Tips – Parent Slate

iPhone Versus Android: Which Is the Best for Kids?

There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to putting the entire world at your child’s fingertips. What kind of parental controls are available? How can you insure the safety and durability of the device? It’s great that your kids have developed the responsibility required for you to trust them with their own phone, but you might want to ease into the situation.

The first choice you’ll have to make is whether to buy an iPhone or an Android device. As far as families are concerned, Apple products are a relatively clear choice. Here are a few reasons why.

Family Plan

Set up a family plan with your Apple ID and all the members of your family. You can set permissions for game purchases, share App Store credit and even locate the devices of your family members. Your local Apple Premier Partner has experts on hand who can explain the process and walk you through setting everything up.

Entertainment

Both Android and iPhone devices have access to many popular media sources, but the immensely popular iTunes service works best on Apple phones. Subscribe to Apple Music for your kids, or authorize song purchases through the iTunes store so they can expand their collection.

Social

Many of your child’s friends are likely to have Apple iPhones. Make sure they can interact smoothly by using the same apps, emojis and games as the other kids. Believe it or not, your child’s desire for the same iPhone everyone else has is probably based on technical compatibility issues. Your child can still stand out from the crowd by customizing with items from an iPhone accessories store.

In short, you’ll probably want to go with an Apple phone unless your child has a strong preference for the Android operating system. The iPhone is easier to integrate into family plans, has better access to entertainment and is more compatible with other iPhones.

How to Be the Cool Mom

When it comes to raising children, it’s a thankless job, but somebody’s got to do it. After all, children are the future, and they need and depend on us. However, your child is likely to emotionally immature to appreciate you just yet. That will change with time. For now, you’re a dispenser of things and a “no” machine. You child is likely embarrassed of your affection around their friends, which is a shame, because you love your child and you want them to know, but they don’t want anyone to see it. However, you can combat this by simply being a cooler parent. “The cool mom” has certain privileges over regular stick in the mud moms. Here are a few tips to become the mom your child wants to be seen with.

First and foremost, there’s the matter of style. Naturally, you’re going to be in charge of what your child wears, and you may not put much thought into it. The utilitarian “whatever gets the job done” approach is fine, but it you curate some stylish outfits for your kids, that’s a bragging point when it comes to their friends. Furthermore, if you, yourself, exhibit a sense of style, you’ll be more welcome around your child and their friends, so picking up some fashionable threads from Talbots might be the right idea.

Another way to become the cool mom is to simply host play dates. If your house becomes the home away from home to a few of your child’s friends, they’ll all come to know you and like you, and you’ll get to be the cool mom for that. You’ll be supplying a place your child and their friends to get together and some snacks and the occasional dinner, and that goes a long way. With these tips in mind, you’ll practically be a part of your child’s friend group.

Why Small Businesses Need to Take Card Payments

Running a small business, whether you are a retail outlet or other company, means dealing with a wide range of aspects, not least point of sale management. However, answer this question: do you take credit or debit card payments? If not, it is an area that you need to be looking at, for cards are fast becoming the payment source of choice, and for many reasons. Firstly, there is the convenience factor: paying by card is quicker – not just for the consumer, but for the business – hence people prefer to use them. Secondly, it means the customer does not have to carry around a lot of cash.

There are further reasons why you need to invest in a card reader – we say invest but, in fact, the outlay will be minimal. It is a fact that most people have at least one card – either credit or debit – on their person when out shopping, so if you don’t take card payments, they will most likely shop elsewhere. Furthermore, research has proven that, in fact, people are more likely to spend more when paying by card, by as much as 20%. That is potential extra business you cannot overlook.

Getting a Credit Card Reader

The leading supplier of credit card readers for small businesses is Merchant Account Solutions, a company with a wide range of options and a reputation for excellent service at sensible rates. They can help you find the best one for your needs, and they will make sure you get the best rates around. The machines they supply are the very best and most up to date available, and they can also help with point of sale equipment to make your life easier. It really is a must if you want to make sure you get all the custom you can, and with efficient point of sale machinery, you make life much easier for your clients, too.

