Stop Wasting Energy at Your Company for Big Business Savings

One of the worst ways your business could be losing money is through unnecessarily expensive energy bills. Paying your energy bills is essential if you want your business to keep going, but a lot of people don't realize that they're paying too much. You might be trying to save energy by having energy usage policies to ensure people turn off equipment or only use electrical items when they need to. However, you could be wasting your money if you're not ensuring that you are making the most of the energy you do use. To check that your energy bills aren't higher than they should be, make sure you do the following things.

Credit: Public Domain Pictures

Reinforce the Roof

When you heat your business, heat can very easily escape through various means. One of the worst culprits for this is an inadequate roof, which can allow heat to leak out or require your business to use more energy to maintain the building. If you get a commercial contractor to install a sprayed polyurethane foam roofing system, you can stop air filtration, which will prevent energy loss. It also has a reflective coating, which helps to keep the roof cool. This means that less energy is required to cool the building.

Check Insulation Levels

Poor insulation is also a leading cause of energy loss for your business. Energy can escape through the attic or roof space, as well as through the walls. You might think that your building is already insulated, but insulation only lasts so long. If it's a few decades old, it might have deteriorated to the point that it is no longer as effective as it should be. You might need to repair the existing insulation or perhaps replace it completely if it's no longer adequate for the job it's supposed to do.

Credit: Pexels

Seal Windows and Doors

Another way your business could be wasting energy is by air moving through doors and windows. Leavings doors and windows open can obviously mean that heating or cooling systems aren't as effective as they should be. However, there can also be issues with gaps and deteriorating frames. You might need to ensure that windows are caulked to stop air flow that allows heat to escape or lets in cold air from outside. In some cases, completely replacing windows or doors is the best course of action.

Get Rid Of Energy-hungry Equipment

Your business could also be wasting energy on the appliances and equipment you use. You might have been trying to change people's behavior, so these things are used less, but sometimes you need to change the items completely. If your whole office needs to use computers all day, choosing ones that won't use up too much energy will help you save money long-term. Consider the various things that use electricity and other types of energy in your business and how you can get them to use less.

Your business could be wasting energy right now. A few smart changes can save you a lot of money and make your business greener too.

REAL Tuck Mattress Review from Someone Who Paid $1,200 For One (Tuck is Merging With Another Business)

*Spoiler alert: I do recommend this Tuck mattress and I wouldn't have written about it if I didn't, especially since I paid real money for it and didn't get it for free to write about. Actually, you all know me and I would have written a BAD review if I had hated it, so there's that.

 

Just like this product over here, I wish I had this mattress when my kids were younger. Let me start at the beginning of our Tuck Mattress Journey.

We moved in to our new digs in the country at the end of October last year. We realized we had an old, nasty queen-sized mattress that had housed not just us for probably 15 years, but also housed 5 kids in our family bed (not all at once, of course).

So now that all kids are out of our family bed, we thought it would be a good time to take the leap and get a king-sized mattress. Weird, huh? Doesn't make sense. Man, I wish we had this king-sized situation when the kids were little and my husband was traveling and all the kids were in bed with me!

When we first moved in, I was sleeping on the couch sometimes because I so uncomfortable in our bed. My hips always hurt in our old bed. My husband snored like a buzz saw. We tossed and turned all night. Ugh.

Now my husband honestly snores less, so I sleep more. He tosses and turns less. I toss and turn less so we wake each other rarely. I also think the king-sized upgrade factors in ... we have more space for spreading out. I actually have DREAMS now!

The cool thing about Tuck is that you can customize your side (I guess if you are single you just make them both the same). Each side was customized based on weight and height, whether you get cold or hot at night, sleeping position, any sleeping issues like restless leg syndrome (yes, I had some but I don't anymore).

Climbing into my Tuck at night is heavenly.

