Ways to Modernize Your Home’s Look

Article Editor on August 27, 2021

Ways to Modernize Your Home’s Look

Investing In Modernizing A Home

Overtime homes require love and attention. They will need to be updated and modernized in order to maintain their upkeep. Home renovations and or updates may seem intimidating at first however; there are several different ways to modernize a home in order to improve the house’s appearance. Individuals do not need to be skilled professionals to complete some of these updates themselves. As a homeowner, some of these projects will just take a little bit of time to give the home a complete visual upgrade. Homeowners can take some design advice from Alexander Djerassi for a little modern inspiration.

Open Floor Plan

Many homeowners are striving to have vast open spaces within their homes. Achieving an open floor plan assists in modernizing a home and bringing the space back to life. Recently, experts are finding that homeowners are interested in having a floor plan that flows from the kitchen, into the family room, and on into the dining room; for one large gathering area. Therefore, if individuals have the opportunity to build or remodel their homes; many are taking the more open space approach to make their homes more modernized. However, if moving walls cannot be in the updating plans, there are several other ways individuals are able to achieve an open space concept. One of the simplest methods is to remove large or “bulky” items from the various living spaces. By doing so, it allows the room to quickly appear larger without making any major structural changes. Additionally, adding a fresh coat of paint is always a large improvement to any space that can quickly modernize a space without costing a fortune for the homeowner.

Modernize With Lighting

Nothing screams a time period quite like lighting. It can quickly date any home or living space and make it feel very outdated. Additionally, having a poorly lit room can also make the space feel dark and outdated. If homeowners invest in adding bright lighting to an area the space will quickly become more modern and feel more inviting. Just note, homeowners can do some lighting easily, while other light fixtures may require more advanced training and need an electrician to be properly installed.

Updating Fixtures

Another easier way to modernize a home’s look is to update window treatments and replace outdated fixtures throughout the home. By updating window treatments, the house immediately feels more inviting and warmer. If windows are left bare they typically appear forgotten and cold to the eye. Plus, by adding window treatments, homeowners are able to add a special touch of their personality to the room. In addition to updating window treatments, another great way to modernize a space is to replay outdated fixtures. This could be a fixture for sinks, bathrooms, door handles, and even drawer pulls. There are fixtures that come in a cohesive line so that everything may be replaced at one time throughout the home or each individual room can be done.

Modern Spin

The great thing about trying to modernize a home is that there are several different approaches a homeowner is able to make. Whether the changes are in structure, paint, lighting, or fixtures; there is a way for any floor plan to be modernized. Follow individuals like Alexander Djerassi, for more modern design ideas and inspirations.

Revamping Your Home on a Budget

Article Editor on August 26, 2021

Overview

Getting new ideas on how to get one’s home revamped is usually a good idea, especially in the event that the home is looking quite tired and in dire need of a new look. Constant revamping of the home often goes a long way in the long run in helping to save on the money that could have otherwise been used in doing major repairs. Also, changing things a bit will ensure that the mood that the homeowner has and their general well-being is well taken care of in the long run. One can avoid the major renovations that in most cases may end up leading to expensive costs by carrying out small adjustments from time to time that will end up not being as expensive. We shall therefore look at some tactics by which Shalom Lamm, who is a real estate developer, suggests, that can be used in revamping homes.

Ways through which homes can be revamped on a budget

The following are different ways through which one is able to have the spaces in their homes beautifully revamped, without straining much on the finances:

1.Decluttering and Organizing the spaces

Doing any decluttering and organization of any room in the household can go a long way in ensuring that the home looks tidy and good looking. This will also help to ensure that the feel of the rooms change. Of importance to also take note of, is the fact that getting any space well organized and decluttered by removing most of the things that are not being used actively will help in giving them a feel that is more peaceful and relaxed. Additionally, this will help in making the rooms even brighter. It is such an efficient way of revamping the spaces, since it does not cost a dime.

2.Carrying out thorough cleaning

After clearing out the rooms and ensuring that enough spaces have been created, the next thing that can be done is carrying out a clean that is thorough and deep. This entails washing everything within the spaces, to the very last corners of the rooms. Additionally, one may choose to go an extra mile to get the carpets and walls cleaned. By washing the walls by oneself for instance, so much is saved in terms of the money that would have otherwise been used to organize for a painting job.

