Friday, May 28, 2021

Celebrate Moms All Month Long

Mother's Day has come and gone, but that doesn't mean that we should not be appreciating mom today and every day. Moms dodo so much, all too often sacrificing their own health and well-being in the process.

Self care can be so hard. Thankfully, Superior Source Vitamins makes it a little easier. I hate vitamins, normally, because I hate pills, but these things are so tiny! 


They are not actually "pills" they are micro tablets. They dissolve fast. It makes taking them so much easier. Since you can take them (easily) without water, you can keep them in your purse or use them any time while traveling, work, etc. And, it makes them more effective, too! Less time breaking down the capsule, more time getting to work in your body.

I just got a bunch of great vitamins from Superior Source, and I am actually excited about this part of my wellness routine now. That is saying a lot.

If you want to try these amazing supplements, they are available at iHerb, Lucky Vitamins, and Amazon, so there are several simple ways to get a hold of some. I love the convenience. Sometimes, great products are only available form one site, and that can sometimes be limiting

But, Superior Source Vitamins has also been generous enough to provide us with a giveaway, for one lucky winner. The prize will be the same great bundle that I received: Zinc Plus, Just Women’s Iron, Coenzyme B Complex, Melatonin, K2 MK7, and Biotin.

No mater who you are trying to win this lovely supplement bundle for, they are sure to appreciate it. And you can appreciate knowing the person you love is taking a little better care of themselves. Or you can win it for yourself. We can sometimes forget it is okay (more like vital) to take care of ourselves and not just others. 

You can enter via the Rafflecopter below. Good luck!

*Though I received these items at no cost to facilitate a review, all opinions are 100% my own.*


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, May 24, 2021

Personal Training

My health, diet, and weight are some things that I write about quite regularly on this blog. The main reason for that is simply because it is a large part of my daily life. During the past year, thanks to quarantine and everyday stress, and who knows what other variables, my willpower has not been very strong.

I have struggled greatly with sticking to my diet plan (keto). I have gained back some of the wight I had loss and stalled where  should have been continuing to lose from the lack of adherence to my plan. Additionally, I have not been making any efforts toward exercise, which is something I plan to correct.

I have an incline trainer, that I used to use. Now, it is just an expensive storage space, as, due to lack of actual storage space in our home, it is home to chests of clothing, boxes, and more. It is not the standard, article of clothing slung over it, as one would assume when the picture an abandoned exercise machine.

Still, though it is hard to find the space to move the offending clutter to, I miss that machine (as much as one who hates all forms of exercise can miss such a thing). I have also considered taking simple walks around the neighborhood, but the heat here (in Florida) is volatile, and I have literally blacked out from it more than once. 

So, for me, indoor workouts seem to be the way to go. I am starting to think that a personal trainer may be a good idea. I have been doing quite a bit of research on the subject. In so doing, I found a lot of great information on how to become a personal trainer


It is strange, I never actually considered how one would do such a thing before now. For some reason, I assumed it was just something you could do if you were good at fitness and had the means or drive to take on clients. Little did I know that there is a certification course that one should take. There is a personal training institute right in my own state. Not only my state, but the closest metropolitan city; quite close to where I live. 

While I obviously am not the kind to ever become a personal trainer, this helps me know what to look for when choosing a personal trainer for myself, if I decide to do so. And It helps me be much more confident in my choice knowing where to find certified trainers. Learning about the school helps me be more aware of what my future trainer should know.

I love that I learned something new. And soon, most likely, I will be learning a lot more and getting healthier and more in shape in the process. Another thing I am working on, though, is loving myself no matter what kind of shape I am in. That one takes a lot more work, but the reward is greater too.

Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Financial Fallout

I have been thinking a lot, recently, about the pandemic and the impact that it has had on all of us. Of course, the tragic deaths and illnesses, which are terrible. but there are so many other challenges that have stemmed from this affliction.

There is the social impact, being kept from loved ones and unable to engage in our passions and hobbies. There is the division that comes from some of us having to endure isolation longer because of those who don't care enough to take it seriously, thereby extending the need for it.

We may have, hopefully, gotten past the panic buying and the shortages that created, but we are still seeing reduced availability of necessities, as well as higher cost for the items that are available. There would already be very hard, but it becomes especially straining when jobs have also be reduced or altered to fit the new distancing practices or simply cut to keep profits higher for those at the top while the economy (and their revenue) takes a hit. 

