4 Ways Corporate Retreats Boost Business

Sometimes it’s good to get the team out of the office and into a fresh, new environment. An environment, say, like Shepherd’s Pasture (https://shepherdspasture.com/), a multi-use retreat center (and yes, a corporate retreat center) in the magical East Texas town of Jefferson.

Check out these highlights from an article over at Chron Small Business (https://smallbusiness.chron.com/company-retreats-good-productivity-37136.html) about how corporate retreats can really boost your company morale and improve productivity.

1. Small business owners can improve productivity by investing in a company retreat. Simply getting away from the stressful atmosphere of the workplace can do a world of good. Your employees can work only so hard before cracking. When they return, their stress levels will be lower, meaning they’ll have the energy to work as hard as necessary without sacrificing quality.
2. Retreats that include team activities build camaraderie, training you and your workers to identify and incorporate the personal strengths of individuals to achieve group goals. The cooperative skills gained at a retreat will improve the performance of your workforce by showing employees how to work together effectively.
3. Company retreats remove workers from their typical contexts, revitalizing them and inspiring them to take pride in their work again.
4. When workers relax, they communicate better, both with you and each other. Opening lines of communication builds connections, spurring conversations that might not have happened otherwise, allowing employees to gain new perspectives on the business.

Now a little bit about Shepherd’s Pasture:

Shepherd’s Pasture is a Christian Retreat and Conference Center set on 24 beautiful acres of whispering piney woods, streams, trails and pasture land in East Texas.
We welcome Church Groups, Youth Groups, Individuals and our Military and their families and military supporters alike.

Concerning Woodlands Dog Boarding

If you live in The Woodlands, Spring, Shenandoah, or Conroe, and have dogs, you need our Woodlands Dog Daycare from time to time. It’s a simple fact of life. We all love to take our fur babies places, but they can’t go everywhere. And when they can’t, let us pamper and love on them while you do your thing.

Now, let’s see what Wikipedia says dog daycare is all about:

Dog daycare, often known as "doggy daycare", refers to a short-term daytime care for dogs. It fills a niche between multi-day kennel boarding and pet sitting, where the sitter comes to the pet's home. It shares many similarities with a regular daycare for children, with the exception being that a dog daycare is for canines. The two share the same philosophy. Parents, or in the case of the dog daycare, owners, have a busy schedule and the often prolonged hours at work drastically reduce the time that could be spent with their children or pets.

Connect with Woodlands Doggie Village (https://woodlandsdogboarding.com/) each time your precious pup needs Woodlands dog daycare or long-term Woodlands dog boarding. Your dog will give us five woofs out of five for sure!

Dallas Auto Injury Pain Management Tips

Thousands of car wrecks happen everyday. That’s not meant to alarm you, it’s just stating a fact. And while we’re talking about facts, it’s a fact that most accidents come with injuries, ranging from a little bit of pain to things that need full blown surgery. The constant commercials will tell you that you need to call an attorney when you get in a wreck. That’s wrong. You need to call a doctor first, then a lawyer. Health before money because you can’t spend that money if you’re laid up in a hospital bed because you chased paper before a physician.

And speaking of physicians, the Dallas pain management leaders at Pegasus Spine & Joint Institute (https://www.pegasuspain.com) have all the latest methods of pain relief therapy such as advanced PRP therapy in Dallas and minimally invasive steroid injections that your auto accident injuries may call for. Remember that your injury is unique and therefore your specific diagnosis and pain management will be as well. Consult with the doctors at Pegasus for more info about your injuries.

Meantime, let Wikipedia refresh everyone’s memory about what exactly “pain management” is:

Pain management, pain medicine, pain control or algiatry, is a branch of medicine employing an interdisciplinary approach for easing the suffering and improving the quality of life of those living with chronic pain. The typical pain management team includes medical practitioners, pharmacists, clinical psychologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, physician assistants, nurses. The team may also include other mental health specialists and massage therapists. Pain sometimes resolves promptly once the underlying trauma or pathology has healed, and is treated by one practitioner, with drugs such as analgesics and (occasionally) anxiolytics. Effective management of chronic (long-term) pain, however, frequently requires the coordinated efforts of the pain management team. Effective pain management does not mean total eradication of all pain.

Medicine treats injuries and diseases to support and speed healing, and it treats distressing symptoms such as pain to relieve suffering during treatment, healing, and dying. When a painful injury or pathology is resistant to treatment and persists, when pain persists after the injury or pathology has healed, and when medical science cannot identify the cause of pain, the task of medicine is to relieve suffering. Treatment approaches to chronic pain include pharmacological measures, such as analgesics, antidepressants and anticonvulsants, interventional procedures, physical therapy, physical exercise, application of ice and/or heat, and psychological measures, such as biofeedback and cognitive behavioral therapy.

