile library. Make the most of these services and support them where ever you can. More customers means better demand and you will see your area staying alive with shops and activities. If you lose them, then property values will decrease and your dream home may not be worth as much as you need it to be!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feb8

Don’t Let Your Dream Home Become A Nightmare

Posted on by
Standard

Did you fall in love with your new home the moment you pulled up in the driveway? If you’ve bought a new house, and you’re convinced that it’s perfect, the last thing you want is for a dream to become a nightmare. If you’re hoping to create a relaxing retreat where you can chill out and enjoy quality time together, here are some tips to help you steer clear of new home nightmares:

Address Problems As A Priority: If you’ve had a survey done, and it’s flagged up issues, it’s vital to get these problems seen to as a priority. The longer you leave them, the worse they’ll become, and the more you’ll need to spend. If you’ve got loose tiles on the roof, for example, call a few roofing firms, and get some quotes. If you have lots of jobs to do, make a list in order of importance, and tackle the most pressing issues first.

dream1.png

Pixabay Image

Replace Outdated Systems, Units, and Appliances: When you move into a new home, it’s an ideal opportunity to embrace new technology and make your home more efficient and cost-effective. If you have dated heating systems, electrical appliances or air conditioning units, for example, now is the time to think about replacing them with newer versions. The upfront cost may be significant, but you can save a lot of money in the long-run. You’ll also have peace of mind that you’re not going to end up with a broken furnace in the middle of winter or no air conditioning in the height of the summer.

dream2.png

Flickr Image

Get a Hold On The Figures: If you’re having work done to your home, make sure that you have a firm handle on the figures. You need to know exactly how much each job will cost so that you can draw up a budget. If you can’t afford to have everything done at once, you can carry out work in stages in order of importance. Now is a great time to get some quotes from different professionals in your area to see who might fit in your budget. Simply enter a search for “General contractor in Beverly Hills, CA” or your local area to see who could be a good fit for your project.

dream3.png

Ballin on a budget

Protect Your Home: Your home is your most important financial asset, so it’s important to do everything that you can to protect it. Even if you plan to move in the next 5 years or so, taking steps to prevent damage will increase your chances of making money when it comes to selling. If you’ve moved to your forever home, protecting it from the outside will prolong its lifespan and save you money. There are various things that you can do to keep your home safe, including weatherproofing it and investing in security measures.

Take a look at www.MountainHomeBuildingProducts.com to find products to protect your home from the elements, and consider installing a home security system. If you live in an area exposed to hurricanes or heavy rainfall, it’s a good idea to take additional steps. You may want to fit shutters or strengthened glass, for example. For more tips, you may find http://www.cbsnews.com/media/10-ways-to-prepare-your-home-for-hurricane-season/ useful.

dream4.png

 Yikes!!

Nobody wants to move into their dream home only for it to turn into a nightmare. If you’ve bought a house or you’re moved recently, hopefully, these tips and tricks will ensure that you’re blissfully happy in your home for years to come.