Brain Wave – Page 55 – Sasha Says…

7 Ways to use leather in your home

April 18, 2018 No Comments

Leather is one of those materials that never goes out of style, no matter what year it is or what time of year it is. It’s such a versatile material that you can use it in so many different ways when it comes to interior design. So, how can you use the material that never goes out of style around your home?

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Woven stools

A stool (or a few) comes in handy in every home. Whether you’re sat at the breakfast bar, in front of a vanity table or you use it as an extra seat when visitors come around, a stool is always a practical addition to any home. A woven leather stool looks attractive, is highly durable and you can even have a go at creating one yourself. Best of all, they aren’t expensive to purchase when you want a few of them for different rooms in the home.

Leather tags

What can you do with leather tags I hear you ask? Well, it turns out they’re useful for a lot of things. Why not add a bit of personality to your drawers by replacing the drawer handles with leather tags? Again, it’s something you can do yourself in your spare time and it’s a real form of expression for your personal space. If you like to have things that are unique, this is a great way of turning ordinary drawers into something special.

Leather upholstered bench

It’s such a shame when beautiful furniture is left to waste just because it’s second hand. If you’re looking for a bench, perhaps for the end of your bed or as a seating area in your kitchen, consider buying second hand and having leather upholstery cover the seat. It costs much less than buying a new leather covered bench and you get to make bespoke style choices. For example, leather doesn’t just come in brown and black colours. Why not go for something a bit more vibrant, like red?

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Classic leather sofa

If you love your leather, there’s no better way of expressing your affection than choosing a classic and stylish leather sofa. The traditional leather Chesterfield sofa is an ideal example. A stunning leather sofa is often the centre piece of any room and the envy of all visitors. Even as the years pass by and the sofa gains some wear and tear, it will still look as majestic as it did the first day you saw it. A classic leather sofa is more of an investment than a purchase because they age so well and last so long.

Magazine racks

We’re all guilty of having magazines, books or letters lying around and causing clutter. A leather magazine rack is a great way of clearing the clutter and adding something funky to the home at the same time. It beats buying the traditional and boring magazine racks you find in stores everywhere and it will compliment the other leather accessories you choose to place around the home.

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Leather bound books

There’s nothing quite as impressive as a library filled with leather bound books. If you’re a book lover, this is certainly one way to use leather that you shouldn’t miss out on. Books that are published with leather covers can be extortionately expensive, but you don’t have to buy pre-bound books to achieve the look you desire. There are many places that will bind your existing books with leather covers for a reasonable cost. If you’re feeling creative, you could even have a go at doing it yourself. Just practice on the books you aren’t so fond of before attempting your favourites!

Smaller leather accessories

There are lots of subtle ways you can give the nod to leather throughout your home. How about using leather coasters at your dining table or making your own covers for plant pots? Leather cushions are a fantastic way to add texture, colour and elegance to your sofa or even create a seating area on the floor for good measure. If you’re fed up of some of the existing accessories you own and want to give them a face lift, leather is a great option. For example, covering the edge of a wall mirror in leather gives it a completely different look without you having to go out and buy something new. You could even add leather key holders or leather storage bins to your room.

So, when it comes to using leather in your home, be as creative and innovative as you want to be!

Brain Wave, Money matters

Not Every Get Rich Quick Plan Is A Scam

April 18, 2018 No Comments

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Typically, we’re taught that if we find a way to get rich quick, it’s probably going to be a scam. Of course, this isn’t always true. Take the lottery for instance. By playing the lottery, you could, potentially, get rich overnight. Ignoring the fact that you have more chance of getting struck by lightning three times than winning the lottery, it’s still one possibility of how you can make money overnight. Of course, any promise that you find online from an individual who claims they can make you rich should be approached with a healthy amount of scepticism. But that doesn’t mean that the opportunities aren’t out there on the market. So, let’s look at some of the get rich quick possibilities that you should buy into.

