911 Essay

911 Essay

Dan

Why It’s Important To Choose The Right Floor For Your Home

by

Decorating and renovating your home can pose many questions, one of the aspects that is often overlooked is your floor. Which seems a bit off considering that your floor is one of the most important factors of a home, in fact, it’s the very foundation of the building. So why is it so important to choose the right kind of floor for your home and how do you know what it is right for you? Well, there are many reasons..


The first thing that you will need to consider when you’re thinking of purchasing flooring, is where do you intend to install it? Different materials are better suited to different rooms, for example, using solid wood flooring isn’t recommended for the likes of kitchens or bathrooms. This is due to the fact that solid wood does not react well to environments with fluctuating moisture and temperature levels, in fact, if you were to place this kind of floor in one of these rooms then the consequences would probably result in the floor expanding and contracting. However, if you were thinking of getting your hallway or lounge renovated, solid wood would be a perfect choice. We’ve created a little guide below to show you which types of floor pair best with each room:

Material Suitable for
Solid Wood Hallway, living room, dining room, bedroom.
Laminate Hallway, living room, dining room, bedroom, kitchen and bathroom.
Engineered Wood Hallway, living room, dining room, bedroom, kitchen and bathroom.
Vinyl Kitchen, bathroom, living room, dining room
Carpet Bedroom, living room, hallway, stairs. Can be used in bathrooms and kitchens but not recommended.
Natural Stone Bathroom, kitchen, garden, can be used in living rooms/areas but not always recommended due to temperatures etc.
Porcelain/Ceramic Tiles Same as above, more suited to kitchen and bathroom areas but can be installed in your living space should you wish.

Another thing that you will need to factor in when choosing a new floor is your lifestyle. By lifestyle we don’t mean how active you are or whether you smoke or not, more along the lines of whether you have a busy house full of little ones running around or you live a quieter life. When it comes to floors there are a number of things that you need to factor in; children and pets tend to top that list! If you do have little ones running around then it’s important to consider the durability of the floor and the material itself to ensure that it can withstand a heavier footfall. However, if it’s just you and you’re not really one for entertaining then any flooring can be considered, go for that beautiful solid wood with no worries of it being scratched or chipped!

Whilst on the note of little ones and the mess they can make, you should also factor in cleaning and maintenance when choosing a new floor. Of course all floors require the regular sweep, mop and vacuum procedure but it’s also worth mentioning that engineered wood flooring and solid wood can be sanded and refinished multiple times to get them looking as fresh as the day they were installed.

Finally, probably the biggest aspect when choosing anything for your home – the budget. With so many options available and all of them at different prices, what you really have to consider is how much you can afford to spare. The budget that you’re working to isn’t just for the floor itself, there are also things like excess materials, glue, labour etc. Whilst you focus on saving the pennies remember that in a lot of cases; you get what you pay for. So although you could be looking at cheap laminate flooring it’s worth remembering that the floors that are a little more expensive can be more cost-effective in the long run, whilst spending more in one go on something of higher quality may seem like quite the dent in your bank balance, you need to remember that this floor should last you a couple of decades and in return will pay for itself.

So there you have it, just a few tips and thoughts to consider when you’re purchasing a new floor for your home.

Top Travel Destinations for Digital Nomads

by

If you’re a self-proclaimed digital nomad who is passionate about spending your life, traveling from one destination to the next, continue reading to discover four up and coming travel destinations, which are well worth adding to your travel plans.

Top Travel Destinations for Digital Nomads:

1. Chiang Mai – Thailand

Thailand is known for being one of the most inexpensive cities to live and work in, in the world. However, if the hustle and bustle of Bangkok or Phuket doesn’t appeal to you, it’s well worth heading to Chiang Mai, which is located in northern Thailand’s lush mountainous region.

The cost of living in Chiang Mai is even cheaper than the cost of living in Phuket and Bangkok and free Wi-Fi is readily available in public areas. Which makes working online a breeze. Should you choose to spend a month living in Chiang Mai, expect to pay around $530 dollars per month to lodge in a comfortable hotel. Food and drinks are remarkably cheap with a small bottle of coke being priced at $0.54.

