Information About the Recent Cloudflare Issue

You may have heard that Cloudflare, an Internet infrastructure company, announced on Thursday that it experienced a vulnerability. Their issue caused the private data of some Cloudflare customers to be exposed. Here’s a link to Cloudflare’s official blog where they explain the issue in detail.

Because we place an extremely high priority on data security and realize you may be worried, as Upwork’s head of information security I wanted to share some information.

Upwork is indeed a Cloudflare customer — one of millions. However, we believe no Upwork-related data was at risk. We’ve come to this conclusion based on discussions with Cloudflare and our own internal investigations. We consider the matter closed at this time but we will update this post if we are made aware of any new information.

Upwork takes data security very seriously and, as soon as we heard about this incident, our security team proactively reached out to Cloudflare and took the following steps:

• Our security team spoke with and has been in constant communication with the Cloudflare team to assess any potential exposure to Upwork and our customers.
• We requested that Cloudflare search for data belonging to Upwork and our customers. To date, the Cloudflare team has not found any Upwork-related data that was exposed.
• We asked Cloudflare to clarify the status of the vulnerability. Cloudflare stated that they have fixed the vulnerability and are actively working to delete any remaining cached information on the Internet related to this incident.
• In an abundance of caution, we initiated our own investigation to ensure Upwork-related data was not exposed as part of the Cloudflare incident. As mentioned above, we did not find that any Upwork-related data was exposed.

My team at Upwork is constantly vigilant in an effort to protect our community’s security. You have my commitment that with this issue and future ones like it, we will always act quickly and in your best interest to protect your data.

The post Information About the Recent Cloudflare Issue appeared first on Upwork Blog.

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A Look at E-commerce Platforms and Payment Solutions

With both digital-born and traditional businesses honing their e-commerce strategies, the National Retail Federation predicts online retail sales in the U.S. alone could grow as much as 12 percent this year—up to three times their projection for the industry as a whole.

What does that mean for your online store? From content management to payment solutions, here’s a look at some of the most widely used platforms for you to consider.

ID the right platform

Maybe you’re ready to launch something new; maybe what you’re doing now doesn’t quite cut it. Whatever the case, one of the most important things for you to figure out is which platform should power your online store.

“A common rule of thumb is that what you’ll get in flexibility from an
e-commerce platform, you’ll trade for simplicity.”
— from “A Guide to E-Commerce Platforms”

Before you start looking at platforms and scouring reviews, start your search by considering some of the factors that should influence your decision:

• A prioritized list of features you need in a platform
• Your budget
• The skills you’ll need to complete create the store
• Your project timeline
• The size of your store
• Other add-on features you may need
• Server support
• Security and fraud protection

To help you choose from the many options available, “A Guide to E-Commerce Platforms” looks at some of the more popular ones: Magento, Shopify, Bigcommerce, OpenCart, PrestaShop, and Volusion.

WordPress is another common choice, with people drawn to its feature-rich framework and the thousands of plugins and widgets that can customize a WordPress site to suit what’s needed.

PayPal, Stripe, or both?

As e-commerce rockets upward, online payment platforms are buckled in for the ride. PayPal dominates the market, with 6.1 billion payment transactions in 2016—a 24 percent jump compared with 2015.

While PayPal has nearly two decades as a pioneer in this space, there are many others taking a sliver of the marketplace, including offerings from Google, Amazon, and Visa. Analysis by Datanyze shows one solution has been able to nose ahead of the rest: Stripe.

Launched in 2011, Stripe is a U.S.-based company that now operates in 25 countries, and a growing number of businesses are adding Stripe to their sites—sometimes right alongside PayPal. Expertise with Stripe ranked fifth on the list of the fastest-growing skills on the Upwork Skills Index for Q4 2016.

Want to learn more about e-commerce? Have a look at Upwork’s Hiring Headquarters to learn more about platforms and trends >>

The post A Look at E-commerce Platforms and Payment Solutions appeared first on Upwork Blog.

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Educator Spotlight: Stephanye Davis

At Simply Organic, we take pride in having a tribe of educators and stylists who share our passion for providing safe and natural beauty products that work. This month, we are honored to feature Simply Organic Educator, Stephanye Davis. She’s one of the educators who tirelessly offer their expertise in our OWAY Holistic Hair Stylist Forum. She will also be teaching at our Train the Trainer event next week, so we chatted with her and got to know her a little bit more. Check out her interview below!

Tell us about yourself! Who inspired you to become part of the beauty industry?

I was initially drawn to our industry for the family flexiblity and “express yourself” spirit. It is because of industry leaders like Carsten Wilmes, Vidal Sassoon, Horst Rechelbacher, and Kevyn Aucoin that inspired me to continue learning and to create both art and experience behind the chair. I truly love how they used precision and strategic placement for cut and color to create artistic effects. These artists inspired me to work hard at my craft and become the best artist I knew I could be.

Today, I find my inspiration in the artists I meet every day. They challenge me to continue to think out of the box in my classes. When I see the light bulb go off in one of my learners, it immediately makes every second leading up to that moment worth it! I become inspired watching the enthusiasm and confidence build within an artist.

Do you have any tips for someone that is just starting out with the OWAY line?

Take lots of pictures as you are transitioning your guests into OWAY. You and your client will see and feel a difference in the hair fabric every time you color treat them. The pictures are great visual testimonies and color inspirations!