Go For A Hunt In The Attic

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Ah, now, this is certainly going to pay off most of the time. When you think about it, you collect a massive amount of junk every year. Think about Christmas presents, birthday presents, holiday souvenirs, things you inherit, and the list goes on. Where does it all end up? Well, assuming you don’t throw it out, it goes in the attic or the basement. You’ll probably be mocked for holding onto all these things, but as it turns out, it will be you who gets the last laugh.

You see buried in those unwanted gifts, and frivolous purchases will be golden nuggets with massive amounts of value. Perhaps there’s a beautiful crystal boat in a bottle that was made just long enough ago to be worth a fortune. Or, maybe it’s an old board game that was never used and has now become a collectable. Yes, these items can be your ticket to a hidden fortune, and all you need to do is go hunting.

Once you find the items, you’ll probably be wondering how to sell on. Most people opt for the standard yard sale and this, of course, is a mistake. You see, you won’t find the collectors by this type of sale. Instead, you need to reach the widest audience possible. The answer? eBay.

With eBay, you can gain a massive amount of attention, start an auction and get selling. Of course, before you can do this, you have to set yourself up as a trusted resource. You can do that, quite simply by buying a few small, cheap items first. This will raise the rating of your little online shop. After that, you should have no trouble at all attracting buyers.

Of course, this can just be the beginning. Once you get the hang of selling online, you can start making a lot more money by investing and reselling. It’s a great option for a second income, and you’ll make money faster than you’d think with this venture.

Get A Little Cryptic

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If you’re looking for one of the fastest ways people get rich, look no further than the cryptocurrency market. There are literally countless cryptocurrencies on the market today, and they are certainly not all winners so, like anything, you need to be careful. That said, it doesn’t take a lot of research to find out just how much people have made with this simple investment. For instance, the rapper 50 Cent invested years ago and found out that he had made millions through it without even trying. You might think it’s too late to get involved in this possibility, but it isn’t.

New cryptocurrencies grow every day in value, and if you want the latest inside scoop on this market, you can see it here. You’ll be able to learn exactly how to boost your investment and the right ways to buy into this exciting new opportunity. For the biggest cryptocurrency Bitcoin, you’ll need a few thousand to spend at least. Or, you’ll have to invest with credit. However, there are plenty of others that are a lot more affordable and easy to handle that could allow you to make a fortune. You just need to choose the right one.

We suggest you research the market carefully, looking at the different options before committing to one possibility.

One of the things that you’ll hear recently on the market is that cryptocurrency has finished growing. In fact, many feel it has now hit a bubble. But before you accept this, speak to some of the hardcore investors who have been part of the movement since the beginning. They will tell you that there is a tremendous opportunity for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies to grow further. Get involved now you could become a millionaire overnight.

Playing With Stocks

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If you’re hoping to get rich fast, you should definitely check out the stock market. In particular, pay attention to penny stocks. Speak to a broker and find out the most valuable penny stocks on the market today. These stocks are brilliant because they are totally affordable and could grow tremendously overnight. With penny stocks, you could be investing in the next Microsoft. The little startups we’re talking about always have the potential to grow into something tremendous.

You do need to be aware though that most startups fail. Indeed, over ninety percent of startups will burn out in their first year. That’s why you should speak to a broker. While they can’t point you towards a sure thing, they can help you find one that has the most potential to become highly profitable in the next few years.

As you can see then, there are plenty of options that could allow you to get rich quick on the market. Everything from stocks to cryptocurrency and selling items online could make you a fortune in a relatively short amount of time. The key then is to stop looking at those sites promising to make you a millionaire. Instead, go out take steps to find your own fortune. We’re just scraping the surface of the opportunities that exist on the market. You can even look into property investment. Buy the right property, flip it and you can double your investment in a matter of months.

Brain Wave, Family and Home living

How to Use Neutral Colors Without Being Boring

April 16, 2018 No Comments

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Neutrals are often touted as the best way to bring light and airiness into your house, but they can also be very dull to look at. Like a hotel suite or a rented apartment, neutral colors often wash away personality and interest in favor of cleanliness. But there is a better way.

