Ask Yourself “Why” First

No, we don’t want to deter you from getting a robot vacuum cleaner. But there are new advancements with manual vacuum cleaners to consider. Checking out the best vacuum cleaners in your area is a solid place to start! After weighing all of your options, you’ll want to consider what features will have the most impact on your robotic cleaning experience.

Ask Yourself “Why” First

You’ll want to invest in a vacuum cleaner that’s fit for the job you need. With that said, there are models made specifically for small/big spaces, so it’s important to get what works for your space. The most important things to consider here are overall strength and battery life. To get a good idea, consider getting an estimated square footage of your home (or at least the areas you’ll want vacuumed) and compare that with the respective battery lives.

What Kind of Flooring Do You Have?

Just as with power and battery life, some vacuum cleaners are made specifically for select flooring, such as carpeting, hardwood, tile, or laminate, etc. It’s not necessarily the case that getting a carpet cleaner (won’t) get the job done, it’s more about efficiency and preserving the lifespan of your investment. While there are a plethora of vacuum cleaners made to handle multiple surfaces, many are optimized for a specific one. Aside from a noticeable difference in overall performance, investing in something specifically made for the job you need will decrease the chances of you needing a vacuum repair company. So with that said, know what goes on in your house and don’t settle. Get something built for what you need.. and maybe even a notch or two above just to be safe.

Do You Have Pets (How Many)?

If you have any cats, dogs, ferrets, birds… whatever… you know that pet hair and dander can be a real pain. Not only does it sit around, but it can clog up vacuum cleaners, depreciating their value over time. That’s why select robot vacuum cleaners are made specifically for pet owners – ideal for picking up shedded hair in the summer months, dander, even strands from broken-down toys. We probably don’t have to tell you how frustrating (and downright nasty) doing this is, so avoid having to use a vacuum cleaning guide and just avoid the issue altogether. From here, you’ll just want to consider how many pets you have, as the quantity of hair and dander will determine the level of power and capacity you’ll want to invest in.

Check out our other “How To” or “Shopping” articles.

The post How to Choose a Robot Vacuum Cleaner appeared first on Koshka.

Having your own ice cream maker at home can be a great way to make healthier ice cream desserts and also allow you to tailor your ingredients for allergies. In either case, you can always tweak the ice cream recipes to your liking when pulling everything together in an ice cream maker to give yourself a treat.

However, choosing an ice cream maker can indeed be a troubling task when you’ve never used such accessories at home. Therefore, to make things easier for you, we’ve pulled together this 7-step guide on how to choose the best ice cream maker!

Step 1 – Choose the Right Type of Ice Cream Maker

There are several ice cream maker variants available in the market these days. You can refer to the following section to ensure you get one that matches your preferences:

Traditional “Ice and Salt” Ice Cream Makers
The traditional ice cream maker has an ice and salt mechanism to maintain a constant cold temperature in the bucket. These machines allow you to do a hands-on job by engaging in the process from the start to the end. This is especially fun when you have kids around since it may push them to participate in the summer as a family. However, it’s best to remember that it takes approximately twenty to thirty minutes of constant cranking to produce a fresh batch of ice cream through these ice and salt machines.

Gel Canister Ice Cream Makers
These machines have gel containers that you need to pre-freeze for about twenty-four hours. The containers consist of a cooling substance that helps make the ice cream-making process faster and easier. However, it’s only suitable for occasional use since you would have to refreeze the gel container for making a second batch of fresh ice cream.

Frozen Bowl Ice Cream Makers
Like a gel canister, you have to pre-freeze a bowl in this type of ice cream maker as well. However, the difference is that you can accomplish that task in around eight to twenty-four hours, which gives you some wiggle room because of the comparatively quick freezing process. Since most of these machines come with an extra freezing container, you can put that in the freezer at all times to ensure you can cook up some ice cream without waiting for the bowl to freeze at the eleventh hour.

Compressor Ice Cream Makers
Compressor ice cream makers are equipped with a built-in electric refrigerator so you don’t require any prepping time before assembling all the ice cream ingredients to make continuous batches. In short, the inclusion of a refrigerator eliminates the delay you experience with frozen bowl or gel canister ice cream makers. However, these machines are also more expensive than any other ice cream maker.

Ice Cream Balls
Ice cream balls are an ideal option for you if you’re looking for a fun way to make ice creams on your camping trips or picnics. These are small globe-like devices with a screw top on both ends. You can put all your ingredients together in the ball and roll it continuously in a “passing ball” match until the ice cream forms. Simply put, it’s a less messy and more fun way to enjoy your frozen desserts outside.

