What is a Rotary Actuator?

March 20, 2020

You know how you look at a robot and you see it performing all its actions and tasks seeming to be independent on its own. Well, that isn’t always what happens. There is an internal end of arms technology which helps the robot to do all the tasks it is supposed to handle. And also handle different types of assembly.

One of the components the robots have that are key is the rotary actuator. It is known as quite a small but heavy-duty package that helps engineers and those using the robots to convert it. This is used in forming the muscles and joints of a robot. It gives very high amounts of mechanical torque and stiffness mechanically.

What are the uses of Rotary Actuators?

This can simply be used with or separately with different other pieces of equipment in tasks where the robot that should be used are too expensive or big. Also can be used in a case where the machine being used is not fast enough or has problems responding quickly. To learn more about these actuators, visit IntelLiDrives.com

Types of Rotary Actuators

Pneumatic rotary actuators remain the most popular piece of equipment that could be used while producing goods and services in a manufacturing company. But this is not the case of hydraulic rotaries, this is because they have possibilities of causing serious environmental damage. And manufacturers have a lot of concerns for the environment and want to try to maintain it with how they are producing their products.

Helical rotary actuators use multiple helical gears to produce rotational movement by converting the linear movement of the piston into a controlled force. Connonsiers know them to be highly reliable, simple, powerful, and balanced, which is why they boast many fields of application.

Apart from being all this, helical rotary actuators are also less expensive.

Together with rotary position control, a highly effective backlash eliminating mechanism allows for this type of actuators to be smaller and lighter without compromising the accuracy of position. On the contrary, the accuracy of helical rotary actuators is exceptionally high.

Because they are both simple and effective, helical rotary actuators are used for artificial and robotic leg and arm joints, medical devices, military equipment, landing gear, lifting equipment, construction equipment, earthmoving equipment, and subsea valves. Rack-and-pinion rotary actuators, also known as limited rotation cylinders, are the weapon of choice in scenarios that require high torque. They produce restricted rotation by converting force through a diagonally placed (bidirectional) piston or multiple pistons.

Hailed for their versatility, rack-and-pinion rotary actuators are also extremely reliable. The ability to withhold heavy loads is another differentiating point of these actuators. As previously mentioned, limited rotation cylinders dominate the high torque industries. You can find them in the tire industry, steel industry, cement factories, and power stations, where they showcase great mechanical efficiency and excellent durability.

There are also electric rotary actuators that are not so old and they have a steady and slow increase in the way they are used.

The first two different types of rotary actuators are presented in double or single racks and pinions. Also, helical spiny versions which could be semi-rotary.

It is highly created to be used for heavy-duty and precise tasks. The pinion and rack rotary actuators aids in changing the linear motion through a cylinder and to a rotary motion.

A two vane rotary actuator presents itself with differently opposed barriers and vanes. Though this concept has been showed to grant double the torque using the same space as a single vane actuator. The rate of rotation is not limited to more than 100 degrees.

There is another type of rotary actuator that is pneumatic and it is usually used with a cable. Here the RCC model is offered by PhD Inc. As stated by a senior segment manager Carey Webster, he stated that the quality steel of the aircraft can drive the unit in more than one different rotations. Of about 180 degrees and 90 degrees. It doesn’t have a high profile and can easily be used in spaces that are confined. But with this, it can easily create a high thrust that could be used with its size. Uses of this type of rotary actuators include its ability to assemble electronics, label manufacture products, and light part rotation.

Have you heard of a vane rotary actuator? They are not as expensive and quite smaller than other rotary actuators. It doesn’t need a lot of maintenance because it doesn’t have as many parts as the other actuators do. It has a mechanical efficiency of about 80-95%. It is mostly used while operating a valve or shifting a chute.

There are also some negative effects of using the vane rotary actuators. These include how hard they are to seal, the issues of bypass leakage which is quite common and holding the position are not infinite unless you have external controls. Then it will be manageable.

There are also Helical rotaries(also known as rotary actuators). These help in giving a very high torque with a little size, it provides torque that is constant with a proper angle of rotation. And it does it so well that there won’t be any form of leakage that would occur internally. Adding to these benefits of the helical rotary actuator, it also aids in gearing, bearings, and movement of the hydraulic units as long as they are all soaked in oil. This makes them almost free of maintenance.

Generally, with the use of Rotary Actuators Models, there have a lot of advantages which include unrestricted rotation, programmability, efficient control, and a very simple setup. But they are quite more expensive, heavier, and they produce a torque that is not as high as liner pneumatic actuator models.

It also aids in reducing the stress faced by automation in factories and companies especially those that are into the manufacturing of products and goods.

Why Are Lean – To Greenhouses Ideal For Urban Gardening

Billy Voss

March 20, 2020

If you have a small part of the yard in front of the house or on the terrace – install a small greenhouse or mini greenhouse. It is your permanent whole-year garden for flowers or fresh vegetables and fruits that you can grow throughout the year. Also, this type of farming represents a healthy economy.

Little Greenhouses – Lovely And Useful

Somehow, we have always imagined that a greenhouse is only for large plantings and gardens. And then, you saw somewhere that some houses had a mini greenhouse or a small one in their backyard or a terrace. There are actually a lot of those, but you probably haven’t paid much attention to this.

You may be surprised how many small and beautifully designed greenhouses you can find and how lovely they can look. They are both – cute and helpful. Especially if you are an urban person or maybe planning to move to the countryside. Then, the State Management team says you should consider having one.

Greenhouses For Seedlings And Early Vegetables

If you don’t have too much space in your yard or want to have a smaller place where you can grow early vegetables or seedlings, almost organically – you can have a mini lean-to greenhouse. Simple constructions, like lean-to greenhouses, with the help of solar energy, will create the ideal microclimate for the plants you want to grow.

