Have you recently purchased a vacation rental property in the Miami area? Is the property looking a little tired and not very inspired? The Miami vacation rental market is a very competitive one, which means you need to be putting your best foot forward if you hope to get top dollar from renters. So before you go ahead and list your property for rent, it can be well worth your time, and money to make a few updates, renovations, and changes to the property.

Here are some tips that will help you design a vacation rental property that not only helps to rent the place out, but also gets you top dollar.

Ensure the Property Has Air Conditioning

Miami is known for its incredible hot, sunny weather most of the year and with that in mind you want to make sure your guests are kept cool and comfortable indoors. This means the rental property needs to have air conditioning that is in good working condition.

If you do need to have your property’s HVAC serviced, or you are starting from scratch and need an HVAC system installed then it’s important you hire someone with the proper training and certification. It’s a good idea to look for someone with HVAC training Miami to ensure they get the job done correctly the first time.

Make Sure the Furniture is Fresh and Current

The next step will be to make sure that the furniture you use in the rental property is fresh and current looking. It shouldn’t feel like a clutter of unwanted items just thrown into the space. This will turn renters right off, and end up bringing down the value of your property. Renters want to stay in a space that feels fresh and clean, and the furniture is a big part of this.

A few money-saving tips when furnishing a property is to get pieces from consignment shops, as long as the pieces are in good condition, and look into slip covers that can be washed and kept clean.

Keep the Color Palette Neutral

If the vacation property was meant just for you and not for renters then you could go all out and really choose bold colors and prints. When decorating a rental property however, it’s a good idea to stick with a neutral color palette. This appeals to a much broader group of people and also adds to that whole feeling of fresh and clean. If you insist on having some pops of color, do so with accent pieces like pillows, throws, area rugs, artwork, vases, and other decorative pieces.

Create a Lush and Comfortable Looking Bedroom

As potential renters check out photos of your property, one of the first pictures they will want to see is of the bedroom. This is a room you will want to spend a little extra care on making sure you provide a good quality mattress with lush looking linens. Go the extra mile with special touches like soft and cozy looking throw blankets, extra plush pillows on the bed, night stands complete with decorative lamps, and a big comfy armchair perfect for reading and relaxing.

The Extra Details Will Help with Bookings

You’ll find that all of these extra details are what help you to rent out your property and bring in top dollar.

The internet has become synonymous with entertainment. What’s the first thing you do when you’re bored and can’t think of what to do? Pull out your smartphone or open your laptop and browse the web, probably. But not all online entertainment is equal in terms of popularity, and in recent years the kind of entertainment that is most common on the web has changed. Although written content will always be the main entrée on any website, here’s a detailed look at the top 4 kinds of visual entertainment ranked in order of the most to least popular online:

1. Memes, GIFs, and Short Comics

Anyone who has a social networking profile is subject to a wide variety of memes, GIFs, and short comics on a daily basis. The other kinds of entertainment on this list are somewhat voluntary – as in you know that you’re going to be watching a video, playing a game, or digesting some news – but with this uber popular form of entertainment you often don’t see it coming. You’re scrolling down your feed on Facebook and suddenly there it is. Now you’re staring at it, laughing at it, sharing it, etc. All that engagement and entertainment in such a tiny, unexpected package. Plus, it’s now easier than ever for anyone to make their own meme or short comic using tools like Rage Maker.

2. Streaming Video

In at a close second place comes sites like YouTube, Netflix, and Hulu with their streaming video services. Video is the easiest kind of content to experience, as there’s no reading, interpretation, or any other effort involved other than just observing and listening. In terms of the volume of data consumed by video, this form of entertainment takes the cake in that regard, as a single movie can easily be 3 GB+. Streaming video also wins in terms of bandwidth consumption at any given time, accounting for about 70% of all online traffic.

3. Interactive Games

Games are another insanely popular form of online entertainment for obvious reasons – they’re fun and easy for everyone to enjoy. Aside from the arcade-like sites that let you play free games, the most popular platforms for playing games online include Facebook, Green Man Gaming, Steam, Origin, and Humble Bundle. Of course, many gamers also use the internet to play online versions of console and PC based games in order to facilitate massive multiplayer gaming experiences.

4. News and Infographics

There was a time when trending news stories got the most traffic, and sometimes this still happens, but with the advent of social media, status updates, and memes, this kind of deliberate news browsing has become less common than the more relaxed “News Feed” and notifications based approach.

Using the Popularity of Entertainment to Enhance Promotional Efforts

The main takeaway from all of this is that there are many different kinds of online entertainment, and all of these engagement methods are opportunities for individuals and entrepreneurs to promote whatever cause or company they’re trying to create awareness for. Participating in the creation and distribution of the above kinds of content not only enriches the internet by contributing more information and entertainment, it also helps you advertise or market yourself or your business by drawing in the attention of web users that occupy a targeted audience or demographic.

Winter weather could get pretty brutal, with temperatures that drop into the teens or even the single digits and that make you feel like it is actually below 0°F. But just because it is cold outside doesn’t mean that you can’t step out the door looking fashionable and fabulous. Use the tips below to look your best while also staying warm and keeping frostbite and hypothermia at bay.

