Friday, December 18, 2020

Custom Packaging

 



Polyethylene tubing is a versatile plastic wrap on a roll used for a variety of packaging and industrial uses. It is used because its ability to form different package lengths. 



 

If you would like a supply of protective, flexible packaging  in lay flat bags, then you should check out the business International Plastics. They specialize in poly tubing, and will custom design & manufacture clear poly bags to meet your needs. The company will also produce poly bags on a roll in many styles and colors too.

They will print to meet your various packaging needs. There is a huge inventory of custom poly bags in different styles and sizes. If you are looking for poly bags on roll then this is your one stop source. They have a large inventory - including 2,000 sizes of poly bags. You will be accommodated in all your stock packaging needs of custom poly bags. 

A leader in the industry since 1964, they can meet virtually any stock or packaging needs you may have. They have award winning customer service and strive to have long term relationships with their customers. Their dedicated team will give you the best service and handle your requests personally and professionally. When you shop poly tubing, with this company you will  get excellent customer service and the best solutions in lay flat bags for your business.

So visit their website to find everything in poly bags on a roll you need. They also have factory-direct pricing that will save you time and money. With the best packaging solutions and at the lowest prices possible this is a great company! 


Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Ideas to upscale your garden and transform your outdoor space

 Nothing screams curb appeal more than an attractive outdoor space around your home. In most cases, the first thing people see when they visit your house is your garden and your home’s exterior. 


Investing a little time and effort in your outside space can have a massive effect on its aesthetics – and can even increase its value if/when you decide to move on. Here are just a few ways you can transform your outdoor space and make your house more attractive. 


Extend your living space by bringing the indoors, outdoors


There’s nothing particularly novel about the idea of a table and chairs in a garden but, if you extend the idea, you can make a truly liveable space outside your home and start enjoying the outdoors more. 


These days there is a vast range of comfortable, well-designed garden furniture available – everything from outdoor couches and chaise longue to full dining tables and outdoor cookers/barbecues. Think creatively by bringing the indoors outside and start making more use of your garden. 


Invest in artificial turf


A well-kept lawn adds an instant splash of color to your outside space and serves almost as a frame around your home. However, the upkeep involved in constantly mowing and weeding real grass can end up a time-consuming, laborious chore. 


Rather than choosing to grow a grass lawn, why not think about installing all-weather, artificial turf? Artificial grass looks great year-round and will considerably cut down your time spent on garden maintenance. Companies like USTurfSanDiego.com have a huge array of synthetic grass products that look just like a real lawn – but without the hassle and upkeep.


Construct a fire pit


A fire pit can lend a focal point to an outdoor space and will let you enjoy your garden space long after the warmth of the day has passed and the sun has set. Sitting around a fire at night, bathed in warmth and light, with family and friends can be a truly convivial experience – and you could even add a grill above the flames to indulge in a spot of chargrill cooking. 


Add a patio or decking


Outdoor decking has become increasingly popular in recent years and can add a completely different ambiance to your home. In particular, if you already have a conservatory, installing decking will give the impression of the indoor space extending outdoors. To complete the look, think about adding some furniture or shrubbery that complements the color of your flooring. 


Zone your garden


Depending on how much space you have outside, you could look at clearly-defining zones in your garden – for example, adding a play area for the kids, a small plot for growing vegetables or a seating/eating area. Adding zones lends definition to an outdoor space and can end up a highly attractive feature, almost leading the eye from one area to the next. 


Making even the smallest of changes to the space outside your home can have a huge effect on its aesthetic appeal and will lead to you spending more time with your friends and family outdoors in the fresh air. If your home has a garden, the ideas above could let you put the space to better use - and also extend your living area.


Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Who Is Courtney Whitmore?


If you are a DC Comics fan, then chances are that you have some familiarity with Courtney Whitmore. However, how much do you really know about this character?

Courtney is an interesting addition to the DC Comics family of superheroes. She has an interesting history that includes a name change and is instrumental to the success and longevity of the Justice Society of America.