Also, the doors and windows; together with all the curtains and sheers, can also be given a deep clean. The overall result at the end of the day, is that the home will end up having a fresh and cool effect and feeling to it.

3.Fixing things that have gotten broken over time

Having broken fixtures, fittings and furniture often shows neglect of the highest order. Because of this, it is important to have all the aforementioned items fixed with immediate effect, each and every time they get broken. This will help in giving the home a look that is more appealing and revamped. This is exactly why Shalom Lamm insists on using this tactic in ensuring that one’s home will end up looking much better and beautifully revamped.

Tips for Keeping Your Home Safe While You Travel

Full Editorial on August 25, 2021

After months of lockdowns and quarantining, we’re finally at a point where people are ready to leave their homes and explore the country and even the world. Apart from the planning part, traveling should be fun and stress free. However, if you’re leaving your home behind without roommates or family members to keep it safe, you run the risk of it being vulnerable to intruders or damage. There are a lot of things that you’ll want to take care of before you go on your merry way. Here are a few of the most basic yet important tips for keeping your home safe while you travel. 

Run a Test on Your Alarms

Before you leave, do a run through of any alarms and smoke detectors in the house. Check the batteries and make sure that they are functioning properly. These alarms and detectors will help protect your home from fires, carbon monoxide, and intruders while you’re away– if they’re dead, they can’t serve their purpose.

If you use a security system in your home, test it out prior to leaving. Further, if you don’t own a home security system, now would be a good time to purchase one. There are a variety of options that come at different price points. Choose one that will work well for your living situation. 

Hide Your Valuables

Obviously, hiding items like televisions and surround sounds isn’t practical, but securing expensive and valuable items is a smart thing to do before leaving. This can go for just about anything, but some items to keep in mind include:

  • Fine jewelry
  • Cash
  • Passports
  • Weapons
  • Social security cards
  • Heirlooms

Placing these items in a secured spot will help keep your home from becoming vulnerable to burglars who are on the lookout for items like these.

Let Neighbors or Friends Know

Another thing you can do to keep your home safe and secure is to let neighbors or friends know that you will be gone. If you don’t live in a populated area, have a friend or family member stop by and do a run through while you are gone. If you do live in an area with more people, give the neighbors notice of your absence. Some areas have a neighborhood crime reporting system that involves members of the neighborhood to report suspicious activity to the local authorities. 

If you’re an avid traveler thinking of buying a house soon after calculating what you can afford via a home affordability calculator, look for a home in an area with a neighborhood crime watch.

Keep Plumbing and HVAC in Mind

Do you live in an area with colder seasons and plan on traveling in the fall? Come up with a plan to keep your pipes safe from cracking. Planning a trip during the summer and have an air conditioning unit? Set your system up for success so that it doesn’t constantly run all day. This could lead to it freezing over and breaking your air conditioner. Do a quick run through of your plumbing and HVAC systems to prevent overuse and damage. 

Following the tips above and doing a sweep-through of your home before jetsetting are just among the few ways to keep your home safe and secure when you travel. Enjoy your time away and leave the stress behind this vacation!

Benefits of Mass Email Marketing

Article Editor on August 25, 2021

Overview

Email marketing has been in the use by most businesses that are of varying sizes, all over the globe. This is a method for marketing that entails having services and products advertised through emails, which are much more flexible, cost-effective and generally faster. Email marketing is quite efficient mostly because it allows for the creation of targeted messages that are personalized. This is able to help in the creation of better relations that are more meaningful, with the customers. Additionally, the response rates of direct marketing campaigns can be improved in the long run. Because of the great efficiency that comes with email marketing, it is able to offer quite a number of benefits. This is exactly why Alexander Djerassi is of the idea that understanding these benefits will go a long way in making things more efficient for many organizations through email marketing.

Benefits of Mass Email Marketing

The following are some of the top advantages of having the mass email marketing:

1.Amazing Returns of Investments

The number one goal for most people in the business world is often in order to have great results. Because of this, there are many businesses that are venturing more and more into email marketing because of the great returns on investments that it comes with. From the results and experience of most companies that have put this method to use, email marketing is by far the best form of marketing channel that can be used for any business. This is because the returns of whatever investments will be pumped in will get doubled a hundred fold.