Step 2 – Consider Materials

For the most part, opting for a plastic body ice cream maker is not a wise decision since it can easily break and deteriorate as time passes. On the contrary, aluminum is usually a good material because it keeps the ice cream cold throughout the composition. Moreover, it holds moisture better.

Plus, it’s best to choose an ice cream maker with a glass lid so you can see what’s happening inside at all times, knowing the precise time when your ice cream is ready.

Step 3 – Give a Thought to Frequency of Use

If you’re getting an ice cream maker for rare occasions, you may opt for any model, even investing in one that doesn’t operate on an extra powerful machine. However, if it’s the other way around, you should get an accessory that can prepare large batches of ice cream without any mechanical hassle throughout the summers. Not to mention, some ice cream makers can be put in the dishwasher safely after disassembling. Therefore, you don’t have to wash the machine every other day yourself.

Step 4 – Think About Production Capacity

On average, most ice cream makers can produce around a liter and a half of ice cream in a single batch. However, you can explore your options to see each model’s production capacity when you’re looking for something more small or large-scale.

Step 5 – Realize Your Budget When Pondering the Freezing Attributes

We would all love to choose an ice cream maker with a self-freezing attribute at a price that falls within your budget. That’s because non-freezing models are way more inexpensive than self-freezing ones in addition to being less bulky. Not to mention, self-freezing models also cost more because of their greater electricity consumption.

Step 6 – Pay Attention to Available Storage Space

Some ice cream makers are as compact as the size of a kettle. On the other hand, some models can be as space-consuming as a food processor. Therefore, you shouldn’t forget to ensure you have enough space on your counter or in a cupboard before choosing a model. This way, you don’t have to struggle with storage afterward.

Step 7 – Don’t Forget the Noise Factor

Lastly, while we all love making homemade ice cream, the processing noise can be an annoying factor. Therefore, irrespective of the ice cream maker type you opt for, don’t agree upon a model that exceeds sixty-five to seventy dB noise level. Ultimately, it’s always a wise decision to read as many reviews as you can online before opting for any accessory. We hope this 7-step guide helps you choose the best ice cream maker for your household!

The post Tips for Choosing an Ice Cream Maker appeared first on Koshka.

Here are a few things to consider before getting your child a starter piano.

How Serious Are You About Piano?

The idea of having your child learn any instrument always comes with some level of risk.
Start by considering:

• How important is it that your child picks up an instrument?
• What if your child is hesitant to play?
• Will you be getting your child lessons?

Simply put, you’ll want to consider whether you’re simply exploring options for your child, or if you want them to commit to piano for at least a given number of times. Because pianos vary in price and do require some level of maintenance, you’ll want to consider your initial level of commitment before purchasing something you may later regret.

At worst case, there are excellent piano renting options to look into, at least at first!

.

What Sound/Aesthetic Are You Looking For?

Pianos are more than instruments – they’re furniture too! This means the design of the piano you choose can really make or break the design of the room it’s in. After all, would you prefer an eye soar or an instrument that brings your room together?

Then there’s the sound to consider. Would you want an acoustic sounding piano or a digital piano? There are pros and cons to each. For acoustic, you have a real sound that doesn’t require electricity, but also has to be maintained. On the flipside with digital, you can get an array of sounds without the need for any tune-ups, but ironically can’t quite replicate the sound of real strings.

Digital pianos often take up a lot less space, which brings us to our next point.

Where Are You Putting Your Piano?

Everyone’s different here. Some people like having a grand piano in an open space of their living room, while others like to build smaller rooms around the piano. Of course, there’s no right or wrong answer here – it’ll all come down to the layout of your home and your social intentions with your new piano.

Fortunately, you can get a floor plan so you can be absolutely sure how well (or not well) your new piano will fit. After all, you’d hate to shell out a bunch of money for a piano that doesn’t quite fit… right?

What’s Your Style?

Options are no longer limited with pianos. You can get an assortment of styles and colors to best fit your desired space.

Do you have something in mind?

There are a number of great pianos for sale to choose from at an array of price ranges.

Now Let’s Talk Price

You probably knew this was coming.

I suppose this goes hand-and-hand with how serious you are about piano, mainly because many pianos are considered to be an investment. So if reselling is an option, take that into consideration.

Otherwise, there are great deals around on starter pianos with opportunities to upgrade later on.

The post How to Choose the Best Starter Piano appeared first on Koshka.

Create Privacy

Privacy is key when it comes to creating a space you want to retreat to. Creating a private area can be done with a few upgrades. Adding a privacy fence is a great way to block off your whole yard or just a portion of it. Planting large green hedges or using large planters can also provide the privacy you are looking for. If you are looking to close off a deck or patio area, consider using outdoor curtains or trellises to create a private space.