Merchant Account Solutions have so far helped many satisfied businesses get the best out of their systems, and they will be more than happy to help you, too. You can find out more by looking at their excellent website, or you could email MerchantAccountSolutions.com for more information and one of the team will be happy to answer your questions, and point you in the right direction towards getting your payment systems into the 21st century.

Keep the Customer Happy

Brand loyalty is much enhanced by convenience and satisfaction, so it really does pay to make sure you are up to date. For example, if you have a restaurant or café, why not invest in a system that allows you to take payments at the table, so your clients don’t have to wait in a queue to pay their bill? Have a look at the Merchant Account Solutions website now, and you will soon see how they can help you get more custom, and keep the customers you have thanks to enhance loyalty.

Brilliant Learning App for iTunes and Android

The internet has changed the way we live in no small way; not only has it enhanced and simplified our methods of communication, and added many different channels of entertainment to our lives, it has also been central to improving our education, as we now have access to vast amounts of information at the touch of a button. We’ve reached the point, too, where internet access for everyone is a reality; the world is full of free to use, Wi-Fi hotspots, accessible by smartphones, tablets and laptops. In fact, the hand-held device sis now the most commonly used method of browsing the net, watching videos and more.

We have a great iTunes educational app to tell you about, and we reckon it’s one that will be enjoyed by young and old alike. It’s called The Great Courses Plus, and it is a very impressive learning tool that covers a lot of subjects. It features more than 8000 different courses on a wide variety of subjects, delivered by college-level lecturers, providing excellent information in a structured and informative fashion. It’s easy to use, great for youngsters to enhance their education, and we are sure you will appreciate it.

Also Available for Android

The rise in popularity of Android operated devices means that most of the popular apps are available for use on this operating system, too, and The Great Courses Plus is no exception. In fact, it is very easy to load onto your android phone or tablet, and simple to use once you are up and running. You get the option of a free trial, too, so you can find out what it’s all about before you choose to buy it, and learn about the benefits it can bring to furthering your education.

It is structured as a series of courses covering a variety of alternative subjects. For example, sign up for a course on travel, and you will get between 12 and 64 lectures and videos, all high quality, covering aspects of the subject. It’s an easy and fun way to learn, and one that you can take at your own pace. We believe there may be no better Android educational app available, so check it out now for more information and to sign up for your free trial.

The Beauty of the Internet

Contrary to popular belief, the internet is an educational tool as much as it is one for having fun, and with The Great Courses, learning new things can in fact be a lot of fun. You can use it to brush up on your language skills, to learn about the world and its many great places, to broaden your understanding of science, and much more. This is an educational app that is well worth the small outlay, and one that us being updated on a regular basis, so why not have a look now, and see how you can benefit from The Great Courses Plus on either iPhone or Android devices.

Divorce Effects On Children

You never know when a divorce is going to appear. This is something people rarely control. When children are involved in the divorce everything becomes more complicated. That is especially the case when referring to young children. According to both psychologists and every single experienced Tampa family law attorney out there, it is really important that the effects of divorce on children are properly understood. You basically have to consider children and deal with the divorce in different way as children are involved.

Problems Appear In The Pre-Divorce Phase

In most cases we see parents focused on the actual divorce. This is when children are taken into account. While this is definitely something necessary, even before the divorce starts the child can be affected. Children will demand attention. That attention is normally lost even before the divorce. You want to be sure that children understand what happens. If they think that they are the reason why marriage problems appear, it is obvious that something bad is going to happen, with children becoming secluded and feeling as if they are responsible for the eventual divorce.

Short Term Divorce Effects On Children

There are so many that can be mentioned. However, those that appear in most cases are aggression, sadness, depression, acting out, interpersonal conflicts, an increased dependency, negative sanctions, lower parental supervision, much lower academic achievements and social adjustment difficulty.

Long Term Divorce Effects On Children

What is really worrying is that the effects of divorce on children do not stop after the divorce is finalized. It is actually quite common to see that children have problems evolving and operating in society in the future because of the damage that was caused by the divorce. It is really important that children understand what happens and that parents are supportive. A failure to do this will not just cause short term effects. The life of the child can be irreparably affected when proper supervision and attention do not appear.