Use the OWAY Holistic Hairstylist Forum on Facebook. This page is wonderful to the OWAY community all over the world! A new OWAY user can find file materials to help in their transition while getting immediate answers from live artists and OWAY users. It’s an amazing tool that artists can use every day.

Outside of work, what are your main goals in life?

I want to continue to aid in a greener industry through Technical Education and Salon Support. I have been a Cosmetologist for 23 years and I love that our industry has moved away from the horrible toxins that some of us started out with. I am so thankful we have clean and medicinally based beauty products for new industry artists to begin their careers with. It is up to us to change the beauty myths that harsh chemicals are the only option for results.

I am so blessed that I have an opportunity to share technical knowledge with artists all over the nation. I fully support the lines we carry at Simply Organic. I hope to one day meet more of our salons and artists as they are changing this industry every day with each guest in their chairs. Be on the look out — I am excited to begin featuring some innovative artists throughout the year.

What are some color trends you see for next season?

I am looking forward to seeing more cut-strengthening color movement effects with shades like airy mushroom tones and rich, bright coppers.

What is a go-to product that every salon must have?

My first go-to is Hrestore for your Colorists Stations. I always mist and massage into dry mids and ends before applying my colors. Hrestore allows for more protein within the hair to bond with the micropigments in Hcolor. You are improving the hair integrity with a vegetable protein treatment. Your end result is longer-lasting color balances with improved hair porosity.

My other OWAY must-have is Bio-Rich Water. I have found so many ways to use this hydrolyte. It’s a great mist for a cutting lotion or foundation styling product in the hair. I have also learned that it’s a great cooling body spray and acts as a skin rehydrating toner, and the aromatherapy re-centers myself or my client for a moment. I love to spray this over my client before I begin a shampoo ritual to prepare their mind for a moment of relaxation.

What is your favorite thing to do behind the chair?

My favorite thing to do behind the chair is educating and learning. I learn from my clients as much as they learn from me. I share my knowledge on today’s product technology and trends, while my clients share their ways to live green with me.

Why do you love educating for Simply Organic Beauty Distribution?

I have taught for other product companies before and found that there was little truth behind their words and little support for their educators. I love educating with Simply Organic Beauty Distribution (going into my fourth year) because I trust them. Most of our education team has a passion for cleaner products as much as I do. Most have had similar health journeys which brought us all here. Together, we really are “Changing Salons for the Better,” and I see that every time I walk into a new organic salon. I appreciate the integrity of the products Simply Organic carries and the information we share. They are constantly discovering new technology that supports their mission. Lastly, I appreciate the support they give to their staff, education team, and their salons. If there is ever a question I cannot answer, I know I can trust the information I get from the tech line or forum.

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The Power of Connection: How Client-Freelancer Relationships Can Grow a Business—and Change a Life

Feature image: Freelancer John Carlou Pecitas meets his client Dara Feldman, marketing director of California-based Trackforce, in the Philippines.

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Connections between people have been widely recognized as one of the most powerful contributors to an individual’s happiness. At Upwork, we are also greatly aware of, and focused on, how creating the right relationships can be powerful for both clients and freelancers.

In thinking about the Upwork community and how so many people do great work together, we wanted to find out more about these connections. Last year, we asked clients and freelancers around the world to share their stories about how specific partnerships are making a difference in their work and personal lives.

The results were inspiring. One entrepreneur wasn’t sure they could bring their business idea to life until they found a web development agency who put everything within reach. A freelancer found amazing clients who ended up becoming mentors. Many clients and freelancers built such a strong link, they say they feel like family without ever meeting in person.

One story stood out right away—not just for the respect between the client and freelancer, or the results they are achieving together, but for the impact that work has had on the freelancer’s future plans.

Upwork Innovators: John Carl Pecitas l Freelance Lead Generator from Upwork on Vimeo.

“Upwork has changed my life,” said John Carlou Pecitas. “I work really hard and can tell my clients respect me.”

Knocked down by the failure of his first business, working with clients through Upwork has helped John gain confidence not just that he can succeed but that he can use that success to empower others. He’s now expanding his freelance business on Upwork and building an agency of his own.

We met John through his client Dara Feldman, the marketing director of Trackforce, a California-based web and mobile security operations and workforce management software company. Dara, who works with multiple freelancers on the Upwork website to support Trackforce’s international business, shared how impactful her connection with John has been since they met—not least because he’s identified more than 10,000 quality sales leads.

Dara originally hired John, who lives in the Philippines, to help identify and qualify customer leads ahead of industry trade shows and sales events. He quickly earned Dara’s respect for his ability to deliver quality and thorough work efficiently. Knowing she could depend on John, Dara sent other projects his way.

While Dara and John had never spoken by phone or even via video, they still felt they had a rewarding relationship; Dara thinks it’s because they are supportive colleagues working toward a shared goal. As part of winning the contest, Upwork flew Dara to the Philippines so the two could meet in person.

It was beyond exciting to be a part their meeting and see how that genuine connection of mutual respect transcends from online to in person!

Every day, it seems productivity and outcomes are pushed as the main objectives in the workplace—and they are important. But as John and Dara’s story shows, results don’t have to mean losing out on connecting with people.

At Upwork, we know companies, agencies, and freelancers are helping each other every minute of every day. Yet we also know the connections people make can mean more than action items and to-dos. We all help this community excel and grow—that’s why so many people let us know how much it means to their business and lives that they’ve found such great talent and opportunity through the Upwork website.

