Friday, November 22, 2024
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Why Some Video Games are Harder than Others

By
Edel Alon
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0

Some video games are harder than others, and that’s just a fact. There are varying reasons for this, and it can be off-putting when you play a challenging game. However, this is by design for some games. And others can be challenging because they don’t offer accessibility features.

They Require a Lot of Time

Games are bigger than ever, both in terms of popularity and scope and scale. Some of the most popular games offer thousands of hours of playtime and are designed as a Live Service. PUBG, the upcoming Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, and even GTA Online are good examples. You can use things such as GTA modded accounts for a helping hand. Some believe this is cheating, while others find it helpful. Either way, you will save yourself a lot of time in-game.

Some Video Games are Harder by Design

People who don’t play games or don’t understand them can write them off as childish toys. The head of Nintendo, before they made video games, famously referred to them as such. Of course, there are games for children and casual gamers. However, some games are designed to be challenging and to appeal to a niche audience. Elden Ring is a good example of gamers loving a challenge. As of February 2023, Elden Ring has sold over 20 million copies. 

You are Playing the Wrong Genre

There are many different genres of games. From platformers to realistic flying simulators, there are many you can choose from. If you are having a hard time with certain games, you may be playing the wrong type of game. Perhaps Bloodborne is too challenging, and FPS or RPG games may be better for you rather than Roguelike or Soulslike games. Additionally, most games allow you to turn down the difficulty settings, but this can be at the expense of features. 

Impatience Can Hamper the Fun

Modern games are challenging, even some made for children. Additionally, they are getting more complex with more and more features. Some people find that this can be too much and simply become impatient with a modern game. So, try the following so you don’t rage quit:

  • Take your time to follow tutorials and learn the basics of the game.
  • Start off small and walk before you try to run, or you will simply fail all the time.
  • Go through in-game documentation and codexes to learn about the world.
  • Watch tips and tricks videos on social media platforms such as YouTube
  • Don’t leave too much time between plays, or you will forget your skills.

Almost all games come with tutorials that introduce you to features, so complete these first. There are also codexes that offer vital info. Take your time and learn about the game you play. Games should be fun and have benefits for kids and adults alike when you find the right ones.

You Must Focus to Enjoy the Challenge

Some games are very challenging, which appeals more to the audience. There are complex controls that are designed to engage the player and balance the game for them. Games such as Elder Ring, God of War, and even Mario Kart require focus on your part as part of the challenge. This helps you become better at the game, which helps as levels and bosses get increasingly harder. If you are having trouble, take a break and come back to the game when rested.

Accessibility Means Some Video Games are Harder

There are many different types of disability, from physical to mental and vision and sound. This has hampered gamers in the past. But the great news is that developers are taking more and more people into consideration and including accessibility features. These include customizable controls, voice assistance, and color configurations. AAA developers take this seriously these days, which is great since around 70% of gamers actively use built-in accessibility features.

There Can be an Element of Fear

The many different genres of games mean there is something for everyone. However, you may be playing the wrong game and have a bad experience. This can build a kind of fear that can hamper your progress. Of course, the game itself might be a horror game, some of which can be extremely scary. Other games, such as FPS games, can feel claustrophobic. If you have some apprehension about a game, try other genres that you find fun, relaxing, or calming.

Summary

The time it takes to progress and level up is a reason why some video games are harder than others. However, your own impatience can make the experience less fun as you rage quit. Fears and phobias, such as being in enclosed spaces, can provide a frustrating experience.

 

10 Tips for Letting a Learner Use Your Car

By
Edel Alon
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0

Letting a learner use your car is a really nice thing to do to help them build up their confidence, but if we’re honest, it can make you feel even more nervous than they do getting behind the wheel for the first time. What if they trash your car or worse? Your worries are understandable, but most learners never come to any harm (nor do the vehicles they are driving), and if you take some sensible precautions, it should not be a big deal…

1. Check Your Insurance Policy

Before you do anything else, you are going to want to check your insurance policy. Ensuring the learner driver is covered under your policy is something you hope you won’t need, but you’ll be glad it’s there if you do. Nobody wants a ‘whoops, you weren’t covered’ moment after an incident, right?

2. Lay Down Some Ground Rules

If you want to help them book drive test sooner rather than later while also keeping you all and your car safe, you are going to want to lay down some ground rules. Cover the basics like speed limits, no cell phone use, and absolutely no eating messy foods, as well as times of day the car can be used and who will supervise them, and you should be off to a safe and effective start.