Most of these businesses could still afford to pay their employees, but chose not to 'sacrifice' a fourth yachting in favor of keeping food on the table of the workers who make all of their wealth possible. Thankfully, one potentially positive thing to come in the wake of this tragedy is workers may be starting to finally refuse to allow poverty wages to continue.

There has been an increase lately, of unemphatic companies not being able to fill positions. When demand for lumber exceeds supply, plywood increases in price by 700%. When demand for labor exceeds supply, companies complain that no one wants to work. People are starting to see where the real issue is, and refusing to enable that kind of dehumanizing treatment.

Still, as noble and necessary as this revolution is, it can be extremely difficult to stay resolute in the face of poverty. When you have a family to care for, or even just care for your own well being, it is sometimes a choice between taking the bad option, or standing on principle at the cost of going hungry, or worse.

We are all in this together, or we should be. So if you are struggling, reach out to the people close to you. They may have side work for you to do, such as pet sitting, a painting or yard care job, etc. Maybe you are a great baker, and can use your talents to do cakes or treats on commission. Your circle can be your customers or share your name and contact with those in search of such expertise. 


There are other resources, though I only recommend such things as temporary assistance, in last resort situations. Options such as hard money loans, which use collateral to obtain loans with bad or no credit. With the high interest rates and low value given to the items used for collateral, it is not something to be done lightly, but it is nice to know that if it ever comes to that, you have something you can turn to in order to make it through the storm.

Saturday, May 15, 2021

7 Reasons Why Networking is Important for Elevating Your Business


There is no denying the power a strong professional network can have on the success of your career. If you can make great connections, it can help you land a job faster and help you throughout your career.  

Networking is not about begging for favors, but it is a long-term beneficial relationship that you form with the people you meet. For example, if you run a moving business and join a good Moving Company Association, it can help you achieve new heights and gain inside strategies to run your business. 

It is important to invest in your relationships, whether professional or personal, as they pay you back in amazing ways throughout your career. Networking will allow you to stay on top of your industry trends, keep an eye on the job market, meet influential mentors, potential partners, and clients and get access to the necessary information to upgrade your business.  

 

Spreads Awareness About your Brand: 

When you start a new business, the first thing that you would wish is to gain more exposure and customers. Networking is the best option when you want to seek publicity for business or fame. 

When your company stands out more in terms of services and performance, it eventually opens more doors for partnership and opportunities. You can seek a professional's help to utilize networking strategies better and create more visibility for your brand. 

 

Gives Rise to New Opportunities: 

Besides giving your brand public exposure, networking also serves to be a source of new chances and opportunities. Many career-minded individuals have expanded their company with minimal efforts by opportunities opened for them through effective networking.  

You could meet your next big client in a business association. Meeting influential and successful business owners could give rise to new ideas and open clear paths for your career. 

 

Source of Knowledge: 

Some websites are made to address a topic and answer questions related to it specially. The same goes for some business associations that fall into your business category. It can serve as an additional source of information that can improve your career for the better. 

Getting involved with the same industry individuals gives you updated information on career trends. Not only this, you can get access to the knowledge whenever you need it. 

 

Improve Your Business Status: 

Not only is it important to provide quality products, but growing in status is equally essential to stand out among your competitors. Many top companies have reached their high level as a result of their networking efforts.  

Make sure to be careful who you end up making connections with within your business association. They play an essential role in upgrading your business status and making more growth opportunities.  

 

Reassessing Your Qualification: 

When you enter into your venture after receiving the required qualification, you may think it is the highest level of achievement. But when you look around, you may find people in higher positions with the same level of qualification. 

Education and certificates form the basis of your career, but networking is what gives it the height. With good relationships, you can enhance your knowledge and open more doors for opportunities. 

 

Support from High-Status Business Owners: 

You may face challenges in your career, especially if you are a startup business. Some hurdles may result due to lack of experience or lack of resources to run the company.  

Keep connections with the same industry high-profile individuals to help you manage your issues by giving advice and strategies to help you cope. Not only this, they can link you to reliable financial resources to receive the support that you need. 

 

Enhances Your Communication Skills: 

Networking provides you a platform to talk to other people and gives you a chance to represent your brand to other influential business owners. It allows you to practice your soft skills in real-time. 

No matter how far you have come in terms of your education, it is not entirely possible to succeed in your venture without the required communication skills. When you engage with other people, you become better at conveying your message. It is mostly beneficial for introverts who wish to advance in their careers and get out of their comfort zones.  

