Business

The three P’s of reward and recognition

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Are reward and recognition programs important in a business environment? Studies have shown that rewards and recognition motivate people to do a better job because they know they are valued and realize more and more how important they are to the business. Motivated people offer great potential for success in business projects, teamwork and job performance. A rewards and recognition program helps to better motivate people when it offers everyone in the organization the opportunity to be recognized and the people involved are openly recognized as valuable to the business.

Most business managers realize that there are two types of rewards, monetary and non-monetary. Monetary includes hard dollar incentives in the form of bonuses or raises that individuals or groups can receive for satisfactory or superior job performance. Nonmonetary rewards are what many managers think of when it comes to promotions, high-profile job assignments, or other forms of soft recognition. Whether the reward is monetary or not soft or hard, it should be tailored to the individual or group by determining what would be personally and proportionately best as well as bring pleasure to the recipients.

The rewards should be:

  • Personal determining whether they prefer private or public recognition and reaching out to those involved to see what they prefer, whether it be an award, a gift, time off, or money.
  • proportional balancing size or type of reward with individual or group contribution and achievement in relation to organizational goals.
  • Nice it means making things fun and entertaining through the event in which rewards are given or by selecting a creative reward.

When analyzing recognition, managers must consider the internal and external benefits to recipients. Internal benefits include the sense of pride and satisfaction that an individual or team can derive from a job well done, and their personal motivators to continue to do well. External benefits would be related to what the individual or team can see, touch or use. These types of recognition are used to reinforce a particular behavior in recipients. They can also provide a short-term benefit to the manager by increasing the level of motivation or good behavior of the recipients of the recognition. Both internal and external recognition must be given promptly with an accurate and principled acknowledgment of why it is given.

The acknowledgment must be:

  • Precise giving individual or group detailed information about the relevance of what was done, as well as recognizing when, where, why and how it was done.
  • of principles showing sincere and honest recognition of an individual or group that supports organizational beliefs and values ​​through their commitment and achievements.
  • Righ now giving timely acknowledgment as soon as possible after the event has occurred or the action has been completed.

Rewards and recognition are used to motivate people to do a better job. Motivated people are important to the success of a company through its projects and teams. A rewards and recognition program that helps motivate people should be an important and highly valued part of doing business.

Home Kitchen

Kitchen countertop materials: which one is better for your kitchen?

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Did you know that one of the key spaces prospective buyers consider when they tour your home is the kitchen? Since it is one of the spaces where most people spend a good amount of time, it is important that the buyer feels that it is a useful and pleasant space.

There are many materials that you can use in your kitchen to improve countertops and give them added value. Options range from natural to man-made materials with many types of each at a variety of price points to choose from.

One of the most natural looking materials you can use for a countertop is wood. Although it may require some care to prevent staining, it is a very practical material for countertops, especially in a food preparation area. The surface can also be sanded and resealed, although it is recommended not to use it next to a stove or sink to prevent damage from hot pots or water. The only real downside to a wood or butcher block countertop is that it can be expensive.

Stone is another great natural countertop material and there are a variety of types you can choose from. Marble is a beautiful and rich material for countertops. Because it stays cool to the touch, it may be worth installing a traditional French pastry table in your kitchen, especially if you do a lot of baking. Marble needs to be treated well; it is quite expensive, it can be easily scratched and stained if not sealed.

Granite is another stone that is commonly used in countertops; It is beautiful and comes in many colors. Granite is heat resistant and hard, but like marble, it needs sealing to prevent staining. Granite must be installed carefully as it can crack if not supported evenly throughout the process.

Stainless steel is a good alternative for those looking for a highly durable countertop material; It is heat resistant and easy to clean. A steel countertop can be made seamless, unlike many other types of materials, making it easier to keep water seepage out of the seams. It is quite an expensive material and has a few negligible drawbacks; a steel countertop can dent, but most other types of materials will splinter with the force it would take to dent a steel countertop. The other drawback of a stainless steel counter is that they will dull your knives, however you should NEVER cut anything directly on a counter anyway unless it is a wooden counter or butcher block.