3. Start with a Familiarization Session

Before they hit the road, it’s smart to have a familiarization session with the car. Show them the quirks and features, from how the wipers work to the temperament of the gearbox. That way, there’ll be less for them to worry about and they will be able to focus on the road ahead.

4. Maintenance 101: A Quick Car Health Check

It’s also a really good idea to give them a crash course in basic car maintenance. Checking tire pressure, oil levels, and coolant isn’t just about car care; it’s about safety. Plus, it’s empowering for the learner to feel in control and knowledgeable.

5. Plan for the Unexpected

Discuss what to do in case of an emergency. Whether it’s a breakdown or a bump, having a plan can ease anxiety for you both and ensure that your learner is less likely to panic if things do not go to plan.

6. Start Small: Baby Steps, Not Giant Leaps

Encourage starting small. Quiet streets, empty parking lots, and off-peak hours are great for beginners. It’s like learning to swim in the shallow end before tackling the Olympic pool.

7. Patience and Encouragement

Be patient and encouraging if you possibly can. Remember, we all started as learners. A calm demeanor can boost their confidence and reduce the likelihood of panic-induced mistakes. It’s like being a supportive coach rather than a drill sergeant.

8. Cleanliness Pact

It’s always good to make a cleanliness pact too. It’s respectful to return the car in the condition it was lent. A bit of mutual understanding can keep your car from turning into a mobile dustbin.

9. Fuel Etiquette

You bet you’re going to want to discuss fuel etiquette. If they’re taking it out for a spin, topping up the fuel is a nice gesture. It’s like replacing the milk in a shared fridge – just good manners.

10. Feedback Sessions: Constructive, Not Critical

After each drive, have a feedback session. Discuss what went well and what could be improved in a constructive manner. It’s like a debrief after a mission – every bit of experience is valuable.

Now, you can loan your car to a learner with confidence!

 

11 Signs Your Car Could Use Some TLC

By
Edel Alon
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0

Cars. Most of us need them to get around and live our lives, and many of us love them too, so it is weird how many of us seem to neglect our vehicles and let them get out of shape, so to speak.

Cars are like people; just like we need to take good care of ourselves to stay fit and healthy, they need to have lots of care taken of them so that they can look good and function effectively. So, today, we’re going to take a look at some of the tell-tale signs that your vehicle is in need of a little TLC.

1. The Symphony of Squeaks and Groans

First up, if your car is making more noise than a heavy metal concert, it’s a sign. Squealing brakes, groaning engines, or mysterious clunks and bangs aren’t just part of your car’s unique charm. They’re like Morse code for “Help me!” Time to pop the hood and figure out what’s serenading you.

2. Rust: The Car’s Version of Wrinkles

Rust on a car is like wrinkles on a face – it shows age, but too much too soon, and you’ve got a problem. Rust is more than just an aesthetic issue; it’s a sign your car is slowly being eaten alive. Regular washing and waxing can help, but once rust sets in, it’s like trying to keep a determined cat out of a cardboard box, and you will probably need to take it to the auto body shop sooner rather than later.

3. Dashboard Light Disco

When your dashboard lights up like a Christmas tree, it’s not trying to spread holiday cheer. Those little illuminated symbols are warning signs. Oil light on? Your car’s thirsty. Engine light? It’s feeling under the weather. Don’t ignore them; they’re like a car’s version of sending an SOS.

4. The Leaks: Your Car Shouldn’t Be Crying

Puddles under your car are a cry for help. Oil, coolant, brake fluid – your car shouldn’t be losing fluids like a leaky faucet. It’s a sign that something’s amiss in the belly of the beast.

5. Smoke Signals

If your car is smoking, it’s not trying to mimic a 1950s movie star. Smoke from the exhaust or under the hood is a sign that your car is burning more than just rubber. Blue smoke, white smoke, black smoke – they all spell trouble.

6. The Aroma of Despair

Sniff around. If your car smells like a high school chemistry lab experiment gone wrong, it’s a signal. Burning smells, sweet syrupy odors, or just a general stench of ‘eww’ can indicate leaks, overheating, or worse.

7. Handling Like a Supermarket Trolley

If your car handles like a rebellious supermarket trolley, it’s not happy. Steering shouldn’t be a workout. If your car pulls to one side or the steering feels as loose as a chat show host’s tongue, it’s time for a check-up.

