10 Objects Needed To Set-up a Home-Based Office

There are vital items required in every single office, here we list the 10 most important. Once starting your individual business, most persons start functioning from home. If you’re thinking of starting your individual company, read the following.

1. PC/Laptop – A PC or computer is the most important item for every office. So make this your first task when setting up your home-based office. All businesses now depend on the use of a PC.

2. Broadband – You will need to converse with contractors and so having access to broadband in your household is vital, as e-mail has been the leading communication technique for companies.

3. Telephone – Cut business expenditures dramatically by taking out a contract with a commercial telecoms provider. It is costly to call landlines from cells, so if you make many calls it might be worth financing in a commercial telephone scheme.

4. Storage – Have a lockable storing system. This is to ensure all your significant files are out of the reach of animals or small kids. Nobody wants to have to say the puppy ate their project.

5. Wall Organiser – You can be organised and determined while working from home by having a wall organiser. It’s easy to overlook things when you’re setting up your individual business. But, you can’t afford to overlook things, particularly when you’re just starting out.

6. Equipment – Every workplace needs a specially selected chair and desk. Your workers need to unwind for ultimate productivity.

7. Printer/Photocopier – If you do lots of paper work, it is a decent idea to invest in a specially selected printer that won’t break on you. While purchasing a new copier, try to acquire one that permits you to print and scan on it also.

8. Stationery – Every single office needs a stock of pens. But, other resources consist of paper for your copier. Your stationery supplies will rely on your corporate and commercial needs.

9. Energy Proficiency – Cut back sooner or later by reprocessing and using energy proficient products wherever possible.

10. Individual Comfort – Increase your productivity levels by decking your office with personal items. This will make you feel calm and work better.

4 Ways to Stay Connected and Productive at Home

Speaking from experience I can tell you it is such a relief not to have to juggle a full-time career with family and child responsibilities.  I’m sure many of you can relate to this.  I’ve tried to work that out over the years, believe me.  I would come home after a full day of work to a messy house, empty fridge and 2 starving children who have to play soccer in 20 minutes.  

I have found that our family works better when the mother is in the building.  My husband even admits it’s easier on him if I’m on duty 100 percent of the time so when he comes home from work he can just chill or we can chill together and just enjoy each other and that is a very good feeling.  That doesn’t mean that I’m against full-time career women with children.  I’m actually inspired by them.  Especially the ones who find that work life balance.  

Women that make time for themselves, their children and spouses while enjoying a rewarding and fulfilling career really do have it all.  I just don’t believe it happens very often. It’s ideal but it doesn’t work. There is no question, in my mind anyway, that being a full time mom is one of the hardest jobs in the world – I’ve done it and the only thing harder is a full-time working mom.   I’ve done that too.  

The part I loved the most about having a full time career was the routine and structure but soon after having my kids came along I realized that I was just spread far too thin and life was whizzing by too fast.  Whether it’s a decision for you to work or not, I believe as mothers we need to support and respect each other’s individual choices. 

Rising fuel costs along with green initiatives and health concerns are causing commuters to stop and rethink their careers and get clarity on what’s really important to them.  Many job seeking mothers place work life balance as a primary motivator and are looking for flexible work environments.  Employers are seeing the advantages of supporting off site employees.  The ability to reduce the expense of office space along with advancement in technology is forcing employers to redefine how their workforce is structured. 

Here are 4 ways to stay connected and productive at home:

Video and Web Conferencing

With a home office or home based business you can have a meeting at 8 am while other employees are stuck in traffic trying to get to work.   You can develop teams, networks and peer groups without ever leaving your home.  According to this infographic developed by InterCall, by 2020 it is estimated that the average American will spend 41 hours in traffic each week. Online meetings from companies like Intercall allow you to host webinars, audio conferencing, online training seminars and multi-point video conferencing making it easier and more productive for everyone involved. 

Social Media 
Many of my writing opportunities came through my connections online.  It’s a great way to build a network of supporters and you can market your products and services for free.  Through Twitter, Facebook and my blog I have connected with people from all over the world.  That really helps me stay on top of my interests and my writing career.  

