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Guide to the Perfect Business and Pleasure Trip

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Guide to the Perfect Business and Pleasure Trip

Business travel is often combined with pleasure travel by simply extending it into the weekend so that you can enjoy some much needed down time in a place that you may either enjoy or have not been to and always wanted to explore. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your combined trip.

Plan Ahead

When planning to include some leisure time into your business trip go online and research what there is to do in the destination that you will be visiting. Also, ask your business associates in that area what they recommend that you do and see while you are there. They will be only too happy to tell you all of the wonderful sites and places that their home town has to offer.

By planning out a tentative schedule of places and things to do in your limited free time, you will avoid wasting valuable time on the road trying to look up things to do. This also provides you with the opportunity to investigate hours of operation for the places that you want to see, so that you don’t plan to do something on day or at a time that they are not actually open.

Ask for Extended Stay Rates

Many hotels offer extended stay rates that could save you and your company money when you stay a few extra days. You may even find that your extended stay rate comes in under your daily travel allotment so that you are not actually spending any personal cash on your hotel stay.

Use a Car Service

Mentally transitioning into vacation mode when you are on a combined trip can sometimes be difficult. One way to do this is to treat yourself with something that you would not normally do at home or on a business trip. Items such as having a meal in a gourmet restaurant or using a limo service for a night out help you unwind and get into that vacation mentality. When in Australia, limo hire Perth is an excellent choice to consider.

Follow the Locals

While you are out and about do some people watching and take notice of where the locals all seem to be heading for meals or entertainment. This is a way to get a first-hand feel for how the locals live and what they enjoy about where they live. It’s also one of the best ways to find the most unique and delicious food in town.

A business trip can easily be combined with a mini-vacation if you take the time to prepare for both aspects of the trip, and make an effort to let your mind get into the correct mindset for vacation travel. Combining business and mini-vacation trips is an excellent way to see much more of the world for much less money than you might be able to do with separate business and vacation trips; it also helps your body rejuvenate when on the road for work.

Benefits of Investing in Gold Bullion

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Benefits of Investing in Gold Bullion

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Following World War II, the Bretton Woods system of monetary management has built policies for commercial & financial relations between the United States, Australia, Western Europe, Canada and Japan. The consensus was for each country to establish a monetary policy that would back the value of its paper currency using a tangible asset: gold. However, on August 15, 1971, the United States (headquarters to the International Monetary Fund) unilaterally terminated the convertibility of USD to Gold, marking the end of the Bretton Woods era.

Fiat money has replaced the Bretton Woods System which is intrinsically valueless but can be traded on “Faith” in government structures to uphold social order. With the U.S. election imminent, the 2017 Eurozone Elections and continued conflict in the Middle East, global instability is high, causing many high-level investors to shift their portfolios from fiat currencies to precious metals. Remarkably, the price per ounce of gold has nearly tripled over the past thirty years following the dissolution of the Bretton Woods System.

In lieu of global sitrep, risk analysis tools at top financial institutions are finding it increasingly difficult to move forward. Many investors are reverting to the safest options – by purchasing gold bullion and replacing their cash with other precious metals.

Historical trends in gold, silver, and platinum on a long term basis (10+ years) have proven to be less volatile than alternate investment options with the exception of palladium, a metal whose value is easily manipulated by supply and demand of the mining industry.

There is no better time to purchase gold bullion. If you have decided to take advantage of this great opportunity, consider making easy and fast transactions at City Gold Bullion.

To break it down, here are some of the benefits of investing in gold bullion.

  • You will get protection against currency devaluation.

A huge benefit of investing in gold bullion is that you are immune to currency devaluation. No matter how poor the exchange rates of the dollars are, the gold bullion value remains strong. If you are in Australia, you can purchase high quality gold bullion in Brisbane from City Gold Bullion or from trustworthy gold merchants near you.

  • You will be safe from possible economic crisis.

When you invest in gold bullion, you can protect yourself from monetary loss in the event of a financial crisis. The value of gold goes up in periods of economic instability.

  • Gold bullion has high liquidity compared to other forms of investment.

As opposed to other forms of investment, the liquidity of gold bullion is very high. The most convenient benefit of owning precious metals like gold bullion is you only need to know the current buying and selling price. This is why gold or other physical metals have always been the most popular type of investments.

Those are the benefits of investing in gold bullion. If you have plans to invest, start today. Contact a reliable gold merchant near you.

