(NewsUSA) - Cold brew coffee continues to be a hot trend. Recent market research shows an increase in sales of 580 percent between 2011 and 2016 as coffee drinkers have embraced the smooth flavor of cold brew.<br /> <br /> Cold brew is coffee made with cold water. It sounds simple, but making cold brew concentrate from ground coffee at home can be a messy and time-consuming process. Most devices on the market require 12 to 24 hours of steep time at room temperature to brew a coffee concentrate suitable for cold brew coffee, so serving cold brew coffee has traditionally required advance planning. But now a specialized coffee press allows cold brew coffee lovers to get their fix in a couple of minutes.<br /> <br /> By briskly stirring coffee grounds and room temperature water together in the AeroPress coffee maker, you can cut brewing time from many hours to just two minutes. Simply add finely ground coffee and room-temperature water, stir, press, and enjoy a cup of smooth, flavorful cold brew coffee.<br /> <br /> Another advantage of the AeroPress is a quick and easy cleanup. Unlike typical cold brewers, the AeroPress does not leave a large filter full of messy coffee grounds after brewing. It is designed to consolidate the used grounds and filter into a small, neat puck that pops out ready for composting.<br /> <br /> A huge advantage of cold brewing is it can be done where there is that no access to hot water. When traveling, hiking, biking, or doing other activities away from the home kitchen, there is almost always a source of water but often no way to heat it. However with a lightweight, portable AeroPress, it is easy to brew a cup of smooth rich cold brew using tap water in about two minutes.<br /> <br /> Not only does the AeroPress brew delicious hot coffee in addtion to cold brew, but as a multipurpose coffeemaker, it helps cut kitchen clutter by eliminating the need for separate machines.<br /> <br /> Visit aeropress.com for more information about how to enjoy cold brew (or hot) coffee with ease in the comfort of your home.<br /> <br /> Ref: Drinks - in Blogs

<br /> <br /> <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Photography - in Blogs</span>

Social media is a search engine. Learn how to get found. <a onclick="$('#phonebook-category-no-city').val($(this).text());" class="coolinks btn-scroll hashword" href="https://stallios.com/blogs/category/1">Marketing</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Marketing - in Blogs</span><br /><br />If you're on social media but no one's finding you, you're not a ghost—you’re just invisible.<br /><br />Let’s have a little truth fest, shall we?<br /><br />You keep posting. You're dancing. You're showing your iced coffee. You're even dropping wisdom that should get you a book deal. But the only one liking your stuff is your aunt Tammy and that one MLM girl who’s always “cheering you on.”<br /><br />Mama, let me say this with love and a strong shot of espresso (decaf if you're off caffeine like a psycho):<br />Social media is not just for showing up. It's for getting found.<br /><br />That’s right. Instagram. TikTok. Pinterest. Facebook. Even LinkedIn if you’re feeling fancy.<br />They’re not just platforms — they are search engines in glitter and crop tops.<br />Social Media = Search Engine (Yes, Really)<br /><br />Let me break it down like your toddler breaks down when you cut the sandwich the wrong way.<br /><br />All of these platforms have search bars. You know what that means?<br />People are typing things like:<br /><br /> “Mom blog”<br /><br /> “Easy vegan toddler meals”<br /><br /> “Freelance writing tips”<br /><br /> “Jesus and coffee memes” (okay maybe that’s just me)<br /><br />If your profile isn’t optimized, you could be serving up exactly what they need—and still be chilling in the shadow realm of the algorithm. No ma’am. We don’t do invisible over here.<br />1. Your Name Is Prime Real Estate<br /><br />Stop putting “✨Mama of 3✨” in your name field. I love your babies, but that’s not what people are searching.<br /><br />Instead, tell the algorithm what you do.<br />Example:<br />Erica | SEO Copywriter for Moms<br />or<br />Jess | Pinterest Coach for Bloggers<br /><br />Now when someone types “Pinterest coach,” boom. You’re in the game.<br />2. Your Bio Is a Mini Sales Page<br /><br />That little box? It’s not a throwaway. It's not for inspirational quotes. It’s for hooking followers like the savvy mama boss you are.<br /><br />Format cheat code:<br /><br />👋 Who you help<br />💡 What you help them do<br />🔗 Your freebie or offer<br /><br />Example:<br />Helping writer moms grow their blog + make bank online 💸<br />👇 Grab the free SEO checklist<br /><br />Short. Sassy. Searchable. Yes please.<br />3. Keywords. Yep, Even on Instagram.<br /><br />Pinterest mamas already know the power of keywords. But IG? TikTok? Yes girl. They’ve been creeping on your captions this whole time.<br /><br />Use the exact words your dream audience would type. You’re not just posting a reel. You’re posting a searchable piece of content.<br /><br />Instead of:<br />“Loved making this for dinner!”