Cloud computing lets your business save money, time and hassles. How? It includes the services like storage, server and data processing which are available over the Internet. To access these services, you need to just login to your cloud account.
5 lowest paying jobs in Australia
There are some industries in Australia that can be highly lucrative, the mining boom saw many people making a small fortune for a number of years but there are a number of industries that offer decidedly less when it comes to compensation.
There are a high number of Australian’s working in low-skill level jobs for low pay, the rising cost of living in Australia and generally stagnant salary growth means that there are millions of Aussie’s suffering financial hardship in poorly paid professions.
Whether you think you may be in one of these poorly paid professions, or if you’re just curious, we’ve pulled together a list of the top 5 lowest paying jobs in Australia. Read on to find out what they are!
What are the Lowest Paying Jobs in Australia?
The 5 lowest paying jobs in Australia are:
- Pick & Packer – salary: $44,104
- Receptionist – salary: $46,926
- Factory Workers – salary: $48,196
- Retail Assistants – salary: $48,200
- Administrative Assistants – salary: $48,793
1# Pick & Packer
Pick & Packers top the list as some of the lowest paid workers in Australia. This physically demanding job required workers to help with factory order fulfilment, in a warehouse or retail setting this often involves inventory management.
Pick & packers main tasks will generally include picking order from shelves, completing paperwork and processing inventory to the shipping area with the correct barcodes and information. Packing involves preparing items for shipping, including inspecting and packaging items.
Pick & Packing is a low skill job, but workers are generally required to have some basic mathematical ability, physical fitness and basic written communication skills. Experience with RF equipment and scanning is a plus, as is familiarity with the shipping software in use at the warehouse.
Pick & Packing averages a tiny $44,104 wage in Australia, which is not very much when it comes to considering the working conditions of many packers. The job involves long hours of standing and physical exertion.
It is common for Pick & Packing to be a casual job, so employees miss out on many of the benefits that come with job stability and fill time work.
The job can also be tedious and involves long days, but can sometimes lead to further warehouse and logistics related opportunities.
Pick & Packing is vulnerable to future automation so it’s likely that job loss is in the future for many current pick & packer workers.
Pick & Packing is low paid, but it does not usually require much experience so this job is a good entry point into a career in warehouse and logistics management for many people. Unlike some poorly paid jobs, Pick & Packing can provide an entry point to a future career.
Pick & Packing certainly is a low paid job but it’s not all bad – Australia great employee protections mean that this can still be a liveable job.
2# Receptionist
Receptionists are usually the face of the business for customers and clients; they play the important role of first point of contact and are often the first person to pick up the phone or the first face a customer will see when engaging with a business. For that reason it is of the utmost importance that receptionists have highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, they need to make a good impression!
Receptionists are usually responsible for greeting customers and clients, answering or placing calls, handling mail or deliveries, setting up meeting rooms, scheduling travel arrangements or managing call switchboards.
The job rarely requires more than a high school education, but experience is looked on favourably and there are many of career receptionists out there. Most receptionists get training on the job and some might complete some relevant VET courses.
For the right person it can be a very enjoyable job, it is often a steady 9-5 job after all and workers are increasingly seeing flexible arrangements such as job shares being introduced.
According to Seek’s most recent statistics, Receptionists make an average of $46,926 income in Australia. Compared to the cost of living this salary doesn’t go very far!
There are however Receptionist’s on both ends of the scale, and with the right company it can be a very well-paid and comfortable job. Sometimes reception work can lead to other opportunities within the company but without further tertiary education it can be difficult to move up.
Certain niche areas of reception can look forward to higher pay, medical receptionists for example usually make slightly more because of the speciality medical jargon and processes they must understand.
Reception can be a very satisfying job for the right person, and has lower entry requirements than many career path but it certainly isn’t one of the more lucrative jobs out there.
3# Factory Workers
Whilst factory workers in Australia certainly do a lot better than some of their overseas counterparts (who can earn as little as 39 cents an hour) it is still one of the lowest paid jobs in the country.
Seek estimates the average salary workers of Factory workers in Australia to be $48,196 annually.
Factory work involves a lot of different tasks, most often factory workers are required to operate machinery, process, sort and pack items, monitor process lines and ensure compliance.
The operation of machinery often requires tickets and certifications in Australia, whilst quality control and safety compliance often involved formal training. The job rarely calls for high education but experience is highly desirable. A lot of the pick ad packing work can be picked up through on the job training.
Factory work can be highly physical work and requires workers to have stamina and the ability to cooperate well in a team and follow instructions carefully.
Factory work in Australia tends to be casual shift work, although full time work is possible to come by. It is uncommon to find generous bonus schemes with this job and the low level of education required reflects in the wages.
Factory Workers internationally are some of the most exploited workers in the world, luckily this is not the case in Australia as factories must comply with stringent safety regulation and minimum wage requirements.
Factory Work can provide some supervisory role opportunities and give employees the opportunity to move through the ranks in the manufacturing industry.
For some people the repetitive work makes factory work and excellent choice as it can be relatively low stress and flexible to the lifestyle of workers.
