Home Kitchen

An introduction to recessed lighting

Recessed lighting (also known as can lights and down-lights) is one of the most widespread and adaptable uses of lighting on the market today. It works very well with the new trends of layered lighting and task lighting. Recessed lights are used indoors or outdoors from floor to ceiling.

Many people recognize outdoor recessed lighting as a way to draw attention to steps or the edge of a pool. This style is a favorite method for landscapers because recessed lighting doesn’t allow anything to stick out that could cause a fall down the stairs or someone falling into the pool.

However, not all recessed lights are made for outdoor use. Before installing outdoors, one must make sure that the unit is waterproof at least. These elements are not forgiving and a serious catastrophe will occur if a recessed light intended for the exterior is placed indoors.

Another feature that many people use for lights both indoors and outdoors is to highlight certain focal points. Art lovers will use the lights to enhance a work of art in the home or an outdoor sculpture.

The method is a favorite use in art galleries and outdoor gardens because it allows people to see other features that they normally wouldn’t have been able to see if it weren’t for the extra focus.

Fireplaces are another area that gets a lot of recessed lighting because few things are more romantic than a subtly lit fireplace. Installing recessed lighting above a fireplace is another method that designers love to use with lighting. Accessories manage to take a design element and turn it into a focal point.

Many people are wary of installing lighting fixtures in their home because they feel it will cost them more money. However, that sentiment is not true by today’s standards. Whereas in the past recessed lights were known to let heat and air escape through their housings, that problem no longer exists.

Lighting designers have updated light fixture housings with new sealing technology that prevents heat and air from escaping the home, thereby helping to regulate your electric bill. Another feature that helps save money is the installation of dimmer switches for the lights.

Dimming kits put lighting control in the hands of the homeowner, and by using only the specific amount of light needed for the job, the homeowner will save money. Controlling the amount of light needed for a space is another reason accessories work well in the kitchen.

One of the biggest trends in kitchen design is the use of task lighting. Task lighting is when lights are given specific lighting jobs. So pendants over a work area, recessed lights over sinks, and under cabinet lighting to make cabinets brighter serve a purpose.

This way, one doesn’t need to turn on a whole set of lights when one or two can do the job. This is another method that manages to save money because you only leave the areas that need to be highlighted and the other parts that don’t.

Recessed hallway lights are another popular use because those lights typically give off a subtle glow; so that they do not assault people’s eyes with bright light. This is great when you need to go to another room in the middle of the night and are afraid to turn on the lights to see where you are going.

Recessed lights are wonderful additions to any home’s lighting fixture. The versatility, combined with its ability to enhance any feature one desires in the home, puts it on every homeowner’s wish list.

Relationship

Veronica Chika Iweanya – I want to play for The D’Tigress of Nigeria

Veronica Chika Iweanya is a lot of joy to be with. Always smiling and full of emotion, the 24-year-old shared some incredible stories about her life during an Instagram Live session. Currently based in Lille in northern France, the Nigerian basketball star has come a long way in both her career and her sports.

After graduating with a first-class bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronic engineering from the prestigious Covenant University, Ota Ogun State, Nigeria in 2017, he traveled to France for his master’s degree in 2019 and continued his love affair with basketball. Standing at 183cm (6ft) tall, the Lagos-born basketball player shared her love of the game. A game she developed a passion for due to the desire of players and coaches to help her develop the skills necessary to excel in the sport.

A defining moment in her basketball career would be at the Africa Giants International Camp in 2018, where she was selected as part of the top 50 girls to attend her first ever women’s camp in Nigeria. The Masai Ujiri initiative sponsored by Nike and the president of the Toronto Raptors brought in the best coaches from around the world who guided the campers in both basketball and life skills. She says that Masai always told the children to dream big. But what stuck with her was the mantra “I’m a giant!” that was repeated throughout the camp. To this day, she says that she still says it like a mantra before every match, tryout, interview, etc.

