As inflation is surging, it is putting pressure on mortgage rates. The Federal Reserve is likely to keep raising rates this year with the goal of containing consumer prices. While the Fed doesn’t control mortgage rates, its policies have an ancillary effect. 

Think Solar

At times like this, homeowners have to use every tool in the toolbox, and solar installation is a vital one to contain/reduce monthly costs.  Buying a home that has a solar energy system, or having one installed upon purchase is a savvy financial move that also benefits the environment.

Home appraisers, who review property for mortgage companies, understand that that the installation of solar panels and solar batteries can increase a property’s market value. In fact, a Zillow study indicated that homes with solar panels sold for 4.1% more than those without.

“The sale premium varies substantially by market,” reports Zillow.  “In Riverside, Calif., for example, homes with solar-energy systems sold for 2.7% more than comparable homes without solar power—a markup of $9,926 for the median-valued home in the metro. In the greater New York City metro, solar-powered homes have a premium that is double that of Riverside. At 5.4%, that’s an extra $23,989 in value for the typical home in New York. In three other coastal metro areas—Los Angeles, San Francisco and Orlando, Fla.—homes with solar power can fetch a premium of around 4%.”

Getting a solar system installed is like creating your very own power plant. Homeowners make energy right on their own property instead of relying completely on the utility company to do it for them. While you can’t disconnect completely from the grid, homeowners have the ability to generate their own power every time the sun comes up.

For homeowners paying $70 or more on electricity bills each month, there are programs available that could permanently lower electric bills up to 75% with no upfront costs.

Smart Solar Financing

According to the U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency And Renewable Energy, the average cost of solar PV panels has dropped nearly 70%. Markets for solar energy is economically competitive with conventional energy sources in most states.

A solar system is either leased or purchased. Whether you buy a system or lease it, the use of solar energy will significantly decrease monthly energy costs and increase the value of the home.

Increase Purchasing Power

An energy-efficient mortgage or green mortgage allows borrowers to finance energy-efficient improvements under advantageous loan terms. A green mortgage offers added funds with the mortgage purchase or refinance that can be applied to energy-efficient home upgrades. To qualify, applicants must meet the standard mortgage requirements of credit and debt-to-income ratio and an energy consultant develops a home energy rating report to estimate potential energy savings.

Tapping into a green mortgage can increase purchasing power and allow home buyers to qualify for a larger mortgage. And, for those people buying a home that already is energy efficient, the monthly bills will be lower.

Other ways to increase purchasing power are reducing debt, reviewing credit scores to see where any improvements can be made, and stash as much money away as you can for the down payment and closing costs and eliminate the need for mortgage insurance.

Explore First-Time Home Buyer Programs

For those who are buying their very first home, there are a variety of homebuyer assistance programs available at the national and local level. On the national level, there are Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans that are insured by the Federal Housing Administration, a government agency that sets standards for the construction and financing of homes in the United States. With a FICO® credit score at least 580, home buyers are required to put down a 3.5% down payment vs. the 20% that is industry standard.

Home buyers should also investigate their state and city level options for first-time home buyers. In New York City, for example, “the HomeFirst Down Payment Assistance Program provides qualified homebuyers with up to $100,000 toward the down payment or closing costs on a 1-4 family home, a condominium, or a cooperative in one of the five boroughs of New York City.”

Set a Budget

Before starting the housing hunt in earnest, it is important to understand how much house is affordable.  Generally, keeping housing costs to 30% or less of after-tax income is the recommendation. Getting pre-approved for the mortgage is recommended so that the house-hunt can proceed with confidence.

Consider that while mortgage rates today are on the rise, they are still relatively low on historical standards. In 1981, according to Fannie Mae data, the annual average interest rate was 16.63%! There are many benefits that come along with home ownership including tax deductions, financial stability, a permanent home and sense of belonging in the local community. 

The post Why Home Buyers Should ‘Think Solar’ in Post-Pandemic Climate appeared first on Grit Daily News.

