#Shelfies are the new #selfies, right? They’re a way to express your personality in one small snap. Just like playful hairstyles and experimental makeup, you can continually switch them up depending on your mood. And just like the selfie, perfecting them ain’t easy! In fact, building your library of books and compiling a collection of curated items requires a lot of patience. But no matter where you are in your shelfie game, remember these three rules and you’ll have a perfectly styled bookshelf every time.
Here are three tips to getting it right:
#1: Horizontal x Vertical Books. Shelves should start with books, but mix up the way you display them. Try piling them horizontally or flipping the spines to face inward as well as keeping some standing vertical.
#2: Remember the 1:1 Ratio. For every stack of books, add an object. It could be anything: a candle, brass box, pretty collection of rocks, that awesome “thing” you couldn’t not buy at last month’s flea market. This is the best way to break up the ‘boxy library look’.
#3: Create Curated Character. The more your personality shows in your shelfie, the better! Add black and white photos of your grandparents as strapping, young lads. Display your vintage toy car collection. How about that piece of drift wood you picked up in Tulum? The quirky things that make you you, give your shelfie just as much character!
And here are 12 no-fail objects that’ll elevate your shelfie game in no time! Seriously, every shelfie should have these on display:
GET YOUR SHOP ON
> 1. Brass Sculpture > 2. Coexist Globe > 3. Na Nin Candle Landslide > 4. Saal Wood Pyramids > 5. Brass Planter > 6. Menu Concrete Lamp > 7. Petrified Wood Bookends > 8. Collection of Parchment Books > 9. Saikai Pound Door Stopper > 10. Black Footed Ceramic Bowl > 11. Small Gold Bowl > 12. Antique Brass + Glass Boxes
For more stellar styling inspiration, you’ll want to peruse this Pinterest board!
image 1 via Apartment Therapy // 2 via Smitten Studio // 3 via My Domaine // 4 via Home Adore // 5 via Broste Copenhagen // 6 via My Dubio // 7 via Lonny // 8 via Style Me Pretty
Do you want to make extra money by renting out your storage space? This Neighbor Review will show you how it works and how much money you can make.
Are you looking for a way to make some extra money with the unused space that you have?
Neighbor.com is a platform where you can rent out your space to those who are looking to store their stuff, such as boxes of their belongings, furniture, and even their cars.
You can rent out your driveway, garage, closet, and more on Neighbor.com. It’s like Airbnb, but specifically for storage.
You’re not hosting any people and no one is spending the night. Just their stuff!
By becoming a host on Neighbor, you can make passive income from the space that you are not currently using.
The Neighbor website is easy to use, and you can list your space and get started today.
Click here to learn more about Neighbor.com and sign up.
If you are interested in renting out your unused space on Neighbor.com and making extra money, please continue reading my Neighbor Review below.
Quick summary:
Neighbor is a platform for renting your unused storage space to make extra money.
You can earn $100 to $400+ each month. This depends on demand in your area and the type of storage you are renting out.
As a Neighbor host, you get to choose who, what, and when things are stored.
Neighbor Review
What is Neighbor.com?
Neighbor.com is a platform that offers an alternative to self-storage. Neighbor connects people who have extra space (such as an unused closet) with those who need to store their stuff.
Neighbor was started in 2017 by Colton Gardner, Joseph Woodbury, and Preston Alder, and is based in Lehi, Utah. The Neighbor platform is available on both iOS and Android devices, allowing you to easily manage your rented spaces via the app and online.
You can rent out your garage, driveway, parking lot, basement, bedroom, shed, warehouse, carport, closet, attic, street parking spot, unpaved lot, and more.
As a self-storage alternative, Neighbor.com helps you make passive income by renting out extra space in your home.
In short, Neighbor.com offers a modern and efficient way for you to earn extra income by renting out the unused spaces in your home, while providing an accessible and cost-effective storage solution for others who need to store their stuff.
How much money can you make from the Neighbor app?
With the Neighbor app, your earnings depend on the demand and supply for storage space in your area.
Some places will have much higher demand than others, and you may be able to charge more for your storage space. And, the opposite may be true as well – there may not be much demand and due to that you may have to lower your storage rates.
You can make anywhere from $100 to $400 per month or more for renting out your space. The more desirable your available space is, the higher your potential earnings.
Some types of storage will earn you more money. I did a quick search and I found someone near where I currently am, and they are renting out indoor storage that is climate controlled for $1,000 a month that is big enough to fit a large RV, along with whatever else you want to store.
Why would a person store their stuff at a stranger’s home?
This is a great question. Why would a person want to store their stuff at your house instead of just going to a traditional storage facility?
Renters like to use Neighbor.com because it is an alternative to traditional storage units.
With Neighbor, that have more options, and it may be more convenient for them to store their stuff at your place. There’s no paperwork for them either, and it can all be done through an easy app.
Plus, many traditional storage facilities may be full and even have a waitlist (I have needed to store my RV in the past and many times the waitlist is years long, for example.
How Does Neighbor Storage App Work?
The Neighbor platform is easy to use.
The Neighbor Storage App connects people who have available storage space with those looking for a place to store their items. If you have unused space, you can list it on the platform, and if you need extra storage, you can search for suitable options nearby.
The Neighbor app allows you to list your space, set your price, and collect monthly rent. Communication between hosts and renters is all done through the app as well.
As a Neighbor host, you’ll need to create a listing on the Neighbor website for the storage space that you are wanting to rent out. You’ll give them details about the space, such as the size, type (is it a driveway or shed?), location (what town are you in?), and any specific requirements for potential renters. You should take pictures of the space too, as they can help a renter determine if the space is good for them or not.
After you’ve created your storage space listing and received a booking request, you can talk with the renter through the Neighbor app.
Once the booking is confirmed, you’ll coordinate with each other to have the belongings moved into the storage space. The platform also offers built-in tools for tracking and managing rental agreements, so that the transaction is easy for both hosts and renters.
Signing up and getting started with Neighbor is simple:
Download the Neighbor app or visit their website
Create a free account
If you’re hosting storage space, set up your listing with details and images
If you’re renting, search for suitable storage options and send booking requests
Communicate with your match and finalize arrangements
The steps to make money on Neighbor.com
To make money on Neighbor.com, follow these simple steps:
Create an account: Sign up for a free account on Neighbor.com using your email address, phone number, and basic personal information.
List your space: Provide details about the available space you want to rent out, including the dimensions, type of space (e.g. closet, attic, garage), and any unique features or restrictions. Upload clear, high-quality photos of the space to attract potential renters.
Set your price: Determine a competitive monthly rent for your listed space. You are in control of the price, so consider factors such as location, size, and demand in your area. Keep in mind that Neighbor.com will take a small percentage of your earnings as a service fee.
Review and accept bookings: Renters will send you booking requests for your storage space. Review their profiles and accept bookings from those who meet your requirements. You can even talk with potential renters through the Neighbor platform if you have any questions or concerns.
Get your storage space ready: Before the renter moves their belongings in, ensure your storage space is clean and easily accessible.
Maintain communication: Keep in touch with your renters throughout the rental duration. If they have any questions, make sure to get back to them in a timely manner. For the most part, it is fairly passive income, so you won’t normally need to talk very often.
Receive payments: After a successful booking, Neighbor.com will handle the payment process for you and they collect the rental earnings directly from the customer for you. Rent is collected monthly and automatically deposited into your chosen bank account or PayPal.
As you can see, it is easy to make passive income with Neighbor.com.
The types of storage you can rent on Neighbor.com
There are many different types of storage space that you can rent out on Neighbor.com.
Some common storage options you can rent on Neighbor.com include:
Garage: Renters may need to store a vehicle in your garage. This can be for reasons such as going on a long vacation, needing to temporarily free up space in their driveway, and more. They may even store furniture or other equipment. Garages are in demand because they can protect belongings from bad weather and also help keep items safe from theft.