The History of Courtney

According to the DC Fandom, Courtney came upon her superhero status by mistake. She was actually trying to make fun of her new stepfather, Pat Dugan, who was responsible for her having to move from her hometown in California to the boring landscape of Nebraska. She had stumbled upon the equipment he used when he was Stripesy, the only adult who ever acted as the sidekick to a teen superhero.

Wearing a patriotic outfit during her school's spirit week dance as a jab at Dugan, Courtney had no way to know that the Dragon King was planning on attacking. To save the school and bring about order, she and her stepfather came together to defeat the minions.

The result was the creation of a new superhero duo: Star-Spangled Kid and S.T.R.I.P.E. The man that she once had little regard for was now her partner in fighting evil.

After the debut of the duo, Courtney went on to fight evil with Young Justice. She also battled the Dragon King's villainous daughter, her arch nemesis, Shiv. Along the way, she also worked alongside Starman and the Shining Knight to battle the Dragon King.

Wearing a patriotic outfit during her school's spirit week dance as a jab at Dugan, Courtney had no way to know that the Dragon King was planning on attacking. To save the school and bring about order, she and her stepfather came together to defeat the minions.

The result was the creation of a new superhero duo: Star-Spangled Kid and S.T.R.I.P.E. The man that she once had little regard for was now her partner in fighting evil.

After the debut of the duo, Courtney went on to fight evil with Young Justice. She also battled the Dragon King's villainous daughter, her arch nemesis, Shiv. Along the way, she also worked alongside Starman and the Shining Knight to battle the Dragon King.

Alas, all good things must come to an end, and when Starman decided to retire, he passed down his legacy to Courtney, the Cosmic Staff, she was reborn as Stargirl.

All About Stargirl

As Stargirl, Courtney puts her skills in hand-to-hand combat, gymnastics and kickboxing to good use as a junior member of the Justice Society. She made great friendships and learned new skills in her time with them until the group was broken up.

At that point, she began college and made a change to the equipment she used when fighting evil. Instead of the staff, she had a compressed rod that would grow when activated and made her costume appear.

Once the JSA reformed, Stargirl becomes a full member. However, things didn't last as fighting among members led to a split between old and new. Stargirl went with the JSA All-Stars.

The Television Series

The Stargirl television show, produced by Geoff Johns, follows Courtney's adventures as she leads the cosmic staff and inspires the formation of the Justice Society of America. The series began production in March 2019 with the premiere of the first episode in May 2020.

The show focuses on Courtney's origin story as Stargirl. It allows viewers to get to know the teen and her stepfather who is so instrumental in propelling her forward as a superhero. Episodes focus on telling different stories that highlight Stargirl's abilities and Courtney's struggles as a teen.

It airs on the CW network. The overall vibe of the show is very old-school with elements that harken back to the 1980s. It is meant to show the takeover of the JSA by a new generation with a focus on how Stargirl acts as a leader to bring about success. Despite some failures and setbacks, the good over evil trope plays out well in the storylines.

That's A Wrap

Courtney Whitmore is definitely not your ordinary teenager. She has a lot more on her plate than worrying about grades, acne, and who will take her to the next dance. With her alter ego being the amazing Stargirl, Courtney has a lot going on to ensure her life is never boring.

 

 

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

How To Choose a Preschool

 Preschool helps to form your child's relationship with school. It helps him or her to develop social skills, and in today's preschool environment, it also teaches him or her many skills needed for Kindergarten.

With the changing landscape of schooling, preschool is almost a necessity. Schools expect children to come into Kindergarten with some basic skills in place. Preschool becomes the foundation of all of your child's schooling.

Choosing a preschool is a big decision. You need to make sure that it will provide your child with the education and social aspects he or she needs to prepare for the rest of his or her schooling.

Consider Different Types of Educational Approaches

Preschools have different ways of approaching education. For example, a Montessori preschool Redmond WA will use a method that encourages independence and self-direction. It provides a creative approach with hands-on learning techniques.

Another example is HighScope, which involves a lot of structure, but play is the center of all activities. The approach seeks to make learning a fun thing where kids learn without even knowing it.

