Skipping Stone Design

Skipping Stone Design

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Finding the Best Price for Domestic Flights

Air travel is a necessity for many people but can get extremely expensive. However, a few tips and tricks can help reduce the costs and keep your domestic business trips affordable — or let you keep more of your vacation budget for adventures at your destination.

Book Early

The number-one tip for finding the cheapest fares on any flight is to book seats as early as possible. For instance, as of this writing, a flight with American Airlines from Nashville, TN, to Norfolk, VA, departing on a Friday and returning the following Sunday costs $212 if booked within two weeks of the trip. However, scheduling the flight one month in advance reduces the fare to $162 — a $60 discount. Clearly, planning ahead pays off!

However, a cheaper fare is not the only benefit of booking early. Airlines frequently overbook flights to ensure that all seats are filled even if each flight has a few no-shows. If a flight is still overbooked at departure, or if, for example, flight crew unexpectedly need to ride along, and not enough fliers volunteer to give up their seats, some passengers may be bumped from the flight involuntarily. Bumping often occurs on a last-on, first-off basis, with the latest-booked seats most likely to be bumped. Hence, by scheduling early, you are more likely to keep your seat in the event of an overflow.

Avoid Busy Dates

The day of the week you choose to fly out can also influence the price of your ticket. Due to the popularity of weekend travel, Fridays and Sundays are the busiest, and therefore most expensive, days to fly; Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday, however, tend to be cheaper. Let’s return to that weekend in Nashville. Again, a round trip from Norfolk to Nashville departing on a Friday and returning on a Sunday costs $212 with American Airlines, but rescheduling the departing flight to Thursday reduces the price to $178 — a reduction of more than 16 per cent.

Consider Discount Airlines

If your trip is for basic necessity, a discount airline may be for you. Discount airlines, as the name suggests, emphasize price and efficiency over luxurious amenities and include Jetblue, Southwest, and Allegiant. For example, a round trip from Norfolk to Nashville, departing Friday and returning Monday, scheduled well in advance, may cost $211 with American Airlines but $185 with Allegiant. However, discount airlines may also have limited dates, times, locations, and seating — another reason why booking early is the best bet.

Use a Travel Booking Site

While the above three factors are the most important for determining the price of a flight, other special circumstances can result in cheaper seats. Finding the best price for your flight can take lots of research, but travel booking websites can help do it for you. Sites like Travelocity, Orbitz, and Expedia aggregate information from airlines across the country and can help you find the cheapest flight for your chosen date and time, along with hotel reservations and resorts. These sites can give discounts for package deals (of a flight and hotel) that are less expensive than both would have been by themselves.

However, these large sites may not list smaller or discount airlines. If you already have a hotel deal (or aren’t booking a hotel at all) and just want help finding the cheapest flight, CheapFareMart may be more helpful. CheapFareMart is a travel-booking site that specializes in getting you the lowest price for your flight. Click here for more information about CheapFareMart, and check out their website to browse all sorts of deals on domestic and international air travel.

What are savings and why you should invest?

Money-related issues are often very important because money runs the world. Money gives the power to do and undo virtually everything in the world. However, you would need to have enough of it for everything you want to achieve with it. However, this is often not the case as we are capable of spending millions every single day but only capable of making between tens and hundreds per day in most cases. Fortunately, it is possible to keep money by saving and grow money by investing.

What is Savings?
 Savings is the act of keeping aside a particular amount or percentage from what you make intending to keep them for emergencies, future use or for use after retirement. Savings are important because they come in useful whenever we suddenly need money to take care of a problem. With savings, it would be possible to easily sort them out as opposed to looking for where to urgent raise money or loan money. You could get interested in money saved when you put it in a fixed saving account in the bank. However, the interest is often minimal and just a little percentage of the money saved. This is why investment is often encouraged.

What is an investment?
 Investment entails the act of putting some money into a venture that is expected to yield money. There are many options for investing money. Money could be invested in other businesses that need financier in exchange for a percentage of the profit. Money could also be invested through finance companies that help people invest money and pay them back their capital along with some profit as agreed. However, things might not always go as smoothly as the finance companies could sometimes lose the money and would find it difficult paying back the money. This is why it is important to read customer reviews related to finance to know which companies have a track record of keeping to their promise and those that have a track record of helping their customers lose their money.