You do not need big greenhouses to have fresh lettuce, basil or a simple seedlings. Before you buy one, look for a spot in the yard that has the most light during the day. The greenhouses should be facing south to get as much light as possible. The mini-greenhouses are mostly rectangular – though it can be found in different shapes as well. Its size can be determined depending on your needs and plans.

Lean-To Greenhouses

If your yard is small, or you have decided to build a greenhouse on the terrace or a patio – a lean-to greenhouse is the ideal solution. First of all, because it will save you space. Namely, such greenhouses rely on one wall of the house or a terrace – and the construction itself consists of 3 remaining three walls.

Check this, and see what these greenhouses look like and what sizes you can find them for. This is an exceptional solution for all of you who lack space, and they are perfect for growing flowers, aromatic herbs or smaller varieties of vegetables. Their advantage is that they are better protected because they partly lean against the wall of your house.

The Benefits Of Glass

Glass transmits the sunlight much better and is firmer and incomparably longer-lasting. Therefore it is certainly a better investment than the plastic greenhouses in the long run. Even when there is no heating inside – the sun can heat the air inside the greenhouse up to 10 degrees Celsius.

Therefore, even in winter, it is comfortable to stay in and even grow less sensitive types of vegetables such as salads, watercress, chard, leeks, and onions. Even more susceptible species such as peppers or eggplants will survive even after the first frost. So it’s not a bad idea to simply move some delicate plants from the garden at the end of the season and transplant them into pots.

Air And Soil

The most important thing in greenhouses is heat, airflow, and light. Therefore, if your construction is of wood or even brick, you can paint it from the inside to white – so it can reflect the light inside. If you don’t want your greenhouse to be directly on the ground, but slightly raised on the terrace with bricks or wooden legs – make sure to drill a few holes for water and air circulation at the bottom of the crate.

Fill your mini greenhouse with hummus, or another type of soil – recommended by specialists from agricultural pharmacies. They will tell you precisely what type of soil is good for growing seedlings and early vegetables. You can also put some twigs, straws or similar bio-waste in the ground.

Daily Watering Is Important!

Plant the seeds of the desired plants on the dune recommended on the product bag. If you want your plants to grow and develop as desired – water them daily with room temperature water. Many experts state the importance of liquid organic fertilizers for nutrition, so keep that in mind. Do not overdo it in watering, because the soil is moist enough.

Ventilate Your Greenhouse

Another important thing in your greenhouse is ventilation. Whether you are planting seeds in the fall or early spring – you need to keep an eye out for frosts or nighttime minus temperatures.

So, overnight, keep the greenhouse closed, while during the day you can keep it half-open or fully open, depending on the temperature. In addition to watering, ventilation is very important so as not to ‘boil’ your plants. When you notice that your plants are thriving and growing – you will know that you are doing everything right! When they reach a certain height, if you have planted plants in a mini greenhouse for transplanting – you can transplant them outdoors when the outside temperatures allow.

What You Should Know About A Greenhouse?

If you have some piece of land in front of your house and some money to set up a small greenhouse or build a mini lean-to greenhouse – you can grow vegetables or flowers on your own. Built small greenhouses are no longer so expensive and unreachable. You don’t have to make them yourself – you can just buy a greenhouse that will suit you. Still, let’s not get too carried away. Although a mini greenhouse is a great thing, there are a few obstacles as well:

1. You have to be present and work around the greenhouse

It is a bit of a daily routine. Admittedly, little work is at stake, it comes down to ventilation, shading, and protection from too much sun, controlling the temperature, watering, picking out some weeds and harvesting fresh vegetables, but work is every day.

2. You need water for the greenhouse

Watering is important. You don’t need some large quantities, but it is still important to have it constantly.

3. Quality soil

The soil on which you place the mini greenhouse should be good quality, easy to cultivate, and well-fertile.

4. Solid Construction

The construction of the greenhouse must be firm and solid – so that the wind does not blow it away or the snow will collapse. Also, it is better if its supports are galvanized to prevent the iron from corroding. In any case, the recommendation is to buy a mini greenhouse rather than building it, because ready-made greenhouses have some issues resolved. That refers to things such as ventilation, air exchange, UV protection, etc.

How to Fix Your iPhone With Apple Stores Closed Due to Coronavirus

Billy Voss

March 20, 2020

Last week the Apple has announced that is closing all of its stores outside China in order to prevent the coronavirus from spreading. This is an unprecedented move taking into consideration that the stores might be closed for the foreseeable future. What does this mean for their customers?

Well, if you experience any kind of problem with your device or you crack the screen, you will not be able to go to the nearest store and have it fixed. It may seem like you are left on your own, but that is not the case. In this article, we are going to discuss a few ways of how you can fix your iPhone without going to an Apple store.

Online support

If you are experiencing some sort of technical problems with your phone, you can always contact an Apple representative and ask them for help. In order to do this, firstly, you have to download the Apple Support app or visit the Apple Support website via your laptop.

Upon opening the app, you will be presented with the ‘Discover’ screen where you will find multiple useful articles on various problems but also special features. Go to the ‘search’ field and type in the keywords describing your issue. Now, once again, you will be presented by numerous articles that are supposed to help you solve the issue you are faced with.

If you can’t locate the solution here, go and find the ‘Get Support’ button at the bottom of the page. Assuming that you are signed in with your account, the display will show you all the devices you possess and you will have to choose the one you are having problems with. One piece of advice – before tapping on the device, you should check if it is still covered by warranty. You can do this by clicking on your icon and then going to the ‘Check Coverage’ page.