Regarding the ease of combining studies and sports activities, Veronica Chika Iweanya confessed how difficult it was for her to adapt at first. The French language was a serious obstacle for her to settle down. It was very difficult to settle in with her basketball team since all of her classmates and teammates spoke French. She was forced to learn French and her basketball coach was quick to come to her aid, setting aside an hour before each practice day for that purpose. ‘The amazing support system I found around me made it easy for me to adjust so quickly’

As he learned the French language, things began to improve a bit, as did his performance on the basketball court. An added incentive was when she came into contact with Nigerian national basketball player Evelyn Akhator, who coincidentally joined the French basketball team Flammes Carolo. The Ardennes-based outfit signed the exciting centre-forward in 2019. Veronica, whose ambition is to play for The D’Tigress, has since developed a professional relationship with Evelyn Akhator. She sees her as a mentor and a person who has paid her her fair share in the game.

Sport has received its fair share of racism and Veronica confirmed from her personal experience that she has been lucky not to experience it in France. Interestingly, during away games with her basketball team (she found herself fouling more frequently than when they played at home) she fouls him more frequently than when they play at home.

When asked about the contentious issue of equal pay between male and female athletes, he expressed disgust at the disparity because if female basketball players are expected to dunk, for example, then they should be paid the same as their male counterparts. . She sees no reason why male athletes should be paid higher, to the extent that women have to traverse even more difficult terrain in their career and sports.

On the French government’s plans to ease the lockdown from Monday May 11 and the possibility of sports activities returning to normal, Veronica expressed her honest opinion, saying that she would have preferred the pandemic to have been fully clarified before that such measures be taken. implemented. Sports like basketball are contact based and the level of risk is high, so it would be good, for safety reasons, to ensure that players are not exposed to such a high risk.

It’s easy to name your favorite player, especially when that player has been a great role model to you. Evelyn Akhator is her favorite player (with her fans at 10 points and 10 rebounds) in every game, Veronica confessed that she greatly influenced her playing style since she also averaged double-double in her career university. She also mentioned her resilience and mental toughness as key skills that she admired in the Nigerian basketball star. while the Nigerian women’s national team, The D’Tigress, remains her favorite team. He recalled stories of her during her undergraduate years, having her entire office where she interned watch a live D’Tigress game during office hours where Sarah Ogoke fired a winning 3-pointer in the final seconds of the Afrobasket tournament a few seconds ago. years. !

Currently playing with the Stade Roubaisien Basket that competes in the French Basketball Federation (FFBB), he joyfully shared the news of having completed his master’s program at EDHEC Business School, Lille, France. The journey has not been an easy one, but in a message to her fans, she expressed optimism about achieving her goals of playing for the Nigerian women’s national team- The D’Tigress, a sentiment I echoed based on the fact that she has the potential. to excel at the highest level in career and sports.

An amazing fact about this talented basketball star is that he would have opted for soccer if he hadn’t fallen in love with his first love. You may be wondering what position she would choose on a soccer field. Defense, of course, was the answer. It’s not hard to understand knowing that the attackers would be competing with a mighty 6ft defensive bulwark that weighs 67kg. Not the most exciting prospect for even the most ambitious attacker. For now, the love affair between Verónica and basketball continues. Tomorrow is full of possibilities and hopefully one will get to see Veronica Chika Iweanya donning The D’Tigress’s beautiful green white t-shirt!

Health Fitness

The health benefits of weight lifting and strength training

Resistance training, also known as strength or weight training, has become one of the popular forms of exercise for both improving individual fitness and conditioning athletes. No disrespect to cardio, but if you want to burn fat, get fit, and shake anything that comes your way, weight lifting is what you need. Certified experts. Heavy work is in! You can’t move a kettlebell these days without consulting some training guru, exercise program, or book advising women to not just lift weights, but lift more weights.

Research shows that consistent weight lifting not only maintains bone mass, but also helps build new bone, and lifting heavy weights will build bigger, stronger muscles, strengthen the muscles that surround and support joints, and help prevent injuries. If you have osteoporosis you should seek the advice of a personal trainer and if you can’t afford it don’t worry. Susie Hathaway, a certified personal trainer, will guide you on how to train safely and slow bone loss in two workouts per week—no long-distance cardio. Just follow the easy steps on the DVD that comes with her book and you’ll reap the benefits of lifting weights…

Another benefit of weight lifting is that it increases testosterone levels in both men and women. When you lift weights, your body begins to release natural growth hormone and a healthy level of testosterone. Testosterone helps you burn body fat, build muscle, put you in a good mood, and increase sexual function. If you are a woman of that age, strength training, interval training will normalize your testosterone level and help you through menopause. These are not drugs or bioidentical hormones, they are secrets to help keep you healthy.

