Category Archives: Variety/Tips

Inspiring Keep Safe Halloween Costumes During COVID-19

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Halloween is approaching. No one wants to miss out on the celebration of fun, candy, and darkness this year. However, Halloween is not banned. It is thankfully, provided by the CDC guidelines that will help keep you, and your loved ones safe.

These guidelines restrict some options for what can be worn for a Halloween costume. They do not cancel the imagination and ingenuity you could apply to creating a Halloween costume for yourself or someone you love

  • The CDC advises to always wear a protective COVID-19 face mask.
  • Do not substitute a costume mask for a COVID-19 safe face mask.
  • Do not wear a costume mask over a face mask due to making it hard to breath.
  • If a cloth costume mask is worn, make sure it has a least two layers.

Maybe, these few usages and ideas will inspire you to make an unforgettable Halloween costume in despite of COVID-19.

Do not forget. That because it is Halloween and lots of people are going to be wearing costumes. That does not mean that all other guidelines for safety during COVID-19 are canceled or postponed. They are still very important even though it is Halloween. For all of the guidelines that you should definitely read and practice. Look on the CDC page called Halloween Celebrations.

The costume ideas presented here combine a COVID-19 safe face mask with Halloween makeup or with over the eyes half masks. These should allow you safety and breathability as per the CDC recommendations.

The Over The Eyes Half Mask or Half Mask

Uncle Bobby Half Face Mask $39.95 found on Amazon.com.

The Zagone Studios Uncle Bobby Mask is a simple example of easy Halloween, and festively comical facial costuming. It allows space for breathing in between your face and mask. It leaves a large blank section below the top lip for application of a COVID-19 face mask. People may not know that you are not really Uncle Bobby.

Not only that. You can combine the Uncle Bobby Face Mask with any decorative COVID-19 face mask or go with just plain. I would recommend utilizing a disposable COVID-19 face mask with this Halloween half mask, because disposable is easier to breath through.

The iHeartRaves, and the Yayourel neck gaiter masks are 3 dimentional in appearance. Combining mask like these with the upper part of your face finished off in matching makeup detail, could cause Halloween costuming to change forever. Keep in mind. The neck gaiters are not super recommended protection from COVID-19. However, the CDC does state that cloth costume masks are permittable as long as the cloth is at least two layers. These masks fold to make two layers or you could buy two and combine them together. Just make sure you can breath.

Left: iHeartRaves $9.95, Amazon. Right: Yayourel $10.99, Amazon.
Coddsmz masquerade mask $14.59, Amazon.com.

Coddsmz makes a masquerade half mask that is sure to turn some heads. It combines spooky with glitz and glam that makes Halloween a ball. Combined with a glitzy glam COVID-19 mask any bone head will definitely be the best dressed (lol)!

Dressing in a fancy ball gown or a hipster styled tuxedo could turn this seemingly girls only head wear into a unisex masterpiece. What a fancy Voodoo priest! No head will go unturned and you can get your fancy on!

No bones about it. This Halloween Tiger Cosplay brand mask is more than breathable, and it can be worn with a protective COVID-19 face mask underneath. Additional eyewear or makeup can be added. It is also scary enough on it’s own. Don’t worry about the fit. This mask is adjustable. There are no limits to what you can do. Use your imagination and let fright night begin!

Tiger Cosplay Mask $19.99, Amazon.com

Although, a lot of decorative COVID-19 face mask are inexpensive. If you want to utilize more creativity for your Halloween fun, make your own decorative mask. Sewing isn’t necessary when there is fabric glue. Fabric paints are also a good way to apply to your mask that special mark that calls it your own.

Halloween can be as safe as it is fun. Having to obey all of the safety guidelines does not mean that a damper has been placed on Halloween. The fun is still waiting for everyone. We only have to add more conscious thinking to our activity as we set out to have fun. Keep safe. Wash your hands frequently, practice social distancing, and wear a mask. Happy Halloween!

CDC Predicts 20,000 New Deaths By Election Day Due to COVID-19!

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ABC World News Tonight reported that the CDC has predicted up to 20,000 new COVID deaths might occur before election day. This is greatly due to the cooler weather conditions of fall and especially, the cold of winter.

213,390 deaths have already occurred to date. On Thursday, October 8, 2020 over 56,000 new cases were reported. This number is a major increase at a 2 month high. Eleven states have reached record high hospitalizations this week. The news report also suggested that COVID-19 is spreading from not only stranger to stranger, but friend to friend, and within households living under one roof.