Storage space: Smaller spaces within a house, such as closets, cabinets, or attics, can be rented out for storing smaller items or boxes that don’t require a large area. Neighbor even says that you can rent out a shelf in your home!
Driveway: For those in need of a place to park their cars, boats, or RVs, renting a driveway can be an affordable and convenient choice.
Shed: Outdoor sheds are perfect for storing gardening tools, bikes, or other items that can withstand the elements.
Things To Think About Before Renting Out Your Storage Space
To become a host on Neighbor.com, there are some things that you will want to think about.
Space Requirements – To become a host with Neighbor, all you need to do is clear a space in your property. Think about what you have available, even if that means that you may have to clear out some room and shuffle some of your belongings around. Remember, the more attractive and functional the space, the higher the chances of attracting renters.
Responsibilities – Your main responsibility as a host is to provide a safe and secure space for renters to store their belongings. You will want to keep the area clean and safe for a renter. You will also need to communicate with renters to coordinate pick-up and drop-off times, and answer any questions that they may have.
Liability coverage – To give you peace of mind, Neighbor offers liability coverage for hosts up to $1,000,000. In case a renter’s belongings are damaged or lost under your care, you won’t be held liable for the damages.
Identity Verification – For the safety and security of both hosts and renters, Neighbor requires all users to verify their identity when signing up. This process entails providing your legal name, date of birth, and proof of identity, such as your driver’s license. By verifying your identity, this creates a safer community.
Theft Protection – You should take measures to protect the items stored on your property, such as using locks or installing security cameras. Also, renters’ items are covered up to $25,000 in case of theft.
Managing Renters and Payments
Neighbor strives to provide a safe and secure platform for hosts and renters. When a potential renter expresses interest in your space, you have the chance to review their profile and approve or deny the request.
Once a renter is approved, Neighbor handles all the payments by charging the renter’s debit card monthly and depositing the funds directly into your bank account.
Payment Methods
Neighbor offers various payment methods for both hosts and renters. As a host, you will receive your earnings via direct deposit to your bank account.
Renters can pay for their storage space using a credit card, debit card, or other supported payment methods.
Service Fees
Neighbor charges a service fee of 4.9% + $0.30 on each payment from the renter.
So, if your rental fee is $100, then Neighbor will withhold $5.20 as their service charge, and you will receive the remaining amount ($94.80).
Refund Policy
Neighbor does have a refund policy and cancellation policy. This means that a customer can decide not to store their stuff at your home.
In case a renter decides to cancel the contract before moving in, they might be eligible for a full refund depending on the timing. However, if a renter cancels after moving items into your space, they may only receive a partial refund, depending on the remaining paid rental period.
Insurance and Liability Protection
As a platform for storing strangers stuff in your home, you probably have questions about safety and security.
Neighor offers insurance for both hosts and renters, protecting you from potential losses due to theft or damage. As a host, you’re eligible for a $1 million host guarantee, giving you peace of mind when you’re sharing your space with others.
As a renter, Neighbor provides a $25,000 protection plan (their rental guarantee) for your stored items as well.
Prohibited Items and Restrictions
Now, you are probably wondering – “But what if someone wants to store things that I am not okay with?”
This makes complete sense, as you, of course, don’t want someone storing illegal drugs or garbage in your home, of course.
To maintain a secure environment for everyone using the platform, Neighbor has set guidelines on prohibited items and restrictions. Keep in mind that certain items are not allowed to be stored in Neighbor storage spaces.
Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:
Hazardous materials
Explosives
Pesticides
Firearms and ammunition
Illegal drugs
Waste
Animals
Perishable goods
Are Neighbor.com reviews positive?
Neighbor has received many reviews on Trustpilot, which have been a mix of both positive and negative reviews.
Some reviewers write about the excellent service they have received by renting out their space on Neighbor, while I did see some negative reviews with specific Neighbor hosts, for example.
Also, some people have had good experiences as renters and hosts, while others have faced issues with billing and customer service.
Common Questions About Neighbor.com Storage
If you have more questions about renting out your unused space on Neighbor.com, please read the FAQs below.
Is Neighbor.com legitimate?
Yes, Neighbor.com is a legitimate company that connects people looking for storage space with those who have extra space available.
It is a peer-to-peer marketplace, where hosts can list their garage, spare bedroom, attic, basement, driveway, or any other space that someone else can use to store their belongings.
Is Neighbor safe to use?
Yes, Neighbor is safe to use for both renters and hosts. The platform gives $1,000,000 in liability coverage for hosts and $25,000 in insurance coverage for renters.
Plus, they have a prohibited items list, so that can help protect you as well.
Are the fees on Neighbor reasonable?
Neighbor does charge a fee. This is because they have created a platform to make sharing your storage space easy.
As a host, Neighbor charges a 4.9% processing fee and $0.30 for every reservation. For renters, there is around a 15% service charge in addition to the rental price.
How does payment work?
On Neighbor, renters pay through the platform, and hosts receive their payments directly from Neighbor. This ensures a secure transaction for both parties, with agreed-upon terms.
Is Neighbor.com BBB accredited?
Neighbor.com is not currently BBB accredited. However, BBB accreditation does not guarantee a better experience or whether a company is legitimate or real.
Can I make money with Neighbor? Is Neighbor a good way to make money?
Yes, you can make money with Neighbor by renting out your extra space to others who need storage. As a host, you set the price for your space, and the platform helps connect you with potential renters.
You can make anywhere from $100 to $400 per month or more in passive income for renting out your space.
Related: 30 Best Money Making Apps
Neighbor Review – Is the Neighbor app worth it?
If you are looking to make passive income, then renting out your unused storage space on Neighbor.com may be something that you are interested in.
To understand how Neighbor.com works, think of it as an Airbnb of storage; you offer your spare storage space (garage, basement, shed, etc.) for renters as temporary storage units without having to deal with the work of hosting guests.
Instead, you are just storing their stuff and then they leave! So, all you need to do is clear out a space for them to put their belongings.
For hosts, one of the main positives of using the Neighbor app is how easy the website makes everything. As a host, you can list your storage space with a description, pictures, and price. You can also decide on the length of time you want to rent it out – whether it’s for a month, a few months, or even longer.
For renters, the Neighbor app provides an affordable and/or convenient alternative to traditional storage units. Renters can browse listings and find storage spaces near their location that fit what they are looking for. Once they find a storage space that they are interested in, they can rent it from you and start storing their items.
Neighbor does charge a fee for using their website, but they are relatively low. As a host, you set the price for your storage space and the platform takes a small commission from the rent you receive for the convenience of using the Neighbor platform.
If you have an unused storage space and are looking to earn some passive income, the Neighbor app can definitely help you make some extra money.
Click here to learn more about Neighbor.com and sign up.
Would you rent out your extra space? Why or why not? What other questions would you like me to answer in this Neighbor Review?
Your passport book is nearing its expiration date or perhaps full of stamps, and you need to renew it. Or maybe you’re applying for your first passport.
In either case, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) has procedures in place for a passport application or renewal. To avoid having your application rejected, you must follow the directions to a T, including those for taking your passport photo.
Obviously, you want to look nice for your photo, but are you allowed to wear makeup?
Here’s what you need to know about passport picture requirements, plus tips to achieve the best results in front of the camera.
Passport photo makeup allowances
Wearing makeup in a passport photo is not against the official rules set by the DOS.
However, there are several unwritten rules about wearing makeup in passport photos, and you’ll want to follow them to help ensure your photo and application is accepted.
Tips for wearing makeup in a passport photo
Your skin tone must look natural
Your passport photo must reproduce skin tone accurately, so we don’t recommend using a foundation that is too light or too dark for your skin tone.