 


Friday, May 14, 2021

Looking Out For Small Business

In the wake of the pandemic, many jobs have been lost or transformed to comply with the need for social distancing. It has proven which jobs are essential and which are less so. It has shown that being present in an office is more for appearances than necessity.

Another thing that has come from the change in the job market is an increase in small businesses and side enterprises. Though the catalyst is no ideal, I like that people have been pushed to evaluate their goals and take the risk to start perusing things that they are passionate about.

I found found so many wonderful small businesses lately. I have recently become obsessed with Etsy, especially things like stickers and pins made by artists. There is a huge variety of incredible fan art (my personal favorite) and original art to be found there.

Now that safety measures have slackened a bit, I see companies being able to expand or take off again, too. I am particularly thrilled to find new companies for food products. Of course, this includes restaurants and shops locally, but also online companies that ship their treats. These are what most of my spending money goes to.

I have also been doing some selling of my own. I wouldn't quite classify my operation as a small business, yet. But someday, who knows. I do still require many of the same support and systems that most small business require. I need to manage areas such as storage and overhead, packing and shipping services, transaction fees, and cost of goods.

I am one of the least organized people you could ever meet, and oh so forgetful, so keeping track of these details on my own is not the easiest thing for me. I have considered using a service to manage these metrics and help me make sense of them. In my research, Common Thread Collective stood out as an ideal choice. 

What I really like about this service is that instead of trying to sell you on a bunch of grand ideas or additional options it actually shows you where it is practical to scale back and use less or do without. This helps ensure the best profits. If managed correctly, you can turn higher profits while pulling the same revenue. That is where CTC comes in.


With higher profit to revenue margins, you can work on growing your business, and increasing the overall revenue. Also, for the most part, the larger you can expand your business, the higher the profit to cost ratio becomes. Take buying in bulk as an example. The unit price for Cost of Goods Sold becomes lower the more you purchase at once. The same method can be applied to shipping costs and packing materials, etc.

Yes, you have to spend money to make money, but the more you have the less it takes. Business is tricky that way. Advertising is another good example, when your business is well known, you can afford to spend less on advertising. Now, obviously, a lot of companies still spend more, but none of us are going to become the next huge soft drink corporation, so it is sufficient to roll back advertising when you become more well recognized. 

Of course, the biggest necessity for any business, big or small, is to be passionate and to believe in yourself. I believe in you.

The (not so) Small Points of Small Business

In the wake of the pandemic, many jobs have been lost or transformed to comply with the need for social distancing. It has proven which jobs are essential and which are less so. It has shown that being present in an office is more for appearances than necessity.

Another thing that has come from the change in the job market is an increase in small businesses and side enterprises. Though the catalyst is no ideal, I like that people have been pushed to evaluate their goals and take the risk to start perusing things that they are passionate about.

I found found so many wonderful small businesses lately. I have recently become obsessed with Etsy, especially things like stickers and pins made by artists. There is a huge variety of incredible fan art (my personal favorite) and original art to be found there.

Now that safety measures have slackened a bit, I see companies being able to expand or take off again, too. I am particularly thrilled to find new companies for food products. Of course, this includes restaurants and shops locally, but also online companies that ship their treats. These are what most of my spending money goes to.

I have also been doing some selling of my own. I wouldn't quite classify my operation as a small business, yet. But someday, who knows. I do still require many of the same support and systems that most small business require. I need to manage areas such as storage and overhead, packing and shipping services, transaction fees, and cost of goods.

I am one of the least organized people you could ever meet, and oh so forgetful, so keeping track of these details on my own is not the easiest thing for me. I have considered using a service to manage these metrics and help me make sense of them. In my research, Common Thread Collective stood out as an ideal choice. 

What I really like about this service is that instead of trying to sell you on a bunch of grand ideas or additional options it actually shows you where it is practical to scale back and use less or do without. This helps ensure the best profits. If managed correctly, you can turn higher profits while pulling the same revenue. That is where Common Thread Collective comes in.


With higher profit to revenue margins, you can work on growing your business, and increasing the overall revenue. Also, for the most part, the larger you can expand your business, the higher the profit to cost ratio becomes. Take buying in bulk as an example. The unit price for Cost of Goods Sold becomes lower the more you purchase at once. The same method can be applied to shipping costs and packing materials, etc.

