Tee Off: How Golf Helps You Lead a healthier and Fulfilling Life

Tee Off: How Golf Helps You Lead a healthier and Fulfilling Life

Physical fitness is not for everyone, some people can’t picture themselves doing a strenuous exercise regime or waking up at the crack of dawn. This is where golf comes in.

Golf helps with your physical state as well as the state of your psyche. Whether you’ve only decided to start playing or haven’t played in years, the essential benefits of golf remain the same. Playing golf is likely to increase life expectancy, help prevent chronic diseases and improve mental health, a study suggests.

Are you contemplating hitting the greens for a game of golf but not sure whether it’s worth your time? Here’s how golf helps you lead a better life.

How Golf Helps Improve Your Health 

There’s a reason that golfers find themselves heading out once or twice a month for a round of 18 holes, Golf isn’t only a social sport but it’s beneficial to your health as well. Coupled with the right diet and supplements, here’s how golf helps:

Golf Helps with Weight Loss

Golfers generally burn a minimum of 500 calories over a round of 18 holes. Walking a golf course can cover anything between 4 to 8 miles over one round. If you can’t see that that will aid weight loss, then think of this:

The number of steps per day needed for weight loss is 10,000. A golfer will exceed 13,000 steps in one round of golf. 

Good Night’s Rest

Spending a day out on the course can assist in a well-earned, restful sleep. Exercise and a day out in the fresh air will improve your sleep, the amount of walking done gives you a good workout. Doing this regularly will assist you in staying in a deeper sleep for a longer time, while your muscles rest and repair. 

Brain Stimulation 

Healthy mind, healthy body. That’s how the saying goes. If you keep active you ensure your brain has a strong blood supply which is essential for optimum brain function.

Golf is a great way to stimulate the brain while being surrounded by nature, having the opportunity to appreciate the outdoors, and soak up the sunshine (don’t forget that skin care and your sun hat). Being outdoors increases the levels of endorphins and serotonin in your brain leading to a happy, healthier mind. If you are a competitive spirit, make sure you get some high-end equipment like a nice set of golf grips, which will enhance your performance even more.

Reduces Anxiety 

The game of golf is known for reducing stress levels, there’s nothing more relaxing than being surrounded by beautiful greenery and perfecting your golf game. Just the act of walking in the fresh air, socializing with like-minded people and an added mental challenge will release natural mood-enhancing chemicals in your brain, the result?

Feeling happy and relaxed! 

Be sure though, before you hit the greens that you’re wearing the right golfing kit and have the right equipment. Just like other fitness, wearing the wrong shoes or using incorrect equipment can cause problems. So make sure you’re prepared by grabbing the right clubs for your body frame and height, comfortable socks and Nike golf shoes

Hitting the Greens to Live Longer

The health benefits of playing golf will help you to lead a better life. Some studies even say that golf can increase your life expectancy by 5 years. 

If you’re worried about starting off too large, then try the driving range a few times before you hit the course and see why golf helps with your health and overall wellbeing.  

Remember, to stay hydrated and keep your eye on the ball. If you need any further advice, check out our blog section.

Happy swinging! 

How Big Data is Affecting Healthcare

How Big Data is Affecting Healthcare

Market research shows that the value of the global health care data is expected to be $34.27 billion by 2022, with a compound annual growth rate of 22.07%.

The same study shows that the worth of big data analytics will be approximately $68.03 billion by 2024. This growth will result from the global investments in health care practice management tools and electronic workforce solutions.

The booming big data in healthcare is also as a result of the increased need to introduce more medical products and manage patient care. With the rise of such demands, newer technologies have been adopted in the industry, and thus made significant impacts in the healthcare industry.

Here is everything you need to know about the use of data in healthcare.

What Is Big Data in Healthcare?

This is the process of analyzing large quantities of healthcare data. The data is collected from different sources.

These sources include cost data, clinical data, patient behavior, and sentiment data.  Pharmaceutical and development data is also used as a reliable source.

The essence of big data impact in the healthcare industry is to uncover the profound insights and to improve work efficiency. However, the transformation is still in its early stages, and we are therefore lucky to be alive to experience how far it will go.

Despite the challenges of processing large amounts of data, big data has made a large impact on technological advancement. It has proven to us that any data can be transformed into rich, actionable, and useful information.

The vast volumes of healthcare data have inspired the adoption of big data. Most of the information collected in the health center is very sensitive. Thus, there is a need to come up with a better way of handling it.

Its introduction has also been inspired by government regulations and the desire for more personalized care.

Here are the important impacts of big data:

Reduces Operating Costs

Big data is an ideal way of saving costs in health care facilities. It is particularly good in hospitals that underbook staff members. It’s also beneficial to those who overbook their staff.

