Author: Angela Manning

How to Display an Oriental Rug as a Wall Hanging

Angela Manning DIY , , , ,
How to Display an Oriental Rug as a Wall Hanging

Traditional handmade wool and silk rugs are incredibly versatile decorative and practical home furnishings. Not only are they an art form, offering depth of colour, texture, and intricate, exciting designs, but they are also excellent sound and warmth insulation. Generally, they are also far less expensive than a very large-good quality painting.

Almost any size and type of modern rug, whether round or square, can be displayed on a wall, ranging from small rug fragments and tribal bags and animal decorations to decorative prayer rugs of 5ft x3ft (1.5×0.9) and up to floor rugs of 12ft x9ft (3.74×2.69). The methods vary depending on the weight.

A fragment of an antique rug, or a small decorated tribal item of daily use such as a saddle or salt bag, can be displayed by having a stretcher made. A stretcher is a wooden frame with a suitable fabric stretched over it and stapled on the reverse. The decoration is then sewn directly onto the material to give you a beautiful flat and contrasting wall decoration.

The smallest wool rugs can be fixed flat on the wall using broad-headed carpet tacks, available from any DIY outlet or ironmongers. Using one every six inches, they can be placed between the knots and driven in until not quite flush. This will help avoid flattening or damaging the pile and make the heads easier to find if you need to remove them. This is a cheap and easy method and has the advantage of leaving the rug utterly flat against the wall. If you find that your surface is not entirely vertical and the rug hangs slightly away from it, then fix the tack down the sides and along the bottom if necessary. Sometimes, with an out-of-shape older rug, you will not be able to do this without leaving a crease somewhere, so you must accept the outward hang.

Always display a rug with the pile facing down the wall. To ascertain this, run your hand over the pile, and the rug will feel smoother in the correct direction. “think of an animal’s fur. The rug has been started from this end, and therefore the pile lies this way. The light will be reflected from the yarn surfaces rather than be swallowed by the gaps between them, and you will get the better colours and clarity of pattern. If you have a graphic design, it should have been woven, so the design is showing in the correct pile direction.

However, if you have a silk rug, or would prefer to hang it without inflicting any physical signs, you should hang using a sleeve sewn onto the reverse of the rug. Before doing this, decide what size of wooden or metal rod the rug needs to avoid it bowing under the weight. Hooks or rings will support this rod at either end and if a large hanging from the middle too, so your wall must be suitable to have the necessary size inserted.

The sleeve can be of heavy linen or cotton and should be affixed, invisible from the front. Therefore, start it at least an inch in from the sides and an inch from the top. The advantage of this method is that the weight of the rug is entirely evenly spread, which avoids tension problems should you want to use it on the floor at a later stage. It also makes it easier to take down for cleaning, painting, or moving home. The only disadvantage is that the rug will hand inwards from the top and not be flat as using tacks or a stretcher. If in doubt about the process, ask your local rug retailer, or curtain maker, to do it for you.

When Is It Time to Start Outsourcing for My Business?

Angela Manning Business , ,
When Is It Time to Start Outsourcing for My Business?

When your business is in its early stages, you may be able to manage all of its internal processes yourself. However, as your company grows, this approach will become unrealistic.

In order to better serve an expanding group of clients, many companies outsource some of their workloads. What and how much work you outsource will vary depending on several factors, such as your company’s size and industry.

With that being said, there are some surefire indicators that it is time for you to start outsourcing specific business processes.

There Are Not Enough Hours in the Day

As a business owner, occasionally feeling overwhelmed with the sheer size of your to-do list is perfectly normal. However, if you rarely (or never) get through all of your essential tasks in a given day, then it is likely time to outsource.

Even the most motivated entrepreneurs will experience a decline in productivity when they are overworked. Therefore, you must know your limits.

Contrary to popular belief, outsourcing does not necessarily mean that you will delegate a large percentage of your daily workload to third-party entities. You can start with small, affordable changes that free you to start focusing on tasks you are most skilled at. For example, a small doctor’s office may hire a medical scribe so that their physicians can spend more time interacting directly with patients.

You Are Ready to Expand But Don’t Want to Hire More Staff

Hiring new team members is a tricky business. If you bring in too many new hires too soon, these individuals will put a strain on your financial resources. On the other hand, if you wait too long to begin hiring, then demand for services may rapidly outgrow the capabilities of existing staff.

Outsourcing provides you with a great third option. Most third-party providers have scalable service packages. This gives you the ability to access much-needed resources without committing to additional full-time staff. If your needs grow behind the provider’s service, simply upgrade to the next available package they offer or seek out a new outsourcing partner.