4# Retail Assistants
Retail assistants are doing it tough in Australia, not only are they in one of Australia’s lowest paid jobs but many of the jobs are also disappearing thanks to the growth of online retail. It is now very challenging for retail assistants to find a job and the work is increasingly becoming more automated as supermarkets, food retail businesses and fashion retailers replace their check out operators with machines.
Last year, retail lost 19,500 jobs and continues to shrink, so this certainly isn’t a future-proof career choice for many. Despite the shrinkage, retail is one of Australia’s biggest industries and is responsible for employing 1.2 million people.
It is unfortunate then that the average wage for retail wages is so low, Seek reports that the average is $48,201. This might be a reflection on the average age of retail workers in Australia though, many of the jobs are casual and filled by younger workers, although there are many older generation career retail workers.
The job rarely requires a degree, most retail works receive on the job training and it’s often a job that has an easy entry point for unskilled workers.
Retail assistants are often responsible for welcoming customers, advising on the product range and items, processing payments, stocking shelves and documenting sales. Retail work can often involve dealing with difficult customers and requires a high level of excellent interpersonal skills, a bit of math skills and a good level of verbal and written communication skill.
Retail workers are highly vulnerable to underpayment and often do not have the job experience to stand up for themselves.
Retail can offer flexibility and penalty rate perks for those willing to work on weekends and public holidays, so for those looking for a job that will fit comfortably around other commitments, retail is often the best choice.
Retail work is notoriously low paid but does have its perks, retail assistants often get discounts off of their stores products and usually have a higher level of flexibility available to them in their jobs. Whilst the pay isn’t high, penalty rates can add up to significant hourly rates for workers and help to boost income.
Retail workers have had some wins recently including a boost to the penalty rates in Australia, so hopefully wages begin to grow and keep up with the pace of inflation and prices.
5# Administrative Assistants
Administrative assistants are often responsible for a variety of tasks related to office management; there job description usually entails a mixture of office management, data entry, schedule, supply ordering, minute taking and answering incoming calls. It is becoming more and more necessary for administrative assistants to have bachelor’s degrees or TAFE qualifications when applying for positions and proficiency with Microsoft programs is an expectation.
Administrative assistant roles call for a high level of organisational, communication and technical skills. The perfect balance of hard and soft skills is a necessity to succeed in the role.
All that being said, administrative assistants make the list as the lowest paid job in Australia. According to Seek the average job salary for this role is a lowly $48,793, despite the level of skill required for the role.
Administrative work is a female dominated field, in some companies there is upward mobility but for many people there is not much room for movement within the field and very little opportunity for pay increases.
Administrative Assistants can be integral to the smooth running of the business, but are rarely valued as so. With the cost of living so high administrative work is unfortunately not an attractive prospect for many workers.
The good thing is that it does help employees to develop a number of transferable skills and makes a good entry point into the working world, admin jobs also tend to be regular 9-5 which can be difficult to find in a low paying job.
It is also slightly more common to find permanent full-time or part time roles then in other low paid industries, so it’s not all bad news for administrative assistants.
Administration work is also more regularly being offered in flexible working scenarios such as remote work and job share arrangements. Virtual administration assistant jobs are on the rise. For working mums, students or anyone needing their job to be flexible around their lives, admin work can be the perfect solution.
10 most enjoyable jobs in Australia
If you’re looking for the most enjoyable jobs that exists it’s safe to assume that you don’t equate your happiness with your current job. People keep throwing it in your face that if you enjoy your job you won’t have to work a day in your life. But how do you find a job that is enjoyable and matches your values?
There are plenty of roles out there that many people find very enjoyable you just have to find the right one for you. Australia is fortunate to have a very wide array of industries to offer something for everyone’s personal preference. We have searched through thousands of job listings along with the how enjoyable they are to bring you a list of Australia’s 10 most enjoyable jobs.
Money doesn’t always equate to your enjoyment at your role so we have ranked these jobs in terms of their enjoyment on a whole level rather than what pay cheque you will be getting. So without a further ado let’s jump into it and find you your new perfect role.
The 10 most enjoyable jobs in Australia are:
| No.: | Job: | Average Salary: |
| 1 | Teacher | $93,000 |
| 2 | Freelance writer or author | $90,000 |
| 3 | Fitness instructor | $65,000 |
| 4 | Ethical Hacker | $100,000 |
| 5 | Physiotherapist | $55,000 |
| 6 | Fashion designer | $60,000 |
| 7 | Social media marketer | $70,000 |
| 8 | Marine biologist | $60,000 |
| 9 | Consultant | $70,000 |
| 10 | Tradie | $81,500 |
1. Teacher
Education is a very important industry in Australia but it has also created the most enjoyable job that we have to offer. The role of a lead teacher has also been ranked as one of the professions with the highest growing demand for the next few years. Senior level teachers are highly sort after and because of this their average annual salary jumped to a whopping $93,000! On top of being a super enjoyable career path you also get paid very nicely for it as well.
The role itself is so enjoyable because of the sense of meaning and purpose that teachers get from their role. It’s not mind numbing tasks, it’s interacting and educating the future of world to help it and them become better. On top of all of that, you also get some incredible holidays compared to normal 9 to 5 roles. Due to their incredible holidays during the school break dates, many teachers find the role super flexible around raising kids of your own.
