How to Choose the Most Reliable Long Distance Mover

Moving is a major aspect of life; at one point, you will either decide or be forced to move due to several reasons such as career prospects, need for a bigger house, a new environment, among other reasons. Regardless, moving is often meant for the betterment of both you and your family. However, moving is usually an arduous and time-consuming task, which can be hard to accomplish if not done properly. This is true if you are conducting a long distance move, such as moving to another state or across the country.

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Such a move is not only more costly, but the risks of possible damage are much higher when your belongings are being transported over a long distance. This is why such a move requires serious considerations and planning to ensure that the whole process is completed smoothly without any hitches or losses. Arguably, one of the major factors to consider when planning a long distance relocation is the moving company that you are going to hire. The success and timeliness of your move are highly dependent on the expertise and professionalism of your moving company.

Choosing the wrong moving company can not only leave you frustrated but also suffering huge losses. Your choice of moving company isn't a decision that you should take lightly. With that being said, you might be wondering how one identifies the most reliable long distance movers from the sea of moving companies claiming to be the best at what they do? Fortunately, here we are going to look at some of the top factors to consider when choosing a long distance mover.

1. Experience

As discussed earlier, long distance relocation involves a lot of risks. Hence, to ensure that these risks are minimized, you need to ensure that the company you choose is experienced in long distance moving. A company that is in the business for many years knows how to effectively and safely carry out the move. Their staff is professionally trained, and considering their experience; they are aware of the mistakes that can hamper the success of the move. They know which measures to put in place to avoid these mistakes. They will ensure that your items are well secured and are not exposed to any harm.

Also, they are aware of the legal requirements involving out-of-state moves, for example, additional licenses and paperwork.

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2. Licensing and Insurance

The most important factor to consider when choosing a long distance mover is to check the licenses and insurance cover the company has. You should not fear to request the mover to provide you with proof of their license. This will indicate to you that the company is legit and not just another scam off the streets. Licensing and insurance often go hand in hand.

You should find out what insurance they provide to their clients. Find out whether they have replacement value protection, which helps to ensure that your belongings are covered up to a certain amount in case of any damage or loss. It is important to note that even with the best movers, accidents can happen, so you should always be protected.

3. Get a Written Estimates

When conducting a long distance move, a verbal estimate doesn't do you any good. You should request free estimates from various companies. These estimates should be detailed and clearly show what each cost covers. A professional mover should visit your home and assess before giving you the estimate. It is worth noting that a written estimate is legally binding; hence, it provides more guarantee.

When you obtain written estimates from multiple companies, you will be able to see what each company charges for each service. This will help you choose the one that best suits your needs.

4. The Reputation of the Mover

You don't want to hire a long distance moving company without first checking what previous clients are saying about their experience with the company. In addition to requesting a list of references, you should also make use of the internet.

Sites such as Better Business Bureau and Yelp will provide you with an abundance of customer experience information. The FMCSA website is also another website to consider as it provides safety reviews.

5. Signs to Look Out For

Apart from the above factors that you should take into consideration, there are signs you should watch out for to help you identify a potential scam. First of all, avoid companies that demand advance cash payments or unusually large cash deposits. This is a major red flag.

Also, you shouldn't hire a company that makes use of a rental moving truck or a truck that is unmarked. Any serious professional and reliable moving company staff will show up with their truck showcasing the company name or logo.

If the mover insists on carrying out the planning process over the phone, including giving you the estimate over the phone and other planning aspects, then you should move on to the next moving company.

What are My Options for Hiring Live Entertainment?

Are you planning an event and considering your options for live entertainment for hire? We have the ultimate list of live entertainment ideas for your next event.

Actors and Actresses
Are you shooting a music video or commercial? By hiring a professional actor or actress, you will add bona fide credibility to your project.

Artists
Want to look your absolute best for your event? You could hire a makeup artist to give you a glamorous, Hollywood look. Or perhaps you want a face painter or body painter to come to your event so that everyone can look their best. You could also hire a caricature artist to render funny and unique drawings of your guests.