So there you have it. Now that we’re all caught up on what pain management is, it’s time to move forward with your pain management treatment. Discuss great alternative treatments for pain relief such as the Dallas regenerative medicine options Pegasus Joint and Spine Institute has when you connect with them.

Add Appeal To Your House With These Home Upgrades

Proper exterior house painting boosts curb appeal.

Performing home improvement doesn’t need to be a daunting task. Improving your home can be fun and easy, and make your home environment much more enjoyable. Make-over the areas you like and make them into areas you love. Follow the tips below and you will be able to turn your home into your dream home.

Ceiling Fans

Install ceiling fans to circulate the air in your home. During summer the fan can be adjusted to blow down, and during the winter it can adjusted to draw the air up. This increases the efficiency of the utilities in your home so that you pay less in heating and cooling costs and save energy.

Driveway Upgrade

The outside of your home also makes an excellent spot for a home improvement project. Staining your driveway adds a beautiful touch to the front of your residence. Also, look to see if you need to fill any cracks or re-tar the driveway. Sometimes, the front of your home can be forgotten as you make improvements, but these projects can really add a lot to the aesthetic value of your property.

Interior House Painting

If you’re looking to add variety to your rooms with paint you can do it very quickly and cost effectively. Paint one wall a different striking color in your room that doesn’t match the other wall colors. This will create a new focal point in your room and make your space feel like it just had a real update.

If you are unable to pick a paint color because you are not sure how the colors will look in your desired room, purchase a small amount of paint in different colors to test out on the wall. Having a larger color swatch to look at and evaluate in your room’s lighting can help you to make a decision.

When you paint interior rooms during a home improvement project, allow extra drying time if your house is new. Newer homes are usually built with extremely effective (nearly air-tight) separation between the interior and exterior. While this is an advantage for you as a homeowner in most situations, when you paint inside, your paint will take longer to dry than the paint manufacturer might claim.

Exterior House Painting and Brickwork

Painting the exterior of your home is a great way to boost curb appeal and give your home a fresh, appealing look. In addition to doing this by finding a local house painter, you can add visual distinction and aesthetic interest to brickwork installed in your home improvement projects, make use of more exotic bonds. “Bond” is the technical term for the pattern that bricks are laid in. With a little research, you will find there are many options available besides the traditional stretcher bond. Many bonds add beautiful decoration to brickwork with little additional cost.

As you can see, home improvement can be very easy. With the tips above, you can accomplish the task of turning your home into your private sanctuary, a place you are proud to call home. What are you waiting for? Go ahead and start that home improvement project you’ve been thinking about.

Helpful Travel Advice for Those About to Take Off

What are you planning? A ski trip in the mountains? Get a heavy coat and some trusty skis. A beach vacation? Stock up on suntan lotion. An adventurous surfing expedition? Get your surfboard, surfboard leashes, surfboard bags, and everything else "surf" from a reputable surf shop online to forego any hassle.

No matter where you're going, traveling can encompass a lot of different things depending upon whom you ask or talk to about it. We all know that it can be fun to travel to a new location, but you should still have a plan so that you do not waste money. Try using the tips below to create a better plan.

• When flying, be sure to wear loose fitting clothes and slip-on shoes. This will ensure that your flight is comfortable. Not only that, it won't take as long to get through security if you can quickly take your shoes on and off. Loose clothing will allow for any short term swelling that you may experience due to air pressure in the plane's cabin.
• If you rent a car while traveling, request an extra key. In a new place, in a new car, your mind is bound to be occupied with other things. For people who already have a bad time of locking their keys in their vehicle, keeping a spare set on you at all times is a great idea.
• If you want to visit Walt Disney World in Orlando on a budget, consider going around the beginning of December. Fees to the park do not go down, but this is when hotels in the area cut their prices and run promotions to attract local visitors. In addition, the park is less crowded, so you do not have to wait in line as long for your favorite attractions.
• When packing luggage for your trip, store your socks in shoes. If you are packing more than one pair of shoes for your trip, save space back packing your socks and pantyhose inside them. Socks and pantyhose can take up a surprisingly large amount of space in your suitcase if packed separately.
• On your next flight, chew gum to keep your ears from popping on take off. The pressure changes during a flight can pop your ears. This is not particularly painful. It is, however, rather annoying. Before take off, start chewing a stick of gum. This will often prevent your ears from popping or at least, ease the pressure.