2. Freelance writer or author
Using your skills and talents that you love and putting them to use in a job will make it so much more enjoyable. Due to this fact it is no surprise that writing is a career with some of the highest career satisfaction. Writers have a lot more freedom when it comes to the when they actually do work and how much they do. As you get paid for what you do, you essentially get to choose your own salary and operating hours. Many freelance writers take this opportunity to work from their homes which promotes a healthy work/life balance.
Putting your passion into your job is what will make it enjoyable. Writers don’t decide they are going to get into the field or industry just for the hell of it. They are good at it and enjoy what they do. From so they will enjoy their roles and jobs a lot more as it is what they are passionate about.
3. Fitness instructor
Australians love fitness and sport so it comes as no surprise that fitness instructors enjoy their roles a lot more than the common 9 to 5er. Similar to teaching fitness instructor’s enjoy their jobs and roles a lot more as they are able to find meaning in it. This role is also something that you will be able to physically see the progress and change that you can see with your own eyes.
Additionally you will be active throughout the day which is obviously something that you will enjoy as you have gone into the fitness industry. The role itself is also very varied where you are able to create new schedules and have a tonne of different responsibilities. All these factors combined with a decent pay package makes fitness instructors one of the most enjoyable jobs within Australia.
4. Ethical hacker
The information technology industry is rapidly growing in Australia and what may be seen as a highly demanding job, it is also very enjoyable. On the job as an ethical hacker you will be able to fully understand the mind of the hacker and create strategies to stop their common procedures. When you get to a proficient level you will also be able to develop your own freelance business from these skills. If you like the idea of being your own boss or travelling around the world and working from your laptop then you are in luck as this would be the perfect role for you. It doesn’t require any degree or University diploma.
Due to the high demand for any type of IT professionals in Australia they also pay you quite well on top of what is a really enjoyable job.
5. Physiotherapist or physiotherapy assistant
An aging population along with healthcare cost hikes means that healthcare is a very positively geared industry that is predicted to grow significantly. You won’t have a problem finding a job in both rural and city areas making your job fit into where you want to live and what sort of lifestyle you want to have. These roles involve catering to those who are injured and working with them during their rehabilitation process.
Many people finding this role enjoyable due to the amount of help you are able to offer individuals. You get to see the progress and become happy when they begin to regain control of their bodies. If you also get into sports physiotherapy you have a chance of scoring a job with a sports team and getting to work with some of Australia’s sporting athletes!
6. Fashion designer
If you have the creative flair for fashion and are looking to pursue it further, fashion designers have one of the most enjoyable jobs in Australia. It is ranked so highly due to those who pursue this career are genuinely passionate about the industry and love the independence that comes with it. Many people who start working with another company as a designer tend to branch of and start their own business to take even more control of the work and become their own boss.
When you run your own business your salary cap becomes endless and you can achieve great things. On average fashion designers in Australia look at roughly $70,000. Keep in mind that everyone has to start somewhere when it comes to getting your foot in the door. If you are truly after a role in fashion you won’t be disappointed if you keep at it.
7. Social media marketer
The explosive growth of the internet has brought with it a tonne of new job opportunities for Australians. Social media is also a growing platform that has also created a wide array of jobs. People are on these platforms and from such businesses want to be on them but how do they get people to notice them? That’s where the social media marketer steps in, it’s their role to connect their brand and brand image with people.
You pretty much will find that your day consists of being on social media platforms all day and posting engaging content and reviewing what posts had the best reach. For a role where you are on social media all day you also get a hefty initial pay package considering that some grasp of these platforms is required. Expect to be knocked back without a relevant degree and social media experience as they are mandatory.
8. Marine biologist
Most children at one point in their life have wanted to be a marine biologist and hang out with dolphins in the water all day. Well those who stick with the career are actually really satisfied with their jobs as they are super enjoyable. There are so many organisms and ecosystems in Australia that needs to be studied to ensure that they are protected and will be around for our grandchildren.
There are a couple of routes that you can take this sort of job. For one you can work closely with universities or other educational institutes where you would publish papers and conduct research. Another route would include you being on a boat non-stop and being up and close with many underwater ecosystems and creatures. If you manage to go on a great barrier reef tour in Queensland that there are many marine biologists on boats with tour guides helping explain and educate the current situation.
9. Consultancy
Another industry that has a lot of happy employees is the consultancy sector. There are many different types of consultants as the role is about advising people on an area that you are an expert in. This also follows the be your own boss mentality where you are responsible for your hours and how you conduct your business. Some common and very successful consultants include: management and change, environment and sustainability, policy analyst and business analyst.
Due to the nature of the job you will be working closely with other businesses and people who are eager to put your knowledge to good use. You will be able to see the process evolve and actually have an end result that has occurred because of your input. You can become a consultant with a couple of courses under your belt so it’s not a super gruelling industry to try and make your way into either.
10. Tradie
Tradies are paid very well in Australia and is a very enjoyable job depending on what qualifications that you get. Builders, plumbers and electricians are very enjoyable and rewarding career paths that many people tend to get into due to the high pay brackets and the nature of the work. The work you do is making something and making a difference. When your job is done you can look back on it and say hey I helped make that.
