Category: HOME

If you’re looking to get started with your first call or conversation, read on for a five-step tutorial on how to set up and use Google Voice service.

Photo by Benjamin Dada on Unsplash

We’ll cover how to register for a Google Voice account and then how to configure the device you want, before finally showing you how to make that first phone call. 

1. Open your web browser and enter www.google.com in the URL bar

2. Click Sign in

3. Enter your phone number

4. Enter the email address associated with your phone number (this is optional) 

5. Enter a user name (optional) and password (optional)

6. Enter your phone number again

7. Enter the passcode you chose in step 3 if you chose to enable mobile verification (optional)

8. Select “continue”

9. You should now see a screen saying “You are now set up for Google Voice”. 

10. Select “Continue” so that you go to the next step of configuring your device. 

11. Now select Continue > Next > Personal Information > Continue followed by Next > Continue if you have registered an email address with Google Voice (you will not be prompted to do this unless this is your first time using the service).

12. Select the option that suits your device and hit Next. 

13. Now you are at the screen prompting you to make your first call. It’s a good idea to set up Google Voice before you make any call, so select “Make a Call” (you will not be prompted to do this if this is your first time using the service). 

14. Enter the mobile number or 10-digit Skype number of the person you are calling and hit “Call”.

15. You will hear Google Voice ringing the recipient, then select their name from the drop-down list when they answer and hit “Spoken Name” (if they don’t answer, select “Leave a Message”).

16. You will now see your call history that shows the duration of the call, the number you called and what option you selected.

17. Now you can configure other devices, like your computer or mobile phone by selecting “Sign in” in step 2 above, making sure to sign in with the same Google Account used to register for your Google Voice account.

Any questions about Google Voice? Contact Google for assistance. 

You may also wish to try out some of the video tutorials on Google Help Central: https://support.google.com/voice

Conclusion

We hope that you’ve found this tutorial helpful and if you still have questions, visit the Help Center on Google Voice. Let us know what you think or ask questions if something is unclear in the comments below.

Washable rugs are usually more expensive compared to their non-washable counterparts.

Photo by Juli Kosolapova on Unsplash

But despite being priced relatively higher, they can be a really profitable investment. Let’s find out whether this type of rug is worth spending on, and also the factors that call for their use. 

What is a Washable Rug?

As its name suggests, a washable rug is a floor covering that can be regularly washed and reused. This type of rug is available in different designs, textures, patterns, and piles. Some washable area rugs can be resource intensive since they require handwashing. 

The best type of washable area rugs are the ones that can be conveniently washed in a washing machine the way you would wash your blankets or towels. This rug can be made from synthetic materials like nylon, but there are wool and cotton options available as well, albeit a bit more expensive. 

When Do You Need Washable Rugs?

There are certain situations where investing on a washable rug is necessary and they are as follows:

1. When you have children –there have been stories of people who have long abandoned the idea of purchasing rugs for their home after having children. Some families even create spaces in their home that are “off-limits” to children. 

However, it’s not all the time that parents should sacrifice style over being practical. It’s possible to be both stylish and practical at the same time. You can place washable area rugs in spaces where your kids usually spill or stain something. Simply wipe the stains or spills with your rug and, et voila! No more mess! Simply wash your rug and put it back in place once it dries up.

2. When you have pets –if you own pets, you are definitely aware of the different pet odors that penetrate in your rug. Pets can also leave their marks everywhere they go, which means they’ll eventually leave stains on your rugs. 

Although this is all normal, this should not stop you or anyone from placing rugs in the house. If you have a washable rug, you no longer have to worry about pet smell and stain because you can just wash the rug if it gets soiled. 