Why you should invest?
 Investing allows you to make more money compared to when you save. With some investments, you could continue to make profits that could be transferred to your heirs for as long as the company continues to exist. The right investments are easily the easiest way to grow your money and become financially independent. With multiple investments, you could have multiple streams of income, whose proceeds you can channel into other types of investment. After some time, you would find out that you are making enough to sustain you for the rest of your lives.

Which is better: Saving or Investing
Saving and investing both have their advantages and their disadvantages. Saving allows you to keep your money such that you have a little amount added to it as interest and you can access it at any time. Investment, on the other hand, gives you the chance to make much more money, you cannot get instant access to the money and you might even lose the whole money. Thus, it is important to save and invest at the same time. If you have decided that you are going to be saving a particular percentage of your money, you could further divide that percentage into two. You can subsequently save one part in a reputable bank and invest the other. That way, half of it will be safe while the other half will go into other investments with the hope that they would also yield as they should.

Top Reasons Why Your House Is Not Selling

 

So you have listed your residential property on a popular classifieds site, but you are still unable to sell it. What could be the reason for this? If you are in Miami, selling a house shouldn’t be difficult except if there are reasons that make it unappealing to buyers, or the buyers are not aware of it.

Inadequate promotion

If you do a Google search with the keyword phrase “sell my house fast Miami,” you should find a good number of options for selling your property online for free. Many sites specialize in residential property listings in the Floridian resort city. However, sometimes it’s not enough to rely on these free listing services.

Popular sites contain ceaselessly growing numbers of listings, which means your for-sale ad can be buried deep in the multitude of listings. Don’t expect inquiries to come in, let alone find a buyer if your listing is hardly visible on the web. You may need to exert extra effort to promote your listing. Use other options, including social media. Also, don’t hesitate to use real estate agent services.

The price is too high

One of the most common reasons why properties remain unsold is the steep price. If you really want to sell your home, set an acceptable figure. Don’t determine it based on what you feel the price should be. You have to do some research. Look at the numbers of the other residential properties in the same area. However, be sure you are not offering your house for a price that is too low.

It needs improvement

Another critical factor to take into account is the appearance of the house you are selling. It’s difficult to convince buyers if what you are offering is not up to scratch. More often than not, they will only consider buying something that still needs repairs and renovation if the price is notably low. Otherwise, they will just ignore your house even if you think you have already adjusted the price to take into account the repairs and improvements needed on the unit.

As a rule of thumb, avoid selling something that is not in its optimum condition. Doing so is just like making do with the lowest possible price you can get. You don’t have to make the house as good as brand new. What’s important is that it looks decent and there are no repairs needed, especially if the family buying it intends to move in as soon as possible.

Disappointed buyers

Moreover, it’s worth pointing out how some buyers tend to react adversely to listings or ads they perceive as deceptive. For example, if they find out upon visual inspection that the photos shown in the listing are drastically different from how the actual property appears, it’s not unusual for them to be frustrated. This frustration can then result in them backing out from the possible purchase.

To sum it all up, it’s likely that you are unable to sell your house because it is not properly promoted, it is overpriced, and it needs improvement. Buyers often prefer houses that allow them to relocate immediately.

 

 

8 Ways To Build Team Spirit

 

8 Ways To Build Team Spirit

Ironically, one of the best ways to build morale in the workplace is to leave it. From San Diego whale watching tours to scavenger hunts through historic Coronado, there are myriad ways to boost your organization’s team spirit. Here are eight of the best:

  1. Volunteer

Time is arguably your most valuable resource. Donating it to others in need is an excellent way to not only forge team bonds but also give back to the community. Volunteer work can reinvigorate your employees’ bodies, minds and maybe even their souls, and there’s no shortage of San Diego nonprofits that could benefit from your manpower:

  • Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego
  • Father Joe’s Villages
  • Outdoor Outreach
  • San Diego Habitat for Humanity
  • Serving Seniors
  • Just in Time for Foster Youth
  • San Diego Food Bank
  1. Visit the U.S.S. Midway Museum

The U.S.S. Midway is one of San Diego’s most iconic attractions. Taking an afternoon to tour this naval workhorse, which served longer than any other aircraft carrier in the modern era, can provide a much-needed break from the regular routine and let your staff take a deep dive into American history, too.

