Lifestyle

There’s no question that New York City is the city of dreams, excitement, and entertainment. While it provides so much, it can also be very isolating and intimidating, especially for people who are new arrivals. Urban loneliness is a real thing, and it can feel overwhelming if you don’t know how to combat it. The good news is that there are ways to get passed this and live your best life in the city. No matter what neighborhood you’re in, these tips and tricks will have you saying goodbye to loneliness. 

Get a hobby

People often bond over shared interests, and in the big city you’ll find plenty of opportunities to do so. If you already have a hobby, it won’t be too difficult to figure out what you’re looking for. Check out sites like Meetup, your local newspaper, or social media for weekly get-togethers revolving around your hobby. 

If you don’t have a hobby, there’s no time to get one like the present. You can peruse the same media channels for groups that catch your interest. Some great hobbies with lots of meet-up opportunities are photography, cooking, book clubs, and knitting.

Make social media your friend

You’re probably already pretty active on one social media channel or another, so, use it to your advantage. Almost every community has their own Facebook groups where people can chat about everything from favorite diners to best daycare centers. These groups are full of people just like you who want to reach out and make connections. Try to find the ones specific to your neighborhood or frequented areas. Get active and look for group outings or suggestions on where to hang out. 

Talk to a therapist

It’s never a bad idea to seek out counseling or therapy if your feelings of loneliness are overwhelming you. You can check online reviews for the best nyc therapists or ask people you know for recommendations. This can be a great way to work through any personal issues you might have and learn some coping skills in the process. Your therapist can also recommend support groups, which can help with those feelings of isolation.

Learn to cook

Here’s where those cooking classes come in handy. Eating out in NYC can be very expensive. Learning to cook can help you financially while also give you a relaxing way to enjoy your evenings at home. Take cooking classes, meet people, and invite them over for dinner where you’ll impress them with your skills in the kitchen.

Stay active

Most experts agree that physical activity is one of the biggest keys to maintaining good mental health. During exercise, our brains release endorphins and serotonin, the chemicals responsible for making us feel good. It also helps with memory retention, learning, and disease prevention, while, yes, being another great way to meet people. 

Embrace the commute

Let’s face it, even though you may feel lonely living among so many strangers, time to yourself can be a precious commodity. No matter what part of the city you live in, chances are you’re commuting somewhere on a regular basis. Instead of dreading the long periods of travel time, embrace it. Listen to podcasts, chat with your new social media groups, or read that long-anticipated novel. So many people fail to fill this “dead space” and end up bored and miserable, but if you change your mindset, you might truly learn to love it.

Eddie Hamid started his career in the financial sector straight out of college. Years in finance exposed him to the unique struggles of small companies looking for financing, especially those that are usually overlooked by bigger, conventional lenders. This is one of the reasons why he founded iAdvance Now, a financing company that focuses on helping small firms and startups get the funding they need. Based in New York, iAdvance Now is more than just a corporate lender. The company offers a complete package that supports small business, from lines of credit to cash and credit advances, invoice factoring, among other services.

Aside from being a busy entrepreneur, Eddie Hamid is also a leader who knows the value of health in and out of the workplace. Here he sits down with us to share a few insights on iAdvance Now and how he makes health a priority despite his busy lifestyle.

Do you actively encourage a healthy lifestyle among your employees?

I do. Health is the foundation on which everything else in your life rest, from your work to your social life and relationships. I encourage healthy living, moderation when it comes to work, and I make sure that we have programs that help employees cope with the stresses of the job.

What do you do to decompress and unwind?

I read. I’m an avid reader and I find that reading allows me to slow down and just be in the moment. Taking time to read is also a great way to clear my head and de-stress so I can tackle problems with fresh eyes an hour or two later.

What’s your take on taking work home?

I personally don’t encourage it. I leave work at the office as much as I can because I want my home life to be about my family. Sometimes, it is best to compartmentalize things like work and home life because you want to be fully present in either situation.

What’s a typical morning like for you?