3. When you have allergies –here’s a harsh truth: carpets and rugs can be breeding grounds for allergens. Because they trap in dust, pollens, dirt from pets, pet dander, minute insect parts, and other things, it’s not surprising for them to trigger some allergy of sorts. Although some people are quite tolerant of these types of environmental irritants, if you have allergies or sensitive skin, it’s probably better if you buy rugs that you can wash again and again as needed. 
4. When you have high-traffic spaces at home –a washable rug is ideal for high-traffic areas at home since they are prone to getting dirty. Whether it is the kid’s rooms, kitchen, living room, hallway, or mudroom or entryway leading to the patio or outdoor area, we all have areas in our home that are high-traffic and accumulate dirt faster than others. For these areas, you might want to consider using washable rugs, since they are more resistant to paws and muddy shoes. 
5. When your decorating style involves light or white accents –the trend on decorative items nowadays seems to lean towards an all-white motif. But even though light-colored rugs such as cream, ivory, beige, or white may appear stunning, they are quite challenging to clean and maintain. Fortunately, you have the option to opt for a washable rug. You’ll be able to enjoy these trendy colors without worrying too much because you can easily wash them once they get dirty.

Benefits of Buying a Washable Rug

Below are some benefits you can get from buying a washable rug:

• It can protect your flooring in high-traffic areas
• You can easily wash it and maintain its appearance
• You can save money by washing it in a washing machine instead of sending it to the cleaners. 

Disadvantages of Buying a Washable Rug

• It costs more than a regular, non-washable rug
• It requires weekly, or twice a week cleaning and drying if placed in high-traffic areas
• If you buy a large rug, it may not fit into your washing machine, which means you’ll have to send it to the cleaners to get cleaned. 

Things to Remember Before You Buy a Washable Rug

Before you decide to invest in washable rugs, use the checklist below to make sure you’ll be satisfied in your purchase:

• Make sure it fits in your washing machine
• Check its tag to see if it can be machine-washed
• Check if the rug needs to be handwashed
• Check if the rug needs a cold machine wash or needs to be air-dried on a clothesline
• Check if you can wash, dry and vacuum the rug easily
• Is it priced within your budget?
• Do you like the appearance and texture of the rug?
• Does it add to or complement the aesthetics of your home?
• Did you have other options before considering that rug?

The preferences you have, as well as circumstances, will tell whether a washable rug is worth an investment. 

How to Keep Your Washable Rug Look Clean All the Time?

While you may own a washable rug, you shouldn’t always choose the washing machine as your go-to mode for cleaning it. It is possible to do spot cleaning in between washes when it comes to minor mess or spills. It might wise to wash it in the washing machine once every month or two, or every time you feel it needs a complete refresh. 

You may check the care instructions on the tag or package, and you’ll see that they’ll vary. Some rugs must be machine-washed, while some must be handwashed. But generally washing your rug in cold water and detergent is safe. It is also recommended that you air-dry your rugs instead of having them machine-dried. This is because high temperatures tend to cause damage to synthetic materials. 

Now that you’ve gone through all you need to know about washable area rugs, it’s up to you to decide whether they’re worth splurging your money on or not. 

The empty walls in your room are filled with many design possibilities that you should try to explore. Of course, no one would want to live in a house with grey or white walls all through.

Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash

This gives your room a sense of boredom, and it’ll only be a matter of time before you try different décor ideas. A few additions such as flowers, art, new paintings, and mirrors can turn a house into a home.

People have different styles and use different wall decors to spruce up their spaces. But this doesn’t mean that you only go with one style. Sometimes, mixing things up, like combining colors and wall arts, can give your room the look you desire. The good side is that wall décor collections are conveniently available in sites like Fine Art America and many others. The key is to personalize your space as much as possible.

This article looks at some of the wall décor ideas you can try out:

1. Mirrors 

Mirrors aren’t only functional in your space, but they’re also decorative pieces. To brighten up your space, a decorative mirror can be added to a blank space with decorative borders. You can either settle for one large mirror or use smaller mirrors to form a gallery wall. These small mirrors can have unique decorative borders to give your wall a beautiful splash.

2. Tapestries 

Hanging a tapestry on your wall is one of the best ways to spruce up your space. First, tapestries are harder to come by than the other wall art collections, making them very valuable. Secondly, tapestries can be printed or painted, giving you an option to choose from or you can get a piece of both. This kind of décor will add warmth to your space while also blending in with your furniture and other décor in your room.

3. Paintings

When the idea of a wall décor crosses someone’s mind, one idea that’ll likely top the list is paintings. This is because paintings are common, and you can find them on the street or in art galleries. But most importantly, paintings come in a wide variety, and just about anything can be painted on a canvas. So, it’s easy to get something that meets your style and imagination and use it to liven up your space.

