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8 Things You Must Buy When You Move Into a New Apartment

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If you finally managed to purchase a new apartment that you wanted for quite a long time, there will be a lot of things that you’ll need to think about. But, besides planning how you’ll place your furniture and decorations, there is a wide range of things that you’ll have to and want to buy before actually moving in.

However, if you never moved into a new apartment before, you might be wondering – what are the things that I’ll need to purchase? Well, luckily for all individuals that found themselves in this situation, this article can help. Let’s take a look at the 10 things MTD PM Team says you’ll need to buy before moving in:

1. First Things First – Purchase The Bedroom Necessities

Some of the first things that you’ll need to buy are bedroom essentials. Why should you do this first? Well, it is a new apartment and there is probably no furniture in it. So, if you do not want to sleep on the floor, start browsing online and brick-and-mortar businesses for bedroom necessities that include a mattress, pillows, bedding, and so on.

While on the topic of equipping your bedroom, you might also want to purchase coat hangers. This will allow you to unpack your clothes, which in return will allow you to start feeling like you are home! Additionally, by purchasing the hangers, you’ll be able to make the entire unpacking process easier.

Source: Beaumont Legal

2. You’ll Need Basic Tools

In order to join your furniture pieces together, as well as hang your decoration such as paintings and photographs, you’ll need to buy some basic tools. This means that you might want to go to the hardware store and buy a hammer, some nails, wall hooks, screwdrivers, and so on.

Besides the aforementioned things, you might also want to get a step stool that will allow you to place some of your items in your new apartments, as well as some batteries and an extension cord that will allow you to set up your TV, computer, appliances, and other gadgets.

3. Equip Your Bathroom Next

Trust me when I say this, you do not want to ruin your completely new floor with water, which is why you must opt for buying a shower curtain. Also, do not forget to buy a liner and wall hooks since you’ll need them as soon as you start unpacking your things. Keep in mind – pack a bag of essential toiletry items – such as soap, shampoo, and towels – when you are moving since you’ll surely want to take a shower after a long and tiring day of moving.

Source: apartmentguide

4. You’ll Need Cleaning Equipment

Before you place your items in your new home, you’ll probably want to ensure that everything is clean, especially since you won’t be able to vacuum under your closet every time you are cleaning your apartment. Hence, ensure that you purchase a high-quality vacuum, multi-surface wet wipes, paper towels, as well as anything else that you might use for cleaning.

Now, you might be wondering – how can I choose the best vacuum for my new apartment? Fortunately, there are various review websites such as StuffedAbode, which means that you can learn what are some of the best items you can buy, hence, ensure that you take advantage of such platforms.

5. Stock Up Your Kitchen

A lot of new homeowners opt for using plastic utensils, paper plates, and plastic cups before they purchase a dish set, however, you might want to buy several things before the move. And, if you want to make the entire experience more pleasant, opt for getting water glasses, mugs, as well as pans and pots that you can use for cooking.

And, if you want to set up the kitchen during the first day of your move then you should also buy some appliances such as a toaster, blender, as well as a microwave. Doing this will allow you to see how much space you are left with, which means that you’ll know what you can buy later on.

Source: shortstaygroup

6. Get or Make a First-Aid Package

If there is one thing that you should take away from this article, it is the fact that accidents do happen when moving into a new place. No matter if someone trips down the stairs or if you cut yourself while opening the box, you’ll want to have something that will help you take care of your wounds.

Hence, do not forget to buy some bandages, anti-inflammatory medicine, band-aids, gauze, alcohol, wipes, and some cold medicine. By buying all of these things, you can ensure that you can treat any injury if it occurs, which means that you’ll be able to continue unpacking instead of losing time commuting to the ER.

Source: Clean Home Fast

7. Do Not Forget to Eat!

Moving is a stressful task, which is why you might want to avoid ordering fast food every time you feel hungry. This is why you might want to buy some food and prepare healthy homemade meals. Not only will this help you stay healthy, but it will also make you feel like you are truly in your home and it will allow you to see how your appliances and kitchen gadgets work.

8. Curtains Are Important as Well

One of the most common things new homeowners forget to buy is curtains. Curtains won’t only protect your privacy, but, they will also allow you to sleep better and they’ll completely tie the rooms together. Naturally, you’ll want to buy them last in order to match them with the new furniture and décor you bought.

Source: homelet

Conclusion

As you can see, there is a wide range of things that you’ll need to buy when moving into your new apartment. However, if you choose to follow the list above, you’ll make the entire moving process easier, less time-consuming, and more importantly, you’ll make it less stressful for yourself.

So, now that you are aware of all the things you might want to purchase, you should not lose any more of your time. Instead, go back to the beginning of the list and go through it once again in order to create a list of things that you’ll need to buy before you move into your new home.

Working From Home: Ultimate Guide to Avoiding Common Challenges

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The work-from-home and remote work set-up appears to have become the norm since the pandemic started. In April 2024, the Office of National Statistics reported that 46.6% of employees worked from home to some extent. And while some industries still struggle to come to terms with the shift, many businesses find working from home to be the most viable solution to the health crisis.

Shifting to a remote work set-up isn’t as seamless as one may think. Of course, there are unique challenges involved with not being in a standard office environment. In this article, we will discuss these issues and the best way to resolve them. We’ll also be providing recommendations on designing a work-from-home office with the right tools and supplies for optimum productivity.

Source: Pinterest

Setting up the perfect space for working from home

Before starting to work from home, you need to prepare the right space conducive to productivity. Here’s how to set up that space:

  1. Choosing a location. The location or space should be away from distractions and provide for unique work requirements. As much as possible, space should be dedicated only to work so that you can optimise productivity. A spare room, for example, is the perfect location. But, if you don’t already have a home office, perhaps a corner will do until you can create a more permanent setup.
  2. Identifying your needs. The needs of a work-from-home employee depend on the requirements of their job. For example, you may need a high-end computer instead of a laptop. It would help if you also stocked your home office with supplies, an ergonomic chair, and a desk with storage space to keep your things organised.