Assess the Teachers

You should also consider the teachers in place. Are there enough teachers? Preschoolers need a lot of one-on-one attention and care, so you want to be sure that there is enough staff to provide a safe environment for your child.

You should also watch the teachers in the classroom if possible. This will allow you to see how they interact with the children. You want patient teachers who are willing to allow children some freedom while also ensuring order over chaos.

Take a Look at the Classroom

Harvard suggests visiting the classroom and looking it over to get a sense of the overall feel. You should expect a preschool to be fun and happy. There should be a lot of activities. Look for a range of things that show the classroom is set up to teach a variety of skills.

You should also expect to see organization so that each activity center is clear. You want to see a lot of opportunities for the children to easily move from activity to activity.

Final Choice

Making your final choice in a preschool will require considering the overall impression you got from the school. You want to be sure it is a safe, encouraging, and welcoming space for your child that also suits his or her personality. Sometimes, a great preschool may just not be for your child, so make sure you take everything you learn about the school and consider how it matches your child to reach a final decision.


Thursday, November 19, 2020

Personalized Kitchen Products and Utensils

 There are lots of different ways to make kitchen products particularly unique. Some people will be interested in unusual kitchenware designs and materials. Other people will be interested in kitchen products that have been customized or personalized in some ways. They can already make these kitchen products truly different from everything else that's available on the market using this process.

Printed Messages

Personalizing kitchen products using printed messages are obviously different from personalizing shirts and similar items, of course. This is partly because people will use have much less room on the item itself.

Some kitchen utensils are larger and more spacious than others, so people will have slightly more room for the messages or the logos that they want on the surfaces of those utensils. However, the item still might look somewhat unbalanced if it has a very large message on it that has been very prominently displayed. People will still usually have a limit when it comes to the size of the messages that can be added during the printing process. 

The space that's available for the messages might only measure one to two inches by one to two inches. While that might not seem like a lot of space, it can actually be more than enough to meet a lot of people's needs. Many corporate logos are not actually that large, enough if it might seem like they take up a reasonable amount of space on different products.

Message Fonts

People who want to fit various corporate messages on kitchen utensils and kitchen products may be able to do so efficiently enough if they make sure that use the right font size. The exact type of the font itself can sometimes make the message more readable than it would have been otherwise. People may be able to get away with using smaller letters on the kitchen utensils if they decide to pick the right font.

Sometimes, creating a message that has a particularly small font can be valuable. It will get people to look at the message more closely. They'll be able to see that there is some writing on the printed kitchenware. They might be curious about what it is, and that may not be entirely obvious at first. Anything that gets people's attention can be valuable for the people who are trying to create more valuable forms of brand awareness. Something as simple as both the font and the font size can do so, and for reasons that might not be entirely obvious at first. 

Of course, the people who are interested in creating personalized kitchen products and offering them as gifts can also benefit from paying attention to the font type and size. Many people like getting new kitchen products in general, especially if those products have been customized in absolutely any way. People won't necessarily need the message to be large and obvious, although it certainly could be written that way. They'll often appreciate most forms of printed kitchen products from their family members and friends.


Wednesday, November 4, 2020

When to Use Car Title Borrowing for Your Business Needs

 Business success is often a hit or miss situation and requires you to make sure that you have the kind of income needed to handle your expenses. If you ever get stuck in a scary case where you cannot make your bills, you may want to consider car title loans to protect yourself. These loans are designed to help many different people and might be a good option in some situations.

What is a Car Title Loan?

A car title loan is a unique borrowing option that uses your car's title or another vehicle as collateral for a loan. This option is usually considered a high-interest and short-term loan, meaning that you're going to pay a bit more when you pay them back. However, there have many advantages that make them useful for certain types of situations in which you may need money.

First of all, a car title loan is one that does not look into your credit or other types of facets of your financial situation. Instead, the title to your car is considered good enough collateral. As a result, you can get this type of loan very quickly and with minimal issues. And you can ask for title loans for as low as $100, meaning that you don't have to ask for a heavy and large loan that is above your needs.