4. Wallpapers 

Wallpaper options are always the go-to choice for people who want to decorate an entire wall. Thankfully, there are stick and peel wallpaper options that can be used in rental spaces, and they’re easy to remove. Some wallpapers can last for years, which can be used in your homes. You can choose a wallpaper whose pattern complements other items in your room. For example, in your bedroom, use wallpaper that matches your bedding.

5. Wall lighting 

Wall lighting offers several possibilities to spruce up your room and, therefore, makes a top idea list. First, there are several ways that you can use to mount the light on the wall. Using a traditional style like scones to mount the lights gives your house a classic and timeless element. You can also explore modern lighting, such as paper lighting. The lighting can be combined with tiled walls to give your space an accent.

6. Shelves 

There are several shelves ideas that you can use in your house. For example, you can choose the traditional shelves to arrange your books to get a range of colors, textures, and visual interests. You can try a range of styles such as rainbow patterns, turning pages outwards, or using plants between groupings.

You can also use open shelves or create unique shelves such as tree-shaped shelves to display framed photos, plants, and artwork. The advantage of open shelves is that you can change the accessories on display as you please. Hence, you can get your wall décor matching your mood, season, or event.

7. Plates and design objects 

If you have some fine plates and other collections of design objects stored in your cabinet, then you’re missing out on good wall décor ideas. You can use wire plate hangers to display some of your finest plate collections and dishes. These plates can form fantastic art pieces, especially if you combine different materials and colors of plates.

Conclusion 

You don’t always have to deal with blank walls, as you have total control of how you want your space to look like, whether you own it or renting. As discussed in this article, there are many wall décor ideas that you can always try out in your space. From tapestries to plates and design objects, you can spruce up your space and turn it into a home.

When it comes to interior design, every year brings new trends.

Photo by Bernadette Gatsby on Unsplash

Although most of us don’t fully redesign our homes’ look every year, a few key pieces can update and refresh your home without blowing your budget. This year, there are some great ideas for classic interior design, such as wallpaper and wall tapestries. 

The 8 easy ways to refresh your home for the new year that we’ve found should get you started on an updated look, and there’s something for every budget. No matter your interior design level, there is an option here that can help you freshen up your home to enjoy in the new year. 

Retro Furniture

Designs like circular tables and rounded chairs are coming back in a big way. The use of leather, velvet, and rattan and rich and vibrant colors are definitely a nod to decades past. You can go on a weekend flea market hunt for yours, or look online for one of the specialty shops that will find your retro items for you. 

Wallpaper

Wallpaper can give a room a new look without changing anything else in the room. It can be applied to all 4 walls, or used to create an accent wall. This year, textured wallpapers are making a big splash. Textured paintable wallpaper, crocodile, and sequin sparkle wallpaper are some of the newly trending favorites this year. Here you can find the latest wallpaper collection from Ever Wallpaper. The great thing about wallpaper is the ability to DIY. Updating a room with a peel and stick wallpaper is a simple, cost effective upgrade that can be done in an afternoon, which is part of the reason it’s so popular. 

Wall Murals

If you want the ultimate accent wall, you may want to consider a wall mural. These peel and stick pieces of art come in any design you can dream up. From faux wood slats to cartoon characters, wall murals are popping up everywhere you look. And, as a bonus, they’re one of the new favorite DIY projects on many people’s lists. Your bedroom could go from drab to a Tahiti beach scene in just a few hours and the application of a wall mural. 

Natural Materials and Design

The natural look is trending, and that includes materials and colors. Plants, floral prints, woods, and earth tones are popping up everywhere you look, and interior design is embracing them. Green, beige, gray, and white plus your favorite wood and indoor plants can really spruce up your home in the new year. Floral prints are part of this interior design trend, and that means fabrics and wallpapers are included. 

DIY and Handmade

Interior design used to be intimidating, but DIY has made it a fun weekend project for many people, and this year is no different. Homemade planters, repurposed and recycled furniture pieces, and unusual statement pieces are available for purchase, or you can take a weekend and create your own. Time to pull that painting you did in college out of the attic and hang it in the hallway. 