2. Panama City – Panama

If you plan on exploring Central America, it’s well worth making Panama City your home base as not only is Panama City a cheap place to live but it’s also relatively safe and is easily navigatable via inexpensive public transport.

If you’re curious, it costs the average digital nomad around $2,000 a month to support themselves in Panama city. As living in a decent hotel will only set you back around $636 dollars per month, whilst a small bottle of coca-cola is priced at $1.26.

3. Barcelona – Spain

If you have your heart set on exploring western Europe, you may want to work in Barcelona, a cosmopolitan city which is known for its stunning architecture, art museums, and vibrant tapas bars.

Contrary to popular belief Barcelona is a relatively cheap city to live in and staying in a comfortable hotel, which offers modern amenities and facilities will only set you back around $751 per month. If you’re keen on socializing with your fellow travelers and local friends, you’re in luck as half a liter of beer will only set you back $3.58.

4. Kiev – Ukraine

If you’re looking to get off the beaten tourist track, it’s well worth visiting Eastern Europe. Kiev is an excellent destination for digital nomads, as living in Kiev will only set you back around $987 per month. With one month’s accommodation in a comfortable hotel being priced at $450. Better yet, you’ll be able to afford to eat out at a cafe or restaurant for every meal as a basic meal will only cost around $4.33.

Whilst in Kiev, you’ll be able to tour a wide variety of opulent churches and buildings. Examples of which include Saint Sophia’s Cathedral and the Kiev Perchersek Lavra. The latter of which is an ornately decorated, 11-century church which boasts several caves and tunnels.

So if you’re looking to add new destinations to your travel itinerary it’s well worth adding Kiev, Barcelona, Chang Mai and Panama City!

5 Budgeting Tips for Freelancers!

by

If you’re a freelancer, it’s crucial to remain on top of your finances as your income is not guaranteed, so it’s well worth planning ahead, to ensure that you’ll be able to cover your living expenses when work is scarce.

5 Budgeting Tips for Freelancers:

Learn how to become a stronger more effective negotiator 

You’ll find it far easier to budget for your necessities and luxuries if you ensure that you’re paid a fair sum for your time, talent and skills. It may be worth working out a standard hourly rate, which you can charge your clients. It may also be worth figuring out how much money you need in order to survive on a monthly basis, to ensure that you negotiate fair contracts which will ensure that you have more than enough funds to cover your day to day living expenses.

When you can, try to put aside 40% of your income

As a freelancer, there may be months where you struggle to pick up paying contracts and months as well as months where you more than triple your average monthly income. When it’s possible, save 40% of your income and spend 40% of your income on essentials such as your electricity bill and groceries and the remaining 20% of your budget on luxuries.

While it may be tempting to spend a greater percentage of your income on luxuries, during the months where work is scarce, you’ll be glad that you put extra money aside instead of splurging on luxuries such as restaurant meals and expensive electronic devices.

Install a handy budgeting app to help you keep track of your spending habits 

When you’re a freelancer, it’s well worth tracking your expenditure by downloading a budgeting app onto your smartphone. Downloading a budget application onto your phone will help you identify areas which you may need to tighten your spending on. As an example, you may find that you spend several hundred dollars per month on takeaway coffees or that you spend a small fortune for cable television. When it’s far cheaper to sign up to a site such as Netflix or Hulu, which streams current content for a fraction of the price.

Get into the habit of shopping around for the best deals available 

Instead of purchasing an item from the first shop you visit, it’s well worth visiting a price comparison website, which will tell you where to purchase the item which you’re interested in, for the lowest price.

You can also save money by visiting two different grocery stores, in order to find the best possible deals on all of your favorite products. As different stores will offer different specials.

Place the bulk of your savings into a high-interest bank account

It’s well worth shopping around to find out if your current provider, offers you the best interest rate available. As you should aim for your savings to grow, in order to cover inflation. As you don’t want your savings to lose value over the years.

So if you’re a freelancer, it’s well worth using the 5 tips listed above in order to keep on top of your finances.