One of the major concerns from the CDC are people overweight, or obese. They are at a much higher risk for contracting the Coronavirus. According to the ABC News, more than 70% of Americans are either overweight or obese. That means that not only the colder weather as a fearful risk factor, but the count of 70% of the people in general are at a higher risk. This increases the possibility of spread, and coincides with the CDC predictions of a second wave.

According to the Washington Post on April 24, 2020, “The laboratory results show that increases in temperature, humidity and sunlight all can speed up how fast the virus is destroyed, based on measurements of its half-life when exposed to these elements.” This also plays into effect of seasonal illnesses already existing such as, influenza a.k.a. the flu. Keep in mind that not only has the flu become stronger over the years, it will now have the opportunity to meet the Coronavirus in these colder seasons.

That is why the CDC has expanded their report of the risk factors contributing to the spread of COVID-19. You can review these risk factors and other reports on the CDC website at Center For Disease Control Prevention.

Now, that the colder weather is approaching. Now, that other illnesses of yearly happening are starting to reemerge. It is high time to start playing it safe, and wave goodbye to the fun and thrills of summer. Playing it safe means wearing our facemasks, maintaining right social distance, and washing our hands frequently. It is time to slow down, and plan a winter that is best spent at home.

Let me emphasize on the fact that people are carriers. This isn’t just exclusive to strangers, but family members, friends, coworkers, and even the innocent children. This is also the spread. This is why we wear the masks. The carriers that we all can potentially be.

If you would like to watch the ABC World News Tonight broadcast that this post is about, click on the big icon at the bottom. When you are finished, just hit your back button to return to Top Hat Tips. Stay Safe!

OCTOBER! A Month of More Fun Than Just Halloween!

Right now, the weather is an inviting invitation to outdoor activity. Well, it is for most of us. While we bask in the warming glow of the autumn sun, let us remember those whom are suffering from disastrous hurricanes and life destroying fires. With that being said, and meant. Let’s go over some awesome, and some charitable events that can make your October (of depressing 2020) be the most glorious October ever spent!

During the month of October there are several events happening prior to Halloween. They not only might be a little safe regarding COVID-19, but they are also fun and exciting. However, how safe you are regarding COVID-19 depends upon your practicing of safety. Remember! Wash your hands, maintain a safe distance, and wear your mask.

The First Event: The second Saturday in October is National Motorcycle Ride Day

National Motorcycle Ride Day (October 10, 2020) is the one day out of the year that you should plan to ride your motorcycle. People all over America will be getting “high on the hog” on the second Saturday of October. It is the holiday day to set aside time for the long ride.

Bikers must be special people. After all, they keep us reminded of adventure, open air, and freedom. In these days happening now, we need somebody to remind us of this. Remember! If you are not a biker yourself, then find a biker and tell them thank you, and happy National Motorcycle Ride Day!

The Second Event: October 14th is National Take Your Parents to Lunch Day

What a wonderful and surprising time to tell your parents you love them. Take them to a restaurant or enjoy a wonderful sun filled picnic in a park. You could DIY the lunch at home or make lunch for them at their place. What is most recommended is lunch somewhere outside, while the weather is fine.

Give your parents a chance to know that they are appreciated for all that they have done for you. They will never forget the out of the blue “I love you” moments, and neither will you.

Spreading love during this difficult time eases the stress we all suffer because of this. This is as good for you, as it is for them. Take advantage of this holiday, show your love, and have fun! Bon apatite!

The Third Event: October 17th is Wear Something Gaudy Day

Okay. It’s the month of October, and that month is Halloween month. How do you know the difference between a Halloween costume and a gaudy outfit? I don’t know! However, this day sounds rather fun. Especially, if you have a bunch of other people to do it with you. Maybe, friends and family or coworkers. It doesn’t matter as long as you all know what is going on, and why you are all dressed so funny!

Just be sure to take a bunch of photos and post them to your favorite social media sights. That spreads the fun! You can use social media to make the occasion more wide spread by announcing it. Then more people can share their photos making fun spread to many more!

The Fourth Event: October 24th is Make a Difference Day

A lot of us need someone to make a difference for us, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t something we can’t do for another, as well. It doesn’t always require money to make a difference. Sometimes, something homemade makes all of the difference in the world. Not only that, but a kind word of gratitude or a simple smile ‘hello‘ can shine light into a person’s heart that illumines their entire day.

Participating this holiday can not only be free, but it can also be ‘freeing.’ However you choose to make a difference, know that it counts. It will count to someone else, and it will count to you. On October 24th, 2020 make a difference, and God bless you!

