Beekman Beer Garden

Two Beekman Brothers - Traveling the World in Search of Great Beer

brothers

How to Plan the Ultimate Weekend in New York City

Did you know that New York City is the most visited place in the country? The city received about 65 million tourists in 2018. 13.6 million of those tourists came from other countries.

Tourism is a major component of New York City’s economy. In 2017, tourists spent about $44 billion while visiting the city.

Whether it’s your first time visiting the city or you’ve come back several times throughout the years, spending a weekend in New York City takes some planning. Check out this list of tips for planning the perfect weekend.

Make a Budget First

Before visiting New York City, you should start planning by creating a budget. Even though you’ll only be in the city for a weekend, your spending can stack up before you know it.

Creating a budget can help curb your spending, so you can enjoy your time without having to worry about how much money you’ll need. Make sure to budget for accommodations, transportation, meals, and attractions.

Figure Out How You’ll Get There

Once you’ve got your budget all worked out you’ll know how much you can spend on travel to get there. Now you can decide whether taking a flight, train, or a car is the best option.

What form of transportation you choose will depend on where you currently live. If you’ll need to fly into the city make sure to start looking for flights some time in advance. Prices will vary depending on the season but you’ll be able to get better deals the earlier you book.

Choose Convenient Accommodation

When looking for where to stay in New York City there are a few factors to consider. Where you stay will depend on your budget most importantly.

You should consider getting a hotel or renting a place that’s in a central location though. While this might increase the price of your stay, it’ll make it easier to get around the city to the places you want to visit.

Since you’ll only be in New York for a few days, getting from place to place with ease is most important.

Plan Out What You’ll Be Doing

If you’re not a big planner it’s ok not to make a minute-to-minute itinerary for the weekend. You should, however, make a general plan of where you’ll be going to make the most of your weekend.

This will also help you plan out your budget because you’ll know the costs of the attractions you’ll be visiting ahead of time. One thing you can do is ride the East River Ferry for a beautiful view of the city. You can also head out for a walk on the Brooklyn Bridge.

Figure Out How You’ll Get Around

If you’ll be traveling to New York by plane, you’ll still have to plan for how you’ll get around the city while there. New York offers many different options for getting around the city, the most common are buses and subways.

You can buy a subway card for the weekend since that’ll be the most affordable travel method. If you’re interested in driving yourself around, however, you should first educate yourself on New York City parking.

You can find free parking by searching for a place to stay with this amenity. Many hotels offer this service. You can also consider reserving your parking spot before heading to a location or using a parking garage.

Make Reservations at Your Favorite Restaurants

New York City is famous for its great restaurants and eateries. Since you’ll only be spending a weekend in the city you should consider making a list of restaurants you want to visit ahead of time.

Once you know the places you want to eat you can make reservations for the nights you’ll be there. This can help you avoid waiting in long lines for tables to open up.

Check Out Some of the Best Museums

Other places to visit in New York City, during a weekend trip, should include the many beautiful museums the city has. Many of these museums have free days where you don’t have to pay an admission fee, try to plan your trip around these days.

The American Museum of Natural History is a staple of the city and one you won’t regret checking out, especially if you have kids. The Museum of Modern Art is one of the best art museums in the world and a must-see for art lovers.

Things You Can Do On Your Last Day

The last day of a trip might be tiring with all the packing and traveling you have to do. If you don’t need to head to the airport or train station until later in the evening, you can check out a few sights before heading out.

Central Park is a beautiful green space in the middle of this bustling city. You can head there to have a picnic or watch the street performers. You can also visit The Highline for a walk through a beautiful garden with a unique view of the city.

You should also consider checking out a matinee of a Broadway show when you’re in the city.

How to Spend the Perfect Weekend in New York City

If you’ll be spending the weekend in New York City it’s important to take the time to plan your trip, to make the most of your time.

Make sure you have a plan for transportation and finding free parking if you’ll be driving. You should also make a list of places you want to see when planning a trip to New York City.

Did you find this article useful? Make sure to check out some of the other travel-related blogs on our site if you did.