Staying organised is essential because working from home can be stressful for some people who are surrounded by distractions.

Source: housebeautiful

Essential tools and supplies ideal for a WFH office

Now, let’s move on to the supplies and tools necessary for the best work-from-home set-up. Of course, this list is generic since there are unique requirements specific to every job description.

  • Office supplies. Although you’re mostly working online, you’ll still need basic office supplies such as paper, envelopes, and folders. Fortunately, you can buy from online suppliers like www.aosonline.co.uk. Stocking up on supplies should be a priority since going out for shop runs isn’t recommended.
  • Reliable wireless internet connection. Connectivity is a must for any employee working remotely. Before shifting to this set-up, you need to ensure that your internet connection at home remains stable, despite a possible increase in bandwidth use.
  • Accessories for your computer. Do you need noise-cancelling headphones for taking phone calls from clients? It’s critical to ensure that you can tune out any distracting noise from the background, such as pets and kids.
  • Software for video conferencing. It’s always good to have a video conferencing app installed on your computer before you start working from home. If your company provides a suite of tools and software for daily tasks, you can use other tools such as an online calendar to help remind you of your deliverables.

These days, there is plenty of technology designed to make working from home more efficient. If you can, try to invest in this technology, especially when it is free.

Now that we’ve discussed the importance of creating a suitable work-from-home environment let’s move on to some tips on avoiding the common challenges faced by WFH employees – especially when it comes to maintaining productivity.

Source: Entrepreneur

Your mindset should distinguish between work and home

One of the most significant advantages of working from home is access to your “creature comforts”. For example, you’re only a few paces away from the kitchen, the sofa, or your bed. But, the accessibility can be a hindrance to productivity. When working from home, you need to adhere to the same routines you’re used to when you need to go to the office.

Start your day right by washing, dressing, eating your breakfast, and setting up your office. Don’t start working without changing out of your pyjamas. If possible, do a workout to get the adrenaline pumping before you begin your daily tasks.

Source: Trip

Set realistic goals

If you think about the number of hours you have to complete your work, it does seem like working from home opens a lot of possibilities. But instead of setting mighty goals, it’s essential to remain realistic about what you can achieve. You will only set yourself up for disappointment by aiming too high.

The good thing about being realistic is that you’ll feel more accomplished if you can achieve more.

Source: The Balance Careers

Break your work hours into short bursts

In a traditional office set-up, your working hours usually get interrupted by meetings, a quick chat with colleagues, and bathroom breaks. At home, the lack of interaction means your hours are often spent only on work. The problem here is that you can easily lose focus and energy by working too long.

What you need to do is impose some type of structure on your workday. Schedule a few minutes between work tasks to take a break, walk around the house, or perhaps get a quick snack. You’ll notice that your concentration level increases more when you aren’t confined to your desk all the time.

Source: Freedom

Manage all sources of distraction

Perhaps some of the biggest challenges every WFH employee encounters are the distractions of homelife. If you have young kids, then keeping them occupied and away from your workspace is in itself an issue. That’s why it’s vital to take breaks from time to time so that you can manage these distractions.

If you think that living alone works to your advantage, then think again. You may not have external distractions, but it’s easy to lose focus and drift into unproductive activities such as browsing social media. What you can do is to get up from your table once in a while to do something that isn’t work-related. For example, you can wash the dishes or put on the kettle for a cup of tea. A change of scenery is just what your brain needs to restart and refocus on your tasks.

Did You Know Bernipk Hides Some Messages in His Videos?

Bernipk (Samtu Palouki) is an American Soldier, comedian, actor, director, and a rapper that always impresses his viewers with the creativity and the virality of his content. He’s made over 18 million views with hilarious videos and catchy short films shared on his platforms. But did you know he hides secret messages in some of his videos?

Who is Bernipk?

Born and raised in Lome, Togo, Samtu Palouki moved to the US in 2017 at 18. Having an urge to become independent and get rid of his introverted personality, he decided to join the US Army 6 months later. After remarkably passing the Basic and Advanced Individual Trainings, he was assigned to the 10th Mountain Division in Fort Drum, New York. But he quickly realized the soldiers around him were depressed due to the lack of entertaining activities. So, with no prior experience in video editing, he decided to start making and sharing funny videos on social media from the comfort of his barrack’s room, using his phone to record and edit.

In May 2018, He shared a fifteen-second video on his Instagram account that went viral in just a few minutes. Tyga and Destorm, two famous singers and comedians, even remade it. After his content’s success, he released some short funny videos that drastically increased his numbers on his Instagram and Facebook pages.

But in August 2019, Bernipk took another turn. He found a passion for Filmmaking. He released “The Room Inspection,” his first-ever movie written, directed, recorded, and edited entirely by himself. Just four months after his first one, he came back with a very emotional eight minutes long short film called “The Last Call: World War III.” This movie made 1.6 million views on his Facebook page. I highly suggest you have something to wipe your tears when watching it. He also released “The Deal” two months after, a lot more in the following months, and even managed to get the commanding General of his unit in one of his videos about Coronavirus. He’s been featured in the AUSA magazine and is considered as one of the USARMY influencers.

Now that you know who Bernipk is, let’s focus on the main subject, the messages he hides in some of his videos.

A Hidden Camera

The first one we’re going to focus on is “A Night At Oscars,” a video he made to celebrate the 100 thousand followers on his Facebook page. He mentioned that he played three characters easy to find in the description, but there was a fourth one hidden.

” I played three characters easily noticeable, but there is one hidden somewhere. Just write in the comments what he is doing when you find him, don’t give any clue and don’t mention anyone. Keep it a secret! ” – Bernipk

I’m sure no one even bothered to look for it. But no worries, I’ll take care of this one. The three characters he played were the award winner, the host, and the manager. If you pay close attention to the scene right after his manager finishes clapping, at exactly 2:32, you will see the fourth character, a person on the podium, on his knees, with a camera in his hands taking pictures of the award winner.

It is hard to notice because the clothing color matches perfectly with the podium, and the scene only lasts 2 seconds. I will assume it is his way of telling us he does all the work by himself.