Yes, you have to spend money to make money, but the more you have the less it takes. Business is tricky that way. Advertising is another good example, when your business is well known, you can afford to spend less on advertising. Now, obviously, a lot of companies still spend more, but none of us are going to become the next huge soft drink corporation, so it is sufficient to roll back advertising when you become more well recognized. 

Of course, the biggest necessity for any business, big or small, is to be passionate and to believe in yourself. I believe in you.

The Small Points of Small Business

In the wake of the pandemic, many jobs have been lost or transformed to comply with the need for social distancing. It has proven which jobs are essential and which are less so. It has shown that being present in an office is more for appearances than necessity.

Another thing that has come from the change in the job market is an increase in small businesses and side enterprises. Though the catalyst is no ideal, I like that people have been pushed to evaluate their goals and take the risk to start perusing things that they are passionate about.

I found found so many wonderful small businesses lately. I have recently become obsessed with Etsy, especially things like stickers and pins made by artists. There is a huge variety of incredible fan art (my personal favorite) and original art to be found there.

Now that safety measures have slackened a bit, I see companies being able to expand or take off again, too. I am particularly thrilled to find new companies for food products. Of course, this includes restaurants and shops locally, but also online companies that ship their treats. These are what most of my spending money goes to.

I have also been doing some selling of my own. I wouldn't quite classify my operation as a small business, yet. But someday, who knows. I do still require many of the same support and systems that most small business require. I need to manage areas such as storage and overhead, packing and shipping services, transaction fees, and cost of goods.

I am one of the least organized people you could ever meet, and oh so forgetful, so keeping track of these details on my own is not the easiest thing for me. I have considered using a service to manage these metrics and help me make sense of them. In my research, Common Thread Collective stood out as an ideal choice. 

What I really like about this service is that instead of trying to sell you on a bunch of grand ideas or additional options it actually shows you where it is practical to scale back and use less or do without. This helps ensure the best profits. If managed correctly, you can turn higher profits while pulling the same revenue. That is where Common Thread Collective comes in.


With higher profit to revenue margins, you can work on growing your business, and increasing the overall revenue. Also, for the most part, the larger you can expand your business, the higher the profit to cost ratio becomes. Take buying in bulk as an example. The unit price for Cost of Goods Sold becomes lower the more you purchase at once. The same method can be applied to shipping costs and packing materials, etc.

Yes, you have to spend money to make money, but the more you have the less it takes. Business is tricky that way. Advertising is another good example, when your business is well known, you can afford to spend less on advertising. Now, obviously, a lot of companies still spend more, but none of us are going to become the next huge soft drink corporation, so it is sufficient to roll back advertising when you become more well recognized. 

Of course, the biggest necessity for any business, big or small, is to be passionate and to believe in yourself. I believe in you.

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

Why You Need A Data Catalog

Before I can cover why having a data catalog is important, it is necessary to explain what data catalog is. Essentially, it is a repository of metadata on information sources from across the venture, including data sets, business intelligence reports, visualizations, and conversations. At the start, data catalogs were primarily used to help individuals more quickly find and understand data. Presently, data catalogs are used to address a broad range of data intelligence solutions.  
 
There are varying types of data catalogs and features which they offer. I will briefly expand on a few of (in my opinion) the most useful data catalog tools. First and foremost, a search feature. Being able to search for specific information, especially in everyday language, rather than coded terms, it essential to efficiency.

Similarly, a business glossary is a very important tool. A business glossary defines key concepts and terms utilized by the enterprise. It can serve as a common vocabulary for an organization, ensuring the correct terms are used consistently across any situation. 
 
 
Metadata management is the core element of a data catalog. It provides information and context for data assets stored across the enterprise. It lays the foundations for describing, inventorying, and understanding data for a number of purposes.

Additionally, a data linage chart can help you see these insights in a visual representation. Illustrative reports can be vital in helping understand how analytics change over time. I am very much a visual learner, so this is an essential feature for me.

Data catalogs, while always important, are becoming increasingly pragmatic as the business world leans more into remote workforce efforts. The data catalog helps ensure that data stakeholders aren’t working in isolation even as they are stationed independently. This is key for collaborative ventures. 

Now that we have covered all the most common benefits of a data catalog, it is important to state that not all data catalogs are created equal. Just as with any product or service, you have to do your research and make sure you are choosing the best option to fit your needs. While I can't make the choice for you, I can suggest a company to start with.