And you can use this type of loan for any purpose – lenders usually don't ask why you are getting it – meaning that you can use it for many kinds of situations. However, there are considerations that you need to make before you get one of these loans. If you aren't careful, you could end up with a loan that is not right for your needs.

Using a Car Title Loan for Business Needs

When getting this type of loan for your business, it is essential to know how to use the money properly. Try to shift it to your company's areas that need help, such as paying for payroll, fixing up a problem with your office, or providing other repair benefits to your company. These steps are a good idea because many businesses need these kinds of enhances, and it is hard to find small loans to manage them.

And make sure that you have enough of an income coming into your business to protect you. Remember – these loans are high-interest and short-term, so your payments may be higher than you may expect. However, you can usually get these payments adjusted to ensure that you make your bills.

It is usually a good idea to consider other types of loan options before turning to car title borrowing. There are many types of low-interest and long-term loans that may be more suitable for you. However, you may have bad credit or only want a small amount of cash for your business – if so, car title loaning is probably still your best bet, as long as you know what you're getting into here.

Tuesday, November 3, 2020

Anniversary

 I haven't posted too many personal things on here in a long time. Something really devastating happened to me a year ago. A year ago, November 1st my wonderful amazing loving husband of 25 years passed away.

After a very short diagnosis of a certain heart condition he passed away in his sleep. Late in the month of July 2019 he was diagnosed with this and approx. 3 1/2 months later, when he was actually managing this condition and seemed to be doing ok, he suddenly must of had a heart attack in the night. 

I have been really depressed this past year, and especially in the times we are in now. it has been really tough. 

Here is what I recently posted on Facebook:

this pic actually was taken on our 15th wedding Anniversay:




this is one of my favorite pics of Jim (& Amanda & Ben actually peeking in background behind Jim in water 🙂 ) Fishing/Camping New Hampshire 2009
I can't believe it's been a year ago today since we lost you 🙁
A year since I told you I love you, since I gave you a hug, since I gave you a kiss goodnight. Life is not the same without you.
And I (& the kids) 💖💞 love and miss you so much ❤️💓💞




Monday, November 2, 2020

Steps to Fixing Up a Boat

 There is something romantic about restoring a boat and then taking it out on the open seas to find either high adventure or just to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Before launching that vessel, however, do make sure it’s seaworthy.

Clean it Up

The first thing your new-to-you boat is going to need is a good old-fashioned scrub down. Don’t even dream about buying marine paint supplies until you’ve used a power washer over the entire hull, degreased the engine, scrubbed mildew stains from the vinyl, sponged off the console, and deodorized the bilge. If your boat has carpet, give it a quick smell check. Chances are the carpet could use an appointment with a wet/dry vacuum.

Take Inventory

After your boat is spic and span, it’s time to take inventory about what needs to be fixed or replaced. Keep an eye out for small cracks that could get bigger and wet wood that could lead to rot. If you’re not an expert, hire a surveyor to give your boat a once-over. He or she can tell you if there is rotted wood in the hull or deck and whether it is a major or minor problem. In addition, keep your eye out for detached or broken bulkheads, engine beds and mast steps.

Make a Plan

Whether you plan to attempt the repair work yourself or hire an expert, make a checklist of everything you want to accomplish along with a timeline for completing the work. Giving yourself a deadline for your first launch will help you stay motivated. You may not enjoy the scraping, scrubbing and drilling, but keep your eye on the prize of your first sunset cruise in your new boat.

Once your boat is in ship-shape, keep it that way by making sure that after each voyage, you check all your major systems for damage and wash everything. The sea is a harsh but delightful mistress.


Monday, October 19, 2020

3 Types of Adoption

 Anyone who is considering adopting a child or giving a child up for adoption should take the time to learn about the different options available. The birth parents and adoptive parents determine what level of contact will be appropriate for the situation, including what sort of information the child should know about their birth family or whether there will be any pictures or email updates sent to the birth parents.

1. Closed

In a closed adoption, no information is exchanged between the birth parents and the adoptive family. The identities of those involved will remain anonymous during the entire process, and there is no contact between the two parties at any time. After the process is completed, the records will be sealed. Depending on the local laws, the adopted child may or may not be able to access the information after they turn 18. Closed adoptions are facilitated by agencies that handle the paperwork. Depending on the agency, different resources are provided, such as adoption agencies that provide housing or support networks for adoptive families.