Additionally, using self-tanner or skin-lightening products right before taking the photo is not advised. You don’t want your everyday look to depart drastically from your passport photo when going through immigration.
If possible, use a translucent foundation that looks natural and doesn’t dramatically alter your skin.
Use products with no or low sun protection factor (SPF)
High SPF products, such as sunscreen, primer, foundation or facial powder, can cause a white cast on your face when a flash is used. We recommend using no- or low-SPF base products to avoid looking pale or shiny when wearing makeup for a passport photo.
Additionally, apply a setting powder to absorb excess oil and give your skin a matte texture.
Go easy on the contouring
If your everyday makeup ritual includes contouring, we recommend doing a light contour with a big fluffy brush to avoid a drastic change to your face. You don’t want to go overboard here and use a dark shade.
Using bronzer and neutral-color blush to balance out your face shape are perfectly fine.
Don’t draw on your eyebrows
Your brows frame your face, and changing their shape can change your look entirely. You may want to use a brow gel with a tint for more definition, but it’s not recommended that you change their shape.
Instead of drawing on eyebrows, stick to enhancing what’s already there. Your passport lasts 10 years, and you want the photo to look like you until it expires.
Don’t apply fake lashes
To keep your eyes looking natural, apply mascara to your natural eyelashes and don’t use fake lashes for your passport photo.
Additionally, if you usually wear cat eye eyeliner, we recommend doing a small wing close to your natural lash line instead of an exaggerated wing.
Passport picture requirements in the U.S.
The DOS has published a list of passport photo requirements for first-time applicants as well as mail renewals.
Here are the guidelines for passport photos:
Submit one color photo, taken in the last six months.
Use a clear image without filters.
Have someone take your photo or use a tripod. Selfies aren’t accepted.
Take off your glasses.
Stand in front of a white or off-white background without shadows, texture or lines.
The Department also provides some photo examples of acceptable and unacceptable photos.
Acceptable passport photos include:
Clear, color photos that are properly exposed and reproduce accurate skin tones.
The head is centered, and the photo is of the right size (2 inches x 2 inches).
Photo is sharp without any visible pixels or printer dots.
Applicant is facing the camera with a neutral face expression.
A child’s eyes are open and facing the camera (unless it’s a newborn).
Unacceptable passport photos include:
Applicant is wearing glasses.
Background is cropped out with the help of photo editing software, altering the outline of the head, face and neck.
Applicant is wearing a hat (coverings worn for religious or medical purposes are allowed).
Applicant is wearing a uniform or camouflage attire.
Can I take my own passport photo?
You can take a passport photo at multiple locations, including at a photo vendor, such as CVS or Walgreens, or a passport acceptance facility.
You also can ask a family member or a friend to take a photo for you, as long as it fits the requirements. As a reminder, you can’t take a selfie, but yes, you can take your own passport photo.
Passport picture requirements don’t forbid makeup
Ready for your close-up?
If you’d like to wear makeup in a passport photo, feel free to do so, but remember to keep your look as natural as possible. The last thing you want is to get your photo rejected when applying for a passport or attract unnecessary attention from an immigration official in an already-stressful situation, even if all your paperwork is in order.
In any case, the goal is to capture a timeless look to last you as long as the passport is valid.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:
Last Updated: May 26, 2023 BY Michelle Schroeder-Gardner – 60 Comments
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Hey everyone! I hope you all had a great weekend.
We didn’t do a whole lot, but it was a nice relaxing weekend.
Our good friends (W has been good friends with the guy since first grade) are getting married this Friday and decided to plan a quick wedding so we have a lot to do this week to get ready for that and it’ll be a lot of fun!
I booked our engagement photography last week. She takes great photos and I’ve been stalking her wedding website and Facebook for years now so I’m glad I was able to book with her! We are of course taking our engagement photos with our dogs too and I’m really looking forward to it. W is really not looking forward to taking photos. Anyone else had this problem? I feel like I can’t convince him to do this at all haha. I’ve already paid though and it’s $400 for the engagement photos so he will for sure be coming.
Lately I’ve been talking a lot about how we want a new house. We figured that until we actually find the house and are 100% about to buy, then we really need to be doing little things around our house until then to prepare and not be overwhelmed at one time. Also, why not make our house perfect for while we’re leaving here? So we have a long list of things that we need to do. This past weekend I cleaned out my closet and had 2 large trash bags full of garbage to throw away. And this was pure trash: receipts, plastic bags, tags, paper, etc.
This upcoming weekend I plan on de-cluttering everything and getting rid of clothes in my closet. Hopefully I can actually get rid of some clothes and possibly make some extra money too!
So, quick question for all of you:What thing around your house did you improve before you tried selling it? I’m looking for all tips as we want to sell our house for as much as we can and also as quickly as we can. I have a long post dedicated to this in the future but am wondering if there’s anything that I’m leaving out!
I paid off one of my student loans, and it was my only private student loan! Back in 2007 I took out the loan and it totaled $6,000. I paid off the rest the other day and it looks like I accidentally overpaid by $0.01! It’s a nice feeling and I never honestly thought that eliminating student loans would be this exhilarating haha.
Spending
I don’t think we bought anything in the past week, at least nothing that I can think of. We have been doing really good with this and I’m proud. I guess you could of course count for engagement photography that I paid for, but I did budget for that awhile ago.
Also, we have some major expenses coming up. We are paying for W’s parents to go on a vacation. It’s going to be a present to them for being such great people and we’re really hoping that they enjoy it. We’ve saved up for quite some time and are covering the airfare and all-inclusive hotel. I don’t think they’ve ever been to the Caribbean so I’m super excited for them!
Extra Income (does not include salary from our jobs)
I received $823 in payments in the past week. Still waiting on some more payments so I hope they come through soon.
Affiliate income is still my number 1 goal right now. I’m really working on that and hopefully it’ll be around 50% or more of my total extra income each month. Eventually though, my new side hustle will completely take over and hopefully become a larger part of my income. This side hustle will eventually take up a ton of time.
I wish I could tell you guys more! A couple of you asked me if it’s related to blogging, and it’s not at all. It is not related to writing, blogging, advertising, etc. Something completely new! If anyone wants to guess, I’ll take all guesses and confess if someone actually does come up with the right answer. And, if you already know what the new plan is, please don’t tell! I already told a couple of you. 🙂
Food
We haven’t had a meal plan in forever, but we have been doing great with eating at home. We made dinner 5 days last week. The two days that we did eat out were super cheap. Thankfully our 2 favorite restaurants are right next door to each other and just right down the street. They are both super cheap and we spent a total of $35 on going out to restaurants to eat. That’s pretty cheap to me, less than $20 for each night!
We want to continue to eat in as much as we can. We have really enjoyed it. We have more time to relax and hang out since we aren’t in a busy restaurant.
Wedding
As I said above, we booked our engagement photography to be done. We’re not taking them until May because we want everything to be blooming and colorful. Our photos will be a start park with lots of great hiking and pretty cliffs. Sounds like a disaster once you mix heels, dresses and 2 dogs but oh well 🙂
Being healthy
Having the treadmill in our basement has been great so far. I’ve run on it three times in the past week and it’s been great. I’m going to try and at least fit in a couple of miles here and there whenever I have 10 or 20 minutes to spare also.
How’s your spending, working out and extra income going?
Whether you’re furnishing a new house or redecorating an old one, you’ll soon discover that good furniture can cost you. Luckily, just because your budget is tight, it doesn’t mean you have to skip on style. We’ve pulled together a list of some of the most affordable (and stylish) furnishings at one of the most affordable stores: Target! Click through to see our picks.