The 16 Digits Code

Next, we will pay attention to a piece of detail in the short film “The Deal.”

After calling his boss to tell him the mission was over, theHatBoy received a 16 digits code that would take him to the drop off location. Here is something you don’t know about that code. If you type the numbers in Google Maps, you will get the exact position where the HatBoy was standing at with the driver to exchange the bags. Check it out by yourself and compare it to the scenes. On YouTube, you will find the digits at 07:46.

We’re going to talk about one more thing, the last detail that shows Bernipk is somehow very mysterious.

The Green Note Book

Let’s take a look at these following videos, “Well, watch me!”, “Be safe out there,” Stay productive” and “A night at Oscars.” Did you find anything that looked similar in each of them? No? Let me help you out.

In “Well, watch me!” he talked for a particular amount of time, then started writing in a green book. In “Be safe out there,” he was on duty filling out some paperwork, but on the side, there was a green book in which he started writing in. In “Stay productive,” when he mentioned the importance of taking notes while in quarantine, he took his notes in the green book. Finally, in “A Night at Oscars,” he read the name of the winner from the same green book, and if you paid close attention to all the scenes, you would notice that the name of the green book was “SECRET.”

Why? One thing we’re sure about is some of his scripts are written in the book, based on the videos he shared. Maybe, he has an agenda for the next five years with a list of secret ideas he is planning on sharing with us, no one really knows for sure.

In his most recent video, Bernipk announced that he could be absent from social media for two or three months to work on a new project. So far, he doesn’t give any update, but his fans assume he is preparing a short film, and they might be right. We also know he is working on a fundraiser to support the production. It looks like he is taking things very seriously now.

While we’re waiting on the mysterious star to show up, you can take a look at his pages across social media, Facebook, and other networks with the same username @BERNIPK. Hasta la vista!

6 Things to Know Before Buying A Jewelry Gift

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Buying jewelry is an expensive endeavor that will cost you money. Thus, you should know what you’re buying before committing.

Jewelry is one of those things that can be the perfect gift for the perfect occasion. But simply buying the first thing you see isn’t a smart thing to do.

And with the holiday seasons slowly, very slowly, approaching, it is important to remember that nearly 1 in 3 people return their gifts.

Naturally, it would work in your best interest not to humiliate yourself and prevent such a thing. To help out, we’ve pieced together a list of the 6 things to know before buying a jewelry gift.

This article will help you select the perfect jewelry gift for the right person, and make sure that they love it.

With all that said, let’s start.

1. Does the Person Even Like Jewelry?

Source: PYMNTS.com

This is a very important thing to know as what use would a necklace serve is the person doesn’t wear it? Understanding whether the recipient of the gift truly has a thing for jewelry can potentially make or break your gift.

Sure, they might not wear jewelry on a daily bases, but that has nothing to do with the fact that they indeed like wearing. Making sure that your gift doesn’t go to vain is a very important thing that can be prevented early on.

2. What Type of Jewelry Do They Like?

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Picture this for a moment, you buy a pair of earrings but the person’s ears aren’t pierced. What do you do next? This is yet another situation that you’d likely want to avoid.

It’s safe to say that certain people love and hate a certain type of jewelry. And this solely stems from the fact that different people have different tastes.

Some might prefer necklaces, others might prefer earrings. A whole different section of the earth prefers to wear bracelets and so on. It’s safe to say that you have to make the right purchasing decision for the right person.

And to refer back to the previous section, you’d likely want to avoid the person returning the gift for something else.

3. Do You Know Their Jewelry Size?

Source: unsplash.com

Same as with clothes, certain jewelry pieces have different size needs. This is most likely the case with rings and bracelets. If you’re buying a ring for a special someone, then you have to know their size.

It would work against you if you miss this up as you’ll likely end up being an embarrassment.

But how would you know their ring or bracelet size? Well, that’s easy. You can ask someone close to them if they know it, or always go for a slightly bigger ring if you’re unsure of it.

If this person is your mother or your spouse or any other family member, then you can take one of their rings for examination.

But, as we mentioned, it’s always better to go for a bigger than a smaller size.

There are dozens of online stores that you can buy any type of jewelry. One that we’ll recommend is Nano Jewelry, a place where you can buy gold jewelry online.

4. Understand Their Wearing Habits to Uncover the Perfect Gift

Source: unsplash.com

Certain people never leave the house without a ring on them. Others prefer the necklace, while some prefer the bracelet. But it’s safe to say that not every person wears the same type of jewelry nor wears it every single day.

Most people, women, wear jewelry based on her outfits. They combine styles and make them matching to get the most out of both worlds.

Judging by this logic, you can try and uncover what the best type of jewelry would be. She might wear only sentimental pieces, so it’s best to look for something that mostly gives out those vibes.

Others might be more into fashion-pieces and certain gals prefer gold.

It’s safe to say that this is a rather tricky and hard thing to do, so might have to put in the hours just to make sure.

5. Is the Person Allergic to Metal?

Source: unsplash.com

It’s obvious that people are allergic to all sorts of stuff. But one allergy that you’d hate to have and be a jewelry fanatic is metal allergy.

Out of the various metals that exist, nickel is the most common one out there. And that’s why you should make sure that the person that intends on wearing the ring isn’t allergic to metal.

Apart from nickel, other allergic materials include gold-filled wire, sterling silver, and every other high-quality metal piece. Eliminating the risk is very easy, fortunately.

All you need to do is look for pieces that aren’t comprised of these metals. Wood, ceramic, and even stone make for brilliant jewelry pieces and one that looks very exotic.

6. Things To Consider In Regards to Each Piece

Source: unsplash.com

And finally, let’s look at more important things such as quality, style, and even return policy.

· Quality

It’s safe to say that certain pieces are made out of higher quality than others. This is the most important thing to look for when buying any piece as a gift. Making sure that you’re buying quality means you care for the person. We already know that moisture can have a detrimental effect on the quality of any jewellery, so you want to make sure this is avoided. You’ll also want to ensure that you take into mind the material you are cleaning. For example, you can check out Silpada’s guide to learn how to care for sterling silver.