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is the internet’s next evolution.  It provides customizable means by which every service you need to run a business can be delivered to you.  There are so many cloud based productivity tools to explore and it continues to be a huge trend in the marketplace today. 

Mobile

Mobile computing is a mega trend and according to former Windows leader Steven Sinofsky, "Mobile platforms will be part of nearly every purchase or transaction. Anything requiring reservations, tickets, physical resources, delivery, or scheduling will only win the hearts and minds of the new urban if available via mobile."

About the author: Carrie Wynne is the author of 10 Ways to be Deliriously Happy – How to Live an Inspired Life.  She conducts personal development workshops based on the principles in her book showing others how to connect to the power within themselves and develop mental strategies to create an incredible life.  As a professional sales consultant she also offers training, coaching, and sales seminars.  Connect with Carrie on Google+, Twitter and LinkedIn.

4 Ways to Protect your Gadgets

Water Sherpa iPad Carrying Case

Remember how carefully you first removed your iPad from the box? Remember how gingerly you placed your PS3 on its gaming station? Time make fools of us all. If you'd like to reclaim some of that tender care that you used to show your electronics, here are four ways to protect them.

Use Covers

It just doesn't make sense to spend hundreds of dollars on technology and not protect them with covers and cases. You don't have to wrangle with something bulky; there are products out there, like the Sherpa line, that specialize in bags and straps that also double as protective coverings. Click here to find out more about such items.

Clean them Regularly

Dirt, dust and oily build-up from your fingertips can all cause serious problems with your devices. You shouldn't just take a rag to use on them, however; there are protocols and special cleaning supplies needed for delicate machinery. Do your research to make sure you don't ruin anything in an effort to shine it.

Know What to Do in an Emergency

Seconds can count when it comes to a waterlogged phone or smoking tablet. If you ever drop your BlackBerry in the dishwater, you might just be able to save it if you know right away to dunk it in a bowl of rice that will soak up the excess moisture.

Handle with Care

At the end of the day, all the preventative measures in the world can't protect your gadgets from yourself. Don't treat them roughly. You spent too much money to take them home in the first place.

5 Great Bonding Tips and Ideas To Bring Your Family Closer

If you are looking for ways to bring your family closer, you are not alone. Luckily, there are a myriad of ways that you can enjoy some memorable family bonding time. Read on for five great ideas, and feel free to add your own!

Make Dinner Together

Who says the tradition of family dinner time is lost? Create family bonding moments by planning meals together. Up the fun factor by having weekly traditions that everyone can count on and look forward to. How about hosting an invite a guest meal each week where family members can serve someone in the comfort of home while enjoying wonderful companionship? The kids can help create grocery lists, and even make special centerpieces or name tags. Keep phones and televisions off during meal times. Focus solely on each other. It is wise to take a full pause from technology and other life distractions.

Read Together

Young children can sit on a parents lap and cuddle during story time. Even older children enjoy a read aloud time. Reading books together often leads to having familiar points of reference, and can serve as the instigator of wonderful family discussions. Literacy is a gift that opens up the world. Enjoy it together!

Volunteer Together

Volunteering together is a great way for families to bond together while also serving the community. Help with the library book sale, put on a program at a nursing home, or deliver a meal to a family with a new baby.

Exercise or Play Music Together

Exercise is good for your body, and for your soul. Go hiking together, or walk the family pet together. Choose new places to ride your bikes, or to go swimming. Better yet, tap your musical talents. Get your bigsby vibratos at guitar center and make great music together.

Plan a Day Trip or a Longer Trip

Day trips and vacations do not need to be complicated or expensive. Hold a family meeting and talk about possible locations for day trips or other cheap family vacations. There are many affordable options that are appealing to various ages and interests. Also, investing in a membership such as a zoo or museum membership is an affordable way to visit an interesting venue throughout the year. Many zoos and museums also host special events of interest.

Family bonding is well worth the time and effort. Don't allow your family to get lost in an overly packed schedule of needless running around. Take time to look at each other, talk to each other, and really invest in one another.