Once you have chosen the device, once again you will be presented with numerous options each one of them describing problems that can occur with the said device. You can use the ‘search’ button to find the one you need quickly, but if you are not sure how to describe it, you should scroll through all of these until you find the right one.

Upon clicking on the one that describes your issue, you will be able to communicate with the representative. In the past, this communication was only possible via phone call, but now, you can chat with them or even schedule a call whenever it is convenient for you.

Authorized repair centers

In normal circumstances, you have the option of going to the Apple store or one of the centers that are authorized by the company. Nevertheless, since their official shops are closed until further notice, you can go to some of these repair centers.

This is the best choice if your device is still under warranty. If you are not sure about these, once again, you can check it on Apple’s website or support app, whichever you are using. How to put in the request for the repair?

Firstly, you go to the Apple Repair website. Click on the button that says ‘Start a repair request’ and choose your iPhone. Then, the app will display some of the most frequent and general problems such as “Cannot lock or unlock phone” or “Unable to update or restore”. Upon choosing one of these, you will be asked: “How would you like to get help?” You will see a button ‘Find iPhone Repair Price’ and when you click on it, the next screen will show you to that cost for multiple models. Go back, click on ‘Schedule a Repair’ and put in details such as your device’s serial number of something else.

For the next step, you have to ensure that the location on your iPhone is on because you will see a map of all authorized centers. Type in your zip code or street address and choose one of these centers. Find an opening in the schedule and set up the date and time you want.

The final step is to take your phone on the said date to the repair center of your choice. However, considering the current situation, the better option might be to mail it.

A third-party repair store

In case you do not have AppleCare+ protection or your device isn’t covered by warranty, you can always find and go to a third-party repair center. For example, you can go with streettalkphonerepair.com.

When you visit their website, the first thing that you will see is the ‘Get an Estimate’ field. All you have to do is to choose the model of your iPhone and write a short description of the problem. Their representatives will contact you back soon. On the other hand, if you want to have in-person contact you can go to one of their two stores.

Let’s be honest, when something is wrong with your phone, you want it fixed as soon as possible, because well, nowadays, we rely on these devices too much. This company understands that which is why they stock a variety of parts in their store. This means that when it comes to some general problems like battery replacement or screen repair you won’t have to wait longer than 15 minutes.

Try to fix it yourself

If none of these suggestions work for you, we have one last one. Even if you are not a tech-savvy person, you can still try to solve the issue on your own. Right now, this might be the best option due to the quarantine and maintaining social distancing situation.

Try to figure out what is wrong with your iPhone, if it is something technical. There are numerous repair guides online that can help you fix the device. Just make sure to read them very carefully, and also, you should try to find the one that describes all the issues and solutions in great detail.

5 Ideas for Refreshing Your Brand’s Logo Design in 2024

Iva Aris

March 20, 2020

Source: DIYLogo.com

Are you looking to change your brand logo? Are you worried about the business consequences of a brand refresh? Hesitant about creating an emotional disconnect between your loyal customers and your brand because of a logo update?

In the history of brand design, there have been success stories where sales have quadrupled after a new logo was unveiled. There have also been situations where stocks plunged, and angry customers voiced their frustration when much-loved logos were altered beyond recognition.

What are some things you need to keep in mind when looking to refresh your brand logo?

1. Ask Yourself Why

Source: Ergolink

Before you set out on the task of getting a logo refresh done, it’s essential to understand the purpose of the exercise! Do you want to do it because your logo looks outdated, and you want something that’s more in sync with the times?

Remember that a search for ‘Top Logo Trends 2024’ might pop up design options that make sense now. But, would your new logo still be relevant in 2024? Or 2025?

Or, do you want to do it because the character of your brand has subtly changed over the years, and you want your logo to reflect that change?

When Starbucks launched the logo that is now used in thousands of stores all across the globe, it represented a bold, visual evolution. They got rid of the company name and ‘coffee,’ and retained just the mermaid or ‘siren.’ Through their logo, Starbucks was announcing that they sold much more than coffee at their outlets – they were offering a wholesome experience.

So, before you start with a logo refresh, it would be a great idea to sit together as a team and brainstorm the essence of your logo re-design.

2. Create an Enduring Appeal

Source: Rawpixel

We’ve entered a new decade. And some trends are revolutionizing the design space. But, how many of them can you incorporate when refreshing your logo? You don’t want to be left with a logo that’s going to be outdated in a few years.

We see that certain trends look like they’re going to be around for a long, long time.

Take animated black and white logos, for example. They’re never going to go out of style.

Or, simple geometric shape logos. They’re minimalistic, powerful, and enduring. For example, rounded and circular logotypes bring in a feel of perfection, completion, and infinity.

The retro look has been in trend for quite some time now, and it looks like it’s here to stay!

When refreshing your brand logo, ask yourself – Will this be relevant five years from now? Or ten? Give priority to endurance over trends!

3. Retain the Essence of Your Brand

Source: Anchor Digital

When Tropicana launched its new packaging design (including the logo), its sales plummeted by 20% and cost them USD 30 million. That’s a surprise, right?

Customers hated everything about the re-design, from the replacement of an orange with a glass full of orange juice to the font that looked completely different from what they were used to. Earlier, they could spot a carton of Tropicana juice even if it was at the bottom of the refrigerator. Now, they were just plain angry.

The backlash caused the company to reverse its brand re-design.

What went wrong here?

Almost everything. During a logo re-design, you must retain the essence of your brand. Customers feel an emotional connection to your brand through the logo, and it’s essential not to take that away.

4. Take a Survey

Source: Study International

The first logo that your team designs need not be the only option.