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Bands and Ensembles
There's nothing like a live band or ensemble to set the mood for your event. Rock, Country, Jazz, Blues, Reggae, or even a Three String Quartet will deliver entertainment worthy of a concert for your next big bash, or instead, provide a nice, quiet background ambiance for your intimate cocktail party.

Circus Acts
Want to bring some excitement to your event? How about an Aerial Dancer? Or are you looking for something more dramatic? Consider hiring a Flame Dancer or Fire Eater? Or perhaps you'd prefer to add a little whimsy to your event and hire a clown to entertain your guests.

Comedians
Do you love a good laugh? Laughter is food for the soul. You could hire a comedian for your event and have your guests rolling in the aisles.

Cultural Entertainment
Consider hiring musicians that perform music from all around the world, such as Caribbean, Latin, Spanish Flamenco, Reggae, Steel Drums, and even a Mariachi band.

Dancers
Want to add a bit of exotic flair to your event? How about Polynesian Dancers, Samba Dancers, Belly Dancers, Hip Hop, and Punjabi folk style Giddhe? Guests would love to get involved and participate in the dances.

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DJs
Do you want to bring down the house at your next party? Hire a DJ to spin records and keep your guests on the dance floor with all the latest and greatest music available.

Impersonators
Everyone loves celebrities! Make your next party unforgettable with the kings, Elvis and Michael Jackson impersonators. Don't forget the queens, Drag Queens that is. Want something a little more out of this world? Hire Spock! Let your guests hobnob with the rich and famous at your next event.

Magicians
Bring wonder, excitement, and a bit of wow to your party with a magician. Everybody loves magic tricks.

Musicians
From solo artists to Big Band players, musicians of all kinds are just waiting to be hired for your next event. Are you having a cocktail party? Hire a Jazz duo. Is it a beach-themed event? Hire a steel drum player. Do you need something more refined? Hire a pianist.

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Photographers and Videographers
Don't let yourself get stuck behind the camera taking pictures or videos, and miss all the fun. Hire professional photographers or videographers to capture those memories so that you can actually enjoy your event.

Speakers and Officiants
Do you need someone to host your event? Consider hiring a speaker or officiant who is well versed in various topics. Hire a professional to educate and entertain your audience.

Specialty Acts
Are you looking for something genuinely different? Something your guests will be talking about long after the party is over? Consider hiring a specialty act such as Belly Dancers, Fire Performers, 80s Tribute Band, or even a Lipstick Reader.

Conclusion:
With this list of live entertainers, you can choose the perfect performer for your next event. Make it spectacular!

How To Cook Chicken Thighs In An Air Fryer

If you haven't already hopped on the air fryer bandwagon, you better get with it! I have had one for about 6 months now, and use it every day, sometimes even a few times a day. It really is a very versatile kitchen appliance that every home cook needs. I recently decided to try some boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the air fryer for the first time. Normally I grill them either on my cast iron grill pan or the outdoor gas grill. I didn't feel like dealing with the pollen outside so I wanted to see how the air fryer would work.

I started with one package of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, fresh lime, and an assortment of dried seasonings. I simply washed the chicken with the fresh lime, and then rinsed and patted dry. I seasoned to my liking with my go-to spices. I also recently discovered Trader Joe's chili lime seasoning, and it has become a new must-have. If you are located near Trader Joe's, you have to grab a bottle!

After my chicken is seasoned, I set it aside for a bit while I heat the air fryer to 400° for five minutes. You can lightly spritz your chicken with olive oil if you are worried about them sticking to the basket, but I didn't have any issues. Place chicken in fryer basket according to how many you can fit for them to lay flat. Cook for 7 minutes, and flip. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until nicely brown. They come out super juicy and perfectly cooked! This was so much easier than using the grill.

Chicken thighs are so versatile and can be served with a variety of side dishes, or on top of a salad. We have been eating lower carb meals lately, so I threw together some delicious vegetable fried "rice" (riced cauliflower). What a tasty combination!