Tradies earn on average $80,000 a year on top of having a great working environment that fosters building close relationships with your work mates. There is a wide array of trades available as well so if you do your research you will be sure to find one that is in a field that you are passionate about. Passion is the driving force behind what makes a job enjoyable and if you love what you do you won’t work a single day in your life.
4 important reasons to hire a good skip service
Are you moving out of your house? Or into new one? Or are you planning on renovating your home or workplace? Is there any plan of collecting a huge amount of debris in any work that is due to happen?
Well, in all these cases you should hire a good skip bin service. The skip bins, as you may know, are the large garbage collecting containers that allow you to collect and successfully get rid of a lot of garbage as a whole.
But do you know why skip bin services are beneficial for you?
Reasons why the skip bin services are a good idea
The following are some of the many benefits of skip bins:
It is eco-friendly
Do you have an idea that how much harm can plastic garbage disposal bags do to nature? When there are occasions that need a huge amount of garbage to be taken care of, then all you need to do is make sure that you are doing it in the most nature-friendly way. With the skip hire services, you get to help yourself as well as nature.
A very easy procedure
Do you want to get rid of your garbage without any hassles? Then skip bins are one of the best way to do so. With the skip hire services, things definitely will fall into place, as nothing can get simpler than this.
Professionally handled garbage
If you want to stop thinking about what happened to your garbage and is it affecting others, then leaving it to the professionals. The skip hire services have professionals who would let you relax after all the hard cleaning.
But do you think that the skip hire services are easy to hire? Then think again! You will have to use few tips and tricks to get it done efficiently.
4 important things to remember when it comes to skip bins
The following are the four things that you must do to hire skip hire services:
Never leave it for the last
Let’s take an example here. You have a plate of food with your favorite food and also the one you despise. You have to eat all. And there is no escape! Will you eat the best one first and eat the worst food later? Of course not! You don’t want to deal with a bad aftertaste.
You will eat the worse food faster and then slowly relish on the best. Same way, garbage has to be dealt with, like it or not! And so, a good skip hire should be used right away so that you are assured that you don’t have to deal with a lot of garbage later.
Understand that size matters
The amount of garbage to be disposed determines the size. If you are a residential property, then small skip bins will work. But if you are a company then the calculation of the garbage matters. But, you need to hire the skip hire services.
Ensure you understand what you can dispose of
There are certain limitations. Like the food and the hazardous substances. Therefore, you must talk to the services beforehand to understand the terms and conditions that they have. This is necessary for them as well.
Check within your access area
The area matters. The skip bins are not small! And they need huge accessible areas. Therefore, one must know the area available for the bins to be placed.
Though other important points must be considered, the above points are certainly the most important.
5 best property management firms in Sydney
Real estate investors have a multitude of options at hand once they obtain a listing that will reap long-term rewards.
Depending on the location in the city from the Far West to the Northern Beaches, the Hills District to the Inner West, or the South-West corridor to the Eastern Suburbs, there will be duties, responsibilities and opportunities that must be acknowledged.
From lease terms and valuations to unit inspections, deposits, repair and maintenance – there is a lot to take on for investors who see the tangible rewards that are on offer.
This is where a certified and experienced property management firm comes into the fold, offering insight and endeavour across the Sydney market to have your bases covered.
What you need as a client in intimate one-on-one care and attention to detail where these small matters are dealt with in a timely and efficient manner.
Those owners who entrust their asset to third parties can see problems emerge if they have not left their premises in the right hands.
For a market like Sydney where values and competition are evolving at a rapid rate, it is paramount that you find a management firm who master the basics and go above and beyond for your needs.
Let us identify the leading five performers in this industry to help your decision making process.
The local property management firms in Sydney:
| No.: | Property management firms: | Website: |
| 1 | Niche Portfolio | www.nicheportfolio.com.au |
| 2 | Real Property Manager | www.realpropertymanager.com.au |
| 3 | True Property | www.trueproperty.com.au |
| 4 | Pure Property | www.pureprop.com.au |
| 5 | Strategic Property Management Services | www.propertymanager.net.au |
#1 Niche Portfolio
Niche Portfolio aims to cut down on the hassles that are involved with a DIY manager, accumulating all of the tasks under one easy banner. Clients needs are tailored in a unique and intimate setting, utilising the company resources to ensure that each investor has a professional who gears their services to those requirements.
By taking the top 3 tenant candidates during the open house process, these people are interviewed by Niche Portfolio to ensure they pass the criteria that has been set out by the investors. This careful selection eliminates tenants who would cause issues down the road, establishing a group of young families, seniors or individuals seeking residency within Sydney.
The team at Niche Portfolio boasts over 20 years of experience in the industry and they transfer that wealth of knowledge and expertise to each client. From founder Sonia Leal to team leader Colette Dempsey, senior property manager Sharon Norris and leasing specialist Mini Nutt, each professional brings their own unique skillset to the table to meet your needs.
Niche Portfolio are chiefs of the Eastern Suburbs when it comes to the domain of property management, offering tips and advice on selling, obtaining a mortgage and sourcing an appraisal.