Weightlifting Benefits

If you knew that a certain type of exercise could benefit your heart, improve your balance, strengthen your bones, and help you lose weight while looking and feeling better, wouldn’t you want to get started? Well, studies show that strength training can provide all of those benefits and more. Most athletes perform strength training as part of their general training program. Their main interest is not how much weight they can lift, but whether the increase in force generated by training results in better performance in their sport.

Strength training and chronic diseases

Studies have documented the many wellness benefits of strength training, including helping people lose weight, people with chronic illnesses manage their conditions. If you have arthritis, strength training may be just as effective as pain medication. And for the 14 million Americans with type 2 diabetes, strength training along with other healthy lifestyle changes can help improve glucose control.

How to Add Weight Lifting to Your Routine

If you’re looking to add weight lifting exercises to your routine, you have several options. You can hire a personal trainer, go to the gym, or receive a strength-training program that allows you to exercise in the privacy of your own home. You can even use your body weight as resistance, squatting on a chair, push-ups, planks are very effective. If you have health problems, ask your doctor what type of strength training is best for you. According to The American Council on Exercise, when you do strength, weight, or resistance training, your body demands more energy. The harder you are working, the more energy is required. That means more calories burned during the workout. There you have it, the health benefits of weight lifting and strength training,

Lifestyle Fashion

Do you feel bloated after eating that bagel? Read this!

Are you one of the millions of people who love bagels for breakfast or bread for dinner? Let’s face it, bread is one of the staples in the food chain that has sustained the hungry for centuries.

Why then is there so much talk about the adverse effects of gluten consumption? Bread is supposed to be good for you, right? This may be true for most people, but not for others who experience symptoms like bloating and diarrhea. Some of my patients even complain of fatigue, weight loss, and perhaps muscle and joint pain. When I dig deeper into your eating habits to determine the cause of your problem, nine times out of ten I find that your symptoms are related to gluten sensitivity.

What is gluten sensitivity and how do you know if you have it? If you ask yourself this question, you are not alone. Let me explain.

“Gluten” is a family of proteins found in wheat along with oats, rye, and barley. Gluten sensitivity is caused by an immune reaction to gluten. A simple blood test can determine if you have specific antibodies against gluten. An inherited form of gluten sensitivity is called celiac disease and may affect up to 1 in 133 people. Celiac disease is often diagnosed by a biopsy of the small intestine, which can reveal physical damage. Other forms of gluten sensitivity or allergy can develop as people age.

What happens if you keep eating gluten?

Some of the symptoms of gluten sensitivity are felt in the digestive tract. Others are more general. The body releases chemicals during many immune responses that can cause vague symptoms of joint pain, fatigue, and muscle pain.

If the gluten-sensitive person continues to eat gluten-containing foods, the body will continue to produce antibodies against gluten. This immune reaction causes physical damage to the lining of the small intestine and makes it difficult for the body to absorb nutrients. This leads to diarrhea and weight loss. If left unchecked, the damage can become life-threatening. Fortunately, the small intestine has the ability to regenerate healthy cells and will recover over time if gluten is removed from the diet.

What if you are sensitive to gluten?

Here are some things you can do if you suspect you might have some of the symptoms described above:

• Consult your doctor and request a blood test to determine if you are sensitive to gluten.

• Look for foods made with oats, quinoa, rice, corn, millet, and amaranth.

• Prepared foods, such as frozen macaroni and cheese, will indicate the gluten content on the package.

• Website for local gluten-free recipes, products, and support groups are available online.

• Ask your market to offer walkthroughs that highlight gluten-free items on the shelves.

• Ask your local market to expand gluten-free options.

• Restaurants and cruise ships often have gluten-free options for pizza, pasta, and bread.

• With gluten sensitivity becoming more widely known, it is possible that if you order gluten-free food when you dine out, other members of your group will order it as well.

• If temptation is a problem, have the baskets of cookies and bread removed after the other guests have served themselves.

Keep your digestive tract healthy!

Once you eliminate gluten and your digestive tract is healing, there are ways to keep it running smoothly. Eat a variety of healthy fruits and vegetables. In the evening, drink a glass of water with a tablespoon of psyllium husks mixed in. This adds fiber and helps remove unwanted material from the body. Yogurt can help restore the balance of intestinal bacteria, which is important for digesting food.