It's true that traveling can be a lot of fun. That said, you still need to plan to save money and for emergencies. You can always refine your traveling plans to accommodate these things and more. Hopefully, these tips gave you some useful advice on how to create a better travel plan.

How to Own Owning Your Own Business

Making a success of any business venture takes time, dedication and helpful information. If you take the time to learn the best moves to make in starting your own business, you have a greater chance at making your investment pay off for you. Reading this information is a great first-step to success!

• When making the decision of starting a business, it is important for you to pick a subject that you are familiar with. Remember, you own the business, so you do not want to have the responsibility of having to deal with customers' problems and not knowing what to do about these problems.
• A major difference between running your own business and being employed by someone else, is that you will have to learn to manage your own time. Organization and setting goals is very important. If you are not goal oriented, you can easily find yourself spending a lot of time doing a lot of nothing. Remember to create and set weekly and daily goals for yourself. You can then organize around these goals just like you would at any other job.
• Pimp out your office. Nice desks, comfy chairs, Sharp copiers, a powerful computer, a nice rug, some artwork - make the place have an aura of success and that will not only boost your morale, but also impress your future customers.
• Use an online credit card acceptance company while you are getting your business off the ground. Propay allows you $1,000 per month of credit card transactions for a low per-transaction price and minimal setup. Paypal and 2Checkout both allow you to accept credit cards on your website with no setup or monthly fees. As your business grows, you can move to a bank-provided merchant account if necessary.
• Always know what your products cost you to make. This is important for many reasons, but if someone should unexpectedly show interest in retailing your products, you will need to know off the top of your head what your cost is, and where you want to set your wholesale price. As a rule of thumb, the retail price is about two times your wholesale price. The wholesale price is your costs plus a fair profit margin for you.

Apply the information that you have read in this article to your business plan and you are sure to notice a tremendous improvement in the way business is going. Work hard, learn as much as you can and dedicate the necessary time to your business, then your profits are soon to come.

Improve Your Home With These Top Tips

How experienced are you in home improvement? A beginner? You aren't the only one if you have no idea what tools to use or how to begin. Many people experience this, but you'll find some helpful hints here. The tips below can help you get those home improvement projects started.

1. Keep tabs on how much you spend on your home improvements. It is really easy to nickel and dime yourself with small details and not realize how much you have totaled. A simple spreadsheet or budgeting tool will help you keep track of all this information. It will be much easier at tax time too, to be able to get all of the deductions you deserve.
2. Stay true to the property and the neighborhood when you take on major renovations. If you live on a street of suburb ranch style homes, then putting in a colonial mansion is not going to get you the desired result you're after. It will be out of place and not something anyone else will be willing to pay for later. Keep this is mind when painting the exterior of your home. You don't want any funky colors to clash with the neighbors. In fact, exterior home painting is such a vital job, you may want to call in the pros for this one. Simply Google "home painters near me" to get started.
3. A good way to get things done in your house is to ask for help from friends and family. You might want to ask close friends and family members to help you repaint your kitchen. You can pay them off by buying them lunch or taking them out to dinner, it's probably cheaper than hiring someone to do the job for you.
4. Make sure that you and your contractor are on the same page regarding your budget for the project. Be honest with your contractor regarding the amount of money you have to spend, don't hide the wiggle room that you built into the budget. Many homeowners fear that they will get taken advantage of, but if you are not honest, you may find yourself having received inferior materials or workmanship because the contractor was trying to cut the costs to fit your budget.
5. Adding window blinds to your windows is a great way to accomplish a sense of privacy. Many people don't use curtains or blinds because they want to let in natural lighting. However, don't forget that you can see outside, but whoever is outside, can also see inside. Window blinds can add to your privacy and come in different styles to choose from. You don't have to go with the cheap plastic factory blinds. You can find some really nice wooden or bamboo shades, that do the job, just as well.

Tackling home improvement tasks doesn't have to be as complicated as they are sometimes portrayed. It can be very hard, but it does not have to be that way. There are smaller projects that can be tackled too. Now that you have a better understanding of what it takes, it's time to get started.

Good Tips for Better Camping Times

Solo camp. Group camp. Family camp. Church camp. It doesn’t matter if you’re in an air conditioned cabin or under the stars on a cot, there’s something about camping and outdoor retreats that does wonders for your soul. So, if you have been wondering about what to expect for an upcoming camping trip, you have come to the right place. This article will share basic tips and advice that will make your camping trip go off without a hitch.