At Home Halloween Fun!

Our fun Halloween holiday has been infected by another horror plaguing us all. We all know what it is called, but we continuously struggle throughout the year to get rid of it. Yet, it does not seem to want to leave us alone. It won’t let us go back to our regular day to day lives. It has negatively affected every holiday since it began. Sadly, it will put a damper one of our most favored and beloved holidays. Halloween!!!

Deciding whether or not to spend Halloween at home, or make a go for it out in public is a hard and even dangerous decision to make. We all want our old lives back, but outside of our front doors where once there was freedom. Now, lies a detriment of restriction and dred that puts unwanted fear in a Holiday we all want to enjoy.

Halloween isn’t only about ghouls and goblins. It is also, the fight against ghouls and goblins. The worst ghoul/goblin of them all for us, right now is COVID-19! Getting mad and refusing to wear our masks and maintain a social distance is not going to win the fight. It is only going to make things worse. When this fight is won it will be because we participated the battle, the war. We did so by washing our hands regularly, keeping a social distance of 6 feet, and wearing our masks. We also participated by staying home.

If you decide to take that potentially dangerous risk and go out for Halloween. Remember, how to keep yourself and others safe, and practice it. Please!

If you decide that it is best for you and your household members to stay home, try some of these fun things to do. YouTube has a bounty of resources free for everyone to use. Here are some fun stuff that you can make, use or play for having a fun Halloween at home.

Tors Times YouTube channel has a post featuring Halloween games that are fun for adults. These games are not board games. The hostess says that they are okay for children, but it is featured and recommended for adults. Take a gander at this channel for great fun and ideas for Halloween fun at home. Just click on that play button located in the center of the big icon below entitled 5 Adult Friendly Halloween Party Games to get started. When you want to return to Top Hat Tips just hit your back button.

Having a spooky Halloween dinner can be a treat almost as yummy as trick ‘r’ treating! The Halloween recipes on this Youtube channel can fill every bellie with Halloween remembrance while allowing every tummy to embrace their dark side. This year treating Halloween a bit like Thanksgiving might just be the current in vogue. After dinner, throw in a little bit of Easter and allow the kids to play a twisted candy hunt. Just tie a fist full of sweet treats into a tie bag or simply use Ziploc and let the kids and even adults, if you’d like to get a satisfying taste of Halloween trick ‘r’ treating.

Another good idea is to add some tricking into it. Instead of always finding candy, they can find that a Halloween trick is right up your sleeve. You can always jump out of a dark corner and scare them. Yet, these two videos can bring magic to a hum-drum Halloween at home. Practice safety precautions prior to utilizing these fun and amazing tricks!

Have a fun costume night! Buy or make your costume/costumes. Then break out the camera! To top all of that dressing up off download a photo manipulation app. Make photos of yourself and others look even spookier by adding some artistic photo editing. You can even make fun GIFs and laugh the night away. Then store away your fun memories as you would like to.

For fun costume ideas try these videos.

You should know that all of the photos featured on this post are of me. What I used was a download from the Google Play Store. The app is Photo Lab. You can find lots of Halloween picture enhancing on there or look for other apps that are at the Google Play Store. A lot of these apps are for free or you can pay a small amount from $5.00 to $20.00 for their premium selections. Here are some more photos that I hope will inspire your Happy Halloween!

Remember! Practice safety throughout all of your games and tricks, and don’t forget to wash, wear a mask, and keep a safe distance.

Beyond the Grave, Someone Spoke to Me! No Lie!

Things have not been going great for me. I had a descent job. I worked in regards to the Oil & Gas industry. What it regards is that we built a product that extends Gas. Especially, natural gas. We built vapor recovery systems. A machine that captures vapors/fumes and allows them to be recycled into reusable fuel. Great, huh? Yes, it was.

Well, like others. Along came a pandemic. With that; came a massive decrease in gas prices. With that; came layoffs. You guessed it. One of those layoffs was me.

I found another job. That job was a work at home job. I was receiving unemployment, but because I had gotten a new job, and was about to be paid. I cut the unemployment off. Low and behold payday came around. I had been working at this job for 1 month.

Guess then what happened. The job cut me off, and without my 1 month pay! I was instantly destitute. I haven’t had any success finding a job since. Now, I sit without unemployment. I sit without an income. My rent is able me to pay this month. The month of September, 2020. My car payment, however, that’s a different story. Next month’s rent is another.