Adding New Services Would Require Discontinuing Old Ones

As a business owner, there will come a time when you will need to discontinue old products or services to make room for new offerings. However, it is generally not a good idea to stop popular services or products during an expansion, as this may negatively affect your revenue stream. If your decision to expand forces you to shrink your service or product lineup, it is probably a great time to begin outsourcing.

Take a closer look at auxiliary business operations, such as customer service, account management, and other processes that are not directly related to the services you provide. Identify which tasks can be managed by a third-party provider to avoid dropping clients or reducing the lineup of services you offer.

When done right, outsourcing can reduce the stress that you feel on a daily basis. Outsourcing can also fuel continued growth for your organization. That’s what we call a win-win.

Selling A Home – Tips for Getting Ready to Sell

Angela Manning Finance ,
Selling A Home – Tips for Getting Ready to Sell

Selling a home can be easy when you use these tips to prepare before listing on the market.

So you have decided to sell your home. If you are like most people, selling a home can be an overwhelming experience. Here are some tips that will save you money and time and make the whole process just a little smoother.

Review and understand your mortgage

If your home is currently mortgaged, be sure to check with your lender to understand what, if any penalties or interest payments may be associated with paying off your mortgage at this time. This is a critical first step that can save you a lot of money. The last thing you want to do is get to your closing appointment and find out that you owe money due to a shortfall caused by interest penalties. For more information on mortgages, see Bedes World.

Finding a great agent

Once you understand where you will be financially when your home sale is complet,e, you will want to find an agent. If you don’t know any agents personally, then do some homework. Drive around your area and note the signs that say ‘sold’. Don’t be afraid to contact two or three agencies and interview them. Have a clear understanding of what their commissions will be if they expect to hold an open house and what expectations they have of you. A home sale is a very personal experience, so make sure you choose a realtor you like and trust.

Selling a home – preparing your house

Before a ‘for sale sign goes up in your front yard, you need to prepare your house. This is often referred to as ‘staging’ and can quickly be done at the same time you begin packing and preparing for your move. If you will be downsizing, go ahead and have a garage sale or donate any furniture that won’t be moving with you. The less furniture you have in each room, the less cluttered it will appear, and you will create the perception of larger spaces. At this time, you need to start packing personal belongings and family pictures. When potential buyers enter your home, you want them to visualize their personal belongings there. This can be difficult when they are looking at your family pictures. Kitchens and bathrooms can be a key selling feature in a home, so make sure they are spotless and de-cluttered.

Paint the interior before you list it for sale

If you are going to paint the interior of your home, be sure to select neutral colours, like those used in shabby chic home decor, see this site for inspiration. Again, the goal is for potential buyers to envision their furniture and belongings in the home, and a fresh, neutral coat of paint can accomplish this.

Make yourself and your home move ready

If possible, store moving boxes neatly in your garage or rent a storage unit. Be prepared to keep your home clean and ready for showing to potential buyers.

There is no question that having your home for sale can be a real disruption in your daily routine. The quicker your home sells, the faster your life can return to normal so take these simple steps at the beginning and happy moving!

Moving to Spain for Work

Angela Manning Finance ,
Moving to Spain for Work

There was a time when many young British people, and indeed those of other nationalities, would flock to the Spanish Costas at the beginning of the summer to look for seasonal work in bars and discotheques.

Employing foreigners as summer workers was beneficial for bar owners, as most young workers were prepared to work for low wages, as they were more interested in having a good time than making money. In most cases, business owners illegally employed workers without having official papers, which further saved the bar owners money on paperwork and taxes.

However, these days things are very different, says Juan Suarez from local firm Javea Estate Agents, and few business owners will risk employing somebody without having all the necessary paperwork in place. Fines for having an illegal worker are very high, and work inspectors regularly inspect all types of businesses, looking out for anyone who may be working without the necessary papers. This is also more beneficial for the worker. She will have the right to medical treatment and receive a payment of around €430 per month in the form of “la ayuda” if she completes a contract of at least six months and is unemployed during the low-season winter months.

The collapse of the Spanish property market led to many people losing their jobs, as not only were those in the construction industry affected, but it had a knock-on effect. Builders and labourers would no longer be eating in the local bars and restaurants or using other services, as they found themselves without jobs or income.

Therefore, if you come to Spain hoping to find a job in a shop or other small local business, it is likely that you will end up disappointed. For each vacancy, there are many applicants for unskilled employment, and as an outsider, you are unlikely to be picked over local people who have contacts in the town.