Add A Hammock

Once you have created your private area what better way to relax than adding a hammock. When you think of relaxing many people often think of hanging out in a hammock on a nice fall or spring day reading a book or taking a nap or just hanging out. Hammocks are a great way unwind and just seeing a hammock swaying in the breeze can make your stress slip away. Hammocks can be hung between two sturdy trees or they can also be purchased with a stand. Make sure when placing a hammock that the ground below is a soft area of mulch or ground covering. Adding a hammock is an inexpensive way to provide a retreat-like upgrade to your backyard.

Create A Water Feature

Adding a water feature can be another way to create that relaxing spa-like retreat you’re looking for. Not only do water features create that soothing sound so many people enjoy, they are also beautiful to look at. These features can be as simple as a store-bought fountain, simple waterfall feature, or koi pond. You could also splurge on a pool with built-in water features that are sure to impress and provide the tranquility and outdoor living atmosphere you are looking for.

Add Outdoor Fire Pit

Your water feature provides just the right amount of soothing sounds and relaxing vibes but adding an outdoor fireplace takes things to another level. You can spend your days enjoying your water feature and your evenings enjoying the warmth of your outdoor fire pit area. Professional fire features are a great way to get back to those days of campfire chats and storytelling. Who doesn’t love a delicious roasted marshmallow or s’mores enjoyed around the campfire?

Install Outdoor Lighting

Lighting elements can be an easy way to create ambiance in your outdoor living area. Lights can also provide an additional security feature and extend the time you can enjoy your outdoor space. There are great solar and wired options to light up your walkway and pathways. Uplighting under trees can help showcase your property. Add string lights along your fences or trellis can help to frame out your area. Don’t forget your seating and conversation areas, adding candles or sconces are great easy ways to spruce up your outside oasis.

Bring The Kitchen Outdoors

Kitchens are not just for indoors anymore. Many homes and properties are now being equipped with outdoor kitchens or being added by the homeowners to provide an additional extension of their living area. These areas can be as simple as a stand-alone grill to very elaborate outdoor kitchen areas with grilling areas, prep space, and even outdoor sinks and refrigerators. Be sure your kitchen is equipped with the right grilling and cooking accessories.

Add Plants

Changing out old plantings or adding new plants can be a great way to spruce up your outside area. Adding in some new flowers that you don’t normally use can give your backyard a fresh new updated look leaving you feeling like you just visited and new spa-like destination right in our own backyard. You can match your plantings to the season and have a vibrant new appearance to go along with the change in weather.

Design A Kid-Friendly Area

Don’t forget the kids! If you’re updating your outdoor space you will want to create a fun space for the kids to enjoy. This can range from playsets and designated play areas for outdoor sports such as badminton or bocce ball for the younger aged kids to cool outdoor seating space with an outdoor movie screen. These areas can provide hours of entertainment for the whole family.

Eliminate Bugs

Even with all the right outdoor elements in place, your spa-like retreat bugs can really put a damper on your backyard plans. There is nothing worse than annoying mosquitoes and other insects to ruin your time outside. Totally eliminating bugs from a backyard or patio may be nearly impossible, controlling them should be easy to do. Adding elements such as citronella candles can help keep pests at bay. Also make sure you take away any of those areas that mosquitoes and other insects tend to gravitate too such as standing water, which attracts mosquitoes. You can also enlist the help of a professional pest control company to spray the yard for ticks, mosquitoes, and other bugs.

Outdoor spaces are a great way to extend your living space and connect with your family and friends and create lasting memories. Creating the perfect retreat doesn’t have to be difficult or a costly endeavor. Take all or some of our advice and you’re on your way to a sanctuary you will never want to leave.

The post How To Turn Your Yard Into A Retreat appeared first on Koshka.

When it comes to protecting your investment, homeowners insurance should be a number one on your to-do list. For most mortgage companies it is a requirement to have an adequate policy covering the home. Having the right homeowners’ insurance can mean all the difference when it comes to fixing or possibly even replacing your home in the case of a fire or other disasters. Damage to your home or its contents can cause great emotional and financial stress. Protecting it should be a top priority.

A standard policy covers the structure of the home as well as the contents of the home from damage as a result of fire, storms, flood, theft, and even Earthquakes. Dwelling protection covers the cost of repairing or rebuilding your dwelling if it is damaged or destroyed. Personal property protection covers the contents of your home from furniture, jewelry, clothes, and other items found inside the home.

The type of reimbursement you get depends on different factors, replacement costs, or actual cash value. As the name states, replacement cost is the amount of money needed to replace the property with a comparable or new product. Actual cash value is another option but not generally recommended. It will consider the depreciation of the item and or the value of the property and not the cost to actually replace the item.