• Your sleeping bag should be seasonally appropriate. You don't want to sweat all night because you brought a sleeping bag that is suitable for winter in the middle of the summer. The opposite is true as well, as you need a good, heavy sleeping bag when you are going to be enduring very cold conditions. You could even experience hypothermia.
• Try to get to the campsite well before nightfall. This allows you to get a feel for the lay of the land and gives you the opportunity to set up camp while you can still see what you are doing. In addition, it lets your children feel a little more comfortable with their surroundings because they will have time to explore.
• Make sure that you avoid any venomous plants. A good way to do this is to stop at the ranger station and ask what kinds of poisonous plants are in the area so you can identify them if you come into contact with them on the trail. Never eat anything while hiking on the trail if you do not know it is edible.
• Introduce yourselves to other families camping in your immediate area, as a means of being social and more apt to help each other out. If another crew arrives after you've set up, offer to help with their tent or equipment. If something goes awry during the trip for anyone, it's much easier to ask for help from somebody who was courteous enough to introduce themselves.
• Make sure you are aware of what hospitals are close to your campsite and how to get to them. While you don't want to think about anything bad happening on your trip, it is a possibility. Certain injuries will necessitate a visit to the doctor, so it is best to know where to go before something happens, and you are in panic mode.
• When it is time for you to go to sleep, it is a good idea to put the coolers that you brought along into your vehicle. Bears have become quite savvy these days and have figured out that these coolers usually carry food items and this will attract them to your campsite.
• Remember to pack a camera. There are some memories you're going to want to capture on your camping trip. Bring along a small camera that can fit in your pocket. Try to pack something durable that could stand getting dropped or becoming a bit wet. Consider using a disposable camera.

Camping is a pretty simple outdoor excursion for just about anyone to handle. But this article shared some information that should help you field any mishaps that come your way before they ever have a chance to become a problem for you. Keep this information in mind on your fun camping trip!

Shepherd’s Pasture is an established East Texas Retreat Center and East Texas Church Camp facility catering to countless families, churches, and businesses across Texas. Book your corporate, religious, or private outing today by contacting them at (903) 665-2647.

How to Connect With the Growing Surfing Market

If you sell surfboards, surf gear, surfboard fins, or anything within the realm of surfdom, you want to be able to connect with the eclectic surfing crowd and there's no better way to do that than to speak their language and offer something valuable to them. And what's more valuable than information these days? (Well, aside from a winning lottery ticket.)

The surfing gurus over at Surfer Today have come up with "The Best Advanced Surfing Tips and Techniques." Memorizing and verbalizing this list of 15 pointers is sure to make you a fount of information and a go-to source for the very crowd you're tying to sell to. Knowledge is power.

So, without further ado, get your learning on...

1. Learn to Pick the Right Wave
2. Fine-Tune the Position on the Peak
3. Eye Your Target
4. Keep a Low Center of Gravity
5. Paddle With Nearly-Closed Fingers
6. Check the Time Period Between Waves
7. Adjust Your Feet While Riding the Wave
8. Set One Goal and Improve It
9. Manage the Wave Face Timing
10. Watch Wave Videos in Slow Motion
11. Analyze Your Mistakes
12. Broaden the Working Area on the Wave Face
13. Pick the Right Surfboard for the Right Wave
14. Focus on Rail-to-Rail Surfing
15. Learn How Waves Are Formed

Of course we're not going to straight-up rip off the authors of the original article, so we just wanted to give you a head's up about this great advice and now we'll kindly point you to the full post for further explanation: https://www.surfertoday.com/surfing/the-best-advanced-surfing-tips-and-techniques

Oh, hey, since you're still here check out another great website called Finatic.com where you can literally test out all kinds of surf fins to see which setup helps you ride the waves the best.

Cool Tips and Tricks About Auto Repair

Whenever your car breaks down, it just makes you the happiest person in the world, right? Wrong. Of course not, and you would like to know more about what to do in this situation. You would like to know what to do before this situation occurs again. Continue reading to find out some great tips on auto repair.

