Homeowner Money Saving Tips

Hi lovelies,

Owning a home for the first time is a pretty big step, and it can feel like an expensive one at times, but it’s also one of the best investments you can make. So you will end up with many different types of bills coming your way within the first year so what ways can you make sure you don’t end up in the red and have plenty of money to keep your home in top condition over the years as well? 

Energy bills
Energy bills are something you should always keep in mind and not just during wintertime. Energy is something we all need to power our homes, but, some of us are more frugal than others. If you use less energy, why should you pay more than a household that uses a lot? It's not fair and it doesn’t make sense. That is why companies like Payless Power are so popular these days. Not only do they offer no-deposit electric energy plans, but they also do no-credit-check plans too. Their low fixed-rate plan lasts for 12 months, so you’re covered for the fall, winter and then some. Since we’re all going to be using energy more often in the colder months, it's a good idea to get locked in now, before the temperatures plummet and the bills increase rapidly.

DIY
When you’re home is your own you will want to make it personal and put your own personal touches on the decor from the beginning, this will make everything feel more like home and improve how you think about your property. So while you’re busy considering colour schemes also think about how you can save money by not hiring people to do the simple tasks such as painting, obviously you get full control over what and where everything goes, but also you can save a few pennies and do the work yourself as well. By getting on with the small tasks at home, you will also feel a great sense of pride when you’ve finished too. Be careful though, all your friends will be asking you to fix their houses if they hear about your new-found skills! 

Consider Your Finances
Unless you’re very lucky and have an inheritance to draw from, you will have to get a mortgage which brings a whole new world of calculations and shopping around to do, but there are ways you can keep the costs down by being careful and gaining some advice. Some websites show you comparisons on the different insurances, mortgage rates and information regarding finance options such as how to refinance home loan or other loans you can discover. Ultimately you want to pay as little interest and gain the most favorable loans as soon as possible, then do your best to pay them off as quickly as possible, it isn’t easy, but it’s the best way to get ahead! 

Reduce Food Bills
We all buy those few extra snacks on our weekly shopping that we know we shouldn’t but still do. But aside from cutting down on snacks, what else can you do to cut down on food waste costs? 

Well, meal planning is definitely a significant factor when it comes to saving money on your meals. Making sure you have a plan at the beginning of the week and sticking to it rigidly means you don’t need to guess what’s for tea every day. Also planning ahead really cuts down on your chances of failure, so write a list and keep check of the things that you need! You can even do your supermarket shop online now as well so you can order the same shopping weekly and amend it the next time you’re big shop is due. 

So now you have some basics to follow, you’ll still have the rest of your mortgage to pay everything off so be careful always to pay that first, but everything else can be managed effectively!

5 Things To Do In Miami

Hi lovelies,

Miami is one of those cities thats reputation precedes it; every travel lover who has been to the US will have a story about a great time spent here. It has a rich history for being the home of the most glamorous beach bums and the wildest parties, but there is something here for everybody, and if you have the opportunity, then it’s certainly worth the trip.

If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Miami, however, then what should you do here? We’ve noted down 5 of the must-see places for travel fanatics. Plus, don’t forget to pick-up the best carry-on luggage.

#1: Chill out on Miami Beach

One of the things that Miami is most renowned for is its beaches, and it’s a perfect place to visit due to the fact that it’s both a city and a surfers paradise. If you’re in the city, you simply need to head down to Miami Beach and South Beach, and spend a day soaking up some rays, watching the world go by, and checking out boat rental Miami options if you want to be as cool and stylish as the locals!

#2: Head down to Ocean Drive

If you’re somebody who loves walking around the city and seeing some of the most interesting places, then Ocean Drive should certainly be on your list. It is quintessential Miami; from the art deco buildings to the beautiful palm trees, this place will give you everything that you expected from the city. There are many cafes here, so if you want to get a bite to eat with the locals and feel so Miami, then here’s your spot.

#3: Go to South Pointe Park Pier

Some travel lovers will prefer to relax, and this is nothing to worry about in Miami. South Pointe Park offers some beautiful green areas, and if you’re a fan of cycling or simply walking around the park, then this is a perfect place to go. Head to the pier around sunset if you can, but at any time there is something here that’s worth seeing. There are even free meditation classes here, which is pretty great, huh?

#4: Swing by the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA)
You wouldn’t be fully enjoying a city if you didn’t see the finest art that they had on offer, and Miami is no exception when it comes to brilliant works. Whilst there are plenty of options out there, the ICA has some beautiful sculptures worth seeing, and guess what? It’s free. For an inexpensive day away from the hustle and bustle, be sure to check out some of the great art galleries in Miami!

