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  • What Every Entrepreneur Should Know About Coworking In KL

    What Every Entrepreneur Should Know About Coworking In KL

    Coworking in Kuala Lumpur can meet entrepreneurs with a landscape that is rapidly growing, and as in other places, the landscape is beginning to evolve in some interesting ways. For one, many professionals will find that there are plenty of opportunities to work in any place in and around the city. Then, there are new developments that can make working in the space very comfortable but productive.

    While professionals coworking in KL have benefitted from low-priced overheads, the format has also created a platform for business ingenuity. In this incarnation, the group of coworking professionals who are currently defining the landscape are creating a community where innovation and creativity continue to flourish. If deciding to make the city your business destination, though, there are a few things to keep in mind.

    Entrepreneurs should keep reading to find out more about what to expect when coworking in Kuala Lumpur.

    The Scenery

    Entrepreneurs are just as likely to find an eclectic mix of professionals hashing it out in the coworking space as they are to find more traditional professions. This season entrepreneurs should expect to see freelancers and start-ups of all types. Some of the more creative professions like writers, graphic designers, and even programmers will benefit from the diverse environment.

    Then, there is that exciting bunch of globe-trotting professionals who love the coworking space’s amenities and the fact that they some have a self-service lounge. This group of professionals might fly in and work temporarily in a space and leave for a season. However, they add freshness and creativity to the coworking space.

    Collaboration Culture

    Entrepreneurs should expect to work in spaces where the collaboration culture is firmly entrenched in the space. While coworking was originally created for these types of opportunities, today entrepreneurs working in the Kuala Lumpur coworking space will see teams building and a lot of collaboration taking place. It is probably one of the easiest ways to build a business simply because the collaboration presents businesses opportunities to work on more than one team.

    Extra Accessories

     

    Back in the day when ping pong tables made the coworking space feel like home, businesses could work until the late hour and take in a game or two. However, today’s coworking spaces in the city are really making a point of focusing on the work/life balance. Gyms, masseuses, yoga (of course), and day care are some of the biggest additions to the list of amenities offered in some of these spaces. Entrepreneurs should expect to see more of the fun stuff that makes working long days bearable added to the coworking menu.

    Millennial Madness

    Millennials are definitely a part of the scene. While they have influenced a lot, the coworking space inhabited by this group of professionals will reflect a freeness and openness just in terms of the office décor. Open rooms with playfully decorated walls are just a few ways that convey to the public this is definitely a place for industry and collaboration but for creativity and ingenuity as well – words that aptly define this group.

    Skyscrapers And Innovators

    Entrepreneurs not really into dealing with this energetic group of go-getters can find themselves working in traditionally corporate coworking enclaves. Whether working in the Menara Citibank building or the Nu Towers or any other landmark in this city, these offices are fitted out for the coworking corporate professional. Located near the CBD, entrepreneurs will find access to resources and access to financial institutions very helpful.

    A Smorgasbord Of Industry

    Coworking in Kuala Lumpur allows entrepreneurs to sample a little bit of everything. Free spirits and corporate types can find their niche in a community of communities that focuses on the collaboration while trying to provide members amenities that will make work more comfortable. The benefit of coworking, however, is that you can establish your venture in a great business community where ever you land.

     

  • The Top Writing Resources and Tools to Help Improve Your Writing Skills

    The Top Writing Resources and Tools to Help Improve Your Writing Skills

    Writers today are quite lucky as they have more resources than ever at the tips of their fingers, thanks to the internet. Technology has opened a whole new horizon of learning opportunities for writers through which they can get inspiration and also refine their craft. Though there is no substitute for imagination and creativity, there are some nifty tools and apps available online for those writers who are looking for ways of improving creative writing skills. We have listed down the top 7 resources that can help you overcome the writer’s block:  

    The Hemingway Editor

    Being a writer, you want your work to be clear and simple yet emphatic enough for your audience, which makes Hemingway Editor as a suitable app. You can copy and paste your work in its browser to evaluate your written work’s readability. Through highlighting phrases written in the passive voice, difficult vocabulary and trivial adverbs, the app helps you enhance your expressions.