What Should You Do?

Helping children deal with divorce is not as easy as many think. The child does not really understand what happens. They will just see that parents are no longer together. Many end up feeling abandoned by one of the parent so resentment becomes normal.

The most important thing that you have to do as a parent that goes through a divorce is to remain open. You want to talk with the child and show as much love as possible. What is important for a child is to understand the fact that the divorce does not happen because of him/her. This is where communication is necessary. If the parents do not talk with the children, huge problems will appear.

On the whole, divorce affects different children in different ways. However, some effects are going to appear. It is always vital to manage the situation properly. Never blame the child for anything and be sure that you answer questions without putting blame on the other parent. It is so easy to blame someone for something bad that happened but it is not the child that should hear that.

Professional Moving Company in Hollywood

Are you in the Los Angeles area and looking to move house? Or perhaps you are moving to a new office, and need your furniture and fittings transferring? It could be that you need storage for furnishings or vehicles between moves, and require the services of a professional and reputable removals company in Hollywood? There are many companies offering removal and storage solutions in and around the area, but how do you know the one you choose will take full care of your furnishings and other belongings?

Moving is already a stressful occasion – one of the most stressful of all, in fact – without the added worry about who us carrying out the job for you, so that’s why we recommend you choose Attention to Detail Moving, the leading Hollywood moving company, and one with excellent credentials and an assured reputation. They have moved thousands of customers so far, both long-distance and local, and also offer a full range of services designed to make your life easier. With excellent rates and a professional approach, you are assured of the best service in the business.

Why Attention to Detail?

Attention to Detail Moving was formed after a group of friends discovered that existing companies were less than satisfactory. They decided that customers deserved better service than that they were offered, and set about changing the way removals companies are structured and how they operate. As many of the group were ex-military they were able to apply experience gained in military training to the moving process, thus giving customers a stress-free solution that is fast, precise and efficient. You won’t find a more professional, friendly team than those at Attention to Detail.

As a highly respected office moving company. Attention to Detail has helped with many commercial moves, relocating business in the region with their usual success. They offer excellent rates for commercial moves, and are more than happy to talk to you about any special requirements or unusual items you may need moving or storing. Talk to them now for more information, or for further advice.

Packing and Storage Experts

Attention to Detail Moving Company also offers a range of services for efficient performance, including packing and storage solutions. They will offer you consultancy on the best way to pack certain items, and help you ensure everything is secure and protected for the journey, no matter how long or short it may be. If it’s storage you need, they have safe and secure storage facilities in Los Angeles and the Simi Valley, with a variety of options including portable storage, and they offer free storage deals if you enlist them to handle your move. Have a look at the website now and see how Attention to Detail Moving can help your move go smoothly and provide you with a friendly, professional service that you will find a lot different to any you may have experienced before.

International Family Law Explained

International Relocation is Increasingly Common. What Are the Legal Implications?

Today, it is as common to move around the world as around the country. But leaving the jurisdiction of England and Wales brings new considerations in the area of family law.

In our globally connected society, the world really does seem a smaller place. Businesses operate across national borders and budget airlines have made other countries accessible to all. Today’s London professionals are likely to visit New York or Dubai for business or pleasure in the same way that their parents and grandparents visited Bath or Leeds.

It is of little surprise, then, that so many families relocate from one country to another for both personal and professional reasons. Of course, living permanently in another country can bring far more challenges to our London professionals than a move within the UK brought to past generations, and these can be seriously exacerbated if some change arises in family circumstances, such as a marriage or divorce.

Family law in particular is an area that is predominantly defined by national boundaries, so the rules regarding marriage, prenuptial agreements, civil partnerships, separation and divorce – and indeed consequential considerations like childcare, access and division of assets – are highly variable from one country to another.

Volumes of stress and heartache can be saved if you speak to a London family law firm at the earliest opportunity to understand the legal implications of any proposed move.

Here are three areas that many people need to consider, and that are often poorly understood.

Taking the children

Family units are more complex than ever, and many people have custody of children from a marriage that has now ended. Is it OK to take them for a new life overseas?