However, having said that, numerous people around the globe are now working virtually from home, and if you are able to offer skills online or start your own online business, Spain is a perfect location. This is due to the great weather, lower living costs than the UK or France, and the more laid-back atmosphere and slower lifestyle lends itself well to working flexible hours.

Alternatively, suppose you have a trade such as a qualified electrician, teacher, or carpenter. In that case, you will probably find your services are in demand in towns where there are large numbers of expats, who usually prefer to deal with somebody who can speak their language.

Another option is to teach English as a second language. Working in a school may require qualifications, but many parents and students like to hire a native to help practice speech and improve English skills, and simply speaking English as a first language is adequate to secure this type of work.

You should be aware that if you offer your services as a teacher or a handyman, you are required to register as a self-employed person, which means paying “autonomous” every month. This is a self-employed tax, and the best person to inform you about what you would legally be required to pay is a gestor. You would most likely need to retain the services of a gestor to help you with this sometimes-complicated paperwork that is involved in running a small business in Spain, working as a self-employed individual.

The Great Smoky Mountains: According to the Locals

Angela Manning Travel , , ,
The Great Smoky Mountains: According to the Locals

Tourists come from all over the world to photograph the old-growth forests and trickling rivers inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, to get their blood racing on adrenaline-pumping rides at Dollywood, and to treat their kids to a wide variety of family-friendly entertainment at Ripley’s. World-famous attractions like these have put the small mountain towns of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg on the map. Yet, the region’s lesser-known activities are just as worthwhile! Locals often recommend these non-touristy things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains to give you an authentic experience of the region.

Stay In A Rustic Cabin

A visit to the Smokies would be seriously lacking without staying in a romantic log cabin. You could wake up each morning to magnificent views of the mountains, breakfast next to a freshwater stream, or hot coffee on a private balcony overlooking an enchanting woodland grove!

No matter what your accommodation requirements may be, HearthSide Cabin Rentals will set you up comfortably. Their luxury cabins range from one to twenty-one bedrooms, including pet-friendly options, across Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. You’ll be within a short drive of the attractions and also get to escape to the privacy of a rustic mini-resort, complete with a private pool or pool access, a theater room, fireplace, arcade and table games, hot tubs and more top-of-the-line amenities. Lodging at HearthSide Cabin Rentals for a week is one way to avoid the crowds and get a quintessential Smoky Mountain experience at the same time!

Sample Locally-Made Adult Beverages

As any native to the Great Smoky Mountains area will tell you, you haven’t truly experienced the local culture until you’ve tried some white lightnin’! Tennessee moonshine originated when Scots and Irish immigrants brought their whiskey distilling tradition to Appalachia and then continued to produce shine secretly during the moonlit hours (hence the name), even when alcohol was prohibited.

Today, you can legally taste those same traditional moonshines at Old Forge Distillery. This authentic distillery sources its grains from The Old Mill, the original gristmill of Pigeon Forge built in 1830, and its water from the fresh mountain streams. Old Forge Distillery uses 18th-century distilling techniques to create modern moonshine flavors like Chocolate, French Toast, and Coffee. Stop by their Pigeon Forge location for a tasting of their moonshine, plus bourbon and rye whiskies, cream liqueur, vodka, gin and rum.

Not a fan of hard liquor? Or perhaps you’re looking for something to set the mood? Gatlinburg Wine Cellar is a must for oenophiles and hopeless romantics alike. This eccentric wine producer specializes in locally-made wines in distinct flavors, like Apple Pie, Birthday Cake, Midnight Blackberry & Blueberry, and Strawberry Fields. Most notably, Gatlinburg Wine Cellar is the creator of the award-winning Cotton Candy Wine. Visit their Gatlinburg location next to the national park entrance for a free tasting.

Treat Yourself to the Local Cuisine

Wherever there is locally-made drink, there is always a robust cuisine to match, too. The South is known for its fried chicken and barbeque, to which Tennessean locals are no strangers! You will be greeted like family when you come to Mama’s Farmhouse for dinner. This all-you-can-eat restaurant keeps the freshly-made side dishes coming as you dig into your chosen platter of delicious Southern home-cookin’. Lunch and dinner entrées of their award-winning fried chicken, meatloaf, honey-glazed ham, and country-fried steak will leave you fuller than a stuffed turkey. Plus, you can’t pass up a sampling of their classic Southern sides, like fried okra, mac ‘n’ cheese, green beans, creamed corn, and chicken and dumplings.