A much cheaper but less durable countertop material is laminate. While laminate doesn’t look as rich as most other types of countertops, it can be an inexpensive replacement for an old, outdated countertop that makes your kitchen unappealing to prospective buyers. It comes in many colors and is easy to clean. Laminate can chip or scratch, so be careful to never cut directly into the surface. Cheap laminate can be a bit of a hassle, so make sure you choose a quality product.

Tile is a fairly inexpensive option for a new countertop that will generally give it a richer look than laminate. The cost of a tiled countertop will vary depending on the type of tile chosen; there are many varieties in tile color, shape and size to choose from. The tiles are heat resistant and easy to clean, but the grout needs to be sealed as it is quite porous and can stain. Tiles are also susceptible to cracking and chipping, so treat them with care.

Concrete is another option homeowners can choose for their kitchen. It’s a relatively new addition to the kitchen countertop realm, but it can be a great option. It can be quite expensive, but it is heat and scratch resistant and can be molded into any shape you need. The concrete has a distinctly industrial feel and requires sealing to keep it stain free.

The last option for a man-made countertop material is engineered stone. Engineered stone is made from resin along with a variety of other materials to give it the look of authentic stone. However, engineered stone is available in a much wider range of colors than natural stone. Engineered stone is stain resistant and easy to clean. The only real downside to engineered stone is cost, but when you consider the lack of upkeep and upkeep required, it’s less of an issue.

You can mix and match materials for use in different areas of the kitchen to make the most of the benefits of each type. It makes sense to use one material for the main countertop area and then have a marble slab for a pastry station and butcher counter for chopping and prepping. Remember, the most important thing to consider when you replace countertops to increase the value of your home is that you make the new space attractive and usable.

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In August, the Jet Set crowd descends on the Hamptons

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Long Island’s north shore beaches with fluffy white sand are world renowned. The Hamptons are a summer staple for both Manhattanites and the jet set. Come August, the crown of the jet set shifts its attention from Europe’s southern coast to the majestic grace and more laid-back experience of the Hamptons.

Perhaps it’s the laid-back attitude of Americans after 3 months of all-night parties or the fact that “The Hamptons” doesn’t have big hotels and limited B&B’s that require home ownership that makes this the hot spot of the second fortnight. of August. The Hamptons is a calmer, more relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere than most other places on the Jet Set circuit. The days are spent on the beach. Lunch on an outdoor grilled fish that swam in the Montauk Shelter just hours before, accompanied by the giant vegetables that grow on the island. Giant Hampton tomatoes and grilled sweet corn on the cob are Long Island specialties and draw fans from around the world. After a bottle of wine for lunch and a lazy nap in the hammock, it’s time to dress up in a sundress and hat and stand on tiptoe so your high heels don’t sink into the ground and watch the polo match. drinking champagne and socializing. with friends. On cloudy days, East Hampton’s original shops fill up, often there’s an impromptu hot tub party or a movie showing in a home theater on someone’s property and then the gentle nudge of a masseuse at home before of the dinner.

The Hamptons are made up of a series of small towns in a row, each with its own distinctive personality. Old money and new money mix. Artists flock to the Hamptons for the pastel lighting reminiscent of the South of France. Locals who spend 9 months of the year in solitude get going to receive the large influx of summer residents. Many locals earn their annual income over the course of the summer. The magnificent beauty of the beaches and the spectacular mansions are in magazines around the world. Surprisingly, this is only about two hours (without traffic) by car, 40 minutes by helicopter and 25 by private plane from New York City. The area offers a plethora of outdoor activities, from kayaking, golf and tennis, swimming, volleyball, etc. Sports activity, healthy eating, relaxed atmosphere, natural beauty and incredible luxuries create a temporary paradise.

The Hamptons season is a constant stream of benefits at spectacular houses like Ron Pearlman, Stephen Spielberg, Denise Rich or one of the annual summer parties of the many celebrities who make the Hamptons their summer retreat. It’s not uncommon to be in a small shop next to a media mogul, a business giant, a world-renowned musician. There are not many paparazzi; maybe there are too many people in high society to know where to point the camera. If Norman Rockwell painted the rich, he would be set in the Hamptons. The Hamptons is an incredible list of “Who’s Who” from around the world gathered, not to walk a red carpet in long dresses, but with their feet up on a table, their children squealing with delight catching fireflies and their wet golden retriever , who had just cooled off in his pool, begging someone to throw him a tennis ball. After all, the super rich are people too.