I meditate after waking up, then go for a short run. After that, I might fix breakfast for the family before preparing for work. On busy days I usually move my workouts after office hours. I try to stay active during the day. Even on busy days, I try to sneak in a short run or a half-hour at the gym.

What’s your take on wellness programs at the office?

I think companies that value employee wellness benefit a lot from increased productivity and worker satisfaction. Whether it’s having a room for yoga or a small gym where employees can go for a quick workout, I think these are wise investments that will pay for themselves sooner rather than later. Healthy employees are happy employees, I’m a firm believer of that.

Get to know more about what iAdvance Now is doing to help small business by visiting iAdvanceNow.com.

 

Understanding your spending habits is important to creating a plan that will ensure you reach your financial goals. We all spend money for personal reasons, often times on a whim, and can easily end up with purchases we regret, and debt we can’t afford.

In the worst cases, mounting debt that you can’t repay will affect your credit score. A low credit score can hold you back, but Wonga offers a helpful guide to understand your options, along with tips to help you improve your credit score.

Find out what kind of spender you are with our list below:

Sentimental: You spend money on items that remind you of someone you love, someone you lost, or of a time that was special to you. You might indulge in retail therapy because it makes you feel good. These aren’t items you need, but items you want.

Sales: You can’t resist a bargain, and will always shop a sale. You see a reduced price tag as saving you money, even though it’s not really an item you would have bought at full price. You feel like you’re missing out if you don’t go into a sale.

Influenced: You’re taken in by a good marketing campaign, and seduced by the right words and pictures. If you’re shopping with friends and family, you’ll buy as much as they do, and are influenced by what they choose to buy.

Needs: You only buy something when you need it, and make a list each time you shop. You stick to your budget and don’t buy things you don’t need.

Whimsical: If you like something, you buy it. You don’t give much thought to the price tag – you can put it on your credit card. You’ll worry about paying it off later; right now you’re having fun.

Generous: You usually spend money on other people. You buy things you think they might like, or that you think would be good for them – no occasion necessary.

Online: You spend a lot online, and the click of a purchase gives you a rush. You enjoy looking for deals or bidding on online auctions. You don’t really keep tabs on how much you spend online.

Once you’ve identified your spending style above, ask yourself what your triggers are, and what can you do instead of shopping when you feel a certain way. Also, ask yourself what kind of spender you want to be.

Most people are a variety of the above, or might find themselves being particularly flighty or frugal at different times of the year. When it comes to reaching your financial goals, understanding what motivates you to spend and why can go a long way toward helping you control your spending, and reigning it in if needed.

 

Choosing student ambassadors to represent your brand and promote your business on campuses is an excellent idea. Instead of getting models who aren’t necessarily believers in your products, you choose real people. They are relatable, especially since they walk around with other students. They are also inspiring individuals whom others look up to.

It’s not enough though to rely on the qualities of these ambassadors to boost your brand. You also need to help them become better ambassadors with these tips.

Offer personality development workshops

These ambassadors already have a great personality, but there’s still a way for them to be better. For instance, they might be inspiring to other students because of their excellence in sports. They might not do well when interacting with students outside their circle. The workshop will give them the necessary tools to be more interesting.

Orient them about your business

It’s difficult for them to be ambassadors if they know nothing about what you offer. It helps that you orient them about your company and tell them the values that you believe in. If they receive enquiries from other students, they will know what to say. They will also use appropriate words in line with your company’s objectives.

Give them the right materials

If people want to know more about your business, these ambassadors will have a hard time explaining everything. Therefore, you need to give them posters, flyers and brochures so that they can hand them out to students. They will find more information online through your main website or social media accounts.

Give them cool shirts

It would be great if these ambassadors are wearing cool shirts that depict the name or logo of your business. Even if they don’t speak with anyone, they are already advertising your brand. The other students will at least notice what they wore and eventually search for it online. You can consider t-shirt printing in Glasgow if you need these shirts now.

