Brain Wave – Page 32 – Sasha Says…

Blogging in general, Brain Wave, Careers, Freelancing and Self-Employment, Money matters

How to Make Money from Blogging

February 20, 2020 No Comments

For many people, working from home and being their own boss is the dream. But many people also think of this as an impossible idea that could never become reality. But more and more people are learning about “passive income”, which seems too good to be true and only accessible to a few very lucky people.

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Making money through blogging takes a lot of hard work, but it can be done! Anyone can do it as long as they are determined. And if you can gain a decent sized readership on your blog, it is entirely possible to start monetizing it and start gaining surprisingly high amounts of passive income.

This straightforward guide will give you practical advice on how to make money from blogging so you too can work from home, be your own boss, and spend more time doing what you love. After reading this informative guide, you will see that all it takes to become a passive income pro is hard work, determination, and a little bit of creativity.

How to Get Started in Blogging

Here are a few ways you could start blogging and growing your network:

Make Your Site
The first step to getting into the blogging game is to create your own website. There are plenty of platforms to use, such as WordPress, Blogger, Wix, Squarespace, and more. It all comes down to your personal goals and which platform can best help you reach them. WordPress has high customization abilities and makes monetization easy so this would be one of the best choices for bloggers seeking possible income.

Pick a Niche
If you want to make a blog that brings in enough traffic for monetization, that blog will need to be specific enough to draw an audience without being so specific as to alienate large groups of people. You will not gain readers, especially loyal readers, if your blog is about anything and everything.

Brain Wave, Shopping and Merchandise

Choosing that Signature Piece to Define Your ‘Look’

February 19, 2020 No Comments

What’s your style? Feminine and flirty? Sporty and athletic? Dramatic and a little goth?

No we’re not describing Spice Girls personas, though if that’s your thing, cool! Everybody has that unique style and “look”; clothing and accessories that show the world their personality, conveys their interests, their aesthetic, and their unique charm at a glance. So what’s yours?

Photo Credit: Juan Mendez

Of course nobody these days has tons of cash to spend on clothes and accent pieces, do we? And yet, we all want to look fresh, unique and fun. That can be hard to do on a budget…but it can be done. We’ll tell you how to choose one or two signature pieces to define your look and show the world that creative, lovable spirit.

How best to go about choosing a signature piece? It’s easy!

Go Handmade

Got a friend who knits beanies? Does your little sister sell hand-made bracelets on Etsy? Are you really good at tie-dye? One creative (and affordable) way to find a unique piece that you know nobody else has is to custom-order something from a crafty person. Sites like Etsy can show you thousands upon thousands of cool hand-made pieces or you can go local and go to craft fairs, or just hit up someone you know! Better still, make it yourself! There’s nothing like a hand-sewn, knitted or designed piece that is one-of-a-kind, made just for you.

Glasses

If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then glasses are the shutters. Everybody needs at least one cool pair of sunglasses; if you’re like us, then you need three or four – one for every season and every mood. For others, who wear glasses full time, you might want to revamp your look. No matter your style – if you like cat-eye glasses with huge rims, sporty Oakley glasses, vintage coke-bottles or something in between, there are great styles available that will provide you with great eye protection while looking chic and trendy. Glasses are one of those things that complete every outfit, that you can’t be caught without. Invest in a great pair and you won’t have to replace them for years!

A Favorite Sweater

Everybody has a favorite sweater. Don’t have one? Well, you should remedy that immediately. A favorite sweater is just like that fave pair of jeans: you can wear it with anything, it’s incredibly soft and comfy, just putting it to your face makes you feel better about your day. Spend a little extra and it will pay for itself over time. Whether you like handknits, cashmere or something else entirely, a beautiful and comfy sweater will quickly become part of your everyday winter style.