Don't forget to grab this chili lime seasoning from Trader Joe's. It's only $1.99 so I will be grabbing a few extra to stock up.

Be sure to check out these other recipes:

• Air Fryer Mushrooms
• Caribbean Style Roasted Chicken
• Blueberry Lemon Bread
• Shelly's Easy & Moist Meatloaf

A Producer's Pre-production Jobs

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While producing a movie may seem fun and exciting, it is a not job where you show up on set and start ordering others around. Several things need to be done and put in place before you can start producing. Here are three jobs that need to be done before you begin filming.

Scheduling

It is important to outline the time frame for making your movie. You need to determine how long it will take to make and how long you will need your actors, buildings, and managers. Once you have made a schedule for your filming time, you are one step closer to producing. Plans may not always go exactly how you like, so be sure to include some extra days for any make-up work, incomplete scenes, or incohesive actor’s work.

Approvals

When producing a movie, you are not the only one involved. There are permits to acquire for where you shoot and what you shoot. Insurance also must be included in your actor’s and worker's contracts for the liabilities that could occur. Always be mindful of what is happening on set as well. Heather Parry is a prime example of how everything can seem to go right onscreen, but behind the scenes, proper protocols and approvals were never developed. This can cause serious problems long after your production is over

Locations

Knowing where you will film your movie is important before beginning. Decide on the country, state, and town you wish to shoot your movie in. Once you find the place, you still need to find the buildings and towns you want to be in. Some budgets allow for building their entire sets, while others will cause you to search for the perfect setting already out there.

The pre-production process includes several jobs for you to do. Starting your production with these tasks already accomplished will help things go quickly and smoothly while filming.  

The Rights of Nursing Home Residents

The rights of people in nursing homes are generally the same as everyone’s rights. Although rights can change when someone becomes less able, and decisions have to be made for them. You may have to act on their behalf to make decisions that you think are best for them.  If you have a loved one in a nursing home, you will want to protect them and make sure they are being cared for properly.

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When they enter a home they will receive a nursing home contract - understanding a nursing home contract can be difficult. Therefore, in this article, we are going to look at rights that particularly affect nursing home residents and what to look for to ensure that they are being respected and upheld.

The rights of all nursing home residents are generally the same. However, when someone becomes unable to communicate or make decisions for themselves, then arrangements should be made on what their preferences were in the past. Their rights such as their privacy and security are still of the utmost importance.

Privacy

Life in a communal home is challenging. Most residents still need to feel that their privacy is being respected, especially when it comes to personal care. Here are some tips on what to look for:

• A patient is involved in decisions that affect them. For example, when they shower, whether they would prefer to only be cared for by female staff and what they wear.
• Personal care is done in private with the door closed.
• Ensuring confidentiality with their care and not openly discussing intimate matters in front of other residents. 
• Being allowed to self-care where they can and retain independence even where it might take them a long time. 

Security

Residents should feel safe and cared for. This includes:

• Offering assistance with tasks that could otherwise be dangerous such as walking or using the toilet. 
• Protecting residents from abuse from staff or other residents.
• Everything is as accessible as possible, and the floor is clear from hazards.
• A clear and accessible complaint process. 
• An atmosphere of care that is open, honest and inclusive. 

Civil Rights

Residents should still retain their rights as citizens as far as they can do so, including:
The opportunity to vote in elections.

• Access to healthcare.
• Assistance claiming appropriate benefits or social services.

Choice

Residents should always have control and choice as far as they can do so. They should be involved in making decisions about their care and be allowed to change their mind daily if they wish to, including:

• Where and what they eat within reason.
• Who they choose to socialize with.
• Activities they can get involved in.
• How to manage their own time and the choice to be flexible with their routine. 
• An opportunity to share preferences.
• Religious or ethical beliefs, which should be respected and upheld by those around them.

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Employees should always aim to communicate with residents, speaking to them at their eye level whilst building rapport and upholding respect. Visitors should be encouraged and welcomed as this is one of the best ways to keep resident’s spirits high.