Photo: target.com
Sneaky Storage
There’s a lot to like about multifunctional furniture, no matter the size of your home. Of course, there’s no shortage of clever, double-duty designs out there on the market, but the classic storage bench remains a top favorite. Indeed, it may be the single most versatile piece you can own. With a modern construction and rich vegan leather upholstery, this one from Target offers hide-away storage for countless home accessories under its padded, lift-off top, even while serving as a seat for extra guests, a spot to at the foot of the bed, or a decorative touch in your hallway. Get it at Target for $292.49 (Save $97.50);
Related: 12 Double-Duty Products You Never Saw Coming
Stand Apart
Photo: target.com
It’s a testament to the utility of the TV stand that it remains as popular as ever, despite the rise of flat-screens. That’s likely because, even if you take the time or spend the money to mount your flat-screen on the wall, you still need a way to store everything that goes along with it—components like the cable box, say, or your collection of music and movies. It all fits easily and neatly into a TV stand like this one. Boasting a built-in cabinet plus two tiers of shelf space, the streamlined design makes for a fine focal point in your den or family room. Get it at Target for $107.99 (Save $12).
Related: 9 Smarter Spots for the TV
De-Clutter Your Space
Too much stuff, not enough storage space—it’s an all-too-common problem. An untidy room can leave you feeling disgruntled and distracted, but many homes don’t have sufficient cupboards and closets to hide excess clutter. This six-cube organizer shelf from Target provides an easy and practical solution. Made of paper laminate, the shelf is highly customizable and easy to assemble. Hide your items with fabric drawers (like the 11″ ones from Cubeicals), or display them against a wooden back panel. Get it at Target for $35
Related: 11 Best Buys to Make Your Small Home Feel Big
Photo: target.com
Modern Seating
As formal dining rooms become less common, people are searching for ways to style a casual dining table. One solution: replace a couple of chairs with benches, like this one from Target. The simple and charming piece of furniture comfortably seats two, and the warm wood finish gives off a rustic countryside feeling. Plus, the sturdy bench isn’t limited to the eating area; place it against the wall for instant seating in any area of your house. Get it at Target for $76.99.
Related: 11 Types of Furniture That Are Going Extinct
End to End
Photo: target.com
If something feels “off” in your room, your accent furniture (or lack of it) may be to blame. To adorn an under-decorated living room or den, try adding a simple end table like this one from Room Essentials. Set alongside a plush couch or chair, the table adds warmth and functionality to any space. Plus, because its base doubles as a second shelf, you’ll transform wasted floor space into working storage. Get it at Target for $32
Related: 11 Totally Unexpected Uses for IKEA Furniture
A Step Up
Photo: target.com
Once relegated to the dark corners of the garage, metal shelving is finally coming home—and with a whole new look. For a stylish take on a storage classic, add this 3-tiered version to your living room, dining room, or entryway. The generous shelves are deep enough to house your book collection and put prized family photos on display—and since it’s a mix of metal and wood, this handy shelving unit will serve up storage for years to come. Get it at Target for $86.99 (Save $73)
Related: 18 Clever Storage Solutions You Can DIY for Free
Shelf Life
Photo: target.com
Apartment dwellers and homeowners alike struggle with the spaces so small that it’s a question of storage versus square footage. Simply adding any old side table or bookshelf could add more clutter than order! The near-invisible profile of this three-tier shelf from Convenience Concepts takes up hardly any floor space visually, though, thanks to its sleek and primarily tempered glass design. And at just over 24 inches tall, 18 inches wide, and 14 inches deep, it tucks easily next to seat—be it a cushioned lounge chair or a toilet—for the extra surface. Get it at Target for $62.99 (Save $7)
Related: The 12 Best Buys for Your Tiny Bathroom
Bar None
Photo: target.com
Stackable and Storable
Photo: target.com
Bedside Convenience
Photo: target.com
Furnishing a child’s room can be surprisingly expensive. That expense only increases over the years, since many parents switch out a child’s furniture as they grow. It’s inevitable that trading a kid’s race car bed for a double mattress will set you back, but there’s no reason to shell out for a pricey bedside table to match. In fact, this simple nightstand from Costway is so versatile that it can match almost any style, and cheap enough that it pays for itself in usefulness by the time your child outgrows it. Get it at Target for $60.99 (Save $40)
Related: 9 Problem-Solvers You Can Snag on Amazon for Under $20
Don’t Miss!
Photo: istockphoto.com
If you have the money to hire a handyman for every household woe, go ahead. But if you want to hang on to your cash and exercise some self-sufficiency, check out these clever products that solve a million and one little problems around the house. Go now!
When Robert submitted this, he advised, “File this under the ‘long and tedious but important’ category. It might need pictures of cats.” So, once again, J.D. has obliged with photos of one of his cats.
Want to have more money and pay less in taxes? It’s easy! Just call this number and send in your three easy payments of — no, wait. Actually, all you have to do is learn a little about asset location. No, not asset allocation — asset location: deciding which assets should go in which accounts. A recent surge of Roth assets, thanks to the increasing availability of the Roth 401(k) and the wave of conversions that occurred last year, makes this a particularly timely topic.
Wait! Don’t leave! Though a little tedious, this is an important subject.
To understand asset location, you need to remember that most investors have accounts that receive different tax treatment, such as the following:
A traditional tax-deferred account, like a traditional IRA or traditional 401(k): Contributions may be tax-deductible, and the investment growth and income isn’t taxed until money is withdrawn. Those withdrawals will be taxed as ordinary income — the highest tax rate most Americans pay. It ranges from 10% to 35%.
A Roth IRA or Roth 401(k): Contributions aren’t tax-deductible, but withdrawals are tax-free (as long as you follow the rules).
A taxable, non-retirement account: The taxation of an account that isn’t an IRA or employer-sponsored retirement account (e.g., a 401(k)) varies. Interest from bonds and CDs as well as short-term capital gains are taxed as ordinary income, but qualified stock dividends and long-term capital gains are taxed at lower rates, currently between 0% and 15%.
Studies have shown that making the right choices about which investments belong in which accounts can increase an investor’s after-tax wealth by 15% to 20% over a lifetime. So what are those “right choices”? They can be summed up by five basic rules.
Rule #1: Keep Taxable Bonds and Certificates of Deposit in Tax-Deferred Accounts
If you hold these investments outside of a traditional IRA or 401(k), the interest is fully taxable at ordinary income rates. You essentially hand over a good portion of the return each year to Uncle Sam and Sister State, leaving less to grow through the years.
Rule #2: Consider Keeping Bonds With Tax Advantages in Taxable Accounts
Some bonds have their own built-in tax advantages. Treasuries are exempt from state and local taxes, and municipal bonds can be exempt from all taxes — federal, state, and local. If you place muni bonds in a traditional IRA, however, you lose the tax advantages.
Unless you live in a state with high taxes, it likely still makes sense for you to hold your Treasuries in your tax-deferred account, especially if you’re years away from retirement. However, it rarely makes sense to buy municipal bonds in your tax-advantaged retirement accounts. The only exception is if you’re buying bonds that are trading below par value (the price at which they were originally issued) and you expect the price to rise, leading to a capital gain. While the interest from government-issued bonds might have tax benefits, a capital gain — for example, the $100 profit you made if you bought the bond at $850 and sold it later for $950 — is fully taxable if held outside of an IRA or 401(k).
Hold off the tax man by putting the right investments in the right accounts.
Rule #3: In Taxable Accounts, Favor Stocks With Little to No Dividends and Those You’ll Hold for Many Years
Let’s say two investors put $50,000 in the exact same stock and hold it for a decade. The stock doesn’t pay a dividend and earns an average of 8% annually. Investor A holds the stock in his traditional IRA, and Investor B holds it in her taxable brokerage account. A decade later, here’s the value of each account and the taxes each investor has paid through the years (at this point, they haven’t sold the stock yet):
Investor A holds the stock in a traditional IRA. The pre-tax value of the account is $107,946 and Investor A has paid no taxes on the gain — yet.