What Research to Do Before Going on a Trip

In sports, they say the best defense is a good offense. When it comes to homeownership, common wisdom suggests that preventative maintenance is preferable to emergency repairs. And in school, you’re better off studying a little every night than cramming it all in the day before a big test.

Being proactive is beneficial for a lot in things, and travel is no different. One of the keys to having an enjoyable trip is preparing ahead of time.

Sure, if you’re just driving to South Carolina to look at Charleston houses for sale, you might not need to do as much research as if you were taking a transcontinental flight to East Asia. Whatever your destination, though, it helps to be informed about where you’re going, what it’s like, and who the locals are.

Find Out What Kind of ID You Need

First and foremost, it’s important to make sure you have any and all legally required documents with you, as well as access to ones that might otherwise be helpful. For the former, this could mean a driver’s license, passport, visa, vehicle registration, vehicle insurance, and/or vaccination record. For the latter, this could mean medical records, plane tickets, hotel reservation confirmations, purchase receipts, and more.

Look Up Information on the Climate

Are you going somewhere hot or cold? Do you have to worry about rain or snow? What about heat exhaustion? The answers to these questions and more will have a huge impact on what you decide to bring with you when traveling, what your plans will be once you reach your destination, or even whether it’s advisable to go there at all. You may want to avoid Florida during hurricane season, for example, or India during monsoon season.

Know Where to Find the Essentials

Food. Water. Shelter. Safety. These are the things human beings cannot do without. No matter where you go, you’ll need to make sure things are accounted for and accommodated. Look up hotels, camp sites, and other lodging options in the area. Find the addresses for local markets and restaurants. Write down or memorize the contact information for emergency services such as paramedics, police, firefighters, and embassies.

Investigate Cultural Norms & Taboos

Being a visitor in a different state or country is a lot like being a guest in someone’s house. You expect courtesy and respect from them, and they expect it from you. More importantly, when you’re under someone else’s roof, you’re under their rules. That’s why it’s incumbent upon you to delve what does and does not constitute acceptable public behavior. In Japan, for example, guests are expected to remove their shoes when entering someone’s house. In Germany, eating with hands is frowned upon; even burgers and pizza require utensils.

Check the News for Current Events

You may think you know everything there is to know about where you’re going, especially if you’ve been there before already. But do you know what it’s like there right now, at this very moment? Things can change surprisingly fast in this world, so if you’re going to travel it you should know what’s happening in the news. Was there recently a natural disaster? What’s the political situation? Are the streets and hotels flooded with tourists? Failing to ask such questions could result in you receiving a nasty surprise.

 

4 Factors to Consider When Choosing Family Cruises

With spring break almost upon us, it’s never too early to start planning a fun-filled vacation. You can pack up your things and head to the beach, or unwind with a relaxing cruise.

Many people find cruises expensive, but it’s not that bad. Meals, lodging, drinks, and entertainment are all included once you buy your tickets. You can’t beat that!

There’s only the matter of choosing family cruises that are right for your group. You need to pick a good location and there should be plenty of things on the boat for your kids to do.

If you fail to account for these factors, traveling with your family can become a nightmare.

1. Location, Location, Location

Even popular cruise destinations might not be right for you depending on your situation. You need to pick out a location that everyone will enjoy.

There should be plenty of things for both you and your children to do. To this end, beach locations are a pretty safe bet because there are so many activities that you can plan around it.

2. Keep the Kids Occupied

When you book a cruise, there’s no end to the fun things to do! You only need to make sure that some of these things include activities for children. The last thing you want is for them to get bored.

Some cruises have kid’s clubs. These clubs offer countless fun things that children can participate in. Call and ask about these before you book your trip.

3. Babysitting Services

We’re not saying that you should drop your kids off with the cruise staff and forget about them. Traveling with your family is all about spending time together.

There are some times when you might want to spend a little alone time with your spouse or hang out with the adults in your group, though. It’s hard to do that and watch your kids at the same time.

Ask if your cruise liner offers babysitting services. Again, you shouldn’t expect the staff to take care of your kids the entire time, but you can utilize them when you need them.

4. Speak to an Experienced Travel Agent

The best way to plan a fun vacation is to talk to an experienced travel agent. It will take some of the work away from you, so you can focus on booking the trip and packing your bags.

