Online Diary of AlRitch

April 04, 2023

Protecting Your Data - Tips to Avoid a Breach

A data breach happens when sensitive personal information is stolen or exposed. It can cause problems for companies and individuals alike.

Fortunately, you can help protect your personal information and avoid becoming a data breach victim. In this article, we'll discuss tips to help you do that.

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Change Your Passwords Regularly

One of the most important things you can do to protect your data is to change your passwords regularly. This should happen at least once a month or every few months, depending on the importance of your accounts.

Regularly changing your passwords will help ensure that your data is not compromised, even after a breach occurs.

Passwords should be unique and challenging for hackers to guess. Make your passwords at least 12 characters long, but 14 or more is ideal.

Use Strong Passwords

Strong passwords are the first line of defense against hackers and cyber threats. They prevent unauthorized access to your electronic accounts and devices, keeping your sensitive personal information safe.

They also limit the damage that hackers can do to your account, as it is difficult for them to crack it. Hackers often use brute force attacks (trying every possible combination of numbers, letters, and special characters) to guess your password.

A good password is long, uses a mixture of letters (upper and lower case), numbers, and symbols, and doesn't contain personal information. It should also be memorable enough to remember without writing it down.

Change Your Passwords Often

When you change your passwords often, it makes it harder for hackers to access your accounts. This also reduces the risk of someone else stealing your personal information.

It would help to change your passwords when you move computers around. This helps protect your accounts from being hacked by anyone who has access to your old computer.

Changing your passwords is especially important when you share accounts with friends or family members.

Change Your Passwords on All Devices

One of the best ways to avoid a data breach is to change your passwords on all your devices. This will help ensure that if someone does hack your account, they can't use any of the information they have gained.

The best way to do this is by using a strong password manager. These apps can securely store all your passwords, regardless of length or complexity. They can also alert you if your passwords have been compromised, helping you keep your personal information safe.

Change Your Passwords on All Websites

If one of your websites or apps becomes the victim of a data breach list, all your personal information is at risk. Hackers can use stolen usernames and passwords to access your accounts, drain your funds, or even commit identity theft.

Changing your passwords on all websites is the best way to ensure that you're not the target of a breach. Using unique and complex passwords for each account can make it more difficult for hackers to steal your data.

Change Your Passwords on All Social Media Accounts

One of the easiest ways to avoid a breach is to change your passwords on all social media accounts. This will reduce the number of people accessing your funds and help prevent phishing and fishing attacks.

Use a strong password that is at least six characters long. This is important, as a longer password can be easily cracked.

Passwords should also be unique for every account. For example, use a different password for your social media and business email accounts.

Change Your Passwords on All Email Accounts

When you use a strong password, it can protect your email account from hackers. However, if the password is reused on other charges, it can be hacked again, which could put your data at risk.

One way to prevent this is to change the password on all your email accounts. This can be time-consuming, but it will help ensure you don't get breached again.

A good password should be unique and hard to guess. It should also be extended and contain numbers, special characters, and upper and lower-case letters.

Change Your Passwords on All Online Accounts

Changing your passwords on all online accounts is especially important in the wake of a data breach. This will ensure that even if a hacker gains access to one report, they won't be able to use the password for another account.

When choosing passwords, it's essential to choose a word or phrase that is hard to guess. This can help avoid phishing and identity theft attacks.

Set Up a Backup

The best way to avoid a data breach is to set up a backup of all your essential files. This ensures that your personal information is safe if something goes wrong with your computer or phone.

The backup is usually stored on an external hard drive, a USB flash drive, or some other storage media that can be accessed and restored in case the original data is lost. It can also be stored in a physical office or the cloud.

March 14, 2023

How To Organize Your Desktop Files For Professional Purposes

by AlRitch, in Desktop Computers

Pexels - CC0 License

It’s easy to take it all for granted these days, but basic computer literacy skills are not always the most obvious, and not everyone is fully skilled in them. This is understandable, and even well-worn professionals will need refreshers on matters like cybersecurity practice from time to time.