The funding round was led by True alongside and counted with the participation of firms like Sandpiper VC, Techstars, Mavan Capita, and over 30 more investors. Since being founded back in January of 2019, the startup has raised a total of $2.8 million in funding.

The funding will be used to expand the catalog of products beyond tabletop to other parts of the home, with the new products being expected to launch on August 10th. Fable’s co-founder Joe Parenteau, referred to the startup’s expansion by stating:

“We see a lot of opportunity beyond just the dining table. We’re releasing a handful of new products this year, and we plan to continue on our mission to bring elevated home decor into every space of the home,”

The startup’s sustainable model means that it has achieved carbon neutrality in addition to its continued work towards a zero-waste goal. The company is also working on minimizing its green gas emissions when it comes to shipping from global suppliers.

With younger generations paying more attention to the environmental impact of the products they acquire, Fable is looking to provide a stylish and high-quality alternative to traditional dinnerware and home products with a sustainable twist. In the words of the sustainable dinnerware startup:

“Fable is motivated by a common vision to create products that are as enjoyable as they are ethical.”

At this time, the company is on the waiting list to gain Certified B Corporation status, an award for those companies that are leading the way toward a better future by meeting the “highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose”.

The post Sustainable Dinnerware Startup Fable Raises $2.7 mln in Seed Funding appeared first on Grit Daily News.

Here is a checklist of the things you should do once you move your startup into your new home. Check them out below.

Have a Walkthrough

There is no better time to do a complete walkthrough of your new home than when it is empty. So before unpacking your things and setting up the furniture, take a look around. Among other things, you need to double check the following:

• All requested and any agreed-upon repairs made by the previous homeowner.
• Everything that was covered in the sale contract is present in the house.
• The lighting solutions, bath fixtures, switches, outlets, and the likes, are working properly.

If there is an issue against the sale contract, call your realtor immediately to see the recourse. As for concerns that were not covered in the agreement, they will be your responsibility moving forward. 

Pack Your “First Day Box”

It might be hard for you to find all your essentials once you move, and you wouldn’t want to open all the boxes just to find particular stuff. So it would be wise to designate one specific container and mark it as your “first day box.” There, you can put all the things you think you will need for your first day and night at your new house. This includes toilet paper, extension cord, lamp, ceramic plates, crystal drinking glasses wholesale, knife, scissors, and trash bags.

Child and Pet Proof

If you move into your new house with kids or fur babies, the immediate step is to do an initial child or pet proofing. This is to keep everyone safe until you can put your full setup into place.

For example, you can create a kid-free zone for discarded packing materials and check all windows to ensure they are securely closed. Also, make sure no hanging cords are coming off the blinds. But, more importantly, keep anything dangerous, like box cutters, glassware, cleaning supplies, and the likes, far out of reach of your little tykes.

Check All Your Utilities

Make sure that your home utilities are ready before you officially move into your new place. Then on moving day, check if your gas, electric, water, heating and cooling, as well as phone and internet connection, are all set. Also, call your local waste management facility to ensure that your new house is arranged for garbage pick up.

Determine Both Fuse Box and Water Valve’s Locations

The water valve and fuse box locations are what you should identify right away once you move in. This is essential because you will know where to go directly whenever you need to turn off the water line or check the power source if it goes out. As a rule of thumb, the fuse box will likely be in your basement, storage room, or garage. On the other hand, your home’s water valve is located somewhere around the perimeter of your house.

Do a Deep Cleaning

Perhaps cleaning your new home from top to bottom is the last thing you want to do after experiencing the moving process. But don’t worry because the best time to do a deep cleaning is after you completely moved in.

Prioritize Home Repairs

If you are moving into a new place that had previous owners, expect that there will be some repair projects you need to face. For sure, you already have a general idea of what these are from your home inspection. Still, it doesn’t hurt to walk around and manage what needs to be done.

Although you don’t need to work on these repairs right away since there will be plenty of time for that after you are settled, making a list of priorities will help you put your repair into perspective and give you a better footing for when it is time to get started.