2.Ease in Sharing

With mass email marketing, there are quite a number of subscribers who have numerous offers and deals, sent to their friends, only using the click of a button. There are not many other types of advertisement and marketing that can be done using such great ease. With this therefore, many subscribers are able to have most of the business ideas of a company introduced to a whole new market. This is how more and more brands are able to use this tactic for gaining a large following on the online fronts.

3.Impact That is Quite Instant

Email has an immediacy that is quite fast. Many people are for instance, able to start getting possible results, within the very first minutes of an email being sent. Things that are in need of immediate action, for instance a 24-hour sale; can be done using an email system. This is mostly because mass email marketing often allows for a sense of urgency in convincing the subscribers to be able to have immediate action. This therefore goes a long way in helping to curb the need for businesses having to wait for such a long time to be able to experience results. For instance, if an advertisement was made through broadcast campaigns or print for example, it often takes quite a while to be able to know how many will be reached. However, with the email marketing, the reach out will be rather too instant. This is exactly why Alexander Djerassi feels that it is important for people to understand this particular benefit of mass email marketing.

The Future of Solar Energy in the United States

Article Editor on August 23, 2021

The Future of Solar Energy in the United States

When we hear about solar power, we tend to think about massive farms of solar panels, generating thousands of kilowatt hours of energy. The debate in scientific circles has tended to focus on whether or not renewable energy sources, like wind, solar, and geothermal, can come close enough to matching the output of traditional forms of energy like oil, natural gas, and coal to make the switch to renewables worth it. In reality, any sustainable energy plan for America’s future must necessarily feature solar power as one amongst a plethora of energy options that are more sustainable for our planet. Solar power is here to stay, and many experts think that as solar panel technology is improved solar power will become more readily available for average, everyday Americans. In fact, though cost is the greatest enduring barrier to widespread use of solar panels, many technologies are being developed that will make solar powered conveniences for everybody, not just those who can afford to put a full set of solar panels on their roof.
Helen Lee Schifter has recently pointed out that solar power does not just have to do with large scale energy operations, though. Even something as simple as sustainable décor for holiday decorations can make a small impact. Helen Lee Schifter notes that many Americans like to use string lights during the holidays. The problem with that, however, is that string lights on such a grand scale tend to use a great deal of energy. A solution to this that she suggests is solar powered holiday lights that soak up the sun’s rays during the day and shine brightly at night. This would mean that a net zero amount of energy would be taken from coal or natural gas powered plants to fuel a festive holiday decoration setup. It is true that sustainable holiday decorations like solar powered lights are great for the environment and save on fossil fuels, but they also help the individual consumer as well. Those who switch to solar powered lights and other sustainable holiday decorations will notice a great deal of savings on their energy bills. Creative solutions like this are a great way to take discussions about solar power out of the media and into individuals’ homes. The future of solar power does not just have to be about how the country at large structures its power grid. In fact, discussions about solar power do not have to be political at all. Developing new sustainable technologies like solar powered holiday lights that are cheap and widely available to consumers will encourage individuals to take responsibility for the way that they consume electricity. It will also allow people to make sustainable yet small choices that, on the aggregate across many consumers, will have a great total impact on the health of the environment. In the end, that is what sustainability is all about. Helen Lee Schifter believes that each individual should be empowered to make ethical decisions that can end up making a profound impact on the world.

Eterneva is an Austin, TX Based Startup That’s Trying to Change the Way We Think About Grieving

Article Editor on August 20, 2021

With the turn of the 21st Century, innovations in the funeral industry became a necessity. Despite the current traditional methods, more people have expressed a desire to create more personal memorial services. These new services hope to improve the way people grieve and eventually heal after a loss. 

Eterneva is one such company that seeks to make use of available technology to provide a unique experience, promising to revolutionize the death care industry.

Eterneva’s Creation

Adelle Archer and Garett Ozar founded the company in 2016 while creating a company concerned with the creation of synthetic diamonds. After Adelle lost a dear friend to her, she decided to find a more memorable way to remember the remarkable life of her friend and mentor. She then realized that turning her friend’s ashes into a black diamond was a more personal approach.