When your inner tiger starts to show a hangry attitude, there’s only one place to go to satisfy a carnivore’s deepest desire. Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que has been serving some of the best ribs and barbeque in the Smokies for about thirty years. No matter your prey of choice — chicken, pork, or beef — Bennett’s smokes it over hickory wood for up to 14 hours until the juicy, tender meat slips off the bone. You can never go wrong with beef brisket, pulled pork, smoked sausage, pulled chicken, or burnt ends for lunch or dinner. Make sure to order some deep-fried pickle chips, potato skins, and deep-fried deviled eggs for an authentic Southern experience.

Explore Appalachian Arts & Crafts

While it’s true that Smoky Mountain folks have a talent for chowing down on barbeque and sipping on moonshine anytime, their unique artistic talents speaks for themselves as well. See for yourself, and spend an afternoon wandering along the 8-mile loop of shops, studios, and art galleries that make up the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. This organization of independent artisans keeps traditional Appalachian craftwork alive and thriving. Explore and shop crafts like handmade baskets, candles, glass products, jewelry, fine art, leather products, pottery and ceramics, quilts, woodworking and much more.

In a similar vein, the Great Smokies Flea Market exhibits a spectacular diversity of artisanal products under a 200,000 square-foot heated and air-conditioned roof. It’s worth the trip out to Kodak, TN, to shop for anything and everything you could possibly want, from antiques and jewelry to apparel and beauty products to electronics and home gardening supplies. Aside from the 70% off clearance sale, the best part is the chance to bring your dog to the 43-acre farm and to munch on some free food samples. You’ll always find something new and unique among the hundreds of rotating vendors at the Great Smokies Flea Market.

Only In East Tennessee

The Great Smoky Mountains are some of the oldest mountains in the world, covering Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina with sweeping landscapes of layered blue peaks. It’s no wonder the region is a popular vacation destination when the natural beauty is as breathtaking as the local attractions are exciting. When planning your getaway to these picturesque mountains, make sure to incorporate some unusual activities just as much as the popular attractions. After all, only the non-touristy pursuits will give you the kinds of experiences you can only find in this unique Appalachian region of Tennessee!

How to evaluate stocks in India?

Angela Manning Finance , , ,
How to evaluate stocks in India?

Regular evaluation of your investments is of high importance to make sure your investment is in alignment with your goals. This is especially true when it comes to stock market investments, which could be volatile at times. Let’s discuss certain factors that you can use to evaluate stocks to invest in you own.

Management of the company 

When you own a part of the company, no matter how small, its management should ideally be aligned with your financial goals and risk appetite. Hence, analysing the management of a company is critical in deciding whether you should continue investing in the company. You can also analyse the experience of the upper management and how they have handled other companies in the past. The vision and approach of the company and its management also play an important role here. You could also research whether there is any negative news regarding the company in recent times and if yes, how the upper management has handled it.

Corporate governance 

Corporate governance is an important tool that can be used to gauge the management quality of a company. It is the set of rules that are used to govern the company. A company could keep churning profits but for many investors, that is not enough. Instead, many rightly demand the company to have a balanced approach towards its shareholders, employees, customers, and investors. You could also take a look at what the company’s policy is regarding ethics, integrity and inclusion of people. Checking whether it has ever been part of any malpractices in the past is also important. Hence, a check on the corporate governance of the company is a must in deciding stocks to buy.

Financial of the company  

At the end of the day, you invest in stock market today to earn profit and for that, checking on the financials of that company is very important. You could take a look at its past performance first. While this might not always be indicative of the future, it could give you an idea about the growth potential the company has. It could also tell you how the company performed during difficult economic times.

Debts a company has also plays an important role here. If it is running in a lot of debts, it could eventually turn bad and could hurt its financials.

You could also take a look at how the company plans to take its finances forward and what its expectations are before deciding on stocks to invest in.

Peer to peer comparison 

One accurate way to know how the company has fared in the recent past is by comparing its performance with that of its peers. If a particular sector is showing growth, a company should be able to make use of that and give maximum shareholder value. If the company has failed to do so in the recent past, it may be a sign that you need to start thinking about divesting.

Deciding on what stocks to buy today requires a lot of research. Evaluating the stocks you plan to buy makes it easier for you. This step is also important in making sure the stocks you have invested in are giving you the shareholder value you deserve from your investment. Make use of the above pointers and make sure you are investing right!

Top 10 Hill Station Wedding Destinations In India

Angela Manning Travel
Top 10 Hill Station Wedding Destinations In India

A person’s wedding day is one of the most memorable days of their lives without a doubt. Certainly not something you want to mess up.

The process of choosing the right wedding venue in India may seem straightforward, but that is not always the case. In recent years, destination weddings have become increasingly popular.