Digital Marketing

The 3 Main Types of Social Networking Sites

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Social media is a branch of internet business where you can market any kind of products and services. There have been many websites that were created over the years. In fact, numerous social media URLs are launched every year. The general advantage of these URLs allows you to freely market your business anytime, anywhere. Knowing the main types of social networking sites will help you choose which particular sites to go to.

Among the popular types of social sites are user-generated sites. User generated sites are websites where everyone can freely register an account. Some of the popular sites for mass users are Twitter, Facebook and MySpace. This type of social network URL gives you the freedom to interact with other people anywhere in the world. It is also a type of site where you can market your business as many users log in every minute. Linking to any famous user-generated URL can provide you with an outlet for business marketing.

Video and photo sites are another popular type of social site. These websites allow you to upload unlimited photos and videos of any length. Actually, this type of website can also be categorized as a user generated site because anyone can sign up and have their own account from it. It means you can still interact and send messages, but only through images and video clips. In Internet business, you can also use photos and videos to advertise your products. Sharing videos and photos about your business is a good option for marketing.

The last type of social site where you can do online marketing is blog sites. The blog URL gives you the best ways to share information about the products you are marketing or other details related to your business. Word Press and Blogger are two of the most famous blogging sites where you can do business both on social networks and on the Internet. Creating the blog URL for your business is another key to earning higher sales revenue.

Relationship

Creating the ultimate Easter for the kids, and for you

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Easter can be one of the most entertaining and meaningful holidays of the year, especially when it comes to celebrating with children.

There are literally hundreds of ideas that you can incorporate into your celebrations to make Easter for kids a very special and memorable occasion. Easter is perhaps second only to Christmas when it comes to notable holidays to make a big fuss over. As a parent, you can add that special touch to the occasion that will keep your kids enthralled throughout the Easter season with these Easter ideas for kids and by adding Easter gifts for kids.

Easter dessert treats

Part of celebrating Easter is sharing good food with family and friends. The kids in your family can join in the fun by helping to prepare snacks and special treats for the occasion. You’ll have very willing participants when you ask for help baking one of your favorite Easter desserts.

Easter dessert recipes specially designed for the season, like pear bunnies, empty grave cake, and resurrection cookies, add Easter themes to your baking experience.

Easter crafts brighten the season

Easter-themed art projects bring a smile to the faces of young and old. Your children can make your family and your guests happy by crafting:

• Easter cards, posters, baskets and wall hangings with meaningful quotes or verses.

• A simple egg carton can hold decorative handmade flowers.

• Puffy eggs can be decorated with bees, butterflies, doves, or bluebirds and placed in baskets or hung as decorations.

• A beautiful butterfly collage on a prominent wall can symbolize new life and regeneration for the Easter season

Special art projects that portray the spirit of Easter make children enjoy memorable Easter ideas, gifts and decorations that will be appreciated by others.

Meaningful traditions for a heartfelt Easter setting

Meaningful traditions lived through in childhood become meaningful traditions for your children when they are older. They also help them better understand the true meaning of the Easter season and why it is celebrated.

• To symbolize Jesus’ prayer time in the garden, make a miniature garden basket

• Celebrate Passover with your family, in the same way as Jesus’ last supper with his disciples.

• A wonderful tradition that your children can pass down from generation to generation is reading Easter books and stories as a family.

• In the week leading up to Easter Sunday, listen to Easter songs or put an Easter gift in their basket.

Easter for children is an exciting day filled with everything needed to create lifelong memories that they will remember and share with others for years to come.

Health Fitness

are the "5 deadly targets" Are you coming to take you? (Part 1: White Flour and White Rice)

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There is a group of foods that most Americans love to eat and, in fact, eat several times a day. These foods have a few things in common. They are stripped of almost all nutrition. They are packed with calories and partner with each other to create foods that compromise the health and fitness of Americans.

Although the name may be new, these foods are very familiar to all of us. In fact, most of us eat the “Five White Deadly” every day, and usually more than once. Can you guess which foods are included in the “Five Deadly Targets” category?