The type of reimbursement you get depends on different factors, replacement costs, or actual cash value. As the name states, replacement cost is the amount of money needed to replace the property with a comparable or new product. Actual cash value is another option but not generally recommended. It will consider the depreciation of the item and or the value of the property and not the cost to actually replace the item.

The type of reimbursement you get depends on different factors, replacement costs, or actual cash value. As the name states, replacement cost is the amount of money needed to replace the property with a comparable or new product. Actual cash value is another option but not generally recommended. It will consider the depreciation of the item and or the value of the property and not the cost to actually replace the item.

The type of reimbursement you get depends on different factors, replacement costs, or actual cash value. As the name states, replacement cost is the amount of money needed to replace the property with a comparable or new product. Actual cash value is another option but not generally recommended. It will consider the depreciation of the item and or the value of the property and not the cost to actually replace the item.

Liability coverage is a type of coverage offered by policies that shouldn’t be overlooked. It protects you if someone is injured on your property or you are found at fault for their property damage. It also covers you in incidents away from the home not related to automobile crashes. It can also cover any legal expenses related to claims filed against you.

During the spring/summer months it is recommended to check your house for any drainage issues and fix those problems. Clean out gutters of all dirt and debris. Inspect shrubs and trees for any plants that may be dead or causing issues to the structure of the house or power lines. Have your roof inspected to make sure it is free of leaks and damage. Roof replacement is often a necessary task in older homes to prevent leaks. Be sure to have your HVAC units serviced and repaired to save on heating and cooling costs. Before using your fireplace each year, get your chimney cleaned by a professional chimney sweep.

Guess what, it is recommended every month to use a degreaser to clean it off to remove grime and grease that builds up. As a safety precaution, you should check your fire extinguishers to make sure they are in working order.

Now that you have your monthly checklist complete, quarterly you should be testing your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are in working order. Replace their batteries to make sure they remain in working order. This simple task can save lives. Get your whole family involved and give your house a deep clean by moving furniture and vacuuming and mopping under and behind it. Vacuum your refrigerator coils to improve your refrigerator’s performance. Inspect and clean all dryer and exhaust vents and remove excess lint. The lint that builds up in these vents can also be a fire hazard.

During the spring/summer months it is recommended to check your house for any drainage issues and fix those problems. Clean out gutters of all dirt and debris. Inspect shrubs and trees for any plants that may be dead or causing issues to the structure of the house or power lines. Have your roof inspected to make sure it is free of leaks and damage. Roof replacement is often a necessary task in older homes to prevent leaks. Be sure to have your HVAC units serviced and repaired to save on heating and cooling costs. Before using your fireplace each year, get your chimney cleaned by a professional chimney sweep.

While cleaning regularly and maintaining the upkeep of your home can help protect your investment you can also protect the value by creating curb appeal that is inviting and easy to take care of. Repainting the exterior of your home is a task that can make the appearance of your home pop and help sustain or increase the value. Over time this can be necessary from the exposure to the elements. Interior painting can give your home a fresh new look for a relatively low investment.

The post How To Protect Your Most Valuable Asset – Your Home appeared first on Koshka.

This article covers corporate and office attire. For those who work in construction and outdoor trades such as landscaping, pest control, and even window washing, we’ll give you sound wardrobing advice in our next update. We’ll address your specific needs relative to fit, fabric, environment, and audience. Next time!

The concept of ‘dressing for success‘ is far from new. Yet many office workers do not know how to begin. Just like your career, start at the bottom and work up. Shoes, women should stick to low heels in neutral colors. Men, two pairs, one black, one brown. One laced, one slip-on. Your choice. Women can get more variation from separates- that means skirts, pants, blouses, and tops. If dresses and jackets are your preference, know that your outfits will be more limited.

As for fabrics, knits are more wrinkle-resistant, which is something to consider if you commute by bus or rail. Poly blends wear well; sadly, moths like to eat wool and silk so limit items in these fibers. Banish acrylic. It is a cheap fiber that does not wear well. Hint: bigger ticket items such as rain and winter coats should be in neutrals. Add pops of color with scarves, gloves, a handbag, and footwear. For men, different color shirts, and ties, even pocket scarves can vary your workday wardrobe. As for color- select two to four colors and only buy those colors. This way you can pull an outfit together quickly as everything will ‘go’ with everything else. Here’s a quick rundown:

Women

Skirts: 4-5 options in the pencil style or modified a-line. Pencil skirts say “I mean business”. Keep the boho looks for when you’re home, not to make an office appearance even on casual Friday.

Pants: 2-3 pairs of dress pants. Cuffs to fall at the midway point of shoes. Buy neutral colors.