2. Open

The most common choice in the United States is an open adoption. During the process, information is exchanged between both parties and contact can occur in the form of phone calls, emails, text messages or in-person visits. This contact will usually continue in some form after the adoption has been finalized. In an open adoption, the child or children may have some type of relationship with their birth family throughout the course of their entire life. The type and degree of contact that is expected after everything is finalized are determined during the adoption process.

3. Semi-Open

A semi-open adoption is similar to an open adoption in that both parties are aware of each other’s identities and have some type of contact during the process. Most of the time, the communication happens through emails, photographs or phone calls. The child does not typically have direct communication with the birth parents in a semi-open adoption. The expectations will be laid out by both parties before everything is finalized.

Choosing to go through the adoption process is a major decision for everyone involved. Each situation is unique and needs to be handled in a way that is best for the birth parents, adoptive family and the child or children. Anyone who is going through the process should consult an experienced professional for advice and information to ensure things go as smoothly as possible.

Thursday, October 15, 2020

How To Properly Clean Outdoor Furniture Materials

 Living in a home you love makes coming home that much better. It's a place you can always go to find peace, solace and tranquility. However, like any aspect of life, the messier something is, the harder it is to find peace. While your home doesn't have to be spotless at all times, it's important to keep up with cleaning procedures and regimens to make your home even better. Trying to find the perfect furniture for your outdoor space from a garden benches store is a great way to carry your home's essence outside. However, just like the inside of your home, you have to have a routine for your outdoor furniture, too. Here are ways you can keep various materials for outdoor furniture clean. 

1. Aluminum

The finish on aluminum products already makes it waterproof and weather resistant which is a great feature. All you have to do to keep aluminum clean is spray it with Windex and wipe it clean with a microfiber towel. If some of the Windex seems to still be present after washing it away, pour hot water on the piece to get rid of any left behind particles. 

2. Perspex

This acrylic-based material isn't as popular but is commonly used for cool hanging chairs. If you have one of these chairs, stay away from window-cleaning products. The ammonia will eat away at the acrylic. All you have to do to clean perspex is wash it down with a rag soaked in lukewarm water and dish soap. Avoid any dusting too because you can end up grinding dirt into the material if you try to dust these chairs. 

If coming home provides so much comfort, shouldn't you do as much as you can to keep your home comfortable, too? Keeping everything clean and polished will lead to a home you'll love even more than before. 

Thursday, October 1, 2020

Moving Towards Your Rock Climbing Goals

 There are many benefits to rock climbing and many reasons why people choose to pursue rock climbing. 

Recreational Exercise

Many forms of exercise are purely functional in nature. People might have some fun with weightlifting, power walking, and similar forms of exercise. However, they mostly participate in these activities to become physically fit and to stay that way. Rock climbing is different.

Plenty of people do go to rock climbing gyms for fun. It's still popular for people to hold birthday parties there. Rock climbing is a unique skill, and it's an ability that many people want to develop for its own sake. People can become more effective at rock climbing by using certain strategies and adopting the right mindset. They'll usually have to start with the latter. 

Overcoming Anxiety

Many beginners struggle with rock climbing because they're nervous. It's common for people to be afraid of heights, at least to a certain extent. When people have a difficult time with rock climbing, it's often specifically because of their anxiety. They'll need to work through that issue in order to become truly proficient at rock climbing.

The people who have a lot of overt anxiety might actually be able to get past it more quickly than other people, in fact, because they recognize their anxiety for what it is. As soon as they push themselves through their first few rock climbing sessions and get used to the activity, they might feel more comfortable in that setting. The people who are unknowingly being influenced by anxiety might have a much more difficult time with it.

Climbers should acknowledge that it's normal to be nervous about an activity like this. Rock climbing of any type can seem like it's much riskier than it is. Many of the motions involved are unfamiliar to a lot of people. They're also not used to being so far above the ground. However, as long as people try a climbing gym Denver that has high safety standards and they obey the rules, there's really no rational reason for them to be afraid. Once people are able to stay more relaxed when climbing, they can develop new climbing strategies.

