Millennials take new approach to work-life balance

(BPT) - More and more, Millennials are on the road for work. In an average month, one in four business-traveling Millennials travel overnight for work at least once per week.



As the line between "personal" and "business" grows thinner and thinner for this generation, Millennials are increasingly finding adventure through business. More than any other group, Millennial business travelers are more likely to add on extra days to their business trip for leisure travel (84 percent) according to the Hilton Garden Inn Discovery and Connection Survey. Millennials are funding these adventures through their business trips, too. The vast majority of this group (85 percent) is more likely to use reward points from their business travel to book a vacation, compared to a year ago.



Business travel across the nation is on the rise. According to the Global Business Travel Association, U.S. business travel is expected to grow 5.1 percent. As more Millennials hit the road for work, they are keeping top of mind a few, simple business travel perks to fulfill their appetite for personal adventure and discovery:



* Fly for free - Those flying for business can earn airline miles in their name. These business miles quickly add up, allowing travelers to upgrade seats or add another destination without accruing additional cost. Business travelers can then use these miles to bring a friend or loved one on the trip with them - quickly transitioning from business to family vacation or romantic getaway once the weekend hits.



* Earn hotel perks - Frequent stays in hotels offering rewards programs can grant business travelers benefits like free overnight stays, late checkout, and complimentary breakfast. These extras turn a business trip into much more, especially when additional nights are used to extend a business trip into a vacation.



Some hotels have seasonal programs, such as Hilton Garden Inn and Hilton HHonors Triple Your Trip promotion, which offers guests around the world the opportunity to earn double or triple HHonors' points while enjoying the signature Hilton Garden Inn Bed n' Breakfast deal that includes breakfast for each adult staying in the same room, and free meals for kids 12 and under.



* Discover local hidden gems - Cities often encourage business travelers to experience the local culture while in town and provide package deals with discounts to restaurants, tickets to local shows or events, helpful tips to find transportation in the city and even sightseeing opportunities to explore during free time. This becomes even more common when a city is hosting a large business gathering, such as an industry convention.



Millennials continue to be at the forefront of achieving work-life balance - utilizing business travel to discover new cities, explore local cultures, taste authentic cuisines and connect with new people across the country and around the globe.

How to turn must-do home improvements into things of beauty

When "want to" and "have to" meet, they create the opportunity to make a smart buying decision - and choose an upgrade that will look good and improve the livability of your home. The key to making smart home improvement decisions is to recognize these opportunities and take full advantage of them.



Here are a few "have to" improvements that have the potential to turn into a good-looking, energy-efficient, enjoyment-enhancing "want to."



Replacing the hot water heater.



You probably don't care what a new hot water heater looks like sitting in your garage or basement - or wherever it resides in your home. But the right replacement water heater can help your house achieve a lovely shade of green. High energy-efficiency water heaters can help reduce energy usage, thereby trimming your energy bills and your home's environmental impact. Solar water heating systems take the beauty a step further by using the power of the sun, collected through low-profile solar panels on the roof, to heat water - at a monthly savings that's about 80 percent less than the cost of traditional heaters.



Getting some light in here.



Do you really need a bunch of scientific studies to tell you that a home filled with natural light just feels better? Probably not. Illuminating your home with natural light is a smart buying decision on multiple levels. First, you don't pay to power the sun. Second, natural light delivers a host of mood-enhancing benefits. If you have the wall space, by all means add some windows.



But for rooms where a window is impossible (like a powder room) or where you don't want to sacrifice privacy (like a master bathroom) a tubular skylight is a good alternative. Some are easy enough to install that a seasoned do-it-yourselfer could accomplish the task. They cost less than traditional skylights and bring natural light to hard-to-light areas like closets, hallways and other small spaces.



Getting some air in here.



Just as natural sun is good for your mood, ventilation can be good for your health. An Energy Star qualified venting skylight is a great way to passively vent stale, moist air from inside your home, especially from baths and kitchens. While some skylights are "fixed," those that do open can be controlled by a remote to open when you want fresh air and close when you want to retain warmth. They can also close automatically in case of rain. In addition, they introduce free light into your home. Adding blinds - also remote-controlled - can help you better control the amount of sun a skylight admits into your home. And blinds are not just functional - you can get them in colors and patterns to complement your decor while increasing energy efficiency. Compared to other venting solutions, a skylight is a relatively low-cost, great-looking way to address ventilation issues while adding drama to a space. Log on to www.veluxusa.com to learn more about skylights.