The damage caused by gluten sensitivity can interfere with the body’s ability to process food. Your digestive system may need help getting back to health. Here are some natural ways to help with healing.

• Take a multivitamin, because a damaged intestine absorbs less nutrients from food.

• L-glutamine is helpful in healing the lining of the small intestine.

• A probiotic supplement can help restore good bacteria in the gut.

• Digestive enzymes can help your system digest food while restoring the balance of natural enzymes.

• Fiber, such as psyllium and flax, can help the intestines work efficiently.

If you’ve been suffering for months or years with gluten sensitivity, be patient. Give your body time to heal once you eliminate gluten from your diet. Avoid the bakery counter and instead eat healthy, gluten-free foods. A gluten-free eating plan can get you on a delicious diet that’s better for your overall health!

Mark Rosenberg, MD

Institute for Healthy Aging

Real Estate

Campfire Ingenuity: Tips on Buying, Using, and Safety Precautions

I know you’ve already felt it: a coolness settling into the summer night and the darkening of our faithful blue sky arriving earlier and earlier. With summer coming too fast with a cool fall close on the way, it’s time to light up the fireplace and prepare for increasingly colder temperatures. But don’t start knocking down the hatches just yet! With the increasing popularity of outdoor fire pits, you can stretch out your summer and fall nights in comfort, and enjoy the beauty of nature a little longer and a lot warmer.

Now… how do you know what type of fire pit best suits your needs and lifestyle? Should you use wood or gas? What shape or design should you look for? And more importantly, how can you ensure that your new outdoor roasting fire is maintained and used safely? A fire pit isn’t exactly a fireplace or campfire: it’s a different animal entirely. That’s why we’ve included important tips for differentiating between types, shapes, functions, and costs, as well as crucial safety tips for your fire pit.

· Permanent or Portable?

Before you even start researching outdoor fire pits, you should first check the city or area ordinance to make sure they allow fire pits, what type of fire pits, and what the safety parameters are. Once this is done, your first step is to decide if you could benefit more from a portable fire pit or one that is permanent. Portable fire pits are usually made of light metal (Mexican chimneys are made of clay or cast iron) and have a round design. These come on wheels for easy activity on the go, as well as for use on the patio or in the backyard. With this versatility, you can move your fire pit to the deck, patio, different areas of the backyard, or garage with ease. Another invaluable advantage is that you don’t have to leave the toasty heat at home. Take it to the truck or sport utility vehicle for the annual camping trip or take it on a road trip to a tailgating party. Because laptops are made from lighter materials and require no installation to use, they’re the most cost-effective and hassle-free way to beat the post-summer chill—both on the road and in your backyard.

The permanent fire pit (or specifically designed garden or patio fire pit), also known as a stationary or custom fire pit, is made of stone, brick, rock, or concrete; and for most, they are the most aesthetically pleasing addition to a patio or backyard. Custom built fire pits should be elevated 1-2 feet off the ground and have a mean road diameter of approximately 36 inches for wide use and safety. Like portables, you can choose between wood or gas to heat your desired area, but most products are energy specific, so be sure to double check before you buy. In general, custom-built fire pits are much more expensive, due to the professional installation, attention to design, and strong, durable materials required; but it will last a lifetime (with proper and regular maintenance), and will certainly provide an equity increase in the value of your home.

· Design and Form?

The design and shape of your outdoor fire pit usually depends on whether you opt for portable or stationary outdoor fire pits. Most of the time, laptops will be made of metal or copper, have a large round bowl design, and will sit on a metal stand. The wood will sit in this container, or if you opt for a gas connection, ceramic logs or faux coals, and the removable protective screen will sit on top. As mentioned above, laptops are more about function than design, so your options are somewhat limited. Fireplaces also fall under the portable category, looking like an old-fashioned wood-burning stove, but because they’re smaller and allow much less heat to radiate, they’re less practical. Custom or permanent fire pits, on the other hand, come in a myriad of shapes and designs, due to the fact that you are installing the unit professionally. You can typically find these devices in round, square, or rectangular configurations depending on your choice of material (brick, stone, wood, or concrete), and they come equipped with a built-in steel mesh liner and metal cabinet doors for added enhancement. protection when not in use.

· Firewood or Gas?