The only catch is that the cost of destination weddings is too high. However, one can always take out personal loans to cover the expense. Most lenders now offer loans at affordable personal loan  interest rates.

All said and done, a picturesque wedding venue is a gorgeous way to capture the one-of-a-kind moment.

The views from a hill station are the dream backdrop for a wedding, regardless of whether you are in the north or south. So, it’s not surprising that hill station weddings remain popular with couples looking for a peaceful setting and spectacular views.

This article offers a list of the top hill wedding destinations in India that will leave you speechless:

1. Mussoorie

The Mussoorie landscape, which sparked the imagination of one of history’s most known authors, Ruskin Bond, is one of nature’s most beautiful spots. Mountain peaks, green valleys, and crystal-clear rivers make this an ideal place for a wedding

2. Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar is located in Maharashtra and is a favorite weekend destination for Mumbaiites. An intimate wedding amid high peaks and deep valleys is an unforgettable experience.

3. Rishikesh

The holy shrines and Ganga River in Rishikesh attract thousands of tourists every year. Rishikesh in Uttarakhand is a beautiful place to greet new beginnings because of its total calm and spiritual resonance.

4. Shimla

It is no surprise that the British preferred to spend the summer in Shimla since it is one of India’s prettiest hill stations. Snow-capped mountains and lush pastures would make it hard not to pick it as a wedding destination.

5. Gulmarg

Awe-inspiring mountains such as the Himalayas have the power to leave one speechless, and for those who are awestruck by them, it is the perfect wedding destination. The location, though breathtaking, can blow a huge hole in your budget. You can, however, avail of a personal loan and pay easy EMIs, which can be calculated by using the personal loan EMI calculator on the lender’s website.

6. Jim Corbett

Corbett is renowned for its national park, where you can experience wildlife in its natural habitat. Another little-known fact about the city is that it is among the country’s most popular destination wedding locations.

7. Coorg

While we have many hill station properties in India, few have distinctive characteristics. Coorg is another paradise on earth and an ideal place to celebrate life’s important moments.

8. Ooty

Ooty, a mountain station known for its adventure and lazy vacations, is a top-rated hill station for vacationing. Additionally, many hotels have a rustic Victorian appeal. Choosing a different theme could cost you more, but personal loans can always help cover it.

9. Kodaikanal

Despite some hill stations in India receiving significant visitors, others, like Kodaikanal, are more peaceful and quiet. Although it may not be one of the first few names one thinks of when considering wedding venues, its beauty nonetheless captivates. Several properties across categories are available for couples who wish to tie the knot in a unique location.

10. Nainital

It is a popular destination for tourists, drawing thousands of them every year. Much reverence is placed on serenity in this town, making it preferable for a destination wedding.

Conclusion

Marriage in the mountains is idyllic because there are a variety of natural wonders to take in, from snow-capped peaks to flowing rivers to forests of pine and oak. Thus, the following 10 hill stations are your best bet if you’re planning a destination wedding. Additionally, if managing funds is a concern, you can apply for a personal loan with easy EMIs.

What Makes a Good Website? Six Guidelines for Effective Websites

Angela Manning Business ,
What Makes a Good Website? Six Guidelines for Effective Websites

The Internet has evolved to become an essential tool for marketing products and services. In today’s marketplace, having a professional looking website is almost a prerequisite for doing business. But the sheer volume of sites on the web makes it harder to stand out from the crowd.

How do you ensure that your site will be an effective vehicle for communicating your message to clients or customers? Start by focusing on these six guidelines:

1. Usable

First and foremost, your site must be usable — clear, logical, and easy to navigate. The site’s structure must be coherent, you must organise pages, and links must be consistent. Your site will not be effective if a visitor gets lost or confused.

2. Accessible

Your website is more effective if more people can use it in more situations. Many people with disabilities and functional limitations have increasingly rely on the Web to access information and buy goods and services. If your site is designed to minimize access barriers, not only will it generate goodwill for your brand, but it likely will generate more customers.

3. Standards-compliant

Why spend money to design your site today, only to have it be obsolete tomorrow? Why design it for one computing platform or one browser when your customers and potential customers use an array of browsers on different platforms and devices? If your website is designed to comply with recognized web standards, you are designing for the widest audience possible today and ensuring that your site will work well into the future.

4. Web-readable

Many websites that are otherwise well-designed lose credibility because they are poorly written or edited, or they are not written in a style suitable for reading on the Web. Studies show that most readers scan pages and understand information more readily if presented clearly and in small units. Your site is not successful if your message is not being read. Ensure effectiveness with a well-written, Web-readable website.

