Tired of staring at your outdated kitchen every day? Stalling to complete home renovations because of the price tag? Home renovation costs can add up. But, there are ways to save and stick to your budget. Homeowners complete renovations for a variety of reasons. Completing home renovations can increase your home's market value, improve the overall aesthetic, and make you feel more at home. Our homes are one of the places we spend the most time in. So, it's no surprise that your outdated cabinets are driving you crazy. Seeing them day after day can be a downright bummer, but they don't need to stay that way forever. Home renovations can be completed by a contractor or by you. However, there are some home renovations that require a professional, such as electrical work and removing load-bearing walls. But, for all other home renovations projects, there are plenty of ways to save. Read on to discover 11 ways to reduce your home renovation costs. Stick to the Budget: 11 Ways to Save on Home Renovation CostsThe average homeowner spends over $23,000 on a kitchen renovation. But, the cost can be greatly reduced if you know how to save. Home renovations aren't only for the wealthy. Simple renovations can improve the quality of your home and make you want to stay there for hours on end. Explore the following cost-saving tips to reduce your home renovation costs. 1. Determine Your PrioritiesStart by determining what's most important to you. What room needs the most work? What about the room is bothering you? Once you narrow down which room you want to focus on, determine what about the room needs to be changed. Is it the cabinets? The flooring? By determining your priorities, you allow yourself to focus on what needs to be done versus what you want to be done. Then, the tasks that need to be completed can take up more of your budget and time. If you're selling your home, having focus can also gain you more profit. This will also make housing affordability for your next home a better possibility. 2. Recycle MaterialsAvoid throwing out materials that can be used in another area of your home. For example, if you are getting rid of a vanity, consider whether it could serve a purpose in your laundry room. Whenever possible, reuse materials to cut down on costs. Allow yourself to get creative as well. All materials can be broken down, painted, and refurbished to serve a new and delightful purpose. 3. Get Multiple QuotesIf you need to hire professionals, get multiple quotes. By getting multiple quotes, you can ensure that you're getting the best price possible. Each company may charge you per quote, but it will be worth it in the end if you can save some much-needed cash. 4. Be on the Lookout for SalesIt's tempting to want to purchase something we like right away. But, instead of purchasing something at full price, be on the lookout for sales. Ask the company if there are any sales coming up and if the item will be on sale at that time. You could also surf the internet for the same product on different websites. Some companies will also match a competitor's price, which could allow you to get the product quicker and at the price you want. 5. Work with Your LayoutHome renovation costs can quickly add up when you are determined to change the layout of a room. Moving appliances and their corresponding hookups, for example, are easy ways to rack up your renovation bill. Instead, aim to work within your existing layout. Get creative and find ways to make the space work for you. 6. Plan AheadOne of the best ways to save money on home renovations is to plan ahead. Write down every project you would like to complete and how much you estimate it will cost. You should also write down how long you expect the renovation to take. Planning ahead and being realistic will also help you to stay motivated throughout the renovation process. 7. Start SmallStart with small projects and then build up to larger ones. By starting small, you're giving yourself an opportunity to improve your renovation skills and experiment with your budget. You'll also get a chance to see how small changes can drastically improve your home. For example, start by simply changing out cabinet hardware and seeing how it improves the space. 8. Get HelpSave money by getting help. Ask your friends, family, and neighbors to lend a hand. Getting help can greatly reduce the time, effort, and money it will take to complete your home renovation projects. And, when it comes to home renovations, your motto should be "the more, the merrier!" 9. Harness the Power of PaintPaint can work wonders for any space. Sometimes all a space really needs is a fresh coat of paint that will inspire you. Start with painting a room or the cabinets before you make any major changes. Simply painting cabinets and other furniture pieces can save you loads of money. 10. Invest in New DecorNever underestimate the power of new home decor. It's easy to get bored with our spaces, especially if our home decor hasn't changed in years. Instead of opting for a full-blown home renovation, consider purchasing new decor. New decor could include new bathroom accessories, new furniture, or new wall hangings. 11. Be PatientHome renovations take time. Try to be as patient as you can be with the process. Rushed decisions don't always pan out, and they could easily break your budget. Stick to the plan and allow your renovations to take place over time. Devote a day or two a week to complete your projects, and thoroughly rest and enjoy your home in between work days. Home Renovation Costs: Avoid Breaking the BankHome renovation costs don't need to break the bank. Before starting any home renovation project, do your research. Figure out exactly what materials and labor are needed for a successful renovation. You should also create an airtight budget to avoid spending more than you want to. Clearly explain your budget to any professional helping to complete your renovation project. With a plan in place, a budget, and some dedicated effort, your home can be transformed into the home of your dreams. Want to create a website detailing how your home renovations transformed your house? Create an account and use our website builder to create a blog or website.