Both portable and permanent fire pits will require wood, gas, or both. If the fire pit you have in mind prefers wood exclusively, it is very important to find out what kind of wood. Some fire pits will burn regular logs exclusively (aged wood is always the best choice over new or green wood), so you’ll only buy the same type of wires you would buy for a fireplace. To avoid safety hazards and general maintenance of your fire pit, you should never attempt to burn plywood or fire logs (paper wrapped quick igniters). The reason is; that because the logs are made from sawdust materials, they will burn more than a hand-built fire pit for kindling can handle. However, some fire pits will offer the versatility of burning kindling, plywood, and logs; in its security specifications. Just remember that unlike regular wood, only one log should be burned at a time. Also keep in mind that if a fire pit’s specifications allow hardboard, it will be able to burn somewhat comparable logs. The alternative to a wood fire is a gas connection. Gas will burn cleaner than wood, uses ceramic logs and faux coals, and can give you an almost real look and warmth for your driveway or patio. The only problem with outdoor gas heating is that it requires closer and more constant attention, due to its unlimited supply of flammable energy.

· Costs?

Cost is always an important factor to consider when looking for an outdoor fire pit. Portable fire pit units are the simplest and most cost effective solution for your outdoor heating. Depending on the different features and supplies that the portable comes with, it will typically range from $150 to $500. This is due to the fact that your portable fire pit is built with lighter weight and therefore less durable materials for easier carrying. transport; and it doesn’t require the costly installation of a permanent or custom fire pit. Portables are the perfect investment for people who want a low-maintenance, outdoor fire; but you can’t afford the solid structure of a custom build, or have yet to find a relatively permanent home to properly reap the long-term benefits. Custom or permanent fire pits will require sturdy, all-weather materials such as stone, brick, concrete, or wood; and generally require a space in your backyard that is 15 to 20 feet wide. Due to their lifetime tenure and the variety of backyard landscaping needed, professional installation is labor-intensive and can cost you thousands. However, it all comes down to your particular situation. For most homeowners, lifetime durability and projected use generally outweigh the cost. But if cost is an issue, portables are the quick, easy, and cost-effective solution to your outdoor heating whims.

Safety Hazards and Precautions

We all love a good fire, but it is crucial to remember that it is a fire; And if we don’t take proper safety precautions and adhere to specific fire hazards, your fire pit could get out of control, leading to property damage, illness, and possibly death.

  • Always follow the manufacturer’s and professional installation expert’s specifications and guidance for which power source to use.
  • Fire pits should not be used on apartment buildings or decks on multi-unit homes due to clearance issues.
  • Make sure your perm is installed a good distance from your home and anything combustible (usually your installer will automatically mention this common sense issue, but if not make sure you have a good ten foot clearance) .
  • Be sure to place your portable fire pit at least ten feet from the house, multiple backyards, and trees—anything combustible, that is. Also, with portable fire pits, you need to assess the location based on wind patterns and therefore where the smoke will blow.
  • Don’t overfill your fire pit with wood or wood substitute; or conversely, excess gas. Keep the fire small, contained and manageable.
  • Always use a screen cover to keep sparks and embers at bay.
  • It is necessary to take into account how low to the ground your fire pit is. Raised 1-2 feet from a non-flammable surface it will keep a small to medium fire at a safe distance, but remember this is the perfect height for unsuspecting and curious children and pets so close supervision is crucial.
  • Always make sure your fire is completely extinguished before you let it run wild. Even with the proper safety distance, a spark can become a raging fire in a split second and reach every corner of your deck and backyard in no time.
  • It is also essential to get a fire extinguisher, because otherwise you are playing with fire.
  • Shopping Product Reviews

    Phone Bill Audit: Doing What Your AP Can’t

    What is a phone bill audit and why do you need one?

    The task of paying a telephone bill seems quite simple. When your AP receives a phone bill, or a series of telecom bills, they check the system to make sure the bill hasn’t been paid, and then proceed to pay the bill. The problem here is that an AP does not thoroughly check the content of the invoice, as they are not trained for this type of in-depth analysis.

    A phone bill audit provides the company with a detailed summary of errors or even fraudulent charges on phone bills that an accounts payable clerk overlooks. Mistakes that, if left unchecked, can cost companies thousands of dollars a month.

    Unfortunately, in the realm of telecommunications, the good is often left as “good enough.” Even when external expertise is readily available, and in the best case, this expertise may even be obtained on a contingent basis.