This led to the creation of Eterneva, a company that specializes in providing customized experiences during times of grief and need. 

The memorial diamond creation process

Before the process begins, the family or interested individual receives a welcome kit that explains the whole process of creating a memorial diamond. 

Once they confirm that they want a diamond, they will place a half-cup of ashes or a few strands of hair in a specialty package for postage. The amount utilized is minimal, allowing for the family or individual to remain with a large portion of the remains.

The customer will then receive regular email updates on the package’s location until it eventually reaches the Eterneva headquarters in Austin, Texas. The transport of the package usually takes a period of between 1-2 days. It maintains an ethical chain of custody backed by an exclusive contract that Eterneva possesses with FedEx.

The diamond creation process is divided into: 

  • Extraction of carbon
  • Cutting and refining of the produced diamond

Extraction of carbon and diamond forming

The memorial diamond creation process beings with the extraction of carbon from the just arrived remains. The extracted carbon forms a “diamond seed” that is then encased in pure carbon and loaded into a diamond growth cell. The growth cell contains biocarbon, generic carbon, and diamond seed. Like the sand in creating a pearl, the seed provides a form for the carbon to take.

The diamond growth cell is a High-Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) machine that mimics the extreme conditions present in the Earth’s mantle during the formation of natural diamonds.

Cutting and refining

Once the rough diamond has finished forming, experts cut and polish the rough diamond to given specifications to create a unique and radiant diamond. The cut diamond is sent to a third-party grading organization named IGI (International Gemological Institute). Once graded, the diamond is then set into a ring or any desired jewelry.

During the whole process that takes seven to nine months, you receive regular video and photo updates regarding the creation process. 

Reasons to choose Eterneva

Here are the top reasons to choose Eterneva services:

1. Offers a Modern Approach to Bereavement

The traditional view on death has been focused on the dead or dying rather than the grieving. Counselors and therapists alike minimize the grieving process, encouraging the mourners to “move on.” 

This approach overlooks the psychological condition of humans harboring emotional attachments with loved ones despite their death. Without proper support, these attachments may become dysfunctional. 

2. It’s a solution to Dysfunctional attachments

Some of the dysfunctional attachments that mourners may develop avoidant, anxious, and disorganized attachment. Avoidant attachments involve avoiding the reality of a loved one’s death, while mourners with anxious attachment develop an obsession with increasing their life’s longevity. Mourners with disorganized attachments avoid new attachments to prevent more losses over time.

However, research by Eterneva in collaboration with Dr. Cann on anchor objects such as memorial diamonds and urns seeks to better the attachments held by mourners. 

Having a memorial diamond helps create healthier attachments with loved ones who live in memory; these attachments create a sense of joy for the bereaved as they get to be grounded in reality.

The memorial diamond serves as an “attachment token” that provides tangible reminders of death’s reality while enabling the mind to derive more joy from their memories. 

3. Eases the Pain of Loss Through the Provision of Professional and Quality Services

Inspired by funeral homes, Eterneva seeks to provide transparent and dependable services that eventually ease the anxiety of grieving families. 

The company emulates funeral homes through its use of clear-cut chain of custody protocols. The use of these protocols allows for a seamless experience as it becomes easier to track the progress of each task and what to expect from each stage.

4. Offers an Innovative Homecoming 

Eterneva enhances its services by providing an innovative “Homecoming” process. The homecoming process involves the hand-delivery of each diamond within a ten-hour radius. This process allows for the founders to meet face-to-face with their customers, providing a personal experience. During homecoming, Adelle and Garret offer condolences to the families and gain valuable information to improve customer services and their company processes.

Since its inception, Eterneva has served over 700 families and expanded to 30 employees. The majority of Eterneva’s client base consists of the younger generation and comprises around 60 percent humans and 40 percent pets.

Should You Relocate for a New Job?

Article Editor on August 19, 2021

Should You Relocate for a New Job?

Have you ever wondered if you should relocate for a new job? It’s a job that you really want, and have always wanted. The only con is, you have to relocate for the job to be yours, because it’s either across the state, or maybe even out of state. It leaves you in the position of having to figure out should you relocate for this new job? You should consider relocating for a job that you really want, and even Diego Ruiz Duran agrees with this. Why should you consider relocating though? Let’s discuss it.

