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4 Small Ways That’ll Make Your Business Day That Much Better
With the same old routine in place, it’s easy to go on autopilot. It’s safe to say that, at some point this month, you’ve probably spaced out on your commute; went through the motions, typing away reports at work; and, yes, even made the monotone “uh huhs” when interacting with those you love and care about.
It could have been just one of those days, where you woke up tired and uninspired. Or, this could be a regular pattern. Nonetheless, you can actually ditch the autopilot mode, stay present, and make your day that much better with these 4 small tricks.
1. Incorporate Ikigai
In Japanese, “iki” means “life” and “gai” means “value or worth.” In other words, ikigai, the Japanese word (and philosophy), is about living your life purposefully every day.
It’s easy to get caught up in the large, abstract, big-picture version of what your life’s purpose is. While it’s great to have an idea of what that is, it can become too abstract and out-of-touch when you are going through the everyday comings and goings.
That said, find out what your everyday life’s purpose is, or ikigai. For some, it’s work. But that’s not the case for all. It can be as simple as having in-depth conversations with friends and family, or cooking delicious and nutritious food.
To find out what your ikigai is, in a BBC article, Author, Dan Buettner, advises creating three separate lists. The first one is what you value; the second, things you like to do; and the third, things you’re good at. Then notice what point is in all three. This is your ikigai.
And then see where it ties in with your life. Maybe your ikigai is cooking delicious food. In which case, perhaps look at your job as a means to financially provide you the ingredients to cook with. This allows you to look at your old job through a new, more appreciative lens.
2. Notice Your Surroundings
And by notice, we mean take a couple minutes to look at the different colored leaves on the tree outside your office building. Or notice the different types of cars when you are commuting home.
If you feel like you don’t have enough time to incorporate this into your day, make sure you are well organized and know how to handle your free time.
Smell the fresh air when you get home, and feel the rays of sunshine when you get up the next morning. Simply looking at your “same old” surroundings will give you a refreshing perspective on your day.
3. Give a Compliment At Least Once a Day
It can be as simple as complimenting your co-worker on her work ethic, especially on the upcoming project. Or perhaps complimenting your cousin on his determination in going to the gym every day. Whatever the compliment is, make sure it’s specific and authentic.
You never know, that compliment could start the Butterfly Effect; as Elite Daily states, that one compliment could give the receiver the courage to send out that manuscript or display their artwork.
And from there, they start a flourishing career and accomplish their dreams. While these accomplishments are a testament to their dedication and hard work, your compliment played a part, whether that’s small or not.
4. Pay It Forward
Pay it forward is about doing something positive for someone else; this may be putting quarters in parking meters or writing a co-worker an encouraging note. The idea is that those people will be inspired to continue the positivity and pay it forward to someone else, who will pay it forward to another…
While there is an official Pay It Forward Day (April 28th), this is something you can do on a daily basis. By taking a few minutes to pay for a stranger’s coffee or tell a loved one why they are special, you can not only improve their day but yours as well.
Final Thoughts
Every day is a new experience, even if you are doing the same old routine. Using these four steps throughout your day will make you notice the newness and appreciate the small things.
That way, you are better able to appreciate and enjoy your day, look forward to that alarm clock ringing. What other ways can you improve your day? Let us know by leaving a comment in the comment section below!
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Fashion Vibes of 2017 That We Loved
Photo by Jessica Bristow on Unsplash
The end of the year is always a good time for reflection. We look back on the things we’ve accomplished, things we’ve perhaps failed at and envision plans we are committed to accomplishing next year. Although the anticipation of January 1st fills us with an inexplicable amount of positive energy as we prepare to leave yet another year behind and hope that the grass will be greener on the other side, there is no denying that every year we leave behind had its upsides. One of them is definitely related to the realm of fashion, and 2017 has been, undeniably, a great year in terms of style, so taking one final glance at all the things we loved about the year is certainly worth our while. Who knows, maybe we’ll be taking some of those precious moments with us as we march towards the future.
