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There’s nothing better than relaxing in your favorite room in the entire house—it’s the living room for most. Even if you don’t love your living space, it doesn’t have to stay that way. Remodeling and redesigning are always possibilities, and you can do them on your own. If you want to breathe life into your living space and give it a fresh look, consider a few helpful tips for redesigning your living room to guide you along the way. Make an Inspiration Board You might already know that you want to make changes to your room design. However, knowing exactly what you want is a different story. There’s nothing wrong with having multiple ideas for the space, but you most likely won’t be able to combine all of them. That said, you should consider creating an inspiration board for design elements that interest you. This way, you can put everything together in one place before shopping for new items. Choose Relaxing Colors Because your living room should be a relaxation zone, consider choosing soothing colors for the walls and furniture. Shades of blue, gray, green, and cream are excellent colors for your living room, as they’re neutral and earthy. Whether you’re choosing paint colors for the walls, flooring, furniture, or decorations, opting for neutral, soothing colors is an excellent way to cultivate the ultimate living space. Create a Focal Point Every living room needs a focal point, which is where your eyes go when you walk into the room. Whether you want it to be your TV, coffee table, or another item, you should place the rest of your furniture and décor around your focal point. For many people, the focal point becomes the seating area, as shaping the rest of the room around your sofa is a great decorating method. If you’re considering a new couch, learning a few things about living room sectionals can help you determine which style works best in your space. Decorate the Walls Even though most of your focus will be on furniture and painting, don’t forget to decorate the walls. You don’t have to cover every inch of your walls to make a splash. In fact, hanging a few pieces of art or photos is all it takes to transform your living room into a special space. Wall décor comes in many shapes, styles, and themes, making it easy for everyone to find something that speaks to them. With a few helpful tips for redesigning your living room, you can turn this space into your favorite room in the house. Making changes in your home isn’t always easy, but cultivating a relaxing, stress-free environment is always worth it.

Don’t pick the first material that’s charming and affordable. Take your time before choosing a roofing material. There are five factors to keep in mind depending on where you live in the US. Can It Handle High Temperatures and Humidity? The states in the southeast region of the US, such as Florida, Texas, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi, are incredibly hot and humid. In this type of climate, some roofing materials can’t handle the temperature and moisture. Metal, terra cotta, and clay materials are all stunning and strong when installed in hot and humid regions. They’re likely to last upwards of 50 years due to their incredible weather-resistant properties. Terra cotta and clay are lighter materials, so they won’t absorb the sunlight and produce excessive heat. Since you can paint metal roofs, you have the power to control the color! Pick a light color like white, beige, or gray to reduce the heat transferred onto the house. Bright colors can also work. Will the Roof Combat Rain? After heavy rain, homeowners worry that their roofs will leak and damage the entire house. States in the Southeast of North America, such as Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas, experience ample rainfall throughout the year. So does Hawaii. Asphalt is the most affordable roofing that will combat heavy rain. However, keep a close eye to ensure the roof and the sublayer doesn’t have any cracks that result in a leak. Slate is expensive. Nevertheless, it remains one of the most desirable roofing materials on the market. Slate comes from metamorphic rock that manufacturers make into thin sheets. At the end of the process, you’ll have a custom frame on the roof to uphold these wonderfully sturdy tiles. How Does the Roof Protect Against Snow? Colorado in the Western US, Iowa and Minnesota in the Midwest, and some northeastern states (Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine) produce heavy snowfall. Once again, asphalt shingles and slate will work marvelously against snowstorms. Their ability to uphold the weight of the snow while repelling moisture will safeguard your home from cracks, leaks, and flooding at the foundation. Will the Material Withstand Storms? Bolstering roofing wind resistance is a priority for coastal states. Homes are more susceptible to strong windstorms and hurricanes. When it comes to picking a roof, some of the best materials include metal, slate, clay, and wood shingles. Their scratch-resistant properties and heaviness make them very reliable when storms arrive on the coast. Is It an Energy-Efficient Material? Energy efficiency is an important factor when choosing a roofing material. Depending on where you live, the temperature will be very high or low throughout the seasons. You want to ensure you pick a material that’ll make heating or cooling the house especially simple. While asphalt roofs are popular, they’re more beneficial for cooler climates. The material will protect against rain, snow, and fluctuating temperatures. However, too much of any type of weather may cause asphalt roofs to falter rapidly. When you’re searching for durability, reliability, and energy efficiency, materials like metal, slate, and clay roofs are some of the bests to choose from. They’ll reflect the heat and keep your home cool during each season.