8. Tires: More Bald than an Eagle

Check your tires. Bald, worn tires are like walking in the rain in flip-flops – not safe. They can lead to poor handling and increase your risk of playing bumper cars on the freeway.

9. The Brakes: Squeal Isn’t the Deal

Brakes squealing louder than a fan at a boy band concert? That’s a red flag. Your brakes are essential (obviously), and any changes in how they feel or sound should be checked out faster than you can say, “Stop!”

10. Gas Guzzling Like There’s No Tomorrow

If your car is guzzling gas like it’s going out of style, it might be a sign of inefficiency. Regular maintenance can ensure your car isn’t downing fuel like a thirsty teenager after sports practice, which is not only good news for your vehicle but will also save you money at the pumps.

11. The Age Factor: Not Just a Number

Finally, age. Like fine wine, cars can improve with age, but they can also go sour. The older your car, the more TLC it might need. It’s not just about being vintage; it’s about being roadworthy, so you need to really make an effort to take extra special care of those older cars, people!

Paying attention to these tell-tale signs of a vehicle starved of TLC can save you time and money and prevent you from being stranded on the side of the road, wishing you’d paid more attention to that strange rattle. So, show your car some love, and it’ll love you back – in miles and miles of smooth driving.

 

Apartment Living Safety Tips

By
Edel Alon
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0

Apartment complexes are often the option for first-time renters or buyers because of their multitude of security options. Often, apartments have gates or require visitors and residents to buzz in at a lobby before gaining access to a specific apartment. The problem is that just because something has an illusion of security on the outside doesn’t mean you should necessarily trust it going in.

You should always be vigilant when it comes to your security and your safety. There is never a need to be less than smart when it comes to feeling secure. From speaking to the building manager about condo parking control to asking about security cameras in the parking lots and stairwells, there is much that you need to learn about living safely in an apartment building. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some safety tips that will help you to feel more comfortable and secure where you are living.

  • Always keep your doors locked. They may be rare, But apartments can still be broken into. You can eliminate the opportunity for people to break into your home by ensuring that your doors and windows remain locked and deadbolted at all times, even if you are in the property. If you have a landlord and they allow it, make sure that you install new exterior locks when you move in. This means that former tenants who may have copied the key do not have access to the unit. If there is a sliding door, use a security bar. These compose a threat because most of these can lack substantial locking mechanisms.
  • Make it look like people are always home. If you have your lights on timers and your blinds and curtains closed, it will look like somebody is in the home, but with their curtains shut so people can’t peep in. If you have an apartment that opens to the outdoors and is on a lower ground, then leave the porch light on where possible. It looks like people are home and also gives you an illuminated path up to your home. Get to know your neighbors and ask them to bring in any packages or letters that could build up if you’re planning to go away for an extended period of time. Of course, only our neighbors that you can trust. The last thing you want to do is to give the illusion that you are away and that your home is now vulnerable.
  • Be wise about your parking choices. Speak to your maintenance guy if the area of the car park you’ve been given is dark. Make sure that it’s well-lit and ideally have CCTV pointing in your direction. If it’s monitored properly, you will not feel unsafe to be outside your vehicle.
  • Make sure that you have an alarm system set up. Just because you’re in an apartment block doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have an alarm system for anyone trying to break into your building. You deserve to feel safe, and if you know you have deadbolts, CCTV, a well-lit area, and an alarm, you’re going to feel safe whatever you’re doing. 

 

5 Steps to Determine Your New Career

By
Edel Alon
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0

Going through career struggles is not a unique experience. Everyone comes to a crossroads in their work when unsure what to do next. They might not even know if the job they have is the one they want for the rest of their lives. That said, career changes are not as unusual as they once were. No matter what you do, you can explore a different career. So how can you determine your next job and roles? Here are five crucial steps to help. 

What Do You Want to Do? 

Before anything else, you need to work out what you want to do. Consider your dream job and whether or not it’s viable, given your current situation. Even if you can’t do that, you can always look for careers adjacent to this or at least in the same industry. 

Work Out Your Key Skills

Even if you don’t have experience in the industry or niche you want to work in, you may still have key skills that you can transfer when considering previous experiences and jobs. 

Take some time to understand your hard and soft skills and determine how you could apply them to a new role in a different career. Expertise with computers or project management could open up more doors than you think. You can also consider any other skills that aren’t related to your career. Think of everything you can do and consider how these skills could benefit your new role. 