With the help of predictive analysis, hospitals can predict admission rates. They can also use it to allocate their staff well. This reduces the investment rate incurred by hospitals and utilizes the small amounts invested.

The insurance industry is also not left behind. Big data helps the insurance industry to reduce its cost of operation and save substantial amounts. It achieves this by backing health workers and wearables.

At the same time, patients are served within the shortest period possible.

Big data allows hospitals to get adequate beds and staff. They are able to cut the expenses by reducing the hospital readmissions rate.

Also, leveraging the rich data sources finds stronger correlations for their patients’ healthcare needs. For instance, healthcare facilities can use historical data to estimate future usage.

By doing so, they get quick access to medical records. They also reduce the operating cost through better forecasting. According to a recent study, at least 47% of healthcare organizations are using predictive analysis.

The study further notes that 57% of the health sectors organizations believe that predictive analytics will reduce the operating cost.

Eliminates Medication Errors

Medication mistakes made by human factors have tremendous results. Each industry aims to be accurate in its daily operations. Yet, the healthcare sector focuses on solving serious issues.

Big data minimizes errors that lead to wrong medications and prescriptions. Fewer errors mean that patients are treated better. MedAware, an Israel startup, is one of the healthcare facilities which have applied this technology.

Improves Security

With cybersecurity being a big menace today, data vulnerability has become a plague. It affects all industries, including the health sector. The data theft brings huge losses, alongside other unimaginable horrors.  

Most frauds are caused by poor control systems that facilitate the hacking process. Eventually, this causes enormous losses for the firm. The cost of repair is more compared to the costs of the preventive measures.

Luckily, the adoption of big data in the health sector enhances security. It stores information in different data centers, each with varying levels of security. This improves privacy measures for the clients’ data.

Moreover, data coming from diverse locations brings more risks. The new technologies can be used for the wrong goals. For that reason, cloud-based solutions which use big data improve the required security for HIPAA compliance.

Improves Customer Experience

All patients deserve excellent customer service. To achieve this, big data provides a robust information system. The information system allows service providers to offer real-time customer service.

Data-centric tools help the customer-facing representatives to improve their services. This is because the information given is more analyzed, informed, and accurate.

A patient’s database makes work easy for the medical records analyst. It also makes it easy for insurance analysts, and all those who use it. As a result, customers receive a personalized experience.

Preventative Care Over the Reactive Care

Today’s healthcare system is reactionary to diseases and sickness. Using big data allows us to be more proactive when maintaining our health. It also prevents us from being reactive to treat diseases.

A perfect example of this is the Pixie Scientific’ smart diapers digital health startup. The startup was started to audit the health of the elderly and small children. The diapers can monitor the possible infections as well as the hydration levels of the wearer.

These innovations assist us in shifting the incentive from the current medical reimbursement.  

Becoming Our Own Doctors

The increased development of healthcare apps has made it possible for us to monitor our health from the comfort of our homes. We no longer need to rely on physician advice or visit the health centers.

The sheer amount of these medical apps has collectively created a highly competitive marketplace. The competition has reduced costs and made the services more efficient.

The main apps are sleep and fitness trackers. However, all health monitors apps aim to have an individual quantified health platform.

Yesterday- the sensors introduced the idea of recording and measuring our signals. It also introduced the general statistics.

Today– the sensors have integrated our individual signals. We can now access and also share our data

Tomorrow– the same sensors will enable us to aggregate and gather our collective health data. The sensors will also extrapolate the data to actionable interpretations.

The digital health technology has also made it possible for us to track the spread of diseases. It has also allowed us to investigate where they originated from. The Ebola-info sharing mobile app is an ideal example of these apps. Apps allow us to develop and have actionable responses.

When there is an Ebola outbreak, the apps management analyzes text messages and phone calls. They use the information for updates and information on the local and national scales.

One main benefit of medical apps is that they are informational. They provide general information on how to remain healthy, even when one is not ill.

Better Treatment

Big data improves the accuracy of medical results. Moreover, the algorithms deliver personalized treatment by relying on past information.

The personalization is done by matching an individual’s genetic makeup. It is later developed according to lifestyle and environment.  

Besides, the patients’ details are not treated in isolation. Similar cases are treated as a group. This helps to create regular patterns and come up with better treatment measures.

IBM and Apple have developed a big data platform to explore new insights. The primary aim of the platform is to ensure that busy people get a professional consultation. Due to their busy schedules, the platform allows them to get services at home.

The information will be captured through smart devices and computers. The digital devices will allow patients to keep in touch with their doctors. They can also set an automated reminder when they want to take medicines.