It's always a privilege to photograph someone's wedding day. As a photographer, you want your pictures to tell the story of the couple and their union. Taking pictures of the couple and their loved ones is critical, but capturing symbolic and decorative objects can help immortalize the special event even further. Read to find out essential items and details to photograph on a wedding day. 1. Couple and Bridal Party Outfits Take pictures of the wedded couple's and bridal party's outfits. These photos evoke memories of getting ready on the special day. Depending on the wedding, some common wardrobe elements to photograph include: Bridal dresses or suits, veils, and shoes Grooms' suits, shoes Bridal parties' outfits Fun details, like socks or colorful shoes 2. Rings and Flowers The rings and the bridal bouquet are other essential items to photograph on a wedding day. Exchanging rings is a cherished part of the ceremony, as they signify the eternal bond the married couple will share. Take pictures of the rings separately, together, and worn by the couple. You can also photograph the rings with other details, such as the wedding invitation, event décor, or flowers. Capture the bouquet's beauty and other flower elements, such as corsages and boutonnieres. The photos will encapsulate the vibrancy of the event. 3. The Ceremony and Reception Decor Photographing the ceremony and the reception venue décor captures the day's ambiance. Take pictures of the decorations, such as signs, lighting, flowers, and unique elements of the venue. Photograph table settings, centerpieces, and other items that help make the reception welcoming and festive. The album should also include photos of unique elements, such as handmade wedding favors. Taking pictures of these details will provide a heartwarming perspective of the event that took so much effort to create. 4. Wedding Cake The wedding cake is one of the centerpieces of the wedding reception, and people will enjoy looking at photos of this sweet and traditional treat. Take pictures of the cake from different angles, including close-ups of the decoration and any unique details. Try to photograph the cake as soon as it's put in place. The cake will look its best at that time, and you won't have to contend with guests standing too close by.

Dry skin is a common concern for many people, and it can sometimes be painful. Whether you’re in pain, have flaky patches, or don’t like the dullness you see in the mirror, there’s hope when it comes to correcting dry or dehydrated skin. Even though you might not see immediate changes, you can work toward beautiful, hydrated, glowing skin. Follow along to learn a few helpful tips for restoring moisture to your face. Avoid Hot Showers and Baths Hot showers and baths can wreak havoc on your skin. Because hot water draws moisture out of your skin, it can leave you with flakiness and taut skin. Therefore, you should consider taking shorter showers in lukewarm water to prevent moisture evaporation. By avoiding excessively hot water, your skin will be more vibrant and better retain water. Use a Heavier Moisturizer at Night Using a heavier moisturizer at night might help restore hydration to dry skin. Many people opt for a lightweight product under their makeup during the day, but a thicker cream at night is incredibly helpful. Interestingly, your body repairs itself at night while you sleep, and your pores open and take in anything resting on the surface. As a result, you can achieve hydrated skin by applying a heavy-duty cream your skin can soak up. Wear Sunscreen Daily UV rays are one of the most common ways moisture escapes from your skin, and getting a sunburn won’t do you any favors. That said, consider wearing sunscreen daily. Even if you don’t use it on your entire body, you should at least apply SPF to your face to prevent sun damage and excessively dry skin. Sunscreen is a crucial part of any skincare routine, so you should definitely find an SPF product if you don’t have one already. Consider a Humidifier for Your Bedroom It’s not uncommon to wake up feeling dry, but that doesn’t have to be the case for you. Consider adding a humidifier to your bedroom and running it at night if you notice your skin is feeling a little drier than usual. This way, there will be more humidity in the air, making it easier to breathe while also providing additional moisture for your skin to absorb. You can run yours throughout the year if needed, but using a humidifier specifically during the dry winter months is crucial. Minimize Alcohol and Caffeine Consumption Believe it or not, many foods and beverages can dehydrate your body—especially alcohol and caffeine. Your skin is a reflection of what’s happening inside your body; therefore, if you’re struggling with dehydration, your skin will most likely feel and appear dry. Consider minimizing alcohol and caffeine consumption in your daily diet and replacing it with water to ensure adequate hydration. Understanding why your skin is dry even after moisturizing is crucial for proper skincare. Skincare isn’t one-size-fits-all—you have to learn what works best for your unique skin type. Hopefully, learning a few tips for restoring moisture to your face will help you find the perfect solution for your dry skin.