The fangirling
Photo by Valerie Elash on Unsplash
As the mighty Anna Wintour has already said when reflecting on the collections presented on this year’s runways, many of them have been experimental, bold, rule-breaking, playful but never silly. One trend that has been here for perhaps decades, but this year was taken from indie to mainstream fashion is the fangirl trend. Almost all of us have owned and rocked a tee with a print of our favorite band at one point in life, but now this love of bands, as well as TV shows, has been celebrated and runway-approved. So, if you loved Stranger Things or have been obsessed with Blade Runner, you go shopping online and research the sleekest of fashion pieces, such as stripe knit top from Calvin Klein in Australia, and pair it with the perfect heels.
The playful couture
For all of us who secretly (or publicly) have a soft spot for Great Gatsby and the fashion of the roaring ‘20s the fringe trends definitely took us back to that era of repressed decadence, we weren’t alive to experience. From the dresses almost fully covered in soft fringes to playful outerwear that brought the air of that old chic to every outfit, this is most certainly a trend all the ladies with a flair for the dramatic will carry in their hearts long after the year is over.
Still mad about plaid
Photo by Milada Vigerova on Unsplash
If there is one trend that will certainly make a smooth transition from 2017 to 2018, it’s the plaid trend. The retro ‘70s vibe and the unshakable casual sophistication of this pattern has proven to have a timeless quality to it. So, whether it will be high rise pants by Tome, an oversized suit by Stella McCartney, or one of the countless plaid coats that have taken over fast fashion retail stores, you have to own something in the pattern. It’s safe to say that this trend is bound to stick around long after the year is over.
All that glitter
Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash
When getting ready for all those Christmas and New Year’s parties, sequins and sparkles usually find themselves on the top of the list. This has been a truly glitzy year, from the already famous glitter boots to larger-than-life dancing queen neck-to-ankle sparkly dresses. Many of us will be dressed like a disco ball to a certain extent, but sadly, not every eve is New Year’s Eve so, regardless of how much we love our glitz and glamour, we have a sneaking suspicion that after the clock strikes midnight, January 1st will be the time when we put those dresses away and leave them be until the next festive season.
Anything goes
Photo by Sam Burriss on Unsplash
Americana will always have a special place in our hearts. Minimalists may not be crazy about this trend, but hey, there are plenty of boho and statement dressers that will miss the Americana vibe and the patchwork garments once they’re out of style. The reason we love this trend so much is simple – it gives a sense of warmth, it reminds us of simpler times, cozy quilts and fills us with a sense of playfulness. In addition to that, it provides more than a little wiggle room to mix and match different prints without apologizing for it or being cautious about it. As much as we hope the patchwork sticks will stick around, there is a good chance it will be swallowed by shades of millennial pink and the already forecasted pastels, so rock your Americana while you still can. -
Reasons To Switch To Led Pendant Lights
When you compare Led Pendant Lights with fluorescent lights you will know why people all over the world are switching over to the usage of it over the other. There are reasons one too many that makes LED bulb better. One significant reason is that fluorescent bulbs contain mercury and use around 8 watts of energy per foot. Moreover, these bulbs are made from glass aiming it fragile and delicate to handle. On the other hand, the LED bulbs do not have mercury, they are more energy efficient, use as low as 2 to 4 watts of energy per foot and since these are rubberized, it makes them sustainable and durable along with rock, hail and vandal proof.
The Statistical Figures
If you consider the statistics of LED lights then also you will see that these are by far better than the fluorescent bulbs. These can be enumerated as follows:
- Energy efficiency – The energy output of one LED light is equal to three fluorescent bulbs.
- Long life – Only 70% of their original power is used for a life of 50,000 hours.
- Heat – The Led Pendant Lights are cool to touch as it generates much less heat.
- UV factor – These lights do not attract bugs and insects as these are no UV lights.
- More Lumen – It will give you more than 20 million lumens over its entire lifespan.
The Inherent Benefits
There are lots of benefits when you use Led Pendant Lights listed as under:
- Cool environment – As these lights generate less heat you will have a cool inside reducing the workload on your air conditioner.
- Easy on your eyes – The Color Rendering Index or CRI of these lights are so designed that it does not have that glaring effect on your eyes.
- No frequent replacements required – These lights save you money, as well as the pain of replacing bulbs frequently located at high spots as these, are 25 times long-lasting than incandescent lights and 2.5 times more durable than CFLs, according to US Department of Energy.
- Versatile and dynamic – These lights are more versatile and dynamic due to their rugged construction and wide range of sizes and shapes.