10 Lovely Names from a Song

I had fun writing this week's listicle. I totally love my name but if I could have chosen one for myself based on the songs close to my heart, it would be (arranged alphabetically):

Adia    (Sarah Mclachlan)

Aubrey (Bread)

Haushinka    (Green Day)

Helena    (My Chemical Romance)

Isobel (Bjork)

Lyla    (Oasis)

Magnolia    (Hoobastank)

Rhiannon    (Fleetwood Mac)

Sexy Sadie   (The Beatles)

Valerie (Amy Winehouse)

All these songs are amazing and have played a role in my life all these years. They evoked many emotions in me, in their own special way. They're one of my greatest sources of inspiration, encouragement and joy.

How about you? Any name from a song you would have loved for yourself? Let me know in the comments!

A Small Business for my Mom

One of my goals for this year is to establish a small business for my Mom. As of now, she's been keeping herself busy with Facebook chatting with family and friends. She's been hooked to playing online games like Candy Crush Saga and Farmville. But she realized that even though said activities keep her entertained, she has gotten unproductive in the process.

I am thinking a business in the line of selling wholesale designer inspired handbags would suit her? She can sell them online, on Facebook if she wants since she seem to enjoy being in social media. I'm up to other options but if there is no better alternative, I might stick with this idea.

Can you suggest other line of business for my Mom? Let me know in the comments. Thank you!

Vhong Navarro Beaten Up at BGC Condo

Over the past few days, I am sure you have heard some a lot of chatter about TV Host-Comedian Vhong Navarro. Not surprising as the news is all over the social media. Every time I visit Facebook, this beaten-up photo of Vhong shows up on my timeline. It's pretty hard to look at.

According to ABS-CBN News Online, Direk Chito Rono, Vhong's manager, released this statement:

"Si Vhong Navarro ay naimbitahan sa isang condominium unit sa Fort ng isang kaibigang babae. At sa di pa malamang kadahilanan, siya ay piniringan, pinagtulungang bugbugin, ginapos, tinakot, at hinihingan ng pera ng isang grupo ng kalalakihan noong January 22, Miyerkules. Si Vhong ay kasalukuyang nagpapagaling at mawawala ng pansamantala sa 'It's Showtime' at iba pa niyang proyekto."

But according to GMA News Online, Vhong Navarro allegedly molested a 22-year old student at the BGC Condo as evidenced by a police blotter filed at the Southern Police District.

Whoa, two conflicting stories from two competing news network? You bet. And as with any hot issue that trends in social media, netizens are chiming in and giving their opinion on the matter.

It might be all hazy now, but whatever the truth is, I am sure it will come out in due time. I personally would wait for Vhong's statement to clear things up. Let us not be quick to judge other people, be it Vhong or the girl in question, and throw unnecessary comments.

Have a speedy recovery, Vhong! #PrayforVhongNavarro

Working-from-Home Tip: Learn New Skills

Don't we all wish that we are knowledgeable and skilled at everything - where a prospective client approaches us and we can confidently accept the job offer because we know how to do it? No wasted opportunities! More money for us to spend, invest and save! But hey, reality-wise, that doesn't happen much. The online job market has become competitive in the last few years and keeping up with the demand and competition is something we have to prioritize if we want to make working-from-home really WORK for us. We have to take the initiative to improve, learn and develop new skills.

Oftentimes when browsing the job board on oDesk I find myself wishing that I am also proficient in Design and Multimedia, or perhaps even Web and Software Development because they are "in demand" - meaning the job board is filled with job postings under those categories. I am sure some of you Work-at-Home Moms and Dads feel the same at some point in your freelance career. We realize that we should not be limiting ourselves to whatever we are good at doing at the moment. That we should acquire more knowledge so we can do MORE.

Personally, I want to make myself more marketable as a freelancer. I should go back to school to study and learn and like a mantra, I find myself reciting this to myself over and over again. I am resolved to make this a reality and determined to add new skills to my portfolio before the end of the year.

The Right Learning Set-up

Online education or traditional on-campus education? Considering that I work full-time and have family responsibilities (I have a pre-schooler son and an infant daughter I directly breastfeed on demand.) there couldn't be no other choice. Obviously.  I feel lucky enough that we have an alternative to traditional colleges and universities these days! Ten or fifteen years ago, there wouldn't be no other choice.