WHAT ABOUT THE BOOM BOOM?
Look, my parents read this blog and probably also my grandmother and someday maybe even my kids. I'm not going to give a lot of details here for sure, but just know that I know one of your concerns might be the bounce factor of this mattress. All I'm going to say is that it's good to go, m'kay? (there could be a bit more bounce, but it's fine ... you're going to do more sleeping than boom boom on a mattress anyway)

IT IS EXPENSIVE BUT ...
Yes, it's a lot of money to spend on a mattress. Our king-sized Tuck was about $1,200 delivered to our front door. But my husband and the chiropractor were seeing a little too much of each other for my budget, so it was time to take drastic measures. It's a little scary how well I sleep now on the Tuck. I wake up at 6:30 to my alarm and feel like I really slept well and like I wasn't up and down and moving all around.

DISCLAIMER
This is just a mattress. It does not come with a box spring because you don't need that junk, which is just more stuff to make and buy and throw out. Put your mattress on a platform of wood (my husband is going to build a cool one for us) or on the floor and your back support will be great. Yes, it is a lot of money to spend on a mattress. I understand. There is a money-back guarantee and they will come and get your bed and donate it to someone in the community if you hate it. You won't hate it. We are currently sleeping with the mattress on the floor and it's fabulous.

INCENTIVE TO CHECK IT OUT
**If you want to take the plunge, you and I both get a $75 Amazon gift code for doing so. Just click here to start to customize and order your Tuck and you'll get your discount. Come back here to let me know what you think. Or you can come to my page on Facebook and message me or leave me a comment there.

MY DISCUSSION WITH TUCK
The rest of you can go about your business while I have a little talk with Tuck (or you can totally eavesdrop):

Tuck, some of your pictures on your site and materials that came with the mattress are a little ... shall we say, RACY? I'm no prude, but is it really necessary? I mean, must I see a dude in his undergear (yes, I spelled that how I wanted to) on the mattress? A female in black lace panties and another chick in bra and panties? No thanks. Take a hint from everyone storming Hollywood for movies with less gratuitous skin shots and eff bombs (heard of VidAngel and their popularity and how many people want to see less of this stuff?).

I don't want to see a picture of 6 random people on one bed. I want to see something way more realistic that happens more often: a family bed. A bed with two actual parents and a kid or two sleeping soundly because the Tuck makes it so you don't feel the other people moving around all the time. That's MY demographic and my fan base ... I know a ton of people who have done family bed, are doing it now, or plan to. Yes, I know in America we are weird about people rolling onto babies and smooshing them, but that seriously rarely happens (and usually when a parent has been imbibing).

Tuck, I love you and feel like we are friends at this point, so I'm just keeping it real.

April 2018 update from their website, which kinda stinks but it's still an amazing mattress!

While we have enjoyed sharing our bed with you, we have an amazing opportunity to merge with another business and expand in the sleep world. At this time, we will no longer offer our mattress. That being said, our team is still on board and 100% here for you, so please reach out to contact@trytuck.com with any questions you may have

Time-Saving Tips For A Busy Mom Who Needs A Confidence Boost

Having your kids will no doubt be one of the best things you’ve ever done; they are individual personalities, full of energy and fun, and they’ll certainly keep you on your toes. However, with every child in the family comes plenty of hard work, and you’ll be running around each ensuring that they are cared for and, most importantly, happy. Putting so much time and dedication into raising your little ones is a sign of a great parent; however, it’s crucial that you’re giving yourself enough attention in the meantime. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or rundown, it’s going to be a challenge to motivate yourself to do anything, let alone your kids. Therefore, it’s worth taking your time for yourself regularly, and making sure that your health and wellbeing are in great shape; your partner, kids, and even your pets will end up thanking you for it in the long run.

You might be thinking that there is no extra time in your day to prioritize yourself a little and get everything done for your kids. However, if you take a step back; you’ll be able to start working a little smarter instead of harder, to achieve what you need to over a busy week. The key is always planning and preparation; you'll need to start enjoying writing lists and ticking your tasks off one by one. You’ll be able to utilize the time you’ve saved for yourself, whether that’s a bath, reading some of your current book, or a coffee with friends; an extra hour here and there can make all the difference. If you can save time in little ways, across a multitude of jobs, tasks, and mom duties; it’ll build up during the days and week ahead, and you’ll really start reaping the rewards. The following are some ideas, inspiration, and advice for busy moms who need a little more time for self-care on their hands, and a more productive week ahead.