#5: Drink in the cocktail lounges
Of course, Miami has a reputation for being a party city, so it would be pretty rude not to enjoy a cocktail (or two) while you’re here. There are so many cocktail bars around that you’ll be spoilt for choice, and we’re just saying, most of them are extremely Instagram-worthy. Check out some of the options, and enjoy living it up like the locals whilst sharing your travel stories with the awesome bartenders.

Enjoy your time in Miami!

Image credit for this collaborative post: Image credit

We’ve Gone App Crazy

Hi lovelies,

iOS app development companies are in high demand, and it is not difficult to see why. You only need to look at the dominance of Apple products to see that there is a massive market out there for iOS apps. 

When it comes to iOS apps, the standards tend to be higher. This is because mobile app developers need to adhere to the strict standards that are in place. The Apple App Store has very stringent guidelines in place regarding user experience, as they want to create a premium app store. A lot of people also prefer the improved security of the software and the firmware when it comes to iOS. iPhone app development can accommodate features such as integrated data handling systems, measures implemented against the loss of data security, data encryption, and measures implemented to prevent data duplication. Of course, security is something you need to carefully discuss with your app development team – don’t just assume that because it is an iOS app it is going to be secure. You need to make steps to reduce identity fraud like never before. You also have a great platform to grow with iOS apps, as they offer great scalability, which is important for most businesses. All in all, Apple offers many benefits, however, other operating systems have their advantages too, which is why you need to discuss what operating system to use with your app developers. Their expertise is invaluable

In-App Ads

App developers may recommend that you use in-app ads as a way of making money from your application. If you are a regular app user, you will know just how common these ads are. They provide a welcomed alternative to charging outright for your app, which can put people off.

The best business app developers know how to incorporate in-app ads without having a negative impact on user experience. They do this by selecting the best type of ads for your application. We are going to take a look at five of the most common ad types in further detail to give you a better understanding. Firstly, we have banner ads, which aren’t a popular choice with most app development firms. These ads are placed at the bottom or top of the app during use. Banners can be somewhat irritating to the user, as they are distracting. If your developer is advising this approach, make sure they have a good reason why. After all, it does work in some cases! Another popular ad type is advanced overlay, which involves interactive adverts when transition points are used, i.e. when there is a natural pause in the app. Next, we have capture form, which involves offering incentives for users who enter their mobile number or email address, meaning these ads rely on user opt-ins. You also have notification ads, which is when a notification pops up in the smartphone’s status bar, and interstitial ads, which are very popular, as they are designed to generate clicks without causing frustration because they appear during natural pause points.

Factors Impacting App Store Ranking

Ranking highly in the app store is of huge importance for app development firms. They want to ensure that as many people as possible see your app and engage with your brand. So, what factors really influence your app store ranking? Firstly, we have positive ratings. Basically, the better the app; the more exposure. If an app has a five-star rating, it is going to be featured much higher in the app store than an app that only has a two-star rating. This highlights the importance of developing a winning app using the assistance of experts in mobile app development. The number of downloads you receive will also impact where you feature in the app store. Of course, this is somewhat of a catch 22, as you need exposure to get downloads. Developers will use alternative methods to increase downloads while your app is still working its way up the app store rankings. Your targeted keywords also play a big role. You need to select your keywords wisely, as you are restricted to a limited character amount when describing your app in the store. Finally, your title is also important. Titles with keywords in them result in apps ranking 10.3 per cent higher on average.

Things Your Small Business Needs

Hi lovelies,

When it comes to running a successful small business, the truth is a success is relative! It is always essential to think about what your version of success is and try not to compare that with other freelancers or small companies. You are unique, and your selling points are different, and what you need in terms of cash per month is different too. 

The next thing that you should be aware of is that there are some things that all businesses need.

Cash 
The reason that so many small businesses close month on month is that they just can’t manage their money. When a lot comes in, they spend too much on new stock and don’t put enough away. And, this isn’t all about profit either - it is a lot about just merely not having cash to hand when you need it. If you aren't great at cash planning, then you are going to find yourselves closing shop very early. So, invest time in cash flow planning and always put some of your profits into an account to save for a time that you need it. 

Mailing List
If the world of social media when kaput tomorrow - what would you have left? Your mailing list. There are many software choices that you can use to manage your mailing list - you should look to find one that you can control with ease. It is always worth remembering that you need to have your address on each newsletter that you send out. If that isn't something you are comfortable with then, you might like to invest in a virtual office or a business address with physical office. So you are protecting your home address but still compliant with the rules. 