I have put in to be reinstated my unemployment, but I am still waiting for the investigator to contact me. Which means you are probably wondering, “Isn’t blogging earning you any money?” No, not yet. I don’t know when it will.

That leaves me with being on the very brink of loosing everything. Right now. I am on the brink of loosing the only place I have to go, and all of the possessions inside of it. I am on the brink of loosing my car, too. That is everything! I have nothing else.

Right now. I feel powerless. I can’t make money talk. I don’t have any. I can’t make money appear. Not even unemployment or a stimulus check. I can’t make people want to hire me. I can’t make my tears valuable.

At this moment, I feel worthless. I feel like the fact that I am merely a human being is merely. A piece of trash to be swept under a rug.

Being as powerless as I am. I decided to watch YouTube. I was hoping for some good news about a stimulus check. While skimming through, I caught a glimpse of Cadwick Boseman. I had been sad about that, too. I was hating when good things have to be taken away.

It was a speech he had mad in front of a graduating class of Howard University students. It was as eloquent as a speech would be, if it were Martin Luther King Jr. or Nelson Mandela. It rolled off his tongue without a script. Without notes. Without Que cards. It taught me a thing or two. It got rid of my feelings of despair.

No. The speech did not get rid of my need for money or to maintain transportation, and a roof over my head. It did get rid of my belief that God never helps me.

I do love God. I am just one that thinks that God doesn’t love me. All I ever wanted in life is to live it fulfilled. The fulfillment coming from helping others. Making a positive difference. That is all I wanted.

I started watching this recorded video that was put on YouTube. I had tears in my eyes due to the current surrounding circumstances. While listening to every word this man, this hero had to say, I understood something.

I understood that I was not powerless. I understood that I was born with power. I understood that everyone possesses the same power that I posses. I understood that everyone else was born with it, too. I understood that I could make positive change.

I realized that I possessed this great power, but did not know how to harness it. Not until I watched that speech made by Chadwick Boseman. Then I began to realize that the effect that his speech made on me could be articulated onto others.

All of my life, I have had this power surging from my fingertips. I am using that power, now. Adolf Hitler had the same power. The same power that you and I have. That power is able to make a difference in somebodies life, today. He chose nothing positive to use his power for. Remember. I said everybody is born with this power.

What stifles that power for a lot of us is not recognizing our outlet to exercise that power. In order to use your power, you have to recognize your outlet. My outlet is the written word. Through these words I am writing. I am able to pass to you what I was brought to realize from someone else.

This someone’s power will live on forever. All who understands this will spread understanding to others. So, from the knowledge of Chadwick Bozeman, to the desire to inspire from some YouTubers (They succeded; Didn’t they.), and from me, to you. This chain will never end.

Provide your power an outlet. Know that you can make positive change. No matter who you are!

Then like me, God will be understood to have been only waiting!

The link to Chadwick Boseman’s speech. (click)

Living on the Hustle During COVID-19

We, in the state of Oklahoma are not on lock-down. We had our time, like everyone else. Yet, we strive and fight each day to keep Oklahoma functioning. We do this to keep our states economy afloat. We are not unlike any other place.

Particularly, however, there is Tulsa, Oklahoma. Also known as T-town. T-town is my only direct observance of the pandemic. Of course, it is because I live in Tulsa, T-town. I watch the news, including local news. I watch with the same observance as I do regarding everything around me.

It is important to observe and keep aware of your surroundings, in my opinion. Especially, during COVID-19. There is the need to be aware of when to move and which direction to move in. It helps to pay attention. It helps us to keep that safe distance. It helps us pick and choose association, and whether or not to allow any association.

In all of this observance, I began to notice people in particular. I began to understand who they might be. What that means is there are people who work, and there are people that do not work. That does not sum it up, of course. Basically, these are the two broad types.

Within one of these two broad types of people, the nonworking. Due to mental illness or some other disability these particular people are a portion of the nonworking. The hustlers. It is true. A lot of people have a hustle. You might say my blogging is my hustle. Yet, honest tax paying hustling is not what I am talking about.

It is known that the average person that receive disability payments for mental illness receive about $800.00 per month. The National Alliance on Mental Health stated on their website that, “In 2015, the federal payment was $733/month for an individual and $1,100/month for a couple.” With that they might receive food stamps. These are the unfortunate hustlers that I am talking about.

Understand, this is just my observance. I can’t say this is everywhere, but I do assume it is. Just know that this is just my observance. To me, this is a great hindrance in our fight to decrease the spread of the Coronavirus. So, I will describe what I see.