    In addition to discovering inconsistencies in charges, phone bill audits are a great way to: discover services that are no longer being used, learn how to eliminate various contractual penalties, and file disputes for you regarding inconsistencies in contractual rates, which results in great savings and rebates. .

    WHICH PHONE BILL AUDIT COMPANY WILL WORK FOR YOU?

    Finding the right phone bill audit company for you may seem like a tedious task, but narrowing down your search makes it less time consuming. Here are a couple of things you want to look for:

    CREDIBILITY

    If the company does not have an impressive list of customers who are very satisfied with the audit and the savings found, you may not be satisfied with the results. Look up a client history and check their references to confirm that the company has successfully established itself in your niche. You’ll also want to find a company that showcases your auditing skills and methods, rather than one that promotes switching service providers like main source of savings.

    PRICES

    Some auditing companies may try to sell you packages, ask you to pay fees up front, or hide proof of savings or lack thereof in billing. It is important to find a company that will present a detailed but complete list of their findings and will only charge you a percentage of the savings they provide. Finding a company that charges on a profit sharing basis eliminates the risk of paying phone bill audit savings you don’t get or refunds you don’t get. There’s no risk of being charged more than you’ll save in the future, because you only pay after you’re provided with your monthly savings voucher. Look for a phone bill audit company that performs an audit every month to check savings and bill accuracy, so you know you’re getting what you pay for.

    With any business, it’s important to look for savings opportunities, and in a world increasingly connected to telecommunications, it’s invaluable to be able to expand your phone and data services with the protection and security that telecom expertise can provide.

    Tours Travel

    Technology and entertainment: how well they go together

    The entertainment industry is now totally dependent on the use of technology. Its objective was to face the challenges of the 21st century and, therefore, the adaptation of technology became inevitable. This adaptation was for the best because it also did a lot of good for the industry.

    Reaching out to the global audience in the first place was made possible by the advancement of technology. Technology flourished to some extent due to the entertainment industry. The advancement in graphics and animation technology is living proof. The animation industry certainly grew due to increasing popular demand. Cartoons are equally popular among children and adults. Animated movie makers are now trying to create a story that even the older ones can enjoy. All of this shows the power and potential of this industry and animation is a big part of this great industry.

    This whole game goes to a whole new level when it comes to movie making. The market share expands beyond the borders. Blockbuster movies are released in almost 100 different languages ​​and finally the revenue collection is simply through the roof. The SFX industry has also prospered in a very short span of time and has led to a great deal of job creation. The need for technicians, professionals, and the latest gadgets has created a whole new industry. It is like the folds of the onion, layer after layer new industries arise due to the emergence of the latest technologies. This shows the potential that the entertainment industry has and its increasing use in the cinema.

    The latest sensation when it comes to the world of video games, the Wii has created a huge fan base for a whole new industry in the seventh generation gaming console. The number of people who opted for this form of entertainment also amazed the production companies. The reason that many explain behind its large-scale adaptation is the size of generation X for the latest devices and its proximity to it.

    The use of technology within the recreation industry bodes very well. Anything that has entertainment value, its scope is beyond limits and borders. It quickly becomes a universal property because recreation itself is a universal concept. Technology has played a very important role in exploring the horizons of different recreational concepts. The socioeconomic impact of the recreation industry would not be as severe if it were not supported by technology. The use of technology has completely changed the meaning of recreation. The change is for the better, otherwise generations would have been left deprived of what we have seen and what we will see in the future.

    Technology

    15 reasons why your business needs a mobile app

    Digital media has exploded, and Google reported that 2015 marks the year that web searches performed on mobile devices have surpassed desktop searches in 10 countries.

    Mobile has grown so rapidly that it is now the leading digital platform for media consumption. 62% of total digital media activity comes from tablets and smartphones combined, 54% of that activity comes from apps alone, according to Comscore.

    As of April 21, 2015, Google indexes mobile apps, allowing them to rank in search engine results. Read SearchEngineLand’s article on app search engine ranking. What does all this mean for you and your business? You need a mobile app!

    What are the benefits of having an app for your business?

    As mobile marketing continues to grow, more and more companies are jumping on the bandwagon of mobile apps to connect with consumers “on the go”, drive more traffic, generate repeat business, increase sales through better product promotion and, what is most important, to be available to your customers, on their mobile devices, 24×7.