#2 Real Property Manager
Real Property Manager stand tall for the Inner West and Inner Sydney Metro region of the city, offering a vast array of services that will satisfy any client of any background.
From commercial leasing to living complexes of all shapes and sizes, this independent and highly specialised firm has the diligence and resources to oversee any property portfolio. This includes apartments, houses, units, duplexes, flats, studios, villas, terraces, townhouses, retirement homes and acreages.
Founded by John Gilmovich, the senior manager and director began a journey that would accumulate over two decades of knowledge and expertise to bring a team aboard that embrace his vision. By utilising “old school customer service” techniques with the best of modern management technology, no details are overlooked as investors get genuine bang for their buck.
Real Property Manager would emerge as a 2018 State Finalist for the NSW Business Chamber Business Awards, a recognition for the team’s clear and concise communication between parties to give updated information and peace of mind to tenants and investors.
Even if you are sitting on the fence as you gauge other providers in the marketplace for the Inner West, take advantage of their free downloads that offers insight into tenancy and investing in this region of Sydney.
#3 True Property
True Property remains one of the leading outlets in the city of Sydney to be a peer among the industry. By helping to train and educate other professionals in the field of property management, this is a firm that is willing to broaden its horizons and empower others to match their quality of service for clients.
Based in the Inner West, True Property focuses in one three core services that investors and tenants require assistance with: property management, leasing and real estate sales. There is no region of Sydney that is off limits to this provider, but their base at Leichhardt and around the Inner West is where they truly thrive.
The glowing online reviews for True Property continue to promote similar themes. This includes fast and direct responses to enquiries, courteous and friendly staff, ensuring that urgent matters are dealt with as a top priority, offering in-depth technical support and simply being available around the clock.
These qualities are embodied by managing director Michael Catalano alongside his skilled team Antonella Longo, Taylor Merillo, Jessica Roman, Richard Maung, Irum Khalid, Hon Lai and Shirley Holtham. Each one of these professionals help to ensure that True Property adhere to the Code of Practice designed by the Leading Property Managers of Australia (LPMA) group, a body that True Property helped to establish.
#4 Pure Property
Pure Property make sure that clients and investors don’t have to deal with middle managers who slow down the process. This is an organisation that encourages and promotes direct access to the leading specialists of the firm, providing quick and efficient handling of the location without any fuss or interruption.
Based Sydney wide with office locations through the CBD and Inner West, Pure Property has been run and designed in the image of partner Kevin Davidson, offering a unique perspective that has been crafted from the perspective of the investor.
The results speak for themselves with a low vacancy rate and high rental returns providing genuine and tangible return on investment for those that are hoping to make gains in the Sydney market.
Property information is on hand 24/7 as landlord payments are disbursed daily to override the need to wait until the end of the month, a bugbear for many landlords who have their own financial pressures to deal with.
Alongside a single point of contact as each client receives a manager that handles their portfolio with intimate knowledge and detail, their service guarantee ensures that even unsatisfied clients receive 3 months of free service if required.
Tenants and landlords won’t be left in the dark with this operator as each party can engage their resources to conduct a sweeping search of locations around Sydney.
#5 Strategic Property Management Services
Strategic Property Management Services are on hand to provide a stress free experience for their clients to offer simple solutions and direct services. There are no bells and whistles here with glossy outlines for investing or tenancy options, just reports about the facts to ensure that there is clarity of information and an ease in the decision making process.
There is no selling of property with this provider, only a service that satisfies landlords through innovative solutions, modern reporting methods and in-depth one-on-one care that is available when needed.
Founder and Principal Ricardo Saad has been hands on in selecting and educating his fellow team of professionals at Strategic Property Management Services, using his decade of experience developing the Stratvest System and applying it to the Sydney marketplace.
Saad’s advisory role and work within chartered accounting has given the firm a fresh perspective in the industry, venturing beyond what a generic real estate agency could offer for individuals.
Online tools are on hand for those that want more information that goes beyond the basics, utilising a rent analysis report, manager assessor, rentability analyser and a suburb snapshot to give investors a wider picture of the current landscape.
That wraps up our in-depth look at the 5 best property management firms in Sydney. Make sure you open a dialogue with one of these agencies to avoid all of the pitfalls that can arise when dealing with dodgy agents and tenants who don’t provide value for money. Take ownership of your investment by having an advocate and manager on your team.
What is French provincial furniture?
French provincial furniture was originated in the 17th and 18th century in the provincial towns of France such as Lyon and Liege, Blois and Orleans and in the countryside of Bordeaux and Normandy. The French provincial style of furniture is highly popular among lovers of antique furniture. French provincial furniture features a mix of styles from both Parisian and Royal style of furniture.
French provincial furniture for bedrooms has a more utilitarian design than Parisian styles of furniture which were more ornately carved as suited for the French royalty. This is because the provincial styles of furniture were mainly designed by keeping the middle-class community in mind. However, there are some designer pieces of modern style furniture which make them highly attractive.
Most of these bedrooms furniture such as beds, dressing table, bed side table, wall mirror and cabinets come in some large scale designs, and if you want to place then in your small bedroom then you can customise your furniture through the manufacturers.