    Trello

    Trello is a broad spectrum planning and collaboration tool which can benefit writing practice as well. This web-based bulletin board can help you organize random ideas into neat workable sections. You can create an outline for your article, plan a blog post series, develop an email series, or develop chapters for a larger piece of work like a novel through this tool. If you are collaborating with someone on a project, Trello helps everyone on the team keep in sync.  

    Evernote

    Evernote is like a folder where you organize a mishmash of ideas and material useful for your upcoming masterpiece. You can create and save lists, aha moments, inspirational online articles, reference material in your Evernote. You can easily take your work from your smartphone to your computer, as Evernote is supported at both platforms.  

    Rainy Mood

    If you are having a hard time focusing during an assignment or are waiting for inspiration to strike when writing an emotionally charged-up scene, try listening to ambient sounds. Rainy Mood is one of the many popular sites from where you can generate the right background for your written work: the soothing sounds of raindrops, birds’ chirping, thunderstorms, sounds of a bistro and popular musical scores, or a mix and match of all of these.

    Milanote

    Milanote is a tool for organizing creative projects into beautiful visual boards.
    By design, it feels a lot like working on the wall in a creative studio – visual, tactile and sometimes a bit messy – Milanote is a great fit for designers who work in teams remotely.Key Features:
    – Write notes & to-do lists, upload images & files and save things you find on the web
    – Organize visually using the flexible drag and drop interface.
    – Boards by default are a private place to think, but with a single click you can create a shared workspace for collaboration with your team
    – Milanote is filled with hundreds of built-in templates to help you get started with a variety of different projects, from creating a mood board to writing that perfect creative brief.

    Pricing:
    – Free version available with no time limit.  – PRO version $9.99 per month (monthly and annual plans)

    Scapple

    Scapple is a brainstorming or mind-mapping tool that can help you jot down ideas and join together seemingly disconnected bits into meaningful chunks. This tool can help you translate random thoughts into a basic outline. If I happen to be looking for https://samedaypapers.com/write-my-paper-for-me-cheap to do my research paper, I can send these bits or the outline to the writer and get the work according to my specifications.  The ability to incorporate notes alongside ideas can help one add explanations along the way.

    Ulysses  

    Ulysses is a word processor that works on Mac and is an ideal tool for novelists, screenplay writers, and students doing their thesis work. The minimalist interface allows them to create outlines, focus on their writing goals, stick to word limits, organize large chunks of text, format their work through an in-built app called Markdown, and publish the final work in any format.

    Cold Turkey

    For writers who get distracted easily and waste a lot of precious time surfing the web, Cold Turkey is an ideal solution. It can be programmed to not only block specific time-wasting websites like Facebook and YouTube but also the entire web so that you are able to get the most out of your time. You can also program the software to set time limits for your internet usage to take reasonable breaks between strenuous work sessions based on the Pomodoro technique.

    Quora

    Quora is a community of enthusiasts and experts (and even opinionated and biased individuals). In case you want to gain knowledge or a perspective on a specific niche and subject, fellow Quorans would be glad to render their thoughts for free. If you are looking for ideas for an upcoming story or an article, you can find inspiring stories from real people here.

    Want to write emphatically and efficiently? Practice writing every day with discipline.  While these smart tools and writers’ resources are no substitute for genuine talent and creativity, they provide reliable assistance as and when needed and can be great allies. Unlike books and notebooks, these neat apps and tools help you bounce ideas around and take your draft just about anywhere.

    Writer’s bio

    Jeff Blaylock loves words and how they can be used to capture and convey complex emotions and connect ideas. He has majored in creative fiction and has crafted blog entries, stories as well as articles. Jeff loves to find and recommend resources that can help new writers polish their craft.

  • Everything there is to know about loft conversions

    Everything there is to know about loft conversions

    Converting your loft into living space can raise your house value by 20 percent. It can also create more space in a cost-effective way. Do you need an extra bedroom, bathroom, study room or maybe a bureau? Before you get to decorate it with furniture and stylish additions, you have to take a few crucial steps that need to be done in order to convert your loft. Get to know the whole process better and find out how to get started with your conversion.