As an apartment renter, I see the dumpsters being dug into. There is trash being rummaged for any knick-knack or token that can be salvaged and resold. It is not known who threw away what or whether or not they are sick with anything contagious. It is just understood that it is trash and it is dirty. Especially, during the Coronavirus.

I see this trash being taken into other apartments. Often, these other apartments are not where the individual or individuals live. They have decided to knock on a door and someone blindly lets them in. Usually, they are allowed entry without a mask.

I see junk trading from one individual to another. Assuming trading or selling what was formerly trash from some place or another. Later, that same trash might be seen at someone else’s apartment on the ground or a patio.

I see direct contact. One person (who dug into the trash) touching another person, and even coming in contact with children. This is eye witnessed often. I would say, about 5 times per week. I observe this. I am just one person. I am watering plants on my patio, or giving them a good pruning. I am going to my mailbox, or to my car to go take care of essential business.

I see piles of people climbing into automobiles. Not any of these people are wearing a face mask. It is still summer. The windows are rolled up. They are driving off into a hot summer sunset with heat indices of 107 degrees Fahrenheit. Albeit air conditioning. They are still virtually piled in a car breathing the same air, and without face masks. Not that a face mask would help in such closed conditions.

Yes! These are the hustler people. Every day this is their activity.

I live in a 600 square feet apartment. There are none here that are much bigger. I see 5 to ten people entering such a tiny space, and with no face mask. They spend the day coming and going. The leave out being one or two. They return being three or four.

I see an elderly man, but an able bodied elderly man. I see him going from apartment door to apartment door. He knocks to bum cigarettes. He knocks on the doors of the hustlers. He does not where a face mask, and he often smells of urine. He comes in direct contact with others all day. He likes to sit on his patio smoking and drinking with his hands in his lap. When I see his hands in his lap, I think his hands are in urine.

When he knocks on my door, I do not answer. It would be a great risk to answer the door. He is the very realization that I should never answer my door for anyone without a face mask.

On a good note, these people are being removed. They have been evicted on the grounds of widespread property damage. That is no lie. That does not cancel the fact that they are very unsafe people to have to live around, and especially, during a pandemic.

The most important thing that I did observe is that they are disabled. They are “working” as best as they can to supplement a very low income. I believe they feel like there is nothing else they can do, but dig in trash dumpsters and barter from person to person for a little extra than about $800.00 per month. I believe that it is even possible that they would not partake in such activity, if they had more money to live off of. After all, the elderly guy doesn’t knock if he has a pack of cigarettes!

From Tiny House to The Average Sized Home: 3 Types of Heating and Air conditioning

Although there are more than 3 types of heating and air conditioning. We will discuss the 3 main types. The first one that comes to mind is the HVAC system. There are more than one type of heating and air within this classification. The most widely used system of an HVAC system is known as central heating and air conditioning.

HVAC is the acronym for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Central heating works from one centralized point to provide heating to multiple rooms within a building. It is combined with other systems to control the buildings climate. Air is forced from that point through duct work (venting system) throughout a building or home. The most important factor about central heating and air conditioning is the ventilated duct work. This is what’s most commonly used. Especially in the United States.

The air conditioner part of a central heating and air system is the other combined system. It does not necessarily come pre-connected. It is a separate system than the heating HVAC system. It can be partnered with central heat to provided year-round climate control. Thus the term, central heating and air conditioning.

The air conditioning portion of central heating and air can be a split-system or a combined package. The split-system comes with an out-door metal cabinet that holds the condenser and compressor. Another cabinet contains the evaporator. This indoor cabinet can also contain a heat pump or a furnace.

The average cost per home to heat and cool a home for 1 year is and according to EnergyStar.Gov is $2,060 per year. However, that does depend on the size of your home, the quality of insulation, and the climate that you live in.

The hybrid system is a dual-fuel system that combines a heat pump with a combustion furnace for back-up. This system can be manually adjusted from heat pump to combustion or a temperature can be set to make it automatic. Because it is hybrid, it promises a 30% to 50% reduction in heating costs per year. It is also possible to qualify for a tax credit or rebate.

A hybrid system can heat and cool. It utilizes a heat pump to cool and switches to the furnace to heat. As long as there is a forced air system, a hybrid system can be utilized to do both heating and cooling. In the winter it pulls warm air from outside into the home to provide heat and effective to about 30 degrees Fahrenheit. In the summer it pulls warm air from inside the home to the outside to provide cooling. Reviews are mixed regarding the hybrid system.