They are:

White flour

White rice

white salt

White sugar

“White” or refined oils

With the event of the Industrial Revolution in the 1800s in Europe and America came the invention of more complicated and efficient devices to pulverize wheat berries into fine white flour, polish brown rice into white rice, and refine cane sugar. in white. sugar, which makes these common foods more palatable to Western taste buds.

Add white salt and refined “white” oils, and we have a total of “Five Deadly Whites.”

Who are the losers in this processing and refining process? We’re. White rice, white flour, and white sugar products may taste better for spoiled taste buds, but they’re also lacking in nutrients.

What’s wrong with white rice, white flour, white sugar, white salt, and “white” or refined oils?

Let’s take a closer look at these common foods, starting with refined grains.

Americans love many different foods made from refined grains in the form of white flour products, white rice, quick oats, and grits. We have an emotional attachment to the Pillsbury Dough Boy (ah-hoo) and the light, fine white flour for breads, pastas, cakes, pizza crust, pies, cookies, pastries, and desserts of all kinds. Many of us love these products made from refined white flour even more than we love sugar-laden foods.

Furthermore, since World War II, the grains were bleached, gasified and colored until they became mere remnants of their original form; and then roasted, toasted and glazed with sugar; and embalmed in chemicals and preservatives; and put in a big box. We call these completely adulterated grains: cereals; And these cereals have as much nutrition as the cardboard box that contains them.

The refining, grinding, sifting, cooking, and canning of whole grains results in the loss of enzymes or the “life force” of the food, along with the loss of nutrients, including vitamins and minerals.

Again, who are the losers in this refinement process? We’re.

Refined grains or fragmented foods offer poor nutrition, leaving the body starving for good nutrition. So we overeat; and we overeat the wrong foods. Americans are often overfed and undernourished. Why? Because we eat too many processed, refined, and preserved foods that are low in nutrients and high in calories, high in fat, high in sugar, high in salt, and we eat too little of the foods that are high in nutrients and fiber. -Rich.

Refined grains do not contain fiber that acts as an intestinal broom to cleanse our intestines.

Refined grains are refined and preserved with chemicals; chemicals that we end up eating and they are hard on our body.

Refined grains cause our bodies to produce excess mucus that builds up in the nose, sinuses, throat, bronchial tubes, and lungs, causing us to sniff, puff, drain, and cough, and often leads to colds and more frequent respiratory problems. .

Refined grains deplete calcium from our bones, increasing our chances of getting osteoporosis.

Refined grains break down in our digestive system and are too quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. This alters blood sugar levels, depleting the pancreas and/or adrenal glands, causing hypoglycemic and diabetic reactions. Refined grains are just as bad for people with diabetes as white sugar.

In fact, refined grains are just plain bad for all of us, and we pay a high price for eating them: early disease and early death.

Are white flour treats worth risking the health and fitness of our bodies? Only you can answer that question for yourself, but be prepared to accept the consequences that will result from your answer.

Part II: White Salt

Part III: White Sugar

Part IV: “White” Processed Oils

Legal Law

Big trades within the division have always been a part of baseball

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As the trade deadline approaches, most broadcasters are naturally discussing full and possible transactions in Major League Baseball. During a game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Minnesota Twins, the announcers had just received word that a big trade had been completed.

The Orioles had traded Zack Britton to the New York Yankees, prompting the television analyst to criticize the deal. He complained that the Orioles, who are buried deep in the East Side of the American League, had violated an unwritten rule about never trading within their own division.

I doubted there was such a rule as any club planning to trade a player would make a deal that would give him the best return. When you want to do what’s best for your organization, geography won’t take precedence over your own interests.

The very next day reinforced my doubts about the so-called unwritten rule the announcer had alluded to, because another major internal division change had been completed. The Tampa Bay Rays sent starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi to the Boston Red Sox, who currently sit atop the American League East.

Giving the announcer the benefit of the doubt, I was wondering if the rule ever existed but disappeared like full games and sacrifice bunts from the current state of the game. However, looking back on some notable trades from the last fifty years, I realized that there was no unwritten rule suggesting that teams not trade within their own divisions.

Here are eight cases from the 1970s where well-known players were traded from one team to a rival in their own division.