- Safe for the earth – According to the Environment Protection Agency or EPA, these lights are safe for the earth as these do not contain any toxic material or mercury.
Things To Look For
There are few factors to look for when you buy Led Pendant Lights and out of these, the quality of light and temperature is most significant.
CRI or Color Rendering Index is the measuring parameter of the quality of light. This shows how well it replicates color to the human eyes as compared with daylight. Natural daylight is supposed to have the highest CRI rating but for any artificial light sources, the standard requirement for residential use is around 80 CRI.
CCT or Correlated Color Temperature is another factor that determines the quality and functionality of the lights. It is measured in Kelvin and refers to the coolness or warmness the light produces. LED bulbs are usually listed at 3000K but do not heat up to 5000°F.
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Make Your Own Health-Related New Year’s Resolutions
With the holidays just around the corner, we’re all in the perfect New Year’s mood to make some new promises, and hopefully do our best to commit over the months to come. And what could be better for us than improving our lifestyle by introducing certain healthy habits, ditching some of our old vices and making changes we’ve been wanting to make for ages?
If you’re in the holiday frenzy yourself, and you cannot decide which ones you should or can prioritize, and how to approach your seemingly endless list of healthy resolutions, let’s raise a glass to a year of good health, and dive into some of the resolutions that will ensure a healthier, happier you!
Slow down
For most of us, life is often a tangled mess of rushing to and from work, finding time to meet with friends and devoting our time to our families. But in such a state of constant hurry, it’s easy to neglect the simple appreciation of the present moment, or finding the time for much-needed sleep, or a relaxing walk in the park.
Make a promise to yourself that in times of greatest chaos, you’ll find a technique to slow down – because this is precisely when you need it the most. Create a consistent sleeping schedule to restore your energy, and ditch multitasking for the sake of enjoyment in the simplest things. So, the next time you reach for your remote during lunch or pick up your phone while on a coffee date, take a step back and immerse yourself in the present – it can do wonders for your wellbeing.
Find your Zen
When hardship strikes, as it inevitably does from time to time, we need a trusty stress management method. Think of it as a long-term investment, and not something to practice only once the problem has occurred, because preparing yourself for such situations is what you need to increase your resilience to stress.
For example, mindful meditation, simple breathing exercises, yoga asanas, time spent in nature, or getting a furry companion are known to lower your cortisol levels and balance your hormones into serenity. Take your pick and add years to your life for more New Year’s resolutions ahead.
A clean slate for your skin
How about a solemn swear that you’ll take better care of your skin, and that you will do your absolute best to get rid of adornments and embellishments that no longer have any relevance for you? The first several months of 2018 are an ideal time to finally attend to those long-awaited cosmetic procedures that take time to heal.
If you have tattoos that are a residue of the past, such as an ex’s name, or a poorly designed tattoo, this is a perfect time to consider laser tattoo removal, since it can take several sessions to achieve success and some time to heal properly. Then you can finally start anew and maybe pick new images to adorn your body!
Change your diet
How about a change of mindset that will once and for all help you maintain a healthy lifestyle that is based on healthy bites? Whatever your aspirations may be, to lose weight, to gain some muscle, to increase your physical abilities, food is the essential ingredient to achieve such goals.
Once again, this is a long-term process, one that requires discipline and commitment to healthy habits and making better choices every day. But if you want to stick to a healthy diet, you’ll need a detailed plan, and perhaps some help from a nutritionist, so that you can ensure optimal macro and micronutrient intake that will support your goals.
Get stronger, leaner, fitter
What goes hand in hand with a healthy diet? Regular physical activity is often in the top three New Year’s resolutions people make, yet fail to keep. In order to prevent that from happening, do your best to prep for the ordeal: get a fitness buddy as an accountability partner, pay a gym membership for a year in advance, join a dance class, or invest in equipment you can use at home.
Whatever your preference may be, do your best to prevent yourself from bailing out or postponing the decision for months – your mind and your body will be forever grateful, and you’ll finally cross this one off your list for 2019!
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How to Remove Fleas from Your Home: Discover the Secret
Introduction
Fleas are small, but they bring a pretty big problem for many people. Nonetheless, how to remove fleas from your home is not too difficult to do. But, the most important is that you must deal with them as soon as possible before fleas drop thousands of eggs in your house making everything more complicated.