When one door opens ...



Beat up, weathered garage and front doors not only look bad, they can be a source of air leaks that make your heating, ventilation and cooling system work harder. Exterior doors aren't something you buy every day, but they can have a big impact on how your home looks and on its energy efficiency. They can definitely be a smart buying decision if you opt for doors that not only look good, but are also highly rated for energy efficiency. If you're not sure how to choose, look online, where you'll find guides for buying garage doors and front doors.

How to choose a chainsaw

Millions of chainsaws are sold every year and - although not every purchase is punctuated with a Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor grunt - it is clear Canadian men (and some women) still love their chainsaws.



So is Tim right? Is it always just about "more power"?

Not according to Edward Andria from Husqvarna, a company that is reported to be the world's largest producer of outdoor power products: "There are many factors to consider when buying a chainsaw, but the first question you should ask is: What kind of work do I need the saw for? Models range from full-time professional saws to leisure or hobby saws and you want to make sure you get the right one."

Here are few more tips to help you choose the right saw:

• Unless you are very experienced with a chainsaw, go for a lighter saw which will be much easier to handle.

• Ergonomic engineering and design, such as low vibration levels in the handles and a slim and well-balanced saw body, are welcome features, even if you only use the saw part-time. Good ergonomics can be just as important as low weight.

• Efficient kickback protection is a requirement in most countries. Also pay attention to small details. For example, how easy it is to replace a simple part like a chain catcher stud? Do you have easy access to controls?

• Is the saw easy to maintain and service? Good access to the air filter and spark plug, and easy chain tensioning save time and effort.

• Look for approved protective equipment like safety trousers, safety boots, helmets with visors, hearing protection, and gloves.

• And don't forget, your saw will appreciate regular service by a qualified professional, so look to purchase one from a dealer that can service it.

More information is available online at Husqvarna.ca.

Courtesy of Newscanada

Reinvent yourself: How to start your own (creative) business

(BPT) - Many graduates in creative fields like graphic design, interior design or Web design are opting to start their own businesses. This is because recent figures show only a slight reduction in the unemployment rate, and job growth is at its lowest in six months. So, how can you make your business a success?



Bruce McCain, director of career services for The Art Institute of Tampa, a branch of Miami International University of Art & Design, and Kathleen Holland, director of career services for The Art Institute of Charleston, a branch of The Art Institute of Atlanta, share five essentials they identified as success factors in starting a business.



1. Self-assess and research. It is imperative that you are honest with yourself and truly understand what you are good at and what you enjoy doing. Doing a SWOT analysis (a way to analyze Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) is a great way of assessing that.



2. Know your niche. A business plan is highly recommended to help identify both those industries with a need for your services and your competition. This exercise will also help identify whether there might be a smaller and important niche market where your business can focus and be profitable.



"If you're a graphic designer, will you be a generalist, offering services to all types of industries, or do you have specialized experience handling retailers that you can build on?" asks McCain.



Knowing your niche will enable you to develop a consistent brand identity in every aspect of your business. The business plan also sets the goals and objectives that will guide many of your decisions.



3. To incorporate or not to incorporate. Many students in creative fields are familiar with taking on freelance work while still in school. But after graduation, it is important to formalize the business. It's a good idea to invest in some legal and accounting advice to help you make the best decision about incorporation. There are significant advantages and disadvantages to each type of business structure.



4. Develop a stream of business. New business owners often envision being successful within a short period of time. Developing and building a business from the ground up takes time, energy and hard work, but it can be very rewarding. The industry research you did for your business plan will come in handy in determining what a realistic rate of growth means for your industry and area.



5. Network, network, network.



"I can't stress enough the importance of networking," says Holland.



Networking may be your only means of marketing for quite some time - it is important to get in front of as many people as possible and give them your "elevator pitch" (a quick story about your business that you can say in 90 seconds or less). When meeting each person, make sure you take his or her business card; this comes in handy when writing a "nice to meet you" note the next day.



"Yes, you should write a quick note to each person you meet. In this note, you should mention where you met them, refer to your conversation, and remind them what your business does and how it can be helpful to them," Holland says.