  1. Take an Art Class

It doesn’t matter if your staff is stuffed with budding Picassos or if stick men and women are more your company’s oeuvre. Taking an art class together is a magnificent way to make a little mess and elevate employee morale.

  1. Go Whale Watching

One of the most unique locales for team-building is at sea. Private whale watching tours San Diego are an increasingly popular way to break out of the office, get some fresh air and — hopefully — spot some incredible animals.

  1. Spend the Day at Safari Park

If the heart of your organization is more landlubber than pirate, that doesn’t mean you can’t get outside and learn a thing or two about teamwork from the animal kingdom. San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park offers a variety of wildly entertaining exhibits and tours, in addition to professional coordinators that can help you organize a more structured event.

  1. Share a Meal

Simply put, San Diego’s food scene is on fire. From One Door North and The Florence to Punch Bowl Social and Trailer Park After Dark, there’s no shortage of local eateries ready to delight the senses of groups large and small.

  1. Play Team Sports

Lift your employees’ spirits — and their heart rates — by entering a company team in a citywide soccer, softball or beach volleyball league. Or, depending on the size of your organization, you may even consider starting your own private league. Breaking a sweat is an easy way to break down barriers and create connections.

  1. Go on a Scavenger Hunt

Another one of the most popular corporate event ideas San Diego is the classic scavenger hunt. Groups from La Jolla to the Gaslamp Quarter offer guided competitions where your crew can unleash both its creative and competitive sides as it races from clue to clue.

San Diego is a vibrant city with no shortage of ways to rejuvenate your team’s spirit or simply cut loose for a day while enjoying the Pacific Coast. Choose an activity that fits your organization’s character for an experience that you’ll be talking about for years to come.

Preparing For Foundation Repair

When you’re mapping out your plans for a home, you probably aren’t too worried about the state of your foundation. If you want your plans to stay on track, however, you should be. If your foundation falls by the wayside and starts to crack, then you may have to allocate some of your design budget for necessary repairs.

How, though, can you go about anticipating a leak? If one does form, what kind of repair options do you have on the table?

No need to panic. The local foundation repair professionals working in your area will be able to answer your questions and get your home maintenance plan back on track in little to no time at all.

What Causes a Foundation Leak?

Foundation leaks rarely form out of the blue. While it may seem as though these leaks appear after one significant storm, they’re more often caused by weeks or months of exposure to hydrostatic pressure. This pressure, which is generated by rainwater and groundwater pressing against your home, both erodes your foundation materials and causes your foundation to rapidly change temperature. As the temperature rises and falls, your foundation materials will try to expand and contract accordingly. If this process goes on for too long, your foundation will crack from the stress.

That said, it’s not just hydrostatic pressure that can cause your foundation to crack. If you have large trees in your lawn, their invasive root systems may try to breach the hull of your home.

Signs to Look Out For

More often than not, you’ll be able to first identify a foundation leak by looking to your structural supports. These types of leaks have the biggest impact on your support beams and the piering installed around your foundation at the time of your home’s construction.

The most common signs of a foundation leak that you’ll find inside of your home include:

  • Bowing walls
  • Shifting floors
  • Gaps at the joints of your foundation
  • Sticking doors
  • Foggy windows
  • Water-damaged belongings or furniture
  • Mold

Unfortunately, the myths surrounding foundation repair practices prevent many homeowners from seeking out viable waterproofing or repair solutions before a leak can worsen. If you let a foundation leak go for too long, you’ll end up finding its symptoms outside of your home.

A foundation leak that you’ve let fall by the wayside can cause:

  • Vertical cracks in your walls
  • A cracked chimney
  • Cracks running horizontally across your foundation
  • Home sinking

Fixing a Foundation Leak

Once you’ve identified a foundation leak, you’re going to want to talk with a local contractor about the repair options you have on the table. Your options are going to vary based on the size of your home, the severity of the damage, and your available budget.