A niche market is a more specialized subset of your business’s broader audience. Identifying those markets and catering to their unique needs can help your business become a mainstay in your community. Learn how to help your business thrive in niche markets by conducting research on those markets and giving customers what they’re looking for. Get Familiar With Your Audience Which demographics are in your broader target audience? If you operate a formal wear boutique, for example, your target audience may be people who frequently attend formal events. That group can be further divided by needs that make each subset unique. Perhaps some folks need formal wear for kids, while others travel frequently and need wrinkle-free fabrics for easy packing. Knowing the different sectors that make up your overall audience will help you present your business in the best ways possible. Pore Over Market Research As your small business gets up and running, invest in market research to learn more about the people who are interested in your offerings. Whether you purchase existing market research from a specialized firm or conduct surveys yourself, research can help you refine your target market and learn more about what excites them. Embrace Specificity Once you’ve identified the niche markets that show interest in your products, don’t shy away from targeted marketing strategies. Niche markets are niche because they’re often underserved—very few businesses cater to their needs. You can step in and provide a solution for them. For example, if you operate a pet supply store, most of your customers may come in to buy things for their dogs and cats. But if reptile and bird owners also show interest in your business, expand your offerings to meet their needs. Advertise your more niche products prominently so that specific market sees that you’re looking out for them. Prioritize Communication As you roll out your niche marketing strategy, keep your finger on the pulse of your niche market. You could browse social media to see what people in that niche are saying about your business. Effective communication is a core tenet of a high-quality marketing strategy. Consider sending surveys to your customers to encourage feedback on what you’re doing right and what you could be doing better. How can your business thrive in niche markets? Don’t underestimate their buying power—there’s an old marketing adage that 20 percent of customers buy 80 percent of a business’s products and services. Position yourself as a reliable, friendly solution to a niche market’s unique needs, and request feedback as you evolve your strategy to optimize growth.

For your business to survive in the long term, you must strive for growth in various aspects. The target audience is one area that’s easy for businesses to expand on. Growing your market channels helps spread the word about your brand and its products. Consider using the following marketing strategies to grow your target audience. This way, you can reach a larger demographic of customers for more sales and profits. Team Up With Another Business We see businesses team up all the time to bring customers a new product or subscription. For example, Nike pairs their running shoes with Apple’s devices to encourage athletes to track and monitor their physical activity. You could do this with another like-minded business to combine your audiences. This helps both of you expand your market. Study the Competition Speaking of other businesses, though, it doesn’t hurt to study the competition. What are they doing differently from you that helps them reach a larger target audience? Don’t outright copy the marketing strategies of your competition. However, it can help inspire you regarding where to take your business. Use Social Media To Broaden Your Reach Social media is an integral part of any business. With many people using Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, and other platforms, you have plenty of opportunities to reach various individuals. Social media also provides a free landscape to interact and connect with customers. Answer questions, showcase new products, and do much more on your social media platforms. Expand the Traffic to Your Website’s Landing Page Targeted digital ads, social media posts, SEO blogs, and other strategies are great ways to expand the traffic to your website’s landing page. The more links to your website that are available throughout the internet, the more likely it will be for a larger audience to discover your products. Once the customer clicks on your landing page, keep them there by offering blog posts, links to email lists, how-to guides, product pages, etc. Update Your Packaging Design A great reason to update your product packaging design is to grow your target audience. Altering the design of your packages keeps your products fresh and aligned with the current trends. Plus, adding new elements to it could appeal to and grab the attention of different customers. Thus, it can expand your target market. With many marketing strategies to grow your target audience, you can easily find one that fits your budget and needs. Will you partner with another business or work on expanding traffic to your website? Remember to continue to grow your business to ensure success.

While society grows increasingly secular, religions remain important in many ways. US currency still has “in God we trust” inscribed on it, and all presidential elections have featured religious books during the swearing-in ceremony. For children to understand the importance of religion and how to interact with people of religious beliefs, secular parents can expose their children to religion safely and organically. How to do that is often the biggest question, and we provide guidance for that below. Meet Them Where They’re At You don’t need to stress about introducing your children to religion as soon as they draw their first breaths. However, kids are naturally curious, and they will notice religious language and symbols that they don’t hear or see at home. This can lead children of all ages to start asking questions, such as what a synagogue is for, why the Bible is a bestselling book, and why certain people cover their hair. Meet your children where they’re at and provide educated answers to these questions. If you don’t know the answer to a specific question, research the answer together. This teaches your child how to find trustworthy information on sensitive subjects as well as the answer they’re looking for. Some children may not ask these types of questions, so if you’re concerned about something specific, speak with them. For example, they may not know how to interact with a religious family member or appropriate customs for accepting an invitation to a friend’s religious event. Address that specific circumstance, then let them come to you for additional information as they see fit. Explain Science and Your Personal Beliefs Questions of religion often bring up questions of science. For example, the major Abrahamic religions believe that God created everything, while science teaches about evolution. However, teaching about one doesn’t have to exclude teaching about the other. While answering your child’s questions about religious faith, you can also teach them about science. Don’t offer them as contrasting viewpoints either; faith is nuanced and scientists are still discovering a lot about the world. Scientists themselves are both religious and secular. Explain both subjects at an age-appropriate level for your child. Most secular parents tend to favor science within their personal beliefs. As you explain the science of our world, you can also explain why you believe that science is true. From there, you can expand to other personal beliefs your child is interested in, such as what makes someone a good person. Focus on answering their questions instead of preaching your personal beliefs so your children know they can always choose for themselves. Expose Them to Many Religions Eventually, your children may move on from simple curiosity to a more dedicated search for religious understanding. Use this exploratory time to expose them to many religions so they can respect different belief systems. For example, you can discuss the Bible with your children and read passages together if they’re curious about Christianity. You can watch videos about Ramadan if they’re curious about Islam. You could tour a monastery if they’re curious about Buddhism. Allow your kids to explore whatever interests them and encourage them—if they want—to follow a religion of their choosing. Safely exposing children to religion is about helping them understand religion’s place in society and how to respect people of various religious beliefs. Secular parents can struggle with just how to do that, but the tips above can help you ease your way through complicated conversations.