Nice Kicks

Anyone looking to boost their fashion capital should invest in a great pair of shoes. If you’re sporty and casual, a pair of cool Vans or Converse are a great choice. If you’re more of a minimalist with a hint of an edge, maybe a pair of combat boots. For the practical and chic, a pair of loafers. If you’re all girl, or need to be polished and classy for your job, a pair of stylish, well-fitting heels can do the trick. You get the drift. It’s cool to bum around in cheap shoes most of the time, but always have at least one pair of shoes that make you feel amazing, that take your outfit into the stratosphere. Wear those shoes whenever you need a little boost!

With these simple style tips, you can make your wardrobe stylish and charming with just a signature piece or two. Best of all, you can do it without breaking the bank.

Brain Wave, Entrepreneurship & Business Talks

How To Diversify Your Entrepreneurial Skillset

February 18, 2020 No Comments

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Every new business feels like a new start. When you are on an entrepreneurial kick you can feel that tangible excitement of starting up a company and watching it grow. But there comes a time when the skills you have won’t be enough. This is when you’ve got to start diversifying your efforts as an entrepreneur you may feel that there are plenty of skills that you specialize in, but there could also be some areas that can do with some improvement. What are the best ways for you to diversify your entrepreneurial skillset?

Go Back To School

You might not feel you’ve got the time but one of the most obvious and substantial ways of diversifying your skillset is to go back to school. One of the most fantastic things about your own self-education these days is that you don’t have to set foot into a class! You can go online to acquire a Master of Science in Predictive Analytics or another niche business-related topic. As an entrepreneur, there are so many different areas that we can access that we could self educate ourselves forever. Going back to school is not for everybody but if you feel that there are areas that could do with improvement, you would be hard pushed to find something better.

Get A Mentor

A mentor can provide a very unique education. When you find someone on your wavelength and can give you the time you need, you have to bleed them dry! Getting a mentor isn’t just about little tidbits on how to run the business but it’s about getting real information from someone who has been there way before you! It’s not just about the professional dealings but it’s also about learning how to cope with the emotional repercussions as well. A mentor can provide such an insight into each process that you will come away feeling ready to tackle everything!

Reach Out

Getting a mentor is one way to reach out for help but don’t forget that you’ve got plenty of resources on your front door! The Small Business Administration (SBA) provides so many resources, from business plan templates to personal support, that they can see you through any difficult patches. When you feel that there are so many different skills you could improve on, if you get in contact with the local SBA they can point you towards various government programs and non-profit organizations.

Don’t Just Look At It In Terms Of Business

If you want to learn something new you don’t just have to acquire skills in business administration or predictive analytics. There’s a lot more that we can take advantage of that will fuel our enthusiasm. Look at it from the perspective of a child and try and find a different angle. We can get boxed in and this means that we become so regimented with our way of thinking that we struggle to break out of it. But if you change your mindset, either by diversifying your skillset just by implementing a new way of thinking, you will benefit the company and yourself.

Brain Wave, Health and medicine

Joint Pain Is Still Pain: Help It With These Tips

February 14, 2020 No Comments

Joint pain and arthritis are pretty much the two types of pain that can really make you feel horrific. Arthritis covers a group of degenerative and painful conditions that are made evident by inflamed joints. These inflammations cause pain and stiffness, and for most people who are struggling with movement, they cause stress, too.

The problem is that most of the time, arthritis is treated with painkillers and medications prescribed by your doctor. These medications can cause painful side effects, which is why natural options are becoming more popular. Things like CBD hemp oil are becoming far more popular these days, and so before you try anything other than what the doctors recommend, you should look into what your options are. Below, we’ve put together some of the options in front of you outside of what the doctors have to offer. Let’s take a look:

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1. One treatment plan

2. Exercising more can make a difference – which sounds counterproductive. Regular movement helps with flexibility, and low-impact exercises like swimming can really help.

3. Cold and hot therapy treatments can make a massive difference to your joint pain, as long as you use it correctly. Warm baths in the morning can ease the stiffness in the joints throughout the day, where cold treatments can really help with swelling.

4. Many people like the way acupuncture can help with joint pain. It’s an ancient Chinese medical treatment, and it’s used by complementary therapists who can treat an array of conditions.