The system that is on the rise and largely due to tiny houses is the ductless system. Particularly the mini-split system. A mini split can come singularly or with multi-units. It allows climate control to vary from room to room. Meaning the temperature can be set differently from one room to another. It allows the owner to control temperatures as individual rooms as well as one whole building.

The mini-split has only 2 components. It has an outdoor compressor/condenser, and an indoor evaporator that provides the hot or cold air. They install easily. Only requiring about a 3 inch hole for power and communication cables, copper tubing, a condensation drain line that connects the outdoor portion to the inside portion. Installation is almost as inexpensive as installing a new light socket.

According to EnergyStar.Gov. a mini-split can cut cooling costs by half and heating costs by 30%. Not only that. They can be installed into one room, or replace a whole other system for an entire home. It is ductless. That means there is no need for massive air ducting to perform on any structure. Just a small piping and electrical wiring system.

Building an Inexpensive Function for Home Offices

When planning to work at home, there is need for home office equipment. Online work can vary from basic equipment to special equipment. Equipment such as, a simple tablet to a home PC. There may be the requirement of a printer, and not just any printer. One with multiple functions that would include scanning, and copying.

The hard part in all of these random requirements may not be the equipment themselves, but the functioning of the equipment. Office equipment needs supplies in order to function. That can be very expensive. These tips should help bring down the cost of functioning that equipment, and provide efficiency to a home office.

Internet

Everyone working from home will require high speed internet. High speed internet is internet with download speeds of at least 25 Mbps. You should know that storage and speed are brothers. The more that is stored from device to device, and how many devices you have affect internet speed. So, a phone for example, that has a lot of photographs, memes, and gifs can be pretty full. The fullness of your storage will slow speed down.

You can invest in high speed internet, but if you don’t invest in storage you will have slow internet. The recommended amount of storage should be know less than 4G for internet to remain high speed. Remember. Devices are storage, too. Find out how many devices your internet provider allows for the amount of storage provided. Usually, 4G handles up to 5 other memory storing devices.

Home internet pricing does not have to be expensive. It’s the decision between streaming and added cable. Although expensive, added cable can be a partner to high speed internet usage. Most cable plus internet users experience high speeds even while movies are being downloaded and watched someplace else in the home.

However, lots of people forego this luxury for less expensive streaming, or internet only. With streaming devices and services, it can be a happier solution to an unnecessary expense.

Going directly to a major company is most reliable. Usually, the cost of internet is only about $10.00 cheaper than adding cable. Those companies like AT&T, Sprint, and COX do have prepaid internet plan options. These options can also include phone service. The prepaid plans can offer 4G internet and higher. They function at a flat rate that either never increase in cost or won’t increase in cost for one year. The difference in cost for a prepaid plan can be $20 to $30 less per month for high speed internet only. That depends upon the plan and the company.

There are other companies out there that also provide pay-as-you-go internet, but usually they rise up one day and shut down another. Which makes for unreliable service at all. The major companies are always there. They are most reliable when it comes to repairs and technical difficulties.

Selecting an internet service provider depends strongly upon your location. However, you should look for the one with the most options that can service your area. These options consist of providing a modem for free, no increase in cost, or no increase in cost for one year. You will get the same reliable internet as everyone else except pay-as-you-go, and depending on the plan selected. Most pay-as-you-go providers offer multiple plans to choose from.

Printing Programs

Fortunately, you don’t have to pay to much for ink. There are lots of printing services that provide ink delivered straight to your door, and for a fraction of the cost it would be to purchase ink and other printing supplies from a store. The most comprehensive list found in the research for this article was from a trustworthy source. That source was Consumer Reports.

Not only do they help to understand printing services, but types of printers that have ink tubes that takes approximately 2 years to run out of ink. The price ranges are discussed that will help any consumer to make a positive decision for printers for the home office and supplies. This resource of helpful information can be found by following this link, Ways to Save Money on Printer Ink.

Microsoft Office

A lot of people are intimidated by buying Microsoft Office program. The truth is, you don’t have to buy it. You can have Microsoft Office program on your home computer or laptop for as little as $9.99 per month. The low amount of $9.99 will provide you with Microsoft Office apps across multiple devices. These apps include Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher (PC only), Access (PC only), OneDrive, and Skype.

There are other plans that you can select based upon your needs. These plans each consist of multiple Microsoft Office apps and cost from $6.99 per month for home usage.