<br />Try:<br />“Easy one-pan vegan meal for busy moms 🍽️ #veganrecipes #quickdinnerideas #momlifehacks”<br /><br />Don’t keyword stuff. We’re not robots. But do give the platform something to latch onto.<br />4. Hashtags Aren’t Dead, They’re Just Boring If You Use ‘#Blessed’<br /><br />Choose hashtags that are specific to your niche and content. Think of them as little roads leading people to your profile.<br /><br /> #MomBloggerTips<br /><br /> #ChristianMomsWhoWrite<br /><br /> #FreelanceWritingLife<br /><br /> #FaithBasedBiz<br /><br />Keep a rotating list. And for the love of viral reach, don’t just copy and paste the same 30 dead hashtags on every post.<br />5. Your Content Needs to Scream “Hey Algorithm, Pick Me!”<br /><br />Here’s the hard truth, boo:<br /><br />If you're just vibing, you're blending in.<br /><br />Your content needs to answer questions, solve problems, or entertain in a way that makes the algorithm go, “Ooh, I know someone who’d love this.”<br /><br />So instead of vague captions like,<br />“Just showing up today 🥰”<br />Try:<br />“Here’s how I built a blog that gets 1,000+ monthly visits—with no tech degree and 3 kids screaming in the background.”<br /><br />Because THAT, my friend, is search engine gold.<br />Final Word from Your Favorite Truth-Teller<br /><br />You’re not too late. You’re not too old. You’re not too small.<br />You’re just not searchable—yet.<br /><br />Social media doesn’t reward mystery. It rewards clarity.<br />So rewrite that bio. Add keywords to your captions. Use that name field like your business depends on it—because it kinda does.<br /><br />And if you're still feeling stuck, don’t worry—I got you.<br />Follow me for more great tips or DM me with questions.<br /><br /><br />Now go make the algorithm your sidekick, Mama.<br />You’re building an empire—and empires don’t hide.

(NewsUSA) - We live in an age of new mobility, where the landscape of our digital life is expanding and evolving at unprecedented speed. Wireless connectivity has spread from computers and smartphones to cars, homes and cities, and it's simplifying and improving our way of living.<br /> <br /> The rise of "smart" objects and machines powered by machine-to-machine (M2M) technology has been a huge catalyst for the Internet of Things -- a web of connected objects and devices that communicate with one another to make life easier. The automotive industry is leading the way forward with more than 23 million connected cars on the road today and projections for 152 million by 2020.<br /> <br /> Connected cars enhance our lives with rich services, including advanced 3D navigation, automatic emergency calling when accidents occur and always-on mobile WiFi. They can automatically exchange information with other smart objects, such as traffic lights, to help reduce road congestion and improve navigation. They can also direct drivers to the nearest open parking spot and turn on the heat and stereo system before arriving home.<br /> <br /> The possibilities are exciting and limited only by our ability to securely manage wireless service plans for the long life of vehicles and smart city solutions.<br /> <br /> Until recently, updating connected car systems was costly and time-consuming, requiring a visit to a dealership to change electronic components embedded under the dashboard. Consumers will soon be able to securely update wireless features and even add new vehicles or smart home devices to existing mobile service plans via a mobile device app or website visit. The new "on-demand connectivity" solution makes it much easier to adopt new technology or instantly take advantage of special offers without additional service contracts or monthly invoices.<br /> <br /> "In an increasingly connected world, it is vital to remove barriers for growth," said Gemalto Vice President Juan Lazcano. "On Demand Connectivity allows people to easily manage their connected devices while helping mobile network operators improve service offerings and customer loyalty. It's a win-win scenario."<br /> <br /> The best part is Gemalto's solution adds a layer of data security that ensures personal information is protected when service plan updates are made. This allows all of us to trust in the connected cars and smart cities of the future. For more information, visit www.gemalto.com/iot.<br /> <br /> Ref: Cars - in Blogs

You ever notice how everyone's got a morning routine? "I'm a morning person," they say. "I'm a night owl," they claim. But let's be real, most of us are just trying to survive until our first cup of coffee.<br /><br />I was talking to my friend George the other day, and he told me his morning routine involves hitting the snooze button 12 times. I'm pretty sure that's not what the wellness experts had in mind.<br /><br />So, what's your morning routine? Are you a zen master or a caffeine junkie? Do you meditate, journal, or hit the gym? Or do you just roll out of bed and stumble into the kitchen?<br /><br />Let's get real about our morning habits. What's working for you? What's not? Share your morning struggles and triumphs with us! 🤣☕️ #MorningRoutine #Lifestyle #ComedyOfErrors

<br /> <br /> <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Photography - in Blogs</span>