What’s your Upwork story? We would love to hear it, email us at success_story@upwork.com. Thank you for being part of the Upwork Community!

The post The Power of Connection: How Client-Freelancer Relationships Can Grow a Business—and Change a Life appeared first on Upwork Blog.

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How Construction Mortgages Work

Buying any home usually requires financing. When it comes to building a custom home you may require additional financing options such as a construction mortgage.

A construction mortgage is a short term mortgage that serves to aid in covering the cost of the initial construction of your home. Once the building of your home has reached a certain stage or is complete you would likely roll your construction mortgage into a traditional home mortgage or another form of financing.

We tend to get some questions about how construction mortgages work so here is a breakdown on how construction mortgage differ from a traditional mortgage. We strongly suggest that you speak to your local lender or financial institution as regulations and lending options may differ in your area. If you’d like help putting together a budget you can download our FREE log home budget worksheet and guide.

What is a mortgage? How does it work?

A mortgage is a type of loan through a financial institution used to traditionally help an individual purchase a home or residence. A lien is placed on the property as collateral for the money being lended. This means that if payments on the mortgage are unable to be made that the home can be taken by the lender. Monies can be lent up to a percentage of the home and property’s current value, typically up to 80% (speak to your financial institution for full details).

Here are the typical steps that you may experience when applying for a traditional mortgage.

1. You decide between a mortgage broker, bank, or private lender.
2. You apply for a mortgage loan.
3. You provide evidence that you have the funds for downpayment and income for mortgage payments.
4. You get pre-approved for your mortgage.
5. You decide on your mortgage rates and timeline.
6. You receive your mortgage funds as a sum.
7. You purchase a property and pay a downpayment.
8. You submit mortgage payments based on your rate and schedule, typically monthly.

How a construction mortgage works:

A construction mortgage is a loan borrowed to finance the building of a home. This typically does not include the purchase of the raw land. Many financial institutions will release funds to you incrementally which helps to keep you on budget and reduces your payments. As the property is being built only interest payments are normally required on the construction mortgage. Once the construction has been completed the mortgage is rolled into a traditional mortgage with set monthly payments that include interest and principal.

Below is the typical process you will go through when applying for a construction mortgage.

1. You decide between a mortgage broker, bank, or private lender.
2. You will essentially have two mortgages. One during the build (a construction mortgage) that will transition into a regular mortgage upon completion.
3. You need more detailed information on hand to apply for a construction mortgage, including:
   • A building contract that outlines the approximate costs
   • Construction plans or a blueprint of the home
   • Quotes for labour and materials purchased
   • Site preparations such as municipal services needed for the lot or for the land
   • Evidence of property ownership: deeds, land titles, or a copy of the purchase and sale agreement
   • Confirmation of income/employment
   • A credit check
4. You apply for a construction mortgage loan.
5. You purchase the land first.
6. You submit a downpayment on the value of the land and the estimated costs of the project from your builder. Note: This can vary depending on if you already own the land or require financing for it as well.
7. Your construction mortgage funds will not be available all at once. They will be released in stages called “drafts” when your home completes pre-determined benchmarks in its construction.
8. Each benchmarks completion will be confirmed by an appraiser before you receive the next round of funds.
9. When building a log home, the log home builder you choose will typically ask for 90 to 100% of the log shell be paid for before it leaves the manufacturing yard.  This payment will usually be due before you get your second construction mortgage draw.  Often banks aren’t aware of this, so make sure that your log home contract includes detailed payment schedules and anticipated payment dates.
10. After your home is built, your construction mortgage is complete. You now transition into a typical home mortgage and consider new rates and timelines.
11. You submit mortgage payments based on the appraised value of your completed home, your rate and schedule.

Things to be prepared for with a construction mortgage:

• Since the timeline is shorter for construction than for a traditional mortgage, the rates and down payment required are usually higher than with regular mortgages. Typically, one to two years is given to complete a construction mortgage versus 20-25 years for a normal mortgage.
• You need to include funds in your budget for unexpected costs as well as additional professional services, such as lawyers and architects. It’s important to have a lot of buffer room because unexpected costs might stop you from reaching the next “draft” release and halt construction.
• Depending on where you live, you may consider construction loans as well as mortgages.
• It can be much more difficult to receive a construction mortgage as there is greater uncertainty in the lender’s investment. The home doesn’t even exist yet. This is why having enough of your own funds and a well organized plan are key. A good builder goes a long way with their reputation at this point.

Rules and regulations may differ depending on your location. Please ensure you consult your local financial institution or lending provider for the particular regulations in your area.

If you have any questions about building log homes or financing available in your area, please contact us and we’ll assist in any way we can.

from Artisan Custom Log Homes http://ift.tt/2ltbyfH

JOJOBA OIL Benefits: Why This Breakout Beauty Ingredient is the New “It” Oil

When it comes to natural oils, olive, argan, and coconut oil are the holy trinity. And for good reason. They are packed with essential nutrients that provide countless health benefits in ways no other oil can. But there’s also another kind of oil that’s often overlooked in labels – jojoba oil.

Technically, jojoba oil is not an oil but a chain of wax esters extracted from jojoba — a shrub native to Southern Arizona, California and northwestern Mexico. These wax esters have close resemblance to sebum produced by our body, making jojoba oil an excellent remedy to numerous hair and skin issues.