Talent
No person is an island, and some projects are just too big. When you are starting out, it might be helpful, and something that helps in the long run, to think about recruiting some freelancers to help when you take on larger projects. You can use online software like Trello, or Evernote to keep track of who is doing what, and when work has been submitted - and neither of them takes too long to master. This also means that you will be able to work at a much faster rate and produce a more diverse project outcome. 

Marketing Maketh The Company
Your marketing should always be driving your message. Who you are, what you do, where you can be found, and how you can help people. And, don’t worry - every business has more than its fair share of marketing faux-pas. You have time to learn how to get it right, and if you really can’t get to grips with it, there are thousands of freelancers and small companies that are fantastic at it.  If you want to see an example of someone who has started up their own E-Commerce site, that has done extremely well with the marketing and business, check out Dan Bilzerian of Ignite. Everything they do is based on executing it at the highest level.

Peaks and troughs. There will be moments that everything becomes clear, and it feels like smooth sailing, and there will be moments that you feel like you aren’t getting anywhere. Both of those are essential in a small business. And, typically the harder stages are the ones where growth is happening!

Photo for collaborative post by Remy Baudouin on Unsplash

Five Things To Do In NYC

Hi lovelies,

When coming to the Big Apple, like any major city, it can feel like time goes by in a flash and therefore, you want to have an idea of some sort of what you want to get up to while you’re in a city like New York. So here are five things to do in NYC to give you a starting point.

See The Statue Of Liberty Up Close
You may have only seen her in movies, but seeing The Statue Of Liberty up close is something you’ll definitely want to experience. It’s one of those iconic buildings that are even more impressive in the flesh. Based on Liberty Island, there’s plenty of ferries that go back and forth to the statue every day, so it’s one of those tourist areas that is always going to be busy.

Pay Your Respects At The 9/11 Memorial Museum
It’s still harrowing to think about the events on September 11th 2001, where the Twin Towers fell after terrorists hijacked two planes which ended up killing nearly 3,000 civilians. However, although gone, they will never be forgotten, and there’s now a 9/11 memorial museum that has been created to honour those killed. It’s a very haunting and emotional experience but one that is very much worth visiting. 

Experience A New Type Of Dining At Ellen’s Stardust Diner
With every dining experience, there’s no one quite like Ellen’s Stardust Diner, and it’s still pretty unique even today. They sell typical American-style food but with the added twist that all the waiters and waitresses who serve you, sing too. They are mostly made up of performers that are fresh out of drama school or are between work and needing the extra money to take lessons and continue to live in the city. It’s certainly a great experience to have a professional sing while you’re eating.

Be Entertained At A Broadway Show
Talking of performers, one thing you absolutely must do is to see a broadway show. Tickets are usually pretty expensive but you can always get last minute tickets, and TodayTix is certainly one of those apps that you can take advantage of to find great shows at a discounted price. Regardless of how long you’re staying in the city, it’s certainly worth going to catch one whether it’s a foot-tapping musical or a hard-hitting play.

Go Up The Empire State Building
Of all the buildings in NYC, the Empire State Building is likely to be one of the most iconic because of its views on the viewing platform. It’s a typical place for many to take a selfie and an even more commonplace for someone to propose to their loved one. A 102-storey building was constructed way back in 1930, so you certainly see a piece of history here too. 

New York City is home to some of the best food, sights and experiences, so make sure you make the most of it by having these five things on your travel bucket list during your stay.

Photo credit contributed post: Image Source

3 Easy Ways To Improve Your Productivity At Work

Hi lovelies,

Do you ever feel a little bored or uninspired at work? Some days does it feel that however hard you try, you just can’t seem to get into the zone and get productive? The good news is that this is pretty standard. We will all go through phases from time to time, whereby our energy and creativity levels are a little low. If you can relate, you’ll want to try these super easy ways that you can improve your productivity at work. 

Continue Learning 
Often your productivity levels will drop if you become disinterested in your role. Perhaps you used to love your job in the beginning, but now the novelty has somewhat worn off? Even those with what appears to be a dream job will face these kind of lulls at some point. The best thing that you can do if you feel stuck in a rut is to keep on learning. Read some new books related to your industry, attend a lecture, or watch an inspirational talk online. You could attend a networking event to meet like-minded people, doing so may allow you to reconnect with your own passions and aspirations. Learning new things can allow you to rediscover creativity, generate new ideas, and improve your confidence within your job.