If the other parent does not agree to it, then the short answer is usually “no” – and to do so without the other parent’s content could lead to criminal proceedings for child abduction.

Always get the other parent’s consent before taking your child overseas, even if it is just for a holiday.

If you do ask for permission and are told “no”, don’t necessarily be disheartened. There are many cases in which a move abroad is allowed by the courts despite opposition from one parent – yours may be one of them. A London family law firm can advise whether you might be able to move after all.

Country of divorce

There is a common myth that a divorce has to take place in the same country as the marriage. This is not so: an individual can file for divorce in the country where he or she now resides. If you are in doubt as to where to commence proceedings, it is particularly important to seek legal advice as there are pros and cons to different jurisdictions depending on a number of factors.

Of course, you might not be faced with that choice if your husband or wife acts first and commences proceedings in another country. It can be a shock to be suddenly served with court papers, particularly from overseas, but if this does happen, the golden rule is not to sign anything until you have taken legal advice and to take that legal advice as quickly as possible. Countries have varying timeframes for responding to paperwork and if you are slow to respond, you might find decisions taken out of your hands.

Overseas assets

There is a misguided belief that because assets are in another country they in some way do not count in divorce settlements and are out of the reach of the UK legal system. This is not the case, as the English court has the power to make an Order relating to assets just about anywhere in the world. An international freezing injunction may be required if you worry about someone disposing of assets. These injunctions can be issued without notice and very quickly.

Even if both parties agree on the fate of certain assets, take local advice before signing or transferring anything to ensure that tax and other implications are fully understood.

Family law can get very complex when there are cross border considerations, so always consult with a legal professional with experience in this field.

Buy Traditional Handmade Pies Online

The traditional, handmade pie is something of a British icon – it must be, in order to achieve the £1 billion in pie sales referenced by the Express newspaper on the 7th of March 2016. It is such an icon that it merits not just a day, but a whole British Pie Week in the spring of every year.

Writing in the middle of the 2016 British Pie Week, the online version of British Baker magazine also revealed that:

75% of the population eats a pie of some sort at least once a month;
79% of those customers are prepared to pay more for a traditional handmade pie.

There are significant regional differences too whilst only 8% of people in the south of the country eat more than 4 pies in a month, when you get to Northern Ireland that proportion rises to 33%.

There also seems to be a slight gender divide, with 37% of men surveyed expressing a preference for steak and kidney pies, whilst 27% of women said they would prefer to choose a somewhat lighter chicken and mushroom pie.

Buying pies online

The manufacture, sale and consumption of the great British pie, in other words, is pretty big business.

It is business that has received a further major boost by the customer’s ability to buy pies online.

In an age when practically every consumer has become accustomed to buying just about any product online, the growth of the market in online ordering of pies is perhaps to be expected.

The difference with freshly baked pies, however, is the extra care which needs to be taken when despatching any order that has been made online. To ensure that pies arrive fresh from the baker’s oven – and are in the peak of condition – most suppliers engage their own private courier service to deliver the products to customers’ doors.

By choosing just one day a week for such deliveries to be made, newly baked pies may be despatched straight to the courier, ready for delivery to the customer the following day. By using special, thermally insulated packaging, the chilled pies may be taken straight from their wrapping and put in the fridge until the moment before warming and eating – typically within a period of 4 days or so.

If you want to save them for later, the pies may just as easily be put in the freezer – to store for up to about six months – before taking them out, thoroughly defrosting them and preparing to serve them.

Ordering pies online is made all the more attractive and appealing by those bakers who have a website that illustrates every type of pie they make with professionally taken photographs – photographs that are likely to set the mouth watering just at the sight of the pies. An accompanying text then typically describes the quality ingredients that go into making each pie, the traditional handmade methods used to craft them, and even some serving suggestions.

If you buy pies online, of course, any pie maker worth its salt is going to ensure that all payments you make are done in a safely and securely encrypted manner.

How To Choose New Bathroom Faucets

It is easy to sometimes overlook bathroom faucets and see them as nothing more than an incidental detail. However, their design can impact and set the tone for the whole room. If you have not shopped for faucets for a few years, you are in for a shock when you see the vast array of styles, functions and finishes they are available in nowadays.