Change the Locks

Changing the locks in your new home is a good practice. Although you trust the previous owner, you never know who else might have a spare key. So get a locksmith to come by, or if you feel comfortable doing the labor, change the locks yourself. Remember, you can never be too careful. It is better to think ahead than be sorry later.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, moving into a new house can be a bit daunting. Still, by following the checklist indicated above, the transition will undoubtedly be seamless. Although there are many things you need to do, don’t be afraid to seek help from family, friends, or professional service providers. Have fun at your new place!

The post Startups: 8 Essential Things to Do Once You Move Into Your New Home appeared first on Grit Daily News.

Let’s add another thing to that list. Yes, Ron Finley, known as Gangsta Gardener, is here to spice up your kitchen and garden with his new MasterClass.

Now some of you are probably like, “yeah, let’s do it! But who is Ron Finley?” Here’s why you should trust Ron Finley is the guy you want to help upscale your garden and not kill your plants.

About Ron Finley

Ron Finley was born in Los Angeles, California. Most know him for his 2013 TED Talk about guerrilla gardening in South Los Angeles. He first got his name out for being a fashion designer who made clothing for Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Saks. According to the Los Angeles Times, when the recession hit “he was out of work when he took a gardening class. He decided to grow the vegetables he got tired of driving 45 minutes outside of his neighborhood to find.”

So, that’s when he became the man most known as the “Gangsta Gardener.” He started his Ron Finley Project. From not being able to garden on his property and being cited by the city, that motivated Finley to begin his project. His mission is “to bring urban gardening not only to South L.A. but to the world.” Thus, he started the Ron Finley Project.

The Ron Finley Project

Finley decided to bring his knowledge of gardening to everyone with a MasterClass series. Finley is bringing us an eight-lesson course on how to garden to help us be just as gangster as he is. According to Apartment Therapy, these courses include “teaching how to properly create planters to growing a range of vegetables—from greens and legumes to sweet potatoes and herbs.”

If you’re looking for some good advice, positive motivation, and how to have a boss garden, then the MasterClasses are for you. Not only are you getting help from the Gangsta Gardner himself but also a few words of wisdom.

Gardening has something that I’ve always wanted to do. Lately, everyone I know has been hopping on the bandwagon of building their garden. Now that the king of gardening has come out with a MasterClass on it, I think I might hop on that bandwagon. Maybe I have a green thumb and don’t know it.

The post Gangsta Gardener: Ron Finely's Gardening MasterClass Will Change Your Garden's Life appeared first on Grit Daily News.

You’ve probably seen it already and wondered how you can grow it. So, we separated some tips for you to grow your own small, big trees!

First, it’s important to think about which type you want to grow and the space you have. Some plants grow better on the outside or the inside, so it will depend on the species. Some types of Bonsai Trees are: Thuja occidentalis (also known as northern white-cedar), raspberry, pomegranate, and cherry. But you also can try with any other trees you’d like to have at home.

1) Understand Your House

The first step is to understand your house layout and position to choose which type of plant will grow better. Analyze the amount of sunlight you have at home. Some plants grow better with a lot of light, some get happy with just partial.

For example, the northern white-cedar likes both types of illumination, while the others require more sun. So in case you have a lack of it, this plant is a good option to grow inside.

You can also observe how the leaves are. If they’re too yellow, it’s a sign that they’re receiving too much light. If they’re getting dark, it’s because they’re missing sunlight.

2) What Time Should You Water It

Researching about the climate of where you live is fundamental. To determinate how much water and when you are going to water your Bonsai Trees, depends on the temperature and air condition.

In cold days, the recommendation is to water it once a day, in the morning or in the afternoon. This moments are better for it to absorb nutrients. But if the day has less humidity, the tip is to water it twice a day. Another important part is to be careful with the amount of water you put. If it’s too much, the roots can putrefy.

And how can you know if the soil is humid or not? You can stick a toothpick near the tree and see if it’s wet or dry.