Moreover, sometimes a lack of familiarity with a certain system can be an obstacle. For instance, it’s recently been reported that Gen Z workers are having trouble understanding printer/scanner systems, and filing systems outside of the closed loops offered by many smartphones. This isn’t something to mock them for, as not all of this knowledge has been necessary until they hit the workforce.

That said, it’s not just about being unaware, but also non-optimal in your daily practice that demands a second look. So, in this post, let’s look at how to better organize your desktop files for professional use:

Learn To Name Files Correctly

The first step in organizing your desktop files is to give them clear and descriptive names that make it easy to find them later. Yes, this includes files too. It’s a good habit to get into, because if you misname one folder or set of files it might take up to an hour for you to figure all of this out again, and if you add up all of the seconds you spend searching for the right document, that adds up over time. You might also add some of these files to your quick access shortcuts depending on what operating system you use.

Descriptive file names should include the name of the project or client, the date, and a brief description of the content too. Proper file naming conventions will help you avoid confusion and ensure that you can quickly locate the files you need, but make sure to keep it brief, and in cases of revisions, you can use numbers to showcase your workflow when you return to this index later on.

Learn What Each File Type Is For & How It's Best Used

Understanding the different file types and their intended use can help you organize your desktop files more efficiently, even if you think you’re familiar with them. For instance, text documents like Word or Google Docs are ideal for writing and editing, while image files like JPG or PNG are best for visual content. This much is easy.

But do you know how to digitally sign a PDF, how to compress a PDF such as with this guide here, https://setapp.com/how-to/compress-pdf-files, and how to lock a PDF so only the intended recipient can open it? Moreover, learning how to make scans into PDF’s can help you keep your physical documents backed up.

Familiarity with file types can help you avoid making mistakes, like having trouble opening an OpenOffice file when renaming the document would have made it compatible with Microsoft Word, saving you a confused email.

Configure Your Settings

Configuring your desktop settings can help you customize your desktop to suit your needs and preferences. For instance, you can customize your desktop icons, select the size of your thumbnails, and configure the sort order of your files in that way.

On Windows desktops, you can also set your operating system to show hidden files, meaning that you can ensure everything on your system is visible to you. Disabling auto-updates can be useful if you’re about to give a presentation, while making sure your work laptop only plays sound when you have headphones in can be important, too. By adjusting your settings, you can make your desktop more efficient and user-friendly, without the simple annoyances that add up over time.

Back-Up To Your Cloud Storage Folder

Backing up your files to a cloud storage folder, like Dropbox, OneDrive, iCloud, or Google Drive, can help you protect your work in case of a hardware failure or other data loss event, which you can bet is the most frustrating issue in the world, particularly in a professional context.

Luckily, this is mostly quite simple, you just need to download the software and have it pointed at folders you wish to be backed up around the clock. This means if you save a change to a file within that folder, that too will be updated. You can also make sure that backing up your cloud storage on your work phone is enabled too, which has the same effect.

Learn About Sharing Permissions

If you work collaboratively with others, it's important to understand the sharing permissions of your desktop files, lest you’re asked for a particular file type but you aren’t able to provide it. Often, a shareable link can be provided, as well as access you wish to give straight from your cloud storage. In some cases, you can even send these links securely through apps like Microsoft Teams so you can enjoy immediate communication with those in the office.

By learning how to set permissions for each file, you can control who can access and edit your work. Understanding sharing permissions can help you protect your work and ensure that it is only accessed by authorized users, too, and this might mean gradations such as those who work within your company, or assigning a particular email address to the file.

Consider Your Use Of Hardware Backups

While cloud storage is an excellent way to protect your files, it's worth considering how useful your hardware backup devices are. External hard drives or USB drives can provide an additional layer of protection for your work and ensure that you always have access to your files, even if you don't have an internet connection, or if you need them offline in a pinch.