Research the Industry 

It is also worth taking time to research the industry you’re interested in. If you want to become a trucker, understanding recent trucking trends can give you an idea about the industry’s health. If you want to become a copywriter, look at how AI has impacted rates and work availability. However, don’t be put off by information that seems bleak. There is always going to be work; you may just need to dig deeper to find it. 

Reach Out to Anyone You Know 

If you know anyone in your preferred industry, contact them to learn about available jobs or what employers are looking for. They may not be able to help you get a job, but they can put a good word in for you or even put you in touch with someone who can help. This approach is often better than cold emailing, but you may still need to do this. These networking email templates make the process less awkward and give you a better chance of finding work. 

Apply for Jobs 

The final step of the initial process is to apply for jobs. By this point, you should have adjusted your resume to include all the relevant information and tailored it to cover the most desirable industry skills. Remember that job searches can take a long time. You may get lucky with the first attempt, but it’s important to persevere if you’re serious about a new career.

Next Steps

These steps won’t get you the job you’ve always wanted, but they can help you move in the right direction. Understanding what you want from your career and taking action to make things happen is the first part of the process. From there, you can feel more confident and comfortable applying for new roles and improving your situation. 

 

Hosting Productive Meetings: What You Need To Know

By
Edel Alon
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0

 

Meetings are an essential part of business, and while they hold importance, they can also be one of the company’s biggest drains on time, resources, and productivity. This has become more prevalent since the onset of remote working and people having to meet virtually rather than at a specified location.

Suppose this sounds familiar: making your meetings count and avoiding them becoming somewhat of a bore for others and a chore for you to arrange. In that case, you need to think strategically to get the most from your sessions without impacting your working day.

Can It Be an Email?

While this is a popular meme and phrase touted across social media, you have to ask yourself if what you want to discuss needs to be a meeting. Can the information be relayed some other way? Can you send a company-wide email? Host a group call, video chat with specific parties, etc. If there is another way to get the message out, use this before hosting a meeting.

Define The Purpose

Unproductive meetings can cost big companies around $100 million per year in wasted time and resources. This is a lot of money for a group of people to sit in a room doing nothing predictive at all. Before you arrange the meeting, have a clear and defined purpose for it. Why are you pulling everyone together? What will you discuss, and what are your goals? Never just hold a meeting to share information; this can be done in other ways; the same goes for catching up on where everyone is; this can be done via Slack and so on. Ensure you have a legitimate reason for the meeting before going ahead.

Set An Agenda

You need to have a strict agenda that you can adhere to help you keep things flowing and not waste too much time. Share this with attendees prior to the meeting starting so everyone knows what to expect and what the plan is.

Set A Mutually Beneficial Meeting Place

It could be your office if you’re holding internal meetings to reduce commute times. If you are wooing new clients or you need to be on neutral ground, finding a meeting place a short drive from where you are is preferable. The last thing you want is for people to be wasting too much of their commuting, especially if it’s outside of office hours or a weekend, for example.

Choose the Right People

Too many cooks in the kitchen, so to speak, can derail your plans for your meeting entirely. You need to be selective with whom you invite to the meeting. Invite the key decision-makers or those you need to talk to directly to get answers; the more people you have around, the less productive you will be.

Avoid inviting people to make up the numbers and ensure they can decline if they can prove it’s not essential to their job role or they have something more pressing to attend to. You don’t want people there for the sake of it.

Clear and Concise

Avoid confusing people with industry jargon and letting them know what is happening. The same goes for telling elaborate tales for dramatics. You want to keep things clear and concise and ensure that everyone is following along at all times. Avoid buzzwords and straying off-topic in meetings. Get to the point, use clear language, and ask for feedback regularly to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

 

6 Tips To Boost Your Car Engine Performance

By
Edel Alon
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0

Getting more power from your engine is a good thing. Whether you often drive through the city or take long trips to the countryside, enhancing your vehicle’s power and performance will improve your journey. From fire-injector spark plugs to carburetors and new lubricants, the car industry has gone through massive transformations since the introduction of internal combustion engines. Engines are all about mechanics and heat energy conversion into motion. However, you don’t have to be a mechanic or physics professor to be able to boost your engine’s performance. Here are some simple things you can do to achieve the desired results. 