The first thing you should do is get rid of anything beige. Beige is never a good color and it tends to wash out everything around it. If you want neutral colors you still need to be bold with your choices. Beige is a non-choice. So is magnolia.

Which Neutral Colors Should You Choose?

In recent years Scandi minimalism has really taken off as people focus more on the essentials. With these schemes, a bright white paint is always going to work. White reflects a lot of light and gives you a lovely bright room. Unlike shades of cream and beige, white lifts furniture and makes the room look bigger; beige tends to hug furniture which is cozy but not very attractive.

But white isn’t the only neutral color. Grey might be gradually going out of fashion now but a very pale grey or even something bolder is still a good way to achieve a neutral background. Get the right shade and grey can actually feel very warm but it will still allow your furniture to stand out. Plus, if you want to add a pop of color, grey will make it really stand out. And if you want to go a step further, black bathrooms are now a thing and the color could quickly spread to other rooms this year or next.

How Can Furniture Complement the Room?

If you are going for a very neutral palette, you should not restrict yourself to very dull and average furniture. The problem with minimalism and restricted palettes is that it naturally draws you to the details there are. This is great when you have truly crafted a piece, but not so perfect when your furniture is badly designed.

When you look at a designer furniture selection, you should be looking out for perfect detailing that draws the eye. You might also like to think about the materials you pick out. Just because you want to stick to limited colors doesn’t mean you can only go for one material, so mix up leathers, metals, fabrics and soft furnishings to bring texture to the room.

Can I Add a Pop of Color?

Yes! Neutral schemes are more often than not crying out for a pop of color somewhere in the room. It could be a bunch of flowers on your dining table or a quirky light in the living room. Colored glass vases are a great idea because they will cast beautiful rainbows onto your white walls throughout the day.

Having a completely neutral room is a very bold move because you need to find a focal point to draw the eye. You might think that adding a little color is cheating but actually, this is the best way to draw attention to the otherwise neutral scheme.

Brain Wave, Work at Home

Tips For Working From Home Effectively

April 14, 2018 No Comments

A few years ago, no one would have thought that working from home would become so popular. Nowadays, it is not an unusual thing to be your own boss. A lot of people do it because it has a lot of advantages. First and foremost are the flexible schedule and the ability to take care of other errands at the same time. Moreover, working from home is just a cliché because it is not necessary to be at home to complete a certain job. You can work from anywhere, at any time, as long as you have a smart gadget with you and an internet connection.

Even though working from home has so many advantages, one can easily fall into the trap of loneliness without even realizing. When you work from home, you need to find the motivation to work no matter what. Below there are a few more tips from those who want to boost their productivity when working from home.

Get Dressed

Even though working from home offers you the ability to have a flexible schedule you still need to “work on a schedule.” Wake up early in the morning and make the most of your day. You could go for a short run around your neighborhood or get a coffee with a friend. You also need to get dressed for the day, as this can make you feel more determined to work. A professional outfit does not only make you more productive, but it can also boost your confidence about what you are doing.

Find Your Productive Corner

Working from home is incredible, but is it also good to remember that there are a lot of distractions there. In order to avoid that you need to find a corner that you can call your office and pretend that you’re actually going to work. Otherwise, you might find yourself spending most of the day on the sofa or in bed. Make sure to eliminate any sign of clutter in that space and let the other members of the family know that you need some peace in quiet in order to be able to concentrate on your tasks.

Take Regular Breaks

Taking breaks from work is critical as they can boost your productivity and increase your energy levels. Make a habit of taking a break every hour or so. Find a good balance between doing work and taking breaks. Leave your office on your breaks; maybe even organize a nice getaway with other people. Find ways of entertainment that will take your mind off work-related things. You could invite your friends to join you at Escape Room Des Moines and pretend that you are detectives for an hour.