· Budget

While the higher the quality the more you care for the person, it’s good to know that higher-quality pieces cost a lot of money. That’s why you need to create your budget and go in accordance with it.

And we’re certain that purchasing something very expensive as a gift won’t be that pleasant for the recipient.

· Return Policy

Remember when we said that you’d hate it if the person would return the gift? Well if everything we just said failed, then the person will most definitely return the gift.

In this case, you should research the store’s return policy and whether they allow pieces to be returned or exchanged. This is very important as you don’t want to be stuck with an expensive ring that no one is willing to wear it.

Why You Should Hire a Zapier Expert For Your Automation Project

Source: workload

No matter if you are a manager in a company, a small business owner, or a freelancer, there are big chances that you’ll need to use a wide range of applications such as Gmail, Slack, and so on. And, if you noticed that it has been taking a lot of your time to use these apps, you might want to consider using Zapier.

But, if you never heard of this platform before, you might be wondering – why should I hire the experts working for that company? Luckily, this article will be able to help you. Before we look at the reasons why you might want to hire them, let’s first take a look at what this tool does:

Why Should You Opt For Using This Program?

Source: ddiy

One of the best ways to integrate your workflows on your own and automate them is to use the Zapier Cloud-Automation-Tool. By using it, you can connect thousands of applications individually with the program’s intuitive nature and multiple zaps that will allow your work to complete itself. Now, if you are experienced with using such tools, you can also choose to insert a custom code such as Javascript or Python into the interface and extend your automation even further.

However, there may come a point where you’ll be completely lost on your automation journey. You are unable to identify an error code, an app’s API simply does not want to work, or you might find that your workflow is far more complex and complicated than anticipated. And, if this happens to you, you might want to consider recruiting a specialist that will assist you during the entire process.

So, you have been browsing Fiverr and you have come across a guy who knows how to use the platform and could help you with your automation. However, there is a wide range of good reasons why you should not search for a freelancer for this. Instead, you might want to consider contacting a certified and knowledgable Zapier Expert. Why should you do this? Well, here are some reasons why you might want to consider it:

Should You Hire a Zapier Professional? Here Are 5 Reasons Why You Should

Source: startupbeat

1. They Are Certified And Accredited

The very first reason why you should consider hiring such an expert is that they are actually accredited to offer the best services and they’ll also comply with all the applicable rules, requirements, and specifications. Because they are certified, this also entails such aspects as authentication for passwords.

Firstly, if you recruit a freelancer from websites such as Fiverr, you won’t be GDPR compliant first since there is no chance of signing a DPA. Second, Fiverr wildly shares your passwords, and third, it is not approved by Zapier. All of this means that you cannot ensure that your data and passwords are protected.

But, if you choose to hire a specialist, you won’t have to worry about your data and passwords being shared, instead, you can be confident that all the important and sensitive information is protected and safe in the hands of an experienced and certified employee.

2. They Have A Wide Range of Coding Skills And Knowledge

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, you can easily implement coding – Javascript or Python – into your Zaps. This is one of the best ways to expand your integration and automation process. However, it needs coding knowledge, something that you might not have. Hence, it is safer to leave it to the experts if you are not familiar with it.

3. You’ll Get Nothing Else Then Premium Support

You probably know by now that it is important to run and monitor your automation 24/7, which means that it needs to work at all times. If something decides to crash in your Zap, maybe you won’t be able to recognize and find the issues as soon as it happens.

But, if you want to avoid such problems, having premium help right on your side with a certified expert anytime you need it might be a solution. This way, with the automation processes, you can be sure that the problems are solves as soon as they occur, which means that you won’t waste any of your time, money, or efforts.

4. They’ll Be GDPR-Compliance (Which is Extremely Important)

If your company is based in Europe, you are likely to hate those four letters. It is necessary, however, to comply with it, especially when it comes to protecting your data and sensitive information. Even though Zapier is a US-American company, it actually complies with the European data protection guidelines.

However, is the Fiverr freelancer that you are thinking about hiring compliant with it as well? Well, simply said, he/she probably isn’t. The certified Zapier Experts in Europe attach great importance to data security and they are continually motivated to develop their strategies further.

Hence, if you opt for employing a European Zapier Expert for your automation projects, processes, and tasks, you can be sure that they are compliant with the GDPR and with prioritizing data security. Wemakefuture is one Zapier Expert who places great emphasis on this.

For more information, go here: https://wemakefuture.com/en/zapier-expert-germany/

5. They Can Help You Build Apps

Zapier can easily allow you to build an application by using the program itself in order to make the processes more efficient. Hence, you do not need to worry about not having an app available, mostly because Zapier will allow the expert to create a completely customized application that will depend on your requirements, needs, the purpose, and it will automate the workflow as well.

Source: theremoteworksummit

Conclusion

As you were able to read and learn, if you truly want to get the most out of your automation and if you want to ensure stability and data protection in your business, there is really no way around a Zapier Expert. Whether you want to hire one because you are stuck in the process, you do not have the time for completing your tasks, or if you do not have money, skills, or knowledge to build these integrations, it is recommended that you look for an experienced Zapier expert, one that will work according to your requirements and that can properly introduce you to automation.

Brighten Up Your Home This Fall With These Renovation Ideas

Source: bobvila

As we head deeper into fall, the days will start to shorten, and there’ll be less natural light to enjoy. Natural light is such an essential component to any house because it brightens your home and creates an inviting, relaxing atmosphere. Natural light is full of vitamin D, which naturally regulates people’s moods, helping them feel energetic and happy during the winter months.

Are you looking to make a positive change in your home because you’re finding it to be a little dreary? Are you already starting to feel a bit stir-crazy by the idea of staying inside for another long, dark winter? Perhaps it’s time you make some changes in your home by opening it up to natural, beautiful light. If you have some extra time and resources available, read on to discover how to make your home warm and bright all year long.

Install Bay or Bow Windows

Source: simonton

Do you have space somewhere in your home — ideally a living room or a kitchen — that hasn’t been effectively used in years? Consider the advantages of installing a bay or bow window. Bay and bow windows give the exterior of your home a unique type of charm, and they also provide ample light and extra space on the inside.