3) When To Cut

To grow dense leaves and stems, at some point you’ll need to cut it. Therefore, it can take between 3 to 6 months depending on the species. Using regular scissors, cut some branches that exceeded the size and format you’re looking for.

To think about the format is important to remember you can use a metal wire to create the shape. Plants will always grow in the sun direction, so if you want yours diagonally, it’s possible to put it inside your house and near the light.

4) Fertilize and Choose The Right Pot

The Bonsai Tree located on the inside of the house can be fertilized all year. On the other hand, if the plant is on the outside, it needs to be fertilized between the beginning of spring and middle of autumn.

Just like the water, if you exceed the amount of fertilizer, your bonsai roots can also die. This type of tree requires attention and care more than usual, so it’s a good idea to use your quarantine observing and understanding your plants.

Last but not least, the right pot for your plant needs to be proportional. In other words, the width needs to be 2-3 times the size of your bonsai tree. But be sure to watch if the soil is taking longer to absorb the water because it may be a sign for you to change pots.

If you want to know more about how to take care of this beautiful plant, check out this book for beginners available on Amazon! You can also find more techniques to use in your house here.

The post How To Grow Bonsai Trees At Home appeared first on Grit Daily News.

Vatican Museums, Vatican City

One of the most famous cities in the world located in Italy, Vatican receives more than 2 million people a year. We start this tour in Saint Peter Square and there’s even an virtual tour guide to tell more about the place! Also includes places such as St. Peter Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.

You can start the tour by clicking here.

Musée de Louvre, Paris

The Louvre is known for holding the Mona Lisa painting and Michelangelo sculpture. But there’s way more for you to see, like their extensive collection of Egyptian Antiquities and the Galerie d’Apollon.

It’s estimated that you would have to spend almost two weeks in Paris in order to visit everything inside. Differing from the Vatican Museums, you only can visit a few galleries inside Louvre. Check it out here!

MASP, São Paulo

This art museum located in Brazil combines modern and classic art. It has an awesome painting collection and online exhibitions. If you download Google Arts & Culture, your view of it and experience will be even better!

Check it out by clicking here!

National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne

The National Gallery of Victoria is a modern gallery located in Australia also made available the virtual self-guided tour. The tour also includes informational videos about the pieces you’re viewing so you can learn about them as you tour.

Click here to see more!

Musée d’Orsay, Paris

Paris’ other most famous museum is also open for virtual tours. Located across the Seine from the Louvre, the Orsay museum is home to a vast collection of fine art from artists like Van Gogh and more.

The post You Can't Miss These Virtual Museum Tours appeared first on Grit Daily News.

Our home should be considered our sanctuary, safe place, and a place of peace and tranquility. It shouldn’t be a place where we only eat and sleep and provide shelter. Our homes are spaces that we’ve created for ourselves to escape the crazy reality outside those walls. So instead of making our homes a war zone for ourselves or just using it for a place to lay our head, let’s turn it into our wellness habit.

In times like this, being stuck at home can easily make anyone annoyed, but turning your home into a wellness habitat can make it feel like a haven. If you don’t know already, our moods and behaviors and physical and mental health are all significantly influenced by the home environment in which we live. So, with that in mind, let’s see how you at home can turn your home into a wellness habitat.

Natural Light

We all know how harsh some lights are to our eyes. So, when your day starts to open up your home to that beautiful and natural sunlight from outside. Please don’t keep the curtains closed open them up for some light to shine through your attitude and the way you feel will boost. Every morning before I began my daily routine I always open my curtains to let some light in. My mood instantly changes and I’m ready to tackle on the day. Or if you’re having a self-care day, let the sunlight in and dance on your skin, your mood will instantly change. 