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Many artists are dreamers, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make a living doing what you love. Many of us start out creating art for fun, and then the older you get, the less serious it’s taken. For creative energy to thrive, it needs to be practiced. Artists are often told to “get a real job.” Too often, creatives resign themselves to a life that’s expected of them, not the life they want to But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are creative professions that make it possible to live a life you love as an artist, and not starve. Here are 9 of the most in-demand careers for creative people that will let you do what you love, while earning a living. 1. Graphic DesignerIn this age of the Internet, one of the most prolific creative careers is as a graphic designer. You can do this successfully working for a corporation as an internal designer, or you can freelance and provide your own services to businesses or individuals. Graphic designers continue to be an essential need for most companies. Think about it, branding, blog post images, social media images, content marketing, the list goes on and on. The need for graphics is one that will continue. Most companies have an in-house graphic designer so you can find job openings easily. Have your portfolio ready and get out there. 2. PhotographerThis is another career that can be done in-house or by yourself, by starting your own photography business. It’s easy to come up with a business name too since most photographers simply go by their own name. There are plenty of ways to provide photography services. You can be a children’s photographer, wedding photographer or general family photographer. There’s a need for pet photography too. Most photographers start out photographing everything before they figure out what they’re most comfortable with and then they stick with that. After you’ve narrowed down your audience, the trick is to get clients coming to you. Take advantage of Facebook and Instagram ads along with Google advertising. Get your website up and running and blog, blog, blog to become authoritative in your niche. 3. Art TeacherPerhaps you want to share your love of art with another generation. Art teachers are an important aspect of the education system. Chances are your love of art originated in school, or maybe you were inspired by your teacher's love of art. Fuel the fire by teaching what you love. Art teachers can work in elementary, middle or high schools or you can take it to the next level as an art professor helping and guiding students who’ve chosen to pursue their love of the arts. 4. Art DirectorIf you crave an artistic path but still have a love for the business side, a career as an art director may be for you. These creatives are responsible for setting the standards for graphics, photography and content layouts. You’ll review things like print and online ads and videos and ensure that the vision of the client is being met before they receive the work. Essentially you are responsible for setting the vision of all creative work and ensuring that it’s done within the deadline and in line with the client’s needs. 5. Fashion DesignerFor those with a flair for wearable design, a career as a fashion designer may be for you. Whether you want to design handbags, clothing, shoes or accessories, there’s plenty to choose from in this area. Maybe you like mixing and matching different textures or colors in ways that make sense but aren’t otherwise being done yet. Trendsetters have a lot to offer the fashion industry. If you love clothing and design and want to share this with others, a career as a fashion designer may be where it’s at for you. 6. AnimatorSimilar to graphic design but more often used in video games, movies and commercials, an animator is needed to create “living” cartoons. They work frame by frame to create the illusion of movement. Animators may hand draw their creations or use photography. This career requires some technical skill along with an artistic vision. If you’ve got a love for both then this may be for you. 7. VideographerMany weddings have a videographer to capture the special day and to get those in between scenes that a photographer can’t. Getting those “I Dos” and the vows is an essential job for a wedding videographer. They’re also going to capture the first dance, bouquet toss and cutting of the cake to provide a video for the bride and groom to have and watch for years to come. Videographers aren’t just prevalent at weddings, they’re also needed in business. For example, many companies do things like video case studies or even vlogs. These are tasks that a videographer is going to do well, to show the best side of any business...and they have fun doing it. 8. ChoreographerIf dance is your passion, this is how you can share your moves with others. Choreographers create original dances, and they develop their own interpretations of current dances. They also direct and teach dance routines. If you just want to dance, this is how you can make a living doing so and share your passion with others. Imagine seeing a dance you created being performed on stage. Choreographers get the joy of seeing their vision come to life. 9. Makeup ArtistFinally on our list of creative jobs, if you love doing your own makeup this career may be what you’re looking for. Applying makeup is an art and those with a knowledge of what colors will bring out someone’s eyes best or what lipstick will suit someone depending on their skin tone, that’s a skill and one that is needed in various areas. From movie sets to beauty salons, makeup artists are in demand. This can also be done as a freelance position. Where you not only create art but you do it on your schedule. Freelancers often find success working with wedding parties, prom parties, and other special events. Careers for Creative People Nurture ArtistsThese jobs for creative people show that there are options for those