Investor B holds the stock in a taxable brokerage account. The pre-tax value of the account is $107,946, and Investor B has paid no taxes on the gain — yet.
Surprise! The values of the investments and the taxes paid (i.e., none) are exactly the same, even though Investor B held the stock in a “taxable” account. That’s because when you buy and hold stocks, especially ones that pay little to no dividends, you have built-in tax deferral.
But what happens when these investors sell their stocks to spend the proceeds in retirement? Assuming they’re both in the 25% tax bracket, Investor A will have to pay a 25% tax rate on everything he withdraws from the IRA, whereas Investor B will pay just a 15% long-term capital gains rate — and only on the profit. If they each liquidated the investment and withdrew the cash from the accounts:
Investor A would pay $26,987 in taxes and have $80,960 remaining.
Investor B would pay $8,692 in taxes and have $99,254 remaining.
As if more after-tax wealth weren’t enough, there are other benefits to holding equities in your taxable account:
If shares drop below what you paid for them, you can harvest the losses by selling the shares and using the capital loss to reduce taxes. Of course, you can do that with any type of investment, but stocks present more opportunities since they’re more volatile.
If you hold dividend-paying foreign stocks in your taxable account, you can claim the foreign tax credit for any taxes assessed by the country in which your stock is headquartered. However, you can’t claim the credit if you hold the stock in an IRA or 401(k).
Investments in a taxable account receive a stepped-up cost basis upon the owner’s death. Say a person buys stock for $10,000, and its value grows to $50,000. When he dies, this person bequeaths the stock to his daughter. Her new cost basis will be $50,000; she will not owe taxes on the $40,000 of capital appreciation.
A less fatal way to escape paying capital gains taxes is by donating appreciated stock held in a taxable account to a qualified charity. Bonus: The donation can also be deducted on your tax return.
While all these benefits sound good, the tax efficiency of holding equities in a taxable account relies on your buying and holding for years and keeping dividends to a minimum. What do you do for high-yielding stocks or those you trade more frequently? Read on!
Choosing the right accounts lets you keep more of your money.
Rule #4: For Your Roth, Choose High-Growth, Tax-Inefficient Investments
When it comes to deciding what to put in this tax-free account, keep two principles in mind:
Generally speaking, the assets in your Roth should be the last you withdraw in retirement. Studies indicate it’s best to first tap your taxable accounts, then your traditional tax-deferred accounts, and your Roth last.
Which account do you hope will be the biggest when you retire? The one with the best tax advantages, of course. That’s the Roth, since withdrawals are tax-free.
Given those two principles, the ideal investments for your Roth are those that have the greatest return potential, especially if they’re tax-inefficient. Historically, small-cap value stocks have posted the highest returns, and because of their generally higher turnover and higher dividends, the mutual funds that invest in that sector are among the most tax-inefficient — so these would be good candidates for a Roth. You could also use the account for any other active-trading strategies or real estate investment trusts, which pay a high yield but have dividends that aren’t eligible for the lower qualified-dividend tax rate.
Also note that Roth assets are the best kind for your heirs to inherit, since they’ll also enjoy tax-free growth. If leaving a legacy is important to you, then the Roth has an investment time horizon that extends beyond your lifetime; thus, it can theoretically hold riskier assets.
Rule #5: Retirement Changes Asset Location a Bit
Once you retire, if you plan to invest in high-yield stocks for the income, it makes sense to hold them outside of a tax-deferred account to take advantage of the lower tax rate on qualified dividends. It’s less important where you hold the bonds that produce interest you plan on spending, since that interest will be taxed as ordinary income no matter what (muni bonds excepted).
When you’re ready to retire, you may want to mix things up a bit.
Remember: It’s Not What You Make, It’s What You Keep
Smart asset location also means you’ll pay fewer taxes. The higher your taxable income, the less likely you are to qualify for certain tax breaks. Also, once you begin receiving Social Security, the more you earn, the more likely your benefits will be taxed, and the more likely you’ll pay higher Medicare premiums.
So while paying attention to your asset location won’t double your portfolio overnight, it will pay off for decades to come — perhaps even after you’ve headed off to the Antiques Roadshow beyond the pearly gates.
Asset Location at a Glance
Here’s a quick summary of which investments to keep in which accounts:
Roth accounts: Small-cap stocks; REITs; active-trading stock strategies; high-turnover and/or high-yielding funds, especially if they have above-average growth potential.
Traditional tax-deferred accounts: Corporate bonds; Treasuries (especially TIPS); high-yielding and slower-growth stocks; diversified commodities funds; investments listed in the Roth category above if your Roth accounts aren’t very big or you don’t have a Roth.
Taxable, non-tax-advantaged accounts: Low- or non-yielding stocks you plan to hold for several years (decades, even); low-turnover stock funds (e.g., many index funds and ETFs as well as “tax-managed” funds); municipal bonds; U.S. government savings bonds or I-bonds; maybe Treasuries if escaping state income taxes is important to you.
Note: This article uses current federal tax rates, which will continue through 2012. Tax law will certainly be different a few years from now, but I think it’s a good bet that some current principles — such as long-term capital gains rates will be lower than ordinary income rates, and that municipal bonds will have tax advantages — will continue.
In rearranging our loft to make way for little Carter, I may have given up the Apartment 34 Studio space, but I definitely still needed somewhere to work! We also still needed a spot for guests to stay. And I dreamt about how nice it would be to have a little quiet retreat to escape to…So to the upstairs I went. What was once our bedroom has now been transformed from this….
To THIS!
The first thing I did after our bed headed downstairs was paint the walls white! The lofted room only has 7ft ceilings so I needed to do something to make the space feel as expansive as possible. I’ve been a sucker for Benjamin Moore White 01 paint for quite some time. It’s the perfect soft white. It’s amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do for you!
While the upstairs feels much bigger now, actual square footage is still very limited so I had to hunt out as many space-saving solutions as I could. The first score was my adorable mid-century inspired desk. It’s just big enough to hold my computer and that’s all I really need. Sure, I loved all my gorgeous office accessories, but really, when is the last time you used a stapler – even if it is an acrylic one?!
I also wanted to create a little reading nook for the few spare minutes of relaxation I can grab between naps, so a set of picture rail shelves now serve as my magazine rack + place to display personal photos. I love how I can swap out titles to completely change the look. Two black and white botanic art prints from Buddy Editions, framed beautifully by Simply Framed add a nice contrast to the neutral color palette. They really ground the space. Carter also likes to come up and hang out with mama while she may or may not be catching up on email!
All in all, I’m really pleased with how this room turned out. It’s mult-functional, it maximizes every available square inch and just feels inviting. Now the husband often has to go looking for me because I’m tucked away up here!
If you missed the rest of the loft makeover, check it out right HERE.
home office resources: west elm floor lamp // west elm mid-century mini desk // gold speckled cowhide rug // american leather sleeper sofa // jessie balck throw pillows // simply framed custom frames // buddy edition art prints // gap bag as basket // pottery barn kids activity gym // heath ceramics bud vase // diptyque candle
original photography for apartment 34 by aubrie pick
Inside: Do you have any ideas for things to do that are both fun and relaxing? This what do you do for fun guide has suggestions for answers. When asked by the interviewer, you will be prepared.
We all know the feeling. You’re at a networking event, or perhaps on a first date, and someone asks you the inevitable question:
What do you do for fun?
Your mind goes blank. You can’t think of anything interesting to say, so you mumble something about watching TV and call it a night.
Don’t worry, we’ve all been there.
However, when you are interviewing for a new job, you need to nail the sometimes awkward question.
So, the next time this happens, try one of these 13 conversation-starting responses:
How do you answer what I do for fun?
Answering the question “What do you do for fun?” during an interview is important because it provides insight into your personality and whether you would fit in with the company culture.