Clean/Natural Air

Since the weather is getting warmer, why don’t you try letting some fresh air into your home? The air in your home is more toxic than the air we breathe outside. So, to get some clean air into your home, open a window and let some of that natural airflow in. Sometimes when I don’t want to brace the outside world, I’ll pull my workstation or just lounge towards a window and feel the gentle, airy breeze 

Relaxation and Meditation Space

We all have those times in our day when we might become overwhelmed, frustrated, or our mind is just everywhere but where we are or isn’t on the task that we are doing at that time. So find a spot in your home that you feel relaxed or lay down somewhere comfortable and meditate to relax your mind. You don’t have to be a pro at meditation. Find somewhere to sit or lay down and relax your mind and take a couple of deep breathes and calm your mind.

Eating Healthy

Eating a bowl of fruit instead of a bag of potato chips can make a difference in how you feel. Even if you are having a day of relaxation, eating those chips will make you feel sluggish, which may or may not result in you feeling a certain way because you ate those chips. No, you don’t have to change your whole diet. But something as simple as eating a healthy snack instead of a bag of potato chips can change how you feel. I began to snack a lot less than I usually would, and when I do snack, I might eat some fruit. Even though it’s not a huge change, but it is something you can do to better your health in some way.

The post How To Turn Your Home Into an At-Home Wellness Habitat appeared first on Grit Daily News.

My partner, Damon, and I have been living this lifestyle for years now. When we first set out, we set ourselves a budget of $1,800 a month. We sold everything and didn’t look back.

If you’re receiving your Social Security, then transitioning to this nomadic lifestyle is easy—as you’ll already have some income available to support your travel. However, if you’re still too young to do so, there are many ways you can plug that financial gap with an income you can earn while on the go. Technology today is making it easier and easier to match people looking for income opportunities they can do while traveling to clients and employers searching for particular sets of skills. Once you know where your income is coming from, the rest is fairly straightforward.

Here are the main things you’ll need to consider:

1. Find a job that is location independent

As a digital nomad, your primary objective is to fulfil your passion for traveling the world. Therefore, your priority isn’t to make as much money as possible, it’s to make enough to allow you as much freedom and flexibility as possible.

With a little research, you can find an income that’s right for you, based on your skills and talents. You’re in control here, so you get to decide on exactly what you want to offer.

Whether you have worked in the service industry, as a researcher, as a copywriter, or anything else, you have marketable skills that people are looking for. Popular roles that allow you to work remotely are: copywriting and writing, social media managing, affiliate marketing, translation, illustrating and graphic design, programming, virtual assistant, blogging, tour guide, transcribing, and the list goes on.

Once you’ve decided on the field you want to work in, then choose the path that best fits your lifestyle choice:

• Become a Freelancer: This allows you to choose the projects you’d like, while providing you the flexibility to travel. There are several websites available to you where you can flex your freelance muscle, such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Flexjobs.
• Find a full-time remote job: This path provides a more consistent income stream. However, it can be more restrictive, as you might not be able to create your own work schedule.
• Start your own business: If you have the right drive and ambition, then starting your own online business could be the best option of the three. You’ll have complete control over your schedule, income, and even the decisions you make.

2. Market your skills and services via your own website

If you decide to freelance or create your own business, it’s important to know how to market yourself from the get-go. Running a website can be fun and exciting, and also a great way to generate useful traffic, to whom you can sell your service. You can also create extra income through affiliated marketing (getting commission on sales of Amazon products you link to). There are great platforms that will help you design a slick website, such as Wix, WordPress, and GoDaddy.

3. Meet other digital nomads to see what they’re doing

You’ll quickly find many others who are also living the nomadic lifestyle, and they will be an endless source of reliable information, not only regarding travel tips and suggestions, but also ideas for creating income too.

Join Facebook groups that are open to expats of certain countries you visit. You can also discover local groups through Meetup.com, where people meet up in groups based on their interests.

4. Create (and live within) a realistic budget

To help keep your finances on track while you travel, it’s imperative to create and stick to a budget of income and expenses.

Once you know what you have to work with each month, plan your travel accordingly by knowing the exchange rate in each country you choose to visit. For example, a yearly salary of $10,000 will go much further in Thailand than it will in France.