    Having an app for your business takes marketing efforts to a whole new level. Apps aren’t just for big companies like Amazon, eBay, and Wal-mart anymore. Small and medium-sized businesses are now improving their marketing strategies and expanding their customer reach with mobile apps.

    Today’s technology has given us the entire world at our fingertips! Mobile phones have made public phones and most landlines obsolete as we can take them with us wherever we go. That gives companies a huge marketing advantage. Let’s see the benefits that a mobile application offers your company and your customers:

    1. Strengthen your brand

    2. Increase your visibility and accessibility on mobile devices

    3. Build relationships and loyalty with your customers

    4. Generate repeat business with app tools like coupons and loyalty cards

    5. Boost social media strategies

    6. Connects you with consumers “on-the-go”

    7. Increase sales with push notifications

    8. Your products/services are easily accessible to your customers 24×7

    9. One-touch access to your contact information

    10. Provide directions to your location anywhere your customers are

    11. Quick appointment scheduling for your clients

    12. An app is more easily accessible and loads faster than a website

    13. Increase customer engagement and provide value

    14. Customers have easy access to your social media posts

    15. Stand out from your competition

    Why a mobile app is better than a website

    Simply put: an app loads and runs much faster! It takes just a second to launch, while a website can take much longer, especially if the mobile user has poor reception. Mobile-optimized websites serve an important business purpose, but they don’t replace the need for apps. Let’s look at a side by side comparison:

    • Mobile apps give you near-instant access to the content you need, websites don’t.

    • Mobile apps appear in app stores, websites don’t.

    • Mobile apps can keep your business in direct contact with your customers through push notifications, websites don’t.

    • Mobile apps are always visible on the home screen of your mobile device, websites are not always visible

    Do you see the power that mobile marketing apps have to offer? With features like push notifications, you can reach your customers instantly with significantly less time and effort than snail mail sales ads, not to mention significantly lower advertising costs. But the biggest benefit a mobile app has to offer your business is the return on investment.

    Apple’s App Store has over 100 billion downloads a year, that’s almost 274 million downloads a day according to Statista! Statistics from the Wall Street Journal show that in the first quarter of 2015, the Google Play Store had 70% more app downloads than the Apple Store. Now is the time to take advantage of the mobile application market! The more users download your app, the more people you can reach to offer sales, product promotion, events, launches, you name it! The app market is booming and growing. Are you already convinced?

    Just remember, mobile apps are quickly becoming the standard component of businesses large and small. Choosing an app today can lay the foundation for the future of your business and help put you on the fast track to continue to grow, build your customer base, and earn more money!

    Business

    Christian Home Based Business Directory – How Can It Help You?

    With the financial difficulties faced by many people around the world, there is a high demand for home based businesses. Many people want to escape the business routine and want to be financially independent by starting their own business. However, finding a legitimate opportunity online that meets the needs of Christians is quite difficult. Fortunately, with the help of a Christian home-based business directory, you will be able to find a business opportunity that you can trust.

    What are these directories?

    Like any other online directory, a home-based Christian business directory would be a very useful source of information for you. Basically, these directories will have a complete list of all the Christian business opportunities that you can try if you want to work from home. You can search through the listings and you may find businesses that interest you. You will also find the contact details of these companies in these directories to make it easier for you to get in touch with the particular company. Instead of searching online for available opportunities, you can simply register with a particular directory and find all the information you want quite easily.

    Directories can be useful in several ways

    Using a home-based Christian business directory can provide you with several benefits. One of the first benefits is that you will have access to all the possible business opportunities that you have been looking for. Many of these directories are free to members. You will simply need to sign up by providing some of your basic information and you will be free to start looking for the type of opportunity you have been looking for. Another benefit is that you will be able to connect with other people who share a similar interest. You can connect with other Christians who are currently working from home or looking for opportunities. This would also be a good place to find reviews of individual companies and business opportunities. You will learn what others have to say about these businesses.

    Finding a legitimate business opportunity online is quite difficult nowadays, mainly because there are various scams and dishonest people online. You can easily avoid wasting your time and efforts by using an online directory. There are several special directories that provide information on Christian businesses so that you can find a business that will allow you to make money without compromising the basic tenets of Christianity. A home-based Christian business directory is definitely worth considering if you are currently looking for business opportunities online.