Clinical trials

Big data plays a significant role in modernizing clinical trials methods. It is mostly applied when picking the suitable candidates for the trials. As such, the desired trials are sorted out from the rest.

In clinical trials, the medication effects are chosen using big data. Areas which have a higher likelihood of being affected are also chosen with big data. Big data has been exceedingly helpful in finding out the cure for cancer.

Bottom Line

Big data in healthcare has been highly beneficial in the past. It also seems promising for the future. It has become a crucial element to success, with almost all modern organizations adopting it.

Hopefully, it will outweigh the challenging aspects and become a reliable network for the global healthcare industr.y

Is your institution ready for a revolution? What are your plans a far as the big data analytics are concerned? We would love to hear from you.

Explore our blog to get more information on the latest health care developments, life stories, and entertainment news.

4 Ways YouTubers Make Money

4 Ways YouTubers Make Money

If you’ve got Internet access and an engaging personality, you could be using YouTube to make money. 

How much money? Well, last year, the channel Ryan ToysReview ran by a seven-year-old boy generated $22 million. While this is obviously an extreme, there is good money to be made on YouTube. 

How do YouTubers make money, anyway? We reveal four ways influencers make their money.

1. AdSense

That 30- to 60-seconds advertisement you watch before each video is a big money maker for both YouTube and video’s uploader. 

Generate YouTube ad revenue through Google AdSense. Once you make an account with this service, it’ll incorporate ads into your videos. You then get a small profit from each ad, based on clicks or views. 

With enough of a fan base, this money adds up. But, it’s not the only way YouTubers make money. 

2. Affiliate Links

Another great tool to earn money is by including affiliate links when making videos.  The best way to do this is by being honest and only sharing affiliate links for things you truly believe in.

If you’re a food vlogger, you can share links about specific kitchen tools or ingredients you use in your videos. Then, fans who trust your judgment can follow the link and purchase the item. In exchange for featuring their product, the business gives you a percentage of the sales generated through your unique link. 

You can even use this method to trade services or products in exchange for promoting a business. For example, if you break your phone, work out a deal to showcase an affiliate link for iphone screen repair for a free repair. 

3. Products 

Another way of making money on YouTube is through products or merchandise. 

Once you gain a following of loyal fans, create products that speak to your brand. If you’re a fashion vlogger, try selling your own clothing line. If you’re a travel vlogger, sell unique journals for fans to document their trips. 

With the right following and the right products, you can make a hefty product through selling merchandise. 

4. Patreon

If you’re new to the YouTube world, you may not know about Patreon.

This amazing resource is similar to crowdsourcing or Kickstarter. Your fans contribute monetary donations to support your content. They can do this through a one-time donation or sign up on a subscription basis. 

Many YouTubers offer special content to their Patreon supporters to encourage them to donate. This could include access to videos early or an invite to a special social media page where you interact with fans. 

Stop Asking ‘How Do YouTubers Make Money?’

After reading this article, you no longer need to ask, “How do YouTubers make money?” Instead, you can join the ranks of high-earning YouTubers and start earning serious cash.

Start by using AdSense and affiliate links to generate some money and build a fan base. Once you become popular enough, create a product and offer Patreon and watch the money pour in. 

If you’re interested in more ways to make money online, check out this article on the future of the Influencer trend. 

5 Smart Ways To Make Your Resume Stand Out Visually In Minutes

5 Smart Ways To Make Your Resume Stand Out Visually In Minutes

Writing a killer resume can keep you ahead of the game, no matter what line of business you are in.

It is the document that sells you as a professional and helps you get your foot in the door in order to get an interview. However, you need to know the right tips that will make your resume stand out. 

Make your resume stand out visually by putting these points to use. 

Tips to Make Your Resume Stand Out Visually

Having a solid resume is as much a life skill as it is a business tool. 

We also are visual creatures, so the more you can make your resume eye-catching, the better. Let these tips guide you:

1. Create a Header For Your Resume

One of the best things you can do is create a header for your resume.

This header could include your name or any bit of information that sells the recipient on who you are. This is a great way to really grab people’s attention and make sure that your resume is standing out from a visual standpoint. 

The header should be an interesting font with a size that is slightly bigger than the rest of your resume font. Be sure that the header is centered in the resume so that you can get the desired visual result you were looking for.

2. Get Rid of Errors and Make Sure That You Regularly Proofread It

Staying away from mistakes is the best thing that you can do when you are trying to put together a winning resume.

The reason for this is clear. If you are trying to make an eye-catching resume, glaring typographical errors and grammatical mistakes will make your resume stand out for all the wrong reasons.

Firstly, a well-written is enough for someone to want to learn more about what it is you are offering. You should take every opportunity to proofread your resume to be sure that it is speaking for you exactly how you would like it to, and that you are not overlooking careless mistakes.