For me, online education is more convenient and cost-effective as compared to on-campus. Learning materials are meticulously presented through the use of videos, presentations and other mediums and I, as an online student can take the classes whenever and wherever I want. You can't imagine how much I love the idea of flexibility in doing things at your own pace and this is basically how I'm living my life for the past 8 years.

The Right Course or Training

What is the right course or training for me? A few bits on my educational background: I graduated with a BS in Business Administration major in Marketing back in 2001. I also completed 48 units of Elementary Education in 2009-2010 which makes me eligible to take the Licensure Examination for Teachers here in the Philippines.

Should I have a Roland R-05 and enroll on a music course? Heck, no. Having a great interest in something does not mean you'll do a great job doing it. It's not just the enthusiasm, it's also about capability. Would I be better off taking a graphics and web design course then? Well, perhaps! But design skills take a long time to develop - we're talking about years! Taking Drafting as my vocational course in High School was the only design-related class I can think of. And I was not even good at it then. I don't have the "eye" for design as they call it.

To make the decision-making process easier for me, I went back to the oDesk job board and searched for job postings that are somewhat related to my educational background and expertise. Something that will enable me to command a higher pay rate. Something in the line of Finance or Accounting. But I don't need a course too broad and would take years to master.
 

I found almost 300 job postings looking for bookkeeping services or someone proficient with Quickbooks, Intuit-Quickbooks, etc. I keep on seeing these postings every day and know for a fact that there is a high demand for this skill set because of the increasing number of small businesses being launched every day. That's when I decided I'll take up bookkeeping classes online, and I chose the one provided by the School of Bookkeeping by Seth David.

The Right Attitude

I am not the most organized person there is and I admit that I drift out of focus from time to time. But this challenge to improve myself matters a lot to me and I am working hard on having a great deal of self-discipline, motivation and time to complete the classes.

I am still on the basics and fundamentals of the course (Bookkeeping Fundamentals with Quickbooks) and honestly, there is a lot of information to absorb but I am having fun learning. Taking an online course such as this can really be rewarding at the end of the day. Though not face-to-face interaction as in traditional classes, there is still enough interaction teacher/mentor-student through discussion forums. The online learning postal uses videos that are high quality and with a clear audio, and downloadable worksheets and premium content.

Parting Words

Learning and acquiring new work skills make a freelancer / Work-at-Home-Mom or Dad more employable and more confident. It opens more career opportunities and will guide you to achieving success in the long run. So work on and devote time to learning new skills. It's never too late!

Disclaimer: An affiliate link is used in this post. If you wish to check out the School of Bookkeeping from a non-affiliate link, please click this URL instead: http://www.schoolofbookkeeping.com

Fun and Healthy Pool Games For Kids

Image credit: alexisnyal of Flickr

There are a lot of games that kids can play in the pool. The fun starts with just being in the pool, which provides a wonderful place for the kids to play.

Let them create. Kids are inventive and ingenious – allowing all of that creative talent to come out in playing pool games may be all that is needed. If the parent doesn’t understand the game the kids have come up with, that’s fine – sometimes kids will create games with complex rules that only make sense to them. Let the kids have fun, and sit back and enjoy watching. If the kids need a prompt, several games can be suggested that will get the fun started:

Marco Polo. Sometimes this game will start on its own, when a couple of the kids jump in the water, and someone closes their eyes and yells out “Marco.” The rest of the kids shriek, yell “Polo” and begin to try to get away by either swimming underwater, or slowly swimming away, so they’re not detected by the sounds they make. One variation of the game allows players to get out of the pool to protect themselves. If the person who is “it” calls “fish out of water,” the person out of the pool becomes the next “it.” Sometimes the kids might need a rules clarification from Mom, but other than that, they’ll just play until they get tired.

Shark in the water. If the kids get tired of Marco Polo, there’s a fun variation where one child is designated as the shark. Everyone else gets out of the water, and once the game starts, can only stay out of the water for 5 seconds. The players all jump into the pool and try to swim to the edge without getting “tipped” or touched, by the shark. To make it really fun, provide goggles and swim fins for the shark.