Tips to Find the Right Cosmetic Dentist for you

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Cosmetic dentistry is a booming business, as image conscious people can now have access to a range of treatments that improve their appearance. Modern lifestyle demands a level of style and the right look, so a healthy smile is high on everyone’s list of priorities. Orthodontics is very much connected to aesthetic development, and there are innovative treatments that can straighten teeth, and give one the kind of smile that A-listers would he happy with. If creating the right impression is important, and one needs the services of a cosmetic dentist, here are a few helpful hints to help find the right clinic.

Look for a specialist

There are many dentists that offer cosmetic treatments, but it is usually a sideline to their main focus, which is oral care and hygiene. This means that the regular dentist would not be as knowledgeable as a specialist, and the poor patient would have no idea of the level of expertise the dentist had. Fortunately, for those who are in the Perth area, follow the local’s favourite orthodontics by Harmony Orthodontics and one might be pleasantly surprised at what modern treatments can achieve.

Before and after images

Any reputable cosmetic dentist would be able to show an impressive array of before and after photos to demonstrate just how effective their treatments are, and there would be some examples on their website, along with reviews from satisfied customers.

Check qualifications

All doctors and dentists will display their certificates, so take some time to browse while in the clinic for the initial consultation, and any affiliations and accreditations suggest a sound professional with the right qualifications. For those who live in Western Australia, Perth orthodontics can be easily sourced by a simple online search, and with highly qualified and experienced orthodontists in the team, one can be assured of the best attention at all times.

A choice of treatments

The sign of a good cosmetic dentist is a choice of treatments. There are always several ways to achieve a goal, and dentistry is no different in that respect, so expect to have options. Should a dentist offer a single option, and cannot give a good reason why, it may be that he or she would rather the patient go for their preferred choice, which might not always be in the interest of the patient.

Initial reactions

Always arrange to meet the dentist prior to any treatment, and one should go with one’s own feelings. The relationship between dentist and patient is an essential part of the outcome, as the dentist will perform critical actions in an intimate area of the patient’s body, so a level of trust is important. If a person feels comfortable in the hands of their dentist, they will relax and this will be beneficial to both parties.

The right dentist is essential for everyone, especially those who are looking to enhance their looks with cosmetic treatments, and with an established clinic, one can rest assured of the very best service.

Finding quality time with your little ones

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We would all benefit from a little more quality family time, that much is true. Indeed, we live in an era when replying to work emails at all hours, being available to take phone calls throughout mealtimes, and spending weekends planning DIY projects around conference calls and the odd snatched moment of family time is not only acceptable, but expected of us. Amongst all of those ‘to dos’ and ‘must dos’, where is there any time for the ‘should dos’ that have our families, and little ones, at their heart?

Spending quality time with your family isn’t just nice, or a break from the daily grind, it’s essential to your little one’s development, and will form the basis of your child’s ability to form and maintain relationships. It will also instill confidence and self-esteem, and teach him or her how to communicate with others. You may crave quality family time, but your child needs those moments – and we’re going to tell you how to make the most of them.

Top tips for enjoying quality time together 

With everything else that you’ve got to fit into your day the prospect of finding quality family time can be a daunting one – but it really shouldn’t be. No one should dread spending time with their children or loved ones, feeling as though such moments need to be sandwiched between more ‘meaningful’ tasks, or, heaven forbid, regard quality family time as a wasted opportunity. These moments should be treasured forever; your children will only be young once, so set aside that cell phone, switch on your email’s auto-response, and prepare to make memories.

Sit on the floor

No, really. Spending time with your family doesn’t need to involve big gestures, or expensive days out – sometimes all your little ones want is your undivided attention, and for you to show interest in what they’re doing, be that sitting up for the first time in their baby activity center from Skiphop.com, pushing a new car along the floor, or rolling in ever-decreasing circles until they’re positively dizzy. Your child is a wonder, and those simple, uncomplicated moments are the best you’ll ever spend together. Make a promise to yourself that you’ll spend an hour each evening sat on the floor while your children play, or that you’ll engage with your baby’s bedtime routine at weekends. As they grow up will your children remember the specific places you went to, or the fact that you were there? So, be there whenever you can be.

Enjoy a movie

Despite being one of the very few activities during which no words are needed, family movie nights, or afternoons, are some of the best ways to spend quality time together; a little like a trip to the movie theater, but you won’t be charged an extortionate amount for the ticket or stress about your child’s inability to sit still for longer than five minutes. Whatever the weather is doing outside, family movie time is a great way to while away an afternoon, buried beneath a giant blanket eating popcorn or sweets from a plastic bucket. In addition, such an activity is a great way for parents to de-stress, and to rediscover movies that you loved as a child – watching princess movies and cartoons suddenly becomes socially acceptable again when you have kids.