The next best option, but not as safe of an option is buying a Microsoft Office program that is used. If this is the option you select, make sure you buy from a reliable source, and not from any sources unknown. Check with Microsoft company itself, or Amazon. Remember. Amazon caters to to other sellers that are not Amazon themselves. Be careful when utilizing one of these, if your are not familiar with them. Utilize what you have already built a trust with. A bad program can be quite damaging to a home computer or laptop. The link for researching a monthly plan from Microsoft is Find the right solution for you.

SD Card

SD cards are very important for multiple equipment. From laptops to cameras. SD cards provide extra storage. Extra storage can aid in the functioning of your device. They can help to maintain the speed and performance of your device. Giving you full usage at all times, and storage that allows transference of the images or information stored from one device to another.

The most qualified resource for researching for the right SD card for your device/devices is one that provides vast options, information, and understanding. This resource is the SD Association. The SD Association explains what they are, what they do, and where they come from.

Panasonic, SanDisk Corporation and Toshiba Corporation established the SD Association in January 2000 as a new industry-wide organization to develop and promote memory card storage standards. Today, the SD Association has approximately 900 members involved in the design and development of SD standards.

Published by the SD Association

On their website, the SD Association will lead you to understanding 4 standards of SD cards that will help any consumer to select the best SD card for their particular device, and including the amount of extra storage best for that device.

Very important information can come from people who help make the standards that are applied to the making of the various SD cards that we all use. Their sight also include a “Follow” link, if there is anyone that would like to keep updated on SD card standards for various devices. As well as, keep updated on educated information about the purchasing and usage of SD cards. This makes it easier you to be able to research for a less expensive card that still works well. knowledge is power. You can click on this link for all of the information you will need for researching an SD card of any or all of your devices. About SD card Memory Choices.

It is good to know that you can have a home office that functions at a cost that can be tailored to suit your needs and your wallet. It can be done with ease and still provide you with the necessary efficiency that is needed for working at home. You can have the type of efficiency that every employer or for a home based business needs. Providing yourself with a small amount for a home office overhead cost!

A Work-From-Home Therapy

Working at home can become similar to quarantine. It means that you are at home morning, noon, and night. This can get droll and depressing. The redundancy of the day can take a tole on individuals.

Finding relief from staring at the same walls day, after day, after day can be relieved quite easily. This may mean that during any spare time, you have to take time to make your home feel great. Not just in one area, but multiple areas. Since, it is summer. This is the best time to take advantage of more spaces to stretch your work environment out.

Sometimes the solution to hum drum is to just find a different spot to work in. These pictured areas are hoped to inspire you to do just that. Such as, sitting in front of a window, if you are not already doing that.

It is good to change spaces for a little while. A view in front of a window can provide a sense of being outside and not cooped up in your home. It brings to mind air and freshness. Especially, when the window can be opened. The light from the window can be very uplifting.

Sitting outside while working can feel great. Taking advantage of the cooler, early morning hours can carry you throughout your day. It can make work relaxing. It’s even better when the outside area your working in is filled with healthy ambiances. Ambiances like plants well arranged, and cozy seating that makes it comfortable to watch the sun rise while getting some things completed from your work to-do-list.

If working on your patio or out in your yard is not possible, take a few minutes to take a break outside. Stretch, or have a nice, cold drink. It’s your home. Take advantage of it. Use the space you have to let your mood stay positive.

Sunlight and fresh air can make all the difference in how a person feels throughout a workday. It can boost energy, elevate moods, and relax the mind. Work becomes comfortable and being glad it’s there to do can take away the feeling of being cooped up.

Just because you work at home does not mean you are no longer living. It just means you have to learn to “live” at home. That means making home not only a shelter, but a place where relaxation, enjoyment, and activity are all under one roof.

Self expression is literally at your doorstep. Spreading out within your home allows self expression a place to go. Express yourself in all that you do.

You are no longer under as strict of a code of conduct. You have virtually an absolute say in what you where, and where you sit. Even if it means working on the floor. If this is what makes you comfortable, you should do it. As long as the work is getting done, and correctly, you harm none. Enjoy and relax within your home.

  • Tip- Don’t be afraid to take your shoes off either. It is healthy to let your feet breath. Keep a pair handy for when you want to go outside. Remember, bare feet tracks in more dirt and grime than shoes. So where your shoes when going outside to prevent this from happening.

Use the couch. Some people are comfortable to work from their sofas. Feel free to do just that. Remember. You are utilizing various spaces to work within. This is in order to break up the feeling of being cooped up. Doing work in different areas of your home helps alleviate that feeling. If you are comfortable on the couch working, use it.