Some files might be limited from being downloaded on unapproved home computers, and so some people use USB’s to transfer files from their work computer to their home computer but make sure you follow the right cybersecurity measures if you do this.

With this advice, you’re sure to organize your desktop files for professional purposes, in the best possible context.

January 25, 2023

5 Bathroom Problems You Should Never Ignore

by AlRitch, in Home and Real Estate

Pexels. CCO Licensed.

There are some bathroom repairs that can be delayed, however there are others that you don’t want to put off. Below are just some of the bathroom problems that could require immediate repairs.

Blocked toilet

A blocked toilet is pretty hard to ignore - especially if you only have one toilet in your home. The longer it goes unresolved, the more hassle it will cause for you, so it’s important to know what to do if your toilet drains are blocked. You may be able to use remedies like hot water or a plunger, however more stubborn blockages may require getting into the pipes. An emergency plumber will be able to come and resolve the issue if you cannot unblock it yourself.

Dripping taps

The constant drip-drip noise of a tap can quickly get annoying. But there’s a greater reason as to why you need to get this fixed quickly, and that’s the fact that every drip will be costing you extra money. Getting your dripping tap fixed pronto could prevent a high water bill (and a high heating bill if it’s a hot water tap). It’s likely that you need to replace the cartridge or the washer within the tap. When it comes to old worn bathroom taps, replacing the entire tap may be worthwhile.

Smelly drains

If you’re getting horrible smells coming out of your plug holes or toilet, it could also be important that you take action quickly. Sewer gas isn’t just unpleasant to breathe in, but potentially toxic and highly flammable. This can rise up through pipes when the p-trap becomes dry - often after long periods of non-use. En suite bathrooms of bedrooms that are rarely used are therefore big culprits. Running water for a while or continuously flushing may help to fill the p-trap with water and stop the sewer gas. If this isn’t the cause, a blockage or other plumbing issue may be to blame - consider hiring a plumber to take a look.

Mould growth

Mould isn’t just smelly and unpleasant to look at - it can actually be bad for your health if you breathe in too much of it. Mould thrives in warm, damp and dimly lit places, which is why bathrooms are often the perfect environment. Once you notice mould growth in your bathroom, it’s important to eliminate it. An anti-mould spray is a simple and effective option, however, you should also consider the root cause. Lack of extractor fans and plumbing leaks are two causes to look into.

Low water pressure

Noticed a reduced amount of water coming out of your bathroom taps? Or perhaps the shower is not as powerful as it once was? Toilet not flushing enough water? All of these problems are a case of low water pressure. You shouldn’t ignore low water pressure, because it’s possible that it could be due to a more serious problem such as a plumbing leak. This could be causing water damage and high water bills. Of course, there are other reasons for low water pressure too.

January 24, 2023

5 Great Reasons to Buy Real Estate Overseas

by AlRitch, in Home and Real Estate

Pixabay

Buying property in a foreign country is a great idea, and not just because you have a holiday home to go to if you want to soak up the sun and get your tan on. It’s also a fantastic investment that can serve as a lucrative asset well into the future.

Although buying a second home is an expensive investment and requires a lot more maintenance and logistics, there are huge benefits to buying real estate overseas. If you’re unconvinced, here are five great reasons that might change your mind.

A Holiday Home

The obvious benefit of owning a property overseas is that you have a place to go whenever you want a break. You can buy a second home in whichever country you’d love to keep going back to, and can always retreat there for a summer vacation. Even if jetting off on the spur of the moment, you won’t have to worry about booking accommodation because it will always be there waiting for you.

Rental Income

Your overseas property will likely be sitting unoccupied for most of the year, so you might as well get some use out of it. Listing it on a rental site like AirBnb will allow you to make a potentially huge passive income on the side. You will probably need to hire a cleaner or property management company to keep it in good condition, but over time the money you make from tenants will pay for the expense. The amount you make from renting out your holiday home will depend on how desirable the location is. If it’s right by the beach in a hot climate, you can expect it to be in demand all year round.