Invest in Ergonomics

The office furniture, or at least your desk and your chair are just as important when working from home. Sitting at your desk for hours is a more enjoyable experience on a comfortable chair. That is one of the main reasons why you need to invest in good quality ergonomic furniture. You cannot put your health and productivity at risk. You can either purchase an ergonomic chair or a standing desk. This reduces back problems and makes you even more productive.

Working from home is probably not for everyone. There are a lot of advantages and disadvantages when working from home and these hacks should be convenient to those who want to boost their work efficiency.

Brain Wave, Entrepreneurship & Business Talks, Internet-Web Devt

Just How Safe And Secure Is Your Business?

April 13, 2018 No Comments

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When you are first learning how to manage your business, not only do you have to consider your own managerial style, as well as nurturing relationships between clients, customers, and your employees, you need to take into consideration the bigger picture. Because we place such a reliance on technology now, it’s vital we make sure it is up to speed, because this is such a big part of the big picture. One computer goes down, it can have a detrimental impact on the productivity of your business. But, this is one aspect of a much larger topic, the topic of security. How safe and secure is your business? Do you know the answer to this? If you don’t, let’s ask a few important questions to ensure you have the solutions.

How sensitive is your data?

Understanding how sensitive your data is will give you a much better idea of what you need to do to secure it. In order to do this, you should undertake an audit of all your information, including how it is used, but also where it is stored. If you rely on working with other clients to send sensitive data, such as customer information, you need to ensure you have secure and compliant data transfers in place. If you spend a lot of time transferring this information, and you don’t have the necessary means to secure it, you could find yourself subject to data theft. Of course, it’s a very hot topic right now, and if you aren’t seen to be securing your information appropriately, you will face hefty financial penalties.

Does your staff have the necessary knowledge?

Providing adequate security isn’t all about the systems you have in place, it’s also about making sure that your staff know what to do if they are sent a phishing scam, or what the hallmarks of malware can be. Communication is the cornerstone of a successful business, and when it comes to your security methods, making sure that your staff are up to date in every aspect is vital. If you have employees who are clued up, this gives additional peace of mind.

Do you have a security policy in place?

It’s not just about your employees’ knowledge, but also about a comprehensive security policy, and procedure should a virus infect your systems. An IT security policy is more than a document, it is a blueprint for you to structure a dynamic and resourceful response to a technical emergency. If you don’t have one in place, it is time to create one.

How often do you update?

If you find the system updates get in the way of your productivity, this is a very poor attitude to have. Instead, you need to have patching policies in place, but find the best time to go ahead with these updates. These updates are vital, and you shouldn’t go without them, especially if you are a small business. You can integrate automated systems to do this, but this can be quite costly for small companies, instead, you can install scanners to run system checks, and then schedule these updates during off-peak hours. Regular updates are one of the best ways to keep your systems running at optimum capacity.

Ask yourself these four questions and if you don’t know the answer to them, this gives you a good idea of how much work you have ahead of you to ensure your business is safe and secure.

Brain Wave, Health and medicine

Treating The Issues You Thought Were Untreatable

April 11, 2018 No Comments

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Genes – what a load of garbage, right? By the way, we are not talking about the denim type here. Okay, so a person’s genetics can be pretty cool when you think about IQ and things of that nature. But, there are plenty of issues, mainly health-related, which come from our parents. Sorry, but mom and dad have not been completely truthful with you! Yep, that receding hairline is the fault of your parents and their parents, and theirs after that. The usual response is to say “well, we can’t change our genes” but it isn’t entirely true. Here are four ways to beat the system.

Hair Loss

As soon as follicles begin to show weakness, it’s a downhill struggle right to the very bottom. Men tend to fight the good fight more than women, yet some ladies have to deal with baldness too. It’s not nice, especially if you don’t have the strength to look yourself in the mirror on a daily basis. Changing genes isn’t an option in this case, which is why a comb-over is ubiquitous the world over. However, hair plugs have advanced to the point where the replacements take and don’t look stupid. Donald Trump is an exception, yet plenty of Hollywood celebs have gone down the same route.