• When doing your own work on your automobile, you want to make sure you never take things too far in error. You're saving yourself some money by doing it yourself, but if you're not sure about something, you need to find out or let a professional handle the matter. You could end up costing yourself so much money.
• Protect your car from water damage. Take the time to make sure all windows and doors are properly closed. Keep your car on higher ground if you live in an area that's easily flooded. If you have sandbags, build a wall around your car. Don't drive in areas with high water levels. Don't start your car if it's been exposed to flood waters.
• When performing your own car repairs, make sure you budget enough time to get the job done. It's easy to underestimate how long a repair job will take. You may encounter difficult to remove bolts or nuts, or find out a part is harder to remove than you anticipated. Giving yourself enough time to complete the repair safely will make the job much less stressful.
• Find a reputable auto repair shop in your area and take your car there every time it needs service. You should attempt to have the same mechanic work on your car when you take it there. This helps the mechanic to become familiar with your vehicle so he will notice problems sooner than someone else.
• If you are planning a road trip, make sure that you go and have your car serviced. Plan it a little ahead so you are not rushing to get it done at the last minute. Even if your car feels fine, you want to make sure that you will make it to your destination and back with no issues.
• When repainting your car to match OEM specs, choose a custom paint supplier that offers custom paint matching so that the new paint matches the existing paint. Some providers even offer a way to make custom aerosol paint products to keep in your own garage.
• Changing a car battery is quick and easy. It usually involves unfastening a clip on top of the battery and using a wrench to loosen and remove the connectors. (Naturally, you should do this with your engine off!) Brush the connectors clean with a wire brush. Lift out the old battery and put the new battery in its place. Fasten the connectors securely and refasten the clasp. You should be good to go!
• Avoid rebuilt parts if possible. These parts are usually more affordable than new ones but you have no way of knowing how reliable the repairs are. Rebuilt parts have usually been into an accident or stopped working at some point and were salvaged and rebuilt. It is best to invest in newer part that have never been damaged in the past.

Do you feel like you are ready to take on the world of auto repair? Whether you are gaining confidence to do the repairs yourself or know what to do regarding getting your vehicle to the right professional, you can surely identify with the tips that have been provided. It's time to get started with those auto repairs.

Beginner's Guide To Caring For Dogs

We're going to take a quick departure from "strictly business" to speak on something that has been, and always will be, a popular topic - and considering that pet ownership is on the rise, the following tips may be helpful for anyone who has a dog boarding (or doggie daycare) facility or pet store.

Owning a dog is no simple task. They require a ton of care, from being bathed to fed to checked over by the vet. With so much to do, how can you keep track? This article will give you some simple tips to help you get the job done right.

• Never allow your dog to ride in a car unsecured. Sitting on your lap or in the front seat is dangerous both to him and your ability to drive. Always place him in an appropriately sized pet carrier or invest in a pet seat belt that will keep him snug and safe in the middle of the back seat.
• When you are trying to teach your dog new tricks, you should always be patient. Different dogs will learn things differently. If your dog isn't picking up a new trick right away, give him time. You could also try changing your teaching method. Your dog may respond better to a different approach.
• When giving your dog a bath, make sure that you only put on shampoo that is intended for canines. Using lukewarm water, get the entire body wet and then begin applying the shampoo to their face, working your way down their body. Wait a few minutes and then take a washcloth and wipe off the suds from your pet's face. Wash off the rest of the shampoo as well.
• When training a dog, practice in the yard or your home. It's never good to try and train your pet when there are quite a few people around. Too many people causes distractions, making it hard to train them.
• If your dog needs to be outside during cold months, buy him a house or build him one. Adverse weather conditions can be detrimental to your pooch, causing illnesses, anxiety and poor behaviors. Build a shelter yourself or purchase a kit from the nearest pet store.
• Keep your dog's teeth in tip tip condition. Just like humans, a dog can suffer from toothache, gum disease and even tooth loss. Regular brushing will ensure that that his teeth and gums stay healthy and strong. Without regular brushing, it is estimated that dental disease will affect up to 80% of dogs by the age of three. As well as dental cleaning by a vet, make sure that you brush your dog's teeth regularly.
• You may be tempted to use your favorite hair shampoo on your dog, but this should not be done. Human shampoo can cause dog skin to dry out. Instead, find a quality shampoo that is made for dogs. When you bath your dog, make sure to rinse all of the residue out of his fur.
• Know the basics of pet first-aid if you have a dog in your family. Being able to react quickly in an emergency, such as your pooch being bitten by a snake, can mean the difference between life and death. Read a good book on the subject or ask your vet to brief you on the basics.
• It is very important for you to keep your dog's ears clean. Keeping the inside of the ears clean will help prevent infections of the ear. This is also a good time for you to inspect the ear for fleas, ticks and any other pests that could have made your dog's ear home.

The knowledge you have gained from this article will ensure that your dog is as happy and healthy as can be. That is what you are striving for, right? As long as you put in the effort to use this knowledge, you will benefit from it every single day. Love your dog and enjoy them!

If you live near Spring, TX or The Woodlands, TX, check out Woodlands Doggie Village which is considered by many to be the best Spring TX dog boarding and Woodlands dog daycare providers in all of the North Houston area. You owe it to your dog to give this kennel-free environment a whirl.