    Do you need permission?

    Most houses in the UK have permission for development. That means you don’t have to get additional approval to get your loft converted and you can do it whenever you want. You just need to see if the area itself is suitable for conversion and if it will make a delightful addition to your house. However, if your home is located in a conservation area, you will have to apply for the permit which makes the whole process more time-consuming and complex. If you live in a place where the roof isn’t tall enough, it can become a complicated task as well. Ask an architect, surveyor or a builder if your home can be converted and if it needs permission to do so.

    Refreshing the staircase

    A renovated and fancy place needs an equally elegant staircase to get there. An ideal location for the staircase to locate is in the line with the roof ridge. That will grant you the best use of available space at your loft. The minimum height requirement for loft stairs is 2 meters but it can be reduced to 1,9m on the centre and 1,8m on the sides. You can also opt for a folding ladder if you’re don’t have enough space. If you want to make your room super special, choose handrails with ornaments and in interesting colours. The stairs don’t have to be used only as an access tool – they can truly transform your whole loft experience.

    Ways to design the loft

    It all depends on how you plan to use it. If it’s a conversion to make the loft inhabitable, the best option would be to go with the decor of the rest of the house. If you have traditional furniture, make the loft consistent by choosing antiques or vintage pieces. If you are a lover of modern and minimalistic decor, opt for furniture that is just that. However, If you are going to keep the loft as a place to relax, hidden from everyday use, you can design it in a non-cohesive way. Mix your favourite fabrics, colours, and shapes.

    How to deal with the lack of light?

    Natural light and ventilation is a must for loft spaces. It gets overheated much faster than other parts of the house, therefore it needs some proper wooden roof windows. You can go with either solar tubes or skylights. The latter acts basically as a regular window. It provides natural light and ventilation. Solar tubes are a perfect way of adding light into dark areas, but they don’t give you additional ventilation.

  • Cost of replacement windows in Edmonton

    Cost of replacement windows in Edmonton

    Windows are one of the most important aspects of your home or business. They allow light in, a view to the outdoors, and help regulate temperature and airflow.

    Yet as it relates to the costs of windows, many local Edmonton residents are left without a clue. The fact is, unless you’ve lived in your home for decades, or recently purchased a fixer-upper, you probably never had to go shopping for windows.

    This guide will help you explore a number of key aspects to consider with window prices in Edmonton for your home or business.

    From replacements to upgrades, we’ve got you covered.

    Factors that can Impact the Price of Your Windows in Edmonton

     

    1. Brands

    Windows are manufactured and sold by a range of companies. And just like most other things in life, you have:

    • Budget window manufacturers
    • Mid-level manufacturers
    • And top grade, industry recognizable leaders in windows

    It’s important to note that higher cost doesn’t always mean better quality. But going “cheap” isn’t the best idea either.

    1. Materials

    Windows are made using a number of different materials, each with their own unique set of features, benefits and downsides.

    Common window materials include:

    • Natural Wood: Strong, aesthetically pleasing, and usually more expensive.
    • Vinyl: Moderately durable, less visually appealing, and cost-effective
    • Fiberglass: looks great inside and out, is highly durable, and moderate on the cost scale
    • Aluminium: Strong, durable and relatively cheap, but doesn’t insulate well

    When considering materials, plan for the type of weather your area experiences, need for higher insulation ratings, durability, how long you plan on staying in the home, and more.

    1. Type of Window

    The type of window or windows you choose will invariably impact the cost. Custom windows pricing can be even more varied, making it that much more important that you work with a trusted and experienced window store and contractor such as Window Mart.

    Common types of windows include:

    Double-Hung Windows – this type of window utilizes two sashes, each of which glides vertically up and down in the frame. One nice feature is that they can open wide from both the top and the bottom, always remaining within the frame and not sticking out from the side of the home.

    Casement Windows – these interesting models are hinged, and open and close by way of a crank mechanism. They may be fitted to open either from the left or right side, and as they do so, protrude out into the exterior of the home.