First things first, this is a job that you really want. Why wouldn’t you relocate for it? Yes, relocating to a new place, away from where all of your friends, and maybe even family is, can be hard. However, we live in a time where we have social media and smartphones. Keeping in touch with our friends and family doesn’t have to be hard. We can video chat with them, and see pictures that are uploaded to their social media. Just because you move for a better job, one that you absolutely want, doesn’t change your friends. They are still your friends, and you will even have the opportunity to make new friends. You can also still see and visit with your old friends, and with your family. Traveling isn’t hard to do. Your friends and family are going to want what’s best for you, and support you choosing to relocate for a job that you have been wanting. That’s what they do.

Ask yourself how things are going in your current job, or job position? Are you stuck in the position that you’re in? Have you been advancing any in your job? If you are feeling stuck at your job, and like you’re at a dead end with it, then what’s there for you? Don’t let your old job hold you back. You have the opportunity to have a job that you really want, so why would you stay with the boring one that’s holding you back? Be great in what you do, and your job should make you feel appreciated. Make you feel like what you do there matters, and makes a difference. If they’re not providing any of these, then don’t let it stop you from moving on with your career, and life. Do what’s best for you.
You’re not always going to have the chance to get a job that you truly, really want. You shouldn’t let relocating stop you from attaining it. Relocating might seem scary, and a little overwhelming, but it’s what’s best for you. It’s what’s best for your career. You shouldn’t put what you want to do on the back burner out of fear. Take the next step, and get your job that you have always wanted. Even Diego Ruiz Duran wants you to take advantage of that kind of opportunity, and not let relocating stop you from having something that you truly want. You won’t regret doing it.

Reasons to Study Business Management  

Article Editor on August 18, 2021

Studying business management and its benefits

Getting involved in operating a business is an exciting phenomenon for many people that have wished to do so. Though it requires some level of expertise, managing a business is a beneficial career path. Beneficial in a sense where it’s provided that one succeeds based on the operations of the business. Before getting involved in starting a business or taking part in a managerial role in a business, one must seek knowledge. One needs to obtain the essential knowledge that’s needed to successfully operate a business smoothly.

This article covers the reasoning why it’s beneficial to take up studying the concept of managing a business. That way, one will obtain the essential knowledge to know what they’re doing.

It’s worth noting that because of the growth of the internet over the years, studying online has become convenient. That also includes studying business management, as it’s well known that one can enroll in a business managing degree on the internet. If using the internet to take up such studies is more convenient, then it’s important to remember that it’s always an option.

It’s also worth noting that a vast number of colleges offer business management studies. This is especially useful considering the availability of business management studies is for ordinary people. Alexander Djerassi believes that studying business management is also beneficial for those who aren’t even looking to start a business of their own.

Having a degree in business management is a good experience to promote on a working resume. That itself would go a long way in finding a good job. Because with having a degree in business management and putting it on a resume, many employers may take that person more seriously as a valuable asset.

Studying for a degree that can lead a person into a good-paying job is worth the trouble. This is why one must ensure there’s a plan moving forward when studying for a business management degree. The point of studying such a concept is in the hope that it’ll lead to bigger things. The bigger things especially revolved around getting involved in certain businesses.

An ideal scenario while enrolling for business management studies is by seeking out other individuals who know a lot about the business management subject. The internet can be a reliable tool in this situation. It allows individuals to search up for countless reliable people that know all the essential information on how to succeed in the business world.

As there are many reasons why one should take the opportunity to commit to studying business management, Alexander Djerassi also seems to think so. For those who may not know, Alexander Djerassi is an entrepreneur who’s involved with many important ventures. With that said, someone like him agrees because he’s been working before in management-type jobs. He understands what it’s like and the importance of studying business management.

In conclusion, this article intends to excite readers on potentially going the path of studying business management. With determination, there’s a lot of business management that can get a person.

Affordable Solar Energy Systems

Article Editor on August 13, 2021

Affordable Solar Energy Systems

Shalom Lamm, the New York Real Estate mogul may be old school, but when it comes to energy systems, Lamm definitely believes in solar energy.

A huge part of Shalom’s reasoning for why he encourages people to invest in Solar Energy Systems is the cold, hard, mathematics of solar energy.