5 Breakthrough Benefits of Jojoba Oil for Hair

Prevents Hair Loss

Hair loss is a natural process many of us experience daily. So don’t panic when you see clumps of strands in your brush – hair loss is more common than you think. We typically shed 50 to 100 strands a day¹, but anything beyond that may be an indication of a health issue.

Hair growth undergoes 3 phases: anagen (growth), catagen (transitional), and telogen (resting). Shedding occurs during the telogen phase in preparation for another cycle. However, elements like extreme stress, drastic weight loss, as well as chemicals and medications can speed up the entire cycle, causing the follicles to weaken and hair shafts to shed prematurely. This is where jojoba oil comes into play.

Jojoba oil is full of proteins and fatty acids necessary for hair growth. When massaged into the scalp, jojoba oil stimulates circulation by bringing new blood and nutrients to the follicles. This nourishes and strengthens the follicles, ensuring that hair grows to its full potential.

Diminishes Dandruff

Dandruff. Just the mere mention of the word can make anyone cringe. Nobody likes finding flakes on their shoulders–especially because many usually associate dandruff with poor hygiene. But according to American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), there isn’t any correlation between poor hygiene and dandruff.² Although there are several causes of dandruff, it is normally due to overproduction of sebum, prompting dead skin cells to shed and clump together. In some instances, the flakes can indicate fungal infection, eczema, or psoriasis.

Whichever the case, jojoba oil effectively soothes the scalp and prevents further irritation and flaking. In 2016, a group of researchers found that jojoba oil has anti-microbial properties, which makes it a great treatment for scalp problems triggered by bacteria.³

Helps Eliminate Scalp Acne

Getting scalp acne can be a huge pain. Finding the right treatment can be costly, not to mention time-consuming. It’s a good thing we can turn to nature for solutions to problems like this.

Scalp acne develops when the scalp produces excess sebum and dead skin cells, which trap the hair follicle and clog the pores. This becomes a favorable environment for bacteria to grow and infect. Since jojoba oil has anti-oxidant (Vitamin E) and anti-bacterial properties, it can control the growth of bacteria by penetrating deep into the hair follicle and flushing out the excess oil and dirt causing the inflammation.

Heals and Repairs Damaged Hair

There are days when we get a little crazy styling and coloring that we end up frying our hair. Regular deep conditioning may be able to fix it, but sometimes it needs a little more TLC than that.

Each hair shaft is covered with cuticle scales overlapping each other. Think bird feathers or fish scales. When hair is damaged, these scales open up and create gaps in between, causing moisture and essential nutrients to escape. Jojoba oil is a known emollient, which means it can penetrate the hair structure and fill in the cracks to prevent further damage and frizz.

We recommend: Our award-winning Oway Hcolor line contains Jojoba oil, which helps prevent hair damage during the color process.

Revives Dull and Limp Strands

Some people are gifted with voluminous locks, some people aren’t. While we cannot genetically alter the thickness of our hair, there are ways we can do to give it more body.

Like other emollients, jojoba oil is lightweight and therefore, doesn’t weigh the hair down when applied. Instead, it adds more volume and shine to the strands, giving the illusion of thick hair. This makes it an excellent serum and conditioner for those with dull and limp tresses.

We recommend: O&M Seven-Day Miracle Moisture

 

To maximize the full benefits of jojoba oil, we have to make sure it’s organic and unrefined when purchasing. While refined and processed oils have longer shelf-life, they are not as potent as the unrefined ones, having lost the majority of their nutrients during the denaturation process.

At Simply Organic, our products are infused with only the healthiest and most natural ingredients so you and your clients don’t miss out on nature’s purest gifts.

 

Sources:

¹ American Academy of Dermatology. Do you have hair loss or shedding? Available: http://ift.tt/1KRI1B3

² American Academy of Dermatology. Dandruff: How to treat? Available: http://ift.tt/2m8MH0v

³ Umaaiyal, M.P. et al. (2016). Anti Microbial Activity of Jojoba Oil against Selected Microbes: An Invitro Study. Available: http://ift.tt/2ljh2Lx

from Simply Organic Beauty http://ift.tt/2ljfxwZ

How to be Productive in Your Home Office

Working from home comes with a unique set of challenges. But these challenges can be conquered with some ground rules and a little self-discipline for tuning out distractions.

Here are some suggestions on keeping productive in your home office from the Upwork Facebook Community.

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“[My office is] decorated in an inspiring color, and separated into two sections—one for analytical work and one for creative work. I have music available, plenty of plants, and it’s separate from my home so that work is work and home is home.”
– Toni Burleson

“Music, lots of lights, commitment, and accountability to finish the job!”
– Jery Esparas

“A dual monitor connected to a laptop paired with a comfy chair. With a backup internet connection in case the main one is unavailable. Keep the room ventilated and well lit. Facing me is my calendar, where I take notes to ensure I am reminded of schedules.”
– Alexi Doyle Rosell Dangase

“My peace of mind comes when everything I need for my work is readily available to me. [I also have] some good management quotes (pasted on my work wall) and find that reading books does wonders for me.”
– Awais Sarfraz

“There is just one thing I require to deliver my best for my client projects: Complete silence in my working room. Without silence I can’t concentrate on my work.”
– Sana Noman

“I have a dedicated room that is ‘my office’ and my motto is to get business done when I’m in this room. Having an office environment helps minimize distractions (such as food, TV, and my golden retriever puppy). I also have a dual monitor setup so I can be efficient in getting projects done!”
– Jamie Hunter

“I have several clients and, being a visual person, I want to be able to see my day in one glance. So I have a day planner on the wall beside my table. I’ve tried Google Calendar and several other apps but I prefer this. It gives me an opportunity to look at something that’s not a computer, cellphone, or tab screen. It’s a nice break for the eyes.”
– Yan Galido Velasco

What do you do to ensure home office productivity? Tell us in the comments!