Dolphins in the water. This game is pretty simple to start, and when it’s timed, becomes a fun race game. Have the children pair off, and select one child in each pair to be the “arms” and the other to be the “legs.” The “legs” hold on to the “arm’s” waist, and the pair starts across the pool, with the “arms” only using their arms, and letting their legs not move, so not to hurt the child behind them. The “legs” do the kicking for the pair. When the kids get into the race, it’s a lot of fun to watch this game!

Pool basketball. It just takes a basketball goal at one end of the pool to get this game started. Pool toys for kids can be found here, and there is a wide variety to choose from. Usually the goal is set up along the side of the pool where the water is about waist deep or a little deeper. The kids wade around trying to pass the ball to each other, and toss it in to the basket. If games are played to 10 it allows players to switch sides and play a lot of games.

Kids need very little guidance to come up with some entertaining games that keep them happy and occupied while in the pool. A Mom can sit back and enjoy seeing her kids and their friends having so much fun.

Carol Atkins currently writes articles on assignment for PoolCenter.com.  She has 3 kids with her wonderful husband – two boys and a girl – and two lovely black Labradors.  After studying things like pool pump motors to design their pool for maximum efficiency, she spends hours with her family at their home pool, watching the kids and dogs splash and play.  She is also an avid runner, and diligently training for her first half marathon.

Common Types of Occasional Tables

Once upon a time, people traveled from place to place carrying their few belongings with them. These days however, people usually choose to stay in one place for an extended amount of time. This change has created a need for the creation and use of many different types of furniture - and when you do decide to move, you will most likely require the use of a moving truck.

From couches to beds to kitchen tables, you probably have furniture in every room. While you may be more inclined to picture these larger items when you think of furniture stores in Edmonton, Alberta, you will also find a number of smaller pieces to complement your larger furniture. In the table section, these tables are called occasional tables.

Cocktail and Sofa Tables

The larger definition of an occasional table is a table that is not a dining table or desk. The first type of occasional table that may come to mind is your cocktail or coffee table. The two interchangeable drink terms refer to the table that you usually find sitting in front of your sofa. Cocktail tables are often made of wood, marble, glass, or metal. Some may contain a drawer or a shelf.  Generally, people use these tables for holding beverages, magazines, remote controls, books, and more. The tables are commonly found in living or family rooms.

Another table that can be found in the living room, but also maybe a hallway, dining room, or foyer, is the sofa table. Also called the console table, these tables tend to be taller in height and longer in length. They may hold lamps and decorations, mail and keys, or various other items.

End and Chairside Tables

End tables are another common accent piece that can be obtained from your furniture store in Edmonton Alberta, and they may come as a matching set with your coffee table. As the name suggests, the tables usually are placed at the end of a piece of furniture, such as the couch. They may also be used as bedside tables.

If you wish to be picky, the difference between a table referred to as a nightstand and an end table is usually in the storage. Nightstands are more commonly made with drawers and shelving, whereas an end table tends to just be a table.

If you want to be even pickier about your Edmonton furniture, you can differentiate between end tables and chairside tables. Chairside tables pretty much are an end table that is smaller in size in order for it to fit better next to a chair or recliner rather than a couch. Both end tables and chairside tables may be a variety of shapes, such as oval, square, round, or rectangular. Some may even feature a magazine rack.

10 Things A WAHM Do During The Weekend

Here are 10 things a Work-at-Home-Mom or WAHM like me usually do during weekends.

1. Plan and lay out the following week's work schedule and to-do list. I do not have a planner, I use Google Calendar to keep me organized.

2. Buy groceries, household items and other necessities.

3. Do the laundry, clean the house and organize the closets.

4. Visit my Mom and my extended families and spend at least half a day with them.

5. Have a movie marathon with the family. Or just watch cartoons with the kids.

6. Update my blog and social media accounts. Comment on my favorite blogs.

7. Go out of town to breathe some fresh air.

8. Hike. Jog. Walk. Exercise. Play with the kids.

9. Pamper myself by getting a hair cut, a mani-pedi or a foot spa.

10. Relax, rest and do absolutely nothing. Sleep the whole weekend, perhaps!

Have a great week ahead, everyone!

Home Decoration Ideas for Valentines Day

Valentines Day is fast approaching and more often than not, we ladies find ourselves picking our brains for ideas on how to decorate our homes for the occasion. We all tend to get a little crafty always sometimes , looking for inspirations from one blog to another written by crafty Moms who unselfishly share photos, tips and tutorials of their projects... and it can get really tedious.