You can turn a boring, dull corner of the living room into a cozy reading nook or a play space for the kids. Both types of windows are four to six panels of glass that jut out from the wall of your house. This jutting action creates an area within the home that wasn’t previously there, so while these windows provide more light, they also offer a bigger space in your home, inside and out. While a bow window is more curved in structure, a bay is more rectangular.

To make the most of your bay or bow window, install it where the light shines the most in the late afternoon. That way, you’ll get to soak up the sun all day until it sets and retires for the evening!

Put a Skylight in the Bathroom

Source: whyskylights

Nothing attracts sunlight quite like a skylight. A skylight’s design brings in light to lift the mood of any room, provide natural warmth, and a view into the great outdoors. Adding a skylight will turn an ordinary room into something of a pleasant oasis — particularly a bathroom, bedroom, or in a staircase.

Imagine taking a bath while gazing up at the stars. Starting your day feels a lot less stressful as you brush your teeth under the beauty of the morning sky! You’ll still get natural sunlight through a skylight, even on a blustery winter day. It will open up your home to the beauty of nature no matter what time of year it is.

Check out the website Floriansunrooms.ca to find skylights composed of only the best materials and a range of standard styles that meet any architectural standards.

Add a Sunroom

Source: bhg

One of the best ways to bring sunlight into your home is to install a sunroom. The right sunroom will frame your natural surroundings, inviting the outside in! You’ll not only have more light to enjoy, but you’ll have the opportunity to look out and watch nature pass you by through the sunroom’s walls made of high-quality glass. Even if it’s a frigid fall or winter day, you can snuggle up in your new sunroom with a book and enjoy the sunshine — without having to worry about harmful UV rays.

Adding a sunroom to your house will also increase its resale value. Keep that information in mind if you plan to sell — either soon or in the future.

Raise the Ceiling

Source: pinterest

If you have low ceilings and the lighting situation is pretty dismal, you might want to consider raising the ceilings. Such a renovation project isn’t easy, and it will take a few weeks to complete, but if it’s something you feel strongly about, then go for it!

Your best bet is to find a contractor who’s trustworthy and good at their job. Ask around — perhaps you have friends who know someone or read online reviews. It’s not a simple job (or one that’s inexpensive), so you must have full faith in this person and his or her team. When you find the right team, be open with communication and tell them precisely what it is that you want.

Once it’s complete and you notice a difference in the amount of light and space in your home, you’ll be so happy that you took the time and effort to make your home more comfortable and to your liking.

Revel in Mirrors

Source: hgtv

A project that doesn’t involve intricate and elaborate home renovations but still brings in plenty of light is to add mirrors to your walls. Mirrors are reflective objects, which capture sunlight and radiate its warm, golden rays. You can find decorative mirrors at any home décor store, and they come in all different sizes — full length, circular, small, and large.

Hang a mirror of any shape on a wall adjacent to a window — this will help reflect its natural sunlight and brighten up your room. Do you have a full-length mirror hiding in your closet? Place it between two windows to help spread light around a room. It will also create a more relaxed space because the light will be bright and warm.

Paint the Walls a Lighter Colour

Are your home’s walls covered in dark wallpaper or paint? It might be time to change things up a bit and repaint the walls a lovely, light shade of off-white or cream. Darker rooms can feel cramped and small. Bright walls with more delicate decorative items (such as curtains) are also currently favoured by leading interior designers and architects.

Clean, bright walls will attract the beautiful natural light that you seek. Furthermore, you’ll also modernize your home with current interior design trends.

Don’t settle for a dark and dreary home this winter when you don’t have to. Follow these tips and let that light inside your life!

Greatest Breakthroughs of CMM Technology

Coordinate measuring machines boast the incredible ability to intricately and accurately measure parts of all shapes and sizes. Nowadays, these machines play a significant role in manufacturing, assessing, and reverse engineering products.

These capabilities, however, did not happen overnight. The inception of CMM technology occurred in the 1950s during the industrial revolution when businesses realized how precision measurement could advance their production abilities and product quality.

Thanks to subsequent breakthroughs in coordinate measuring technology, these machines now provide efficient and accurate measurements and automate processes to streamline businesses in varying industries.

To truly grasp the capabilities of coordinate measuring machines, you need to see where they started (as a two-axis machine) and pinpoint the different advancements that make the technology what it is today.

The Inception of CMM Technology

Of course, no metrology breakthroughs could have happened without Ferranti and DEA building the first CMM in the 1950s. These machines debuted at the Paris International Machine Tool Exhibition in 1959. You can now buy different types of new and used CMMs and receive measurement services from retailers like Cmmxyz.com to revolutionize your production capabilities.

The First Electronic CMM

Quality Digest reports that the first electronic CMM was developed in 1960. This development marked the first addition of metal scales and encoders so that these machines could read scales and instantly display data digitally for operators.

The Probes

Probes play an essential role in CMM technology as they measure objects on an axis to calculate precise data. These probes have seen a few different advancements to suit various projects and a wider variety of items.

The Touch Trigger Probe: The Touch Trigger Probe, developed by the Rolls Royce Group’s Sir David McMurtry in 1972, was a breakthrough technology. This technology allowed Concorde Aircrafts to assess its Olympus engines and ensure the engines met all specific requirements. The breakthrough changed the capabilities of the CMM entirely by revolutionizing its measuring abilities.

While the current mechanical probes measured flat, round, and cylindrical surfaces, the touch probe allowed these machines to relocate probes and accurately measure a wider variety of shapes and dimensions.

The 3D Measuring Probe: In 1973, Zeiss introduced a 3D measuring probe consisting of three stacked axes. Each axis boasted an actuator and acted as an inductive sensor and generate probing force.

This breakthrough led to the development of a motorized probe, automating probe changing racks, affordable scanning probes, and the automatic probe stylus. With these probe advancements, operators no longer had to adjust probes to measure objects manually.