    Awning Windows – this type of window is hinged at the top, and opens outward.

    Picture Window – large and stationary (i.e. can’t open), this window provides maximum visibility and light.

    Transom – The transom can be either stationary or operational (i.e. letting air in) can be installed above or below an existing window or door.

    Slider – having at least one operating side that “slides” along a track horizontally.

    Bay or Bow – these large windows protrude outwards from the siding of your house, providing you with more interior space.

    1. Features and Hardware

    Be aware that most window models have a variety of additional “features” or hardware options that you can select from that may impact the price.

     

    Additional features and hardware may include items such as:

    • Locks
    • Hinges
    • Various glass options
    • Insulative ratings / additional energy efficiency
    • And more…

    According to the Natural Resources of Canada, one of the key things home or business owners should consider when buying windows is their climate zone and additional insulative features such as triple glazing, insert glass, and special energy efficient coatings.

    1. Installation Costs

    You’ve purchased your windows, but now what? Installation! As part of your budgeting and shopping process, make sure to ask questions, get quotes and price out what installation may cost for each of the options you’re considering.

    Do replacement windows cost more than new construction? They could. Installation for a simple double hung slider may be a lot less than that for a large picture or bow window. Additionally, you may be able to negotiate a lower installation price per window when you opt to upgrade or replace multiple windows at once.

    Ready to Take the Next Step, or Need More Help?

    If you know you need new windows, but are looking for some additional assistance or a store that carries a better selection of products, consider reaching out to the friendly and helpful team at Window Mart.

    With combined decades of experience, and a track record of customer satisfaction, the Window Mart team has proudly served residents of Edmonton and surrounding areas for years. Click or call them today, you won’t be disappointed.

  • Spring and Fall Lawn Care – What is the Difference?

    Spring and Fall Lawn Care – What is the Difference?

    A lawn is a thing of beauty when it’s maintained in the right way. It’s a great place to spend time relaxing at weekends and it can help add value to a property as it improves the overall look of the landscape. However, if a lawn is not cared for in the right way, it can start to look lackluster and it may even start to die.

    If you want to share in the dream of many Americans, and have a lawn to be proud of, you need to understand what care should be provided. Spring and fall are both times when important lawn care needs to be carried out, but what is the difference between the work that needs to be done during these seasons?

     

    • Lawn care in spring

     

    The main reason for a spring lawn care routine is to prepare the grass for successful growing during the summer months. Any debris that has fallen during the winter needs to be cleared away, so that growth can happen unimpeded.

    Spring is also the time when mowing needs to start again. Once the grass is at its healthy height (usually between 1.5 and 2.5 inches), you should mow as often as is needed to maintain that height.

    If you are using a fertilizer on your lawn, it should be one that is best suited to spring. This usually means choosing a slow release product that produces ongoing nutrients as the grass grows throughout the coming weeks.

     

    • Lawn care in fall

     

    Some aspects of fall lawn care are similar to the work carried out in spring, according to Wikilawn.com. The lawn should be cleared of debris and protected from falling leaves as much as possible. This is also a time of year when fertilizer can be applied. However, a fast release fertilizer is the best choice at this time of year. The quick release of nutrients helps to strength the roots of the grass, for survival while the lawn is dormant.

    Late summer and early fall are also the best time to re-seed bare patches of lawn, and to deal with issues affecting the quality of the lawn. For instance, it’s a good time to remove any thatch that has built up. Dealing with this type of maintenance during fall means that you can concentrate on promoting lawn growth once spring arrives.

    This is the main difference between spring lawn care and fall lawn care. In spring, you are making sure that the lawn grows as well as possible over the summer. In fall, you are making sure the lawn is prepared for a dormant winter and in the best possible condition to make spring lawn care successful when the time comes. It’s not all about spring and fall either, while a lawn is growing it needs to be properly maintained. This means that you need to mow the lawn regularly and water it on average 2-3 times a week, making sure that you water deeply in order to promote root growth.