Editor’s note: Responses edited for grammar, spelling, and clarity. The statements above are those of their authors and do not constitute the views or opinions of Upwork.

The post How to be Productive in Your Home Office appeared first on Upwork Blog.

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Upwork Newswire: How Technology Will Enable Smarter Offices

This biweekly column features the latest freelancing trends and Upwork’s role within them.

Betanews | The Smart Office Revolution

With apps to control your lights and digital assistants already streamlining things at home, the possibilities for a smart office are tantalizing.

“Consumers have grown accustomed to interacting with smart technology to make their lives easier at home and soon will expect that experience to continue when they arrive at the office.”
— Leo Tucker, SVP Global Marketing, PGi

In an article for Betanews, PGI’s Leo Tucker looks at some of the trends that are most likely to revolutionize the way we work:

• Smarter meetings: With improved virtual tools to close the distance with remote workers, Tucker feels automatized technology will soon pick up tedious administrative tasks before, during, and after meetings.
• Smarter systems and tools that use Ambient Intelligence technology (AmI): Citing the Nest thermostat as an example, Tucker describes AmI as “contextually aware, adaptive, anticipatory, personalized, and embedded.” These systems can learn how people use office spaces and adjust accordingly—ideally increasing comfort and productivity while reducing costs.
• Virtual reality (VR): While consumers may be focused on games and entertainment, there’s significant potential for VR to deliver more impactful engagements, such as training, product testing, presentations, and focus groups.

Tucker says the smart office revolution is also creating new challenges for corporate IT professionals.

Security and privacy are both growing areas of concern for the Internet of Things, and Tucker notes that IT has the task of balancing solutions that help make work a better place without leaving systems exposed. Another challenge? Cutting through the hype to identify investments workers will actually incorporate into their day-to-day routines.

Read Tucker’s full overview >>

The post Upwork Newswire: How Technology Will Enable Smarter Offices appeared first on Upwork Blog.

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Why You Need to Avoid These Five Toxic Beauty Ingredients

On your path to living a more non-toxic lifestyle, you may discover tons of harmful chemicals in your favorite beauty products. It’s virtually impossible to remember every single one of them, but it’s important to learn at least some before you slather them on your client’s hair and skin. When you read the labels, make sure to look out for these five toxic ingredients in beauty products.

PARABENS

Parabens are preservatives used widely for cosmetic and personal care products. Many health-conscious clients put this ingredient on top of their list of things to avoid, and rightfully so.

Why avoid them: In 2011, a study found that 99% of the breast tissue samples collected for the research contained at least one paraben.¹ Parabens are known to mimic estrogen, resulting in high levels of estrogen in the body which can cause hormonal imbalance and possibly breast cancer. According to the American Chemical Society, more than 85% of personal care products contain parabens. They give products a longer shelf life, but they become toxic when applied. As soon as they come in contact with the skin, they easily penetrate the body and enter the bloodstream.

POLYETHYLENE GLYCOLS

One of the ingredients you might want to stay away from is polyethylene glycols (PEGs). PEGs are synthetic petrochemicals commonly used in skincare and hair color products as thickeners, softeners, and solvents. They help enhance the absorption of ingredients into the skin, including the harmful ones.

Why avoid them: It has been found that PEGs contain impurities, which include ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. These two are known carcinogens and respiratory irritants. Long-term exposure to ethylene oxide can cause serious health consequences, including damage to the nervous system. In fact, this chemical was used as nerve gas in World War I. However, there are also studies claiming PEGs with a molecular weight of 200 to over 10,000 are considered harmless, as long as they are not applied to damaged skin.² But why bother when there are many products out there that are PEG-free?

Another concern about PEGs is their penetration enhancement effects, and is why we recommend avoiding PEGs in your hair color products.

PHTHALATES

Commonly used to make plastic achieve more malleable properties, phthalates are also found in some beauty products such as hair spray, nail polish, and solvent. Phthalates are often listed as dibutyl phthalate (DBP), dimethyl phthalate (DMP), and diethyl phthalate (DEP). Even if you can’t find any of these on the label, keep in mind that many plastic containers contain phthalates, which can leach into the product and put you and your client at risk of exposure.

Why avoid them: As useful as phthalates are, several studies have found a link to breast cancer and congenital disorders.³ Research also suggests that exposure to this ingredient can affect the mental and behavioral development of children. Apart from that, the United States Environmental Protection Agency classifies phthalates (DEP) as Priority and Toxic Pollutant due to its harmful effects on wildlife and the environment.⁴

Our solution: One of the bests ways to avoid phthalates is to choose glass packaging for your products. Glass is pure, natural and protective, and there are countless more reasons to choose glass for your salon products.

PARFUMS

Ah, who doesn’t love scented products? We all want to smell nice and fresh all throughout the day, but at what cost? Parfums are one of the most toxic things you can put on your skin. You can easily detect this ingredient as some companies usually list it as “fragrance.”