5. Medication is one way to cope with pain, but meditation is another. Relaxation techniques and learning to focus your breathing and your mind can make a big difference in how you feel. The reduction in stress can cause inflammation and swelling to drop down. This can let you cope with it a lot better and feel good whenever you move. It would help if you didn’t have to be in permanent pain, and meditation can help. The best thing is that you can do it anywhere.

6. Spice up your dishes and use turmeric to do it. The secret anti-inflammatory that you could use to help your pain is turmeric because it can help in pain reduction. It’s worked on studies with lab rats, too, and if you like a meal with spice, it’s a good one to start with!

Lastly, get a massage. Someone else pushing away the aches and pains can make a big difference in how you feel within yourself. Your joints and muscles can all feel a lot more energized and relaxed, too. Working with a therapist regularly can ensure that your joints start to feel good over and over.

Joint pain may not be visible with broken bones and bruises, but it’s still a pain! Honor it and treat it properly – you won’t regret it!

Brain Wave, Shopping and Merchandise

Fun Gift Ideas for the Overgrown Child in Your Life

February 14, 2020 No Comments

It’s so much easier to shop for kids than adults, isn’t it? For children, whether it’s a video game, a cool outdoors toy or even just a box of their favorite candy, they’re happy. Adults are much harder. None of us treat ourselves enough, so it’s hard to say what we want when we’re asked, and nobody wants to get a boring gift for someone they love.

Adults need to have more fun. We work hard, and one great way to combat all the various stresses of life is to take a page from the kids we know, and actually play.

The next time you need to get a gift for a loved one, especially someone who is in tune with their inner child, why not get them something awesome they can play with? Below, we’ve outlined a few cool toys that are great for children and children-at-heart alike, gifts both large and small:

Image Source: Element5 Digital

Crafts and Arts

There’s a reason that adult coloring books have surged in popularity over the last five years or so. Adults want to engage with their inner child, revisit their youth and engage in creative play that relaxes them and lets the stress melt away. Coloring is a great way to do this, but there are other cool, crafty things to get into as well! Finger painting kits, embroidery-for-beginners kits, miniature-food-making-kits (those are our personal favorite), even beginner’s sewing machines, are all affordable and super creative gifts to give that person in your life who wants to learn a new skill while having a ton of fun. And the best part is, these gifts have the added bonus of a finished project/treat at the end!

Vintage and Retro Games

These are always fun, and there’s no shortage of games on the market – whether you’re into old school games like Monopoly or Battleship, old-school toys like jacks or marbles, or something much more elaborate, like the awesome recreations of classic arcade games, there are so many things to choose from. Seriously, could there be anything more fun than heading to the basement to play a game of classic Pac-Man? The multi game arcade machine is insanely popular right now and not as expensive as you might think! Whether you’re into Nintendo, Atari or something else entirely, you’ll find the perfect one for you.

Get the Blood Pumping

Outdoorsy, physical games are a great idea for the overgrown child in your life. It’s the kind of thing that everybody wishes they indulged in, but never buy for themselves. Think basketball goals, skateboards, trampolines, horseshoes, even a nice road bike. These toys will last for years, give the added benefit of exercise, and you can jump in and play, too!

Why not try one of these ideas the next time you need to get a great gift for the adult in your life? We all love a good oil diffuser or cookbook, but these hands-on, downright fun gifts will bring so much joy to your loved ones, and deliver fun for years to come.

Brain Wave, Life in general

Swerving Trouble On The Roads: Tips For Safer Driving

February 13, 2020 No Comments

Millions of people all over the world rely on cars, vans, motorcycles and trucks to get around and earn an income. If you’re a driver, you might rate your skills highly, but there’s always room for improvement. Over 90% of road accidents are caused by driver errors. Here are some handy tips to help you swerve trouble on the highways.