     

  • Home Improvement Tips For Busy Families

    Home Improvement Tips For Busy Families

    There is no doubt that everyone who passes your home takes a quick peek at it. Whether they are impressed or not will truly depend on several factors. These factors include uniqueness, cleanliness and neatness. Of course, you must keep your entire home and lawn looking perfect to draw a lot of attention. Fortunately, there are many ways to improve the interior and exterior of your home without spending a fortune. Below, you will discover several home improvement tips for busy families.

    Maintain Privacy

     

    It is true that some people like to peek inside of homes. They may just be interested in the décor arrangement or just be nosy. Whatever the case may be, it should be up to the homeowner how much of their privacy they want to expose to the public. Keeping your home looking beautiful, while maintaining the highest security level may only require window blinds. The key to maintaining curb appeal when it comes to buying blinds is coordination. Basically, you should only consider designs that will enhance the interior and exterior of your home.

    Staying Organized

    Busy families struggle to maintain good organizational skills. In fact, they are known for living in disorderly homes. Organization is the key to reducing stress, improving productivity and keeping up with daily tasks. While to-do lists will help in this case, it will also take a bit of rearranging and installing new shelving and a filing cabinet. Shelves will help keep everything organized, while keeping your home neat and tidy. There are shelves that are specifically designed for shoes, books, electronics, bed linen, clothing and kitchen accessories. Filing will help with organizing your appointments, monthly bills and important documents.

    Sharing Mealtime

    It is highly likely that you have neglected your kitchen for a long time. This is very common among busy families, because preparing meals is so time-consuming. However, you are missing out on a great opportunity to share a little special time with your family. Access your stove, oven, refrigerator and microwave to determine if they working properly. If necessary, you can contact an appliance repair service to complete the task for you. Mealtimes are the perfect time to catch up on what is going on in your family’s daily life.

    Install Mood Lighting

    Every home has a unique environment. Some are open and airy, while others are dark and gloomy. Altering your home environment with a simple task, such as lighting installation, can improve your mood significantly. Recessed and pendant lights have adjustable setting options. You can choose from a high level of brightness to a low-level dimness. The bright setting is ideal for reading, chore time and preparing meals. The dim setting is ideal for watching TV, listening to music and taking naps.

    Afterword

    It will not take a lot of work to improve your home environment. In fact, it may only take a few candles to enhance your living space. However, if you continue to refuse sharing mealtimes with your family, you will never know what is truly going on in their life.

  • How To Make Your House Smarter

    How To Make Your House Smarter

    We’ve come a long way in the world of smart home technology. While having a smart home might feel like something out of a sci-fi movie, it’s quickly becoming a new reality of life today. Luckily, these smart home tools help us live safer, more efficient lives.

    Just about everything in your home today can be linked to the WiFi and controlled virtually. With so much to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Here are the easiest ways to make your house smarter one device at a time.

    Image via Pexels

    1. Alarm Systems

    First, you want to use this smart technology to protect yourself and your home. Smart alarms of today connect with your WiFi network and have a lot of new features we haven’t seen before. From video doorbells to one-click door unlocks, it’s now possible to monitor your home security no matter where you are.

    There are around 327,000 robberies every year, many of which result in major losses. No matter how safe your neighborhood is, you never know what will really happen. Linking your Amazon account to your home security has never been easier. This is an investment you can’t afford to overlook.

    2. Smart Televisions

    Who doesn’t love streaming your favorite shows and movies any time? With the rise of smart TVs, we’re seeing a shift in the way people watch television. In 2018, the number of people who unsubscribe from traditional cable rose by 32% or around 33 million adults.

    Smart TVs are a new way to watch all of your favorites. By integrating with streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Video, you don’t have to spend time scrolling through channels looking for something to watch.  

    3. Smart Thermostat

    A smart thermostat might be a bigger investment, but it’s one that pays back in a big way. It’s easy to run up your electric bill with too much heating or cooling if you aren’t careful. A smart thermostat allows you to customize your home temperature remotely, and it can even learn your habits to shift automatically.

     

    This is an effective way to learn more about your energy usage and reduce your own home energy costs. The next time you forget to turn off your A/C on your vacation, you can simply pull up your smartphone app to get the job done.