Image source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/brunette-woman-in-red-with-girl-in-yellow-on-lap-before-laptop-159848/

Getting Yourself Ready

Mornings are often the most hectic time in a family home; everyone is rushing to get dressed, eat some sort of breakfast, and get ready for their day ahead. It can be difficult to find any moments to spend on yourself if you’re focusing on the cereal and toast, then the clearing-up after breakfast duties. However, if you feel under-confident and disheveled when you have to leave the house for the first time; it can have a knock-on effect on your inner wellbeing. Therefore, it’s crucial that you find quick and simple ways to ensure you look and feel like yourself so that your day can start positively. You can start with your hair; this is often what can take your appearance and confidence from zero to one hundred. Consider heading to your salon and discussing a new style that is simple and easy to maintain; if you’re able to put a brush through it first thing in the morning and look great, you could add another half an hour (or even more) to the rest of your day. A short bob or a pixie cut are straightforward styles that won’t take much work at all. If you enjoy your long locks, you could spend some time practicing quick and easy ponytails, top-knots, or braids so that you feel more put-together than you would if you simply scraped it back with a headband or similar. A little practice time will lead to plenty of free time in the future, and you’ll be happy with your hair in the meantime.

Much like your hair; your skincare and makeup routine can be pretty simple, but make a lot of difference to how you feel about yourself. If you can walk downstairs smiling; the rest of the family will do the same. Therefore it’s worth working out a quick skincare routine for each day. Invest in a little tray for your dressing table or bathroom; this is where you can put your cleanser and creams so that they’re easy to grab first thing. Your cosmetics and makeup can be popped in a bag or on another tray or dish, and you should only put what you’re definitely going to use on them. Something for your face, a little blush, and a coat of mascara can give you a huge confidence boost and will take no time at all. Think about investing in a makeup palette that has the majority of things you’ll use in one place; head to a cosmetics counter and find something that will suit your skin tone and lifestyle.

Always put out your outfit for the following day before you go to bed; this will save you many minutes when you’re head’s full of jobs to do in the morning. Lay or fold items on a chair so that getting dressed when you get up, or after your shower, is a breeze. You can do the same for your little ones, and encourage the older children to ay their own clothing out the night before; you’ll be amazed at just how much time you can clock-up if household members aren’t procrastinating when it comes to getting dressed each day. You’re also more likely to enjoy your outfit as you’ll have been able to put a little thought into each garment, rather than grabbing whatever sits first in your closet because you’re in a rush. Having everything out and ready that you and your kids need in the morning before heading down to breakfast will save time and lead to a far calmer start to the day.

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Getting The Kitchen Ready

You can take a similar approach to your kitchen and dining space; much like your bathroom and bedroom, you can have the majority of items laid out and ready to use. Everyone’s first priority will be breakfast in the morning; therefore, have clean plates, bowls, cups, and cutlery ready at the table. Cereal boxes can be left on the table too, and ensure that butter, milk, and juice are easy-to-grab in the refrigerator. You can count out the slices of bread that will be toasted on the morning; cover them and leave them near the toaster or grill; have the coffee and cups at the ready, and you’ll be able to get that much-needed caffeine hot quickly. Encourage your kids to clean-up after themselves; you don’t have to take on every cleaning and tidying duty, and allowing them to do some of the work will give you a moment to enjoy some breakfast and a hot coffee with your other half. If you have a little extra time over the weekends; you could check out some quick and simple breakfast recipes here so that you can eat at more leisurely pace, and enjoy some quality time with those you love the most (PJs optional).

The more you’re able to focus on nourishing your body and having a moment to think about what lies ahead during your day, the better you’ll be able to approach it. You’ll also feel better on the inside for having eaten and drank at a decent pace; rushing food is never a good idea, and it can cause you to feel unwell for the hours ahead. Your partner and kids are there to help you, so get them to be team players regarding tidying-up and extra help when you need it. Feeling fresh and put-together in the morning is a great way to start your day on a positive note. You’ll be saving time, and giving yourself the confidence boost you deserve so that your days and week can be productive and satisfying. You’re always going to experience times when nothing seems to run smoothly; the key is not to beat yourself up over it, and just put it down to family life.