Dresses: 2-3 per season. Sleeveless or ¾ sleeve sheaths either below knee or midi-length can be paired with jackets, blazers, or a cascading cardigan. Solids offer more styling options than prints, while knits are easier to keep fresh and wrinkle-free.

Tops/Sweaters: 3-5 tops including tunics. A white button-down, wrinkle-free, shirt is essential. Stick to solids, then consider only classic prints such as dots, pinstripes, and paisleys. Better to err on the side of conservative than to appear too gaudy. Remember you’re there to establish yourself through your work first. Creative industries such as ad agencies may have a more flexible dress code, but get the lay of the land first.

Jackets: 2-3 Fitted suit jackets and a blazer. One must be black. Avoid too trendy wide lapels, etc. These choices can span three seasons and are classic.

Coats: A long coat, a car coat, and a raincoat. Consider a ‘winter’ coat with a zip-out liner to serve double duty as a raincoat when it’s warmer. Again, select a balmacaan or classic trench. Here’s lookin’ at you kid!

Handbag: Totes or leather designer backpacks will hold everything you need including your mobile devices with ease.

Hats: Not currently popular and could obscure vision on crowded sidewalks. For winter, consider ski headbands and wrapped earmuffs with Bluetooth compatibility.

Men

Suits: In a traditional office, there’s no getting around it. Men need suits in navy, black, and gray. No, resist the urge to mix and match. Wear gray trousers with a matching jacket…etc.

Fitted sport jacket and or blazer: Ideal for business events. It can be worn with suit pants or designer chinos as required.

Jeans: 1-2 pairs. Dark denim, the length is slightly longer than suit pants. No rips, tears, fading, or bleach, please. Ideal for creative environments and casual Fridays.

Shirts: 5 minimum. Colors should range from white through pastel blue to black if in creative. Opt for wrinkle-free if you do not send yours out to the cleaners.

Sweaters and Tops: Have 3-5 options. Opt for designer label polos. As for sweaters, if you loved a good shetland in college, you’ll love owning the same style in cashmere.

Ties and Pocket Squares: 3-4 ties, 2-3 squares. Adds polish and professionalism to your appearance. For ties, buy rep silk stripes and solids in neutrals to match your suits- navy and gray. Dots and discreet paisleys are also classic options. If you wear a pocket square wear a solid color tie to avoid a clash of patterns.

Brands

Get to know these icons and see which is the best fit for your work environment: Burberry, Coach, Jones New York, Michael Kors, Talbots, Ralph Lauren, Florsheim, J. Crew, Kate Spade, Tory Burch, Hugo Boss, Dooney & Bourke, Nicole Miller, Stuart Weitzman, and Vince Camuto.

TIP: Shop where the store offers in-house tailoring, or find one near you. No point in wearing ill-fitting investment clothing.

If you are still paying off grad-school, balancing car loans, Johnny’s braces, and a mortgage, there’s no need to despair. You can still have a great working wardrobe. There are several options. Online resale stores such as ThredUp carefully curate submissions and accept only the cream which is then competitively priced. Example: this author just scored a $1,500 Fleurette coat new with tags for only $88! That is not the norm, but there are true bargains to be had as well as solid quality for your spend. There are also numerous online businesses that offer style quizzes, send apparel based upon your answers- just pay for what you select, and return the rest.

One caveat: building your new corporate image is not an excuse for maxing out your credit cards. It is not necessary to buy a Rolex, those Manolos, a Hermes bag, or Louis Vuitton briefcase. Your new position is not a dress rehearsal. You’re expected to shine straight out of the elevator and have been prepping your day on your laptop on your commute. Overdoing it with extravagant daywear calls undesirable attention to your appearance instead of your work ethic. Besides, dressing better than your bosses makes your decisions questionable and you expendable. Congrats on your new position, now get shopping!

The post How to Build a Wardrobe that Works appeared first on Koshka.

Often during the initial years of a firm, its bills are generally paid by credit sometimes to the extent of a card’s limits. When the company needs a loan to grow, traditional lenders will look at the business’ assets vs debt load and the major shareholders’ credit scores to consider its creditworthiness. At this point, too much debt, and scant profit to offset it, coupled with a FICO that is lower than 700 are major red flags. For many small businesses, the very strategy they used to get them ahead, seems to be coming back to haunt them in the form of financing rejections. Fiscal responsibility begins with a higher FICO. The following is a sound strategy for getting your numbers up and your business moving towards fulfilling its business objectives:

Increase Your Credit Limit

The Debt-to-Limit ratio is one metric that lenders consider during the loan approval process. It is also used to determine your credit score. This is news to many business owners who use their personal credit cards for business expenses. Asking your credit card company for a limit extension may not bear fruit at first. However, watch your inbox for follow-up emails that offer the very relief you were seeking. Funny how things sometimes ‘work’ that way.