Wall Tapestries

Wall tapestries are making a big comeback, along with macrame hangings in fun, fresh designs. Handmade macrame items lend a lived-in feeling to a room, while wall tapestries are a major focal point when they’re displayed. Antique woven tapestries are a costly option, but you can find mass produced options for a more budget friendly option. 

Unusually Framed Mirrors

Mirrors that are uniquely framed, or mirrors in fresh, funky shapes are a fun interior design trend freshening up the new year. Instead of those same, square mirrors, you’ll find them rope wrapped, lit up with neon, or etched into the shape of flowers. These unique mirrors are amazing for making small rooms look larger, and they make awesome conversation pieces. 

Fresh Wall Decor

Wall decor is a quick and simple step toward a fresh look for your home. There are some great trends in wall decor for the upcoming year, including black and white photo displays, geometric graphics and paintings, and metal wall hangings. In addition, neon signs are making a big comeback, and they’re no longer just beer signs. Uplifting sayings and metal flowers are a few favorites that are coming back in a big way for the new year. 

The house is a valuable property that has a sense of emotional attachment.

Photo by Gene Gallin on Unsplash

If you want to sell the property, then the higher return is the expectation. You can sell the property at higher rates only with the excellent maintenance value. Several elements contribute to increasing the overall value of the property. You can prepare the house for valuation with simple house valuation tips. The valuation requires certain elements to be perfect for inspection. The house or property gets valuation based on certain factors. 

The property valuation is the analysis report of the house that is carried out after the inspection. Mostly all the things are covered in the valuation report. The electricity fittings, property size, drainage system, house condition and other amenities are included in the valuation. 

• Keep the house clean and tidy 

Cleanliness plays a most important role in house inspection. Sometimes, a frustrated inspection officer overlooks the space based on cleanliness. You can keep every corner of the house or the inspection area clean and tidy. It creates a good impression and a perfect evaluation of the other factors of the property. Many of the unnecessary things can clutter the space. You can clean and declutter it to show the same space in the house that will count. 

• Fix the repairs and finish work

You can increase the value of the property by completing the half fixed repairs. It adds up value to the property. You can fix the electrical fittings perfectly or any minor leakages. Analyse the factors that count on the valuation of a house. It is suggestible to fix the drainage system issues that associate with the valuation factor. You can work for the perfect presentation of the house. It can provide the expected higher rate of return. 

The building structure, condition, garage facilities, solar panels and other amenities are vital in property valuation. You can provide finishing and show up the valuable standard of the house. 

• Ready with the list of hidden benefits

It is essential to prepare a list of the specific benefits. You can remind the inspection officer about the specification of the location of the house. If there is an air-conditioned room, then you can prefer to add value to the property. You can remind them of the garden landscaping value. There are solar panels that are countable in the additional benefits of the house valuation. It is also necessary to list down the things to avoid errors and omissions in the exact or proper valuation. 

• Space for renovation and extension of the house

The already developed carports, pergolas, and wooden floor construction increase the value of the house. You can get profitable returns with these additional installations. It is beneficial for the property valuation report. If there is much space in the verandah for a house extension, the selling cost will be perfect. These presentation ideas will help you to get the desired results. 

• Provide access in every area of the house

If you want, you can support in speeding up the process of valuation. Provide access in every area for proper measurement and analysis. You can open up all the doors and windows for easy access and evaluation for the valuer. 

You can easily explain the benefits and significance with valid reasons for the quoted price. It is very important to do the preparations on your part. It can prevent you from the conditions or risk of undervaluation of the property. You can prepare your house for the property valuation and work on the areas of improvement. 

When you are checking for pest infestations at your home, termites are often the common and most fatal issue. The termites will not bite or sting, but it will contaminate the food supply.

Photo by Ravi Kant from Pexels

Additionally, termites can also get spread and can lead to health issues. That is not all. Termites can also adversely impact your home structure. It will work silently and eat away the wooden structures at home. 

There are times when termites end up damaging certain structures in your house and other property parts. And if there are termites in your house, it is challenging to get rid of them. The only way you can get rid of it and remove it completely is by joining hands with a professional pest control company. You can check out termite control in Baton Rouge to know more about it. 