The First-Ever Computer Controlled CMM

German firm Wild Leitz G.m.b.H revolutionized the capabilities of CMMs in 1974 when it developed the first-ever computer-controlled coordinate measuring machine.

With direct computer control came automated measuring capabilities so that manufacturers and related businesses could streamline their processes, increase production accuracy and output, and reduce or relocate labour resources.

The Metrology Software

Metrology software plays an essential role in the automation and data reporting capabilities of CMMs. Swiss company Metromec developed the first metrology software in the 1980s. Based on PC technology, this technology helped improve the machines’ overall user-friendliness to make the technology usable by a wide range of people in varying industries.

PC DIMIS: The now almost universally used CMM software, PC DIMIS, was developed back in 1990. The software allows operators to move probes to measure a wide range of objects and has since become a favourite of CMM operators around the world.  CMM service providers and educators now provide P DIMIS training to ensure operators know the software and how to use its features effectively.

Since its development, PC-DIMIS has remained the leading CMM software. Still, there have been different software developed to suit the varying measuring needs of businesses and operators.

The Portable CMM

When the portable CMM was first established in the 2000s, it brought a new set of opportunities to the world of dimensional measurement. With these advancements came mobility for the technology that, at the time, was fixed to a factory floor.

Businesses can now benefit from using a portable CMM machine for on-site measuring services and measuring different products that require more mobility.

The Sensors & Scanners

In time, CMMs had to face the task of measuring intricate, fragile parts without compromising their integrity. As a result, specific scanners and sensors were developed to measure items without having to touch them with a probe.

The No-Touch Sensor: The no-touch sensor was developed in 1985 and was what first allowed these machines to measure items without coming into direct contact with them. Now, according to Metrology News, almost all CMM suppliers around the world supply multi-sensor solutions.

The Laser Tracker: Dr. Kam Lau developed the first laser tracker in 1986. These laser trackers enabled machines to measure and simulate the geometry of an object without touching it. This technology is now used for reverse engineering and analyzing specific, intricate parts.

The inception of the laser tracker advanced how CMMs were able to obtain, report, and display measurement data, and led to Dr. Lau refining tracking technology as a whole.

Source: Metrology News

Coordinate Measuring Machines Today

Today, CMMs are operating worldwide, providing quality control for the vast majority of precision manufacturing companies. According to Metrology News, there are roughly 150,000 units of CMMs are installed worldwide.

Thanks to the many breakthroughs made between the 1960s and the 1980s, CMM technology has continuously provided precise, accurate, and valuable measurement data. Since these breakthroughs, however, little about these machines have changed. After all, why fix something that isn’t broken?

That said, there are current CMM capabilities that are continually being improved. The most significant advancements currently being worked on in the space revolve around non-contact scanning, micro metrology, and laser scanning capabilities. The most recent advances have been upgrading essential software and the refurbishments and retrofits used to restore used machines to work like new on the factory floor.

With the growing needs of coordinate measuring machine technology, it should come as little surprise that the coordinate measuring machine market is projected to garner staggering revenues come 2028.

Learn to Play Guitar Online

Source: play-guitars

Learning to play any kind of instrument requires a lot of hard work and dedication. Therefore, you will need to invest a lot of time and patience in order to learn to play any kind of instrument. We can see that most of the people are interested in going to some kind of classes, where they can be a part of a group that learns a particular instrument.

At the same time, we can see that the guitar is probably the most popular instrument of them all. Just look around you, and see how many people know how to play guitar. Maybe you didn’t know, but you can learn how to play it, by taking classes online, or just by taking a look at some of the many tutorials you can find on YouTube and many other websites.

Since there are a lot of different types of guitars you can play, you need to choose the proper one. If you are uncertain about the type you would like to learn, you can visit All Stringed and see what are the best ones you can use. As we’ve said, taking online guitar courses or classes maybe sounds a little bit strange, but we assure you, it is in fact possible. So, let us provide you with some of the most important details of the process of how you can actually do this.

Source: softonic

How’s it Possible?

We are pretty sure that most of the people who ask how is it possible to learn to play guitar online. Well, it goes without saying that you need to find an experienced teacher. We are pretty sure that finding the right one can be pretty hard, especially when you are looking for it online. It’s needless to say that you should look for a teacher that can provide you with a proper system where you can have multiple benefits.

At the same time, you will be able to learn by yourself, and not be a part of a group where the teacher will not have enough time to dedicate to every particular student. However, when you have found the proper one, you can be sure that you will be able to learn in the best possible manner. It’s only essential for you to be prepared to dedicate yourself to learn how to actually play it. We can see that a plethora of people have been able to get a hold of playing any kind of instrument, especially guitars.

How Long Does It Take to Learn?

Now that we know that it is in fact possible to learn how to play guitar online, the next question is how long it can take to learn all the basics. Well, it should be said that the time you will need entirely depends on you, as a student. So, you need to invest all the time you have into playing these instruments. At the same time, it heavily depends on how much you are going to practice.

Looks like camping can be a pretty good chance for you to take the guitar into your hands and practice in front of your friends. Plus, you can organize a small concert for your family. As you can see, there are a plethora of chances you can use the guitar in your hands. Furthermore, you can see what your ambitions are. If you are interested in becoming a capable guitarist in the shortest possible time, you will invest yourself in learning it completely.

Anyway, we can see that the average time to produce a capable player is between 3 and 6 months. Also, it depends on how much free time you have for learning. If you have a full-time job and a family you need to take care of, you will need much more time to do it. If you are just studying, and you can invest around 4-5 hours every day, you will be able to learn all about it in a couple of months. Otherwise, you will need much more than that.

Source: guitarworld

Can You Learn It for Free?

We’ve already mentioned that you will have the opportunity to learn from some online tutorials, completely for free. Thankfully, there are a lot of them. It should be said that not all of them have the necessary qualifications to help students learn.

However, we can see that a plethora of them can actually provide essential help for you. At the same time, you should look for some tutorials where you can get the essential basics of this instrument.