That said, some of the most common foundation repair solutions include:

  • Piering
  • Underpinning
  • Leveling and slabjacking
  • Sealing
  • Subfloor drainage

Who You Gonna Call?

In this day of do-it-yourself, you may want to try and save a bit of money by fixing your foundation yourself. Unfortunately, the process isn’t as easy as it sounds. Unless you have the certifications stating that you have the education and experience to fix someone’s foundation, it’s often best to leave this work to the professionals.

If you’re concerned about saving money, though, there’s some good news for you. Most foundation repair professionals offer a free foundation inspection and repairs quote. This way, you can better understand what’s going on below your home without having to break into your repair fund.

Don’t let your home design dreams fall by the wayside the next time it rains. Reach out to a local foundation repair professional and get your plans back on track.

 

Bedroom Gadgets and Items You Need To Have In 2020

Do you have trouble falling and staying asleep? You’re not alone. In fact, 68 percent of people say they struggle with sleep at least once a week.

The environment in your bedroom can make or break your quest to catch those nightly ZZZs. Luckily, there are some awesome bedroom gadgets on the market today that can help to turn your bedroom into a sleep oasis. Take a look at a few of our favorites.

Sound Headbands

Sound makes a huge difference in our ability to sleep. Unfortunately, if you sleep with a partner, you may not both appreciate the same background noise at bedtime. Sound headbands solve this problem!

These are flat headphones that sit inside a soft headband and connect to your smartphone through a Bluetooth connection. This way you can listen to music, podcasts, or white noise while you drift off to sleep.

Relief for Stomach Sleep

People who sleep on their stomachs often toss and turn all night, trying to stay comfortable. A pillow for stomach sleeper may be the perfect answer! The thin memory foam material helps to provide spinal support and it has a cooling gel that will keep you from getting sweaty while you sleep.

Smart Lights

Have you ever been jolted awake by your alarm clock? Of course you have! And this can set your whole day off to a bad start.

Enter the smart light. These bedroom gadgets simulate the rising of the sun to wake you up naturally, instead of with a loud sound.

This can help you feel less groggy when you wake up and may keep you from waking up throughout the night dreading the morning alarm.

Sleep Trackers

From armbands like the FitBit to sleeping mats that go under your mattress, there are many options on the market for tracking your sleep habits. These will show you how long it takes you to fall asleep, how many times you wake up throughout the night, and the quality of your sleep.

Some also monitor your heart rate and will even tell you if you snore! You can use this information to make changes that will help you sleep better. Bonus points for choosing one that has bedtime reminders and alarms that wake you up gently at the perfect time based on your sleep cycle.

Dual-Zone Duvet

If you and your partner prefer different sleep temperatures, there’s no need to shiver or sweat all night. There are now dual-zone duvets that will deliver either heated or cooled air on separate sides to keep you both comfortable all night long.

Try These Awesome Bedroom Gadgets Today!

Pick up a few of these cool bedroom gadgets and you’ll be well on your way to getting a great night’s sleep and waking up feeling rested!

Want even more smart tips for improving your life? Take some time to browse through a few more of our blog posts.

5 Gorgeous Water Feature Ideas for Your Patio

Listening to the sound of water releases the stress-regulating hormone cortisol, leading to a more relaxed state. This is a bonus effect from the beautiful water feature you will get to enjoy in your backyard.

If you are looking for an attractive addition to your patio then look no further than an easy-to-install fountain.

Read on to discover the 5 newest water feature ideas for a unique outdoor living space.

1. Flowing Pathway

Backyard water features don’t have to be big to make an impact. They can be small narrow paths that lead to your pool or a nearby body of water.

Use your gutter run-off, water barrel or circulating pool water to create a steady flow that extends throughout your yard. Water can line your walkways and guide you and your visitors to a backyard oasis. You can also use it to irrigator water to your garden.

2. Connecting Bridge Pond

This Japanese-style water feature is classic, but the design can be modern. Develop a small pond surrounded with a wooden or stone patio. The pond needs to be large enough to fit a bridge that connects both sides. Use steel or concrete for a contemporary look.