Lower Cost of Living

Many exotic countries have a much lower cost of living than the United States, meaning you’ll spend a lot less money when you stay in your second home. Over time, these cost savings can really add up and make a difference to your finances.

Diversify Your Portfolio

Whether it’s a beachfront house or luxury apartments in a thriving city, a property is one of the most valuable assets you can own. There’s a high chance that it will appreciate in value over time, allowing you to make a huge profit if you eventually sell it. You can increase its value yourself by upgrading it, renovating rooms, or adding extensions. Your investment portfolio will be much more diverse as well as scattered all over the globe.

A Retirement Home

Most people spend their whole lives dreaming of the day they can retire and live out their years in an exotic location. But the hardest step to achieving this is being able to afford a retirement home. If you are lucky enough to have the budget for a retirement home, you now have this to look forward to. When you’ve finished with your career, you can sell your primary home and permanently move abroad to spend the rest of your life enjoying the sun, sea, and sand of a foreign country.

January 10, 2023

5 Realistic Goals for Moving Abroad

by AlRitch, in Work and Career

There is something about the allure of moving to a new country that makes your imagination run wild. You think of all the amazing things you will be doing, the new friends you will make, and the incredible experiences you will have. While it is definitely possible to achieve all of these things when you move abroad, it's important to keep in mind that only some things go according to plan. That's why it's important to set realistic goals for yourself before making the leap. This blog post will discuss five realistic goals for moving abroad and how you can achieve them!

1. Get to know the area

One of the most important things you can do when moving abroad is to get to know your new home. This means taking time to explore the area, meet locals, and learn about the culture and customs of the place you are living in. You will have a much better transition if you take the time to familiarize yourself with your new surroundings. In addition, it will be easier to make friends and find your place in the community.

Via Pexels

2. Learn the language

If you are moving to a country with a different language, it's essential that you take some time to learn the basics of the new language. Not only will this help you communicate better with locals, but it is also an essential part of integrating into the culture. Even if you don't become fluent, having basic knowledge of the language can be extremely helpful when navigating everyday life in your new home.

3. Find housing and employment

Once you have settled into your new home, finding suitable housing and employment should be one of your top priorities. This can be challenging at times as most countries require you to have certain documents or permits before you can legally work. Therefore, it is important to research the requirements, find more here for your particular situation, and ensure that you comply with all of the necessary laws before beginning any job search.

4. Build a network

Networking is invaluable in any new environment, especially when moving abroad. Involving yourself in local events and activities and joining online groups can be great ways to meet people and create connections. Building a solid network will not only help you feel more comfortable in your new home, but it can also open up opportunities for employment, housing, and even fun experiences!

5. Have fun!

Last but certainly not least, remember to have fun during this exciting experience! Moving abroad is a great opportunity to see new places, learn about different cultures, and open your mind. The best part is that all of these experiences can still be enjoyed while keeping realistic goals in place. So take some time to explore, make the most of the situation, and enjoy every minute of it!

In conclusion, moving abroad can be a daunting and intimidating experience, but setting realistic goals beforehand can make the process much smoother. Whether it's getting to know the area, learning the language, finding housing and employment, building a network, or simply having fun, these five goals are essential for any successful move abroad. So set your goals today and start planning your amazing adventure!

January 05, 2023

9 Tips For Helping With Chronic Back And Neck Pain

by AlRitch, in Health & Fitness

Chronic back and neck pain can be a challenge to manage, but there are a variety of treatments and therapies that can be used to minimize its effects.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska

Here Are Some Tips For Helping With Chronic Back And Neck Pain:

Stretching:

Stretching can be an effective way to help with chronic back and neck pain. Simple stretches, such as those that target the shoulder muscles, upper spine, and lower back, can help to relax tight muscles and reduce tension in the spine. However, it is also important to practice proper posture while stretching in order to get the most out of it.