Timing Is Everything

To raise your credit score, it is a given that your business’ and personal credit card bills must be paid on time. Just not at the time you think…sign up to monitor your credit report through the top credit reporting agencies such as Experian. Next, learn when your bank reports your balance to that credit agency. In other words, your card’s monthly bill may be due on the 20th of the month, and you try to pay it in full. But your bank reports to the credit agency on the 15th. So to show a negative balance you’d have to pay your card in full several days before the 15th of the month. It’s that pesky Debt-to-Limit ratio rearing its head again. Credit bureaus reward cardholders with less than 10% credit debt. This is the fast way to a higher FICO and can add up to 30 points in a single month following this very simple procedure.

Is That Right?

Once you are familiar with monitoring your credit report, it is less scary and very informative. You may also uncover mistakes including out-dated information and remediated debt that still presented as an open loan. Take charge of your credit and be sure to fix any errors to further boost your score. All you have to do is contact the agency with documentation that the loan was satisfied, or that you are not THAT John Smith.

Does Your Business Need It?

It is something of a mantra to this writer, but usually, it is not what you earn, it is what you keep. Do not waste business profits through needless spending. Be scrupulous about the purchases you make from paper clips to office furniture. Always ask yourself, does the firm need this? Is there somewhere it can be found more cheaply such as the secondary market? As for big-ticket items such as office furnishings, if one’s firm works with the public, there are scores of options. Rather than digging deep for an impressive designer workspace, hire remote workers, and ‘rent’ office and/or conference space in a furnished facility to give that great first impression. Another trick is to have one room in your facility that is impressively decorated and teleconference with prospects. Separate your business wants from what your firm really needs to operate and you’ll pare down company expenses from the get-go.

Keep Satisfied Loans ON Your Credit Report

Once they’ve paid off their loan, most businesses rush to rout any old loans from their report. In fact, keeping fully-executed loans in place will increase your overall score as it demonstrates responsible credit handling.

Good to Know:

BTW: in most cases, checking your credit report will not affect your credit score. Consumers’ reviewing their own FICO are called a “soft pull” with little or no impact. When a bank or lender performs a credit inquiry, however, that’s a “hard-pull” which drops points off your score. When you apply for a loan is not the time that any potential borrower wants to see their FICO drop. So the workaround is to find out what your lender will need from your credit reporting agency and pull the paperwork yourself. Present this documentation at the time you apply for a business loan and you’re home free.

Follow these simple steps and not only will your credit score increase but with it, your chances and ability to access additional capital to attain your business goals.

The post Top 5 Tips to a Higher FICO appeared first on Koshka.

This is our complete guide to finding the perfect piano for you, regardless of your level of experience. Before looking into the granular details, we have to start with the bare essentials. These are the main things you’ll have to consider.

Acoustic or Digital?

Before making any other decision, consider how involved you want to be with piano and whether you want a digital or acoustic. Digital pianos are less of an investment and have improved over the years, not to mention they’re cheaper and easier to move. All other decisions will depend on this first call!

The Size of Your Piano

As we’ve already said, your piano is more than an instrument – its a piece of furniture and a new edition to your home. You can consider the customization of the piano once you’ve picked one of the correct size – nothing too big that dominates the room, and nothing too small that makes it feel like you’re settling.

When thinking about the right size piano you want, always consider who’s going to be playing it. An experienced player might look for different things than a kid who’s just learning.

What Kind of Style Are You Looking For?

The size is one thing, but the style is a totally different story. The truth is, there’s a variety of pianos to choose from.

If you’re doing with acoustic, these are your choices:

• Grand Pianos: the grand piano is what most people imagine when they hear the word “piano”. They’re large, heavy, and are often the centerpiece of a room.
• Baby Grand Pianos: just smaller-scaled versions of grand pianos.
• Upright Pianos: these are smaller, lighter, and more affordable versions of grand pianos.
• Hybrids (Upright Grands): In-between grand and upright pianos.

If you’re going with digital, these are your choices:

• Upright Digital Piano: upright pianos that are digital
• Synthesizers: these are portable keyboards that offer an array of different sounds from the keys
• Digital Stage Pianos: digital pianos that reflect the feel and sound of acoustic pianos.
• MIDI Controller Keyboard: technical keyboards that have an assortment of additional knobs and buttons.

Figure Out Which Brand You Want

Not all pianos are created equal. What’s your budget?