Why avoid them:  Parfum is one of the top known allergens in beauty products. Some can even trigger neurological problems and asthma attacks, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG). The scary thing about this ingredient is no one exactly knows its component as companies are not required to disclose the chemicals they mixed to create the scent. Some of them are used to make the fragrance linger in the air, causing other people allergic to synthetic perfume to feel ill. Touted as the new secondhand smoke, parfums do not only put your own health at risk, but also the health of those around you. Once an individual is sensitized to a particular chemical or irritant, allergic reactions can last a lifetime.

Our solution: Avoid allergies and sensitization by choosing beauty products using pure essential oils to add scent to their products! One of our favorites are organic styling products from Oway – they use only pure, steam-distilled essential oils from their family farms in Italy.

PARAFFINS

You may have heard this in spas or read in labels of skin creams or ointments. Paraffin, also called mineral oil, is a mixture derived from crude oil.

Why avoid them: Crude oil or petroleum is a known occlusive agent, which means products that contain this ingredient just sit on the skin and is not necessarily absorbed. Due to its greasy consistency, it gives the illusion of moisture, when in fact, it just seals off the pores preventing the skin from breathing — thereby causing skin irritations and allergic reactions.

Unfortunately, the US Food and Drug Administration has no authority over beauty companies, and therefore cannot require their products to be tested for safety, unless their products contain color additives and ingredients considered as over-the-counter drugs.⁵ The industry is extremely unregulated that any company can practically put any ingredient they please without FDA approval. But thanks to independent organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG), Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, ConsumerLab, among others, consumers are becoming more conscious of the products they’re using. As artists and purveyors of holistic, environmentally friendly beauty products, it is also our duty to give our clientele the safest and healthiest services they deserve.

 

Sources

¹ Darbre, P.D. et al. (2012). Measurement of paraben concentrations in human breast tissue at serial locations across breast from axilla to sternum. Available: http://ift.tt/2kCLJI1

² Pollot, C. (2005). Safety assessment on polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and their derivatives as used in cosmetic products. Available: http://ift.tt/1QbSJsj

³ Westervelt, A. (2015). Phthalates are everywhere, and the health risks are worrying. How bad are they really? Available: http://ift.tt/2aCaWxI

⁴  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2014). Code of Federal Regulations: Protection of Environment. Available: http://ift.tt/2loamfm

⁵ U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2012). Is it a cosmetic, a drug, or both? (Or is it soap?). Available: http://ift.tt/1F3ikNp

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Using Data Visualization Tools Like Tableau to Guide Your Business

Big data has become a critical ingredient for business intelligence. Once you translate that massive amount of information into meaningful insights, it can help you spot trends, identify new opportunities, and make better decisions for your business.

To help, you may want to engage a data scientist—a professional who has the skills and curiosity needed to explore, analyze, model, and explain what the numbers mean.

“Data agility, the ability to understand data in context and take business action, is the source of competitive advantage not simply having a large data lake.” — Thor Olavsrud, Senior Writer for CIO

Often coming from a background of statistics or analysis, data scientists also have the technical skills needed to create sense from multiple data inputs. As explained in “The Tools of Big Data Science,” they have a lot at their disposal to help mine and report on that information, such as:

• Programming languages
• Analytics programs
• Database management systems
• File system computing tools
• A/B testing platforms

Data scientists also make use of data visualization tools, applying different types of graphics—from basic pie charts and scatter plots to interactive maps—to help explain complex ideas, more easily spot patterns, and bring a fresh perspective.

New tools help bridge the skills gap

As important as data science has become, not everyone has ready access to such expertise. An MIT Sloan Management Review survey in 2015 found four in 10 businesses had a “lack of appropriate analytical skills”—and the competition for talent has only become tighter.

In the wake of that gap, new tools have emerged to absorb some of the heavy lifting and make data visualization more accessible for experts and lay-people alike. “19 Tools for Data Visualization Projects” lists some of the most popular out-of-the-box tools—broken down by use case—including Tableau, one of the most popular options.

Tableau expertise is one of the hottest skills on Upwork, ranking third in the Q4 2016 Skills Index as companies seek help migrating their data, creating tailored dashboards, and learning to use the program.

Want to learn more about how you can use data visualization in your business? Check out these big data-related articles in the Hiring Headquarters >>

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8 Simple Tips to Get More Done When Working From Anywhere

There are numerous in-depth apps and techniques talked about across the web that promise dramatic changes in productivity. But sometimes all it takes to boost performance is making a small change in your daily habits and recognizing how to work with your natural rhythms.

Get more done while working from home, a coffee shop, or anywhere, with these tips from Upwork’s freelancers and remote team members.

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1. “Use checklists and a calendar [to keep everything organized].”
— Oleksandr Drach, Service Reliability Engineer

2. “Lists! I write everything down and keep a large running to-do list since I don’t think it’s possible for a person to remember everything off the top of their heads. I use Evernote to keep my lists and notes. I love that I can easily search my notes and that it syncs notes made on both my desktop and mobile app.”
— Alexia Nielsen, Social Media Manager

3. “Track your time. Even if you’re not billing by the hour, if you track your time, you’ll pay more attention to where your time is going and be able to get a better idea of what your time sucks are and how you can do better. I use Toggl and track everything — client work, personal projects, travel research, etc. and I always assess at the end of the week to see how I can manage my time better.”
— Radhika Basuthakur, Online Marketing Communications Specialist

4. “Keep your smartphones away during working hours. Set a goal for the day or week then focus on those goals.”
— Joselito Dungog, Customer Support Specialist

5. “Love what you are doing.”
— Stanislav Krutylin, Visual and Interactive Designer