A pond brings nature to your home, from birds quenching their thirst to reptiles looking for a cozy habitat. This adds to the serenity portrayed by your water feature.

3. Wall Fountain

Water features that create the gentle sound of falling water can be in any size home. A wall foundation comes in many dimensions, from a table-size foundation to a full-size wall.

Blend the waterfall into your home by using river stones that flow into your pool. Or make it a stand-out feature using a bright tile that is displayed on its own. Use a small catching pool to filter the water.

4. Spouting Statue

Even small backyard water features can include a statue. That is because they are so versatile.  What makes them interesting is your figurine choice and how the water is sprayed.

Get creative with spouting statues that project water from the figure’s mouth or gushes from the center of a flower. You can also add multiple exit ports and animatronics if you are feeling playful.

5. Water Play

Not all patio water features are for show, they can also be interactive. If you have children then they will love this type of water feature that allows them to get wet at the same time.

Use waterproof, padded materials that create a grip like recycled rubber for the ground. Then hide the foundation under the floor with the help of hardscaping services for a magical surprise. Children have to step on the markers (try shapes or colors) to squirt the water in the air.

Water Feature Ideas That Complement Your Home

Your backyard is an extension of your home, so you want to make it as comfortable and as cohesive as possible. These water feature ideas can transform your yard to be a perfect addition to your interior.

Check out our Tip section for more ways to spruce up your outdoors.

Buying a New House: 5 Things to Know Before Buying a House

Millions of homes sell each year, but if you don’t know about important things about home buying, you might not get what you want. Understanding the things to know before buying a house can keep you from getting a house that is worth less than what you’re paying and much more.

We are here to help you make the buying process easy by letting you in on the things you need to know. Continue reading this article for the best tips for home buyers.

1. Your Credit Score

Before you go house shopping, you need to know your credit score. Knowing your credit score will help you figure out how much house you can get approved for.

If you have a low credit score, you might still be able to get a home loan, but the terms won’t be as good as if you have a high credit score. To keep your credit score as high as possible, keep your credit card usage low, pay your bills on time, and pay down loans you already have as much as possible.

2. Does the House Need Repairs?

If the house needs repairs, you need to figure that into the price. Ask home inspection questions, so you can ensure that you know if there are major or minor repairs you’ll have to take care of when you move in.

Having your home inspected by a reputable home inspector is key. If you don’t have your home inspected, you might end up with thousands of dollars in work you didn’t know you were going to have.

3. Not All Lenders Are Equal

Not all lenders are equal, which means some will give you better terms than others. Make sure you shop around to see what terms are available for your credit profile.

When you find terms that look attractive, get pre-approved for your purchase. Getting pre-approved for your home purchase means you’ll know what you can afford, and you’ll be an attractive buyer to sellers.

4. Work With a Skilled Real Estate Agent

When you’re trying to find the perfect house, working with a real estate agent that has proper training will help you find the best house. Make sure the person you’re considering specializes in the area, so they know all the ins and outs.

5. Understand the Real Property Value

Don’t let emotion get in the way of the actual value of the property in question. You don’t want to overpay for the house, but knowing the property value can also help you see when you’re getting a good deal that you should move on quickly.

Now You Know the Important Things to Know Before Buying a House

Now that you know the important things to know before buying a house, you can start looking for the perfect house for you. You can house shop with confidence with the information you’ve learned here.

Do you want to learn more about home buying and other important topics? Our site is full of articles that can help you as you’re going through the home buying process and beyond.

Browse our site, find your favorite real estate related articles, drop a bookmark, and come back soon to read more.

Cabinet Replacement Time: 5 Signs You Need to Make the Switch

Home improvement is a never-ending process. After all, it’s fun to invest money and sweat equity into making your house look as amazing as possible.

When it comes to renovations projects, there are plenty of options to choose from. One of the best places to start is the kitchen. After all, this is the room in the house where families spend most of their time together, enjoying meals and making memories.

This article takes a look at kitchen cabinet replacement and when to know when it’s time for an upgrade. Keep reading to discover insight into making your home look great by taking the kitchen’s style to the next level.