Like when you’re buying anything else, some brands and models are more expensive than others. It’s not to say than some of the lower-end piano brands aren’t worth buying, it’s more that you want to make sure you’re getting the most for an allotted budget so there’s no buyer’s remorse.

Find An Expert

It’s important to find someone who has your best interest in mind. This is where a trusted piano dealer comes into play.

It’s nice to have someone that not only knows a lot about piano but may also be able to offer another perspective on the playing and purchasing process. Visiting a nice piano showroom with a helpful professional can make the piano-buying experience totally different!

There you have it, everything you need to know before buying a new piano! Take your time, chose one that’s right for you, and enjoy!

The post How to Choose The Right Piano For You appeared first on Koshka.

There’s a lot of content around fitness with what appears to be thousands of lifestyle brands, each preaching something different. For starters, a healthy, fitness-oriented lifestyle already has a certain level of subjectivity because people’s goals can vary, as would their expectations.

If you’re confused on the subject, you’re not alone. With so much information out, it’s become increasingly difficult to understand the true fundamentals. So forget the silly trends and learn how to create a strong fitness plan for yourself.

Identify Your Goals

If you’re confused on the subject, you’re not alone. With so much information out, it’s become increasingly difficult to understand the true fundamentals. So forget the silly trends and learn how to create a strong fitness plan for yourself.

The most important rule is to stick to your goals! Pick something that’s achievable, rather than shooting for the stars, which will increase your chances of quitting.

Developing Your Plan

The most important rule is to stick to your goals! Pick something that’s achievable, rather than shooting for the stars, which will increase your chances of quitting.

Regardless of your specific goals, your plan should have a keen focus on these major categories:

• Workout Routine
• Diet and Nutrition
• Sleeping Habits

Workout Routine

Your workout routine should… you guessed it – reflect your personal goals. It’s usually best to start small to allow your body to get used to the changes and avoid injuries.

Diet and Nutrition

Your diet and nutrition is the most important aspect of your plan. This applies to anyone, whether your goal is to lose weight, increase muscle mass, improve in a sport, general health, or anything else. The expression “you are what you eat” is a little more accurate than many think. The truth is, we’re basically made up of what we consume and our bodies can only work with what we provide them.

When most people hear the word “diet” they automatically assume it’s geared towards weight loss, but the reality is that a diet is simply a controlled method for regulating bodily fuel. Having a nutrient-rich diet will supply a multitude of benefits, depending on which nutrients we’re talking about. For example, someone looking to be more active will want more complex carbohydrates, along with iron, potassium, and magnesium to ensure they’re getting sufficient nutrition throughout their body.

Sleeping Habits

Failing to have a strong sleeping routine can be a detriment to your overall success. The key is consistency! Lacking sleep can harm your workout results and cause you to negatively alter your dieting decisions. A common example of this is the overconsumption of caffeine. People try to compensate for their lack of energy due to insufficient sleep, which only furthers the initial challenge of getting enough sleep.

We all live different lives and if having a consistent sleeping routine is especially difficult, there are reliable sleep vitamins that can help.

Executing Your Plan

Putting everything together can be a real challenge because it becomes a lifestyle, rather than just a string of changes. It’s best to keep your goals in mind and plan everything ahead of time. It’s important to understand that everything should be coming together to work in harmony. A good night’s sleep and successful workout help get your mind and body on the right track, then a well-balanced diet helps the other two maximize results.

Following Through

Real results take time – and successfully executing your fitness plan is a marathon, not a sprint. It helps many to have motivational reminders to help them get through especially difficult periods, such as the holidays. Here are a couple of tricks!

Cheat meals: If your goal is to lose weight, you have to understand that you are a human and temptations are totally normal. Unless your goals are incredibly strict, such as an Olympic athlete, you can afford to indulge once in a while to maintain your sanity. This is where cheat meals come in. It might help to use fitness forms if you want some motivation or tips from other people.

Here’s how they work: You plan 1-2 meals per month ahead of time and eat whatever you want. It’s important to plan ahead to avoid temptations which simple make you lose your cheat meal for a moment of weakness and keep you on track. Having a meal to look forward to helps keep people motivated and ready to go, rather than seeing no end in sight. Even though the access in calories might not be ideal, it’s often preferable to having no outlet, which is a major reason why people quit in the first place. Be human and reward yourself for working hard!

Rest week: Sometimes your body gets worn down, especially if you’re highly active. It’s ideal for bodybuilders to plan a week off every 4 months or so to let their bodies fully recover. The gym can feel repetitive after some time, so time away is a great way to refill your motivation and get you pumped for your workouts.