Strengthening exercises:

In addition to stretching, strengthening exercises may also be beneficial for chronic back and neck pain. Strengthening exercises can provide support for weak or overused muscles in the back, which can reduce strain on other areas of the body and help prevent future injuries. It is important to choose exercises that are appropriate for your level of strength and ability; exercising too strenuously or incorrectly can cause more harm than good.

Low-impact aerobic activities:

Low-impact aerobic activities, such as walking and swimming, are gentle on the body and can help to reduce inflammation and promote circulation in the body. Additionally, engaging in low-impact aerobic activities can help to strengthen the muscles in your core, which may offer additional support for your back and neck.

Physical therapy:

If self-care measures do not provide enough relief from chronic pain, physical therapy may be a good option. Physical therapists are trained to assess different muscle groups and work with individuals to create an individualized exercise plan that meets their specific needs. Physical therapists can also provide advice on how to modify daily activities, so they don’t aggravate existing conditions or cause further damage.

Medication:

For some individuals, medication may be necessary to help manage chronic back and neck pain. Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can provide short-term relief from mild pain, while prescription medications are often used for more severe cases. It is important to note that medications do not cure the underlying causes of chronic pain and should always be used in conjunction with other treatments.

Photo by Yan Krukau

Mindfulness exercises:

Mindfulness practices such as meditation and deep breathing can help to reduce stress and ease tension in the body. These techniques can also help to promote relaxation, which can have a profoundly positive effect on physical health. Additionally, mindfulness exercises can help individuals become more aware of their own self-care habits and the activities or postures that cause pain.

Diet:

Eating a healthy diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can help to reduce inflammation and pain. Eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can provide the body with essential nutrients that are necessary for overall health. Additionally, avoiding foods that are high in sugar or saturated fats can help to reduce inflammation further and improve overall health.

Getting enough rest:

Getting adequate sleep is key for managing chronic back and neck pain. Not only does it allow the body to repair itself from the day’s activities, but it also helps manage stress levels which can contribute to tension in the back and neck muscles. It is recommended that adults get at least 7 hours of sleep per night for optimal results. In addition, taking regular breaks throughout the day can also help to reduce tension in the body.

Herbal remedies:

Herbal remedies such as Delta 8 THC Vape Carts, turmeric, ginger, and white willow bark may help to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the body. Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant that can help to reduce pain and swelling, while ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to relax tense muscles.

White willow bark contains salicin which acts like aspirin in the body and can provide relief from mild pain. Delta 8 THC vape carts are a great way to quickly and conveniently provide relief from chronic pain. Delta 8 is a cannabinoid found in the hemp plant, which has been proven to reduce inflammation and improve overall well-being by relieving symptoms of stress, depression, and chronic pain.

In Conclusion

These are just a few of the many methods that may be used to help with chronic back and neck pain. However, it is important to remember that everyone’s body is different, and you should always consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any new exercise or dietary regimen.

So talk to your doctor about which treatments would be most suitable for your individual needs. With a combination of lifestyle changes, alternative therapies, and conventional treatment options, it is possible to find relief from this painful condition.

December 24, 2022

10 Tips to Make Sure Your Startup Doesn't Fail

by AlRitch, in Money and Business

Starting a business is no easy task. In fact, it's one of the most difficult things you will ever do in your life. According to Forbes, 90% of businesses fail within the first five years. That's a pretty daunting statistic. So, how can you make sure your startup doesn't become part of that statistic? This blog post will discuss 10 tips that will help increase your chances of success!

1) Have a Business Plan:

A well-thought-out business plan will be an invaluable tool when starting a new business. It should include details such as goals, target market, marketing strategy, financial projections, and more.

2) Utilize the Power of Social Media:

Social media can be an incredibly powerful tool for promoting your brand and connecting with potential customers. Take advantage of platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for maximum exposure.