What you need to do more than your thoughts including preparing essential equipment and products, controlling furnishings, carpets, taking care of your pets, and dealing with the garden. My guide below will help you solve these troubles more straightforward, but this process also requires your patience.
©AndyMathis What you will need to follow this guide:
My guide requires the following:
- A powerful vacuum attached to a bag
- A steam cleaner
- Aerosol spray
- An insecticide product
- Gloves and mask
- Flea shampoo
- Soap and water
- Flea comb
- A piece of white paper
- Topical or oral flea remedies
- Lemon and rosemary leaves
- Tools to mow grass and rake dead leaves
- Bags
- Cedar chips or Eucalyptus leaves
- Nematodes (if needed)
How to remove fleas from your home:
Fleas come from 3 sources: pets, garden, and furnishings around your house. Therefore, I will provide you 3 ways for 3 cases
Clean furnishings:
©Krzysztof Zglejc When it comes to mattresses, upholstery, and floors, a powerful vacuum is the best support because it can clean cracks and the tight areas where fleas and thousands of their eggs, cocoons, and larvae usually hide. If you don’t want to contact directly with them, it’s better to use a model attached to a bag.
For carpets, upholstery, and pet bed, I highly recommend a steam cleaner treating by high heat and soap.
Wash both beddings of human and pets in hot water every a few days then adjust the highest heat setting to dry. In the event of the severe infestation, you should purchase new ones. You had better use chemical treatment, such as a flea fogger (click here for more information) because it can reach areas like under your bed. To kill adult fleas and their pupae, larvae, and eggs, you need to choose a kind of the insecticide product containing permethrin, and methoprene or pyriproxyfen. Remember to wear gloves and mask when using and perform in your house without people.
Wash your pet:
©Tommaso Osnaghi Fleas come from animals like mice and your pets also regardless of how you take care of them. Thus, apart from buying the best mouse poison to kill mouse, you should follow what I will mention below to remove fleas from your pet.
Use flea shampoo to wash your pet. If you don't know which type is the best, you should receive advice from the staff in a natural food shop. Personally, I love the effect of shampoo products extracted from chrysanthemum flower or containing pyrethrin.
Prepare a mixture of soap and water, a flea comb to comb fleas out the hair of your pet (pay attention to neck and tail parts more). After combing, tap it on a white paper that helps you check fleas easier. Do that until you can’t see any fleas or their eggs on the comb.
In case you need to buy topical or oral flea remedies, refer to the advice of your vet in advance.
Usually, your pet should take every a few months.To make the natural remedy, let you mix some pieces of lemon and 2 cups of rosemary leaves with hot water. Apply this mixture for your pets by spraying, rinsing or soaking.
Deal with fleas in your garden:
Garden is wide, so you have to determine where they will hide first. Typically, they will be shady, wet, and warm areas or places where your pets love lying down. After getting the list, this is what you need to do:
Mow grass and rake dead leaves as long as there aren’t tall grass and tall piles of leaves. What’s more, put them into a bag and don’t throw these into your compost bins.
Get rid of all debris on the ground, in flower beds, and under bushes such as twigs and dead leaves. Then spread cedar chips or Eucalyptus leaves on the surfaces. Do that with where your pet lies also In problem areas, spread nematodes to get rid of fleas. These small worms can eat sulphur granules and parasite eggs.
Pro tips:
- After your pet goes out of your room, checking whether or not fleas are on your clothes by a lint roller attached to sticky tape is also a way on how to remove fleas from your home.
- Wash the toys of your pet because fleas usually hide there or THROW THEM OUT after a long time of the use.
- Before starting, you need to pay attention that some kinds of flea control products have to be allowed of the veterinarian.
- Don’t use flea collar which is very toxic for your pet.
The final word:
Fleas, fleas, and fleas…… everywhere. Don’t panic. Just apply the guide above correctly, fleas will never come back. First of all, prepare all essential things for this process then begin performing: cleaning your furnishings, washing your pets and dealing with your garden, and so on.
Have you applied my guide? Is it helpful? Please let me know your result in the comment section below. I also hope to receive your suggestions for a better guide.