San Francisco traded future Hall of Fame first baseman Willie McCovey to a team not only in the same row in the standings, but also in the same state. The San Diego Padres acquired Stretch from the Giants back in 1973.

Early in the next decade, the Houston Astros traded All-Star outfielder Cesar Cedeno to West rival Cincinnati, which in turn sent third baseman Ray Knight from the Reds.

The year immortalized by George Orwell’s futuristic novel, 1984, saw a remarkable trade of internal division. The Philadelphia Phillies sent popular outfielder Garry Matthews to the Cubs, and he helped Chicago to the playoffs soon after.

Two years later, future Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter was traded by the Montreal Expos to Eastern Division rival New York, where Carter helped the Mets win the 1986 World Series Championship against the New York Yankees. Boston Red Sox. Apparently the Expos, like the Astros and Giants before them, had ignored the no-trade rule.

All-Star slugger Carlos Delgado, less than a year from winning a World Series championship with the Marlins, was traded from Florida to the New York Mets in 2005. Three years later, on July 29, 2008, the Rangers from Texas traded first baseman Mark Texiera. to the Angels.

In 2010, the Milwaukee Brewers traded All-Star center fielder Jim Edmonds to NL Central rival Cincinnati, who felt Edmonds would help the Reds reach the postseason for the first time since the turn of the century. XX. Again, if such a rule existed, most clubs would continue to ignore it.

In a more recent transaction, the Minnesota Twins in 2011 agreed to send designated hitter Jim Thome to the Cleveland Indians, the club with which he began his illustrious baseball career. Thome was thinking of retiring and wanted to end his gaming days as a member of the Tribe.

Lifestyle Fashion

Aromatherapy – Aromatic medicine from nature

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We all know how fragrances make us feel. Some scents make us euphoric, others have a more calming effect, and certain familiar scents can transport us back in time and trigger feelings of nostalgia. The psychological and emotional effects of fragrance and the extreme importance of our sense of smell are evident. But did you know that these same fragrances can also be used to heal your body and create wellness in your life? Aromatherapy is a well-known technique among healers from all over the world and from all civilizations.

What do they know that you don’t?

As with Color Therapy, Sound Healing, Crystal Healing and Energy Therapy, the goal of Aromatherapy, within the realm of healing, is to activate the body’s senses. The goal is to eliminate the conditioned, logical and analytical mind, thus activating the wonderful reality of “feeling” and experiencing life in its most empirical and pure form. It is in this empirical state that we are able to break illusions of separation and connect on a deeper level with the energies around us. Dr. Richard Gerber MD, author of Vibrational Medicine, tells us that one of the best ways we can change dysfunctional patterns in our energy bodies is to administer therapeutic doses of specific frequency energy. We do this through the use of herbs, crystals, sound and energy, also called vibrational medicines.

It is common knowledge and practice that smell can affect physical and psychological changes in living beings. We experience it regularly in our daily lives. When we smell a fragrance, it triggers an immediate emotion or feeling, making us happy, excited, calm, or even nostalgic. Aromatherapy, practiced for thousands of years, dates back to the ancient Egyptians and the Vedic culture of India, where plant extracts and medicinal plants are still widely used.

The term aromatherapy was coined in 1937 by a French perfumer and chemist named Rene-Maurice Gatterfosee. Aromatherapy is the holistic science of using essences naturally extracted from plants to balance, harmonize and promote the health of the body, mind and spirit. Through the informed and controlled use of essential oils, we can achieve physical and emotional health and general well-being. As with other holistic practices, Aromatherapy is always used to treat the “whole” person and not just the symptom or disease. The application of essential oils is mentioned historically on countless occasions and throughout various civilizations ( Egyptian, Greek, Roman, etc.) for a variety of health-related applications. Today, there are thousands of studies on essential oils. We know that its effectiveness is justly merited by its composition of very small molecules, which are capable of penetrating deep and quickly into our cells (Transdermal delivery).