Heart Disease

In the western world, heart disease is one of the top two killers, the other one being a stroke. Sadly, a weak love organ runs in the family as it is genetic. Now, there are two ways to fight back and both are equally as useful. The first is to change the body’s cells with non-viral vectoring. Okay, so the last sentence makes zero sense, so make sure you learn more about PiggyBac Transposon system. Alternatively, you can try and resist the foods and drinks which are notorious for contributing to high cholesterol. Veganism is skyrocketing for a reason.

Cancer

For the most part, cancer isn’t genetic and doesn’t depend on family history. However, and ladies should take note, there are hereditary forms of breast cancer. The gene involved can pass on from female to female, and males, too, and increase the chances of contracting the disease. No doctor will treat an illness that isn’t showing, which is why eating superfoods such as spinach and kale help. Or, there is the Angelina Jolie example, the actress famously having a preemptive mastectomy to contain the problem.

Diabetes

There is a lot of debate surrounding the topic of diabetes, but it’s worth mentioning because of its rise. Approximately ten percent of the population of the USA has to deal with the disease on a daily basis. The key is to spot the signs as soon as they begin to form, such as going to the bathroom and fatigue. Then, it is about being proactive. Visiting the doctor and getting a medical diagnosis is essential, as is listening to and following their advice. Cutting out alcohol, for example, is a necessary evil.

How do you feel now? Are you happier that there are ways to deal with your genes?

Brain Wave, Travel and Attractions

3 Simple Ways To Stay Safe On Your Travels

April 9, 2018 No Comments

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Whether you enjoy taking an annual vacation or you are more of a wanderlust seeker and a perpetual traveller, you no doubt want to have fun in whatever far-flung destination you have your sights set on. However, alongside the fun and frolics, you also need to be safe. You might be a lone backpacker, a couple venturing off the beaten track or a family heading to a well-established tourist resort. It doesn’t really matter – you still need to have your wits about you. Plenty of hazards and risks are in your way when travelling, from illness to crime and from specific cultural customs to natural disasters. Take a look at these three simple ways you can keep yourself safe when embarking on your next travel adventure.

Do Your Research

If you’re planning on taking a jaunt on a jeep excursion to see the wildebeest migrating across the plains of the Masai Mara or if you’re tempted to take a helicopter flight over the majestic Grand Canyon, you need to do your research beforehand. Plenty of unregulated companies will offer such excursions. You need to head to the Internet and source the company with the best reviews and the finest safety records. Lawyers such as Slack & Davis have over twenty years experience in aviation law so could provide you with the necessary advice should you require an attorney’s services.

Use A Money Belt

It sounds obvious, but it’s vital that when you’re out and about travelling you hide your possessions from wandering hands. Even in the most crime-free regions of destinations, there is still a threat of theft and pickpocketing. By keeping your money and passports well hidden in a money belt that you can wear under your clothes, you are ensuring that, even if your bag does get stolen, you have the necessary means by which to survive. You should also utilise any in-room safe that your accommodation might have and only ever take out what you need with you.

Don’t Be Too Spontaneous

While it’s lovely to do fun and adventurous activities while on vacation, such as a bungee jump for adrenaline junkies, a hike in a national park for those less inclined to give themselves a panic attack or a simple day at the beach, it’s a good idea to plan your days out. Never take a jaunt with a person you have only just met in your resort, even if the outing sounds awesome. You could be venturing into the unknown with a stranger and putting yourself in danger. Instead, spend some time getting to know the individual, use your judgement and head out after a few days in a group. This way you can refrain from putting yourself in an unsafe situation.

Hot-footing it to a far-flung destination to immerse yourself in a new culture, whether this is for a fortnight or for a few months, is exhilarating and life-affirming. However, it’s vital that you still keep yourself safe to ensure maximum travel confidence and enjoyment.

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