Tracking Your Progress

Like we said before, living a fitness lifestyle is a marathon, it’s certainly not a sprint! One of the keys to success is tracking your progress to make sure you’re on pace. As we’ve said, the key is to break long-term goals into smaller, more attainable goals. For dieting, we recommend MyFitnessPal, which is an app with an extensive inventory of meals with all of their nutritional values. For strength training, we recommend writing down your goals and tracking each individual workout in a book. You can then basically have a spreadsheet of each workout. Say you want to increase your bench press – you can track your progress and use the data to help you strategically increase the weight.

Good luck with your goals! Stick to it and you’ll get it!

The post How To Create A Solid Fitness Plan appeared first on Koshka.

Travel should be a combination of adventure, relaxation, and education. You learn from traveling and it makes you a more well rounded person with a better world view. Take advantage of this! So to get the most out of your next vacation, consider these tips and you might see each place in a whole new light!

Why Embrace Culture?

Let’s start with this question. What is culture and how can it vary between different people? In short, culture is how people live their lives, it’s how they’re raised, it’s their general beliefs, it’s how they view the world, it’s what makes us all unique.

The belief that one culture can be superior is absurd because it implies that there is a set standard to judge one’s culture. Where is the bar set? Everyone starts with THEIR culture and that is the first problem. Judging something based on what you’re already accustomed to is judging one culture by the standards of another. Introducing that kind of subjectivity into your assessment immediately invalidates your claim because your standards are impartial.

One’s culture is a collection of learned behavior. In western culture, we are taught not to eat with our mouths full and to say “thank you” when we receive something. We are taught that at a young age, and as a result see that as a given. This is normal because it is what we’re used to, but should not factor into the evaluation of another culture, since (as a tourist) you would be lacking that context to fully understand the meanings surrounding their customs.

You Travel For Experiences

There are a few ways to see the value of traveling, but the one constant for all is perspective. There are people who visit things to say they’ve seen it, while others want to experience what the locals experience. It’s like a temporary pass that grants you to live another life (sort of).

There’s a certain level of excitement we get from going somewhere new. The culture and atmosphere that defines what people are about. Of course, people are products of their environment. It’s what shapes their upbringing and overall way of thinking, and that’s what makes us different on a level that is easiest to observe. But understanding the differences on the inside is what makes these experiences so unique.

What Does Food Have To Do With Anything?

Sharing a meal is virtually unmatched for a true, authentic traveling experience. Exchanging stories and comparing favorites can really form connections between people which tell us one thing. We’re really not that different.

But above everything else, food is something that contains our cultures and our stories. Each geographic location has more or less of certain food groups, and our ancestors had to make the most out of the resources that were provided to them. They passed on their favorite dishes down on to their families which represent traditions and a way of life. Each dish can contain a whole new flavor that can change the way you see certain food groups, whether it be from the ingredients, or simply the preparation. There’s a lot to learn from other cultures, especially on the culinary side and getting an authentic taste of as many specialties will only broaden your understanding of how others live and see the world around them.

Coming from America, we love a good steak house, but also understand that experiences come in all shapes and sizes. As much as we love the great American traditions, some of the best experiences we’ve had have been from unexpected places. Celebrations and unfamiliar traditions are things that we can feel and connect with on a far closer level than a plate of food.

Ok, But What About The Food That looks Weird?

Did you not read the title? Try ALL THE FOOD! Trying a new dish, no matter how weird it may look, or how strange it may smell gives you just a hint of insight as to how people live their lives. There are so many dishes from all over that we thought we would hate, and have grown on us to the point that they have altered our perspective on culinary.

Remember this. Every dish tells a story. A story of a family, or of a celebration among friends. Having a slice of New York Pizza is more than just the taste. There’s a story behind that recipe!

The worst case scenario is you try something and don’t like it. Ok, maybe the worst case is you try something you think you won’t like, and wind up hating it. That’s ok! That’s what an experience is, they’re not always perfect. Besides, you have to try a new things you don’t like, because they actually keep your taste buds honest. Exposure to more flavors of differing varieties will help you appreciate the subtleties that make certain foods and even spices so good!

Tourist Traps vs True Culture

Remember when we mentioned that there are two (typical) types of objectives when it comes to traveling? Let’s discuss the two and before we do, we should mention that going to “touristy things” isn’t inherently bad because not everyone has the same interests. When we say that, we just want to make sure that our readers don’t confuse the cliche tourist traps, with authentic trips for culture appreciation, etc.

What You Should Takeaway

Culture is not black and white and you can only get so much out of a visit to a new place. Visiting a new location is more than a vacation – it’s an opportunity to open your mind and live in
the shoes of others to broaden your perspective of the huge world we all share.

So start your day with a nice cup of coffee and go explore!

The post Traveling? Here’s How to Get the Most of Your Experience appeared first on Koshka.