Get several options created. What’s also important is that you share this logo with a selected group of people who will be eager to participate in your logo re-design journey.

So, who are the people that you need to include in this survey?

Ask your loyal customers. They’re the ones that will be the most impacted by your new logo.

Involve design teams from across the organization. Familiarize them with your branding and logo re-design strategy. Also include your most articulate, opinionated employees from various teams, not just design.

While you might not select the final logo based on the result of the survey, it will be a guiding factor to help you move in the right direction.

5. Announce a Logo Refresh Contest!

Source: Hezelaer

Sometimes, it helps to take an outside-in approach. Some of the most refreshing ideas could come from outside your organization, from the folks who follow your brand on social media and extraordinary designers who test their creativity through a brand logo contest.

You could even consider running two. One that is external in nature, and the other internal. That is, utilizing employees and even company partners. This helps capture interest, opinions, and creativity from your internal team. After all, culture and team inclusivity is a big part of retention and employee engagement. So go ahead, have a second contest started, so employees feel even more valued and appreciated.

When starting a contest, you may want to consider a trusted platform such as that of the Design Contest. Because even apart from customers and your employees, you always have an option to tap into their designer army of more than 230,000 experts that want to compete for an awarded design prize.

A logo refresh is a considerable step you take in the journey of your brand evolution. While you must be in sync with the latest trends, it’s even more critical that the new logo positively impacts your business performance. Involve the broader ecosystem of external designers through contests and surveys. Focus on retaining your brand essence and creating an enduring brand.

This also could be a terrific opportunity to capture the interest and the energy of customers and employees, who want to feel valued, included, and share their creative energies. After all, a brand is far more than just an image – it’s a journey of contribution and commitment.

How to Be More Productive at Work – 2024 Guide

Дмитра Врачарић

March 20, 2020

Efficiency and productivity are very important features of an average worker these days. To most people who have to do different tasks on a daily basis, it seems very difficult to be more productive while having so much work to be done. But you probably used to work with a person who always manages to complete tasks and have more free time. These people prove to everyone that a good plan can be made and that the work can be done effectively and productively.

However, not only a good plan is key to achieving greater productivity at work. There are a number of other factors that can make all people more productive at work, and most of them are influenced by yourself. So, it takes some willpower and knowledge to get better results. When it comes to the latter, we can help you. We have decided to present you a list of things you can do and become one of the best among your colleagues. Believe us, reaching a high level of productivity will be very easy for you after reading this text. So, if you’re ready, let’s get started.

1. Keep track of how long it takes for tasks

If you want to improve the way you spend time at work, it is very important to gain insight into how much time you spend on each task. When you consider this, it will be much easier for you to determine where improvement is possible. Probably as you read this you feel that you know exactly how much time you are spending and that there is not much room for improvement. However, we must tell you that you are wrong. Most people spend too much time on tasks that should be short. To clarify this, we suggest using some applications and tools specifically designed for this purpose.

2. Make essential tasks a priority

We know this seems obvious, but trust us, a lot of people spend time in the workplace on non-priority things. In order to improve productivity, it is very important to prioritize tasks. By distinguishing between priority and less important tasks, you will gain the skill to focus on the important things. Also, a common feature of people is to avoid difficult tasks that are often very important, doing light tasks that take less time. However, an additional problem is that working on short tasks can take some time because of procrastination. In this way, it is certainly not possible to improve productivity.

3. Manage your energy

Although we emphasized that working on difficult, more demanding tasks is a priority, it does not mean that the easy ones can be skipped. Simply, tasks are important, whether small or large. So, you have to have enough time and energy to finish them all. Proper time and energy management is directly linked to the priorities mentioned above. Therefore, difficult tasks should be started as soon as opening hours begin. This way, you have better focus and more energy, all of which are necessary for priority tasks. At the end of the workday, you can focus on light tasks.

4. Pay attention to your work environment

You probably know that it’s important to keep the essentials at your fingertips so you can use them when you need them. You’re not going to waste your time on some basic things, are you? However, to improve productivity, it is very important to make a comfortable workplace for yourself. Let us give you an example. Imagine working in an office. There you have a computer, a desk, an office chair and stuff. All this is very important to be tailored to you and your needs so that you can give your maximum at work. Imagine having an uncomfortable chair, for example. That would be really bad. If you actually work in an office and you really have such a problem, visit alphatoplist.com and find the right chair for you. Everyone deserves it. Also, you can add some items or plants that will motivate you to work even harder. Psychologists claim that it is very important to create a comfortable working environment.

5. Say no to multitasking

Another common situation is that people are reducing their productivity unconsciously. For example, multitasking is one of the things that can reduce your productivity at work. Of course, now you probably think that all successful people are capable of multitasking. Well, that is not exactly true, as it is not true that multitasking is the right skill that will give you incredible productivity. Productivity is one whole that consists of a number of smaller ones that must work well for the whole system to work. So, you don’t have to do multiple things or tasks at the same time to be productive. It is important to focus on one task by one, and you will surely be more efficient at work.

6. Divide tasks into several smaller entities

Source: Partners Comunicação Pro Business

If you have fairly extensive tasks that you need to complete on a daily basis, splitting them into smaller units might be the right thing for you. It is easier to focus on one thing, but if you divide your task into more than one entity, then you will be able to consider how you will get the job done as quickly as possible.

7. Minimize interruptions

Interruptions are something that can significantly reduce your productivity. When we say interruptions, we mean different things like the visit of other colleagues, new messages on your phone or emails that don’t really matter, etc. So, these interruptions are important to reduce as much as possible because they take up valuable time that you can use in a much better way.