Apply synthetic lubricants

Engine oil comes in various forms, like traditional and synthetic varieties. However, to boost durability, longevity, and performance, you may want to choose synthetic lubricants. These oils have a good chemical structure that your engine can benefit from. Unlike their conventional counterparts, synthetic lubricants don’t break down too soon when the engine gets hot. Since they can lubricate surfaces better in different temperatures and driving conditions, synthetic oils boost mileage and performance better than traditional ones. To further elevate the performance of whatever oil you apply, make sure you use a reliable additive such as advanced oil performance boosters. Avoid those that use bearing-damaging ingredients like chlorine.

Enhance the ignition

Regardless of how much fuel and air your engine obtains, performance may not be the best if the cylinders lack the required spark. You need a good ignition system that induces the spark plugs to generate maximum engine performance. On the other hand, spark mistiming can cause several issues that will send you to the mechanic sooner or later. Many ignition systems don’t send an error code to the car’s computer unless a major problem develops. Unfortunately, even minor issues can suck your engine power without your knowledge. If you deploy a lean fuel-air mixture with a great amount of air, you may require a larger voltage to activate the ignition of each spark plug. One way to create enough energy is to use an ignition system amplifier. The model you choose may depend on whether your car uses a distributor coil that transmits power through cables to the spark plugs or a coil-on-plug that features connections right on the plugs. Your car maintenance steps should include ignition checks; always choose the best performance options when it’s time to replace components like spark plugs and ignition wires. 

Replace worn-out parts

Another simple trick to increase your engine’s performance is to replace worn-out parts. Wear and tear is a common cause of engine power reduction. For instance, if the cylinders are scratched, the pistons are too old, or the transmission is inert, that can affect the engine’s power. It would be best if you leverage transmission repair services from professionals like Mr. Transmission to boost and get the most out of your car. If possible, replace all overused parts for the best results. 

Use a cold air intake

A cold air intake (CAI) is an easy way to maximize torque and horsepower. This aftermarket assembly of parts allows the sucked air to be cooler and denser. When cold air mixes with the fuel, they will burn to generate enormous power. That said, more air will reach the cylinders, resulting in improved combustion and power. This idea is highly effective if your car’s intake is a major factor that decreases the engine’s performance. 

Minimize the weight of your car

Obviously, a lighter vehicle will move faster than a heavier one. To get the most out of your engine, consider reducing the weight of your vehicle. For example, try to replace bulky components, not just in the engine block, with lighter alternatives. For instance, choose to get rid of extra seats, discard unused stuff in the trunk, replace glass windows with acrylic, and use disc brakes instead of conventional ones. Reducing the weight will make your car more aerodynamic, helping the engine produce more power.

Play tricks with the tires and wheels

Believe it or not, tweaking your car tires and wheels can help elevate the power of the engine. Ensure the front wheel alignment is perfect, as wheels that point straight can give a greater speed. Replacing tires regularly can help boost acceleration, so feel free to consider this. Investing in a set of lightweight wheels for your tires, too, is a great idea. A set of carbon fiber options will reduce the car’s weight, increase engine performance, and help save money.

 

Documenting Your Next Adventure: How To Make Your Instagram Pop

By
Edel Alon
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0

Are you a bit of a photographer? If so, you’ve probably got quite the prominent Instagram presence. It’s nice to be able to share your photos with a captive audience, whether you’re doing so for business or personal reasons, and everyone deserves to have their profile pop every once in a while! 

This is especially true when you’ve spent a lot of time (and money) planning an adventure. You’ve booked flights and a hotel, you’re ready to spend 5 days deep in the jungle, and you want to capture as much of the adventure as possible while you’re out there. 

We don’t blame you for wanting to capture some perfect memories and share them with friends and family! That’s why we’ve made a list of the best methods for making your Instagram feed stand out when you’re on vacation. Check them out below and get snapping. 

Take Your Phone Everywhere

You might think you need a camera for an expedition like this. We’re here to tell you otherwise. After all, modern phones are capable of pretty much anything, and there’s more customization on camera lenses than ever before. 

You don’t need to invest in an expensive, top of the range camera when you’ve got a well looked after phone in your pocket, which will save you both money and space in your luggage. It also means your desire to snap some great Insta shots won’t be in trouble if the suitcase goes missing! 

Plus, no matter what you’re planning or you end up getting up to, you’ll still be able to take your phone with you. If you’re going on a scuba diving experience, invest in Dive Housing for iPhone before you go, and you’ll be able to keep snapping shots and recording videos while you’re underwater. How cool and noteworthy of an upload will that be?! 

Take a Million Photos

Well, not a million exactly, but try to take upwards of 50 per day – even if it’s just one thing. The best to aim for is around 100 photos to ensure you capture your view and/or subject of choice from the perfect angle for your Instagram profile. You never know; that one last photo you were going to capture but never did could have been the one! 