Alation data catalog service includes all of the features I touched on and more. There excellence is backed by independent reports. In 2020 Alation was recognized as a Leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Metadata Management Solutions. It was the fourth year in a row that they were awarded the distinction.

Alation has been recognized in several other case studies, as well. Including those by Neilson, Forrester, AbbVie, New Relic, and more. Though these studies serve as a marker for Alation's value and reliability, the real evidence is in the countless satisfied customers that rely on their services to keep their enterprise operating at is highest efficiency.

When considering all the factors, it would be hard to deny that Alation is among the most desirable options for data catalog services, as well as many other business solutions, including Cloud Data Management, GDPR and CCPA Compliance Software, and more.

Monday, May 3, 2021

Best Flooring For Education Spaces

Recently, I have been sharing a lot about our home improvement efforts and future plans. I am still very excited about all of that, but I also thought it is important to talk about projects outside the home. My son attends a private school for special needs children. It is primarily children on the autism spectrum, but there are also students with ADHD and other neurological conditions.

The reason that is important is because they school is very volunteer and donations based. Therefor, parents stay deeply involved in decisions regarding expansion, renovations, etc. My son's school just recently used a grant to purchase new computers, for the computer lab, and a washer and dryer set for the life skills program (Family and Consumer Science class.)

The next big project will mostly likely be redoing the floors. This is something that has been in discussion for a couple years now, but was put off when Covid turned the school systems upside down. Now that we are returning to some semblance of normalcy, it's time to revisit the plan.

I have been looking into options and I found that LVT flooring is a great choice for educational spaces because of its versatility. It comes in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and patterns. It is also much easier to care for that natural wood or tile flooring is. Additionally, it is less noisy, which I'm sure you can understand, is a huge benefit in a place of learning or anywhere where there are many children. 

LVT flooring is also more affordable than most other types of flooring, which is another great benefit, especially for a school that is funded primarily by scholarships and donations. Another huge advantage is that it is easy to install, which again can be of use to save on costs, by allowing volunteers to assist in the installation.

I researched a lot of companies to compare lvt flooring options and Mannington Commercial really stood out to me for their wide selection and affordable rates. All the patterns are so stylish and modern. They even have "Express" styles, a selection of the most popular options which are affordable and stocked and ready to be shipped within five days. 

They also have knowledgeable, trustworthy employees that are eager to answer any questions you may have. The have national and international reps to accommodate you wherever you may reside.

With the school year nearly at an end, the timing is perfect to start planning repairs and improvement projects. Even though the lvt process is so simple that it is not very disruptive, it is still much easier to replace flooring when the rooms are already unoccupied and furnishings can be removed.

While the interior of the building is important, the real value lies inside the people that occupy the school. Everything that goes into the building is only used to support the process of learning and growing the young minds that will lead our future. They deserve the best that we can give them.

Saturday, May 1, 2021

Mother's Day Gift Guide Spotlight

If you haven't seen it yet, I posted the Mother's Day Gift Guide. I will continue to update that guide with more great recommendations, but I wanted to give this company a special mention. Talia Di Napoli pizzas are a stand out in every way.

Food gifts are always my favorites, of course, but I especially love to experience new foods and cultures. While pizza might not seem like a new or radical choice, these amazing pizzas are hand made in Naples, Italy using the highest quality, natural ingredients. It could never be compared to any pizza you have had before, unless you've been to Italy.


My expectations were sky high and these incredible pizzas still managed to exceed them. It is difficult to describe them, but they are amazing. The crust is so flavorful and has the crispy, chewy, tender texture that I love in a pizza.It is definitely not something I expected a frozen pie to pull off, but it is perfect. The "sleeping pizza" technique really is magical.

These pies are so easy and quick to prepare, but you would never know it but the taste, texture, or quality. For me, presentation is not a big factor as long as the food tastes great, but Talia Di Napoli has the presentation nailed too. All of their pies look great, but in the Mother's Day 8-Pack, there are heart shaped pies, and they are the most beautiful pizzas you've ever seen. 

Any of the incredible pizza bundles from Talia Di Napoli would make the perfect gift for any mother in your life (even if that is you). If you don't know which pack to send, they also offer gift cards, so your recipient can choose their own and decide when they want them delivered.

I rarely make promises, but I can say with the utmost confidence that no one who receives these delectable pies could ever be anything less than thrilled.

I hope you all have a happy, healthy (and delicious) Mother's Day.

*Although I received these products at no cost, to facilitate a review, all opinions are 100% my own.*