Termites can lead to damages

Even though it might sound like a benefit, but that’s where the main struggle arises. If your house has termites, you will not find them moving across your kitchen or living room like a cockroach or any other insect. This pest can silently destroy the wooden structures in your house and you might not know that the damage is taking place. Usually, termites spend time inside the walls and beneath the house and are very challenging to detect. And by the time you detect them, the damage would have taken place, to a huge extent. 

Termites will cause damage to your home’s structural wood

If your home has structural wood, it’s one of the essential elements that will keep your home stable. And any damage caused to this wood will result in cracked walls, foundation problems, problem in closing windows and doors, and other similar problems. And once damaged, it will take ample money to repair the structural wood damage. And it is this damage that makes termites a dangerous pest, and you need to treat them at the earliest. 

The termites are challenging to remove

Termites are considered challenging because it’s challenging to remove. It’s not as simple as managing other pests in your house. The eradication and treatment process will need good expertise and advanced devices that is accessible only to a professional service provider. Hence, it is essential to come across a professional pest control company that will provide you with the best assistance and ensure high-end service. 

Once your house is infested with termites, you can’t ignore it! If it’s left untreated, it will keep on damaging your house and will lead to costly repairs. And as time goes by, it will weaken the foundation and integrity of your house and result in added damage as well. Hence, if you feel that your house might have termites, you need to get in touch with a professional pest control company. It’s an intelligent decision to get the house inspected if you suspect its presence, even if there is no visible proof. That way, you can ensure that you take the necessary prevention before the actual hazard occurs. 

Patterned walls will undoubtedly enhance the appearance of your home. Not only does it improve the style and ambiance but also the overall value of the house. 

Photo by Marija Zaric on Unsplash

However, many people don’t prefer installing wallpapers on the walls. Not only do you need to clean the wall thoroughly before the installation process, but you also need to pay the professional to install the wallpapers correctly. Apart from that, if you wish to change the room, you also need to change the wallpaper. Not to mention, removing the wallpaper from its spot might leave marks. 

Therefore, what is the best alternative to wallpapers? How can you choose something that is less time-consuming and more beneficial? The answer is wall stencils. They will provide you with the same style and look but without any hassles. Here are some benefits of installing wall stencils. 

Cost-Effective

If you’re planning to use decorative wallpaper to cover a large area of your house, the process might become extremely expensive. 

As per various reports, most homeowners spend more than $400 on installing wallpapers. Additionally, this is just the installation cost of the wallpaper. You need to spend extra money to purchase the wallpaper itself. Therefore, the cost will increase rapidly. 

Stenciling is one of the most affordable options that will provide you with the same look as the wallpapers. Whether you’re planning to go for a classic approach or geometric style, you will easily find cost-effective stencils. Make sure you purchase high-quality wall stencils for painting your wall. 

Less Commitment

Wallpaper is known as one of the most durable and permanent options for the house. Therefore, you will face difficulties removing it. If you want to remove the wallpapers, keep in mind that the process is extremely hectic. You can just peel off the wallpaper easily. It would take a couple of hours to remove them properly. 

However, stencils will provide you with the freedom that would help you change the style. Therefore, you don’t have to face commitment issues with the stencil. If you’re designing a wall with stencil and planning to remove it, just coat it with paint. The process is simple.

Apart from that, if you plan to reinstall stencils after the new paint job, you can do that easily. Unlike wallpapers, you don’t need to invest in another one unless you’re looking for a different design. 

You Don’t Have to Worry about Moisture

Since the primary material of the wallpapers is paper, you might have to face a lot of moisture problems while hanging them from the kitchen or bathroom. This is not a good idea as it would damage the structural integrity of the house. As per Air things, the humidity will enhance the growth of mold and mildew. 

If you want to showcase a beautiful design of the walls of your room without facing any humidity problems, you need to use a stencil design for walls. Since stenciling is one type of paint, it won’t be peeled off like the wallpapers. 

Additionally, you won’t see any effects of moisture on the surface of your wall. However, keep in mind that you need to choose high-quality stencils as well as colors to achieve great design. 

Conclusion

These are the top 3 best benefits of wall stencils. Do you want high-quality stencils to improve your interior ambiance? Comment below to let us know. 

If you are planning to start a home-based business with very low investment and high returns, opening a bookkeeping firm is possibly the best idea for you.