3) Don't Neglect Your Finances:

Proper financial management is essential when running a business. Make sure you have a good understanding of accounting principles, including cash flow analysis and budgeting. Familiarize yourself with tax laws in order to avoid any legal issues down the line.

4) Network, Network, Network

Networking is essential for gaining visibility and credibility. Attend events in your industry, join professional organizations, and create meaningful relationships with potential clients or partners.

5) Hire the Right People

Via Unsplash

Surround yourself with qualified people who possess the skills you lack. Having a strong team will make all the difference when it comes to success. Make sure to vet each employee carefully before bringing them on board.

6) Be Adaptable

The nature of the business can be unpredictable and constantly changing. Be prepared to adapt quickly to new trends, technologies, and customer demands in order to stay competitive.

7) Stay Focused

Don't get sidetracked by unnecessary tasks and activities. Focus on the core of your business and prioritize important tasks to ensure that you are moving forward in the right direction.

8) Utilize Technology

Technology can be a powerful asset for any business, so make sure to use it wisely. Investing in the right Technology can help streamline processes, improve efficiency and increase productivity.

9) Have the right bank account

Choose the right business bank account that meets your needs. It must have features such as low fees, free transactions, and other perks to ensure you're getting the most out of your account. There are fintech startup ideas that can help you make the most of your banking system and get the best out of it.

10) Marketing

Developing a good marketing plan is key to promoting your business and driving sales. Research the best channels for reaching your target audience and come up with creative strategies for engaging them. Experiment with different approaches until you find one that works for you.

Starting a business is no easy task, but with the right tools and strategies in place, you can increase your chances of success. Utilize these tips to make sure your startup doesn't fail! Good luck and happy launching!

November 16, 2022

6 Ways to Stretch Your Budget When Money is Tight

by AlRitch, in Saving Tips

Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash

The last few years have taken their toll on everyone financially. With the global inflation rate averaging at 8.8% this year, it is no wonder that even households with regular incomes are now struggling to keep both ends meet.

Of course, we cannot stop spending even when money is tight. We need to pay the bills even while working with a limited budget. So today, I am sharing these tips to help you stretch your budget:

Cancel some subscriptions

To help you cut your monthly bills, you may want to consider canceling a couple of subscriptions. Apart from water, electricity, and internet subscription, you can probably let go of some of your streaming network subscriptions to cut up some expenses on bills. You may also try to go for family packages, which are much more economical than individual ones.

Photo by Microsoft 365 on Unsplash

Make a grocery list

A lot of additional expenses monthly go to the grocery lists, with several items you shouldn't have been buying in the first place. Make sure to create a list when doing your groceries and stick to this list. Of course, you can always reward yourself and deviate from the list occasionally, but make sure not go over the budget. A menu plan will also make your grocery list even more effective by letting you purchase only food items for food preparation and not end up in the waste bin.

Contemplate online loans

Sometimes there is no choice but to consider borrowing or loaning to stretch your monthly budget. When you do, make sure to borrow online from reputable providers only to prevent being victimized by scammers posing as borrowing apps that would only end up getting your personal information and scamming your contacts. Check online reviews and posts on borrowing apps and providers to know how people's borrowing experiences went.

Put a curb on credit card spending

Swiping your card for any purchase is way too easy and convenient. But be mindful of additional fees and interest rates. Using a credit card can sometimes trick you into thinking you are spending wisely. But, in the end, you may spend much more than you purchased. Take advantage of zero-percent interest or free annual membership promos. But on any other occasion, it is still wise to pay for your purchases in cash.

Look for side hustles

Because times are hard, it is not enough that you only have one job. If you can, look for side hustles or other opportunities. That way, you can augment your regular income and add more to your budget. If you are passionate about writing, check for article writing gigs online. If you are into online shopping, look for dropshipping or reselling opportunities that allows you to put up your own business with minimum to no investment. You can also offer other services, like tutoring or teaching to play musical instruments, to your friends and colleagues.