Strategic Climbing

Sometimes, people can climb more effectively if they just get better shoes and make sure that they're using high-quality and comfortable harnesses. Some of the harnesses that are available at rock climbing gyms aren't ideal for people who have more climbing experience. They aren't always ideal for beginners either. Trying on new harnesses and wearing those instead can already make a significant difference. 

However, having the right form is just as important. Many people focus on their arms and the handholds that they can see while climbing. Learning to feel around for footholds is one of the most important skills in climbing. People can't see the footholds that are directly below them and will have to become more accustomed to using their other senses. 

Some climbers will thoroughly examine climbing walls before using them, and they might try to memorize the layout of the wall in advance. As people climb more frequently, they should become more aware of everything that surrounds them on the wall. 


Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Why an accounting firm makes a great business partner

 Accounting firms are companies that specialize in providing accountancy services for their clients. These services include handling clients' payroll, taxes, accounts payable, and accounts receivable. Some accounting firms also offer advisory or auditing services to clients. Accounting firms provide financial services to help their clients, as business owners, stay financially organized. Business owners often see accounting firms as a business partner and not just as a service provider.

Different businesses need different types of financial services. When a company is looking for an accounting firm to appoint, they must first consider the types of accounting services they need. Accounting services include major accounting services and other accounting services. 

Major accounting services

Major accounting services include:

  1. Public accounting: Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) perform public accounting services, including preparing and reviewing financial statements.
  2. Management accounting: Management accounting refers to how accountants analyze historical and current data to develop an efficient and effective business model for their clients. Management accounting processes include budgeting, performance evaluation, and cost management. Management account services include advisory services on the improved utilization of a business' resources to meet the business' objectives. 
  3. Governmental accounting: There are specific accounting issues for governmental bodies. The purpose of governmental accounting is to help the different government sectors budget and utilize their resources effectively and in line with the national and local legislative framework. 
  4. Internal auditing: Internal auditing services help businesses produce reliable and accurate financial statements. Internal auditing services enable companies to identify deviations from accounting standards but do not include preparing the financial statements.

Other accounting services

Other accounting services include the following:

  1. Tax planning and preparation: Accounting firms can do tax planning and preparation for businesses, including state and federal tax returns. They can also prepare other documents, such as 1099-Misc and employee W-2 forms. Some accounting firms also handle information requests and audits from the Internal Revenue Service on behalf of their clients. 
  2. Bookkeeping and payroll services: Many small business owners are experts at their own business' products and services, but they don't know how to manage their business' financial affairs. Accounting firms can help record a business' cash flow and create profit and loss statements. 
  3. Business valuation and development: Accounting firms play a critical role in creating valuation reports or obtaining audits, which are sometimes required by financing firms. Accounting firms also provide advisory services for mergers and acquisitions. Some accounting firms can help new businesses create pro forma financial projections and statements supporting fundraising initiatives.
  4. Forensic accounting: The purpose of forensic accounting services is to detect fraud and other financial crimes

Friday, September 25, 2020

Investing for Beginners

 If you have never invested money in anything before, it can feel like an extremely scary prospect. Just knowing and understanding some of the basics can go a long way towards making it feel a lot more manageable. While we can’t give you every little detail in this short blog post, we can give you some of the broader themes that will hopefully make investing feel like it is a realistic possibility for you.

Pay Off Debt 

Before you go any further down the path of investing, you should aim to pay off any pre-existing debt. Of course, many people have student loans and mortgages, which are perfectly normal, but it is the high interest credit card debt which can really act as a weight around your ankle. If you leave these debts to accumulate, the money that you make investing will be reduced significantly. So, try to avoid the common trap of buying more than you can afford. Only use credit cards in emergency situations and save money for your major purchases rather than using cash that you don’t have as yet. 