Take a road trip

Sometimes the very best adventures are the spontaneous ones, so why not pack up a picnic, get into the car, and just drive? Perhaps you live within reach of a theme park, could make your way to the beach by lunchtime, or have always fancied heading into the mountains to enjoy the great outdoors. Jump in puddles, run through a pile of fallen leaves, or roll down a gigantic hill with your arms linked; whatever you do, there’s absolutely no need to be back by dinnertime. Indeed, who’s even keeping an eye on the schedule? Road trips, and the adventures they’ll inspire along the way, are fantastic for families needing some bonding time, and children will adore picking the music, playing car games, and asking whether you’re nearly there yet countless times an hour. Whether the windows are wound down or the heating’s turned up, your car is a vessel to take you into the unknown.

Create a schedule for your family’s quality time

If schedules and organization work for you then make them work for your family too. Rather than waiting for spare moments to present themselves take a pen and highlighter to your diary and create them. Too much of our lives are spent wondering “what if?” but your family shouldn’t have to be on the receiving end of such a notion. Whether you’re creating a recurring appointment each week, scheduling a special event such as a birthday or anniversary, or snapping up a free morning before work takes over, you are in charge of your time – be sure to give a slice of it to your little ones.

Whether you’re eating a meal together, taking the time to listen to your little ones’ as they discuss their favorite things, choosing nicknames for one another, or simply leaving your home-office door open so that the family may pop in and say ‘hello’ every now and again, finding quality time is easier than you think – and won’t require any kind of map. You see, quality time needn’t involve a lot of money, grand gestures of any kind, or even a plan; all your little ones need is you, and a sense of adventure that will transport them anywhere on any given day.

Maintaining the Value of Your Car

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Your car should be one of your most prized possessions. From the first time you drove your car to the last time you see it, your car will bring a significant value into your life. While difficult at times, maintaining the value of your car is extremely important, especially if you plan on selling it in the near future.

The following tips will help maximize the value of your vehicle, regardless of how long you’ve owned it:

Garage Your Vehicle

Try to park your car in the garage. This will help protect it from the outside elements when you’re not driving.

If you don’t have a garage to park in, make sure to purchase and use a protective cover for your vehicle. They aren’t very expensive, but the extra protection can help you increase the value of your vehicle down the road.

Garages aren’t always an option if you live in a big city, especially with the rising costs of parking spaces. Aim to park your vehicle in a garage during the winter months when the snow and rain can cause rust and heavily affect the paint quality.

Keep an Accurate Maintenance Log

Accurate maintenance logs are important for a variety of reasons. When it comes time to sell your vehicle, having a paper trail of oil changes and tune ups will be proof enough for the buyer that the car is in good condition. If you plan on trading it in, you’ll have more negotiating power over the trade-in value. If taking out a car title loan is in your future, these records can help you get a larger sum of money from the loan company.

Whenever you take your vehicle in for an oil change or for regular service, make sure you keep every receipt and maintain an accurate log.

Watch for Curbs

Careless drivers always have issues with running into curbs when turning around corners. If your car hits a curb, your alloy wheels will scratch easily, potentially costing you a significant of money down the road when you try to make a sale.

Play it safe and slow down when going around corners. Your car will maintain its value for a longer period of time.

Don’t Smoke in your Vehicle

Do not smoke inside of your vehicle. Removing cigarette smoke from the upholstery of a vehicle can be very costly, and in some cases, impossible. You’ll have a difficult time selling your vehicle for market value, if you’ll be able to sell it at all.

While you won’t be able to detect the smell of smoke inside your vehicle, other people will. If the interior of the vehicle smells like smoke now, be sure to get it detailed extensively as soon as possible and use air fresheners until you’ve determined the smell has completely disappeared.

Clean the Inside on a Regular Basis

Similar to regular engine maintenance, cleaning the interior of your vehicle at least every other week is essential to keeping its value as high as possible.

Beyond vacuuming, car owners need to shampoo the carpets and seats, clean the steering wheel and cup holders, and apply protective sealant for future stain prevention. The sweat you put into cleaning your vehicle now will pay off huge in the future.

While purchasing a car is never considered an investment, you must invest your own time into regular upkeep and maintenance in order to maximize the car’s value in the future. By doing so, you could be adding thousands of dollars to your vehicle’s value.

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We left our home in Sydney, Australia many moons ago in May 2012 and, other than a brief stint back in Perth for Christmas and a wedding in early 2014, we have been travelling the world nomadically ever since, running a business from our laptops and we’re here to show you how to do it!