3. Sell the “Bragging” Points

The substance of your resume is going to stand out more than anything. As such, make sure that you are highlighting the important factors that really speak for you.

For example, if you have won some sort of award or accomplishment, or receive some sort of recognition, this needs to be highlighted on your resume in a way that is easy to find. This way, you are selling the bragging point and making it clear that you deserve the interview.

For instance, if you are a full-service motorcycle technician, be sure that you talk about your work on Sena 20s, and experience installing Bluetooth 4.1 technology.

When they see that you are very capable, you are more likely to find success with your resume. 

4. Use Actionable Language

Having a resume that is well written is one thing, but you also want to choose vocabulary that really speaks for you.

Stay away from cliches and passive language, and instead focus on word choices that are full and impactful.

This will really jump off of the page and make people want to learn more about you. In that regard, this step is where having a proofreader can come into play.

Instead of only working on fixing mistakes, run through the resume multiple times until you find the language choices that you know really wow people.

5. Incorporate Stats and Facts

Deal in facts when at all possible with your resume and it will stand out from the rest. 

People that read resumes see cliche after cliche every single day, so the more specific you get, the better. For example, stating that you led a team of 100 people on a 6-month project is more exciting than statements like “great leader” and “hard worker”. 

Find the facts that will jump off the page and use them to make your resume stronger. 

6. Make Sure That it Tells a Story

Telling a story is integral to your business and branding. You can do that with a solid resume. 

Find a way to weave a narrative and through line with your resume. 

Doing this sells people on who you are as a person and what makes you tick. These sorts of matters are every bit as important as your professional credentials, so never leave them out. 

7. Tailor Your Resume For the Position You Are Applying For

Finally, make sure that your resume is a clear indicator that you belong with the company that you are applying for, doing the work that the position dictates. 

This requires you to read over the resume every time that you send it out and make sure that you add specific verbiage or information that will be engaging. 

8. Don’t Get Cute With the Fonts and Colors

Finally, it’s great to get creative, but don’t turn your resume into an art project. 

Many people use different fonts and colors to get some “extra credit”, but it actually accomplishes the opposite. Instead, recruiters are typically put off by this more often than not. 

Understated is better, so keep it simple and professional. 

Get the Help You Need With Your Resume

With these tips in mind, you can make your resume stand out visually. This is important to master no matter what line of work you are in. 

For more tips on creating a resume and writing a business letter, keep up with our content

The Talk: 5 Tips for How to Talk About Assisted Living Communities with Your Parents

The Talk: 5 Tips for How to Talk About Assisted Living Communities with Your Parents

Did you realize there are nearly 40 million Americans over the age of 65? As the number of senior citizens grows with each passing year, so doe the need for assisted living facilities and communities. For the children of aging parents, talking about assisted living is a struggle.

Most older Americans are fiercely independent, which is why they tend to shy away from the idea of going into assisted living communities. Often times, the children of these senior citizens just want the happiest and healthiest life possible for their parents.

If you start to notice your parent is having trouble doing tasks around their home, then don’t wait to bring up the subject of assisted living to them. It is best to have this tough conversation before a senior citizen is injured due to their inability to get around in their existing residence.

The following are some of the things you need to consider when having a talk about assisted living communities with your aging parent.

1. Avoid Approaching Your Aging Parent With Pent Up Emotions

Watching your parent struggle to do normal everyday tasks can be very emotional at times. The longer you allow this problem to linger, the harder you will find it to avoid turning into an emotional wreck.

Before you approach your aging loved one to talk about assisted living, try to flush out all of the emotional baggage you are carrying around regarding this subject. Often times, you can do this by finding a bit of humor in this depressing situation.

By going into this talk focused on facts instead of emotions, you can have more success. If you are upset and emotional, it may lead to your aging parent getting upset as well. This is why you need to focus on removing as much emotion from this process as possible.

2. Keep Lines of Communication Open

Instead of jumping right into an in-depth conversation about assisted living with an aging parent, try easing them in. Starting a conversation about assisted living, in general, will allow you to get an idea of what your parent’s view on the subject is.

This conversation is easy to start if you simply share an article about seniors who are struggling to live on their own. Luckily, there are tons of blogs online that cover this topic in detail. Once you get a general sense of how your loved one feels about assisted living, you can plot out the approach you want to take.

Neglecting to have a bit of tact when it comes to this difficult conversation can lead to lots of problems. The time and effort you put into planning out this process in detail will be worth it in the long run.