8. Take a break

Believe it or not, breaks are a very important part of your working day. Sometimes it is very important to take a short break and simply think of something else. Then when you come back, you may get a solution to your problem. Also, you will rest briefly and recover energy to continue.

Don’t Let Money Ruin Your Marriage

Дмитра Врачарић

March 20, 2020

They say it’s the little things that cause the most marital strife – people leaving the toilet seat up, squeezing the toothpaste in the middle, leaving their dirty laundry laying on the floor yet within the grand scheme of things, most marriages survive these small issues. Do you want to know the one big issue that has the greatest effect on your marriage? Money.

Money is one of the top reasons why modern marriages end in divorce and it isn’t just about not having enough. With a financially stable couple, the issue with money can be just as troublesome. Sometimes out of control spending causes problems. Paying off or refinancing a mortgage (with a company like Credible) may not be a priority, keeping secrets about what is spent and where, or spending in ways that one spouse considers extravagant can also raise relationship stress levels until they spiral out of control.

The good news is that it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are some of the easiest – and best – ways – to stop money problems getting between you and your loved one.

Talk to Each Other Openly and Honestly!

Not only is having open and honest communication the biggest and most important thing for a marriage to have, but it is also the biggest and most important aspect to running your finances together. A lack of communication when it comes to money, no matter your financial situation, is often behind a lot of problems between couples. It will also always lead to problems if it is not discussed openly and honestly. This open communication is crucial to creating boundaries, goals, and everything else that you will need to create a happy environment for your marriage to continue to grow in a successful way.

Every person, every couple and every marriage is unique so there is no one-size-fits-all solution to money troubles. There’s no rule book for deciding who is going to be responsible for financial management but whatever way you choose to work this out you should always make sure you keep the lines of communication open when it comes to your finances. Often one person takes responsibility for financial management but whoever that is, whoever pays the bills and regardless of who earns the most you should recognize that when it comes to finance you must work as a team and this means having open, honest conversations about money.

It is well worth sitting down each month or every quarter to go over where the money is going, what it is being spent on and how much income is arriving each month. Make sure you are both fully aware of what bills you have and the expenses that need to be paid and decide on how much disposable income you will each have to spend how you choose. Just sitting down and going through this will help take some of the stress out of problems with money that can arise in a marriage.

Agree to a Budget & Create an Emergency Fund

To those unfamiliar with the concept of creating a budget, this can seem daunting, however, this is a must to ensure that you don’t run into financial problems. There are many wonderful tools that you can use to help make this an easy task with today’s great fintech! If you own a smartphone there are a number of apps you can use including Personal Capital, Mint, and others that will help to make things super easy for you. All you need to do is download one, and sync it with your bank account and then they will do all the math for you. You can then stay on top of all your finances through it as well, and it will help to make it easy for both of you to be on the same page.

It is also very important that you create an emergency fund as well. Even with great tools available like an emergency loan from Tax Refund Loans, we highly recommend that you create an emergency fund increase something arises where you will need to use it. This will save a huge headache and a possible huge problem. It is a move that can be a possible marriage savior, so creating one for your marriage is a must.

Set Goals Together

Once you have an idea of what your expenses are you can then start to set some goals. If you are both on the same page because you open and honest dialog between each other, then when it comes to money it makes things a lot easier! This is a great way of taking any potential heat out of tricky financial situations, while also giving both of you things to achieve together!

Many money problems within a marriage happen when the couple is not working towards the same set of financial goals and targets. It is vital to get an idea of where you see yourselves financially in the next few years and think about ways of working together to get there.

If you have recently married this is something you should discuss straight away, but even if you have been married a long time it is never too late to start developing good financial habits and better ways of communicating about money.

Short term and long term goals provide a great foundation for financial discussions and decision making and keep in mind that agreeing on goals, rather than one spouse imposing them on the other, means that both partners are motivated to achieve them.

What about joint bank accounts?

Although many couples want to keep their finances separate, there are still around 75% of couples that have at least one shared account. So are these joint accounts a good idea?

The benefit of separate bank accounts is that each partner stays financially independent and does not feel they have to justify what they spend and where. However, there are also some drawbacks that should be considered.

If each person has a separate account it can be difficult to keep track of income and outgoings, potentially leading to some nasty surprises turning up at inopportune moments. Problems could become significant if they are allowed to build up over several months. This is particularly the case where there is a lack of communication about money.

If you have a joint account it can be easier to spot potential problems because two sets of eyes are better than one. If you have already set goals, or even if you haven’t, there is more accountability for what you spend than you have if your finances are separated.

Every marriage is different so what works well can be different for each couple. Some couples keep their finances completely independent of each other, some have one joint account, others keep their personal account and have a joint account for household expenses. Whatever you choose, communication remains the key to make sure that money doesn’t start to drive a wedge between you and undermine your marriage.

Money Can Make Life Difficult

Talking about money is something that many people find awkward and no matter what your opinion of money is, it will become a significant part of your marriage. How you handle the questions or at least be able to discuss the questions will be a major part to the foundation of your marriage.

Don’t let money negatively impact your marriage – act now to take control of your money and make it work for you. Being able to share your feelings openly and honestly about this subject will make sure that everything is out on the table initially so that you don’t run into a problem in the future that has grown into something that you can’t control. Getting to grips with financial matters means more harmony, less heartbreak and can bring huge benefits across all areas of married life.

Why Taking Care of Your Body And Mind Will Change Your Life

Gordan Himerdooff

March 20, 2020

Many people want to make changes in their lives. Whether it is a mental, or a physical change, this is the impetus people have to do to improve life. But, one of the best ways to really change your life, and put it back on track, is, of course, to take care of your body. Keto and paleo are good for improving your diet, but working towards eating right in a general sense is important too. Why does our physical body matter so much though? We’ll discuss the impact of taking care of your body in this post.