Say you live in upstate New York in Sullivan County such as Shalom Lamm does. There the cost of electricity runs around 18.5 cents per kilowatt-hour.

Based on an average of around 1,000 kilowatts, that means you’ll pay approximately $190 a month on electricity, or a little over 2200 per year.

How does this compare with solar? According to industry experts, the average price of a kilowatt of solar-produced energy is around 6 to 8 cents per kilowatt.

True, you do have to buy the solar panels and have them installed, typically around 16,000 or so for the average house, but if you get solar panels installed in your home this year, you’ll pay off the entire system in 11 years, (and more like 8 or 9) if the price of electricity purchased from a local power producer goes up.

Meanwhile, the solar panels you have installed on your home today will typically be actively producing electricity for a solid 25 to 30 years.

Let’s assume, the panels effectively stop functioning at 25 years. That’s 14 years’ worth of free electricity at a total savings of around $20,000.

And actually, counting government rebates, currently set at 26 percent of the cost of installation, as well as local and state rebates, the average homeowner with solar probably saves around $30,000.

That’s not to mention that if the power grid goes down in your area, which could happen in any part of the country, the lights, the air conditioner, the washing machine, and the refrigerator at your house will still be humming along.

You are much less a slave to power shortages if you have your own electricity to generate.

In addition, other homeowners have figured this out too. So when it comes to selling your home. According to real estate experts like Zillow, homeowners typically get a 4 percent boost on the selling price of their home if they have solar.

So if you sell your home for $300,000, not only will you get virtually free electricity for a number of years, but you’ll get an additional $12,000 or so just in the selling price of your home.

Nobody can guarantee that we will not have an energy shortage and skyrocketing prices on energy in the future. So it makes total sense to invest in solar.

Finally, if you make more solar than you actually use, you can turn around and sell that electricity to your local power providers.

Of course, you do need to have the money to invest in solar, and if you have to borrow money to get solar panels installed, then the above numbers will be skewed.

Nevertheless, it’s rare that investing in solar will not pay off for most homeowners.

3 Things to Know Before Hiring a Lawyer

Article Editor on August 11, 2021

Defense Attorney Diego Ruiz Duran Notes 3 Things to Know Before Hiring a Lawyer

Hiring a good lawyer is an essential move when an individual is faced with a legal case for a USA crime that requires expert guidance. When one finds themself needing to avail of the services of a quality lawyer, it is important to understand some key points. Respected defense attorney Diego Ruiz Duran has some tips that will help. These are three things to know before hiring a lawyer that will help in the decision-making process. Knowing these things can make a big difference when it comes to finding legal representation that can effectively address a case.

1. What Is the Lawyer’s Legal Experience

One of the most important things to know before hiring a lawyer is the extent of their legal experience. This includes asking the lawyer how long they have been practicing law. It should also include looking into their legal records. This will provide excellent insight into the lawyer’s overall success rate in the legal cases that they take on. Experience matters when it comes to the topic of lawyers and that is why this is such an important thing to know when looking to hire one.

2. What Type of Law Does the Lawyer Focus On

The next thing that is important to know before hiring a lawyer is the type of law that they focus on. Many attorney’s practices focus primarily on specific areas of the law. It is a good idea to find a lawyer that focuses on the legal area that the case in question falls under. It is also good to ask the attorney how much of their legal practice is focused on this specific area. It is good to inquire about how many similar cases the lawyer has taken on in the past.

3. Get a Detailed Breakdown of How the Attorney Fees Will Work

Diego Ruiz Duran believes that having a detailed understanding of how a lawyer’s legal fees will work is also an essential thing to know before hiring one. No one wants to suddenly find out that they are getting charged fees that were unexpected. Within this question, it is important to get answers regarding billing as well as what the fees and costs are for legal representation. Beyond this, it is beneficial to ask about how much of the case will be handled by legal assistants or paralegals, if any.

Knowing these three things before hiring a lawyer can really help one to make the right choice in this key decision. It is one of those decisions where making the right choice can have a dramatic impact when it comes to getting a desirable outcome to a legal case. For this reason, it is recommended for those looking for a lawyer that an individual comes up with a list of potential lawyers to hire. This list can then be narrowed down until a final decision is made that will be the best choice for representation in the case in question.