Go for a walk. If you don’t have time during working hours to do so, do it after. Shut down your laptop or computer and go for a walk. Take 15-30 minutes to go around the block or down the road. Let it be a part of your unwind. You can also go on a bike ride. Either way is healthy and provides great exercise.

Now, is the time for virtually total self expression. Reworking your lifestyle to do just that is what you are learning. Once all of the kinks are worked out, you should loose any feelings of being cooped up, and gain the feeling of living.

Time Management for Working at Home

Working at home can bring a sense of freedom. It’s the feeling of being your own boss, even if you are not. You can eat when you want, drink when, and what you want. there are a lot of rules that can be broken when someone else is not watching.

However, it is wise to say, ‘never treat another adult like an unruly child.’ This is true. Especially, when it comes to people who work from home. The biggest catch for people who work from whom is being able to balance newly found freedom with serious work from home. That is not always easy. Some work from home jobs are often randomly timed. Meaning, the next days schedule may not be known until the next day. That makes planning hard. Here are a few tips that may help or inspire a well planned work/home life schedule.

Make sure the job you choose can also, work with your home life.

The responsibilities you have are not only to your employer. There are responsibilities at home, as well. Make sure you are clear in every way what will be expected from you from your employer. In other words, always ask questions. It is important to know every task and every responsibility in order to know how to plan within your work schedule. Asking the right questions can help you get that understanding. Right down your questions and the answers. This will help you evaluate how much time you will need to spend doing work, and determine how much time in between you may have for home responsibilities.

Some work from home jobs can take up too much of your needed time for personal matters. Remember. Do not take on anything that’s going to be to much. You may find that it was easier to work away from than at home. Having important matters for going to the doctor or anything else important should not be hard to be able to take time off to do.

Beware of random.

There is a difference between being a responsible and reliable employee, and being taken for granted. Do not let your good quality be thought of as ‘take for granted.‘ Too many random tasks thrown at you during any time in your day or night is not fair. Let your employer know, “Hey, I can’t work after 4:00 pm,” If it is not definite and an agreement between you and your employer, set the time yourself. Give yourself time for you and/or family.

Get up at a regular time every work day.

Set your alarm. Get up. Take a shower. Get dressed. Give yourself time for a good breakfast and some wake-up time. Be refreshed and alert. All random cannot be avoided. This will also, help that your day stays active and non-lethargic. Remember. You have to balance home and work. Getting out of bed too late causes slagging. Do not slag your day. Do home and work so that the weekend can be clear for fun.

Go to bed!

Every night before your work day, go to bed. Make sure you give yourself at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. Not going to bed on time causes slag, also. You’ll feel tired, and sluggish. You’ll move slower, and get less done. This includes what you can get done at home, as well as, for work.

Having the habit of going to bed too late and sleeping to long can lead to depression for even a healthy person. It is also, a fast track to a lowered immunity for fighting disease and sickness. Such as, the Coronavirus. Don’t get depressed, and don’t get sick.

Make two to-do lists.

Make two to-do lists. Make one for the things that are needed done for your home and one for work. Take some from your home list and put with your work list. Having a little extra time between working can give you enough time to do things at home. For instance, taking out the trash, loading the dishwasher, starting laundry etc. It depends, of course, on how much extra time you’ll actually have. Remember, to scratch off everything accomplished.

Keep a schedule.

Plan what time you are going to get up; what time are you going to have breakfast; what time are your going to have lunch; what time are you going to take at least 15 minute breaks. Breaks are just as important at home as it is in a job away from home. Take regularly scheduled breaks. It is good for your health.

Don’t forget to schedule how long you are going to spend on these breaks. Are you going to spend 30 minutes having lunch or an hour. Just make sure that they start and stop at scheduled times. Keep them cohesive to quitting time. Don’t schedule a 15 minute break 30 minutes before quitting time. Use your away from home job’s schedule as a template.

Plan your lunch.

What do you truthfully have time to do? Will you have time to cook lunch? Most work at home jobs may not provide enough time to cook lunch. Know the limit. Prepare ahead your lunch to maintain it within a schedule. A schedule like 30 minutes to an hour. This would include any food ordering, as well. Stick to a schedule. A schedule is reliable, and trustworthy that you are truthfully responsible.

Maintain schedule upkeep.

Remember, to work on your next days schedule during your current work day. As things come along, and things come to mind, write them down. This will help you keep up with making the schedule and update your to-do list. These two things are symbiotic to a well organized schedule, and making sure that all things are getting done. Doing this will help to free up more of your time at the end of the work day.