who don’t want to be confined to the average day job. These careers for creative people don’t end here. There are many ways to do what you love for a living. Whatever you choose, focus on it and on bringing it to life and you may surprise yourself with the life you can build. Ditch the idea of the 9 to 5 and go your own way by looking into one of these creative paths. Always remember who you are...an artist. We’ll leave you with the words of the great Bill Watterson. “To invent your own life’s meaning is not easy...but it’s still allowed...and I think you’ll be happier for the trouble.” Sign up today and learn how we can help you start showcasing your art to the world. When a patient is looking for a health care professional, one of the first things they do is ask their friends and family members if they can refer someone. That is because health care is a personal concern for millions, and every patient feels empowered by their health care choices when they are working with a professional that they are comfortable with. More and more of today's patients are getting that empowerment through patient testimonials online and offline. This is why if you don't use testimonials in your marketing efforts, your practice or health care business doesn't have a leading edge. Read on to discover the power of patient testimonials today. Why Do Patient Testimonials Work?Patient testimonials have always worked in health care because choosing a health care practitioner that is a good fit is a top priority for every American. Everyone wants a "good doctor" or the dentist that meets every stress and concern of the patient. Today's health care professional has an upper hand in beating their competition because they have the online world at their fingertips. Patient testimonials work because this online portal offers an additional chance for potential new patients to research health care practitioners that will be a good fit. A shiny new website is a good idea, and when you start your website it is an excellent starting point for your practice. But your potential patients are asking questions like, "do they listen?" and "how are they with prescription refills?" Most websites can't offer that personal touch that patients are looking for. So, many patients today are turning online for testimonials and reviews. If your advertising efforts do not include authentic patient testimonials, you are behind your competition. The numbers don't lie. Online customer testimonials currently account for about 89 percent of content marketing effectiveness. And 38 percent of consumers say they need online reviews before they make a purchase decision. Online reviews help businesses like Ultimate Medical Academy thrive and get an edge on their competition. Patient Testimonials Sell Health CareThe bottom line to solve the best marketing equation out there is to have something that other people want to buy. If you can meet a need, then your business will thrive. That works whether you are selling computers or dental care. When patients go online to check out your business, they are looking for real-life experiences. If you can offer that through patient testimonials, then you will be more likely to make a sale with a new patient than if you didn't have them. Patient testimonials sell your business because they bring the human element to your website or Facebook page. And it is that human element that is the next best thing to bedside manner in health care. Patients just want to know that you care before they book that first consultation. That's the power of patient testimonials that send that message for you with very little work. Testimonials Build CredibilityPotential new patients in any health care facility are always a little nervous before their first meeting. Health care appointments can be scary. And with the rise in medical errors and health care disasters, new patients have a right to be nervous. When you build a website that offers a human element through patient testimonials, you are offering new patients that credibility statement. Testimonials Offer Affordable BenefitsYou can offer new patients the benefits of your health care business testimonials, and it is a very inexpensive way to advertise. You want your new patients to not just buy from you, but also trust you because you offer something that other health care practitioners don't. There's no way for new customers to know what they are getting if they don't know what other patients have gotten. The best way to do that is to offer testimonials that spell out these benefits clearly. You can do this at little to no cost by simply asking every patient that leaves your office to put a review up on Facebook or social media. Not everybody will, but even if one in 5 patients does this, you are going to have a nice stack of reviews that offer benefits to other new patients within a few weeks. Testimonials Need to Be AuthenticYou want your testimonials to be authentic, as that is the only way to translate your message to the masses. If every review is glowing, that may cast doubt on your practice. So don't make the mistake of buying reviews. Simply ask every current patient to post one, and within a few months, you will have a neat and organic method of advertising your human element to the world. Start with your website that is easy to use and navigate. If you haven't already done so, learn about the power of choosing a health care friendly domain name that gets your business off the ground. Incentivize Current PatientsOne marketing strategy that you can use is to utilize your existing patients for testimonials, in a way that both retains your current clients and also leads to new ones. Give your current patients an incentive to offer testimonials and reviews for you. This is where an email marketing list may come in handy. Send out bi-monthly emails to your current patient list and ask them to leave a review for you. Offer them a free service or product, or a discount on their next visit, if they leave you a Facebook review or online testimonial. Another way you can seek testimonials is to hand out surveys to