Features of French provincial bedroom furniture
The French provincial style designer furniture features short cabriole legs along with smooth and elaborate curves. Cabriole legs refer to a distinctively curved leg design used in all kinds of furniture pieces. Inlay works and wood carvings do not figure much in these styles like, unlike French royal furniture styles. The dining chairs of this style often feature carvings done in patterns resembling wheat which indicates the countryside of France. Ladder back is another feature of French provincial style dining chairs. So if you want to decorate your home with some French style furniture then you can use the French provincial furniture in your bedroom and similarly you need to place some French style dinning table, chairs and cabinets in other rooms.
What are the benefits of French style furniture?
Material
French provincial style furniture was carved out of woods abundantly found in the French countryside such as oak, beech, elm, cherry, walnut, apple and many others. This is a departure from French royal furniture which was carved out of imported wood. These woods are quite durable and easy to move.
Colour
The colors used to paint the French provincial style furnishings were of light tones such as sky blue, light green, light pink, silver, beige, gray and many others. White was the common color used on the pieces of furniture along with different shades of gray. Overall, this colour gave an aesthetic and royal feel to the furniture.
There are many pieces of French provincial furniture which are quite popular among people looking to impart a French provincial décor to their homes. Some examples have been mentioned here.
Some types of French provincial bedroom furniture:
Dresser Drawer
Dresser drawers are popular French provincial furniture pieces. The dressers are crafted of wood in the French provincial style and may or may not come with mirrors. The number of drawers may vary along with the number of cabinet doors. Beautiful and elegant handcrafted dressers done in French provincial styles are available in the market in various dimensions. What this dresser drawer brings in is elegance and simplicity to your furniture collection.
Double Bed
French provincial double beds may be carved from timber or upholstered. The beds either have cabriole legs or turned reeded legs. The bedhead can feature either the square lines of the Louis XVI period or the sharp curves of the period of Louis XV. The bedhead is also made highly ornamental.
Armoires
18th-century French provincial style armoires featuring Louis XV style intricate carvings are available in the market. Carvings of baskets, flowers, urns and leaf work may be done on the armoires. French painted finishing is done on the armoires such as a dark honey color.
High-quality French provincial pieces are made using the similar technique, materials and structural principles as in 17th-century French provinces. Modern methods are not used in the construction, and only hands are used for cutting and finishing, which makes it more traditional and thereby maintaining the traditional appeal of the furniture.
20 most popular dog breeds and their personalities
If you’re thinking about adopting a dog you might be wondering about the most popular breeds and why they’re so popular, every dog breed has its pro’s and con’s after all!
It’s important to find the right breed for you, whether you’re a young family, apartment owner, retiree or busy professional there’s a dog breed for everybody.
We’ve done our research on the most popular breeds below, read on below to find out more about the good and bad points of the 20 most popular dog breeds.
The most popular dog breeds in the world:
1# Labrador Retriever
Labrador retrievers are the most popular dog breed in homes today and for a good reason. Known for their friendliness the Labrador retriever makes and excellent family dog.
Their dense hard coat makes them easy to groom and look after and comes in golden, chocolate and black. Labrador retrievers are easy-going with humans and other pets and have a great temperament for training.
They are energetic dogs however and do require a lot of exercise so they are not suitable to all home environments.
2# German Shepherd
German Shepherds are an excellent and highly popular breed of dog. Their large, muscular build and high intelligence make them an excellent working dog, they also make superb companions because of the loyal nature.
The breed is a popular choice for Police dogs because of their intelligence and ability to learn commands.
3# Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is a popular choice for a family dog because of its tolerant personality and friendly face.
Golden Retriever’s are cheerful and highly adaptable dogs that will go with the flow in almost any home environment.
Their longer coats mean that they do need a bit of grooming and they will shed a bit. They are also high energy in their early years and will require a couple of walks per day to keep them well exercised.
4# French Bulldog
The French Bulldog has become steadily more popular in recent years and is one of the world’s most popular small dog-breeds. His distinctive bat ears, compact small body and short fur have made him a popular choice for city-dwellers.
French Bulldogs do very well in small apartments or houses, they don’t bark much or require as much exercise as many breeds of dogs.
5# Bulldog
Bulldogs (or English Bulldog) are a highly, you certainly can’t mistake their sour faces for any other breed. Whether you think they have faces only a mother could love or think their gorgeous, their friendly, calm personalities have made them one of the most popular dog breeds.
Bulldogs can get quite large and heavy but still believe they’re lapdogs. Their easy going, cuddly nature should not be mistaken for laziness, they will still need regular exercise.
Their short noses make them vulnerable to the heat so it’s important to be careful when taking them out in the sun.
6# Beagle
Beagles make excellent hunting dogs as well as pets, they are known for their happy, quirky personalities.
They make excellent family pets as they do well with kids. They have a stubborn streak so it can take patience and creativity to train them.
They require regular exercise and have a high prey drive, so they are necessarily the best choice for homes with other pets such as cats.
7# Poodle
Popular show-dogs, Poodles are a popular dog choice for those that appreciate style and aesthetics. Poodle’s distinctive curly coats make them instantly recognisable.