Surefire Tips For Home Improvement Success

Whether you want to add a deck to your house, or learn how to do that faux finishing technique you saw on HGTV, this article gives you tips and pointers on various things you could do in your home to make it more personal and a home you can take pride in because you did it yourself.

• Be sure to consider the type of material you plan to use before building an addition to your home. Using wood may increase your insurance premiums because of the added risk of fire. Steel and concrete are more durable and fire-resistant, so choosing one of these options can help keep your annual insurance premiums low.
• When it comes to exterior home painting or interior home painting, unless you're just wanting to DIY one feature wall, leave the job to the professionals who typically guarantee the work to be done right and to last longer. 
• Use a flexible container to mix up just enough dry plaster of Paris for your intended use. When you are finished with the job all you have to do is allow the remainder of the plaster to harden, turn the container upside down over a trash can, and flex the sides. The plaster will cleanly separate from the container and you can put the container away to use on the next job.
• An important tip to remember with real estate is that when you are making improvements to your house, you should not date it with fashions that are on their way out. This is important because while something may look nice for the time being you should always be forward thinking, especially if you do plan on selling your house.
• If your house is low on usable space and you need an extra space, consider looking to your attic or basement for help. You can easily choose to turn your basement into a livable environment such as an office, man cave or recreation room. If your basement already has a staircase, a roof and separate walls, it can be a very cost effective way to improve your home.
• Installing a shower should probably be a high-priority home improvement project for you if your home doesn't have one. A shower is easier to get into than a bathtub and also limits the water consumed by people in the house. This is especially true if you have kids. Short showers typically use as little as a quarter of the water that it takes to run a bath.
• For home improvement projects big enough to require a contractor, it is very important that you get a contractor you can trust. Review a prospective contractor's history and talk to his previous employers. Any disputes, lawsuits or cost overruns you find in a contractor's background are serious warning flags. Remember to ask the contractor to explain anything troubling you turn up, though.
• Is your foundation cracked and siding deteriorating? If may seem odd, but you may need to look towards your roof for answer on how to fix it. Installing a new roof gutter system to direct water away from your home's exterior walls and foundation can keep the integrity of your home in tact.
• Are the fans in your home looking a bit overworked? Why not buy new fan blades and replace the old ones, so that your home looks clean. Dirty fan blades can make your home look dirty. If you are looking for an easy way to keep your home clean, try putting in new fan blades.
• If you're looking to build some recreational fun into your home, keep in mind that anything that poses as a potential hazard can raise your home insurance premiums. Adding a swimming pool or trampoline for the kids can increase your yearly premiums as much as 10 percent. Make sure to take this into consideration prior to purchasing to determine if the benefits outweigh the additional insurance costs.

As you can see, there are a variety of things you can do around your home, both inside and outside, that will put your personal stamp on it. It doesn't have to be a major change, because even the smallest things can make a big difference if done correctly and strategically.

If you're in North Texas, connect with Rock Painting and Gutters for all your Frisco painting and home improvement needs.

9 Ways To Smoother Travels

If you are completely new to the world of travel, then you are probably thinking that some tips on how to travel smarter and safer will help you immensely so that you can enjoy your trip much sooner. Listed below are some tips to get you started with your traveling plans.

1. If you're hitting the open road for a family trek across the states, remember that when you're getting the RV from the local RV storage lot to gas it up, make sure to check all the fluids, and otherwise give the vehicle a good once-over. You don't want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere with a broken down rig.
2. If you sit in an aisle seat on an airplane, you'll have more options. A view is one of the only benefits of a window seat. Aisle seats offer unrestricted access to baggage, restrooms and airline staff. You will also have one side of you that can move around without hitting the person next to you.
3. Keeping a business card from your hotel in your wallet may keep you out of trouble. Immediately upon check-in make sure you grab a card and have it with you wherever you may go. Most especially in a foreign country or unfamiliar place, if you get lost you can simply call them for help or if you happen to over indulge in spirits the card will identify your rightful place in the neighborhood.
4. Before purchasing a package deal for travel, check out the prices of the individual components. In many cases, the package deals are cheaper than buying the pieces separately, but not always. It never hurts to check out pricing for yourself before becoming locked in to purchasing the whole package, and you might discover there's a part of the package you don't want, such as meals.
5. Use rubber bands when packing. Many people already roll their clothes when packing their luggage for a trip. It saves a ton of space. To save even more space, wrap a rubber band around these rolled clothes. It will allow you to pack more into the same space and ensure that they do not unroll during the trip.
6. Airplanes can be filled with airborne bacteria. You can dab some Neosporin in your nose while on the plane to combat the germs in the air. You can also use hand sanitizer frequently. After you rub the sanitizer into your hands, put a small amount right under your nose.
7. During your trip if you're staying at many different hotels, you can rest assured there is an easy and cost effective gift you can give your friends as a souvenir. Collect all of the little samples such as shampoos, body washes, body lotions and coffee packets that hotels give out, put them in a basket and give them away as gifts to your friends. It makes a nice gift because it gives a taste of culture from different hotels and is cost effective to you for making a friendly gesture.
8. Be on the lookout for handy amenities whenever you have to spend time at an airport. While all modern airports have shops and restaurants, many also feature free services you can use to make your trip more relaxing. Take note of these opportunities in case you ever find yourself revisiting the airport. If you are a record-keeping kind of person, consider jotting down a few notes.
9. Consider attaching small bells to your carry-on bag. If you are worried that someone might steal or tamper with your luggage during a flight, attach bells to it. Inexpensive, Christmas jingle bells will do nicely. The noise is likely to deter criminals. If not, the noise will draw your attention.