3. Abide By the Golden Rule

Some people let the feelings of helplessness they have about their parent’s inability to care for themselves to manifest in anger. Regardless of the problems you and your aging parent have had in the past, you need to put these differences aside to ensure they are well taken care of.

Attacking your aging parent for their unwillingness to embrace assisted living communities is a horrible idea. In most cases, a senior who feels like they are being judged or attacked will lash out and completely write-off the possibility of assisted living.

This is why you need to put yourself in the position of your aging parent. Thinking about how you would want to be approached about this sensitive subject is vital. By doing this, you can speak to your parent in a loving and caring manner, which is crucial when trying to convince them about the benefits of assisted living.

4. Include All Family Members in This Important Discussion

For most families, taking care of an elderly loved one is a team effort. Whether you are making decisions about new medicines for your aging parent or assisted living, including everyone in the discussion is important.

Not only will this give everyone a chance to state their opinion, but it can also lessen the amount of stress you have when talking with your parent about this difficult subject.

Before having this meeting with your parent, you should get family members together to make a game plan. Having a rough outline of how to approach the subject of assisted living communities can be helpful when trying to have success with this meeting.

Allowing all of your family members to have a part in this process can create an environment of solidarity.

5. Have Information On Assisted Living Communities in the Local Area

In some cases, the talk you have with your aging loved one about assisted living will go incredibly well. This is why doing a bit of research and having some information on local assisted living communities is a good idea.

Having this information ready can help you and your loved one choose the right community for their particular needs. Once your aging parent has chosen a handful of assisted living communities they are interested in, schedule a few tours.

Going to see what a facility offers firsthand is crucial before making this important decision. The time and effort invested in going on these tours will be worth it in the long run.

Take Your Time When Choosing an Assisted Living Community

The only way to choose the right assisted living communities is by doing a great deal of research. Once your aging loved one has agreed to go into an assisted living facility, you need to involve them in the selection process.

 

 

To Whom It May Concern… How to Write a Professional Business Letter

To Whom It May Concern… How to Write a Professional Business Letter

There are about 17.2 million working professionals in the United States. Working professionals work across many industries such as management, legal, education, healthcare, and more.

If you’re starting out in the professional world, chances are you need to communicate with others. To do so effectively, you need to do it in a professional way. 

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to write a professional letter worth sending. 

Contact Information

At the top of your business letter, you want to start by putting down your contact information. Most of this information should be included in the company letterhead already. 

If you’re not using a company letterhead, try to fill in the following information:

  • Name
  • Job title
  • Company name
  • Company or professional address
  • City, State, and Zip Code

After you’ve entered all of your contact information, you can add the date and then proceed to enter the recipient contact information. 

Make sure you have the correct information for the person you’re writing to. If you’re unsure, conduct a little research to make sure you get the correct information and include the following:

  • Their Name
  • Title
  • Company
  • Company address
  • City, State, and Zip Code

Once, you’ve entered this information, you’re ready to work on the content of the letter.

Salutation

In the salutation, make sure you use the same name you used for the recipient contact information. 

Keep in mind, the salutation depends on the type of relationship you had with the person. If you know them well, you can address them by name for example, “Dear Anna.”

Otherwise, you want to address them by last name: “Dear Ms. Smith.” If you are unsure of their gender, you can always use the full name: “Dear Chris Smith.”

Body

Before you get started on the body, make sure you learn the proper formatting so you don’t have to make a lot of changes. You should write business letters using single-spaced lines and add a space in between the paragraphs.

You want to start the body by stating the purpose of your letter. In the paragraphs that follow, you should justify the reason for your letter by providing relevant support. For example, if you’re trying to convince them why you’re the right person for the job, explain why.

If you have trouble remembering all of these details, you can also try templates for business letters

Closing

In the closing paragraph, you should summarize the reason for your letter in a couple of sentences. 

After the brief summary, you should add the complimentary close. These can include one of the following:

  • Yours Sincerely,
  • Best Regards,
  • Respectfully Yours,
  • All the Best,
  • Thank You

After the complimentary close, you need to add your signature. Follow this format:

Handwritten Signature

Your Full Name (Typed)

Your Company Title

Lastly, if you’re going to include enclosures or attachments, make sure you indicate it. Don’t forget to proofread it.  

How to Write a Professional Letter: The Bottom Line

Now that you know how to write a professional letter, it’s time to put those skills to the test. Make sure you add the correct contact information, salutation, body, and closing to your letter. 

If you enjoyed these tips, we have more where this came from. Check out our business section

5 Organizing Tips to Use When Moving Into Your New Home

5 Organizing Tips to Use When Moving Into Your New Home

Around 40 million people move house every year in the United States.

That’s around 14% of the entire population!