All you have to do is tell them that you want to go on a family cruise. They’ll be able to help you find the best rates and show you a list of cruises that your entire group may enjoy.

Choosing Family Cruises That’s Right for Your Group

Choosing family cruises doesn’t have to be complicated. You need to find one that has plenty of activities for the kids to do. While you want to spend time with your children, there are times when you want some alone time. Babysitting services will have you covered there.

If you’re having trouble finding a cruise that fits all your criteria, a travel agent might be able to help you. Before you start booking, it might be a good idea for you to set your budget. Check out the Budget Travel section of our blog to learn more.

How To Deal With Eczema?

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a condition in which your skin becomes red and itchy. It can occur in any age group, but it is more common in children. It is a lifelong condition but can be managed well through lifestyle changes and treatment. The symptoms may exacerbate, known as a flare, and then relieve by time. If you have a complaint of itchy skin with rashes, you must visit a dermatologist in Jail road Lahore.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of eczema are;

  • Dry skin
  • Itchy skin that becomes severe at night
  • Reddish-brown patches that can occur anywhere in the body
  • Small raised bumps that leak fluid
  • Scaly skin that gets thickened
  • Raw and sensitive skin

 

Tips to deal with eczema

Eczema or atopic dermatitis is a lifelong condition that can be managed well with medications and some lifestyle changes. In this article, we are going to discuss the tips that can help in minimizing and relieving the symptoms of eczema.

Better bathing technique

With eczema how you wash your skin, matters a lot. If you have eczema, you should not rub your skin, just wash it gently with warm (not hot) water. Use a cleanser that is gentle to your skin instead of soap and harsh chemical-containing body washes. Moreover, apply a moisturizer within three minutes of bathing as it helps in locking the moisture. Pat your skin with a clean towel and dry.

Moisturizing

Moisturizing your skin is the best way to get rid of itchy scaly skin due to eczema. Use creams and ointments instead of lotions as they provide more moisture and reside on the skin for a long time. Make sure the products you choose are not harsh to your skin and do not contain alcohol as it can cause your skin to dry out, which in turn exacerbates itchy eczema.

Do not scratch

Scratching the itchy skin will only make your condition worse. It would not help in reducing the symptoms. Instead scratching your skin can cause it to break out, which can lead to infections and abscesses. Therefore, when your skin itches, use a moisturizer or a gel to soothe your skin. If you do that while sleeping, wear light gloves.

Be choosy in what you wear

Wear loose clothing made up of cotton that is comfortable. Avoid wearing clothes that are harsh for your skin like wool. Moreover, wash all the new clothes before wearing and rinse twice while washing to remove the traces of soap.

Avoid exposure to allergens

Eczema is not an allergy, but it can exacerbate if allergy worsens upon exposure to triggers or allergens. Allergy can exacerbate due to an allergen. It could be anything like pet dander, dust, mold, mites, dairy products, food like peanuts, tomatoes, and soy. Allergy can cause a flare in eczema. Therefore, controlling and preventing allergic attacks can help reduce eczema symptoms. To know about the substances you are allergic to, you can maintain a diary. Write everything in it like what you eat, what you are wearing, and in the places, you go to and write the time and date when you have had an allergy attack. In this way, you will be able to figure out the triggers that cause allergy.

Get rid of stress

Stress can exacerbate eczema. Therefore, try to get rid of it. To get rid of the stress you can perform stress-relieving exercises like yoga, meditation, reading books or painting, or following your favorite hobby.

Medical aid

Your healthcare providers may prescribe topical steroid creams and ointments to reduce the symptoms of eczema. Apply them as directed by your physician. Moreover, your specialist may also prescribe antihistamines or anti-allergic medicines that help reduce the symptoms of allergy. If the affected part of the skin becomes infected, your doctor may also prescribe antibiotic creams to apply and oral tablets too.

Conclusion

Eczema is a condition in which your skin becomes red, itchy, and dry. It is a lifelong condition that needs proper management. Therefore, if you have the same complaint, visit your healthcare provider soon and do not scratch your skin. To get an expert to advise, you can visit a dermatologist in DHA Karachi.