existing patients when they check in for their appointment. Just give them a very quick survey to complete for a discount on their visit. Ask open-ended questions that will only take a few minutes to complete. Make sure you ask their permission to use it in your business. Most patients will be happy to do so, and sometimes even patients like to see their own voices repeated in testimonials. It makes them feel credible too, and like they've chosen a good health care practitioner. Testimonials Improve Your BusinessIt goes without saying that testimonials improve your business, that is why most businesses want to have as many of them as they can. But it is an easy point to forget when you are working on your marketing plan. When you are getting patient testimonials, ask them to be honest and be sure that you offer the right kinds of questions for them so that you can make improvements. You may lose patients through reviews if patients are saying things about you that could make you or your business look bad. So these reviews offer you the advantage of knowing where your business can improve. If for example, you don't offer prescription refills by phone, you may not know this is a contentious point for your patients if you don't give them the opportunity to say so. Once a patient has left a review that lets you know what needs to be fixed, you can also publicly make a statement to let your audience know that this is no longer a concern for new patients. When your business improves through these tweaks, you will get more customers and more new patients. Consider testimonials as intelligence gathering. The information you will receive is the power to change and become better than you already were. Never Stop Collecting TestimonialsOnce you start collecting testimonials, you will get a lot within time, but you should never stop asking for them. This is because your business is always growing, and can always benefit from new patients. But more importantly, your business will always benefit from being improved through the feedback of current patients. At the same time, if you have testimonials online, you build an organic campaign that you never need to keep funneling money into. As long as your list of testimonials grows, you are letting the world know that you are a thriving business that can offer every health care benefit to every new patient on the market. Empower Your Business with TestimonialsIt is estimated that approximately 90 percent of consumers are influenced by testimonials and reviews online. And as many as 80 percent of today's customers are going online before making appointments with potential new business or professional. If you don't have patient testimonials online, that means that new patients are looking at the reviews of other professionals and are more likely to book with them, than you. The numbers are inarguable. You can get a leg up on your competition by adding testimonials to your website and social media platforms for very little money today. Add them today, have new patients tomorrow. Start your health care business today with the ultimate SEO guide in your corner, and be sure you are adding testimonials to your marketing plan. Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents on the road. In 2017, it claimed more than 3,166 lives. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, about 660,000 people are using mobile phones and other gadgets while driving on any given day.
As a parent, it's your responsibility to keep yourself and your children safe while in the car. It takes just one wrong move to get in a crash and lose your life. Most states have laws that ban texting and talking on the phone while driving. Few people comply, though. In fact, 37 percent of young drivers feel pressured to respond to work-related messages while on the road, according to a recent survey. Don't make this mistake! Check out these handy tips on how to prevent distracted driving and keep your family safe. Plan Ahead While texting isn't the only form of distracted driving, it's extremely common among all age groups. To stay safe, put your phone away when you're behind the wheel. Before getting in your car, think about what calls or texts you need to send. For example, if you're facing a tight deadline at work, your manager might call to ask for updates. Reach out to him before you begin your trip. Prepare everything you need for the trip in advance, including a list of hotels and gas stations. Make sure you know where you're going and how to get there. This way, you won't have to check your phone while driving. If you need to buy some snacks, pull over into a parking spot and check local directories, food websites, or maps. Don't it while driving. It's simply not worth the risk. Avoid Distractions Keep distractions to a minimum while on a road. Wait until the car is stopped before eating or drinking, changing the radio, or setting the AC system. If you're going on a trip with your family, seek ways to keep the children busy. Give them a coloring book or a toy and ask them to be silent. Reward good behavior with snacks, stickers, and other cool items. The whole point is to avoid distractions, whether it's using the GPS system, using the phone, applying lipstick, or reaching for something. Anything could happen if you're eyes are leaving the road for just a second. Stay Focused Avoid driving when you're stressed, depressed, or nervous. If you must use the car, leave your problems at home. Cognitive distractions like thinking about problems at work or daydreaming while behind the wheel can be fatal. Sometimes, car accidents are unavoidable — it might not even be your fault. In this case, reach out to a lawyer asap. Depending on your location, call a local attorney, such as those at The Cagle Law Firm, to file a claim and receive legal help. Educate Yourself on How to Prevent Distracted Driving Now that you know more about how to prevent distracted driving, take the steps needed to keep yourself and your family safe while on the road. Put down the cell phone, silence all notifications, and create a pre-trip checklist. Rely on your passengers to adjust climate controls, make phone calls, and help you find directions. If you’re a frequent traveler, consider using the Weebly app and mobile tools. This way, managing your website or online business will be easier than ever before! In 2018, travelers spent $761.7 billion dollars on travel. Travelers not only spent money on plane tickets and lodging, but they also spent it on travel accessories.