That’s a lot of people sorting, packing, loading and moving their entire life from one place to another. It’s no mean feat. Stress, hassle, and hard-work are inevitable.

And at the end of the move itself, there’s a brand new house to clean up and organize! We wanted to help with this final step. After all, organizing doesn’t have to be difficult.

Keep reading for some tip organizing tips to help out in your new home.

5 Organizing Tips to Have Your New Home Looking Ship Shape

With the builders (such as Cape Coral home builders) and/or movers gone, it’s time to get organizing. It can feel like a big task. But the following tips will make it a breeze.

1. Declutter Before Packing

The first tip is to get rid of anything you don’t need.

No matter where you live, moving house is a great excuse to sort through everything you’ve accumulated over the years. It makes sense to sort and throw it out before you pack the boxes. But don’t worry if you’re already in the new place.

Simply set aside all the items you don’t want anymore. Why not hold a front lawn sale? It could be a great way to meet the neighbors too.

2. Maximize Storage Space

Don’t just shove everything willy-nilly into low-traffic areas of your home.

Attics and garages are commonly treated this way. Tools, toys, bikes and miscellaneous items are all set aside, in out of sight, out of mind style. Things can get messy.

Instead, take the time to add work stations, storage options, and shelves to help organize it. Having ways to stack and store your stuff will make it easier to keep the spaces tidy.

3. Opt for Open-Storage

All those boxes, cabinets and cupboards make it tempting to simply shove stuff inside.

That’s where open-storage comes into play. With open wardrobes and shelves, you’re forced to make more effort! After all, it’s on display for all to see. You’ll be folding and hanging those clothes in no time!

4. Optimize Empty Space

Got any hidden nooks and crannies in your new home?

Put them to work! All those spaces under the stairs, in the attic, and beneath the bed all come in handy to help keep your things organized and out of the way.

If these don’t suffice then it would be worth considering to opt for a self storage london unit near you

5. Install Handy Organizational Help

All sorts of organizational gizmos are available these days.

Rails, racks, hooks, sliding draws, and so on can all add up to make a big difference around the house. Install rails around the kitchen to hang your mugs. Buy cubbies to keep toys, books, and papers. Buy hanging baskets with multiple layers for food…and so on.

Time to Get Organizing

There you have it: 5 organizing tips to help you keep your new home clean and tidy.

Millions of people move home every year. It’s an exciting time! However, there’s always a hefty amount of work and organization required at the end of it.

Hopefully, the tips above will ensure the organizational process is all smooth sailing.

Like this piece? Looking for more house-related advice? Click here for 5 great home renovation ideas.

5 Interior Design Tips to Make You Fall in Love with Your New Space

5 Interior Design Tips to Make You Fall in Love with Your New Space

Whether you’ve just moved into a new apartment or if you’ve finally bought the home of your dreams, you can’t wait to start decorating it and defining your interior design style. 

No matter if your taste is classic, eclectic, or somewhere in between, you’ll love these interior design tips

Get ready to start hosting parties, relax at the end of a long day, and live in a place that’s all your own. 

1. Use Area Rugs

Wall-to-wall carpeting is passe and can be a headache to keep clean (especially with pets and young children in the home.) 

Instead, try using smaller area rugs. 

This is also a great trick for dividing up rooms into different “sections.” Don’t be afraid to go for bold, colorful patterns with rugs — they can liven up an otherwise neutral and drab space. 

2. Embrace Natural Lighting 

Natural lighting is one of the most popular interior design ideas for many reasons. 

First of all, it can make even smaller rooms look spacious, and provide ample lighting and warmth in the cooler months. 

But it also helps to boost your mood and looks much more flattering than fluorescent options. 

3. Use Removable Wallpaper

Especially if you’ve been known to change your mind often, one of our best home decorating tips is to give removable wallpaper a try. 

It’s pre-pasted, easy to put up, and comes in all kinds of different designs and styles. 

Whether you want stripes, a Chinoiserie print, or even Scandinavian-inspired geometric shapes, it’s easy to find a removable wallpaper that fits. 

You can even use removable wallpaper to create an accent wall instead of doing the whole room. 

4. Get Creative with Seating

Sure, loveseats and lounge chairs might work for some people. 

But these days, it’s all about seating with a more modern touch. Tulip chairs from spots like littletulip.com, egg chairs from the flea market, or anything in the Milo Bauman style bring an extra dose of funky personality to any home. 

5. Make It Your Own

Perhaps the most important out of all our interior design tips is to make your home unique to who you are as a person. 

While you might admire certain design and decor trends, if they’re too high maintenance for you or out of synch with your personal preferences and lifestyle, don’t bother with them. 

You can mix and match different trends and design schemes, too. 