Check Out This Boat Checklist for Maintenance

Are you about to take an adventure on the high seas or spend a day relaxing on the river? To really get the best of the day, you need peace of mind.

That comes from knowing that your equipment is tested and ready to go. Having a maintained, equipped boat can prevent a lot of problems, some of which can be extremely dangerous.

Read on for our must-know boat checklist to help you keep your vessel in the ship shape.

Checking Mechanics

Before heading out on a day’s boating, check the mechanics. The engine and propellor are your first stop. You should check they are operational and not damaged.

After this, address all fluids. Do an oil change and get the levels right, before checking for any leaks in the steering or fuel lines. Finally, check the spark plugs are operating and clean from dirt.

Examine All Electrics

Start by checking all wiring, in and around the battery. You should also look to see if the interior and exterior lighting is working correctly.

Once done, inspect the battery more closely. Look for acid leaks around the terminals and clean appropriately. If the battery needs charging, remove it and charge to the required level.

Once you have checked the mechanical electrics, you should look at the electronics. These differ from electrics, in that they are the tools used to navigate. This makes checking them one of the most important jobs on any boat survey checklist.

Check the wiring for any corrosion. Make sure the systems are getting the right voltage. If they are computer systems, make sure they upgrade to the latest firmware.

Inspecting the Hull

The most important job is to check the hull for any major leaks or cracks. You should also inspect for any signs of rust. If you find any problems, you should get the boat repaired before venturing out.

Assuming there are no problems, regularly maintain the hull with washing and waxing. You can get special wax or paint for boat hulls, each with its individual pros and cons. Make sure you pick the right product depending on its boat and uses.

Look at Safety Equipment

Safety equipment does not need to be maintained, but you need to check it is on board, so it should be on your boat maintenance checklist. Start by checking you have the correct number of lifejackets, and make sure you have checked them for tears and repairs.

After this, restock the first aid kit, check your flares, and add new batteries to your flashlight. You also need an onboard fire extinguisher. Refill your spare gas can, and then check your EPIRB.

Use the Boat Checklist Regularly

Ideally, this boat checklist should be done before every journey. If you are out regularly, some jobs can wait a little longer. It should also be done at the start and end of every boating season.

If you enjoyed our article, then visit the rest of our blog. We have lots of information on vehicle maintenance, from boats to ATVs.

Benefits Without the Bitter: How to Make CBD Taste Better

CBD oil is currently the most popular form of CBD, in part because it was one of the first to hit the stage. The easiest way to use it is to place the right amount of drops for your dosage under your tongue and hold it there for at least 30 seconds.

The only problem that some people have with CBD oil is that it sometimes has a bitter taste. If you’re particularly sensitive to certain tastes, that bitterness can make it difficult to stick to your daily CBD routine.

Fortunately, there are ways that you can take CBD that you won’t have to taste that bitterness. Whether you want to apply some DIY tricks to the CBD oil you already have or try a different product, the options are plentiful.

Read on to learn more handy tricks that will make taking your daily CBD taste a whole lot better.

Switch To Gummies

One way to ditch the taste of CBD oil is to ditch CBD oil, altogether. There are tons of different CBD gummies on the market that tend to have fun flavors, ranging from berry to vanilla.

The only drawback when it comes to CBD gummies is that it’s not as easy to change your dosage. Plus, CBD gummies take longer for your body to absorb, which means that you won’t feel the soothing effects of CBD for up to a few hours. That being said, CBD gummies do taste a lot better than a lot of the oils out there.

Test Out CBD Flower

Want something that’s fast-acting but without the bitter taste? You can buy CBD in its “flower” or “bud” form, not unlike what you would expect from marijuana (but, of course, without the psychoactive effects). If you choose to use CBD flower, the best way to use it is to either smoke or vape it.

The best news is that CBD flower is being cultivated to have some pretty impeccable flavors, too. Why not give this awesome cake batter strain a try?

Try a CBD Isolate

Most of the time, when people describe the taste of CBD oil, they’re actually describing the flavor of hemp. Hemp oil has an earthy taste that some describe as grassy while others describe it as, you guessed it, bitter. CBD isolate does not include hemp oil and tends to be entirely flavorless.