There are many useful things you can gift guitarists to the point you can feel overwhelmed with the number of options. The most common being or relating to guitar picks, cases, or extra cables. To narrow down the search think of the person you’re gifting to and what they need or would benefit from. For some help go check out GuitarSpace.org.

We can see that many different tutorials just provide a lesson about how to learn a particular song. We can all agree that this simply isn’t enough. Some of these teachers who have filmed their tutorials have their websites, where you can check out some testimonials and online reviews. Check all of these before you start to learn from a particular tutorial.

Should You Enroll in Online Courses?

In case you are actually interested in enrolling in an online course, which is not free, then you have to be even more careful about whom you are going to give your money to. Thankfully, there are a plethora of credited and proper courses where you can enroll. At the same time, it should be said that there are some that don’t have enough quality.

But it goes without saying that you should be careful about which one of these you are going to use. If you don’t have any idea where you should start, take a look at some of the lists where you can check what are the best ones. Just google it up and you will be able to see that there are a lot of them to choose from.

Source: liveabout

The Bottom Line

As we’ve said, learning how to play a particular instrument is a very good thing. This is something that can provide you with both some income and entertainment at the same time. Now, that you have the opportunity to learn how to play guitar online, you have absolutely no reason why not to try it out. We are pretty sure that you will find it entertaining and beneficial at the same time.

7 Things You Should Never Do in Online Casino Betting

Source: everymatrix

Online casinos are great because you can yell when you win big, or cry out loud when you lose, knowing that you are safe and comfortable at home. But, just like the regular one, online gambling also brings some rules you should be respectful of, and at the same time, you need to be aware of the potential risks, and behaviors that are not preferred, even when nobody is watching you.

You may think that things are a little bit different when you play these games on the Internet because there is no security camera above your head or employees that follow every step of yours. But, probably, you are aware that every action is recorded in an Internet log and activity tracks, and everyone who has a right to do that, can always access and review it, so if you are planning to use some illegal hacks and software, you better give up on that idea.

Source: bestcasinopayout

Some of the rules of the real-life casinos apply to the online versions too, and here we are, listing the most important ones, you should never ignore, including:

1. Too high expectations

Betting and gambling seem like easy activities. You only need to choose your lucky numbers, and here you are – becoming a millionaire with just a few games. But, don’t miss the reality call, even if you have a series of winning games. We all know you are playing to win, but you can’t expect you will accomplish the best results because guess what – every other active player has the same goal. So, when you join these games for the first time, it’s always better to lower the expectations and be realistic that you won’t win every spin. The earlier you realize that you will be able to release the stress and pressure and play the game for fun.

2. Falling for ads

Once you start researching your options, the cookies on your browser will serve you with different games and gambling services. But, you should never fall for that special offers, because everything that seems too good to be true, probably won’t work the way you expect. For example, you can visit thebestcasinos.co.uk, and find some really nice games, and you can be sure there is nothing risky behind it. Legal online casinos always list their license, contact information, and payment methods, and they are easily accessible from the homepage of the website. So, don’t fall for random ads, and go for the trusted options.

Source: North East Connected

3. Don’t drink and play

Even though this rule is more applicable to real-life casinos, you can use it also with the online version. The alcohol may increase our self-confidence, and make us think we are lucky enough to bet on high prices. It’s an upsetting action, and you should avoid any risky action while drinking, especially when you are getting drunk. Instead of spinning and gambling, you can always have a shower and go sleeping. It’s probably a much better decision than spending your money, and not remembering how you did that.

4. Avoid betting with all your money

You need to plan your bets more carefully, but also, you don’t need to bet on pennies, so you can ensure you won’t spend all the money at once. It’s all about the proper plan, strategy, and management. But, at the same time, you should avoid the popular “all in” option, because it won’t work every time you want that, and may lead you to lose everything you have. The secret of successful gambling on the Internet is the money management you need to plan in advance, and follow it, until you gain more experience, and decide that you are ready for more experiments.

Source: The Balance Everyday

5. Avoid emotional gambling

When things are going nice in our life, it comes naturally to believe we are lucky enough to win some lottery or Bingo game or to gamble with a larger amount of money. Also, when something too good or too bad happens, we are getting very emotional, and it seems like a nice idea to test our luck in those situations. But, every casino expert will tell you to avoid emotional playing, because your clear thinking and ability to judge is messed up, and you won’t be able to properly estimate the risks. And you don’t want to lose all your savings, just because you felt lucky, and made a wrong decision.

6. Always know the rules

Every online casino provides a list of rules, and terms and conditions, you should read carefully, and follow them without exceptions, so you can be a part of that particular community. Most of these services have strict rules, that every player must be aware about. But, the same policies don’t apply to every online gambling site, and if you are trying a few different platforms, you must read their custom terms for use.

Source: medium

7. Decide why you are gambling

If you are doing it just for fun, and you control how much money you deposit and invest, then you are on the right path. But, many people forget about the main reason they joined those websites, and spend hours on the games, always re-investing more and more money. At the same time, there are those who are seriously dedicated to the game and are sure they will take every chance to increase their prize. So, before you proceed to spin, you should decide what is your goal and is your behavior suitable to it.

When you are sure you are following these simple rules, you can proceed to play and win. And the last important thing you must do is to choose a proper payment method, that will ensure receiving your prizes on time, without charging high fees. Online casinos are primarily for fun and entertainment, and you should be aware that it’s just a game, and you really don’t need to invest a lot of time and money in it. We wish you a lot of luck with your next game, and we are sure you will play it smartly.

8. Do not play at unlicensed casinos

The risk is quite obvious since casinos that don’t have a license at a state or federal level can be tricky to trust, as well as hard to look into. Often, certain casinos will have and will hire third-party audition, which can help and prevent any kind of under-age gambling. If you’re on the lookout for an amazing casino, Gclub may suit you and will leave you feeling overwhelmed with their game variety, as well as unique games for everyone’s taste! You will enjoy their site’s accessibility, design, as well as loads of different opportunities that are in front of you.

When choosing your top online casinos, always look for reputable and trustworthy platforms that hold valid licenses from recognized gaming authorities. These licenses indicate that the casino operates under strict regulations, ensuring that they meet the highest industry standards for fairness, security, and player protection.