Remind them about what they can’t do

These ambassadors are inspiring because of their personality, skills and achievements. If they have a positive reputation, and they represent your brand, it extends to your company. People will also view you through the same lens. However, if they do something terrible, your business will be on the line. Everyone will think that you condone such behaviour. Therefore, it’s crucial for you to remind these ambassadors that they need to carry themselves well. They can’t allow themselves to do terrible things because it will adversely affect how others think of your company.

You need to support these ambassadors once you decide to use them to boost your business. You can’t tell them to do the job and leave them to fend for themselves. They need you to be there, but not to an extent where you start to be annoying. You can guide in a friendly and caring manner. If they succeed as ambassadors, your popularity will also skyrocket.

To read more on topics like this, check out the lifestyle category.

For many of us, our properties are our most significant investments. And when the time comes to part ways with our homes, it makes sense to take all necessary steps to ensure that we increase our chances of getting solid offers from potential buyers and get the best possible deal as a result. From maintenance and repairs to the depersonalisation of the house, here are a few top tips to keep in mind when putting your property on the market.

1. Do some repainting when necessary

It’s not uncommon for many homeowners to over personalise their homes. After all, we all want to stand out and express our individuality through our properties. But while this certainly isn’t a bad thing, it can alienate potential buyers. As such, it’s essential to do some repainting and stick to neutral colours when necessary. In this way, you’ll be creating an excellent canvas for aspiring homeowners to work with, which can go a long way in increasing its value.

2. Tackle repairs

While the aesthetic quality of a home can undoubtedly generate interest and get aspiring homeowners through the door, it’s crucial not to forget to tackle repairs too. While it may require a considerable investment of time and resources, making sure that the plumbing issues, draining problems, and the heating and electrical systems are all working correctly can make a difference not only in boosting the value of the home but in minimising the risk of giving potential buyers talking points that can drive the price down.

3. Opt for functional upgrades

There’s no denying the fact that it can be a challenging task to keep depreciation at bay and increase the value of a property. After all, there are factors such as location and the local community that we have no control over. But just because it’s difficult to do, it does not necessarily mean that it’s impossible to achieve. And one of the most effective ways to get the best deal for our homes is to opt for functional upgrades. From switching over to more efficient LED systems to installing better insulation, opting for functional upgrades that can benefit homeownership in the future can pay dividends in its resale value.

4. Upload nice photographs

With the widespread popularity of the internet as a tool for many buyers to find the home of their dreams, it makes sense to upload nice photographs of the property to online listings. While this may seem like additional work that we would all rather be without, it can help get more aspiring homeowners through the front door and allow you to secure a good deal in the process.

It’s not easy to sell a property. After all, home ownership can entail a sizeable commitment of financial resources. But by keeping these tips in mind before placing your house on the market, not only are you likely to generate the interest of plenty of potential buyers but also get as close to your asking price as possible too.

Globally, more than 37 million falls severe enough to require medical attention occur each year based on information from the World Health Organization. While most aren’t life threatening, an estimated 646,000 people lose their lives as a result of injuries acquired in such an accident.

If you’re among the millions who’ve suffered a significant fall, feel free to schedule a consultation today with an experienced legal representative. First, though, it’s important to understand a few key differences between the most common types of falls.

A Brief Overview

Slip-and-fall and trip-and-fall are the most frequently occurring types of accidents in this category. To those on the receiving end of the injuries, how it transpired may not be quite as important the fact that it did. Of course, in the eyes of the law, the finer details matter greatly.

Getting Down to the Basics

On the most basic level, trip-and-fall accidents are caused by catching your foot on an obstacle. Uneven sidewalks, tree roots, pieces of rebar protruding from concrete floors, potholes in parking lots, unsecured carpets or floor mats and extension cords are a few common items falling into this category. They’re often called trip hazards because they increase the risk of this type of fall.

Slip-and-fall accidents, on the other hand, usually involve slick surfaces. Water, ice and oil tend to be popular culprits in this type of accident. Marbles, ball bearings, beads and other small, round objects could lead to a slip-and-fall as well.