It takes a lot of hard work to be a creative business owner and there are no shortcuts to success. So put in the time to reap the rewards.

Is kitchen remodeling cost-effective?

So, you have made the decision to remodel your home. Kitchen remodeling is one of the first rooms that homeowners explore with regard to renovations. The kitchen is the main gathering place in the home for families and friends. It is the area where socialization happens frequently, so it makes perfect sense to choose to remodel this room in your home first. The project can be extremely fun and should be looked upon as such. There are so many small changes that can be made to completely transform this room that it is mind boggling. Let us talk a bit about whether this remodeling project is a sound financial decision.

First, you should look at the long-term picture. Are you remodeling the kitchen for your own preferences, or will you be selling the home at any point in the future? In either case, renovations to the kitchen can help save money in the future, however, if you are planning to stay in the home, your choices can help save on your monthly utility bills. You can opt for new energy efficient windows that can save you on your monthly electric payments. You can also install low flow faucets to save on water consumption. Buying appliances that are more energy efficient is a great investment and you will also experience personal satisfaction that your new kitchen is more operational and updated.

If you are planning on selling your home in the future, you can expect a very significant return on your investment. If you ask any realtor, they will tell you that one of the first things a potential buyer is interested in is the kitchen. If your kitchen is fresh and updated with contemporary finishes (counters, cabinets, flooring) it will make your home stand out against homes that have a more dated kitchen. You can expect to get a return of at least 40% of your remodeling investment when you go to list your home.

A home kitchen makeover is a very prudent choice, especially if you can only remodel one room. The kitchen is central to the home and you spend a lot of time there cooking, eating and socializing. The benefits of new and updated appliances, and other elements far outweigh the costs you may incur. You will be surprised at how far you can get on your proposed budget, and you'll be left with the feeling that it was money well spent.

by: Leonard Simmons
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_7310.shtml

http://www.premiercentraltexashomes.com/featured/

Outdoor kitchen ideas

Outdoor kitchens are meant to be fun. After all, you are outdoors enjoying the great weather and some great food too. However, in order for your outdoor kitchen to be successful you need to be smart about the plans that you make while designing it. With this being said, here are some things that you should keep in mind.

Strategic Placement

Your outdoor kitchen should be strategically placed in relation to the other elements that you already have in your backyard. This is important because you will want to have a natural traffic flow.

Easy Access

Another word about strategic placement... Make sure that you have easy access between both the indoor and the outdoor kitchen. Of course, you also don't want to place the cook in an isolated area. If you are worried about smoke, look into a grill that has an exhaust fan on it. This will allow you to have lots of grill-side seating.

Incorporating A Refrigerator

The trend has been to recreate the feel of a traditional indoor kitchen outdoors. If this is your intention, then you will want to make sure that you have an outdoor fridge. You will also want to make sure that you have one if you plan on having a mini bar. It is a good idea to have your sink and food prep area between your fridge and grill.

Incorporating A Bar

If you are going to have an outdoor bar, you should give it a touch of authenticity by incorporating beer dispensers, wine chillers, martini bars and an icemaker. You will also want to build an island for your guests to sit at and don't forget the little added touches like a bottle opener or a towel holder.

Your Grill

Almost every outdoor kitchen includes a grill. There are the traditional charcoal and gas grills available but there are also hybrid grills as well. While they are more expensive, they are more versatile too. Electric grills are also available for your consideration. You may balk at this idea until you consider just how many more things this will allow you to be able to cook outdoors.

The Price Tag

Nothing in life is free and this is also true for your outdoor kitchen. There are some budget friendly options available such as portable refrigerators, pre-fabricated kitchen islands and using concrete or brick instead of stainless steel or tile. You will need to take some time to do some research online. Once you do, you will be able to see that you can actually design an outdoor kitchen that will fit any budget.

A Final Word On Designing An Outdoor Kitchen

People want versatility so that they can cook everything from American to Indian and even Asian cuisine. This is easy to do today since both gas and electric grills mimic indoor cooking so that you are no longer "stuck" just cooking steaks. Now you can have an outdoor lobster bake or you could even install a wood oven to make pizza in.

by: Joe Cline
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_6573.shtml

http://www.premiercentraltexashomes.com