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4 of the Best Flexible Careers For Working Parents

If you are a parent that wants to go back to work, or is already a working parent, then you’ll know of the struggle that working and running a home and family can be. It is a big juggling act for sure and you need to be organized. It can get easier as children get older and become more independent. But until then, it is all about figuring out the right work and life balance. But what are the best jobs for a parent to have?

Of course, one that pays the bills is needed, as well as some flexibility. Being able to juggle everything can be easier when there is flexibility with start times and even the chance to work from home from time to time, or even full-time. So if you’re thinking of changing career or want to get back into the workplace after having children, then here are some of the best careers for parents. Do any of them appeal to you?

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Public Relations

If you have some experience of advertising, marketing, or journalism, then working in public relations could be a good idea for you. It can mean some working from home, and many PR firms do offer flexibility with working. You will work on a campaign basis too, so you can work your schedule around campaigns and deadlines. It can be a pretty lucrative career, as well as offering creativity.

Courier or Driver

With so much of what we do online, there is more and more demand for couriers and delivery drivers; even taxi drivers themselves. Places like Uber and Amazon Flex all have the opportunity to sign up to work at the times that you want to. So you could work it around your partner’s shifts or only work evenings or when the kids are in school. If you’re fine with working alone and like to have complete control on what you earn, then this could work for you.

Social Work

In the world that we live in, there is more and more demand for social workers. Whether that be for families or individuals with disabilities, there is a range of social work careers that can offer complete flexibility, as it is often needed around the clock. Some experience or qualifications are needed ideally, so it could be worth looking at doing an online master of social work course if you haven’t been in education since doing a bachelor’s degree. The work is regular and the money can be a really good.

Nursing

If you want a career that does offer regular work and plenty of flexibility, then nursing (or any medical profession for that matter), could be for you. People need nurses and medical staff all day, every day, so there will be plenty of chance for working the hours that work around your family. Not to mention the opportunity to train and develop in the career is very possible (though it could mean going back to school beforehand to get qualified as a registered nurse).

Ideas For Strengthening Your Marriage

Marriage is work, and it’s not always going to be a smooth ride. Even if you’re a newlywed, you have to put effort into strengthening your bond each and every day. Don’t assume it’s always going to be perfect or you won’t fight.

Be realistic and know that there will be ups and downs for you to deal with. Understand that there are ways to create a stronger bond and help you through the tough times. You’ll thank yourselves years down the road when you have a solid foundation to work from and are getting along nicely. Have fun with each other and remember why you fell in love in the first place.

Celebrate your Love Daily

You shouldn’t need a reason to celebrate your love as a couple. All it takes is kind gestures toward each other and creating a home that shows off what you two have together. Hang pictures of your favorite memories as husband and wife and purchase Mr. & Mrs. Couples Bedding from trend gem. It comes in multiple sizes and is the perfect addition to your bedroom. Kiss each other when you leave for the day and return home. Remember it’s the little actions that go a long way.

Spend Quality Time Together

You’re not going to be able to strengthen your relationship when you’re living two separate lives. That’s why it’s important to spend quality time together doing what you love. Recall what interests brought you together and focus on doing more of those types of activities. Be sure to unplug and not be on your phones or computers when you’re supposed to be connecting. Make your time together special by being present and attentive.

See A Marriage Counselor

There’s nothing wrong with seeing a marriage counselor if your relationship is on the rocks and you want to save it. There are trained professionals who specialize in getting couples back to a better place, and that can help you rescue your marriage. Talk about it together and see if this is a solution you’d both be willing to try. This way you’ll truly know if it’s meant to be and worth working out, or if it’s best to go your separate ways. Hopefully, your relationship will be strengthened, and you’ll walk away happy.

Openly Communicate

Open up to each other and talk about what’s on your mind. Share information about your day, your hopes, dreams and fears. Don’t be afraid to seek support from each other and be vulnerable. The better communication you have as a couple, the more likely you’ll be to make it through tough times and come out on the other side even stronger. Pick a time and place when it’s most convenient for the two of you to sit down and have an adult conversation on a regular basis.

Conclusion

It’s encouraging to know that your marriage can improve. Strengthen your bond by implementing some of these practices and stay positive about where you’re heading. Focus on each other and eliminate distractions until you get to a better place.