Digging Deeper

In most cases, trip-and-fall situations cause victims to fall forward. Newton’s first law of motion applies here: an object in motion remains in motion unless acted upon by an outside force. In this scenario, the obstacle in question interacts with the victim’s foot, stopping its forward momentum.

The rest of the body, though, tries to remain in motion and ultimately goes down. These types of falls commonly result in knee and elbow injuries; broken hands, wrists or arms; facial damage and concussions. In addition to injuries caused by the impact, objects responsible for the fall may also do their share of harm.

In contrast, victims tend to fall backwards in slip-and-fall accidents. They essentially involve a loss of traction. Falls in this category often causes neck and hip injuries, herniated discs and injuries to the back of the head to name a few possible consequences.

Understanding the Legal Implications

Though some may not understand why these differences matter, they can have a significant impact on the way a case is viewed in court and how a property owner might be deemed at fault. Variations in types and amounts of compensation awarded to victims might also come into play.

Bottom Line

Home and business owners, job site foremen and property management companies are often ruled responsible in accidents involving falls. Construction or renovation teams working onsite, government agencies and material manufacturers might also be held accountable depending on the circumstances. Those in charge have a responsibility to take appropriate measures to prevent accidents. Should they fail to live up to this obligation, they could, by law, be deemed negligent.

If you’re injured in a slip or trip-and-fall or witness this type of situation, it’s important to take note of the conditions leading up to the accident. Was proper signage in place to warn passersby of the danger? Was there adequate lighting? Take pictures of the surrounding conditions if possible.

Even the smallest detail could impact a case of this type. Providing proof of injuries and any factors playing into the accident is crucial to the overall outcome. At the same time, ensuring the right people are held responsible for their negligent behaviors in such a situation could help prevent future injuries.

 

 

 

 

Your engagement is the first step on your path to marriage. It does not mean though that you need to marry your partner right away. The engagement is the opportunity for you to get to know each other and determine if you are happy to pursue the wedding. It is also the time when most couples break up because they realise that they are not meant for each other.

The problem is when you have already agreed to get married, but it has been some time since the engagement. It is understandable if you are planning an elaborate wedding and you still need to attend to a lot of details. If you are not doing anything to pursue the wedding even after some time, it might be a sign that you are not going to marry at all. There is no point in continuing the plans as you might be falling out of love.

Be aware of your feelings

After the engagement, many things will change. You might see another side of your partner that you never saw before. Ask yourself if you are willing to accept these flaws, or if you cannot tolerate them. After months of engagement, you might ask yourself if you are looking forward to getting married, or you cannot wait to get out of the relationship. If you say that you are happy to get married finally, you do not need to wait any longer.

Start planning

Another reason why you need to get engaged first before marrying is that you want time before you finally get married. Weddings are expensive. Given all the details you need to deal with, it is possible that you spend your entire savings. Therefore, you need to take the opportunity to plan all the details and agree on how much you are willing to spend. Prioritise the difficult aspects like the wedding venue and wedding cars since you might have to reserve them sooner than later.

Spend time with each other’s family

When you are marrying someone, you are not only going to marry the person. You will also get married to the family. Therefore, it is crucial that you endear yourself with the family. Try your best to at least spend time with the people your partner loves and allow your family to also spend time with the person you love. It is awkward at first, but it will get better over time.

You still need to prepare for the marriage

You might be too busy now to prepare for the wedding. You might eventually spend a lot of money to make the best possible wedding. You forget that the wedding day is only the first day of your journey to forever. You need to be busier preparing for your marriage. You still have a long path ahead together. Be patient in the entire process and be willing to embrace the sides of your partner you never expected. You hope that the marriage will last and so will the people around you.

To read more on topics like this, check out the lifestyle category.

 

One of the critical considerations in buying a watch is the price. You want to have the best possible watch, but you are not willing to go beyond your budget. As you start searching for quality watches, you might realise that some of them are a lot cheaper than others. Some watches are way too expensive. You need to understand what a specific price range means so you will know how much to spend to get what you want.