5 Lifestyle Tips for Writers!

by

Whether you’re a new writer or have published multiple books or articles, simply continue reading to discover 5 handy lifestyle tips for writers, which will change your life and positively impact your career as a writer!

5 Lifestyle Tips for Writers:

Don’t be afraid to tailor your own routine 

If you find that you’re unable to work productively in the mornings and often suffer from writer’s block, you may find that you work better in the afternoons or are a night owl who works best late at night. So don’t be afraid to set your own routine and to work, when you’re most productive. Otherwise, you’ll spend countless hours staring at your computer screen, without accomplishing much.

Make sure to work out on a regular basis 

As a writer, you’ll spend the bulk of your working day sedentary, sitting at your desk, so it’s crucial to make sure that you find time each day to exercise. Some writers, swear that they’re far more productive if they complete a workout such as an early morning run or a gym session, first thing in the morning.

If you maintain a decent level of fitness, you’ll find that you have far more energy to write than you would if you led a sedentary lifestyle.

Don’t rely on caffeine to get you through your working day 

While it’s perfectly fine to start your working day off with a hot cup of coffee, be careful not to rely on coffee or caffeinated drinks such as cola to fuel your writing sessions. Instead, make sure to keep your body hydrated and working efficiently by keeping a water bottle next to your next to your desk at all times.

Some water bottles feature lines which show you how much water you should drink, at each time of the day. Which is a godsend if you find it difficult to consume 8 glasses of water per day.

Treat yourself to regular vacations 

Sometimes treating yourself to a well-deserved vacation will help you de-stress and get over your writer’s block. After all, sometimes all you need to kickstart a writing session is to be inspired by immersing yourself in a brand new destination.

It’s also well worth taking vacations such as a mini-break, where you store your laptop away and focus on enjoying the moment, instead of living your life with eyes glued to your laptop or a notebook. By observing the people who pass you by you may also find the inspiration you need, to complete your next writing project.

Join a local or online writers’ group

One way to remain inspired and motivated is to join a local writers’ group as hearing about your fellow writers’ ideas, may inspire your own work. You’ll also have the opportunity to gain valuable feedback on your writing. If there isn’t a local writers group in your community, you may want to join an online writers group or forum, where you’ll find like-minded writers who are keen to chat with other writers.

So whether you’re looking to lead a healthy lifestyle or to inspire your next writing project, it’s well worth following the 5 invaluable tips listed above.

How to Start Your Own Blog!

by

If you’re contemplating starting your first blog but are unsure about how to get started, simply continue reading to discover 5 tips and tricks, which will help you succeed as a first time blogger.

How to start your own blog: 5 Handy tips and tricks to get started

Find an exciting niche to write about 

The key to succeeding as a blogger is to select a niche topic to write about. As an example, if you’re passionate about cooking, while it may be tempting to set up a generic blog about cooking, you’ll significantly increase your chances of gaining a following if your blog offers a fresh, unique viewpoint. As an example, you may want to blog about creating dishes from your grandmother’s cookbook or you may want to attend a different cooking class per week and blog about your experiences. Alternatively, you may want to blog about your favorite international dishes.

Decide which platform you’d like to write on 

If you’re a newbie blogger or don’t want to invest a ton of money into your blog, from the offset, you may want to sign up to a platform which will host your blog for free. Examples of such platforms include Blogger and WordPress both of which host some of the most successful blogs on the internet.

Alternatively, if you’d rather run a blog which boasts a personalized .com address, rather than a WordPress or blogger address, you may want to pay to have your blog hosted by a reputable, well-recognized site which specializes in hosting websites and blogs.

Ensure to include a lot of relevant photos

As humans are visual creatures, your blog will attract regular readers if you make sure to add at least one photo to each of your posts. It’s also well worth including a photo of yourself in the top right-hand corner of your blog or uploading a photo of yourself to your blog’s about me page. Just make sure that the photos you choose are of a decent quality and are relevant to your post’s subject matter.