To answer the question effectively, it’s important, to be honest and showcase your unique interests and passions.
One way to answer is by discussing a hobby that relates to the job or demonstrates valuable skills.
Another option is to talk about a hobby that showcases your personality or values.
You could discuss a recent experience or accomplishment that you’re proud of, showing your drive and dedication.
In any case, be sure to keep your answer professional and engaging, while highlighting what makes you stand out as a candidate.
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How to Answer “What do you do for Fun” in an Interview
“What do you do for fun?” is a question that can throw many job seekers into a loop during an interview.
It’s not always easy to answer, especially if your hobbies and interests aren’t the most “conventional” or if you don’t have any hobbies at all.
Step 1: Be Honest
It is crucial to be honest when answering the question “What do you do for fun?” in an interview because it shows that you are an honorable candidate.
Being truthful demonstrates integrity, and it is a quality that people value.
Moreover, honesty prevents you from being caught in a lie, which can harm your credibility and chances of getting the job.
It is also vital to keep your answer simple and relevant to the job you are interviewing for. For instance, if you are applying for a position at a sports company, mentioning your interest in sports can make you stand out. However, it is essential to be genuine and not makeup stories to impress the interviewer.
Step 2: Show your passion
When answering the question “What do you do for fun?” in an interview, it’s important to showcase your passion and enthusiasm for the activity.
For example, if you enjoy hiking, you could explain how the beauty of nature and the physical challenge of the activity inspire you.
Additionally, you can mention how this passion translates to your work ethic, such as by demonstrating your dedication and perseverance in achieving your goals.
By highlighting your genuine interests and tying them to your professional skills, you can show the hiring manager that you are a well-rounded and committed individual.
Step 3: Pick one or two things
When answering this question, start by considering your hobbies and interests, then narrow it down to one or two that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Explain why you enjoy these activities and how they’ve helped you develop skills that could be beneficial in the workplace.
Keep your answer concise and enthusiastic, with a friendly tone.
Step 4: Emphasize how this will help you in your job
When it comes to talking about hobbies during a job interview, it’s important to make a connection between your interests and the job you’re applying for. This can demonstrate how your hobbies can be an asset to the company and how they can help you succeed in the role.
For example, if you’re applying for a marketing job and you enjoy painting, you could talk about how your creative skills from painting can be applied to your work. Similarly, if you’re part of a sports team, you could discuss how the teamwork and collaboration skills you’ve developed can translate into being a better team player in the workplace.
It’s also worth mentioning how your hobbies help you decompress and recharge after work. For instance, if you’re applying for a high-stress job, you could talk about how reading helps you unwind and come back to work feeling refreshed.
When mentioning your hobbies, it’s important to be truthful and genuine. Don’t make up interests that you don’t actually have just to impress the interviewer. This can backfire and cost you the job offer.
Step 5: Use necessary details only
For those who love to talk, this tip is for you! Make sure to detail only what the other person may be interested or that will give you a heads up.
Avoid oversharing or rambling by speaking about all of your hobbies.
Avoid cliche responses and discuss specifics about what you like to do for fun with friends or family. Remember to keep your answer positive and to the point, supported with a few brief details.
Step 6: Find common ground
During a job interview, it’s important to find common ground when answering the question “What do you do for fun?” This will help you stand out in the interviewer’s memory and establish a connection with them.
Look for shared interests and use them to your advantage.
If you notice the interviewer wearing a brand of clothing you like or supporting a sports team you also support, mention it and use it as a launching point for your answer.
Be honest and specific about your interests, and showcase any skills or values that you have gained through them.
The 13 best ways to answer “What do you do for fun?”
We all know the feeling.
You’re sitting in an interview, and the interviewer asks you a question that feels like it’s designed to trip you up. For some people, this question is “What do you do for fun?”
Answering this question well can be the difference between nailing the interview and not getting the job.
Here are some ideas to help you answer this possibly awkward question.
1. Start with Hobbies & Interests
When discussing your hobbies, aim to share areas that you are truly interested in and passionate about. This can lead to follow-up interview questions and potentially create a great relationship with the interviewer.
When asked about your hobbies in an interview, it is important to be truthful and genuine about your interests and hobbies outside of work.
It may be helpful to prepare in advance by brainstorming two to three hobbies that you enjoy and can speak passionately about.
If you happen to spot something in the interviewer’s appearance that indicates a shared hobby, such as a Garmin sports watch indicating a love for running or cycling, it can be beneficial to mention your own interest in that activity.
However, even if you do not spot anything obvious, sharing multiple hobbies can improve your chances of connecting with hiring managers.
2. Relate Your Personal Activities to the Job
When it comes to discussing your hobbies and interests during a job interview, it’s important to establish a connection between what you like to do for fun and the job you’re applying for.
This can be done by identifying common skills or attributes that apply to both your hobby and the job. For instance, if you’re an artist applying for a marketing job, you can talk about how your creative skills from painting can help you perform well at work. Similarly, if you’re part of a sports team, you can discuss how the collaboration and teamwork involved in the sport can directly translate into helping you become a better team player at work.
In addition to highlighting the skills and attributes that apply to both your hobby and the job, you can also discuss how your hobby helps you decompress and maintain a work-life balance. If you’re applying for a high-stress job, for instance, you can talk about how a simple hobby like reading helps you unwind and recharge, allowing you to come back to work feeling refreshed.
3. Be a Storyteller – Not the Interviewer
When asked this question, the interviewer wants to get to know your personality and how you communicate with others.
This is an interpersonal skill that will you help you to land the job.
You want to tell an intriguing story, but not go into the details that the other person finds boring. You want to be engaging – that shows your potential employer or date how you will interact with others.
Also, don’t be afraid to ask open-ended questions yourself.
4. Make Sure to Qualify what makes you special
When answering the question “What makes you unique?” during a job interview, it is important to provide a well-rounded view of yourself.
The interviewer wants to know what unique skills you could bring to the team. It is essential to ensure that your answer is positive and to the point.
You should not try to mention all of your interests or list them off.
By highlighting unique activities or lesser-known facts about your interests, you can make yourself stand out in the interviewer’s eyes, and the hobby may become your identifier when the hiring manager is making their decision.
Sample Example Answers to “What do you do for fun”
Here are some examples you can give to the hiring manager or your date:
1. Cook delicious meals
2. Bake goodies for others
3. Spend Time With Friends and Family
4. Get Out in Nature and go hiking, cycling, rock climbing, paddleboarding or skiing.
5. Singing or acting
6. Read for Pleasure
7. Watch Movies or TV Shows
8. Listen to podcasts or watch documentaries
9. Make Art
10. Meditate
11. Take Photos
12. Play Board Games
13. Plant a Garden
14. Listen to Music
15. Volunteer
16. Fishing
What to Avoid in Your Answer
When an interviewer asks you, “What do you do for fun?” this is not an invitation to launch into a list of your hobbies.
It’s actually a behavioral interview question, which is meant to reveal something about your character.
So, make sure you don’t do these things.
1. Avoid Clichés Like “I Like to Keep Busy”
It’s important to avoid clichés like “I like to keep busy” when answering the question “What do you do for fun?” in an interview or social setting because they provide no real information about who you are.
This answer makes it seem like the job or starting a new relationship is not important.
Avoid common clichés like “hanging out with friends” or “spending time with family” as they are too broad and uninteresting.
Choose to share things that you actually do for fun, make a connection where you can, and keep it simple and honest.
2. Don’t Mention Things You Don’t Actually Enjoy Doing
Avoid mentioning activities that you do not actually enjoy doing, as this can come across as insincere and potentially cost you the job.
Additionally, do not avoid the question or give an incomplete answer. Instead, be honest and share 1 or 2 things that you actually do for fun.