Of course, it’s going to be hard to store that many photos at a time. That’s why you should go through them at the end of the day or the beginning of the next one; this way you can choose the right photos in the moment without losing out on storage for too long. It’s a win-win combination! 

Pack a Portable Battery

If you’re going to take at least a hundred photos every single day, your phone battery is going to run down by the time you’re finished reading this sentence! That’s why you should pack a portable battery in your carry-on, as well as a charger you can use in any hotel or hostel you’ve checked into. 

You can then keep the phone plugged in all day, whether it’s in use or not, allowing for more time taking amazing pictures. 

Remember those storage issues we mentioned a bit earlier? If they really bother you, you might want to take along an external drive as well. You can find plenty on Amazon that can be plugged into a phone, allowing for extra storage without any trouble. If you’re using an iPhone, this means you won’t need to purchase more pricey server space from the iCloud. 

Find Something to Pull Focus

When you’re framing your image, try to use something within the frame of the shot to pull focus. For example, if you’re in Paris underneath the Eiffel Tower, you could shoot upward from the ground, capturing a pretty blossom in the foreground with this clearly dominating structure in the background. 

To pull this off properly, make sure the blossom or flower in question is in sharp focus and can be seen very clearly, with the suggestion of the tower behind it that cannot be missed. Et Voila! You’ve got something pulling focus without taking anything away from the image. That makes for a very interesting combination, and will impress everyone who wants to look at your Instagram profile. 

Always Write a Caption

A caption helps people pay attention – and it helps the algorithm to identify your content as good stuff to promote. After all, the more time someone spends reading through your caption, and looking at your images, the more time they end up spending on the app – it works on both sides! 

Captions can be hard to write. It can even feel embarrassing to try and find the right thing to say, without coming across tone deaf or ‘cringey’. But when you write something heartfelt, or include something informational or historical about the subject you’ve captured. Go for a couple of paragraphs and be in depth with what you say. 

Be Candid From Time to Time

A candid photo looks great, no matter who is in the image. After all, you’re not just capturing images of people walking by or milling around in the background – you still have a purposeful subject, they just don’t quite know when and where you’re taking the photo.

This is also good for filling out a photo album, if you’re in a relationship or you’d like to bring home photos of the kids for their grandparents to see. Being candid makes an image feel more relaxed, and like you’re capturing someone in a true moment of joy and relaxation. People always look good when they feel this way, even if they don’t describe themself as photogenic! 

If you want your Instagram feed to pop for your upcoming vacation, you can do a lot with the tips above to make your photos worth looking at. Capture them from the right angle, pull focus in each and every shot, and take plenty to ensure you get the best coordination no matter what. 

 

How To Spend Years Abroad And Still Have A Life To Go Back To Afterwards

By
Edel Alon
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0

Spending years abroad is a dream come true for many people. The opportunity to travel endlessly means you can enjoy a special type of life. 

However, spending all that time overseas can have a detrimental impact on your roots. After several years, you can wind up feeling estranged from the country where you grew up. 

Fortunately, there are ways to stop this. And that’s what we discuss in this post. Here’s to the perennial traveler:

Document Your Journey

The first thing you’ll want to do is document your journey and what happens during your adventures. This way, your experience will feel more familiar to your friends and family, and less like a black box. 

These days, sharing information is easier than ever. Practically every country in the world has the internet (with the notable exception of North Korea), so anywhere you go, you can fire up Instagram and post your pics. You can also share videos on some of the new private sites that are popping up all the time if you are looking to avoid the limelight and simply stay in touch with the people who matter back home. 

Protect Your Property

You also want to ensure you protect your property while you are away. The best option is probably to rent out your property if you have one. (You can use it to fund your adventures). However, you will also need to protect your car, van, or RV. If you

visit this website, which explains more about storage options. 

Whatever you do, don’t leave vehicles unattended on your driveway for months at a time. That will attract criminality and vandalism. 

Maintain Your Interests

When traveling, it is also critical to maintain your interests. You don’t want to suddenly abandon everything you did when home, just because you’re in a new country with different rules. Ensure you keep pursuing your interests. Having something to enjoy and look forward to will help you reintegrate when you get home instead of having to start from scratch again. 

Work On Career Development While Away

You’ll also want to work on your career development while away. Getting professional development whole away can help you build skills and thrive when you return to the office in the future. 