Create an Emergency Fund 

Your next major investment should consist of making an emergency fund that you can dip into should times get tough. Ideally, you should aim to save around three to six months of living expenses. The global coronavirus pandemic is a clear example of the kind of emergency situation that can have a big impact on your livelihood. Even if you don’t need to dip into it, the fund is always there, providing peace of mind and a sense that you have a safety net waiting to catch you should you need it.

Learn the Ropes 

Before you rush to put your money into a specific stock or share, you should learn the basics of investing. Look at the different options available to you. People most commonly turn to the stock market as a starting point, but there are also investments like gold, so check out Nuggets By Grant. There is plenty of free information available online, as well as paid seminars and webinars. You can also get a feel for investing by using ‘play’ money and seeing whether your investments go up or down. 

Create an Investment Plan

You should now feel more comfortable in creating an investment plan. Start by assessing your current financial standing, before defining clearly what you want to accomplish. Your next step is to determine how much risk you can afford to take, before making it clear what type of investment you want to make. You should also have a timeline of how you envisage the situation developing. While you want to be ambitious, you still need to set realistic and achievable goals. Ultimately, these are much better than ‘pie in the sky’ figures which you are unlikely to hit.

While there is plenty more that could be written about investing, this guide gives you a good general overview of how to get started and develop your portfolio.


Monday, September 21, 2020

What To Know Before Getting a Dog

 Having pets is a big responsibility, even more so with an animal like a dog. Pet care is often underestimated, which can lead to animals not receiving the safekeeping they need. Consider the following tips prior to getting a dog. 

Breed

Before you do a Google search for AKC German Shepherd breeders Florida, do your research on what breed will work best for you. Some dogs are more suited for an active lifestyle, and others that may thrive with a more dominant, leader of the pack type owner. Just like people, each dog is different and has needs that need to be met. Your housing situation and your work schedule should all be kept in mind before becoming a pet owner.  

Cost

Not only does it cost a pretty penny to adopt or purchase a dog, but there is also even more financial responsibility when it comes to vet bills, food and accessories. It is always a good idea to get your dog checked out by the vet regardless of his previous situation, and you will need to purchase toys to keep him busy, a crate for training and a leash. Dogs don't stop costing money once you bring them home. So, it may be smart to sit down and go through your budget to ensure this is an expense you can afford.

Adaptability

It can take weeks for your pet to decompress from a change of scenery and ownership. Be sure to give your new pet the grace he needs during this time. You can expect there to be some anxiousness until your dog feels at home.

Dogs offer great companionship and fully live up to their reputation of being man's best friend. But, they do require a lot of care and effort compared to other animals. Use the information above to make sure you are up for the challenge.


Thursday, September 17, 2020

How To Make Your World a Better Place

 Surviving a pandemic has taken its toll on people all over the globe. If there's at least one positive thing that can be taken from this experience, it's now understanding what's really important. Maybe you spent more time with family, or helped someone in need, but there's still more you can do. Here are four ways to make your world a better place.

Start Volunteering

If you've ever felt a desire to volunteer, this is the time to act on it. More people than ever are down on their luck and they could use your help. There are many different ways to donate your time, whether it's at a food bank, delivering meals or even building a home in your community.

Spread Kindness

One thing that the world could use more of is kindness, but how do you start? Treating people the way you'd like to be treated is a great way to begin. You can also find more ways to spread goodwill by becoming a kindness butterfly and starting your own path towards making the world better.

Work With Animals

If working with animals is where your heart is at, consider donating your time to a kennel. You can help feed animals, walk them and do assorted jobs such as cleaning and working on fundraisers. You can also foster an animal if you have the room.

Change Your Habits

Changing the world should start right at home. Things like buying local, or fair trade, helps families instead of mega-corporations. Buying products that are cruelty-free and don't harm the environment are small changes that make a huge impact.

Make the World Better

Now is the time to look at what you can do to help by volunteering, spreading kindness and changing your own habits. Although you are just one person, you still have the ability to make your world a much better place.

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

When do you need Garage Door Repair?