The sense of smell is the most neglected of all the senses in humans. This is amazing when you consider that seventy to seventy-five percent of what we perceive as taste actually comes from our sense of smell. Neurons that perceive odor molecules are found deep in the nasal cavity, in a patch of cells called the olfactory epithelium. To understand how human odor is perceived, it is important to know why the limbic system allows us to behave differently when we experience different odors. The limbic system is a complex system of nerves and networks in the brain, involving several areas near the edge of the cortex, related to our instinct and mood. It also controls our most basic emotions (fear, pleasure, anger) and drives (hunger, sex, dominance, caring for offspring). A very important aspect of smell is that the olfactory neurons are the only sensory pathway that is in direct contact with the brain. Due to the close connection with the limbic center, feelings and emotions can be naturally regulated, as well as memory.

The application and uses of Aromatherapy in healing obey the same Universal Law that everything vibrates in different and specific frequencies. Every atom in the universe has a specific vibrational or periodic motion. Most plants (and animals) use enzymes to break down molecular components during their life processes. And, each of these enzymes has a unique crystal form with a specific vibrational frequency. The vibrational frequency of an oil reflects the innate integrity of these elements and the intrinsic enzymes built into its substance.

The process of using aromatherapy in healing treatments involves applying plant-derived oils at the appropriate frequency. Therefore, allowing the physical body to absorb these energetic vibrations and return the body to a state of well-being and balance. Essential oils do not resonate with toxins in our bodies; they also do not resonate with negative emotions. This incompatibility is what naturally helps remove toxins and toxic energy from our systems. Aromatherapy, energetically speaking, can help dislodge forgotten traumas by making them emerge in our consciousness. Because it is in a state of consciousness that we can face them, deal with them and let them go. The therapeutic properties of this method create exceptional vibrational remedies, capable of healing or rebalancing the body/mind/soul/spirit. Essential oils can be used regularly in massage body oils, facial/body oils and lotions, baths, inhalation, diffusion, and at the energy points on your body.

It is quite simple to integrate aromatherapy into your daily life. It is not necessary to be a master of plants and herbs. Pick a few. Know its energetic properties. Smell each oil. How do they make you feel? Once you’ve narrowed down your list and handpicked your favorites, here are some DIY ideas:

  • Put a few drops on a tissue and place it on the vents in your car. Enjoy aromatherapy wherever you go. There is no need to schedule additional time to enjoy the benefits of essential oils.

  • You can mix your favorite oils with coconut or jojoba oil (my favorites) and use them instead of your usual perfume.

  • Mix your essential oil in distilled water. Then, using a spray bottle, spray it like an air freshener around the house. You can also sprinkle it on your favorite pillows and blankets.

Be creative! You are unique!

Pets

The benefits of owning a .ca domain

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Owning a .ca domain name has many benefits that you can’t get with a .com or .net domain name. The most obvious benefit is that anyone who sees your site in a search engine or clicks on a link will know that your business is based in Canada. This may sound like a trivial matter, but studies show that Canadians feel more comfortable shopping on websites they know to be Canadian.

Of course, you want to be as close to the top search engine results as possible and there are many ways to do that. But you won’t attract a large number of Canadian customers unless you have a .ca domain name. Search engines know that the content on .ca sites is Canadian, so when someone searches for a site like yours that is located in Canada, it will be near the top of the results. Studies show that sites on the first page of search results get ten times more visitors than those on the second page, and the numbers only go down from there. A .ca domain name is exactly what you need to reach people looking for your product or service in Canada.

Having a .ca domain name also means that you own the name of your website and have exclusive rights to it. There will not be another domain name exactly like yours because before registering such a name it must go through verification. As long as you make it as unique as possible, there’s little chance someone will be directed to another site if they inadvertently type the wrong URL. The renewal fees are very low and very affordable too.

Opting for a .ca site also means your emails will look more professional as they carry your domain name. Imagine if you received an email from

</p> <p> bankofcanada@gmail.com<br />

Would you like to open an account in that bank or would you think that it is an overnight business that will soon disappear? A multi-million dollar business doesn’t look like that when they use a free email account! By using email with your domain name, you inspire confidence in your customers and vendors. Also, even if you change your Internet provider, your email does not change.

A .ca domain name is also portable. Once you get your domain name, it’s yours as long as you pay the renewal fees. You can switch between hosts if you want to get better deals or services, but your .ca domain name will always stay the same.

Real Estate

A solution to the housing crisis: add another kitchen!