Feature items you love, sentimental art pieces, family photos, and design schemes that everyone can recognize as your style. Your home, just like the clothes you wear, is an extension of who you are. 

Which of These Interior Design Tips Will You Try?

Whether you try one of these interior design tips or all of them, we know that you’re anxious to start putting together inspiration boards, color palettes, and more. 

Still in need of a bit of advice about how to upgrade your space? Looking for renovation tips when it comes to your new home’s exterior? 

We’ve got you covered — so keep checking with the blog to make sure you don’t miss out. 

A Complete Guide to Getting a Job Abroad Without Experience

A Complete Guide to Getting a Job Abroad Without Experience

With over 9 million Americans now living overseas, more people than ever are looking for a new job adventure abroad.

Yet, that’s easier said than done. With restrictions such as language barriers and work visas, most are scratching their heads trying to figure out how to do it. It seems like a huge hurdle to jump, especially if you don’t have experience.

Luckily, you don’t have to be an Olympian to clear that hurdle. While the process can be daunting, it’s not impossible.

Let’s look at several ways you can set yourself up for getting a job abroad without experience.

Show off Your Skills and Education

Even if you don’t have experience, we all have skills in something. Put a spotlight on those skills, and your education, to use to your advantage!

Collect all your school transcripts, making sure they are official forms. Include all your scholarly work, showing any committees you sat on, projects you did, and extracurricular activities you participated in.

Plus, nowadays having your own blog is more and more common. Showcase your industry expertise with well-written blog posts.

Keep an Open Mind

You can’t expect to work overseas with no experience and land the job of your dreams right off the bat. That’s why keeping an open mind about your job search will open more doors for you.

While you might desire to work in a chosen field, look for different types of work to get your foot in the door.

Many of the most popular jobs available overseas is teaching English, working as an au pair, doing manual labor on a farm, food service work, or working in a hostel.

These opportunities can get you in the country you dream of while giving you valuable work experience until something else comes along.

Get Certified

While researching jobs abroad, find out if any of them will need you certified. If so, get ahead of the game and get your certification!

Teaching English is one of the major job openings in which you will need a certificate. The TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate is internationally recognized doesn’t require you to have teaching experience to land a job.

If you have trade knowledge, such as plumbing or electrical, make sure your certification is up to date. While your chosen country might not recognize it, at least it will show your expertise and skill.

Know Where to Find the Jobs

It goes without saying, you can’t find the international job of your dreams if you don’t know there’s an opening. Get yourself familiar with ways to find current job openings.

Online job portals that are popular in the US are not necessarily where you’re going to find job openings overseas. Research the popular employment marketplaces in the countries you’d like to live in. Set up alerts to notify you when new openings become available.

Other online agencies, such as Amsterdam Startup Jobs, help find expats jobs overseas. They’re specifically for English speakers who want to work with Amsterdam startup companies. Many countries have similar agencies to help.

Make Yourself Easy to Hire

Many employers will not want to jump through hoops to get an inexperienced worker hired. That’s why you should do everything you can to make it easy for them by being as prepared as possible!

Getting a job abroad will likely need a work visa. Research the various types of visas offered in the country you want to live in and their requirements.

While employers can sponsor you a work visa, it’s likely too much governmental red tape for them to go through for someone with no experience. If you have a work visa already set up, you’ll be much more desirable.

And be ready to move for a job quickly. If you can show that you’re ready to hop on a plane tomorrow, you’ll ease their worry of having to wait to get the help they need.

Network Your Way to a Job Abroad

It may surprise you to find out someone you already know holds the connection you need in getting a job abroad.

Don’t know that many people or can’t think of anyone with that kind of pull? You need to look at the big picture. It may not matter who you know, but who they know.

Your network is bigger than you realize, so it’s time to start talking. Get the word out about your plans and what you’re looking for. Post it on social media.

And when you do meet someone in the know, don’t be afraid to ask any and all questions then follow up. Being the squeaky wheel could pay off for you big time.

Consider Working Remote

If you want to bypass the need to look for work locally, consider getting a remote position. These jobs allow you to work from anywhere in the world you want, as long as you have a computer and good WiFi.

Remote jobs can either be employment or freelance positions. Common remote workers include graphic designers, writers, web designers, IT experts, virtual assistants, and digital marketers.

Remote work is becoming more popular, with new remote positions becoming a rising trend. It’s the perfect alternative for those who are having trouble finding local work or want to freedom to move to a different country without worry.

Of course, always make sure you know the visa laws in your chosen country. Some places state it’s illegal to work on a tourist visa (like the UK). Only work remotely where it’s allowed.

Make Getting a Job Abroad a Breeze

Living in a new country can be both exciting and rewarding. Don’t let the process of getting a job abroad scare you from making that dream a reality. With these tips, you’ll be packing that bag and moving overseas in no time!