For example, you might try attending workshops and conferences. You might also want to go on courses while you are away to build your skills and stay up to date with the latest developments. You can always improve while away and show off your skills to employers when you return. 

Join Expat Networks

Finally, many people find it helpful to join expat communities when spending vast swathes of time overseas. Finding other people of the same nationality in a foreign country makes it more straightforward to maintain roots and keep traditions going. 

You can find these communities in most major cities in foreign countries. What you get is often a more traditional version of the home society, less prone to change, ironically, than those who remain.

 

Essential Tips For Saving Money After Your First Year In Business

By
Edel Alon
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Saving money while maintaining maximum efficiency is the dream of every business owner. You want to make money while only spending what you have to, even though the market favors those who bring a lot of capital into it. 

But if every startup out there had a massive wad of cash behind them, there’d be little to no worry over whether you’ll make it! That’s why marking the 12-month period on the calendar is such an achievement. 

However, once you’ve passed that first year, things will only get more challenging. Whether you work from home or you’ve got an office filled to the brim with staff, this is the time when you’ve got to prove your success wasn’t a fluke. You have to showcase an ability to be ‘in it’ for the long haul. 

That’s where these tips come in. They’re essential to keeping your cash flow on the green side now you’re at least 13 months in. Check them out if you’re in need of some handy financial advice. 

Have a Yearly Overlook

If you want to budget your money effectively, you’re going to need to come at it from an annual angle. This way, you take every fixed cost into account, knowing the range of the variable costs you’ve got to deal with (more on that later). 

Without this yearly overlook, you could miss out on a vital payment and even fall into arrears if you’ve been happily spending elsewhere. Don’t let yourself be surprised by a bill like this! Have a sense of it well beforehand to keep your money matters straightforward and fairly easy to deal with. 

Monitor Daily Costs Closely

You’re going to have quite a few of these, so make sure you track each and every cost that comes out of your business bank account. These daily costs tend to be the biggest long-term expense in the small business life cycle, so don’t think you can just hand out the company card whenever you like! 

One of the biggest costs is the need to commute. So, say you’ve got a business fleet. First, check out a guide like Fuel Monitoring 101: A Guide To Optimizing Fleet Fuel Usage, and then consider the amount of vehicles you’re running and what they cost, on average. You’ve probably already got a fuel budget on hand, but are you keeping to it? This is where you need to check the numbers and make sure they align as closely as possible. 

Maximize Marketing Effectiveness

Never walk into a marketing opportunity blind. What are you likely to get out of the campaign, and how does that align with what you want to get from your market overall? You won’t know how to answer this without some proper market research, which you should always take your time with. 

You don’t even need to conduct this yourself – you can find any number of relevant statistics online. But make sure you talk to your current customer base as well. Send out surveys for direct feedback and put out polls on social media to get a general idea of what they think. 

Understand What Your Product is Doing Well

How is your product performing in the market? What sales thresholds has it crossed? And what do your customers think about using it? Asking these questions will allow you to see where you’re going right with your offerings and what could be done better. 

If you find there are common constructive or negative points about a certain feature, that’s something you need to focus on for the future. You could be losing out on profit without fixing or redesigning it, and ignoring advice from past customers is the worst way to try and save money past your first year! 

Refine Your Website

Your website has done quite a good job up until now – could it do better? It’s a question business owners should ask on a monthly basis. Websites undergo redesigns all the time, and the more you try out new things, the easier it’ll be to find what really works. 

New layouts, new headlines, and new product copy are all elements to change in your quest to find the best-performing website layout possible. And the sooner you decide to test pieces of the puzzle, the sooner you’ll get to the perfect combination – that’ll certainly save you a lot of money in the long run! 

Only Hire When You Need To

Hiring someone costs a lot of money. It’s why many small businesses avoid bringing in anyone new for upwards of two to three years. When you have a proper payroll, and you’re not just paying yourself a salary, you give yourself big money responsibilities to deal with. 

Most businesses don’t feel up to the task. And in a world where there’s a real crunch on small business profits, it’s smart to be hesitant here. As such, only hire when you really need to. When you really need that extra pair of hands on deck, or you’re missing a core skill on a regular basis. 

Never Stop Making Connections

Networking is the life’s blood of the small business world. We can all pitch in to help each other from time to time, but we’ll only be able to do that if we’re connected! So get your face and name out there, make introductions, and get your card on the right tables. 