If you have a business that relies on a ton of data, it might be time to design and build your data center. Building a data center carries many benefits, including internet availability, improved access, and optimal security conditions for your data on a software and hardware level. If you want to reap these benefits, now is the best time to learn how to design and build a data center in 2023. What Are the Main Components? You have to know the lay of the land before you can stake your claim. Your data center facility will include multiple aspects, such as heating, cooling, power, security, and real estate. Your facility is the physical building that you’ll buy for your center to hold your infrastructure. Make sure you have adequate space for all the systems we mentioned in your plans for a layout. For example, you should know about server rack cable management to create an appropriate amount of space. Cooling is exceptionally important, as a meltdown can be a recipe for disaster. Finally, security devices such as cameras and even keycards or biometric access are useful to keep your data center safe. How To Design a Data Center There are no real standards for how you must build your center, so the world is your oyster. That said, you need to be the one to create the design plans. Before starting, you must consider space planning and layout. How will your server racks fit in your data center? What physical security measures will you take, and what mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems will you need to safeguard? When learning to design and build your data center, these are the most important considerations to make. Physical Space and Organization A data center is just a glorified warehouse that operates and hosts a ton of IT infrastructure. You need to build your data center so that it’s the right size for your business since you can lose a ton of money if you invest in unused space. Build a facility that can grow but optimizes utility. Also, you should keep the space efficient. Ensure that your lighting is off or low when no one’s in the room. Organize your space so that your cooling and humidity systems evenly distribute heat and cool air throughout your server room, preferably between your racks and some of your infrastructure. This will keep your space operable and efficient.

Outdoor dining is a great way to expand your space and welcome more patrons. Like any part of your restaurant, though, creating a successful outdoor space requires careful planning. From the type of furniture you choose to the layout you create, there are several factors that can help you make the most of your space. Establish a comfortable, stylish, and welcoming atmosphere with these tips for adding outdoor dining to your restaurant. Balance Function and Beauty With Seating Just like with indoor furniture, your outdoor seating needs to balance both function and style. This is especially true if your outdoor dining area is visible from the street. After all, adding stylish seating and decor is a great way to entice passersby into visiting your restaurant. Options like handcrafted, cast metal bistro tables are a great choice for establishing a classy and charming atmosphere. However, you also have to consider factors like comfort and durability. Beautiful tables mean nothing if your chairs are hard and uncomfortable to sit on. You also need to think about the elements; be sure to choose tables, chairs, and other furniture that can withstand precipitation and temperature fluctuations. Don’t Overfill the Space More seating means more business, but not if your space is too uncomfortable for patrons to enjoy. Strategize your layout to prioritize both seating capacity and comfort. Make sure every table has enough elbow room for customers to enjoy their meal without bumping into strangers or staff members. Moreover, establish clear walking spaces so that servers can navigate the area without issue. Think About Climate Control You can’t control the weather, but you can control how it affects your dining space. One of the best tips for adding outdoor dining to your restaurant is to invest in features like fans or outdoor heaters to help patrons stay comfortable no matter the weather. Think about shade, too. If your outdoor dining space doesn’t have a roof, consider adding umbrellas to tables or setting up a canopy to offer some protection from the sun.