(NewsUSA) - DigiTrax Entertainment, a pioneer in the music technology industry, brings its artificial intelligence (AI) expertise to the popular hip-hop segment.<br /> <br /> With the introduction of KR38R Beats, a unique AI product specifically geared to the hip-hop artist, DigiTrax recognizes the importance of hip-hop music and how it is a great fit for AI technology. The company has paired with Spotlite, a popular and established singing performance app, to create "Rapping with the Robot," a contest for aspiring hip-hop artists.<br /> <br /> The contest is scheduled to begin on Thanksgiving Day and end on New Year's Eve.<br /> <br /> Prizes include an all-expenses-paid recording session, with professional production and distribution across all major platforms.<br /> <br /> "We focused our AI on the most relevant segment of music in today's streaming economy," says Joe Vangieri, CEO of DigiTrax Entertainment.<br /> <br /> "Hip-hop beats comprise one out of every three streams, and generate billions in revenue."<br /> <br /> The KR38R Beats product is based on the Music Builder program, DigiTrax's unique and innovative technology that helps artists harness the power of artificial intelligence. Artists can feed ideas into the program, which then serves as a composing partner and allows them to create more songs more quickly.<br /> <br /> Spotlite is a free, direct-to-fan singing app designed to allow amateur and professional vocalists to sing original music, covers, and karaoke across all musical genres.<br /> <br /> "As a fan, you used to go out and buy CDs to support your favorite artist," says Juan Munoz, general manager of Spotlite Media.<br /> <br /> "With the change in how fans ingest content, Spotlite has not only allowed fans a new way to directly support their favorite artists, but the fans become the tastemakers. Through our contests, fans tell us who should truly be recognized for their talent," he explains.<br /> <br /> Other benefits of using artificial intelligence in creating original hip-hop music include greater profitability and protection for the users under copyright law.<br /> <br /> "Because we own both the publishing and the sound recording that our AI has written," Vangieri explains, "this gives us free reign to fully exploit both sides of a song - the publishing and the sound recording."<br /> <br /> DigiTrax plans to introduce several more contests in 2019 to showcase the way its technology is transforming how music is created and enjoyed.<br /> <br /> For more information about the company and its future business goals, go to digitraxentertainment.com.<br /> <br /> Ref: Bands - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - When Jess Michaels isn't obsessively checking her steps on FitBit or watching daytime Court TV, she's a best-selling author who writes historical romances with heroines who speak their mind.<br /> <br /> Her first foray into publishing began, as many picture the life of an author, with a traditional publishing deal. But after releasing a few books, Michaels decided to turn down an additional deal and try self-publishing.<br /> <br /> "I'd begun developing an audience for my books and wanted to try something different. Authors I respected had success and greater control over their work with self-publishing, so I was eager to try it for myself," says Michaels.<br /> <br /> She mastered it quickly and decided to go "strictly indie" in 2015, using Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) service to publish in both eBook and print. Since her decision to self-publish, she has been on the USA bestseller list ten times. Her husband quit his job at a large technology company and now works with Michaels to run their publishing company.<br /> <br /> "I wanted more control over not just the creative writing, but also the marketing strategy, cover art, and other business aspects of publishing. I grew frustrated being unable to make these decisions going the traditional publishing route," she says. "I'm both a writer and entrepreneur, and I'm enjoying more creative and financial rewards than I ever have."<br /> <br /> For Michaels, who says the initial idea of going indie was "taking a leap off a cliff and hoping you can fly before you crash," the resulting benefits have exceeded her expectations.<br /> <br /> For those authors wrestling with the idea of self-publishing, consider this:<br /> <br /> - Creative control. Self-publishing a book allows authors to build characters and stories exactly the way they want and, ultimately, retain full rights to their original material. A book that has been nursed from inception to novel remains yours.<br /> <br /> - Get to market fast. Once a book is ready, self-publishing services, such as KDP, guide authors through setting up their books and getting them in the hands of readers in just a matter of days.<br /> <br /> - Make more money. Authors who opt to self-publish can set their own prices and take home a higher percentage of royalties.<br /> <br /> While a self-published author serves as his or her own marketing department, indie publishers make marketing simple and effective. Self-publishing companies, such as Amazon, also offer authors additional promotional opportunities to make their work available to more readers.