It Is All About Layering

Layering is the best way to stay warm during the coldest winter months, but you need to do it right in order to look good and remain comfortable at the same time. Start with a slim base layer consisting of a long-sleeve t-shirt and skinny pants. Then don a pair of thick, warm knee-high socks that you can wear over the pants for additional warmth. Next, you could put on a skirt or another pair of pants before adding a sweater to the top. Finally, complete your look with a scarf and a coat. And don’t forget that, when it comes to layering in the winter, you could check out resources like presscave.com for some additional fashion tips.

Wear a Great Pair of Boots

Keep your feet warm and protected with a great pair of boots. Over-the-knee boots are in style right now and super sexy, and the best part is that they cover more of your leg for even more comfort and warmth. But even if you prefer ankle boots, you could show them off by wearing a pair of cuffed jeans or warm leggings that could be tucked inside the boots. And, of course, there are always those faux fur boots that are flat and easy to walk in, making them perfect for those days when you will be walking over snowy or icy terrain.

Add a Belt to Your Jacket

Regardless of what style jacket you prefer to wear in the winter, you could add a fashionable belt to it if it doesn’t already have one. Not only will this change the overall look of your coat and give your body a great shape, but it could even help keep you warmer by closing the jacket around your waist and keeping all of that cold air out while you are out and about.

Finish Your Look with a Cute Hat

When it’s cold outside, keeping your head warm is important. But instead of putting on one of those juvenile winter hats that make you look less than chic, consider opting for a fedora. One that is made of felt will help to trap heat that would otherwise be lost from your head, and that could make a big difference while you are walking down a busy city street in the middle of a winter day. So if you want to stay warm without sacrificing style, purchase one or more fedoras that you can wear with every outfit in your closet.

By using the tips above, you could look your best even on the most frigid days. So, have fun with your winter fashion and know that spring is just around the corner.

Homeowners understand just how important – and expensive – maintaining everyday elements of their property can be. Homeownership itself is not cheap: from property taxes and maintenance to mortgage payments and insurance, every little bit adds up. However, most owners understand that the long-term value is greater than the short-term pay-outs.

Adding value to any home is great, but adding style at the same time can improve your mood and add genuine appeal in every room of the home. Some home improvements and upgrades are known for both increasing property value and providing extra style: which upgrades check off both boxes?

Let’s examine four upgrades that can add both style and value to your home starting today.

Electric Fireplaces

Modern, efficient accents in any home can improve both its feel and overall value when done properly. One such improvement that adds value, style, and comfort at the same time is an electric fireplace.

Traditional fireplaces were once a mainstay in many homes, but an increasing number of people are choosing to move away from the polluting, dirty, and inconvenient use of wood in the home. As such, a stylish electric fireplace may be just the option for you – check out bestelectricfireplaces.net for an idea of the types of fireplaces that are available.

Outdoor Lighting

Improving both the style and value of a home doesn’t just involve interior renovations: there is much that can be done outdoors as well!

One of the easiest ways to add appeal to any property is by adding professional outdoor lighting in key areas around the home. This may be at the curb, along walkways or even on the exterior of the home. This upgrade will not only provide increased visibility during evening hours but can also serve as a deterrent against would-be criminals. On top of that, it makes the home look more stylish!

Accent & Trim

Somebody once said it’s the small things that count. When it comes to home improvements, that’s certainly the case!

Rather than spending large sums of money on a few major improvements, you may be tempted to refine or upgrade a large number of accents and trim around both the interior and exterior of the home. Some examples of these improvements include new baseboards, exterior shutters, upgraded gutters and a new front door.

Mirrors

Throughout the interior of any home, there may be areas where space seems confining or otherwise uninspiring. One easy way to improve the look and feel of these areas is by adding a variety of mirrors to the room.

Whether these are small mirrors, ceiling mirrors, or full-length mirrors, an ample number of options exist. This can really open up any room with the illusion of added space and create a stylish facade along walls, ceilings, and other surfaces.

Improving the look and feel of a home doesn’t have to be expensive. While there are many improvements that can cost an arm and a leg, smaller renovations can add just as much appeal – and even add some value at the same time. These four improvements are just a few examples of what can be done when you combine a bit of creativity with some stylistic motivation!

One thing that New Year’s Eve parties are not renowned for is being memorable; the champagne usually takes care of that! They can also have a reputation for being somewhat of a let down – and expectations are so high that it’s almost impossible for them not to be!

We’ve come up with some top tips to ensure your party is memorable for all the right reasons:

Don’t start too early

New Year’s parties often go on into the wee hours of the morning, so don’t start your party too early. Aim for a 10pm or 10.30 start to make sure everyone is there and enjoying themselves in good time for midnight.

Don’t make midnight the main attraction

Whether you’re hosting a club night in a venue or a bash in your own home, you don’t want your guests to get bored once the countdown is over. Save your headlining DJs for after midnight and make sure there’s plenty going on the whole night long.