You’ll Feel More Energized

Your energy changes when you take care of your body. While having a yummy protein shake after working out is great, that’s only a temporary energy. You need to fuel the body so you’re focused and feel great.

Getting enough sleep, eating right, and not eating a ton of sugar improves your energy levels. A lot of times, substituting out your sugary snack for something more fulfilling makes you feel more awake.

Sleeping enough during the day also helps . If you get enough sleep, you’ll realize that doing daily tasks isn’t that difficult for the body, and you’ll feel more alive.

The energy you have plays a part in your daily life, and by taking care of your body, it gives you valuable energy that’ll help you accomplish more in life.

You’ll Feel Stronger

Strengthening both mentally and physically changes the moment you start taking care of your body. It is often for the better too.

When you set a fitness goal, you can work on it each day. You might notice the changes in your body size or shape, or even how much you lift. If you’re eating better, you’ll notice that you feel much better and mentally stronger.

Strength is something that’s beneficial to the body. It helps build fortitude, and when you spend time taking care of yourself, you’ll notice you don’t feel half as stressed as you normally do. What that means is, you’re much happier, and you’ll feel less encumbered by daily activities.

Strength is something that can happen with physical activity, but also, the decision to change how you eat or take care of yourself is a good thing to do.

It gets You into Good Habits

Taking care of yourself is a habit for some people. When you’ve done nothing but engage in bad habits though sliding into good habits is harder than you’d think.

But, with habits, over time it’s something which will make things easier for you. A habit takes about three weeks to form, and although the temptation is there not to do it, you’ll realize every time you don’t give in to that and actually engage in the habit, you’re stronger.

Habits are good because they can naturally help you improve your life. A good habit does a lot for you, and it’s one of the best things for you to engage in. It doesn’t even have to be hitting the gym or doing keto, it can be getting into the habit of eating better or even the habit of sleeping better.

It is good for you to do, and it can help you get out of the toxic mindsets that you might have in place.

You can set Goals and Feel Inspired

Some people need goals to feel inspired in life. It’s common for people to feel bored, depressed, and otherwise sad if they don’t have goals. It’s common for those with depression to feel like their life is meaningless.

But goals, especially physical goals, are a tangible item that you can accomplish. It’ll help you feel happier, more inspired, and much better as well. When you take care of yourself and have a goal, you’re working towards something, and it isn’t the goal itself which is the main focus, but the journey at hand which brings forth happiness. Working towards it gives you a purpose and helps you feel better in life.

So yes, even if it’s just moving around more or going to the gym for 30 minutes, accomplishing these activities with a goal in mind will make you feel like life is worth living, and you won’t feel as bored either. Goals are healthy to have, and your physical goals do play a part in your mental state as well.

It can Help with Your Mental Health

Mental health is a big part of this. Sometimes, a healthy body helps improve your mental state.

While it doesn’t fix every problem permanently, having a routine that you do yourself is a good way to reflect on problems, and help you feel happier.

This is why lots of people will set aside a certain period of time to work out or go for a walk every single day. It’s also why some will put together a nightly routine. It helps themselves mentally, and when they take care of themselves physically, they’ll feel better too.

Again, look at depression. While you can have chronic depression, moving around can improve the symptoms. While it might be temporary, it may be the boost you need.

If you’re stressed about something, doing physical activity and then coming back is a great way to look at it from another lens, and from there, inspire you to; accomplish the task and eliminate the stress.

Taking care of yourself is a good thing to do for your mental and physical health. But, if the problem is much deeper than that, you should never let it go by the wayside. Instead, you should click here for more information on how you can get the help you need. You owe it to yourself to take care of your body, and when you take care of yourself physically, it can put you on a much brighter, happier path, and make you feel much better as well.

Taking care of yourself does span many different areas, and it’s why doing that can help improve your happiness, both temporarily and permanently.

6 Tips and Tricks to Help You Start Packing – 2024 Moving Guide

Billy Voss

March 20, 2020

Friends moving furniture in new home — Source: pacresmortgage.com

Packing is essential when the time for moving comes, and everyone moves from their homes at some point in life.

Like it or not, every bird has to leave the nest. But not just that, people tend to change at least two homes throughout their lives. But does it ever occur to you how hard this process can be? Has it occurred to your how much stuff needs moving from one place to another?

We cannot get back the time and energy we spend on this process. This is because there are more efficient ways to go about it. There are certain tips and tricks that we will talk about in this article that will help you start packing easier when the time for moving comes.

These tips and tricks are bound to greatly make the process easier by saving time, energy, and lots of resources.

So, without further ado, let’s start.

1. Give What You Don’t Need

Some people tend to hold an emotional attachment to certain items from their past. And while these are truly dear items that mean the world to us, others are quite pointless to have around.

Yes, old clothes tend to be the items that we don’t seem to want to give away. But this is a mistake that everyone who moves does. Not only do old clothes require you to fold, box, and transport them, they also take a lot of space in the car or other transport vehicles.

So, instead of carrying them to your new home, why not give them to those that need them? There are lots of humanitarian organizations that would take your old items without asking any questions.

They will then be given to people that could really use a “new” pair of pants or shoes.

2. Keep Fragile Items Safe

The biggest concern during a moving process is whether the fragile items will end up broken or not. By fragile items, we mean stuff made out of glass, ceramic, etc.

It’s safe to say that these take a lot less pressure to break than your TV. So what’re your options in this situation?