One thing to keep in mind is that full-spectrum CBD is going to contain hemp oil and it may come with a wider array of benefits than CBD isolate. If you start taking CBD isolate and find that you’re not getting the effects you desire, you may want to switch back to a full spectrum product.

Get Minty

Mint is a strong flavor that can easily mask the bitterness of most CBD oils. There are two easy ways that you can make your mouth nice and minty before taking your CBD.

The first option is to brush your teeth right beforehand. That way, the toothpaste flavor will still be fresh in your mouth. The second option is to stick a small breath mint under your tongue along with your CBD drops.

Reach For Some Honey

If you have more of a sweet tooth, mint may not be your thing but honey might just do the trick. Liquid honey may also be more comfortable to hold under your tongue for an extended period of time since some of it will dissolve in a similar manner to the CBD oil. To use honey with your CBD, put your CBD drops under your tongue and then add a few drops of honey.

Break Off a Piece of Chocolate

One method you may enjoy is grabbing a snack to eat right after taking your CBD dose. It may not mask the flavor for those 30 seconds, but it will get rid of it immediately afterward. One option many CBD users enjoy is chocolate since you can get so many rich flavors from just a small bite.

If you have a chocolate bar or a bag of chocolate drops, you can even place a small piece of chocolate under your tongue while you’re taking your CBD dose!

Mix the Oil Into Your Morning Beverage

If you really don’t want to taste that CBD oil at all, you can forgo putting it under your tongue and mix it into your morning beverage. Place your recommended dose of CBD drops into your coffee, juice, or morning smoothie. Make sure that you mix it thoroughly–and that you finish your beverage to ensure that you get your full CBD dose.

Not unlike CBD gummies, this is not the fastest way to absorb CBD. If you find that mixing your CBD into a beverage is not fast-acting enough or seems to dull some of the useful effects of CBD, this may not be your best option. You can always use your morning beverage as a chaser, instead!

Don’t Get Deterred From CBD Because of the Taste

CBD can produce a number of great benefits that millions of people enjoy. The only problem is that sometimes, CBD oils have a taste that some users may find off-putting. If you love CBD but can’t get past the taste of CBD oil, consider trying a different CBD product or using one of the taste-masking methods we’ve talked about here!

Are you looking for more helpful guides on everything from how to learn more about wine tasting to how to become a better boss? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Take a look around for our guides and how-to’s to make life a little easier.

Tips for an Ultimate Wine Tasting Experience in a Plush Bar

Are you seeking the best wine tasting experience? A plush wine bar will set it up for you. You can indeed have a delightful and memorable experience with your little group.

Still not sure if it is a good option? Are you new to this and find it slightly confusing? Don’t worry; it is not compulsory to be a connoisseur or know every word in the wine vocabulary.

All you need to do is prepare yourself to be blown away by the fantastic wine tasting experience. Below are some tips to help you make the most of this experience in a plush bar:

Ask the Bartender for Information

You may soon get curious about a particular taste of the wine. Or perhaps you will be eager to know more flavors. Do not hesitate to ask the bartenders any questions. They will be more than happy to share the knowledge with you.

In fact, they would love to discuss their passion for wine with you. Moreover, it could also introduce you to new varieties of wine. You never know when you may stumble across a flavor that truly speaks to you. So, let your shyness take a backseat and start engaging.

Try New Wines

You may have your go-to wine flavor. You can certainly indulge in it as much as you wish. However, do not solely stick with it. You will end up losing out on several other unique flavors from different wine cultivars. Therefore, go ahead and try out all the unfamiliar varieties and flavors.

If red wine is your usual pick, do not forget to sip some white wine as well. While you are at it, try some sweet or drier ones too. You can also try some blind tasting to make things more fun. Ask your companion to pick any random flavor and blindly taste it. You may soon discover some new favorites.

Take Your Time

Wine tasting is a fun-filled activity. You may be eager to try multiple flavors and varieties. However, remember not to rush things. Make sure to relish the wine, the vibe, and the moment. After all, you are at a wine bar to have an ultimate wine tasting experience.

Try to give a little gap between each wine tasting. This way, you can soak up each flavor better. Use this time by engaging in cheerful and interesting conversations with your group or fellow wine enthusiasts.