They make good family pets and enjoy the companionship of humans. Poodles come in three sizes, small, medium and large and are adaptable to different environments, including smaller apartments.
Poodles are non-shedding, making them a great choice for people with allergies.
8# Rottweilers
Rottweiler’s were originally bred to pull carts, when you look at their muscle bound stature this becomes obvious. Although they are rather large, muscly dogs they are extremely mellow and intelligent.
They make loyal companions and have a strong instinct to protect their families, but don’t tend to be overly fearful or quick to go on the attack.
Well-trained Rottweiler’s make fantastic pets and are very gentle, calm and family-friendly.
9# Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are a popular small dog breed with a distinctive floor length coat. Yorkshire Terriers are small in stature but not in personality, they have a true terrier countenance and are known to be feisty, bossy and brave.
Yorkshire Terriers are hypoallergenic and great for people who struggle with allergies. Their coats to require some grooming and care however.
Yorkshire Terriers do not require as much exercise as some breeds but still benefit from moderate exercise.
10# German Shorthaired Pointer
German Shorthaired Pointers are a popular sporting breed, these high energy dogs make good pets because of their playful nature but might not be ideal for smaller children because they can be a little bit boisterous.
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a medium sized dog with an almond sized head and a distinctive sleek liver and white coat.
German Shorthaired Pointers require between one to two hours of exercise each day so they are a good choice for active households but do not adapt well to apartment living. If they do not get enough exercise they tend to become nervous and destructive.
11# Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are a striking dog breed with distinct facial markings and a thick coat. They’re looks have made them a popular breed is households around the world. There is more to them then just appearance though, they also have funny personalities and are known for their howling and vocalisations.
Siberian Huskies are also well-known for being escape artists and can find a way out of almost any yard, so it’s important to keep this challenging breed fenced inside. They do make very rewarding pets, but for first time dog owners they can be a handful.
12# Boxer
Boxers are the ‘peter Pan’s’ of the dog world, they never want to grow up. Boxers’ have endless energy and love to play, they remain ‘puppies’ for three years – the longest of any dog breed! They are known for their clown-like behaviour,
This breed is good natured but stubborn and can be challenging to train. They do well with children, but might be too high energy for small children. They love companionship and attention from people, although they are sometimes wary of new people initially.
Boxer’s do not do well outside in the heat for long periods of time because of their short noses, and they struggle in the cold weather because of their short coats.
They can adapt surprisingly well to apartments, given the correct amount of exercise.
13# Dachshund
Dachshund’s are a popular small dog breed that were originally bred to be scent hounds and used to hunt animals like foxes and badgers. Affectionately known as the ‘sausage dog’ this breed has become a popular favourite for its cute appearance and personality.
Dachshund’s come in a variety of sizes and coat lengths but the most popular variety is the smooth coat because it requires minimal grooming.
14# Great Danes
Great Danes are very large dogs, they can look quite scary because of their stature but they are actually very good natured dogs and are excellent with children.
Great Danes are very mellow and don’t tend to be high energy, but their large size can mean it’s necessary to move breakables out of easy reach of their tails.
Great Danes are very gentle dogs and take well to obedience training (a good thing given their size!).
Great Danes do have a very short life span at only 8 years, which is something to consider for those thinking about adopting one.
15# Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a popular breed of dog because of their adaptability. They are great in family homes, easy to train and adapt well to apartment living.
Corgi’s are vocal dogs and will bark but they don’t tend to be aggressive. They have a strong herding instinct which will sometimes kick in and cause them to nip at children’s heels.
Corgi’s require regular exercise, and tend to eat too much, so they’re portion’s should be monitored.
16# Doberman Pinschers
Doberman Pinscher’s are a relatively new breed but have nonetheless become popular because of their elegant appearance and loyal personalities.
Dobermans sometimes get a reputation as overly aggressive, but they are not, they are typically gentle but will protect their families from danger.
Dobermans need a lot of exercise and regular mental stimulation because they are athletic and intelligent.
17# Australian Shepherds
Australian Shepherds did not actually originate in Australia, but are a popular breed there because of their working dog status and natural herding abilities.
These dogs require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation; they were bred for life on the farm after all so they are not the breed to choose for apartment living. They need much more than a walk around the block, requiring vigorous daily exercise.
Australia Shepherd’s tend to be good with kids, although they have strong herding instincts and might attempt to herd them. A great breed for active families!
18# Miniature Schnauzers
The little moustache on this dog and funny personality makes him a hilarious addition to the family. Miniature Schnauzers are fun, friendly dogs that require a lot of time and attention.
They love being with people and will follow them around throughout the house, they do well with children but not always with other dogs because of their terrier attitudes.
They’re barkers and natural guard dogs that will alert you to the presence of people.
19# Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a popular companion dog and loves to sit in your lap.
Cavalier’s love the company of people and make excellent therapy dogs. They are incredibly affectionate and will follow family members throughout the house.
They love their exercise, and their food. They have a tendency to overeat so it’s important to keep an eye on their weight.
This is a great choice for those looking for a lap dog!
20# Shih Tzu
Shi Tzu’s are friendly housedogs that love the companionship of people.