5. Visually compelling

Your website’s visual design plays a large part in attracting Web users to the site and retaining their interest. Graphics and images support the message. They must be appropriate to the brand: a glitzy look will not support a conservative professional image any more than a subdued design will work for a hip brand. If your website looks good and the look supports your brand, your brand looks good.

6. Search engine friendly

Your website has no chance to enhance your brand if no one finds it. Most visits to websites — at least most initial visits — originate from the user’s search for information. Be sure that your site is found by optimizing your copy and design for Google and other search engines.

Ask yourself whether your website follows these six guidelines and brings you the results you want. If not, focus on one or more of the guidelines to improve your site. Sometimes small changes will go a long way. Alternatively, consider contacting a Web design professional to give your site a makeover.

Amazing Wood Projects You Can Create For Your Pet

Angela Manning DIY , ,
Amazing Wood Projects You Can Create For Your Pet

Nothing says “I love you more” than a handmade present. And no family member could be less fussy about a handmade present’s size, shape, color (and accepting of mistakes!) than a dog. This is why getting creative with woodworking projects for dogs is a fun, easy, and immensely therapeutic activity you can partake in over a long weekend or the holidays. 

If you want to create something for your pet, maybe for their birthday or as a surprise gesture, we have a list of some wood project ideas that are easy to execute. 

Collapsible Dog Ramp

Whether you have a miniature or toy breed at home or a senior dog, there will be concerns about their inability to access high areas like beds, couches, cars, even stairs. Eliminate the risk of injury by crafting a gorgeous dog ramp. 

A collapsible dog ramp can be one of the most functional DIY things to make for your dog. It works as a pathway for your dog to climb on to reach high or difficult to access areas without falling or injuring themselves. 

Ramps are also terrifically handy if your pet is a giant breed with limited mobility.

You can start using the ramp right from the puppy stage of your dog so that they are well adept with the ramp when they are into their old age. 

Pet Bowl Stand

Most people feel that pet bowl stands are overrated. After all, dogs have been eating from bowls placed on floors for centuries. However, the truth is that pet bowl stands are essential as they can positively affect your pet’s quality of life. 

When the food or water bowls are placed on an elevated surface such as a stand, eating and drinking put less strain on your pet’s back and neck. If you have a senior dog, they’re less likely to suffer from gastro disorders if you elevate their food and water bowls. The best part? The bowl stays in one position without risk of being knocked over, and nearby places remain clean, meaning fewer clean-up chores for you. 

Since you’re reconsidering how to feed your pet, don’t forget to set a feeding schedule for your dog.

Classic Doghouse

If you want to treat your dog, create a space that they can call their own! That’s right. We’re recommending a personal doghouse. You can get your creativity flowing and personalize the doghouse according to your preference—house size, shape, color, with or without windows, and so much more! 

Before you get started, though, ensure that the size of the doghouse is appropriate for your pet. They should be able to comfortably nest inside the doghouse and have enough space to turn and toss around without injuring themselves.

Pro tip: Build a house with a slight elevation. This will provide temperature comfort—during winters, the house remains warm, and in summers, there is enough ventilation to keep it cool.

ALSO READ: Easy DIY lawn mower maintenance

Chain Link Outdoor Dog Kennels

If you don’t want to fence in your yard or front porch but are worried about your pet’s safety, then the ideal solution is a chain-link outdoor kennel. 

As the name suggests, the chain-link fencing is attached to the wooden kennel, adding security to your dog’s home. This kind of kennel is also much larger than a typical doghouse, giving your pet a comfortable play area as well. 

A chain link outdoor kennel protects dogs from accidents and savory characters. 

A lockable door can be attached to the kennel for added security. One significant benefit of an outdoor kennel is that if you have an urgent meeting to attend to and have to leave your dog alone for a couple of hours, a kennel can make your job easier.

Pet Food Dispenser

A pet food dispenser is a wonderful woodworking project for you and your dog. The benefits include having a dedicated storage space for dog food and no messes. It will also be a rustic and creative focal point of any room and a conversation starter. The best part? It reduces the hassle of pouring food out of a heavy bag.

A food dispenser can be made with a combination of lumber pieces, a few woodworking tools, patience, and commitment. You need to create the body, the handle, the top, and the bottoms and include suitable mechanisms, all using high-quality wood. 

If you’re really good with crafts, you could experiment with the food dispenser by automating it.