Bask in the Music

Music can enliven any moment. What will be better than to complement your memorable wine tasting experience with some amazing music? A plush bar will make sure to play the right music to set up the perfect ambiance.

You can enjoy the moment with some low-fi beats or summery jams, the most suitable background music for wine tasting. You don’t have to worry about it hampering your conversations. One can always resonate with the vibe that the music creates while sipping wine.

Wrap Up in Style

While you wish for this experience to last, you have to finish up at a point. However, you can always make even the final moment memorable. Your palates will be on the lookout for fresh sensations. You can indulge in some delicious cheese boards or other appetizers.

Wrap up with some dessert wine; sweet wines make for perfect adios. The lingering sweet taste will leave you with many cherished memories. Moreover, it will keep you looking forward to your next visit to a plush wine bar.

Keep in mind and follow the things discussed above to have an ultimate wine tasting experience in a plush bar. All that is left is for you to go ahead and have a wonderful time tasting wine with your companions.

Best Travel Destinations After the Pandemic

The pandemic has ceased travel and has caused so much distress on the travel industry. But it will not be long before people will be traveling again and savoring the beauty of nature in each of the world’s most famous destinations. With vaccines coming out and countries slowly opening their borders to tourists, the travel industry will likely boom again and take people to beautiful places.

960x0.jpg

For those who are looking forward to traveling again post-pandemic, here are some of the best travel destinations that are worthy of being visited when the pandemic is over.

Philippines

This country in Southeast Asia is home to many gorgeous white sand beaches, lagoons, and beautiful natural scenery. Comprised of more than seven thousand islands, the country has a rich cultural and historical heritage that attracts tourists from all walks of life. Some popular tourist destinations include the world-renowned Boracay, Palawan, Cebu, Baguio City, and Siargao.

Tampa

Tampa, Florida, has several places dedicated to the preservation of animals and wildlife. It also has places for children and families who wish to enjoy their vacation away from the hustle and bustle of home. For those who want to get a touch of history, Tampa also has historic quarters in Old Hyde Park and Ybor City.

Tourists can enjoy shopping, dining, and sightseeing in the various tourist spots in this part of Florida. Tampa is also a dog-friendly place, which makes it a good destination for dog lovers. In fact, it has been named as the number one city for people who own dogs. Tourists who bring their canine friends with them and who plan to stay for a longer time in the area may even hire a dog trainer to teach their dogs some tricks while they are in the area.

Vietnam

Vietnam’s fascinating history, dramatic landscapes, gorgeous sceneries, and mouth-watering cuisines are among the many reasons why tourists love this part of Southeast Asia. There are several methods of transport that tourists can use to reach the different popular destinations of Vietnam. They can go by plane, by train, by bus, or even by motorbike. Among the most popular tourist spots in Vietnam worth checking out are Halong Bay, Son Doong Cave, Mekong Delta, and the floating markets.

Turkey

Endowed with impressive natural sceneries, ancient monuments that speak so much about its history, and glorious landscapes, Turkey is one destination that travelers must visit when the pandemic is over and done with. Turkey is all about nature’s awesome, natural beauty and ancient structures. Tourists can stare in awe and revel in all its grandeur while also getting immense in its culture and history. Some of the most popular tourist spots include the Roman Theater of Aspendos, Mount Nemrut, Pamukkale, Topkapi Palace, Cappadocia, Ephesus, and Aya Sofya.

Mexico

For people looking to travel most affordably, Mexico is an excellent destination among many other options. This part of the world has dynamic cities packed with alluring culture, mouth-watering cuisines, ancient ruins, gorgeous beaches, and irresistible sceneries. Some places worth visiting in this part of the world are the Los Cabos Corridor, Cabo San Lucas, Copper Canyon, Mayan city of Chichén Itzá, Guanajuato, and the ancient fortress of Tulum. Those looking to experience a remarkable water adventure can head to Mexico’s Palancar Reef, where they can dive and explore its undulating seabed.

Argentina

This is yet another destination for those who want to travel on a low budget. Tourists can book accommodations here for as low as $7 a night. Argentina is one of several destinations that prove that there is no need to spend so much to see the beauty of God’s creations.