Are you ready to become part of millions of travelers hitting the road or roaming the skies? Then you need to have the latest travel gadgets to travel with this summer. Read on to learn more. 1. C-Gear Original Sand-Free Mat If you're someone who loves beach getaways, you need to invest in the C-Gear Original Sand-Free Mat. The design of this mat makes it impossible to get covered in sand. No matter how much sand you throw its way, it will stay clear of it. This mat is perfect for families traveling with children. The mat is a perfect place for children to play in the sand and have a clean place to sit down and nap. This great mat is not only to take to the beach -- you can take it on a picnic as well. 2. Noise-Canceling Headphones The best gadget you can invest in before a trip are noise canceling headphones. Airports and planes are loud places, so you need headphones that can cancel any outside disturbances so you can focus on your playlist, podcast, or audio-book. Of course, when you're traveling you don't want to deal with cables and cords, so why not pick wireless earbuds. Although it might seem like it, you don't have to break the bank to get quality headphones. Check out the 8 best wireless Bluetooth earbuds under $50 for travelers. 3. Micro Lazy Luggage If you are a frequent world traveler, then you know carrying your luggage around is the least fun part. Imagine how parents feel like when they have to carry their children around on top of all of their luggage. The Micro Lazy Luggage is the perfect solution to this problem. This well-crafted carry-on doubles as a vehicle for you to carry around your child. Since this design comes in a simple carry-on bag, it will fit most styles. The Micro Lazy is compact so when you want your toddler to ride on it, all you have to do is pull the extendable legs. Children can then sit on top of it and you have a mini-stroller without having to bring one. You can carry around children of up to 44lbs (20kg) and between the ages of 18 months and 4 years. The carry-on has a capacity to fit 18 liters of storage and comes with an additional 5 pockets and a sleeve that divides and keeps your stuff organized. 4. Portable Washing Machine If you're planning on a backpacking trip to Europe, trekking on a remote location, or going on Safari, you want to know you'll be able to have clean clothes. Having clean clothes while traveling is important especially when you travel light. The Scrubba Wash Bag is the perfect gadget for those who are going off the grid. It's also the perfect gadget for those who want to save money and keep their clothes clean. You only need between 2-4 liters of water plus detergent to get your clothes clean in only a few minutes. Then you can hang and dry your clothes. 5. goTenna Mesh If you're going camping, trekking, or completely off the grid, you still want to let your family members know you're safe. with the help of goTenna Mesh, you can stay connected. This device works by keeping Android and iOS phones and devices connected even in areas of no service. The goTenna Mesh is a pocket-size device that connects via Bluetooth-LE to smartphones to ensure travelers can share their location and send messages. 6. Skyroam Solis - Wi-Fi hotspot For many travelers, not having reliable Wi-Fi means they might not be able to stay as communicated as they would like. In fact, many travelers rely on Wi-Fi to power their GPS and get around. If you're planning on hitting the road this summer, then you need the Skyroam Solis. The Skyroam Solis is a portable hot-spot that allows you to stay connected while traveling the world without having to use a SIM card or pay roaming charges. This hotspot will allow you to have 4G LTE internet in more than 130 countries. All you have to do is pay $9 to have unlimited use for 24 hrs. You can connect up to 5 devices to this hot spot. 7. GRAYL's Ultralight Purifier If you're planning on traveling to areas such as places in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, or Central America, you might have heard tales of travelers getting sick from the water. There's no reason you should put your health at risk with GRAYL'S Ultra Light Purifier. This water purifier will take natural clear water or tap water and make it safe for you to drink in only 15 seconds. You can fit 500 milliliters in each bottle and the replaceable cartridge can last you for 150L. Carrying this bottle on while traveling will protect you against bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and more. 8. Automated Travel Vacuum How many times have you tried to bring one more outfit, but your suitcase is already too full? If you travel with a small suitcase, you need to make the best of all the space you have. Vago is a travel size packing vacuum that allows you to fit everything in your suitcase, so it's the perfect travel accessory. This vacuum works by detecting pressure in your suitcase. The automatic sensor removes all the air inside your suitcase, so your clothes get condensed to half their size. By carrying this vacuum, you never have to worry about not having any room for souvenirs. 9. Menu Baggy Winecoat We couldn't wrap up the list without a wine bag. The Menu Baggy Winecoat makes it possible for you to carry your wine without having to transport the bottle. This is perfect for camping or trips to the beach. Best Gadgets You Shouldn't Travel Without Now that you know about these cool gadgets, it's time you start planning. Whether you're planning on backpacking or camping, there are accessories for you. If you enjoyed this article, we have more where it came from. Want to find inspiration to stay fit while you travel? Check out this article. |