Build A Giant Bed For Your Puppies To Share

If you have multiple pets who like to snuggle and cuddle or are a breeder, you’ll love this project idea! A giant wooden bed is an ideal option when several pets or repeat litters are involved. Wondering why? Firstly, using wood increases the shelf-life of the bed. They are also elegant, easy to maintain, and add a factor of elegance to your space. Not to mention they’re incredibly easy to make! 

And you can be as creative (or not!) as you like with a giant dog bed. Need plain black or grey cushions that can survive multiple frequent washes? Check. Want a plush pillow with lace and delicate bedding for miniature or toy breeds like dachshunds or poodles? Check! See what we mean? You just can’t go wrong with beds.

Make A Gate 

Whether you have just welcomed a puppy into your home or have a mischievous adult dog, you’ll need a barrier of sorts to keep them away from non-pet designated areas. 

Generally, a wooden gate is used to confine a pet to a particular part of the house. And like with childproofing, you can use the wooden gate to dog-proof your home. They’re also incredibly useful if you frequently leave your dog home alone.

If you have a staircase inside your house, you can make it pet-friendly by installing a gate near the staircase’s opening. This will prevent puppies and senior dogs from falling and getting injured. 

Ensure to create a sturdy gate that remains secure even if your pet tries to push its way through.

Play Area For Cats 

Everyone knows that cats love little hideouts and corners. They also love to climb. So if you’re looking for inspiration for a cat play area, consider floating shelves and drawers as potential woodworking projects. 

Drawers: you can fix them directly to the wall (you don’t need a complete cabinet!) and use them to store cat toys, food, and grooming equipment. They can also double as climbing areas for your cats. 

Shelves: You can add fun features to shelves like scratch posts and hanging toys. Even turn a few into beds (depending on how many cats you have!) Don’t forget to experiment with shapes, colors, designs. Your cats will love them!

Build A Crate For Your Pet

Need to crate train your dog but hate metal crates? We couldn’t agree more! That’s why we’re recommending wooden crates. What’s the difference, you ask? For starters, wooden crates are elegant. They also don’t resemble animal shelter enclosures. And you can take any old cupboard, shoe stand, or rectangular furniture piece and refurbish it into a dog crate. 

For added comfort, you can add a blanket inside the crate. You can also help your dog feel at home and at ease by tossing in a few of their favorite toys. If your house has multiple pets and you need a separate area for feeding, you can attach a pet food and water bowl stand inside the crate as well.

ALSO READ: 5 Ways to Furnish Your Outdoor Event

Playground Equipment

Do you have an over-energetic pet? Perhaps you love the idea of training and getting hands-on with your dog. If so, then consider making playground equipment for your pet. A climbing ramp with or without a slide, tunnels, and a see-saw are some of the simplest equipment you can make. If you’ve got plenty of crafting experience, consider more complicated designs like a playhouse that combines them all.

Use lightweight, but good quality wood, so that the equipment is sturdy, and yet, it can be moved should the need arise.

Final Thoughts 

Woodworking projects are a great way to explore a new hobby interest or hone your existing woodworking skills. You get to work with your hands, play around with designs, seamlessly blend your dog furniture with your home decor, and of course, you can drive sustainability by reusing or refurbishing furniture. 

We hope our DIY projects for dog lovers inspired you to get creative! Don’t forget to drop by and share photos of your DIY projects.

How to Become a Freelance Writer: Tips, Jobs, and Opportunities

Angela Manning Education , ,
How to Become a Freelance Writer: Tips, Jobs, and Opportunities

If you are considering full-time or part-time freelance writing work, do not let lack of experience discourage you, says top Freelancer Adam Greene a writer who works for Best Freelance SEO. While an education background in writing or other formal writing training can undoubtedly be assets to your career, many people become successful freelance writers without prior experience. This article is designed to do the following:

  • Help you determine if this would be a good career option for you
  • Provide you with the initial knowledge that you need to start freelance writing
  • Give you tips for sticking with a full-time or part-time freelance writing career

Are You Cut Out For a Freelance Writing Career?

Before you seriously consider launching into freelance writing, consider the following questions.

Do you have a strong writing background? You don’t need to earn a writing degree to have a strong background in writing. I don’t have one, but my undergraduate and graduate degree programs still played a huge part in helping me develop my writing skills.

Do you have a passion for writing? Not everyone may consider this a requirement for freelance work, but I would have a tough time sitting down to work on something I didn’t enjoy for multiple hours per day. Even though I don’t love every article that I write, the thought of getting up and writing every day is still very appealing to me.

Do you have strong keyboarding skills? All of the keyboarding skills in the world cannot make up for weak writing, but they can significantly improve your overall efficiency. If you use the “hunt and peck” technique or don’t type very quickly, I’d strongly consider checking out one of a free typing programmes such as sense-lang.org or typingweb.com.