Source: Reza Shojaei

9. Know what games suit you, and stay away from some that don’t

Know your strengths and weaknesses, and only play games that are fun and that suit you. Most people usually don’t know how to play Keno, Roulette, as well as the Big Six Wheel. If these are also not your usual go-to and you lack a strategy when it comes to playing these, rather stick to something else, old-school, as well as beginner-friendly. Most people love to play poker, as well as slot machines since these are all about luck, as well as figuring out when to bail out.

10. Be in control of your gameplay, always

Bankroll management and staying away from alcoholic beverages is quite important. You should have a strategy that allows you to enjoy your gameplay but also gives you enough freedom to play by the rules. Most casino players and rules talk about the importance of putting half of their winnings aside. If you get caught up in the gameplay, remember that you can always leave with something. Not only that losing your actual cash is scary and bad enough, but it can only get worse if you find yourself in some gambling credits.

Source: Hürriyet Daily News

11. Don’t fall for the gambler’s fallacy, this is a rookie mistake

A lot of players (especially newbies) believe that one outcome can happen several times and that it can give them the ultimate riches. Just because your roulette ball has landed on your favorite number a couple of times, it doesn’t mean that it will follow the exact same path over and over again. Be smart and cautious, and walk away while the time is still right, and while you’re still making a profit.

12. Read everything a couple of times if you need to

Welcome bonuses are attractive and popular in the gambling world. However, these can sometimes be false and fake, which is why you should read the agreements and take a couple of minutes to look into wagering agreements and check out if the casino is trustworthy. A background search is important and completely justified if you plan on winning some big money and investing large sums as well. Withdrawing money through some unauthorized sites can be hard at times, so make sure to choose wisely.

Technology Continues to Improve the Betting Industry

Source: hackernoon

There have been many technological advances over the past couple of decades, and many different industries have used them to their advantage when putting together a service.

One of these has been the betting industry, when you look at what is on offer you will see a high-tech and high-quality service for players.

This is all thanks to technology, and also those who work for bookmakers being able to get the most from what is available, and use it in the best possible way.

There are many ways in which we are seeing technology help the betting industry right now, and below are four of the biggest.

The Ability to Bet Anywhere Via a Betting App

You will no longer miss a bet because you are not at home, or cannot get to see your bookmaker. With a mobile betting app, you can place bets from anywhere and you have a bookmaker in your pocket, waiting to be used.

This is the perfect service for people who are extremely busy and away from home either at work or out with friends.

If you are up to date with the latest mobile technology news then you will know just how many industries are using this to their advantage. Bookmakers have been able to create a perfect service for their players thanks to this type of technology being implemented.

The number of mobile gamblers is on the rise, and even if you are sitting at home, placing a bet via your mobile from the sofa is far more convenient than finding and powering up the computer or laptop in your home to bet in that way.

Things are only going to get more popular, and the next task for bookmakers is to ensure their platform can cope with the additional demand coming over the next few years.

Source: Sports Betting

Live Betting

One of the biggest changes in the betting industry over the past decade has been the introduction and then the rise of live betting.

This offers something that many people never expected to be made available, and that is the ability to bet while a game is taking place, rather than placing your bets before it happens.

There are a number of huge doors that have opened up, and now we see many punters place in play bets alongside their pre-match wagers, some have even moved to live betting in full.

The biggest bookmakers are all on board with these two, while smaller ones are playing catch up. We are even seeing free bet offers for live betting specifically come into play. The bookmakers listed at freebets.co.uk are some of the biggest and have these offers available to new players.

The overall quality of the service on offer has been increased thanks to live betting and live streaming, both of which are available due to the use of technology.

Live Streaming

Going hand in hand with live betting, and something that has pushed it further forward is live streaming. Anyone who places a bet likes to watch their bet unfold, but not every sporting event is covered live on TV.

This is where live streaming from the bookmakers comes into play. Some events that are not covered by TV can be live streamed via your bookmaker’s website, with many of the big names taking part in this.

The result here is that smaller sports that don’t have full TV coverage such as the tennis ATP tour, snooker, smaller football leagues and more can all have their games live for punters to watch.

Bookmakers pay for this service, but they are happy to do so because it will generate them more income via their platform. The sports and leagues involved are also happy, as they get further exposure that they don’t normally receive because they don’t have big TV deals.

We all know that betting and sport in general is much more fun when you can watch the action live, so bookmakers have brought a live streaming platform to their customers.

Source: Pinterest

Fast Money Transfers

When you bet online compared to visiting a local bookmaker, the one downside is that it takes time to receive your winnings. You will hold an account, where the winnings will be sent but then you need to withdraw them if you want to spend them.

We are seeing many different ways to send money around the world come to life, and they are using technology to make their services and transfers as fast as possible.

Bookmakers have recognised this, and they have also recognised the fact that people want their money as fast as possible.

Put both of those together and you are given what we have today, an excellent betting service that allows deposits and withdrawals via many different methods. This allows players to choose the fastest and most convenient method for them.

Source: invisioncommunity

The Convenience Factor

If you look at everything we have listed above about the betting industry then it all has one big thing in common. This is that they all offer increased convenience to the customer.

We are currently living in a time where everyone in the world wants things as convenient as possible. From grocery shopping to ordering takeaways and of course betting. The more convenient an industry can make itself, the more likely it is to attract new people.

The way that you get this type of convenience is by having strong ties to technology, and using everything that is available to you. This is something that an entire industry needs to push, so the overall quality on offer is raised, rather than one or two companies doing something different.

If anything, this is why the betting industry is really standing out now. The companies involved are all competitors in a very competitive sector, but they are all working towards the same goal of improving the betting offering they are all providing to players.

With this vision, and the constant need to improve, the betting industry is seemingly set to continue trending in the right direction.

Discovering Santorini Off-Season: A Guide to the Island’s Hidden Charms

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Santorini is widely known for its stunning sunsets, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant summer energy. But visiting Santorini during the off-season—from late October through early...