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In the current housing crisis, new big houses just aren’t selling. They are too big to pay when mortgage money is tight. Existing homes are listed for sale below their original purchase price, reducing owner’s equity. People cannot justify paying the mortgage or selling houses that are worth less than the mortgage. Adjustments must be made to find a way to make these houses more affordable.

The costs of food, gasoline and education have skyrocketed. Investments and retirement income are shrinking. Labor markets have tightened. And the savings are nonexistent. What do companies and families do? They need to rethink their lives and identify the needs to survive and the strategies to move forward.

When the standards we live by are failing, we must become more resilient than ever. One method that is being considered by many families is to consolidate their resources
combining homes. The ‘Sandwich Generation’ have opened their homes to returning children (boomerang) as well as their own parents. Recent studies have shown that 65% of all college graduates go home, at one time or another. 3.4 million older people live in their children’s homes. And these trends are on the rise!

Until just 100 years ago, multigenerational living was the norm. Extended families lived and worked together on farms and started small businesses together. Yet many articles have been written about the monetary advantages and social dangers of modern families living together after being autonomous for so long. It seems that the most important condition for success is a clear understanding of the monetary responsibilities of household members. Secondly, it is necessary to establish areas of coexistence that respect the autonomy of the different members.

Many houses only have enough space to offer new occupants a bedroom of their own. A private bedroom and bathroom is a better solution, especially in a home with young children. Converting the garage, attic over garage, basement, or 2 bedrooms into a den is one of the most successful fixes. In new construction, the double master suite arrangement is excellent for multi-generational living and can also be sold as a home that can be shared by two single-parent families.

Shared cooking and dining experiences can be a wonderful life enhancement for everyone involved. Or they can turn into a nightmare. Mealtime has become very difficult to schedule for many families on the go, and scheduling can be even more difficult for two families living together. A great solution is to provide a small food preparation area outside of the traditional kitchen. It can be as simple as a breakfast/snack center or it can be a fully equipped mini-kitchen that can offer complete autonomy. It can be located in a private living room or in an area shared by the whole family. Having the option to choose when and what to eat can relieve a lot of stress in an extended household.

Existing or new homes that can be designed with completely separate dwelling units can have lasting value. A self-contained apartment can provide a place for older homeowners to live while they rent out the main house for income. Hosting a guest can make the investment of building a studio a good solution for everyone. Some senior homeowners may even subsidize the rent of the apartment to a guest who can act as caretaker for the entire property.

Tourist condominiums have used flexible design solutions quite successfully for years. Typically, a typical two-bedroom apartment is divided into a full one-bedroom apartment and a studio apartment that includes a kitchenette and separate bathroom. Any of the units can be rented separately or combined at any time.

However, in many localities, zoning prohibits a second dwelling unit or even a second kitchen. Increasingly, many localities have changed their zoning to allow auxiliary housing, largely due to the research efforts of the American Association of Retired Persons who created a model for legislating Accessory Dwelling Units into local ordinances.

Once the zoning problem is overcome, there are many design solutions that can provide a secondary kitchen. If space is not limited, standard cabinets and large appliances can be used to create a kitchen of any size. When space is limited, many companies (Google Kitchen Units) offer complete mini-kitchens and drop-in centers that can accommodate almost any special need. Adding small appliances to a built-in closet is another solution. Tiny appliance combos that include a coffee maker, microwave, and single burner can sell for less than $50.00. Paired with a 2.7 CF refrigerator-freezer ($150.00 online), a mini kitchen doesn’t need to break the bank.

For those who want to have a mini kitchen, but don’t want to see it all the time, most codes allow cabinets to be built into a cabinet with bi-fold doors and any UL listed appliance can be used as long as it has a plug and is not plugged in. cabling. In this way, sinks, refrigerators, portable hobs, microwaves, toaster ovens, etc. and all the countertop clutter can be hidden from view.

Another company makes special UL-listed furniture in the form of cabinets that allow hardwired, more powerful built-in appliances and everything else to be completely hidden when not in use. The cabinet and furniture idea is great for smaller rooms that have many functions, only one of which is a kitchen.

More versatile design solutions like the ones mentioned here can help homes retain their value in any market. As the demographics of our families change, the call for flexibility in the design of our homes becomes more important. The secondary kitchen is just one of the ideas that can make a real difference.