With how often homeowners open and close their garage doors every year, there is sure to be some maintenance that will need to be done every so often. Over time, garage doors (just like anything else) will begin to wear and tear and if they aren't maintained, it can lead to total failure and an expensive replacement. The better avenue to take is that of regular maintenance from Pflugerville garage door repair professionals that will take the time to inspect your door, test the tracks and keep everything ship-shape.

So when do you call professionals like Austin's Greater Garage Doors? Here are a few tell-tale signs to watch out for to know when you need to service your garage door next.

1. Your Garage Door Makes a Lot of Noise

While noise is synonymous with a garage door opening and closing, you'll know when your garage door starts to sound a little bit off. If you hear extra grating or rumbling, there could be something wrong with the springs, where if you hear lots of popping sounds, your door sections may be bending incorrectly. First recognizing the sounds your garage door is making and then calling professionals to explain can help to narrow down what issues might be going on with the door.

2. Your Garage Door Won't Open or Close

One obvious sign you'll need maintenance on your garage door is when it simply won't open or close. While this can be frustrating to experience, the fix might be a little more simple and it's something that many builders of new homes run into. Some possible reasons your garage door won't open are that the door opener isn't working correctly, the cables are broken or some other faulty part. If your garage will open slightly but not all the way, then it could also be something to do with the springs in your garage door. A simple part replacement can usually remedy the issue.

3. The Door Has Come Off the Tracks

Since your garage door runs on rollers, if it comes off the tracks it will no longer be a smooth interaction. Some reasons why the garage door may come off of its track include the lift cables breaking, the vertical rails becoming misaligned or someone (or something) running into the door hard enough to knock it off track. This is a little bit trickier fix and would likely require the help of a professional to do safely.

Why Video is So Important for Online Marketing Strategies in 2020

 Ever since video marketing first came into existence, it has remained an integral part of every successful marketing strategy that can afford and accommodate it. The few reasons we are going to discuss next will remain valid in not just 2020, but also in the future. We will also focus on why video holds particular importance in 2020; a year which deserves special attention.

There’s a Clear and Positive Connection between Video and SEO in B2B

In a report presented by HubSpot this year, a clear connection between SEO and video marketing was established in both the B2B and the B2C segments. It was found that SEO campaigns that directed business owners and high-level executives to video content were the most likely to convert. Over 65% of the surveyed business executives mentioned that they usually visit potential new partner/supplier websites, only after watching some sort of promotional/branding video about them. 92% of marketers across all segments are in agreement that SEO that leads to video content provides a higher ROI.

2020 Deserves Special Attention from Video Marketers

No other year in recent history has seen higher online traffic than 2020. People have been forced to carry out everything from education and work, to arranging for entertainment and maintaining communication, via the internet due to the Covid-19 pandemic. With so many brick and mortar companies now moving online, it’s become clear that all businesses need to up their game when it comes to marketing.  If video is a way to stand out from the crowd, it’s a key thing to begin implementing.

SMEs have the Most to Gain from Video Marketing this Year

A Wing Visuals identifies why hire a videographer to promote your small business, complete with clear examples and specific guidelines regarding how to best use the services of a professional marketing videographer. For example, they point out that online video content is much cheaper to produce than TV ads, while at the same time, brief, strategic videos enjoy a higher success rate than TV ads, especially this year with people spending so much time online.

Success with Video in Marketing: Relevance and Quality Play Critical Roles

Most of the time, people are not willing to watch ad films, branding videos and social media ads. So how can video be so useful if it isn’t even something that people are likely to watch? On the contrary, that is one of the reasons why video is so effective. Although this statement sounds contradicting, it is not and the confusion can be cleared by the following pointers:

  • If video content is being skipped too often, it isn’t reaching the target audience

  • If the video content is reaching the right target audience and still being skipped, the content itself is not up to standard

The bottom-line is that when the right video marketing campaign meets the right audience, the ROI is almost always very high. Relevance and quality must be delivered simultaneously.

Setting aside the present situation, the appeal of video content in general is universal as long as the videos are relevant to the target audience. After all, video can simultaneously engage our two primary senses of sight and sound. It can deliver information in a more comprehensive manner and at a rate that’s hundreds and thousands of times faster than text or images.