Being invited to a fancy party, wedding, gala, fundraiser, or dance can be super exciting, but the worry about what to wear kicks in shortly after the thrill wears off. Even though you may not know where to begin, finding the right attire doesn’t have to be stressful or unenjoyable. Follow along for some great tips for choosing the best dress for formal events. Consider the Invitation The invitation is one of the best ways to determine what you should wear to the event. For instance, the location, weather, and type of event are all excellent clues when it comes to deciding on your outfit. Although you might choose a long-
sleeved formal gown for an indoor corporate event, it may not be the best decision for an outdoor garden party. However, a sleeveless or off-the-shoulder dress might be a good choice for an outdoor wedding or party. Create a Reasonable Budget Even though you want to look your best, sticking to a budget is crucial when choosing the right dress for a formal event. In many cases, you might be able to choose something you already have in your closet; however, specific events call for something brand new. When you have to buy something new, you don’t have to break the bank to do so. Create a reasonable budget and avoid going over the amount you’re comfortable with spending on your formal gown. Choose One That Speaks to You Although you can borrow whatever your friend or family member has in their closet already, you should consider choosing a dress that truly speaks to you. Obviously, a dress can’t literally call your name, but your final decision should sit well with your soul, spirit, mind, and interests. For instance, if you gravitate toward bold colors, go with a bright choice. On the other hand, a neutral color is a great choice for someone with subtle preferences. Flatter Your Figure Aside from the style satisfying your mental appeal, it should also flatter your figure. Even though you can choose whatever your heart desires, knowing which plus-size dress styles are most flattering can help you make your decision. Now that you know some tips for choosing the best dress for formal events, you can select the most beautiful dress for your gorgeous self. Dressing up for formal events is sometimes necessary—take advantage of the opportunity and choose a dress that makes you feel fabulous!

Radon gas is colorless, odorless, and the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Elevated radon levels have been found and recorded in every state, so if you’re a homeowner, testing your home for radon is a good idea. When you do perform a home radon test, however, make sure your results are as accurate as possible so you can take the appropriate action. Learn more about test placement and other factors that can impact your results. Close Up Your Home Leaving your doors and windows open or even ajar can lead to inaccurately low radon test results. When you set up your home test kit, you want it to detect maximum radon levels in your home so you can prepare for a worst-case scenario. Before you open and set up the radon test, close all doors and windows in your home, locking them if necessary to keep drafts from creeping in. Place the Test Wisely Radon gas seeps into homes and buildings through their foundations. It logically follows that the highest levels of radon in your home will be on the lower level. However, radon experts agree that you should place the test kit in the lowest lived-in level of your home to get an idea of its impact on your household. If your basement or lower level is rarely occupied, place the test kit in a common space on the main floor instead. Consider the Temperature Think about the ventilation of your home and how it changes according to the seasons. In the summertime, you’re probably more likely to leave windows open or doors cracked, while winter encourages you to close up the home. The weather outside can impact your radon test results based on how much fresh air your home is likely to get. Because elevated radon levels are most dangerous in homes with little ventilation, mitigation experts recommend testing during the winter. If you’ve decided to test your home for radon, ensure accurate results by replicating the conditions most likely to cause radon buildup. Before you set up the test in your basement or lower-level living room, close your windows and read the test kit instructions closely for optimal results.

College can be a daunting time. Developing strong study habits is one of the best ways to ensure success. Good study habits are essential for successful academic performance, and they can help students better manage their time and reduce stress. Let's look at some ways you can improve your study habits in college and increase your chances of success. Set a Schedule and Stick to It The most important part of developing good study habits is setting up and sticking to a schedule. Take some time each week to plan when and how long you will study. This step will give you an idea of what you need to accomplish each day and make it easier to stay on track with your studies. You should also set aside specific times for breaks so that you don't become overwhelmed or burn out from studying too much at one time. Create an Environment Conducive to Studying You’ll never be able to focus on studying if you’re constantly distracted in your dorm room or at home. Instead, find a quiet place free from interruptions like loud music, people talking, or your phone buzzing with notifications every few minutes. A library or coffee shop are great places to study as they offer both peace and access to books, computers, and other resources that can help research or understand difficult concepts. If those aren't available, try creating a dedicated workspace in your room where you can focus without any outside distractions. Find the Right Study Materials Having the right materials when studying can make all the difference in understanding challenging topics or completing assignments quickly and accurately. Ensure you have the right textbooks, workbooks, notes, and other materials before starting so you don't waste time looking for them during your study session. Trying different types of note-taking methods can also help you better organize and review your notes during study sessions. You should also consider taking advantage of online resources such as podcasts or websites dedicated to assisting students in understanding complex concepts. Improving your study habits in college doesn't have to be difficult – just remember these tips! Set up a schedule that works for you, create an environment conducive to studying (or find one), and make sure you have the right materials on hand before getting started. With these tips in mind, there's no reason college can't be the successful experience you want it to be!