Set up regular meetings, go for a coffee or ‘do lunch,’ and even make friends with the contacts on your LinkedIn page. When you’re connected, you can call on someone in a time of need without wasting any further time – that’s very good for money-saving efforts. 

Look into Support Schemes

The government regularly puts out grants for businesses to depend on. Keep an eye on both federal and state level governments to double check you’re not missing out on money you’re eligible for. 

You’re allowed to apply for grants whenever you need to, and even when you don’t, just to be sure you’ve got capital behind you. In case of emergency, this ‘vault’ can be the difference between sinking and swimming.  

Take Another Look at the Budget

We mentioned making a budget earlier on – have you still got yours? Take another look at it and double-check you recognize the way your money moves and why you’ve made the decisions you have. You can also have an accountant look over the books; a professional eye on the margins is never a bad thing. 

The budget will also need changing from time to time. As your cash flow needs change, the way you manage it should adapt, too. Maybe you start making more profit in a couple of months’ time? Don’t stick to a more restrictive budget when it’s not strictly necessary. If you’ve got finances to make good use of, use them! 

Getting through the first year in business is a big thing, so recognize and celebrate the milestone you’ve got to. After that, get right back on the ball and make a plan for the next few years. 

Where do you want to go next? How do you plan to get there? And how will you avoid spending too much money on your quest to achieve the next big thing? This is where you can make a proper plan and put in the time for research. Use tips like these to start off on the right foot.

 

Planning the Ultimate Bachelor Party In A Remote Cabin by the Water

By
Edel Alon
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Are you tasked with organizing the ultimate bachelor party and want to make it an unforgettable experience? While there are so many options, ranging from the classic oversized limo to sunkissed weekend by a trendy beach, you want something a little different. Look no further than a remote cabin by the water. 

Picture this: a serene setting, the soothing sounds of lapping waves, and the camaraderie of friends gathered around a crackling fire. More importantly, even if you and your friends are going with the intention of partying, there’s no better place than a cabin in the forest by a lake. You are guaranteed that no neighbor will complain about loud music in the middle of the night. Here’s why a remote cabin by the water is the perfect spot for a bachelor party and some essential tips to make it a roaring success.

Connecting with Nature

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, a remote cabin by the water offers the perfect escape. Surrounded by nature, you and your buddies can bond over shared experiences and create lasting memories. There’s something magical about being away from the concrete jungle, swapping urban stress for the tranquility of the great outdoors. 

Essential Skills for the Trip

Before embarking on your adventure, it’s wise to brush up on some essential skills. Learn how to start a fire – not just for warmth but also for those epic nights of storytelling around the campfire. If your chosen cabin is near a lake, consider mastering the art of driving a boat. It opens up a world of possibilities for exploration and adds a thrilling element to your trip. Additionally, you may want to research some essential skills, such as outboard engine maintenance, which will ensure smooth sailing, and knowing how to troubleshoot an external generator if your cabin is really off the beaten path to keep the lights on and the party going.

What to Bring

Packing right is key to a successful remote cabin experience. Bring comfortable clothing suitable for both outdoor activities and relaxing by the water. 

Don’t forget to pack your favorite snacks, a cooler of beverages, and basic ingredients for the ultimate barbecue. Granted, you may be able to fish or hunt your food, but prepare for the event where you are unable to do so!

A good first aid kit, bug spray, and sunscreen are essential. 

Creating Memories in Nature

The remote cabin setting provides the ideal backdrop for creating unforgettable memories. You can spend your days fishing together on the tranquil waters, competing to see who can catch the biggest fish. This may not be the bachelor or bachelorette weekend most people expect, but it is a meaningful experience together. 

You can relish in cooking food together over an open flame, roasting marshmallows, grilling your catch of the day, and simply stepping away from daily stress and complexities. 

Planning the perfect bachelor/bachelorette party involves choosing the right location and activities that will make the experience truly memorable. While a remote cabin by the water may not be right for everyone, it can offer a natural setting for bonding and creating lasting memories for the right person. So, gather your friends, pack your bags, and get ready for an adventure that will be talked about for years to come. 

 

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This is my blog of me, Edel-Ryan Tabiando Alon, and my adventures. You can find me on Facebook (add me), Twitter (my interactions during the day), Instagram (my car), and LinkedIn (for my professional contacts). Use the contact form to get in touch with me, especially if you are interested in or have a question about food, leadership, music, projects, or technology. Comments on this site are always welcome but might be filtered for content and/or language.

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