Make sure to engage with your readers on a daily basis 

While it may not be necessary to publish a new post on a daily basis, it’s still well worth visiting your blog on a daily basis in order to reply to any comments which your readers have left. If you respond to each of your readers’ messages in a timely manner, they’ll feel appreciated and will recommend your blog to their friends and family members.

Market your blog 

In order to market your blog, you may want to consider creating multiple social media accounts which are linked to your blog. As an example, if you were to run a food related blog, you may want to take photographs of your creations and post them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, in order to attract attention to your new blog. Better yet, if you choose to harness the power of social media to market your blog, you won’t have to pay a single cent, in order to effectively market your blog.

So if you’re determined to succeed as a professional blogger, it’s well worth following the tips and ticks listed above, in order to get started.

How to become a successful writer: 5 invaluable tips

by

If you have a knack for writing and are passionate about carving out a career as a professional writer, simply continue reading to discover 5 tips on getting started.

How to become a writer:

Spend as much time reading as you do writing 

Whilst it’s wise to allocate time to practice your craft, you’ll also refine your writing skills by reading on a daily basis. As you’ll discover, which writing techniques work and which writing techniques lose your attention as a reader. It’s also well worth assessing each piece you read by writing down, the aspects of the piece which you enjoyed as well as how you would improve the piece which you’ve just read. Over time you should discover which writing techniques work best for your style of writing.

Make a regular effort to attend local writers groups and workshops

In order to take your writing to the next level, it’s important to seek out opportunities to have your work critiqued by professionals writers. If you’re keen, it’s well worth using a search engine such as Google to find local writers groups and to sign up for any writers’ workshops which may be on offer. A good place to search for upcoming writers’ workshops is your local college, which may offer night classes for adult writers who are keen to upskill. If you’re lucky, your class may even be taught by an experienced university professor who specializes in English literature or communication.

Consider freelancing in order to create your first portfolio of work 

While freelancing is unlikely to make you rich overnight, you will collect pieces of writing which you can use to create a writer’s portfolio, which you can show to potential clients who are interested in your work and are keen to get a sense of your writing style, before hiring your services for the first time. If you manage to impress your clients, they may also be willing to provide you with glowing references, which you can display on your website. If you’re even luckier you may meet long-term clients, who will be able to provide you with a reliable, regular income.

Make sure that your portfolio boasts a variety of different pieces

Some writers make the common mistake of filling their portfolio with similar pieces. When in fact, it’s far wiser to choose different pieces to highlight your various skills as a writer. As an example, you may want to include a piece which highlights your ability to market a product or company as well as a short, fictional story. When it comes time to pitch a job offer to a potential client, you’ll be able to link them to the piece, which best highlights the style of writing, which they’d potentially hire you for.

Create a professional, attractive website to promote your services

It’s well worth creating a professional website, which will allow potential clients to get in direct contact with you, without an intermediary such as a freelancer site, taking a cut of your profits. So if you’re keen to carve out a successful career as a professional writer, it’s well worth following the 5 invaluable tips listed above in order to get started.

How to work abroad while writing articles online

by

If you love the idea of quitting the rat race and traveling the world, whilst working as a writer, simply continue reading to discover how to work abroad while writing articles online. After all, life is far too short to be lived in one place!

How to work abroad while writing articles online:

Consider traveling to budget destinations over expensive destinations 

One way to stretch your travel budget further is to opt to visit low cost, budget travel destinations such as Mexico, Thailand, and Brazil over more expensive travel destinations such as Switzerland, Canada, and Australia.

As an example accommodation, food, entertainment, and utilities are far cheaper in Thailand, than they are in the US or expensive tourist destinations. So if you’re looking to stretch your travel budget further, whilst working overseas as a writer, it pays to pick your destinations carefully!

Make sure that you have a reliable internet connection throughout your travels 

You may want to talk to your internet provider about signing up for a low-cost data plan, whilst you’re traveling. Alternatively, if you plan on sticking around in one country for several weeks, you may want to sign up for a local internet plan.

Alternatively, you may want to write the bulk of your articles, whilst you’re offline and utilize free high-speed Wi-Fi connections to upload your articles or send your articles to overseas clients.