<br /> <br /> Many authors find support through writers' groups online, such as Facebook groups, or in-person by attending workshops and writers' conferences. Most cities have local writing groups that meet regularly. These meetings can provide constructive criticism of your work and other resources.<br /> <br /> "I fell into self-publishing by accident, and found that connecting with other authors and joining a local writers' organization helped me improve my technique and career tremendously," says self-published science fiction and fantasy author T.S. Paul. "When sales of my novels began to take off, I began working with freelancers and a virtual assistant, also, to grow the community around me."<br /> <br /> Regardless of whether a writer is interested in romance, mystery, fantasy, or biographies, self-publishing with services such as KDP can empower them to pursue their dreams, especially if they're willing to study the business side of publishing as well as Jess Michaels did.<br /> <br /> Who knows? Maybe the best seller list is closer than you think.<br /> <br /> For more information, visit <a target='_blank' href="https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/.">https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/.</a><br /> <br /> Ref: Books - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - Are all those stories about crippling student debt having an effect on college campuses? Just ask post-Millennials now trying - albeit not always successfully - to avoid being saddled with the same heavy burden of debt as their predecessors.<br /> <br /> According to Fidelity Investments' new "College Savings: Lessons Learned Study," not only did 83 percent of current college students surveyed consider what their total costs would be before matriculating - just 69 percent of recent graduates had such foresight - but 39 percent of them said the potential price tag was such "a huge factor" that they purposely limited their choice of schools to the most affordable. Only 32 percent of recent graduates, alas, had shown similar restraint.<br /> <br /> "It seems today's college students are perhaps more aware of the financial situation they entered into than those who graduated before them," said Melissa Ridolfi, Fidelity's vice president of retirement and college leadership. "That's a positive development."<br /> <br /> All told, student debt in the U.S. now totals more than $1.5 trillion - second only to mortgage debt, Forbes reported. And the 69 percent or so of the Class of 2018 who took out student loans graduated with an average debt balance of $29,800.<br /> <br /> So you can understand why recent graduates would be so stressed out over whether they'd ever be able to pay off their loans that they're now having second thoughts about their decisions:<br /> <br /> * 40 percent said that while they don't regret going to college, they would've made different choices in hindsight.<br /> <br /> * Only 14 percent felt the value of their education was worth more than the money they'd spent.<br /> <br /> Oh, and future college students should listen up for this sage advice from the more than 4,000 respondents surveyed - all recent graduates, current undergraduates, and parents of either or both - on what would've done wonders to ease their own stress levels.<br /> <br /> "When asked 'If you knew then what you know now when it comes to school selection, what would you do differently?' the number one answer for all respondents was 'I would've started saving earlier,'" Ridolfi said.<br /> <br /> Which logically brings us to another key finding of the study: Only 17 percent of current students and recent graduates had taken advantage, prior to college, of what's arguably one of the best ways to fund higher education: 529 savings plans.<br /> <br /> Unlike regular bank savings accounts, they provide a tax-advantaged way to save money to cover tuition, books and other education-related expenses at most accredited two- and four-year colleges, universities and vocational-technical schools.<br /> <br /> The key phrase being "tax-advantaged." Meaning, earnings grow federal income tax-deferred and withdrawals for qualified expenses are free from federal (and, in many places, state) income taxes - thus affording the opportunity to have even more saved for college.<br /> <br /> Significantly, Ridolfi said families using a 529 plan managed by Fidelity have been starting to sock money away earlier than ever before, with contributions beginning on average when the child is about age six and a half. Thirty-six percent of Fidelity 529s are even opened for beneficiaries under - yes - age 2.<br /> <br /> You say a child hasn't even uttered his or her first complete sentence before they're two? Probably not. But just so you're not bushwhacked when they suddenly hit their late teens, free online resources like Fidelity's College Savings Learning Center and College Savings Quick Check - a calculator that even shows you the impact of saving a few dollars more a month - can help prepare you for what lies ahead.<br /> <br /> Ref: Education - in Blogs