Less than £250

You can find several watches in this range. They are perfect for those who have a modest budget for a watch. In this price range, you can find bands made from leather, cloth, and stainless steel. You can also find designs with quartz movements, with a low level of water resistance. Sports watches are available if you have this budget. They are okay if you want watches that are good enough and will keep you satisfied. For office parties and other events where you are casually meeting your friends, it works.

£251-£650

Watches in this range are somewhat above the other options in terms of design, durability, and function. You can also find different bands in this range, including cloth, leather, rubber, and stainless steel. You can also find quartz movements, but with a technologically higher standard. In terms of features and durability, this range is good enough since you also do not sacrifice affordability. If you have an Omega watch, you can find Omega leather straps in this price range.

£651-£1900

This is a high-end range which allows you to find some of the most sophisticated watches in the market today. Plenty of bands are available in this range, including ceramic and titanium. You can also find watches that are rust, moisture, and dust and water resistant. Most of them offer quartz and mechanical movements. Watches that are in this category are also scratch-resistant even when used for a long time. Some of the most popular brands out there sell watches in this price range.

How much do you have to spend?

Given these price ranges, you need to determine first how much you are willing to spend. Although high-end watches are going to last longer and have a wide variety of features that are worth the price, you cannot force yourself to buy them if they are beyond what you can afford. You can try searching for cheaper options provided that they have all the features that you want in a watch.

Another thing to consider is that you have different events to attend, and even hobbies. You might need different watches to use for these occasions. Therefore, instead of buying one expensive watch that is not too versatile, you can have two different watches. You can have one for professional use and the other one for casual occasions.

As long as you look good with the watch, and it performs well, you can purchase it.

To read more on topics like this, check out the lifestyle category.

 

If you are fond of having a dog as your companion, then you should also know that owning one comes with a long list of responsibilities. There are many things that dog owners should fulfil to make their pets happy and healthy at all times. If this is your first time welcoming a dog inside your household, then here are some tips on how to be a responsible pet owner.

Protect your pets from accidents inside the house

Pets, especially puppies, are comparable to babies in terms of their behaviour. They are generally curious and will like to try out different things. Protect them from potential accidents by pet-proofing your home. Find time to cover electrical cords, cover all plugs to avoid electric shocks and make sure to elevate any appliances that are within reach. You might want to install shelves where you can place your bags, shoes and other gadgets away from your pets. It would help if you put chemicals and cleaning solutions in an area where dogs are unable to ingest them.

Do not allow your pets to roam around your neighbours’ property

Part of being a responsible pet owner is making sure that your pets stay within your area at all times. If your property does not have a fence, you can check out companies that do fencing Gloucestershire offers to ensure that your dog stays within your property. The last thing that you need is to argue with your neighbours because your dog defecated on their lawn or ruined the plants. Having a fence will also keep your pet safe from getting hit by random vehicles, which can cause serious injuries or death.

Help release pent up energy

Do you ever wonder why some pets become noisy or aggressive? It is because most of them are unable to release their frustration. Regardless of if you own a small or big dog, it is essential for them to exercise every day. Schedule them for walks around the neighbourhood or a nearby park for one to two hours a day. Make sure to bring an extra bag so you can scoop up their waste and dispose of it properly. Always remember that a tired dog is a happy dog.

Teach your dog good behaviour

As a dog owner, it is a must that you give your dog the right training to avoid it from biting other people and being challenging to handle. Almost all dogs have their behavioural problems, and it is best to correct them as early as possible. They should be able to follow basic commands such as sit, down, eat and stop without giving you a hard time. Aggressive dogs who attack other people will become the subject of significant fines and placed in a special shelter and nobody would like that to happen to their pet.

Dogs with proper training will have a better quality of life, and as owners, it is our responsibility to give them the best care.

To read more on topics like this, check out the lifestyle category.