Help for hire

In this day and age, time equates to money. Work smart to juggle several duties and responsibilities as a working mama or a family breadwinner. If you need to hire house help to concentrate more on your job or business, then do so. It might mean additional expenditures. But in the long run, you will earn more by focusing on your work or income opportunities while letting someone else worry about the household chores. If a house help is way over your budget, consider investing in household appliances that will help you maximize your time, like an automatic washing machine, a vacuum/steam cleaner, or a dishwasher.

August 24, 2022

Top 3 Things I Love About My Childhood

by AlRitch, in Online Games

Photo by Melissa Askew on Unsplash

Nostalgia seems to be a trend that will simply never go away. Television series set in the 80s have grown in popularity over the past few years. Practically everything with a 90's reference seems to go viral. From old movies getting rehashed to old fashion trends being trendy again, the past is here to stay. We all love to reminisce, after all. I for one am delighted to talk about the things I love about my childhood.

I have just finished watching a season of Stranger Things. It is what inspires this feeling of nostalgia. And it made me look back on the things that I love about my childhood. I can go on and on about those, but these are the 3 things I loved the most:

Playing board games with the family

Among the top things I love about my childhood is spending time indoors playing board games with the family. Back then, we do not have social media or smartphones, so we rely heavily on board games or games of our inventions to entertain us for hours on end.

Calculators.org’s Snake and Ladders Online Game

Imagine my delight when I discovered my childhood favorite board games online. Calculators.org has a wide selection of games in different categories. They also have most of my favorite board games, including Chess and Snake and Ladders. Playing this now did bring me back to the time when things are a lot simpler. When nothing matters to a little girl like me than winning a board game against my brother.

Calculators.org’s Type Furious Online Word Game

Calculators.org also has an assortment of other types of games. They have Math and number games, logic games, and my favorite so far, word games. I sampled Type Furious and it brought me back to the days when I was still learning how to type in high school. I was mastering my typing speed using a very similar game.

Spending time with my relatives

A photo from our family reunion

My parents love entertaining visitors and guests at home. I remember we would always have our relatives come over, especially during important occasions like Christmases, anniversaries, birthdays, or reunions. These visits would mean endless hours of fun playing with my cousins, playing parlor games with the grownups, or an impromptu concert at the videoke machine. It would also mean feasting on delicious meals and treats that my mother and cousins lovingly prepared for everybody.

Spending time outdoors

Photo by Manuel Inglez on Unsplash

In the 90s fun times for children meant spending hours outdoors with our playmates. We play a lot of traditional outdoor games like patintero, tumbang preso, taguan, or luksong tinik. We would also fly kites on the fields, climb trees, spend time chasing after each other, or just watch the sunset to mark the end of the day.

On other occasions, we would gather flowers around for the summer flower festival or would go around the neighborhood playing Christmas carols so we can earn a little money to buy Christmas presents for our parents or friends.

It is a wonderful experience to look back at the things I love about my childhood. I am always thankful to my parents for giving me a childhood that I will always fondly remember.

August 10, 2022

How To Become A More Eco Friendly Business

by AlRitch, in Money and Business

Would you like to become a more environmentally friendly business that does not harm the planet? Then you have come to the right place, as this guide contains some of the most effective steps that you can follow to become an eco-conscious company in no time at all. This guide contains some of the best tips and tricks that you can make the most of to turn your eco-dreams into a reality in no time at all, so what are you waiting for? Check below to uncover some of the best ways that you can support the planet as a business today!