They are a great choice for apartment owners and do well with children as they were not bred as hunters, herders or guarders.
Shi Tzu’s can be a bit wheezy and don’t do well in the heat because of their flat faces.
Parrish Jackson talks about how his travel booking website took flight
Parrish Jackson is the creator and owner of nexttravle, a website offering highly competitive rates on international travel packages including flights, accomodation, car rentals, public transport and tours. The website is easy to use and offers some incredible discounts on highly popular travel deals.
Parrish answered some questions about his website.
How did you get introduced to the industry and what inspired you to start the business?
A year ago I sat in on a very significant conversation about starting a business of traveling and tourism on a global scale which opened my eyes tremendously because as a multi trillion dollar industry that was growing by the hour I wanted to learn the business and be a part of everyone’s experience by developing a travel website. What inspired me the most in building the website was the smiles on people faces once they book there flights and hotels at a price they could afford and as I said earlier It makes me happy to be a part of other people’s happiness.
Were there any initial challenges starting the website and getting your first customers?
Yes! Just like any business starting out there will be challenging aspects in the process of building trust and mostly just getting the website out there for the people to see the great deals on offer.
What do you believe has been the key factor behind your success so far?
A key factor of my success so far has been the automatic deals every day providing the best prices on different flights and hotels. On average you’re saving up to 60% which makes the website a for sure ‘go-to’ site.
What are some of your most popular deals and rental packages?
I would say the most popular deals are the international travel to Dubai, Italy, Turkey, Paris France, and the popular deals in the United States are Miami and Los Angeles so far.
In what ways are you planning to improve the website/business in the future?
It’s funny that you asked that because I plan on doing so much more with this website. Trains and buses, car rentals, airport transfers, and tours are already available. Keep checking out the website for more offers.
What’s the most important lesson you have learned since starting the business?
The most important lesson I have learned in this business is to never stop developing and making your business better and better as well as to value the customers experience with the website.
What new trends/developments do you see on the horizon for the travel industry?
Future travellers want authenticity to have the best experience possible. They even immerse in to the local culture like for example eat how the locals eat and do what the locals do as a core ingredient in their vacation. Future tourism is more on customization people don’t want to just see it anymore they want to live it and live their best life doing it.
The very best way to get married
When it comes time to plan your own wedding you will often wonder what is the best way to get married? What parts of the wedding are most important to focus on and what should and shouldn’t you do according to tradition? What will your guests and wedding party remember the most?
Rent a Local helps people to find services in their area
A new app has been released, Rent a Local, which is designed to allow people to find professional services near them. It is essentially a directory in app form, which allows people to find service providers who can handle the job they have in mind and call them. There are a number of different categories available on the app, and people around the world can register to work and hire for odd jobs.
The app (https://rentalocalpro.com) was designed by Al Wajid, who was inspired by the success of Uber to try and create a similar system for other jobs, beyond a taxi service.
Where to download it?
- Apple – download here
- Android/Google Play – download here
Users can search through the categories on the app for the kind of service they need and see what the rates are per hour for that service. Anyone who needs a job or wants to earn a bit of extra money can also register as a service provider.
There are around 20 service categories available, featuring anything from dog walkers and car washers to chefs and electricians. Most of the services currently available are labour related tasks that people can do with their hands, although in the future professional services may become available. If people want to register to perform services they can do that as well.
Just like Uber created a number of jobs and enabled people to earn extra money by working in their time off, Rent a Local is meant to help people who want to work to earn some money. Service providers choose when to work and which jobs to take, so they have a lot of choice in when and where they work.
If you want to work through Rent a Local you will need to fill out all of the paperwork to become a contractor in your area, so that all the work is legal. All jobs also need to meet local minimum wage requirements, and skilled work will cost more – i.e. don’t expect plumbers or electricians to work as cheaply as a dog walker.
Service providers cannot set their own prices – the app sets a flat rate based on the category. This means that you know from when you set up the job what you will be paying per hour. If you aren’t sure how long it will take then obviously you won’t know the exact price, but you won’t be waiting for the person you hire to tell you how much it will cost either.
The app essentially works through people selecting the service that they want and waiting for a provider to take the job. Once the job has been taken the provider and customer can make contact to discuss the details of the job and make sure that the service provider knows what they will need to do and can bring the tools they need – after all, a plumber will need different equipment for unclogging a drain and fixing a hot water heater!
All you have to do to book is set your location (with your address), pick the service you want (the fixed rates are listed next to the services) and wait for a professional in the area to accept the job. The app is intended to make it easier to hire a handyman or service provider to perform one off jobs, typically for events, clean ups or emergencies.
The rates are hourly and fixed, so that you know what you will pay before your service provider arrives – and the provider knows what they will make per hour. This enables everyone to be upfront. Payment can be made in cash, via credit card or through the wallet. It is free to sign up, both for customers/clients and service providers.
Rent a Local has offices in London and Singapore, but is available in over 300 cities in 26 countries around the world – including most of Europe, the USA and, of course, Australia. They intend to continue expanding further, so if they aren’t active in your area yet keep an eye out. The team also plans to expand the services available on the app.