5. Stay on top of the important things

There are a number of practical concerns you’ll need to consider before you begin your digital nomad adventure, such as the different visa requirements for the countries you’re planning to visit, traveler’s insurance, and any necessary shots and/or physicals you’ll need. As you will be making money while traveling, you will need to learn timeframes for money transfers and making direct deposits, so you will always have access to your cash when needed.

6. Knowing what you need for your home and work environment

This will change with every location. Yet, while you stay in each place you’ll need to find good housing, a work location for both focus and internet connection, and anything else you’ll need to be comfortable. You’ll need to establish a schedule, what hours and days you’ll commit to working, and the timeframe to stay in each location.

7. Decide on your first destination

Once you’ve concocted your plan, there is no reason to postpone it any longer. It’s time to book that first ticket abroad. Take into consideration your mandatory requirements (budget, internet access, etc), and then pick a location you’re most interested in exploring. You’ve done the work and the planning, so all that’s left is the enjoyment. The possibilities are up to you. Enjoy the journey.

Related: The Upside to the Downside

The article 7 Steps to Becoming a Digital Nomad by Todd Hilton first appeared on International Living.

The post 7 Steps to Becoming a Digital Nomad appeared first on Grit Daily News.

As a freelance writer, I’ve been working remotely for nearly a decade, both at home and abroad. Here are my tried-and-tested tips for setting up a remote office, whether your new workspace is a spare room in your own house or a cozy apartment in a distant land.

Getting Started

Remote work can be occasional or full-time. Either way, you’ll need a few essentials: a computer, a stable internet connection, a phone, and a comfortable table and chair. A decent chair is important, since you’ll be spending a lot of time at your new desk. If your set-up isn’t suitable for long periods of use, your health and productivity will suffer.

According to one study, an ergonomic chair with quality lumbar support can increase overall productivity by up to 18%—so if you don’t own one, go out and order one online.

Internet speed requirements will depend on the kind of work you do. If your job entails video conferencing, high-end graphics, live streaming, advanced editing systems, or regular downloading of bulky files, you’ll require more online ‘juice’ than someone whose workday is limited to Word documents, email, spreadsheets, and the occasional Skype chat.

Generally speaking, if your computer can handle smooth streaming of your favorite Netflix shows, it can cope with remote office work. Insider tip: Ethernet offers a more reliable and secure connection than Wi-Fi, which is more susceptible to interference.

If your employer already uses a VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) service, you can get work-related phone service through the Web instead of paying for it via the phone company.

If you have a spare monitor available, use it. Having two screens works well when you’re conducting research, comparing documents, or juggling multiple programs or pages. And don’t discount the value of old-school pen and paper: you should always have a notebook at your elbow to jot down ideas and reminders.

If you find you work better while standing up or sitting on a stability ball, do that. There’s no law against a change of scenery, either: work for a couple of hours from your kitchen table, then drag your laptop to the local park for a bit, then return home to the designated workspace in your study.

Some people work better amid the buzz of a busy café or co-working space, while others perform best in a library or their own dining room. I’ve worked successfully from my back patio at home and in Airbnb apartments abroad for years. Only you can determine your ideal work environment.

Minimize distractions. Make sure your family understands you should only be disturbed during break times. Separate your work space from household noises and activities as much as possible. Create well-defined boundaries that family and online work colleagues will appreciate and respect.

A remote office needn’t be a sterile space. Personalize it with attractive house plants, an inflatable footrest, a comfy rug, family photos, and anything that makes you smile or feel more energized.

Time Management

Working remotely requires discipline. Procrastination is your enemy. Stay productive by establishing a daily routine you can live with. Communicate with your boss, work colleagues, and clients regularly and often. You should always know what’s expected of you and discuss problems as they arise. A brief call with relevant co-workers/clients at the start of each day sets a clear path for the tasks to follow.

Online communication platforms such as Slack, Zoom, Basecamp, and Skype can help you and your colleagues stay on the same page as projects develop. Apps can also track the online hours you’re working.