If an activity you enjoy relates to the company, mentioning it can make a positive impression.
This is especially true when applying for low stress jobs without a degree.
3. Don’t Be Self-Deprecating
Self-deprecation may make the person answering seem insecure or lacking in confidence. Instead, focusing on positive and confident answers can make a better impression on the interviewer.
It’s important to avoid self-deprecating answers when asked about what you do for fun because they can come across as negative and uninteresting. For example, talking about hobbies or interests that you are passionate about and that showcase your strengths can be a great way to show your personality and skills.
For instance, you might say that you enjoy hiking and exploring new trails in your free time, which demonstrates a sense of adventure and a willingness to take on challenges.
4. Don’t Try to Impress with Your Hobbies
Making up stories or pretending to be interested in something that you’re not can backfire and harm your credibility, self-esteem, and sense of integrity.
Instead, focus on sharing what you actually enjoy doing and tie your hobbies to skills that would fit the job. Even if your hobbies seem mundane to you, they can be extremely interesting to others.
Plus, being authentic and real can help you connect with the other person and avoid any damage control later on.
5. Don’t Include Unrelated Skills
When it comes to talking about hobbies or skills during a job interview, it’s best to tie them to the job you’re applying for. While it’s acceptable to mention hobbies that are not directly related to the job, it’s best to avoid discussing skills that are completely unrelated.
Talking about unrelated skills may give the impression that you’re not truly interested in the job or that you lack the necessary skills for the position.
For example, if you’re applying for a software engineering position, it’s probably not a good idea to talk about your love of painting. While painting may be a great hobby, it doesn’t have much relevance to the job you’re applying for. Instead, you could talk about your interest in coding and how you enjoy working on personal coding projects in your spare time.
6. Don’t Write About Hobbies that Are Too Exotic
Activities that are considered extreme or dangerous can make you appear as a risk to the company, and hobbies that could bring your morals into question, such as partying or drinking or many other things I’m not going to mention in this blog can paint you in a negative light.
It’s important to remember that as an employee, you will be a representative of the company, and any negative view of you could reflect poorly on the company.
Instead, focus on the more interesting and relevant hobbies that showcase your skills and personality.
7. Don’t Use Excuses for Not Having a Hobby
It’s essential to avoid making excuses for not having a hobby when answering the question “What do you do for fun?” during an interview because it can come across as uninteresting or lacking in personality.
However, It’s better, to be honest and admit that you don’t have any particular hobbies than to make up stories that might not be true.
Think of things you would do if you had more time in your day.
Those are your hobbies regardless of how much time you have dedicated in the past days.
Example Answers
Here are some example answers to get you started.
Example 1
One hobby I enjoy doing in my free time is hiking as it is a great way for me to unwind and reconnect with the outdoors. I find it to be a great way to exercise and explore nature.
I love the feeling of being surrounded by trees and fresh air, and the physical challenge of climbing hills and mountains. Once a month, I try to go hiking.
Example 2
One fun activity that I enjoy doing with a group of friends is playing board games. The sound of laughter and friendly banter fills the room as we gather around the table, each armed with our own game piece.
The competitive spirit is alive and well as we try to outwit each other and come out on top. But it’s not just about winning – it’s about spending time together, bonding over shared experiences, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Whether it’s a classic game like Monopoly or a newer favorite like Settlers of Catan, board games provide the perfect opportunity for socializing and having fun with friends.
Example 3
One of my favorite activities to do with friends and family is going on picnics.
I love the feeling of laying out a blanket on a grassy field, surrounded by nature and good company. The sound of laughter and conversations mixed with the rustling of leaves and birds chirping creates a peaceful atmosphere.
Sharing delicious snacks and refreshing drinks while enjoying the scenery and each other’s company brings me immense joy.
FAQ
Adding hobbies to a resume can be beneficial for several reasons. It can give the employer a glimpse into your personality and interests, and can also highlight skills that may be relevant to the job.
When choosing which hobbies to include, it’s important to consider the job you’re applying for and tailor your hobbies accordingly.
For example, if you’re applying for a job in the arts, including hobbies such as painting or sculpture could demonstrate your creative abilities.
Similarly, if you’re applying for a job in a physically demanding field, including hobbies such as hiking or weightlifting could highlight your physical fitness.
Other hobbies that could be relevant to many jobs include volunteering, learning a new language, or participating in team sports.
Overall, the key is to choose hobbies that showcase your skills and interests, while also being relevant to the job you’re applying for.
This is another common question during an interview as it is a sneaky way to see where the person wants to be or plans to be around for a long period of time.
Here is a sample answer:
In five years, I see myself as a successful professional who is making meaningful contributions to my field. I am someone who is respected by my colleagues and clients alike for my expertise and professionalism.
To achieve these goals, I plan to continue learning and growing in my career, taking on new challenges, and seeking out opportunities to develop my skills. I will also prioritize self-care and make time for the people and activities that bring me joy and fulfillment.
Now, What do you Like to do for Fun?
This guide is to help you during an interview, but something you use in other relationships as well.
Honesty is always the best policy.
With these fun ideas, you will be able to answer the interviewer’s questions with ease.
So, the next time someone asks you what you do for fun, you will be able to answer with confidence.
Find ideas for what should I do today.
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Recently, someone visiting an online forum confessed that their whole life had been a lie once they learned that a piton gun like the kind used in the film Cliffhanger that fires climbing pitons directly and securely into the rock does not exist. That brings them to wonder, what other cinematic cliches have misled us? Here are what others volunteered.
1. The Magical Ability to “Enhance” Photos
People unanimously agree that detectives in TV shows where they’re investigating a crime and conveniently have a magical “enhance” button that suddenly produces a high-definition image from what was before a pixelated mess are the biggest TV lie.
However, some people in the thread claim that this technology does exist now, though it wouldn’t be valid for investigation purposes because it relies on software that makes an educated guess to make blurry photos look clearer.
2. Telling the Bartender to “Leave the Bottle.”
How often have you heard “just leave the bottle” in a dramatically somber movie scene where the character is drowning their sorrows? Probably too often, considering it’s entirely made up!
As one person says, “I worked in a bar, and a person can’t just say ‘leave the bottle.’” Yeesh, imagine uttering this line in real life after getting your heart broken, only for the bartender to cringe at you and say, “we don’t do that here.”
3. Cars Automatically Exploding in a Crash
One moviegoer points out that most American action movies involve highly explosive cars that blow up on impact. They explain that this is an annoying trope because cars don’t automatically explode in every crash or fall from a cliff.
As pointed out by another critic, some other funny tropes involving cars in action movies are the idea that people can’t shoot you through a door if you hide behind it and cars explode when you shoot at them.
4. Gun Silencers That Make No Sound
Gun enthusiasts have long parodied the depiction of silencers on film. However, just because something is called a silencer doesn’t mean it silences the blaring sound of a gunshot. An enthusiast pointed out that while silencers exist in real life, they’re wildly misrepresented in cinema, and a second added, “I’ve heard they’re still pretty loud.”
My favorite comment is, “I saw John Wick 2. I know they are silent, and you can have a shootout in a crowded place, and no one will notice.” But, on the other hand, guns are so loud they can cause hearing loss if your ears aren’t adequately protected.
5. Needing to Wait 24-48 Hours to Report a Missing Person
This one is important to discuss because it can have devastating real-life consequences. One individual claims that despite the common trope that you must wait 24 to 48 hours to report a missing person, this is untrue and nothing more than a useful plot device.
A second commenter adds that it’s terrible to think how many people were misled into feeling powerless if a loved one goes missing because they believe they must wait to report it.
6. You Get One Phone Call When Arrested
I wasn’t aware of this, but supposedly you don’t just automatically get one phone call if you’re arrested as they portray in the movies. Someone claims you can inform someone of your detention, but you don’t necessarily do this yourself.