Make sure to set yourself achievable deadlines 

Whilst overseas you may be tempted to sleep in and to spend the bulk of your days exploring exotic new destinations, however in order to ensure that you have a steady stream of revenue coming in, it’s a smart idea to set yourself realistic, achievable targets and deadlines. Make sure that your work remains a priority and that you save your adventures for your disposable, free time.

Consider blogging about your travels 

Did you know that you can supplement your income by create a niche travel blog, which you can place advertisements on? Every time one of your readers clicks on an ad, which is featured on your blog and makes a purchase, you’ll receive a small commission. While one commission won’t pay for your accommodation whilst you’re overseas, once you’ve set up a successful blog, which receives plenty of traffic, you should start to receive multiple commissions per day. If you’re stuck for ideas to write about, you may want to write a blog about finding activities, restaurants and attractions, which are off the beaten tourist track or you may want to start a food blog, which teaches your followers how to make dishes, from the countries which you visit.

Get into the habit of following a routine While working as a freelance writer should give you plenty of flexibility to make the most out of your time overseas, it’s still worth establishing some semblance of a routine. As an example, you may want to start your day with a 30-minute workout before completing an article or two. Whilst your afternoons may be yours to explore your new surroundings. So if you’re keen to travel the world, whilst working as a freelance writer, it’s certainly possible to turn your dream into a reality.

5 Top Essay Writing Tips

by

If you’re looking to produce higher quality essays, which will showcase your knowledge on the topics you choose to write about, simply continue reading to discover 5 essay writing tips, which will drastically improve the quality of your essays.

5 Top Essay Writing Tips:

Make sure that you understand your topic or the question which you plan to answer

Your very first step should be to ensure that you are clear about exactly what is being asked of you, by reading through your essay topic or question several times. Never make the mistake of reading through your question once before starting your essay as the last thing you want to do is to write half an essay before realizing that you’ve misunderstood your essay question!

Plan the structure of your essay, before you start writing 

It’s well worth using bullet points to jot down your plans for your essay’s introduction, body, and conclusion. Ideally, you’ll want to start with jotting down each idea, which you want to include in the body of your article as your introduction should give a preview of the ideas which you plan to put forth and your conclusion, should summarize all of the ideas which you put forth in the main body or text of your essay.

Make sure to start a new paragraph for each new idea, which you put forth 

When it comes to writing the body of your essay, it’s important to remember to start a new paragraph for each new idea, which you put forth. If in doubt, start each paragraph off with a new statement, which you can then back up with suitable evidence such as a quote, statistics or a story. Conclude each paragraph by composing a summarizing sentence, which wraps up each new idea.

Ask a friend to read your essay, before you submit it

It’s highly advisable to ask a trusted friend or colleague to read through your essay before you submit it as no matter how many times you read your own essay, there may be errors, which you haven’t spotted. So, it’s well worth having a second set of eyes, to ensure that your essay reads well and is ready for submission. If you don’t have a friend on hand to read the final version of your essay, make sure to walk away from your essay and to proofread it 30 minutes later. As sometimes stepping away from your essay, will allow you to read it with fresh eyes as if you’re tired or have pulled an all-nighter, you’ll be less likely to spot simple mistakes.

Read through your essay to see if there are better words which you could use

When reading through a draft essay, it’s advisable to replace some of the words which you’ve written, with words which are better suited to your essay. As you’ll want to aim to showcase your knowledge on the subject which you’re talking about, so it pays to use words which will showcase that you’re an authority on the topic you’ve chosen to write about!

So if you’d like to improve your essay skills and to produce higher quality essays, it’s well worth following the 5 simple tips listed above.

How to write an essay: A simple guide

by

If you usually begin work on an essay, without having a plan of action, simply continue reading to discover a simple guide to crafting a well-written essay, which will engage your readers and clearly state the points which you wish to make.

How to write an essay:

Research your chosen topic 

Before starting work on your essay, it’s well worth looking for reputable sources which you may be able to use to back up any points which you make in the main body of your essay. Instead of relying on Wikipedia, it’s well worth finding suitable textbooks from respected authors who are leaders in the field, which you’re writing about it. Also, scour the internet for any academic articles, which may be of use.