Well, for starters, you could place the fragile items into a special box that you can fill with bubble wrap or any kind of material that will preserve it.

Furthermore, pre-wrapping the items will keep them out of harm’s way. You could wrap them in a piece of old clothes or even a newspaper.

3. Hire Professional Movers

Moving on your own, despite the support you get from friends and family is a hard thing to do.

This is because there are a lot of things that need taking into consideration. For starters, how will you transport all of your stuff? How long will that take? What are your options for a cross-country moving?

These are some of the questions you need to ask yourself, but they’re far from the only questions. The issue of packing is also a very real one. According to Complete Removals, all of your items need to be specially packed, boxed, and then mounted onto a transportation vehicle so they can be moved.

The packing process can be especially hard and length. That’s precisely why it’s in your best interest to hire professional movers. Not only will these professionals take full charge of the entire process, but they also know how to do it since they’ve done it a thousand times before.

Furthermore, you might think that hiring professional movers will cost a hefty price, but the price costs nothing compared to how much you’ll be saving on both logistics and preparation.

If you’re thinking about hiring professional movers for your next moving, do consider giving Easy Peasy Removals a visit as they’re one of the best experts in the industry.

4. Book Early

Hiring movers is one thing, but it would be in your best interest to book them in advance. This is because these services are in very big demand. A lot of people move on a daily bases, and the experts in question might not be available for your date.

This goes for any service that you might need during the moving process. This could also include a cleaning service, painters, and all kinds of suppliers.

5. Use the Right Boxes

The first mistake that you can do is not have the right-sized boxes for the move. Luckily for you, this issue is non-existent if you choose to hire professionals to do it for you.

With most professionals, chances are you’ll be given a list of things that they will include in the price. Boxes and duck tape are one of those things that all professionals include with their services.

But in the off-chance that you choose not to go down this route, then make sure to acquire the right boxes for the move. Take into consideration all the things you’ll be transporting, and make sure to have an equally-sized box to be able to transport them. If you need to purchase packing supplies such as moving boxes, you may visit the website of WhatStorage.

Furthermore, when packing the boxes, make sure to leave no space in between as it could result in the items bumping into each other while transporting.

While it’s inevitable to fill the entire free space in the box, you can wrap your items in towels or packing paper to provide extra security.

But these are all things that you don’t need to worry about if you choose to hire professional movers to take charge of the entire operation. As we mentioned, these are seasoned veterans with thousands of moves before yours, so they know what they’re doing.

6. Pack an Overnight Bag

Whenever the time to move comes, make sure to pack an overnight back with essential things to have with you if something goes wrong.

It’s not unheard of problems to occur during the moving process. Anything from accidents to the home being unprepared for your arrival can arise at any point during the process.

If this is the case, then you might need to spend a night in a hotel. This is precisely why it’s in your best interest to pack an overnight back with a toothbrush and toothpaste, charger for your phone, clothes to change, and perhaps even your laptop.

What Else to Consider Before You Buy a Tablet or a Smart Phone for a Senior?

Дмитра Врачарић

March 19, 2020

IOT (Internet of Things) devices provide services which tablets for seniors like Grandpad and Smartphone for seniors like Jitterbug Smart 2 do not provide.

As our senior parents and loved one’s age, their need and ability to communicate changes. As their ability to communicate diminishes they feel isolated leading to depression which inevitably leads to poorer health. Also, their health changes which adds a need to monitor their health and safety on a regular basis.

Although tablets for seniors such as Grandpad and smartphones for seniors such as Jitterbug Smart 2 are great devices for younger and healthier elderly who are out and about, these devices do not meet the requirements of much older and frail elderly. Hence when seniors age and start to lose their ability or interest in using a smartphone or tablet or services provided by these devices are not sufficient for complete care IoT (Internet of Thing) technology-based seniors devices should be considered.

IoT based care solutions for older people provide comprehensive Aging In Place services enabling the elderly to live healthily and independently in their own homes. Below lists the benefits and services IOT based devices for the elderly provides, only are included services which are not possible with smartphones or even tablets for seniors.

Ease of Use

Using voice interface – IoT devices can be controlled using voice commands to obtain services. Best examples of such devices are the Amazon Echo and Google Assistant and Sirona.TV. Built-in voice companion of these IoT smart speakers answers questions, plays music, checks the weather, tells time and set reminders.

Using TV and remote – Independa and Sirona.TV users use remote control and TV much like Netflix on Apple TV giving older people an interface they are most comfortable with.

Companionship

As seniors age and their ability to connect with family reduces, many find themselves isolated. Any kind of companionship even digital companionship based on AI helps seniors elevate the feeling of loneliness. For example, solutions like ElliQ from Intuition Robotics and Sirona.TV from Safety Labs have many built companionship features such as Greetings, Fillers, Jokes, Banters, Music, Reminders. Sirona.TV also a health companion includes NAC+A (Nudge, Advice, Commend and if required Act). The Sirona TV’s NAC+A feature is especially useful for older population keeping them healthy by nudging them into a healthy lifestyle.

Remote Health Monitoring

Regular monitoring of blood pressure, sugar levels, weight, oxygen and temperature help to monitor the health trend of an elderly person enabling early intervention. Thus, regular monitoring of vitals can make a difference between a regular health checkup visit and a health episode requiring an ER visit. When looking for a solution for your elderly loved one make sure to consider a remote health monitoring capability.

Remote Health Examination

Making an appointment, arranging and visiting doctors for regular physical examination can be challenging specially for over 13 million seniors who live alone. With improvements in telehealth technology, much of these health examinations can be done remotely improving the regularity of such examinations. Benefits of Remote Health Examination are apparent at any age so look for such a feature in your choice of device.