Argentina is home to incredible landscapes, national parks, beautiful mountain ranges, dense forests, and other jaw-dropping natural wonders. Some of the best places to visit when in this part of the world include the magnificent Iguazu Falls, Perito Moreno Glacier, Tierra del Fuego National Park, Ushuaia, Mar del Plata, and the historic Cordoba Cathedral.

Most travels may be restricted as of now because of the pandemic. But it will be worthwhile and exciting to visit some of these places once everything is back to normal, or at least when the confusion and fear have subsided. Visiting various places around the world has several benefits, including the knowledge and experiences gained during each travel escapade.

It also makes us appreciate the world more. Traveling makes us see the beauty of the diversity of life and the magnificence of having an assortment of cultures and traditions.

 

4 Ways to Become a Better Boss in 2021

Being a great boss and leader is essential for the success of your business. You can have incredibly talented employees on your team, but you can’t expect good results if they don’t have someone to guide and motivate them.

It takes a lot of work and dedication to become a leader worth following. Nevertheless, once you achieve the status of a great boss, you’ll surely have a loyal team supporting you and helping you reach goals you set for your business.

Poor leadership can lead to a decline in productivity and employee engagement. It may also cause some of your best employees to leave the company in search of better positions. To ensure that your business operates at an optimal level, here are some of the ways you can become a better boss.

Build Trust with Your Staff

If you want to have a healthy and thriving company culture, you will need to build trust with your staff. This is much easier said than done and will take a lot of time and effort on your part. Gaining the trust of your employees won’t come easy, which is what you have to accept and take it one step at a time.

You can start by always being honest and transparent with your staff. A great boss and leader will know how to give constructive criticism or share difficult news with employees. Lead by example when it comes to open communication and don’t be afraid to admit when you make a mistake. If you make a habit out of owning mistakes, it will make you more approachable in the eyes of your team.

Make sure that you take the time to get to know your employees. Find out what they love about the job and company, what their aspirations are, and what they enjoy doing in their spare time. Build relationships with your staff to make them feel valued at the company.

Listen to Your Employees

According to a study published by Business News Daily, 88% of employees said that they value bosses who listen to them. Remember that communication is a two-way process. Good bosses know when to speak and lead their workforce, but they also know when to listen.

It’s important to encourage your team to openly speak about any suggestions, questions, or issues they might have. When someone decides to speak up about something, make sure that you carefully listen and consider what they’re saying.

For example, if they start saying that they need better equipment to do their jobs more efficiently, you should do something about it. You don’t need a big budget to make major changes at the office. To avoid large upfront costs, you can rent equipment like computers and tablets at affordable prices. In case you have designers or video editors on your team, they might benefit from you hiring Apple computers with powerful processors.

In case your staff starts arguing that they don’t have enough learning opportunities at the workplace, provide them with access to quality online courses or organise training seminars at the office. As long as the issue or suggestion they have is reasonable, you should provide them with a solution. If it’s not reasonable, tell them directly and explain why.

Praise Your Workers

Every employee loves when their hard work gets acknowledged, which is why a good boss is always generous with praise. In fact, this is the primary source of motivation for some people. Some leave their job simply due to a lack of recognition. Being a good leader means that you regularly acknowledge when someone works hard both in public and private.

Apart from boosting individual productivity, praise can help you build loyalty with your staff. It doesn’t take a lot of effort or time on your part to give someone recognition. All you have to do is thank the person by name, say specifically what they’ve done well, and point out how their work adds value to the company.

Motivate Your Employees

There are several different approaches you can take to motivating your workforce. One of the most popular is to offer rewards for exceptional performance in a certain time period. Although this is a fun way to get people excited and motivated to work on certain projects and encourage friendly competition, it doesn’t provide them with long-term motivation.

Instead, what you can do to keep them motivated for years to come is include them in big company decisions. If you don’t do this, certain staff members at your organisation may start to feel unimportant. In turn, this may cause them to lose motivation and productivity. Including your employees in big decisions and asking for their opinions and insight will not only help them stay motivated, but it will also strengthen their loyalty and trust to the company.