The police can make the call for you, even if the purpose of the call is to get a lawyer. Upon Googling, I discovered the number of phone calls you’re entitled to can vary wildly depending on the jurisdiction and severity of your crime — anywhere from zero to unlimited.
7. Immediately Extracting Bullets From Wounds
Chill out, John McClane. Did you know that immediately extracting bullets from your wounds is a profoundly bad idea? A few commenters pointed out that removing the bullet often makes things worse because the damage is done once the bullet is in there.
People have died from sepsis due to removing bullets from their wounds. Real doctors, one states, often leave the bullet and shrapnel in the body.
8. Chloroform That Instantly Knocks You Out
Another film buff points to the repetitive depiction of characters holding a chloroform-drenched rag up to a person’s mouth to induce unconsciousness instantly. According to one user, even a soaked item in chloroform would take five minutes of inhalation to knock someone out. Understandably though, five minutes of inhaling makes for boring cinema.
9. Extremely Bright Luminol For Crime Scenes
You know those bright neon colors that pop up all over a crime scene in a criminal investigation, revealing blood spatter? As it turns out, this is less luminous or miraculous looking than it is in the movies, as several suggest.
“Wait, what? So it doesn’t light up like a Christmas tree?” This user clarifies that you need a dark room, and you need to wear glasses and use UV light, and it still isn’t as fluorescent as shown in the movies. I know, how disappointing.
10. Splitting a Chain Link Fence By Driving Through It
One movie-watcher loves Horrible Bosses because it parodied the cliche that you can split open a chain link fence by driving through it. You’d, in all likelihood, destroy your car, not the fence.
Source: Reddit.
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My wife and I have been homeowners for nearly twenty years. In that time, we’ve done a lot of home improvement ourselves. But we’ve also learned when it’s best to hand projects to the pros. (To be honest, this is most of the time.) It’s great to be able to do small jobs yourself, but it’s also important to recognize when something’s beyond your ability.
During the past 18+ years, we’ve learned that working with contractors always seems to follow a similar pattern. I’m not sure it has to be like this, but it generally seems to be so. To illustrate our typical experience, I took notes on our most recent repair job. Today I’ll share our tale.
Note: At the recent Financial Blogger Conference, a lot of folks expressed fondness for the Personal Finance Hour, the podcast that I used to do with Jim from Bargaineering. I’ll admit I’d forgotten about it. That was a fun gig. Here’s an episode we did about home improvement.
A Leak in the Roof
In 2004, we bought a hundred-year-old farmhouse on more than half an acre. It’s a lovely place in a park-like setting, but it’s also a bit of a money pit. There’s often something going wrong.
We’ve had trouble with the roof, for instance, since the first summer we moved in. Initially, we blamed the insulation contractors, who had cut holes in the roof for added ventilation but then failed to adequately seal around their work. As a result, the vents eventually developed large leaks.
It turns out, however, that the shoddy vents were only part of the problem. One section of the roof is essentially flat, which means it needs a different kind of roofing material than most of us are used to. When the previous owner last installed a new roof, he cut corners. (He was always cutting corners. Many of our woes are because the previous owner did his own work and cut corners.)
As a result, the flat section of the roof developed a leak. Or several. While I was traveling in July, Kris called me in a panic to tell me that Portland was having a severe rainstorm and that water was pouring into an upstairs bedroom — right next to my precious comic books. My comics were safe, thank goodness, but this certainly spurred me to action.
The roofing problem was one reason I canceled my planned trip to England. I stayed home, called contractors, and shepherded the project toward its slow completion.
Choosing a Contractor
Whenever we’re faced with hiring a contractor, we get multiple bids for the job. This time was no different. We like to take recommendations from friends, though this doesn’t work in every instance. This time, for instance, nobody we knew had worked with a roofer recently. Instead, I contacted five or six local roofers via the web. On August 2nd, three of them came out to look at the roof.
The first guy had been with his company for 37 of its 42 years. I liked him. He pulled up a section of the roofing to reveal that “the guy who did this didn’t know what the hell he was doing”. It was just one layer (instead of three) over some felt paper. “No wonder it’s leaking,” he said. “It doesn’t surprise me at all.” There were already soft spots in the plywood too that need to be dealt with. He said the job would be expensive, but the work would be designed to last a lifetime. The job would take him two or three days, and he was two or three weeks out. (I can’t find his bid or I’d share it here; it was highest of the three.)
The next guy was young, but I thought he was sharp and observant. He noted that the leak wasn’t under the actual roof we were standing on, and tried to figure out where it might be coming from. He tracked the crease between the flat roof and the angled roof, and he found a soft spot with an “eyehole”. “That’s the leak,” he said. He tracked down other spots where water might got in, and also a spot where the water was likely flowing out. He downplayed the expense, saying it was no more expensive than any other roofing material. The job would take about a day, and he was about one week out. He gave us a bid of $2800.
Like the first two contractors, the final fellow didn’t think much of our roof. But he didn’t really get down and look at it. When I told him our previous leak had been through a vent, he yanked on the current vent and said, “I think it’s here again.” He too thought our current roofing was a poor option for Oregon. He recommended tearing it off (and tearing off the shingles on the ridges around the flat roof), laying down a three-ply roofing system, and then installing new shingles back over the top. He said the job would take two days, but they were at least a month out, and probably more. He quoted $3500.
After meeting with all three men and getting their bids, we decided to go with the second company. They seemed to have the clearest idea of what needed to be done, they had the lowest price, and they could start almost immediately. It almost seemed too good to be true.
It was.
Repairs
The first sign of trouble was the constant delay. We’re used to contractors putting us off, but this company did it again. And again. And again. When I met with the representative on August 2nd, he told me they could start within a week. HA! They didn’t actually begin work until September 8th. Fortunately — or perhaps not — the job only took a day.
Mid-way through the repair, the company called me with bad news. “A lot of the plywood is rotten,” they told me. “That’s why it was so soft. It’ll take an extra four or five hours. And we’ll have to charge your for material.” So, as usual, the cost on our planned repair ballooned. I should have been wary when the crew was still able to finish the job in a day despite the “extra four or five hours” replacing the plywood was going to take.
As I’ve mentioned before, we’ve been paying our neighbor Chris to do some handyman stuff around the place. He’s been under-employed for a while, and I have more writing work than I do time, so this seems like a good exchange. (It’s one way in which I value my time.) So, we paid Chris to climb up and paint the patches that had been uncovered by the roofing project. When he did, he found problems.
A gallery of photos of the botched roof repair. Click on an image to see a larger version.
Chris actually has experience with construction management, and is well-versed in the ways of roofing. He was flabbergasted at the quality of workmanship (or the lack thereof). “This looks like it was just rushed through,” he said. He borrowed a digital camera to take photos of all the things that were wrong with the repair. “If I were you,” he said, “I’d get them back out here to fix this. Otherwise you’re still going to have leaks.”
I called the roofing company and asked them to send somebody out. To their credit, they were very contrite. They responded quickly and efficiently. They took copies of our digital photos back to the office, promising to send a crew out by the end of the week to make things right. And they did. They installed new flashing and caulked the spots where they’d nailed through the shingles. They spent several hours fixing their foul-up — at no additional charge to us, of course.
When they were through, Chris and I climbed back up on the roof. “Well, it’s not perfect,” he told me. “But I’ll admit that any further complaints would probably just be seen as nit-picking. They could have done better work, but this should be fine. Just keep an eye on things.”
So, we think things are fine, but I still a harbor a few worries. Every time it rains, I go upstairs and check to make sure there’s no leak over my comic books. I don’t do this just once, either. I’m sort of compulsive about it. Meanwhile, I dream of the day when we hire a contractor who is punctual, thorough, and reasonably priced. There are times I think this will never happen.