To help simplify the process of choosing faucets you should take three factors into consideration – the style, comfort , function and fit.

The Style

Are you just updating your old sink or are you completely remodelling with new furniture? If you are looking to just updating your sink, you will have a more limited selection to choose from as you will have to choose faucets that fit in the existing holes. If however, you are remodelling and renovating your bathroom completely you have more freedom. It may be a good idea to work out all the furniture you want including the type of home toilets you would like, then find the sink and faucets that match in style.

The Function

If you are looking for fairly basic faucets, the kind that pour water and do nothing else, then you have a wide range to choose from. However, nowadays faucets have improved and the technology and designs involved mean that there are various extra functions available. Hands-free for instance are very popular now and great if you want to conserve water and energy.

Before you visit a showroom or contact PlumbTile, think carefully about your current lifestyle and how much the new faucets will be used. If you don’t think it will be used very much, a more aesthetically pleasing, less functional facet would suit, whereas if you have children and/or a large household of people, you will want something robust.

The Fit

Although the above two factors are hugely dependant on your own preference, the fit is the more technical part of everything and is especially important to pay attention to if you are replacing faucets on a existing sink.

Budgeting

Along with the three main factors outlined above, you need to also consider your available budget. Have a figure in your head that you know you can afford to spend, but know that in order to get the precise look and functionality you want, you may have to compromise in some way. For instance, in order to get the type of faucets you want with the functionality you want, you may have to opt for the less expensive material or finish.

It doesn’t need to be as intimidating as it first feels when you are looking for bathroom faucets. As long as you keep in mind the above considerations and do as much research as you possibly can, understanding the differences in styles, functions and fits, before locking in and deciding to buy something, you will have a much more rewarding and enjoyable time shopping for faucets.

Introduction to Offset Mortgages

Do you despair of the low interest rates your savings are attracting and wish you could put them somewhere where they will work harder for you? Then offset mortgages may be a consideration.

What are offset mortgages?

This is a mortgage product which is unlike the more traditional home loans, as any savings you have can be used to offset the mortgage balance – thereby saving you on mortgage interest charges.

For example, if you have a mortgage of £250,000 and savings of £60,000 (which, with some providers, can include any ISAs you have), the actual mortgage balance that you may typically be charged interest on will be £190,000 – giving you the chance to potentially save thousands of pounds over the mortgage term.

Benefits

Apart from the obvious interest-saving benefits on your mortgage, there are additional benefits associated with your savings themselves:

Rather than your monies earning a relatively low rate of interest in a savings account, they are working harder for you by helping reduce your mortgage balance
You are making yet more savings, as you are not paying income tax on your savings. This could be a lot, with tax on savings interest (outside an ISA) paid at 20% for a basic rate taxpayer or 40% if you are a higher rate taxpayer.

Not only this, but your savings are not locked in to your mortgage account. If you make overpayments on a traditional mortgage, you are not always able to get the money back if you need it.

With offset mortgage accounts, you can access your savings anytime you want, without restriction.

The need to knows

All your savings accounts and the offset mortgage need to be with the same provider
Some providers will take in to account your current bank account balance, too (as long as the bank account is with them)
Offset mortgages can either be fixed rate or variable rate – the standard variable rate on an offset mortgage tends to be slightly higher than it would be if you had a traditional mortgage. This means you need to make sure that, overall, having an offset mortgage is still the most cost-effective option for you, by looking at how much your savings would earn away from an offset mortgage etc.

How is my monthly repayment amount calculated?

The monthly repayment amount will either be based on the outstanding balance as it is (so, in effect, you are overpaying each month, allowing you to repay your mortgage quicker).

It will be based on the outstanding mortgage balance less the savings amount – thereby giving you lower monthly repayments.

Are offset mortgages for everyone?

While anyone can apply for an offset mortgage, they may not always offer the most appropriate mortgage solution. That is why it is important to seek specialist advice from a mortgage expert who can look at your own unique financial circumstances and see what mortgage product most suits your requirements.