Get organized 
Your workspace will have more effect on your mood and productivity than you realise. If your space is cluttered, you may find it hard to concentrate and feel relaxed. Messy environments can often create a feeling of claustrophobia, so make it your mission to organise your workspace in the best way that you can. Keep things minimal and neat to help you to improve your concentration. It’s a good idea to use a Document Management System or a Digital Management System, to make the use of your sources, docs, and data easier and more productive. These two systems are different and which one you opt for will depend greatly on your business and the types of sources that you use. You’ll want to do your research on DMS vs. DAM to determine which one is best for you. These systems can also be useful security wise, to protect company data. 

Reimagine your breaks 
Your lunch break doesn’t have to consist of merely eating lunch, scrolling through social media, or making small talk with co-workers if this isn’t helping you to relax. Why not try to reimagine the way that you use your breaks to recharge, find a sense of calm, or boost your imagination. You could try using your break to have a quick gym session or yoga, have a relaxing walk in a park, or read a book in a coffee shop. If you’re the creative type, you could use your break to do some writing or drawing? If you practice something that will get the endorphins pumping, calm you or give you a zest of imagination, then you’ll be far more productive when you return to your desk. Lastly, ensure that you consume enough healthy food to keep your energy levels high! 

Photo credit for guest post: Pexels

How Do You Best Protect Your Company’s Data?

Hi lovelies,

There's never been a better time to become an entrepreneur and start your own company; all the infrastructure is there, people are open to new ideas, there's much to work for. Alas, it's also never been a better time to be a cybercriminal: companies have moved all of their data into a digital space, and, as a response, a whole new black market has popped up. If a business isn't taking steps to keep their data secure, then they could find themselves in trouble. This can have a negative impact on the company's finances, but also the trust they've established with their customers -- if you compromise a person's data once, they're unlikely to give you any more of it in the future.

So let's make sure that this doesn't happen. Below, we take a look at a few tried and tested methods for keeping your data secure. 

Have a System
You might think that cybercrime happened because somewhere, there was a genius spending hours trying to infiltrate your system. In fact, the truth is much more straightforward -- it happens due to human error. If your employees make a mistake, then the entire network could be compromised. As such, it's important that you're teaching your staff how to conduct themselves when using your technology. That means things like strong passwords, no opening suspicious links, and reporting any problems as soon as they happen. You'll also want to ensure you can trust your staff by carrying out thorough background checks before bringing them on board. 

Stay Updated 
As well as employee errors, many companies are infiltrated due to one frustratingly simple reason: they effectively let the cyber criminals into their system without putting up a fight. Security experts are always coming up with new ways to keep criminals out, and then the criminals update their tactics; it's a cat and mouse game. To ensure you're benefiting from the work of the security experts, it's imperative that you're keeping your computers up to date. You'll also want to look up what's the best antivirus for Mac -- or whichever type of computer you have -- and ensure you have that installed, too. If you don't, the criminals can take advantage of your lax security measures. 

When on the Road
You might be in control of your security when you're in the office, but what about when you're on the road, traveling for business? Then it's a different setup altogether. Whatever you do, avoid logging into unsecured wifi networks; they make it incredibly easy for a person to access your sensitive data. You should also take steps to limit the chances of your device being stolen -- and also make sure you have a hard to crack password so that it's inaccessible if it is taken. 

Review and Update
You can't stay too complacent when it comes to your digital security. From time to time, make sure you're reviewing and updating your practices, and see if they could be better. If you don't know what to look for, then work with a security expert.  

Photo credit: Pexels.com

4 Ways TurboTax Makes Adulting Easier

*Although this is a sponsored post with TurboTax, all opinions are my own.

Hi lovelies,

As a millennial, I’ve been easing my way into adulting and checking off doing my own taxes and getting the biggest refund possible has been on the top of that list - along with figuring out my 401k plan and how to properly fold my fitted sheets.

But now that tax season is officially upon us, it’s time to replace that dreaded pit in my stomach from procrastinating on something I know I need to get to done, with a healthy slice of avocado toast and an organic oat milk latte, because doing my taxes has never been easier thanks to TurboTax.

So if you’re like me, and you’re ready to adult-so-hard and slay this tax season with effortless ease, then read below for four ways that TurboTax makes adulting easier.

4 Ways TurboTax Makes Adulting Easier

#1: Step-by-step guided questions for the biggest refund possible

TurboTax takes the guessing out of how to file your taxes. You don’t need to be a tax expert to file your taxes using TurboTax. Simply use the step-by-step guide that asks you easy-to-answer questions about your personal life (marital status, charitable donations, etc.), career (freelancer, full-timer, etc.), and big life changes (buying your first home, just moved, etc.) that will help you get the biggest tax refund possible, guaranteed.