As you can see from the above list of tips, traveling can be very memorable, informative and fun if you know what to do before going on your trip. After following these tips, you will no longer be new to the world of travel, but you will become an traveling expert.

Remember: If you're a RV person, it's smart to select a local, reputable storage facility to keep your vehicle. For those in the North Texas area, Staley RV Storage is the highest recommended Celina RV Storage center around.

Getting The Best Deal On Office Supplies As A Business Owner

As the economy continues to falter, more and more people are turning to entrepreneurship to make their living. If you are considering a career in self-employment, consider these helpful strategies and tips to increase your earnings and achieve success. Arm yourself with knowledge before attempting to start your business.

• Make sure you equip your business with the best possible tools: dependable computer (desktop or laptop), a Sharp printer (highest rated brand of office machines), comfortable desks and chairs, and a designated break area away from your work space.
• If you have a business based out of your house, don't miss out on the home office tax credit. You can claim this space even if you don't devote an entire room to your business. If you have an area which is only or primarily used for business purposes, you can claim it based on square footage, and calculate the portion of your home that is taken up by your office space.
• Take regular breaks even if you work. Work can be stressful, even in the comfort of your own surroundings. Break time is for relaxation, meals, and other personal tasks. Make a little free time part of your normal work day and you and your business will run a little more smoothly!
• Make sure you keep accurate records of all your business activity. It's easy to put off pesky record-keeping tasks till you feel like doing them, but strive to keep everything pertaining to your business up-to-date so that you won't be confused and stressed out later on.
• It is important to set boundaries. They are crucial for those who work at home. Everyone in your life will need the boundaries, your kids, spouse, neighbors, clients, or anyone else you work or live it. These people need to know when you are working, when you will return e-mail, and when you will take phone calls, or when you are not. The better you are at setting and enforcing the boundaries, the more efficient your business, and your life will be.
• Study your competition carefully. Understand their pricing and know where you fit in. Never say negative things about your competition. Have your ever noticed that malls are full of clothing stores that all manage to keep doing business? Competition brings out the best in different businesses and every business has its own unique nuances that draw different customers. Talk up your own business, your products' features, and how they benefit your customers.
• To be able to start and maintain a successful business, you must be completely honest with yourself. Each of us has areas of strengths and weaknesses. To be a success, you must be honest with yourself when it comes to your own strong points and weak points. Find help for your weaknesses. By doing this, you will be able to focus more energy on your strengths. A recent study suggests that building strengths rather than fixing weaknesses is the road to success.
• Do not avoid taking a long hard look at your finances every month. If you avoid a real problem in your company it will only grow. If you are proactive you may be able to identify a problem early and even avoid having to close your business completely. This will save you lots of stress in the long run.
• Create a backup plan for possible problems in your business. If you are collecting customer data, be sure you have a data backup plan such as an external data storage site. If you are storing physical products for sale, make sure you have adequate insurance coverage in case of damage or theft. Consider the problems relevant to your business and plan accordingly.

As you implement the strategies and tips in this article, keep in mind that you alone are responsible for the success of your business. By applying the advice in this article, you can learn to overcome difficulties in the business landscape and provide services that benefit your customers. These strategies can set you on a path to true financial success.

Be sure to connect with your local office supply and printer supply businesses to form a lasting relationship. If you're in North Texas, partner up with A1 Image Office Systems for all your Dallas Sharp MFP and Sharp copier needs.