Speed
Speed is a risk factor for car and truck accidents. It may seem slightly boring to have speed restrictions, but they are there to promote safety and to minimize the risk of accidents. If you crash at high speed, the risk of life-changing, or even fatal injuries, is significantly higher than when driving at low speeds. When you’re behind the wheel, it’s your responsibility to check the speed limit and to ensure you don’t drive too fast. It’s also crucial to bear the conditions in mind. If you’re on the highway, for example, and it’s snowing, it’s probably not safe to drive at the speed limit. Slow down, make sure you have plenty of distance between your vehicle and the car in front, and be prepared to brake. Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggest that speeding killed over 9,300 Americans in 2018.

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Drink driving

Drink driving is one of the most common causes of accidents on the road. Many people feel that they’re capable of driving after drinking, and this can result in devastating consequences. If you want to drive, it’s best to avoid drinking altogether. If you’re out and you change your mind, and you fancy a drink, arrange a lift home with somebody who hasn’t been drinking, use public transport or book a taxi. Drinking and driving is illegal. If you’ve been hit by a driver who is over the legal limit, it’s wise to seek advice from trial attorneys who have experience in car accident claims. CDC figures show that 29 lives are lost as a result of drink driving every day in the US. Even a small amount of alcohol can slow your reactions and make you take risks you wouldn’t normally even consider.

Driving tired

We all have days when we feel tired and our energy levels are low. A lack of sleep can affect your ability to concentrate and increase your reaction times. If you start to feel tired while driving, pull over in a safe place, get out of the car and stretch your legs, and grab a coffee. If you still feel tired, delay your journey and take a nap. It’s better to arrive late than to find yourself in a situation where you’ve injured yourself or other people. If you have a long journey ahead, schedule stops to eat, drink and get some fresh air.

When you get behind the wheel of a car, you assume responsibility for your own safety, but also that of others. Driver errors contribute to over 90% of car accidents. Careful driving can reduce the risk of crashes and help you steer clear of trouble.

Brain Wave, Entrepreneurship & Business Talks, Money matters

Should You Consider High-Risk Investments?

February 13, 2020 No Comments

One of the most important things about running a business or trading is that you need to be smart with your investments. After all, if you pour in lots of money into a project and get nothing out of it, then you’re going to be in a tough situation that will be difficult to climb out of. Regardless if you’re a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, getting used to the idea of high-risk investments can be a positive for you. However, should you even consider high-risk investments when a low-risk approach can offer steady growth?

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High-risk investments aren’t required

According to bellenews.com, there’s no need to take unnecessary investment risks in the digital age. This is echoed by the sentiments of veteran traders in the stocks and forex markets; they just don’t work very hard anymore. Many seasoned investors spend less time on their trades and take them less seriously because it’s better for their mental state. They’re also less likely to let their emotions get to them if they’re not pouring in lots of effort into their trades each day.

As a result, they tend to focus on low-risk investments that offer a much higher reward. Although it’s rare to see any investment that is low-risk and high-reward, there are opportunities out there that if you know how to identify them. However, when it comes to high-risk investments, it can be emotionally taxing on your mind which is why a lot of people tend to avoid them in the first place. Yes, they can offer huge returns, but it’s often not worth the risk of losing your investment.

High-risk investments can spur change

However, when it comes to businesses, a high-risk investment or strategy can actually lead to change and innovation. The reason why it works in the context of a business is simple; you have more control. High-risk trading can feel a lot like gambling since you’re throwing out a stable strategy in hopes that you make a lot of money from a single trade.

Innovation in businesses typically comes from doing something unique or different. The more you step out of your comfort zone, the more opportunities you can identify. Innovation also helps you fail faster which can sound incredibly counterproductive. However, as most entrepreneurs will tell you, failing faster ultimately means learning faster. When it comes to specific industries and markets, you can’t learn everything by reading a book, but you can learn from personal experiences which will shape the way you operate your business. In short, failing faster can help improve your business in the long run.

When it comes to running a business, investing in high-risk strategies can prove to be effective if you’re willing to put in the time and effort into making it work. While you can’t force a trading strategy to work for high-risk investments, you can make things work when you have a capable team, experience and resources to make it work.

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