    Image via Pexels

    4. Home Lights

    We’ve all wanted to turn off our lights from the comfort of our bed, and now smart home lights make that possible. Smart bulbs are likely the easiest things to install from this list, and you only need a few pieces of tech to get started. From there, you’ll have access to features that save you both time and money. From automatic color changes to remote control via a smartphone app, you’re in charge of everything.

    5. Smart Outlet

    Finally, the last thing you need to complete your smart home is a smart outlet. These outlets allow you to control your appliances and devices all through an app or voice controlled device. From turning off lamps to starting your coffee brew in the morning, this is the most customizable of all the smart home devices.

    Smart outlets help you turn your regular home into a smart home in a few simple steps. There’s no complicated, expensive process. You just swap out your regular plugs and cords for smart outlets and viola! Your home does it all.

    Are you ready to turn your home into a smart oasis? From maximizing control to lowering energy costs, there are a lot of benefits of making the switch once and for all.

  • 5 Ways To Prevent An Infestation In The Workplace

    5 Ways To Prevent An Infestation In The Workplace

    Anyone who has shared office space with others has experienced this at least once during their working relationships. While everyone gets along, the caveat is that the office is too comfortable and the habits that might be fine at home interfere with keeping the office clean. Worse yet, these habits have created infestations of a variety of pests.

    Most buildings have a process for taking care of infestations, as most companies contract with commercial pest control services to make sure their buildings are pest-free. In the meantime, office workers can be proactive in their own daily habits in preventing unwanted intruders from showing up at the office. In fact, employees can pretty much develop a program for making sure that the office remains free from pests and rodents, and by doing so, can guarantee that when pest control comes it is for routine visits.

    Keep reading to learn a few simple ways to decrease the incidence of infestations in the workspace.

    Do Not Invite Pests In

    Depending on the workplace location, animals that are a part of the scenery make for an attractive work location. While the temptation might be to feed the animals by placing bird feeders and food in areas outside the office, this can also attract bugs to the building. Not only does discarded food make for a messy appearance around window and doorways, but they can also lead to ant and roach infestations in the workspace.

    Avoid Eating At Your Desk

    The inclination is to eat at your desk, especially when work piles up, but eating at your desk also attracts unwanted attention from pests. Very few people can eat at their desk without spilling crumbs or leaving remains on the desk. If the office is shared, other people are affected by the food debris left on the table.

    Later on, though, when everyone has left the office, pests might find your desk and the remains of your lunch very attractive. The worst thing is to come into work the next morning to find a host of ants making their way around your desk. The best remedy is to get out of the office for lunch and a few moments to yourself, whether it is to go outside or to eat in a designated lounge.  

    Do Not Dump Rubbish In Workspace Bins

    Another way that pests can find their way into the office is when employees dump rubbish in bins that are a part of the workspace. Dry food can be swept up, but drinks and wet foods that have heavy sauces and gravies can be attractive to rodents. If there is a lounge or a dining area to dump food, use these rubbish bins because maintenance staff will come around a few times a day to change the rubbish while the food remains might stay in your office rubbish bin all day long.

    Keep The Lounge And Refrigerator Clean

    While the lounge is the designated place to eat, sometimes inconsiderate coworkers leave dirty dishes and rubbish in the sink. The refrigerator is another place that can attract bugs if not cleaned routinely, especially getting under the appliance where pests hide. Professionals only need to keep it simple and clean up after they have finished eating.

    Keep Walkways And Windows Clear

    If your business is a small one, consider keeping walkways and windows clear of debris and bushes. These areas are great hiding places for rodents and other pests, and while they might not necessarily create an infestation, they can be a nuisance. Potentially, they can be dangerous too if attracting poisonous pests.

    Consideration In The Workplace

    Everyone can do their part to pitch in to keep the workspace debris-free. Whether this means moving lunch to a more appropriate location and discarding rubbish in designated rubbish bins so as not to invite pests to lunch, your office can reduce the incidence of pest infestation through these simple tasks. Ultimately, you can reduce infestations by being considerate of your co-workers and remembering to clean up after eating and in general.

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