1. You’re Wanting a Fresh New Look

There are plenty of reasons for wanting to invest in new cabinets. But the desire for a fresh new look would probably be at the top of the list.

After all, your cabinets are a primary aspect of the overall design aesthetic of your kitchen. Thus the better your cabinets look, the more impressive and inviting your entire kitchen will feel to you and your family.

New cabinets are the ideal way to add a major splash of color and life to the most important room in your home.

2. Your Cabinets are Damaged

It’s no secret that cabinets can easily become damaged over the years. After all, they take a look of abuse through the wear and tear of normal family life.

Cabinets that are damaged can quickly become visually unappealing, thus lowering the aesthetic look of the kitchen. Sure, you can make repairs and even repaint your cabinets, but this is like using a band-aid to temporarily reduce bleeding.

You should also keep in mind that repairs to damaged cabinets might save you money in the short-term, but you’ll still need to replace your cabinets at some point in the future. So all you’re really doing is putting off the inevitable.

3. The Kitchen has a Bad Odor

Does your kitchen smell? Sometimes kitchen odors develop that are hard to get rid of. This could be due to food items that fall behind cabinets, or liquid spills inside cabinets that never get adequately cleaned up, causing the stench of rot. Replacing old cabinets is the ideal way to eliminate these unpleasant odors.

House washing is another way to improve the look of your home.

4. Your Cabinets Are Made of Cheap Materials

Older homes often feature kitchen cabinets made of cheap materials, causing them to sag, warp, or begin falling apart as they age. That’s why you need to upgrade to cabinets made of high-quality wood that will look great for decades to come with proper care.

5. You Want a New Layout

Or perhaps you’re doing a major renovating that includes changing the layout of your kitchen. After all, your old cabinets likely won’t work with the new layout, so this is the perfect time to make a change in order to maximize your new kitchen design.

Signs that It’s Time For Cabinet Replacement in Your Kitchen

Have you been considering a cabinet replacement for your kitchen? If so, it’s the perfect way to make your home look amazing and increase the resale value.

Keep scrolling to discover more great home improvement tips and advice.

Home Improvement: From the Outside Moving In

Are you thinking about making some home improvements? There are several different ways that you can approach this concept. But without some target or goal, you can definitely feel the struggle regarding focus. To alleviate this, consider that you should do your home improvement projects from the outside moving in.

So what is meant by that exactly? Visually, start with the outside. Think about your general curb appeal. Are you happy with how your home looks from the road? If not, that is a great place to start. Then, look at your garage door. It is such a huge part of the visual of your home from the outside, but it often gets overlooked. Without a well-maintained garage door, the rest of the effect of your home can be ruined.

And a final concept regarding home improvement is that you want your windows and doors to be clean all the time. When people see your home from the outside, their attention naturally goes to windows and doors – make sure those areas are always spotless.

General Curb Appeal

Begin from the furthest outside possible. In other words, do a clean sweep of general curb appeal. Take care of trimming your landscaping. Make sure junk is out of the yard. Do some easy trimming around sidewalks, walkways, paved areas, and your driveway. Anything that sticks out as being dirty or broken – those are the things that you should look at first. More detailed home improvement projects can come later after the big things are accomplished.

The Garage Door

It’s truly surprising how many people don’t think that their garage door is important when it comes to home improvement. Not only is your garage door an essential, functional piece of your home, but it is also very visible. When you purchase or upgrade a garage door, make sure that you spend as much as you can afford. Not only will this be convenient and aesthetic, but it will also be a selling point when it comes time to sell your house and move somewhere else. Being willing to update a garage door is a big part of being a responsible homeowner.

Washing Your Windows and Doors

Along with curb appeal and the garage door, another point of contention when it comes to home improvement is the state of your windows and doors. They get a lot of use and abuse. Between people utilizing them and whether beating down on them, they tend to be the things that need to get fixed first. It’s very inexpensive to do a quick washing on them.

It’s slightly more costly to do full replacements or updates. However, you have to think about the benefit of having beautiful windows and doors for your own psychological reasons and also for the overall value of the house.