    Home Kitchen

    Countertop Paint – Refresh Your Kitchen or Bathroom with Countertop Paint

    If a complete kitchen or bathroom remodel isn’t within your budget, you can still get an updated, modern look for your countertops. Countertop paint is one of the newest and most cost-effective ways to quickly and dramatically change the look of your kitchen or bathroom countertops. You can restore and renew the look of your outdated laminate countertops, in a variety of colors and finishes, including granite. If you’ve always thought a countertop remodel was out of reach, think again and try starting your transformation this weekend.

    Countertop painting can definitely be a DIY project. If you’re not the do-it-yourself type, find a professional painting contractor who has worked with these types of projects before and can show you some pictures of past projects. If you go for a single color application, an average size countertop can be refreshed for around $70. There are a variety of colors available in the single color product, and the granite option comes in many colors including chocolate, sapphire blue, green, sand, and even red granite look. A variety of patterns and color grades can be achieved with the same set of countertop paint, depending on its technical application.

    Wondering how long this project will take? It is much easier and faster than you think to apply it. Achieving a granite look will take as little as 4 hours for an average size countertop (approximately 35 square feet). These impressive countertop paints are also moisture-sealing, low-odor, and water-based. Plus, the kits provide you with nearly everything you need to successfully transform your countertops, including a high-quality clear topcoat and associated rollers, foam applicators, and a step-by-step instructional DVD. On average, for most countertop paint kits, it is recommended to wait 3 days before using freshly painted countertops. Plan accordingly, as you may not want to start a project like this during a vacation period or when you expect heavy use of your kitchen or bathroom countertops.

    Many different manufacturers offer countertop paint kits. Check websites and testimonials before purchasing to gauge each kit’s ease of application and long-term performance. Some manufacturers offer 100% Satisfaction Guarantees for their products. Kits can be found at popular big discount stores, as well as online. Consult for the best prices. Some manufacturers even provide a paint stencil per number type for DIYers. Remember that while freshly painted countertops may look like granite, there is still laminate underneath, so continue to use trivets or protective pads before placing very hot items on your countertops. However, some countertop paint coating kits provide a heat resistant surface that is also safe to come into contact with food.

    Here are some basic steps, tips, and items you may need before you get started.

    • Work in a well ventilated area with temperatures around 70 degrees. You may need an orbital sander or use the sandpaper provided with your kit and apply it by hand to sand your existing countertops.
    • Have plenty of clean rags handy to wipe down the sanded surface and remove any dust. Use paper to seal any areas, such as the floor, that you want to protect from paint drips.
    • Always use the recommended material and the instructions that come with your kit for cleaning the recommended application tools.
    • Mix the countertop base coat paint according to the instructions.
    • Apply Countertop Basecoat with a squeegee or recommended applicator according to enclosed instructions.
    • Apply decorative flakes or other decorative elements and allow to dry according to manufacturer’s instructions.
    • After the recommended dry time, you may need to lightly sand to remove any loose flakes or to smooth the surface; always consult the specific instructions for your type of application.
    • Mix the top coat of countertop paint and apply carefully and evenly with the recommended applicator (rollers are often used). Do not roll too much or this will create air bubbles.
    • Apply second coat of countertop paint as directed and allow to dry completely.

    Whether you’re just tired of your laminate countertops and want to recolor them, or trying to hide minor cosmetic blemishes like scratches on your countertops, or want to give your kitchen or bathroom a fresh look without spending a fortune, paint for countertops is the answer you’ve been looking for. Depending on the type and brand of kit you purchase, some of these paints may have a lifetime and/or 100% satisfaction guarantee. The clear coat finish adds a touch of shine and provides a durable protective surface for your refinished countertops.

    If you’ve been dreaming of new countertops for a long time, but a Corian or Granite makeover just isn’t in your budget, definitely consider revamping your worn-out laminate or Formica countertops now with this exciting new product. Not only is it cheap and easy to do yourself, but the results are long-lasting and amazing. Colors can be mixed to match any decor and style. A few hours of your time and a roll up your sleeves and do it right attitude can easily and inexpensively transform your kitchen or bathroom counter in time for your next social gathering to impress your friends and family. Who knows? Your guests may be so impressed with your experience, they may decide to transform their own countertops as well.