Photo by Lara Jameson

Focus On Energy

In today's modern world, the average business uses an alarming amount of power and energy each day. The volume of electricity that your business likely gets through will no doubt cause your carbon footprint to reach untold levels that can certainly have a negative impact on the planet, so there’s no time like the present to figure out how you can make some effective changes to ensure you can use less energy. One of the best ways to use less energy within your business is to install motion-detecting light switches, as leaving your lights on through the night or when no staff are around will certainly bump up your energy use for no good reason. Instead, when your light sensors detect that there is no one in the room or area, they will simply switch off so that you can start to better conserve energy. This will not only help you to use fewer resources, but it can also reduce the cost of your energy bills too! If you want to take this one step further, then contacting some expert industrial electrical contractors to come out and install some sustainable power resources could be the perfect option. Using something like solar panels on your business roof can certainly help you to use less energy, as you can instead use the electricity that has been created naturally using the sun's rays as they hit your solar panels! Solar is an infinite resource, so it’s much better to use this option instead.

Photo by Lara Jameson

Try To Recycle

Do you find that you throw lots of trash away, but do not recycle nearly half as much? Then this could be your next priority, as trying to recycle more can certainly help to decrease your impact on the environment. When you make an effort to recycle, the materials that you would have once thrown in the trash can actually be given another life as a new product instead. There are so many materials that can be used again and again, including paper and card, glass, metals, some plastics and so much more. It has to be said that you may even start to make more money if you recycle, as rather than paying for a trash truck to come and collect and dump your rubbish, you can actually sell your recyclable waste to a specialist plant who can then give it a new life.

August 06, 2022

How to Build a Successful Blog

by AlRitch, in SEO Blogging & Internet

Photo by Fikret tozak on Unsplash

I have been blogging since I was in college, and I must say it has been quite a journey. I have come a long way from sharing my daily musings about my classes to publishing these helpful "how to" articles filled with informative tips and hacks for my readers.

My blog has become an integral part of my life. I have worked on it several hours daily, adding more posts regularly to build up my content. It has been one of my most rewarding experiences yet.

I claim to be no expert on the topic, but here are a few ways I managed to build a successful blog:

Define your niche

One of the most common newbie mistakes for those trying to build a successful blog is failing to choose a niche. Choosing a niche for their blog earlier on will define the direction you wish to take with your blog. It will also serve as the guide to deciding what posts to create next and which audience to target. Some of the most popular niches today are food, fashion, mommy, travel, and parenting blogs.

Primarily my blog has been a proverbial melting pot of anything and everything under the sun. But as years went by, I managed to choose a more specific niche which helped shape my blog into what it is today. It was something that worked well for me. Looking back, it would have been more effective if I had chosen a specific niche earlier.

Focus on your audience

Another common misconception on how to build a successful blog is focusing more on the blogger than the audience. Of course, we would like to share more about ourselves through our blog posts; this is how our readers and followers will come to know us and grow to love our content. But one must also consider his target audience and analyze what content they prefer to see and read in your blog. This way, you can be sure that your audience will return to your blog for more content, thereby growing your following.

Regularly write quality content

Yes, this old statement from Bill Gates in 1996 never rings truer. "Content is king." Quality content is still the key to gaining readers and growing your followers. Never grow tired of writing those clever and informative posts. Learn which topics are relevant to your readers and make detailed and well-researched posts about them. Do not forget to craft catchy and captivating titles and do it regularly. Set a regular schedule for publishing your content.

Utilize your social media pages to grow your blog

The increase in popularity of social media these past few years paved the way for influencers to rise to fame as well. They became prominent personalities on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, and similar platforms. You can never go wrong in utilizing these said platforms to grow your blog following. Creating a page on Facebook or Instagram for your blog is another way to grow your audience and add more avenues to earn from your blog.

While sponsored posts are the most popular form of blog paid content, influencer marketing is one of the biggest things on social media platforms. Brands tap Facebook or Instagram content creators to help market their products; it has proven to be a very effective advertising and marketing tool. It is another income opportunity for any blogger to consider.

Invest in a simple yet functional blog theme

The overall look of your blog is a factor in making your readers stay to read for an entire length of an article or keep them coming back to read more of your content. If you can, invest in a functional but simple theme with a mobile mode to provide a better reader experience. If you do not have the budget to spare for a customized one, there are plenty of free Blogger and WordPress themes to choose from to help improve your blog.