Image Source

From processing payroll, preparing income tax returns, and tracking clients’ expenses and revenue, bookkeeping firms offer their clients a wide range of services. And the best part is, with the proper skills and knowledge in this field, you can excel quickly compared to the other start-ups.

You need a proper roadmap for all the steps from setting up the infrastructure to successfully running it. Let’s dive right into the top 7 tips and tricks through which you can easily make your bookkeeping business shine.

Target Your Market and Niche-

A bookkeeper’s work is not limited to a particular industry, as almost every industry needs to maintain financial data to check its performance. But to stand out among your competitors, you may consider specializing in a specific industry. This will help you build brand credibility in your segment, and also, determining the target audience will be much easier for you.

The trend of outsourcing financial work by Singapore companies is increasing daily. As an accounting firm, you can offer monthly bookkeeping services for Singapore companies to get some easy clients. But be sure to stay updated with any changes in the Singapore regulatory body. Apart from this, build a sound knowledge of Singapore’s regulatory framework.

Jot Down Your Business Plan-

Regardless of the type of field you are in, you need proper planning and execution to succeed. First, visualize the goal you want to achieve and write down a realistic plan to achieve it. It will keep you motivated, and eventually, you can see the result. Do thorough research on some established bookkeeping organizations and which industries they serve.

Preparing a business plan also includes choosing a brand name for your organization. The business name will be your first impression. So, make sure it is unique and catchy.

Register Your Organization and Acquire New Clients-

A registered brand is more likely to grow rapidly as the clients consider it more trustworthy. Once you’ve selected your business name, complete the necessary paperwork from your local authority as per the norms.

Besides this, acquiring new clients is all you need to sustain yourself in the business. It will be a good idea for one to go back to the old school method of writing a strategy with pen and paper and then implement them in practice. Here are a few mediums through which you can have new clients for your firm-

• Partnership with established accounting organizations.
• You may consider asking your existing clients for a referral.
• Emphasis on digital marketing and paid ad campaigning.
• Create an informative proposal.
• Follow up with potential clients regularly.

Plan to Achieve Short-Term Goals 

As you have done with all the basic formalities to set up an according firm, it’s time to create a systematic plan and achieve short-term goals that will boost the growth of your organization. Your short-term goals may include –

• Hire one or couple of assistants
• Acquire at least 30 new clients
• Make your digital presence by launching a website
  

Even if you can achieve half of your target within the set time, your morale will be sky high to do better in the future.

Choose the Right Software 

You might need different software to manage your business properly. So research about the market and choose the software that helps you accomplish the job more efficiently and effectively. For starting and running a bookkeeping business, four types of software are crucial. 

• Account software – This is the main software; so choose it after thorough research and comparing many reputable brands in the market. 
• Software for project management – From organizing to tracking client’s work, this software is very effective. Check out the scientific world to know more.
• Payroll software – Most of the time, the accounting software itself has the payroll options that you should start using after hiring employees. 
• Software for electronic file management or sharing – Whether you want to share valuable information like invoices, receipts, work documents or bank statements with your customer, it will help you do everything from any part of the world.
  

Set a Business Infrastructure

Are you going to start the firm online? Or do you want to set up a physical appearance? Well, it depends on the budget you want to start with. Even if you are setting up an offline setup, remember these days, you must opt for your organization’s digital presence.

The trend of outsourcing internal accounting functions for business companies is increasing to ensure the organization’s financial health. It creates a huge opportunity for the budding accounting firm to stand out in this field. A typical bookkeeping firm should offer services like-

• Handling a company’s finances through business accounting application/software.
• Track the expenses and overall revenue of the client.
• Generate quarter or annual financial statements as per the requirement of the business.
• Provide the clients with an overview of their finances to help them scrutinize their expenditure habits.

Don’t Quit Your Day Job-

This may sound a bit awkward to the entrepreneurs, but quitting your day job right away creates extra pressure on you. And it will always impact the performance of your business. So it is recommended to stick to your regular job until you start generating enough revenue from your start-up. 

The Bottom Line

With these seven ideas, you can easily start your entrepreneurial journey by establishing a bookkeeping firm. Remember, patience determines the potentiality of an organization. Always focus on retaining your existing clients. Above all, have faith in your skill, and you are ready to roar.