The Best Ways To Find A Good Attorney

Whenever people need help with anything related to the law, they turn to a lawyer for help. A lawyer can get you a not guilty verdict on a court case, or even give you legal advice. Lawyers can sometimes be expensive, but that can be changed. The following article contains advice on how to find a good lawyer for an affordable price.

• Finding a good lawyer is a lot of work. You should put some time aside to do some research and give yourself a few weeks to compare different options. Meet different lawyers to get quotes and ask for advice. You should not expect to find a quality lawyer right away.
• If you have been in an accident, do not hire any lawyer that comes to you and tries to solicit your business. This is not only unethical, but it is against the law. You do not want to hire anyone to handle your legal case if you have to worry about their legal ethics.
• While a high profile lawyer might be the promise of success you dream of, they might also be way too busy to deal with your case. This can either leave you in the hands of a less experienced lawyer at the firm, or alone at times when you need your lawyer. Look for someone with a balance of time and experience.
• Do not allow yourself to judge an attorney based on how good their advertisements are. The reality is that an attorney that is reputable doesn't have to advertise to get new clients. Look into your attorney's background and use what you find to help you make the decision about whether or not to hire them.
• Set up a good communication system with your lawyer first thing. Lawyers are busy people, and your case may be one of many. If you haven't established an expectation for communication, then you may be forgotten. So set it up during the first meeting. Make sure your expectation is clear.
• If a lawyer tries too hard to convince you that your case is easy to win or that you can make a fortune by filing a lawsuit, you should not hire them. A good lawyer should be honest and carefully assess your situation before encouraging you to file a lawsuit.
• Talk to several lawyers before making a selection. Don't hire the first lawyer you speak with. You want an attorney who you can trust, so interview several potential candidates. In addition to the standard qualifications, determine whether their personality will work well with your own, as you may be spending a great deal of time together.
• When you believe that you might have a lawsuit, it is tempting to call one of those lawyers in the commercials on television. Although these lawyers are qualified, they might not be allowed to practice law in your state, depending on where they took the BAR exam. It is always good to look into this and read the fine print.
• Do not go to Housing court unprepared. That includes having a lawyer by your side. Housing courts are confusing and filled with red tape. Even the slightest misstep can cost your your living arrangements. The law for housing courts can vary from city to city, so a lawyer is your strongest asset.

Everyone deserves to have good legal representation, but not everyone can afford it. In some cases you can get legal representation provided by the courts, but this is often not good enough. Regardless of why you need a lawyer, you can get one without paying too much when you use the above advice.

7 Tips To Find An Affordable Locksmith

What can a local locksmith do for you? They can make you a new key, get you in when you're locked out, or even replace or put in new locks for you. Do you know someone who can complete these services for you? If not, today is the day to find someone using the advice below.

1. In the event that you have a high-security lock and there is a problem, it is best to call the lock company before calling a locksmith. Since this type of lock was designed to be difficult, a locksmith may have a hard tome getting into it. You may end up paying a bundle for them to try with no success.
2. If you are locked out of your vehicle at a bar or a gentleman's club, give the locksmith you call the impression that you work there. Many times a locksmith will give you a higher quote if they assume you have been spending money. Being a little dishonest can save you some extra cash.
3. Do not let the locksmith begin work until he or she has given you an estimate. Rather than simply getting a verbal estimate, insist that the locksmith write the quote down on paper. This way, you have proof of the number that you were quoted. As long as you agree with the price, work can commence at that point.
4. While it is important to understand how much the job will cost, it is also important to be aware of any other fees involved in the process. For example, some locksmiths charge extra for emergency service. Others will tack on a fee if they have to drive a certain distance. Question the locksmith about this so that you understand how much you will be charged.
5. When a locksmith comes to help you, always ask to see their ID. In some states, the locksmith has to have a license as well, like in California, North Carolina, New Jersey and Texas. Do your research ahead of time so you know what documentation your locksmith needs to have.
6. When a locksmith arrives to help you, ask them if you can see a photo ID. You want to make sure that this person is who they say they are. Some states require locksmiths to have a license. If you are in one of those states, you should ask to see that as well.
7. Always get an estimate from a locksmith before allowing them to do any work for you. Unfortunately, there are locksmiths out there that will do the job then ask for an unreasonable amount of money. This can be avoided if you are clear about what you will be charged for the service.

Within this article are tips and tricks which will help you find a locksmith. Not any old locksmith, of course, but the best professional available to you. Rely on this advice to ensure you have the right person for the job. If you do, your project will be completed on time and budget.