Keeping communication lines open and active has an important side benefit: it reduces the loneliness that’s one of the main drawbacks of working on your own. Without the social feedback and personal interactions enjoyed in a traditional office, you may feel unstructured, isolated, and lacking in motivation.

Staying in the office loop with consistent communication means you’re not ‘out of sight, out of mind’; you still feel you’re a vital part of the team. Video calls are a great way to keep face-to-face interactions going and maintain high spirits during long remote working spells.

Always start your remote workday at a specific time, every time. Take a shower, get dressed, have your morning coffee, and treat it just like a normal job. Take regular breaks—your eyes, back, and neck will thank you. Don’t eat at your desk: schedule a proper lunch hour. Set up a yoga mat, a treadmill, or a stationary bicycle nearby if you want to exercise during quick breaks.

Organize work patterns to align with family obligations and your own body clock. If you’re a morning person, get the most vital work done before lunch. If afternoons are your high-energy times, structure the workload accordingly. Resist the temptation to work past 5 p.m.—have a standard afternoon shut-off point where you officially end the workday.

Remote work comes with its own unique challenges, but there are also proven benefits. These include reduced office politics, diminished stress associated with commuting, and fewer interruptions from workmates and management. Taking control of your own work time and environment can be empowering, and provides a level of flexibility that’s hard to come by in most traditional work spaces.

Tools and Tips for Remote Workers

If your remote office needs to be 100% portable, there’s obviously a limit on how many ‘essential office supplies’ you can fit into your suitcase. In my case, a solid-state laptop (with spare battery), mobile phone, headphones, external hard drives, USB sticks, and a notepad are just about all I need. I communicate with clients through email and Skype, and use a variety of online apps to perform specific tasks as needed.

If you have the advantage of setting up a remote office at home, you can create the work station of your dreams and include whatever you like. Here are just a few additions that can make life easier and help you stay more productive:

A Decent Set of Speakers –

Mood music can help you relax and stay energized throughout the day, and also washes out ambient distractions to keep you focused. Wearing headphones for hours on end isn’t ideal, so invest in a quality set of office-ready speakers. Dig into your instrumental and chill-out playlists to set the right tone for ‘serious work mode’.

The Best Light –

Natural light makes a workspace feel brighter and happier, so open your blinds and let the sun shine in. A soft, glowing desk lamp can create a mellower work environment too; avoid harsh fluorescent tubes. Don’t make computer screens your main light source—if your remote office is too dimly lit, you’ll suffer eyestrain, headaches, and fatigue.

Procrastination Busters –

One of the most difficult challenges of working remotely is staying motivated and productive. For some workers, remembering to take regular breaks is a problem. For others, procrastination is the main issue.

The Pomodoro Technique can be a useful time management tool. Using a timer, you break down your work into set intervals, separated by short breaks. For example, you might work solidly for 25 minutes, then break for three to five minutes. Choose the schedule you find works best for you (I prefer a 10-minute break every hour, with a 45-minute lunch to slice the day in half). It sounds simple, but the structure is a constant reminder of time and how you’re using it.

If you’re easily distracted by social media, emails, or online games, download an anti-procrastination app that will block specific sites for selected periods while you work. There are dozens to choose from, including Toggl or Offtime.

App it up –

Most of the online applications you use in a normal office can be used remotely, so you won’t need to download much new stuff when you go remote. Probably the biggest change will be in how you communicate. Standard workplace interactions and chats will be replaced with phone calls, video link-ups, virtual conferences, and online product management tools.

Evernote, LastPass, Trello, HelloSign, and Toggl are just a few programs I’ve found useful in my own work to streamline efficiency. The bottom line: any app that helps you save time, reduce stress, or boost productivity is worth looking into.

Remote offices are the way of the future, whether you’re working from home, a local café, or a beachside unit on an exotic Mediterranean island. Making them work is all about being prepared, understanding the challenges and embracing the positives—so you can continue to do your very best work.

Related: What is Life Like in France During Lockdown?

The article The Complete Work From Home Guide by Kevin Casey first appeared on International Living.