There are various decoration ideas we can do that can help us make Valentines Day even more special. In fact, Pinterest is full of them! But it can be hard to sift through every one of them to find things to do that you didn't already try in the past. It's hard to stay inspired, too.

So to help you decide on which decorations to use and perhaps even learn something new, I've compiled 5 of my favorites. Read on below for some of the prettiest decor ideas that you can do yourself for Valentines Day! Be inspired!

Flowers: Make it perfect! A hint of bright red or pink blooms in a bouquet or centerpiece helps create the Valentine's Day mood when strategically placed. Fresh flowers are perfect - you can use roses, tulips, carnations, orchids, sakura - place them in a basket, base, glass, pot, cones, beaker or a test tube even. Or you can DIY artificial flowers made of paper or fabric. The possibilities are endless!
 

Banners or Buntings: Make it festive! Aside from paper, you can also use fabric (like burlap) for making a Valentines Day banner or bunting. Prettify with washi tapes in bright colors and beautiful patterns, felt or doilies and hang them in bakers twine with arrow clips - there you have it!

Sweet Treats for the Sweet Tooth: Make it delightful! Back in High School, I always look forward to February 14th because of all the cookies, candies and chocolates I get. Put them in a gorgeous plate, box or jar and place it in a table as a centerpiece.

Frames: Make it memorable! Frame your family photos and embellish with ribbons or flowers to make it romantic. You can also make framed art with different materials. Perhaps print your favorite love quotes and put it in a frame? You can choose to be simple or extravagant. It's all up to you! 

Lights: Make it romantic! Light the candles, dress up and play soft music - who wouldn't be in the mood for love?

Which Valentine decoration idea is most inspiring to you? Do you have any other favorites not on this list?

Do You Know Where Diamond Comes From?

Image credit: Ultima_Bruce on Flickr

Humans have been wearing jewelry since ancient times. While the first jewelry was thought to be more of a functional piece for helping clothes latch together, over time jewelry came to be a decorative element. As far back as the ancient Egyptians, precious gems and metals have been used to create jewelry. Many of these gems and metals are still prized today for not only their beauty, but also their rarity and useful characteristics. One gem you will most likely be very familiar with from a jewelry store such as laurenbjewelry.com is the diamond.

Diamond Production

Diamond can be obtained in several ways, whether naturally or synthetically. But whether they are natural or synthetic, all diamonds are made from carbon. Most natural diamonds are created miles beneath the surface of the earth, in the mantle layer. This layer of the earth’s crust contains molten rock and metals, including carbon. When the temperature is just right (about 2000 degrees Fahrenheit) and enough pressure is applied, the carbon within the mantle will become diamond. If the diamonds formed are created from organic carbons, the diamonds will be called eclogitic, whereas inorganic carbons form harzburgitic diamonds. When other elements, such as sulfur or nitrogen form within the structure of the diamond, colored diamonds may result, like pink, blue, green, or brown, although these colors are rare.

Diamond mining in South Kalimantan, Indonesia (Image credit: palx on Flickr)

Diamond Mining

Diamonds are mined from the earth’s surface, but not from the deep within mantel. Instead, the diamond is mined from areas where volcanic activity has caused the diamond to rise closer to the surface. Currently most diamonds are mined from South Africa, but have also been mined from India, Brazil, Australia, Siberia, and Canada. Other types of natural diamonds may be obtained from glaciers or meteorites, but these are not as common. Diamond is not only valuable for its beauty, but is also one of the hardest known minerals on Earth. As a result, it is also used for a number of industrial purposes, such as for drill bits, saws, microelectronics, engraving, microbearings, and more. Natural diamonds also take millions of years to form, which is why diamonds used for industrial purposes are usually synthetically made.

Diamond Quality

Besides the rarer, fancier colors of diamond, usually higher grades of diamond are the clearest gems. Diamonds generally range from colorless to light yellow, and will come in a variety of weights called carats. You will also find that a jeweler such as laurenbjewelry.com will offer a wide variety of different cuts for diamonds.