 

Growing Green: 5 of the Best Easy-to-Grow Plants That You Can Add to Your Home

Studies show that growing plants at home and having exposure to gardening improves one’s quality of life and enhances mental and physical well-being. Whether you’re a starting green thumb or have already grown a garden sprawling with gorgeous greens and beautiful flowers, here are some easy-to-grow plants that you can add to your home:

Crocus

This flowering plant is loved by many as it signifies that spring is indeed coming – with its buds peeking through the snow after a seemingly long winter.

This early bloomer is a low-lying perennial plant that can be grown practically anywhere, from the woodlands, coastal areas, and to your garden. Many known varieties of the crocus plant are usually described as blooms that range from white, yellow, lilac-blue, and violet.

Its flowers, aside from being perfect to gather in bouquets for its aesthetic blooms, one variety is known as the source of saffron, which is used primarily for seasoning but can also be used for dyes and medicine.

Plant care: Crocuses are advised to be planted in early fall and stay dormant in the soil until the last days of winter and finally sprout in the early days of spring. They also love soaking in full sunlight and thrive best in well-draining soil. For watering, they are generally low-maintenance. To know more about taking care of your crocus, find instructions here.

Hosta

Unlike your typical flowering plants, the hosta attracts green thumbs and plant collectors alike as it is known for its striking green foliage with distinct leaf shapes and patterns. It is also referred to as “plantain lily,” with its fleshy roots and short rhizomes.

A favorite among perennials, hostas often sport luscious leaves in bright green, gold, or even blue colors. Some kinds of bloom flowers of their own and blooms may serve as part of a beautiful ornamental display. Some flowers have been known to be fragrant and attract bees, thus making them easier to pollinate.

Plant care: Hostas can thrive even under partially shaded areas but would love to benefit from being exposed to direct sun 2-3 hours a day. They can also survive in different and wide ranges of soil, but it is best to plant them in highly organic and well-drained soil.

Geranium

A name that might be familiar even to plant newbies, geranium is a sun-loving plant that would bring a splash of color to your flower beds from the late stages of spring up to early fall. Geranium still makes it to the list of most popular plants up to this date, thanks to its classical roots being chosen for decades to adorn planter boxes and indoor pots of homes.

Its flowers vary from purple, pink, red, white, mauve, orange, and in rare times – orange-black. Geraniums are also known to be trailers, meaning if left to their device and allowed to grow anywhere it wants; it can just take over a whole wall or any other surface.

Plant care: Geraniums may be grown as indoor houseplants or planted outside on a flower bed. They may also be planted in pots with a drainage hole and contain well-drained soil. To get its bloom to its maximum potential, it would be best to expose them to an area wherein it can soak up to 4-6 hours of sunlight.

Sweet pea

Known for its stunningly colorful blooms and luscious sweet scent, the sweet pea is an addition that you can’t miss in your home plant collection. With flowers ranging from maroon, violet, indigo blue, white, pink, and red, it is an excellent choice to adorn your patio or even indoor pots as they grow typically as a bush or climbing types.

Plant Care: Sweet peas thrive well in warm, sunny, and slightly-shaded areas, making it a great indoor plant, as long as it is kept somewhere with a window or on the balcony or patio area. They grow well in well-drained organic soil and would need regular watering, especially during the dry season. Fertilizer and compost also can significantly help in its growth.

Mint

Although it might seem a little bit out-of-place in this list, mint is highly recommended for aspiring or already practicing green thumbs as it is reasonably easy to grow and serves many uses and benefits.

Mint plants are usually grown for their leaves, with known varieties such as spearmint and peppermint. Being a perennial plant, its leaves are very fragrant and can even bloom tiny flowers with colors white, purple or pink. Aside from its functionality of being useful in cooking, mint plants can also add accent to your garden, among other many purposes.

Plant care: Mint is relatively easy to grow as it can survive with just the right amount of moisture and the right kind of soil. Maintenance for a mint plant would only require an adequate amount of light, either under full sun or shade. Watch out for overgrowth, however, as it can quickly spread over your garden.

Takeaway

With just the right amount of tender, loving care, you can quickly grow these plants that are easy to take care of while also adding more beauty and life to your home garden.