Brainstorm your ideas out on a blank piece of paper 

It’s well worth brainstorming your ideas on a piece of paper. Start by brainstorming your ideas for your body or the main text of your essay, before brainstorming ideas for your essay’s introduction and conclusion. If your essay requires a thesis statement, it’s also worth brainstorming your ideas, for your thesis statement at this point.

Start work on the body of your essay

It’s advisable to start work on the body of your essay, before writing your introduction as the body of your essay, will contain your essay’s key points and will thoroughly answer your essay question. Make sure to back up each point which you make with a valid example or a quote from a reputable source that you can cite your work from, which validates the point you’ve made. As every personal opinion which you put forward must be backed up with a valid fact, in order to be taken seriously.

Craft your essay’s introduction 

Ideally, your essay’s introduction should introduce the topic, which you plan on writing about and should give readers a preview of the content which they can expect to read about in your essay’s main text. Also treat your introduction as an opportunity to hook your readers into reading the rest of your article, by making sure that your introduction is entertaining and will grab your readers’ attention.

Write a conclusion, which clearly summarizes the key points of your essay 

Lastly, write a conclusion which summarizes all of the key points which were put forward in your essay. Make sure that your conclusion answers the main question of your essay and asks further questions, which will intrigue your readers. As an example, you may want to talk about future studies which should be conducted as a result of your essay’s findings.

Proofread your essay several times 

While it may be tempting to submit your essay as soon as you’ve completed it, it’s worthwhile proofreading your essay several times to check for any errors or to identify any sections, which you may be able to improve upon. So if you’re keen to write an essay, which will impress your readers and which will clearly state all of the key points which you intend to make, it’s well worth following the handy essay tips listed above.

If you are short on time, or still having difficulty you can write your assignment with original essay writing services on The Pensters.com.

5 Tips on writing a personal essay

by

If you’ve decided to compose a compelling personal essay but are unsure of how to go about writing your first personal essay, simply continue reading to discover 5 tips on writing an engaging, well written personal essay.

5 Tips on writing a personal essay:

Select a significant event in your life to write about

The key to writing a compelling personal essay is to select a memorable event in your life, to write about. As an example, you may want to write about an experience which challenged you personally such as the death of a loved one or an experience which made a lasting impression on you, such as the first time which you traveled overseas or your experience studying abroad.

Decide whether or not your experience relates to wider events 

A great way to write a phenomenal personal essay is to be able to relate a personal experience to wider events. As an example, if you choose to write about your experience, growing up as the child of immigrants, you may want to relate your experience, to the plight of modern-day immigrants.

Make sure that your opening paragraph hooks your readers

Instead of beginning your opening paragraph by stating the topic of your personal essay, such as your relationship with your mother, it’s well worth describing a specific memory, which you’ll elaborate on in the main text of your essay. As an example, if your personal essay focuses on a difficult relationship with your mother, you may want to start your introduction off by vividly describing the first time you can recall clashing with your mother.

Regardless of what story you plan on telling, it’s well worth mentioning each of your story’s key characters in your opening paragraph.

Make sure that your writing “voice” is personable and engaging

When it comes to writing a personal essay, there’s no need to use the tone of a serious academic. As your readers will relate to your story better if they feel a personal connection to you. So don’t be afraid to use a conversational tone of writing, that mimics the way you’d speak to a close friend or family member.

Also, ensure to write your essay in first person. As an example, instead of referring to yourself by your given name, feel free to use the term “I”.

Describe the events in your essay vividly 

When it comes to describing past events in your personal essay, make sure to vividly describe each event, so that your readers can imagine themselves being in your shoes. As an example, if your essay talks about a difficult relationship with your mother, you may want to begin a segment about a clash you remember by commenting that is was an unusually hot day or that it was the morning of your 8th birthday. These extra details will help your readers become invested in your story. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to open up a new document or put pen to paper, in order to start crafting your first personal essay!