#2: You can get help on demand from real CPAs with TurboTax Live

You can connect live with real CPAs  for unlimited help and advice while filing your taxes. You can chat with TurboTax Live experts via one way video, so you can see them, but they can’t see you. Which means that you can get expert help with your taxes from your couch, in your PJs! The tax experts are even available nights and weekends, for next-level convenience. You can even have a CPA review your return line-by-line for 100% confidence, so you know that everything is in order before you file.  

#3: Self-employed tax  solutions

Whether you’re a small business owner, social media influencer, writer, photographer, nanny, tech consultant, graphic designer, or Lyft driver, one of the most stressful things about being self-employed can be knowing how to properly file your taxes without the worry of making a mistake or missing out on key tax deductions for a bigger refund.

But TurboTax eases those fears with their Self-Employed product. It helps you to identify unique deductions that are personalized to you and your line of work.  It searches for industry-specific tax deductions from business expenses like online training courses or marketing materials, to help you get every deduction you qualify for. It also includes a Self-Employed Audit Assessment to help you file your self-employment taxes with complete confidence. As an added bonus, for a limited time, TurboTax Self-Employed comes with a complimentary subscription to QuickBooks Self-Employed, to help you save time and manage your expenses more easily, with expense tracking, automatic mileage tracking, and simple receipt capture.

#4: There’s an app for that

Did you know that you can file your taxes on theTurboTax App? It doesn’t get easier than that and you can file while-on-the-go from your phone, desktop, or tablet. You can even take a quick photo of your W-2, get your information approved and verified, and then automatically uploaded onto the correct tax forms. It’s almost as easy as taking the perfect selfie, and you don’t even have to worry about getting your lighting just right!

Why SUR Is Still The Hottest Brunch Spot in West Hollywood

Hi lovelies,

There’s no better place to spend Saturday brunch then at the sexy and unique restaurant that we all know and love as SUR located in the heart of West Hollywood/Beverly Hills adjacent at 612 N. Robertson Blvd.

The restaurant, always a staple in the beloved WeHo neighborhood, became iconic through the Bravo series, Vanderpump Rules, and remains a culinary destination thanks to its co-owners Guillermo Zapata and Nathalie Zapata.

The new brunch menu is not-to-be missed with its yummy Blue Cheeseburger, Vegan Burger, Frittata Omelet, Vegetable Omelet, Linguine Primavera, Pan Roasted Salmon, Italian Chicken Milanese, and Homestyle Crispy French Toasts. But don’t forget to try their go-to Goat Cheese Balls and Ahi Tuna Tartare while you’re there as well.

While humming along to the tunes spinned by the DJ, sip on a refreshing brunch cocktail from Bellinis, Homemade White Sangria, Bloody Marys, Parisian Pear Martinis, Strawberrinis, Raspberry Mojitos, Brazilian Caipirinhas, and Fresh Basil Gimlets.

The ambiance remains inviting, warm, and welcoming, with an at-home vibe that makes you want to stay for awhile while laughing, eating, and drinking with your friends and family. The new brunch menu at SUR serves up all the sexiness and uniqueness that we’ve come to expect from this West Hollywood mainstay.

The 3 Instagram Accounts You Should Be Following

Hi lovelies,

Since we all spend a ton of time on our phones and especially on Instagram, I wanted to pull together a Top 5 list of the most inspiring, hilarious, and down-right entertaining Instagram accounts out there, from my perspective.

Feel free to add in your favorite Instagram accounts in the comments section below or let me know on social media! 

#1: r29unbothered by Refinery 29

Why follow: Because it's all black girl magic, all the time, that's ACTUALLY curated, created, and collected by a black woman. It's not appropriation or exploitation. It's the epitome of what true REPRESENTATION looks like.

Follow @r29unbothered

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#2: WrapWomen by TheWrap

Why follow: It's a daily dose of inspiration, education, and empowerment on all things entertainment and how women and girls are leading the way in music, television, film, digital, and politics.

It's refreshing seeing a safe place for women to open up a dialogue about their lives, careers, relationships, and more, that's not trying to sell anything or change women, but to just authentically celebrate women. 

The future is female, the future is now. 

Follow @wrapwomen

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#3: The Good Quote

Why follow: In the sea of possibility that becomes our Instagram feeds, it's so lovely to know that no matter what is going on in the world, you can scroll over to "The Good Quote." 

The Good Quote offers regular motivational quotes to help you manifest the desires of your perfect life, but if you want a more in-depth approach check out the mini-manifesting ritual guide - you can Grab a copy of one here. 

So follow The Good Quote and find a reason to smile, to believe, to not give up, to laugh, to be grateful, and most of all, to love.

Follow them @thegoodquote

Photo credit: We Heart It