Are you self-disciplined? One of the best and worst things about freelance work is that you are your own boss. There is no one to make sure that you’re sitting at your computer, producing quality work every day. You have to be truthful with yourself about whether this structure is a good fit for you.

Tips For All Freelance Writing Articles

The following tips apply to both client jobs and long-term earning articles.

Research freelance writing websites and magazines before signing up, sending applications, or writing query letters. This is often an overwhelming task, as there are a lot of opportunities out there. However, it will save you time to skip over the sites and magazines that won’t be good leads for you.

Prepare strong writing samples. Many freelance writing sites require one or more writing samples as part of the application process. Take your time and submit quality writing.

Before accepting client jobs or starting new long-term earning articles, consider whether you have the expertise and means to research the topic at hand. Typically you can cancel client jobs and delete long-term articles, but it’s better to be prepared for the task ahead before you get started.

Always double-check spelling and grammar before submitting articles. Even if you can edit long-term articles later, it’s important to publish with the best version of the article that you can.

Long-Term Earning Article Considerations

Write articles longer than 500 words but shorter than 1,500 words. Search engines pay the most attention to articles of this length. This length requirement will allow you to provide quality content without overwhelming your readers.

Don’t be afraid to make revisions. I know very few people that have not taken the time to edit old hubs. There is nothing wrong with going back and making changes. However, it’s important to know when to leave an article alone, too. You don’t want to spend so much time revising that you aren’t creating new content.

Promotion

Building backlinks is a huge component of creating traffic for your long-term articles. It can be time-consuming to learn new sites, but once you get into a routine, the promotion will only take a few minutes each day. Figure out what the best promotional sites are for your content and concentrate your efforts there.

Do your research to continue to improve your work. Take time regularly to research new techniques and article tips.

Pay attention to topics that do well and capitalize on your success. When I started writing as a freelancer, I only intended to write the occasional craft article, but my first ones did so well that I stuck with it.

Be realistic about the time it takes to start earning. I’m sure that it’s not a surprise to many of you that it takes time to build earnings with long-term articles. While these earnings can turn into a significant portion of your monthly freelance income, this takes time.

Client Job Considerations

Always double-check directions. One of the most common reasons you’ll have to revise a client article is that something about your article doesn’t fit your directions. I try to read the directions one final time before submitting an article to make sure I didn’t miss anything.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions or request clarification for directions. If you want to write an article but aren’t sure about the directions, don’t be scared to contact the client. Most sites have a relatively easy method for contacting clients, and most clients are happy to communicate with writers.

Don’t get discouraged by revisions. Editing and revising is a natural part of the writing process. Many client revision requests are minor changes that can be completed in 5 minutes or less.

Don’t get discouraged by rejections. Most clients will allow you to revise an article and will not give a flat-out rejection, but it does sometimes happen, even to the best of us. Try not to take it personally and move on to the next job.

Be realistic about your earning potential and goals. Be honest with yourself about how much time you will be spending writing every day and how much money you want to earn. There is potential to make a competitive income with freelance writing, but it takes patience, time, and effort.

How Do You Stick With It?

Now that you’re equipped with the tools that you need to start freelance writing, how are you going to stick with it on a long-term basis? Here are a few tips that will help you.

Set a schedule and stick with it. One of the best parts about freelancing is that you can set your hours. Figure out what works the best for you and your family and establish a daily routine.

Don’t be afraid to mix up your routine to keep from burning out or writer’s block.

If you are tired from your usual selection of client articles or are having trouble finding inspiration for long-term articles, take a break once in a while. Spend some time writing about new topics or researching writing opportunities (i.e., sites, magazines). Consider taking a mental health day once in a while, too. A long walk in the morning or a trip to the art museum in the afternoon can refresh and inspire you.

Don’t get discouraged by slow months. Some weeks, it is easy to find all of the client work you need and get lots of views on long-term articles without much effort. Other weeks it’s much more complicated. Having a variety of sites can help you find more work, but it still isn’t always easy. Capitalize on the busy periods, so you don’t feel the decrease in slower months as much.

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket

You never know when one of your most profitable sources will dry up overnight. Having a small network of strong resources will prevent this possibility from having a huge impact on your earnings.

If you write long-term earning articles, brainstorm regularly. People often ask me how I come up with my ideas for articles. This answer will vary for different people, but one of my most successful methods is brainstorming. Often I think of my best ideas away from the computer or when I’m not ready to write an article. Recording them as they come to me ensures that I have ideas ready when I sit down to write.