Senior having a virtual visit with her Doctor using Sirona.TV

Medication Reminders

Adherence and compliance to medication is challenging for some seniors but is necessary for a healthy senior. The ability to provide Medication reminders should be on top of the needs list.

Emergency Alert

Senior as they become feeble with age have a higher chance of tripping over or falling on their own accord. Prompt attention to a fallen person make a major difference in their ability to recover from the fall and to service. Hence a robust emergency alert system should be a key when looking for a device or solution for your mom or dad.

Grows with time

When looking for a device for your loved one make sure that services the device provides can grow as your need and services required increases. This is certainly a forte for IOT based devices.

Cost-Effective

Most, if not all these services come with a monthly fee. When selecting the right solution make sure you can comfortably pay for such services for many years to come.

IoT Devices

Although there are many IoT devices only a few are focused for the care of the elderly. The best known IOT devices include Amazon’s Alexa (based on Amazon Echo), Google Assistant and Sirona.TV. Sirona.tv is created from ground up for seniors includes senior care features such as a voice companions, remote health monitoring, virtual doctor’s visits, medication reminder, emergency alert. Other regular features available in solutions like Grandpad and Jitterbug Smart 2 include Family Album, Contacts, Weather, Games.

Spring/Summer Fashion Trends 2024

Billy Voss

March 19, 2020

If you have just recently said that famous sentence “I don’t have anything to wear”, then the time has come to add some new clothing items to your wardrobe. Surely you want to stay loyal to your style but that doesn’t mean that you cannot learn about current fashion trends.

In this article, we are going to introduce you to only some of this year’s multiple fashion trends. Some of these might seem odd to your, but we are sure that you are going to like many of them. However, funny they might seem you should keep an open mind and try to picture how they would look when combined with some pieces that you possess.

The Disco Collar

This trend might be this season’s biggest surprise. Not many people have anticipated that the unique collar from the seventies is going to make a comeback. This year, it can be seen on blouses but also on jacket and coats.

What’s more, clothing pieces that feature this detail usually also display vivid colors and unique patterns that make them stand out. Depending on the item you choose, you can create an elegant or, on the other hand, a totally chic outfit.

Puffed sleeves

During the last few seasons, these sleeves were incorporated into the clothing items, but in a more subtle form. However, it seems that this trend has completely exploded this season. The swell can be focused on the shoulders, elbow area, or even the lower part of the arm i.e. sleeve.

If you are looking for a piece that is going to help you make a statement, look no further. Just go and look for the latest collection of your favorite designer and choose the piece that you like the most.

Shoe straps over pants

There is no way that you haven’t noticed this trend in the last few months. At first, we might have found it peculiar, but soon, most of us fell in love with it. Why? Well because it provides us with the opportunity to wear our favorite pair of heels on every occasion.

You can choose any shoes with straps and pair them with literally any type of trousers, everything from jeans and slacks to cigarette pants. Depending on the outfit you want to create you can pair it with a jacket or off-the-shoulder top and you are certainly going to turn heads.

A new style of trench coats

A trench coat is one of those clothing items that never go out of style. We are certain that almost everyone has had one of these at some point in their lives. Since they have been around for so long, it is natural that they have been transformed many, many times.

As you can assume, this year is going to present you with new styles of this piece of clothing. Instead of the traditional ones, the new ones feature multiple patterns and colors, and some might even go a step further and introduce completely new details.

Leather, leather leather

What do you think is leather in this season? Not only is it one of the leading trends but it is also part of the spring collection. As you surely know, leather is usually saved for fall and winter clothing items, but not this year.

First of all, it comes in all the colors of the rain. You can opt for some elegant pieces in black, but you can also go with some colorful items that feature one of a kind prints and patterns. In addition, metallic is going to rule the streets this year.

Furthermore, when it comes to clothing pieces you can buy anything you want that is made of leather. Do you need a new leather jacket? Do you want something appealing that combines leather and lace? If you want to take it a step further, you can always choose a fun spring leather skirt and a matching jacket.

Low-slung tailoring

Do you remember baggy pants that took the world by storm a few years back? Surely, you do. All of us loved that trend that was not only stylish but more importantly very comfortable. It was a nice change from skinny jeans, don’t you agree?

However, these pants have been in a way upgraded for the 2024 collection. Nowadays, the cut of these is quite unique – the waistline is loose and the legs are wide which gives it that ‘baggy’ look. The best thing about these is that you can incorporate them into every outfit.

If you have some errands to run you can create a casual everyday outfit by pairing them with a shirt and jacket. On the other hand, if you need something that is more work-appropriate, you can match them with a blouse, and don’t forget to add high heels that are going to erase that casual vibe.

Bold Prints

When we say ‘bold prints’ we are actually thinking over the moon prints. Think about it this way – nothing is too much. Whatever your favorite pattern is, go and find a clothing item that has it.

Tell us, who doesn’t love a floral print on a sundress? These are romantic and cheerful and women feel great every time they put them on. These dresses have become so popular that you can choose between not only patterns and colors but also cuts and styles and lengths. Just check out the hauteflair website and you will see what we are talking about.

Polka dots

While on the subject of interesting patterns, we have to discuss one that has only been increasing in popularity and that isn’t going anywhere. Once again, polka dots can be found on any piece of clothing. Literally, if you are in love with these as much as we are, you do not have to go out looking for a piece with this pattern, but instead, go and search for your favorite clothing item because we are sure that it is going to feature this look.

Buy a maxi dress for some special occasion and pair it with some jewelry and a pair of heels. You can also find some elegant pieces that will ensure you are the center of attention wherever you appear.

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