6. “Make your working environment a place that you love to spend time in. I play music, burn candles and oil or incense, and have awesome views to look out on. I mix it up occasionally by getting out and about and working in different places. Beautiful places to work keep you inspired and productive.”
— Shân Watts, VA and Business Support Specialist

7. “Don’t fight against your brain. There are times of the day (and of the week) where you’re just wired to do certain kinds of work and not others. Learn to identify that, and whenever possible, have that work in your favor.”
— Fernando Vaz, Product Manager

8. “I don’t have any specific tip, but I have noticed that being a freelancer is already more productive than having a regular job, you get much less interruptions.”
— Julian Yerfino, Software Developer

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Learn from other Upwork Insiders by checking out these other posts >>

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Mastering App Development with Swift—on Your Own or with a Pro

In 2014, Apple launched Swift—a programming language for iOS and its other operating systems—as a way to make development “easier, more flexible, and more fun.” It was positioned as an alternative to Objective-C, a language that had been at the core of development until that point.

While Objective-C still has a role in app development, demand for Swift expertise has started to overtake it; Swift recently ranked second in Upwork’s index of the fastest growing skills online. What does that mean for mobile app development? These posts from Upwork help put it in perspective.

 

Swift versus Objective-C

Developed more than 30 years ago, Objective-C is an object-oriented language that was used for both iOS and OS X operating systems. Because of this, a lot of established apps use Objective-C and some code adaptation is still needed to use Apple’s APIs—but it carries a lot of “baggage” and can be awkward to write.

“Swift is designed to be compatible with all of the existing iOS development tools—xCode, Objective-C, and the Cocoa framework.”

“Swift vs. Objective-C: A Look at iOS Programming Languages” explains the appeal of Swift and some of its key advantages, including its improved speed, maintenance, and compilers. Plus, it’s easier to learn—especially if you’re already familiar with languages such as C#, C++, JavaScript, Java, or Python.

 

Learn the basics of Swift on your own…

If you want to learn more about programming with Swift, Apple provides a collection of resources including eBooks, videos, and iTunes U courses from Stanford and Plymouth universities.

You can also link to long-standing e-learning resources in “4 of the Best Online Swift Courses for Developers.”

“Swift is friendly to new programmers,” Apple says in Swift’s introduction. “It’s designed to scale from ‘hello, world’ to an entire operating system.”

 

…Or find someone who’s already a pro

Whether you want to create a new app or migrate an existing app to Swift, an iOS developer can help ensure your project succeeds.

“There are numerous phases a mobile app developer will be integral during: design, coding, APIs and other back-end integrations, and testing.”

“How Much Does It Cost to Hire an iOS Developer?” explains what an iOS developer can do, what you should include in your project description, and typical rates charged by pros with different levels of expertise.

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Want to learn more about mobile app development? Check out the latest in the Hiring Headquarters >>

The post Mastering App Development with Swift—on Your Own or with a Pro appeared first on Upwork Blog.

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Music For Productivity: What Do You Listen To?

Does music fuel your life and your business? Listening to music can lift your spirit, change your mood, complement how you’re feeling, and even help you get more done.

If you are the type of person who enjoys breaking the silence with some beats, these suggestions from the Upwork Facebook community can help you create a playlist to carry you through your work day.

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“[I listen to] Classic music, usually cheerful ones, to keep me going!”
– Patricia Vasconcellos

“EDM [electronic dance music]! Good upbeat songs are my surefire cure for a super stressful day!!”
– Ange Lai

“[I listen to] ‘music for studying and concentration’ playlists on YouTube.”
– Loida Shiroma Dofiles

“I feel I need music to be productive, I can’t stay focused without it! So I love to listen to some indie pop and instrumental songs.”
– Luísa Schetinger

“Classical guitar—I’ve recently started listening to that, and it’s surprisingly productivity-friendly!”
– Matt Keener

“Post-rock or light, ambient music without lyrics, so it doesn’t distract me.”
– Alexander Dimanov

“Jazz. Preferably instrumental. I like it. It’s calming. If it’s some pop song, I’d get distracted and sing along.”
– Norgen Mae Tapel

“Spotify has awesome playlists for work based on the genre ‘Focus’.”
– Shelby Newborn

“Beautiful Chinese instrumental music.”
– CB Acal JW

“In the morning listening to music doesn’t help me to focus, rather silence does. In the afternoon and evening, fast and loud rock music helps, like punk and metal. I can’t stand slow songs during work—they put me to sleep.”
– Zoltan Koves

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These suggestions are just the tip of the iceberg! For more great suggestions, check out the whole thread on our Facebook page.

What music makes your day more productive? Tell us in the comments!

Editor’s note: Responses edited for grammar, spelling, and clarity. The statements above are those of their authors and do not constitute the views or opinions of Upwork.

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New for Upwork’s Android App: Review Offers From Clients On the Go

Upwork Newswire: Robot Bosses and the Agile Workforce

This biweekly column features the latest freelancing trends and Upwork’s role within them.

Chicago Tribune | The workplace of the near future will be agile, with robot bosses

Freelancers represent 35 percent of the U.S. workforce, a number expected to grow to as much as half of U.S. workers over the next few years. It’s what staffing company Randstad calls an “agile workforce,” something that appeals to many workers, whether employee or independent contractor, and companies alike.

“This preference for working in what we’re now calling this agile model, it continues to gain steam, gain strength and gain preference with all classifications of employees, though predominantly among young workers,” said Jim Link, chief HR officer for Randstad North America.