The post The Complete Work From Home Guide appeared first on Grit Daily News.

Here are the best commercials that took full advantage of their time — and their $5.6 million per 30 seconds — in the spotlight.

Pringles – ‘Rick and Morty’

Every year, people across America come together to watch one of the biggest events in sports, the Super Bowl. Fans of football, their friends, and family, all get together to enjoy the game and everything that goes along with it.

This ad for Pringles employed everything that makes ‘Rick & Morty’ great. The meta commentary, the self-awareness, and the patent absurdity all make for a memorable and effective commercial. Won’t you be thinking about stacking Pringles — or at least Morty-bots — next time you are in the grocery store?

Rocket Mortgage – Jason Momoa Gets Comfortable

Rocket Mortgage took absurdity and computer animation to a whole new level that will definitely have people talking at the water cooler. Seeing Jason Momoa “comfortable” is indeed a unique experience. By the end of the commercial, he looks like a roadie from Adult Swim’s comedy, ‘Metalocalypse.’ Whether you laugh or cringe, you will remember this ad.

Google – Loretta

Set to an instrumental of Great Big World’s ‘Say Something,’ Google went straight for the heart strings with this ad. Showing a man with Alzheimer’s using Google Assistant to reminisce about his deceased wife, this spot puts a lump in your throat. This is an effective piece that stunned America as a whole and it is a minute and thirty seconds we will not soon forget.

Coca Cola Energy – Martin Scorsese Can’t Get A Hold of Jonah Hill

This is one of the most relatable commercials of the game. Martin Scorsese and Jonah Hill hit the nail on the head capturing something that millions of millennials experience regularly. Scorsese is the anxiety of waiting for that text back while staring at the “typing icon”. Hill is the lack of energy to go out while not wanting to be a flake. Thankfully, Coca Cola Energy saved the night!

Hyundai Sonata – Smaht Pahk

This spot from Hyundai is silly for the sake of silly. Watching Chris Evans, John Krasinski, and Rachel Dratch put on their Boston accents to discuss the new Sonata is a family-friendly good time. This is definitely going to be the most-quoted of all of the ads. Sometimes, simplicity is the way to go.

Olay – Make Space for Women

Olay’s ad was focused on making a difference. Their spot promoting their #MakeSpaceForWomen campaign is both light-hearted and empowering. For this ad, Olay partnered with Women Who Code, a NPO whose mission is helping women achieve their goals in the tech sectors. Olay promised donations to Women Who Code for proceeds generated from the #MakeSpaceForWomen Twitter campaign, with one dollar per tweet going to the organization.

Mountain Dew – The Shining

Mountain Dew paid homage to the Kubrick Classic, ‘The Shining’ in this delightful parody for their Zero Sugar campaign. Bryan Cranston does a great job capturing Jack Nicholson’s maniacal tone while hocking Mountain Dew, but the highlight is definitely Tracee Ellis Ross’ Shelly Duvall. Ross patting at the knife with her brush is a true laugh-out-loud moment.

NFL – Inspire Change

This ad from the NFL shown during the Super Bowl is evidence that they are trying to turn over a new leaf and are looking to make a difference in the African American community. Focusing on the shooting death of Anquan Boldin’s cousin, Corey Jones, as well as Boldin’s work developing the Player’s Coalition, the NFL hopes to rebuild their brand as influencers and role models.

Bud Light Seltzer – Post Malone Campaign

Bud Light employed the icon that is Post Malone to roll out their new Bud Light Seltzer. Posty has been tied with Bud Light for years, and these two commercials dive deep into the mind of Malone as he makes the transition to their new seltzer. Seeing a bunch of lab-types representing his mind covered in his signature face tattoos was funny, and the scripts were just as good.

Porsche – The Heist

Porsche delivered a fun commercial that managed to flex its history as a motorsports icon, while also announcing the roll out of their new electric car, the Porsche Taycan. This was a highly effective commercial and is one of the more memorable spots of the many that advertised electric cars.

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