Looking for ways to unwind after a long day of working a job abroad? Check out these tips to help you recharge!

10 Times You Should Definitely Hire a Lawyer

10 Times You Should Definitely Hire a Lawyer

What if you tried to save money and it cost you a fortune?

Many times, people are hesitant to hire a lawyer because they want to save money. However, they don’t realize how much money a lawyer could have saved them until it’s too late.

Wondering when you need to cave in and hire a lawyer? Keep reading to discover the answer!

Jail Is On the Line

Sometimes, figuring out when you need a lawyer is simple. It starts with you figuring out what the worst that could happen if you should lose your case.

For example, if there is a chance that you could end up in jail, then it’s worth it to get a lawyer. Such a professional has been trained to present the best case possible, increasing your odds of a successful defense.

Think of it this way: if you go to jail, you’ll lose the chance to work, possibly for many years. Compared to that, the cost of hiring a lawyer is relatively small.

The Stakes Are Too High

Of course, jail isn’t the only thing to worry about when it comes to hiring lawyers. You also need to be aware of the maximum amount of money you might have to pay out for things like damages and court costs.

It can be very sobering when you realize how much money you stand to lose. And it’s easy to find cases where people’s entire lives have been ruined by losing a court case.

So, you do the math. Get a free consultation with a lawyer and an estimate of the overall legal costs and compare that to what you might have to pay if you lose.

If the stakes are high enough, it’s time to go ahead and call a lawyer.

Estate Planning

We like to think that our families are strong enough that nothing can tear them apart. However, ugly fights over a deceased person’s will can tear families apart in a heartbeat.

Estate planning is a classic case where hiring a lawyer is completely worth it. They can make sure that you have completed all of the necessary paperwork without leaving any loopholes that a greedy family member might try to exploit.

If you’re doing estate planning (or plan to do it very soon), make sure you find a great attorney in your area.

The Other Side Has a Lawyer

While the law is very complex, deciding on hiring a lawyer can be relatively simple. For instance, answer this simple question: does the other side have a lawyer?

Representing your own case in court may be considered acceptable if the other person is doing the same. But if they have hired legal representation, you need to go ahead and do the same.

Remember, it’s a lawyer’s job to know the law and “speak the language” necessary to present a good case. Furthermore, a local lawyer may have insights into the local area and even the judge that may prove helpful to your case.

When Time Is of The Essence

Want to hear a secret most people don’t know about the law? Even when a case is going well for you, it could be a long time before anything happens.

If you feel that this is a time-sensitive issue, then it’s worth hiring a lawyer. One reason is that such a professional may be able to encourage the other party to agree to a settlement.

Now, some people dislike settlements because the other party typically pays less than they would have to pay if they lose the case. But a settlement guarantees your side both a win and (some of) the money.

Divorce And/Or Child Custody

Some cases arguably never need a lawyer while other cases always need one. One of the biggest examples of the latter is if you are dealing with issues of divorce,  child custody, and child support.

In those cases, the stakes are about as high as they can get. All of your shared property is up for grabs, and so is your ability to spend time with your children!

Plus, remember when we said you always need a lawyer if the other side has one? Go ahead and assume your spouse has hired a lawyer and give yourself and your attorney the time you need to gather evidence.

You certainly don’t want to lose your case and be stuck looking for apartments after you lose your home.

There Is Evidence Against You

Speaking of evidence, here is another straightforward case of whether you should hire a lawyer or not. Be sure to hire a lawyer if there is evidence against you, especially evidence that seems compelling.

A good attorney may be able to get a judge and jury to look at compelling evidence in a different light. Even better, such an attorney may be able to prove that the evidence was illegally obtained and therefore inadmissible in a court of law.

Make no mistake: when the other side has evidence, it puts your case in serious danger. Better to hire representation now and give yourself the best possible chances.

You’ve Been Injured

We’ve mentioned doing the math a few different times. But there is one scenario where it is difficult to do the math, and that is when you have been injured.

This is because the number of damages you may be eligible for extends beyond things like medical costs and missed employment. You need to also consider things like how this will affect future employment and the more intangible cost of emotional damages.

Hiring a lawyer is wise in these cases because they will have a better idea of how much these things are worth and how much you should ask for. And in this case, the cost of the lawyer may be far outweighed by the damages you are eligible for.

When to Hire a Lawyer: The Bottom Line

Now you know how to handle these stressful situations: hire a lawyer! But do you know how else to deal with the stress in your life?

Here at the DiSHH, we bring news you can use each week. To see how we can help you relax, check out our simple ways to unwind and recharge!