Have nibbles on hand

If you’re hosting a party at home, make sure there’s plenty for your guests to snack on. NYE can be a marathon party experience, and having some drunk-food on hand will help to line your guests’ stomachs and keep them going. Why not plan for a ‘survivors photo’ at 6am and serve bacon butties?

Go glam

Everyone wants to feel like ringing in the new year is a little bit special – and it is! Make sure your venue is dressed to perfection with plenty of glamorous decor. You could also implement a classier than usual dress-code to keep the vibe of the evening on point.

If you want to make a booking DJ agents MN2S offer hundreds of top DJs playing all sorts of genres. Knowledgeable DJ agents will be able to help you choose the right entertainment for your guests and suggest DJs with availability. Contact DJ agent MN2S today to see how they can help.

There is nothing quite like the experience of buying a new truck when you’ve worked long and hard to afford the truck of your dreams. However, what you have always sought after might not be a dream come true, but rather more like a nightmare when you learn what could, and often does, go wrong. If you are in the market for a new truck, here are five things to consider.

1. Safety Rating

Before anything else, it is always advisable to check out safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). While you might have a favorite make and model you’ve been dreaming of owning, is that a wise choice if it rates poorly on roadworthiness? Always keep a few other makes and models in mind!

2. Fuel Type & Mileage

While cars get considerably better mileage with diesel engines, trucks are not quite as efficient. Even so, diesel is preferential, as you will find on sites like Black Smoke Media for other, even more important, reasons, which will be mentioned in a moment. Even so, if you are getting the average of two or three miles more per gallon with diesel rather than with gasoline, that’s a considerable difference if you will be doing much driving!

3. Towing Capacity

When buying a new pickup truck, it is vital to know the towing capacity if you will need to use it as a work vehicle where you may be called upon to tow periodically. From pulling equipment trailers to animal trailers to vehicles, towing capacity is of prime importance if you need to pull any great weight.

4. Engine Size/Power

Here is where a diesel engine is the better option. What many new truck owners don’t realize is that diesel engines are equipped with turbochargers. These are pumps which drive gas exhaust to add increased amounts of air to the combustion chamber. The benefit of extra air means that more fuel can be injected, which then gives the engine increased torque, which in turn, equates to more power. Diesel engines are preferred if you are looking for power.

5. Cab Size

Finally, will you often be carrying passengers? If so, you might want to opt for a truck with an extended cab. There’s nothing like a backseat when more than two people will be riding in the truck and even though most extended cabs don’t leave much in the way of leg area, they are a real advantage if you have kids or friends who need to fit in the cab.

While there are other considerations you should be looking at, these are the top five, which can often lead you to change your mind about which new truck you really want to test drive. Before buying a new truck, take the time to investigate safety ratings and from there, you can choose which features you really want in a truck, especially fuel efficiency. This is going to be your new baby, so you want to have all the features and extras you can afford. Decide what’s important and go from there.

If you have plans to complete your masters in diplomacy, reading books on international relations should not feel like anything new to you. However, there are only so many books that you can read during the short duration of the course, so it’s imperative to make sure that they are good ones. To help you with that selection, here are four great pieces of work which you should find enthralling as a student of diplomacy.

Man, the State, and War: A Theoretical Analysis by Kenneth Waltz

This book doesn’t really need much introduction as it’s one of the most famous works of Kenneth Waltz in the field of international relations. He analyzes and tackles various issues of diplomacy, international relations, the human nature and the structure of states at three levels. He heavily emphasizes on the anarchic international system in the book with the notion that in such a system, power is the only valid currency that’s worth anything. If you are interested in structural realism, you will love Man, the State, and War: A Theoretical Analysis.

Bureaucratic Politics and Foreign Policy by Morton Halperin

The best part about reading Bureaucratic Politics and Foreign Policy is the fact that in spite of being primarily based on the US political system and foreign policies, it remains relevant to almost every other democratic nation as well. He goes into the details while discussing how foreign policy interest groups are often exploited by bureaucratic politics because of their weak position as a hardly-organized and financially struggling small group. As Members of the Parliament are also quite aware that most voters care more about immediate domestic situations than foreign policies, foreign policy interest groups suffer even more neglect.

Perception and Misperception in International Politics by Robert Jervis

Perception and Misperception in International Politics is an old book but it remains valid even today because it’s an excellent guide to understanding the impact of the human psyche and media in the interpretation of international relations and world politics. While decades have passed since the book was first published, the core principles are based on understanding human psychology, so it is still an excellent read and a reliable guide.

Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond

This is perhaps the most interesting read of the lot because unlike any other works on this list, it combines macro-history with biology and natural conditions to explain a lot of factors that ultimately and greatly contribute towards shaping human societies through time and maintaining balance of power. Diamond factors in human population, climatic conditions, agronomy, economy and many other valid yet often ignored aspects to explain and elaborate.

The books on this list are timeless classics that every diplomacy student should read, but if you are worried about staying updated with the changing times, you don’t really have to. As long as you are completing your online MDY program from Norwich University, their specialized course will make sure that you are always on top of the latest happenings in international relations and diplomacy. Nevertheless, these books will make for good reads on the side and might even provide you with some new outlook towards your future job.