The mobility of such a workforce dovetails with another emerging model, Chicago Tribune reporter Rex Huppke points out: The case for artificial intelligence (AI) in management.

“Workers attached to a company for only a short time will be less concerned with building relationships with managers, opening the door for management via artificial intelligence,” Huppke said.

Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, a professor of business psychology at University College London, agrees. In a recent article for the Harvard Business Review, he points out that managers frequently have shortcomings that AI lacks.

“Computers and algorithms already have a lot of data on us,” he told Huppke via email. “Imagine turning that data into accurate insights about us: who we are, what we want, how we are feeling, and what we need to do. Then imagine that system giving us instructions: to buy, to sell, to e-mail someone, to work on something.”

Read more about robots and the agile workforce in Huppke’s full column >>

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January 2017 Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver Statistics Package with Charts and Graphs

January 2017 Rebgv Statistics Package Mike Stewart Vancouver Realtor from Mike Stewart

Metro Vancouver housing market off to a quieter start than last year

Home sales and listings trends are below long-term averages in the Metro Vancouver* housing market. This is due largely to reduced activity in the detached home market.

Residential property sales in the region totalled 1,523 in January 2017, a 39.5 per cent decrease from the 2,519 sales recorded in January 2016 and an 11.1 per cent decrease compared to December 2016 when 1,714 homes sold.

Last month’s sales were 10.3 per cent below our 10-year January sales average.

“From a real estate perspective, it’s a lukewarm start to the year compared to 2016,” Dan Morrison, Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) president said. “While we saw near record-breaking sales at this time last year, home buyers and sellers are more reluctant to engage so far in 2017.”

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Metro Vancouver totalled 4,140 in January 2017. This represents a 6.8 per cent decrease compared to the 4,442 homes listed in January 2016 and a 215.5 per cent increase compared to December 2016 when 1,312 properties were listed.

The total number of homes currently listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver is 7,238, a 9.1 per cent increase compared to January 2016 (6,635) and a 14.1 per cent increase compared to December 2016 (6,345).

The sales-to-active listings ratio for January 2017 is 21 per cent. This is the lowest the ratio has been in the region since January 2015. Generally, analysts say that downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below the 12 per cent mark for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months.

“Conditions within the market vary depending on property type. The townhome and condominium markets are more active than the detached market at the moment,” Morrison said. “As a result, detached home prices declined about 7 per cent since peaking in July while townhome and condominium prices held steady over this period.”

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $896,000. This represents a 3.7 per cent decline over the past six months and a 0.2 per cent decrease compared to December 2016.

Sales of detached properties in January 2017 reached 444, a decrease of 57.6 per cent from the 1,047 detached sales recorded in January 2016. The benchmark price for detached properties is $1,474,800. This represents a 6.6 per cent decline over the last six months and a 0.6 per cent decrease compared to December 2016.

Sales of apartment properties reached 825 in January 2017, a decrease of 24.7 per cent compared to the 1,096 sales in January 2016.The benchmark price of an apartment property is $512,300. This represents a 0.3 per cent increase over the last six months and a 0.4 per cent increase compared to December 2016.

Attached property sales in January 2017 totalled 254, a decrease of 32.4 per cent compared to the 376 sales in January 2016. The benchmark price of an attached unit is $666,500. This represents a 0.4 per cent decline over the last six months and a 0.7 per cent increase compared to December 2016.

The post January 2017 Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver Statistics Package with Charts and Graphs appeared first on Mike Stewart Real Estate Specialist 604-763-3136.

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A Quick Primer on Machine Learning

Many of the popular services, apps, and technologies we take for granted today are driven by intelligent machines. It might evoke sci-fi images of Terminator-filled doomscapes for some, but the concept of “machine learning” is already an integral part of our world.

From Google Maps and Siri to Netflix and email spam filters, machine learning is making our lives better in fascinating ways, and it’s a valuable tool for businesses to tap into.

Machine learning is one of the fastest-growing freelance skills on Upwork. For tech-savvy freelancers and larger companies alike, it’s worth understanding the basics of machine learning and how it can benefit your business. These articles from the Hiring Headquarters are a great place to start.

What is machine learning?

At its core, machine learning is all about solving real-world problems: With the right data sets and tuned algorithms, computers can model outcomes, make predictions, learn, and adapt to provide solutions to increasingly complex challenges humans can’t easily solve on our own—all without additional input from developers.

“Machine Learning: A Brief Intro” is a primer to help you get up-to-speed on how machine learning works. It explains key definitions and case examples while exploring some of the more interesting ways that the technology is currently in use.

It also references related skills that make machine learning possible. If you want to hire machine learning experts or explore this discipline directly, Hadoop, Python, and Java are important skills that tie directly into implementing and maximizing the benefit of this technology.

Learn more with the help of a data scientist

The magic of machine learning can be a powerful tool for innovation, from providing your customers with adaptive services to uncovering insights that can drive key decisions for your business.

Putting these complex systems in place and ensuring they work smoothly is no simple task, and it often takes the advanced skills of a data scientist to get the job done effectively.

“How Do You Hire a Data Scientist?” explores the range of roles that data scientists play and explains how you can fine tune your approach to finding one for your project—including tips to help you write an effective job post to help attract high-caliber freelancers. You’ll also find insights into what you should look for in a proposal, as well as questions you might want to incorporate into the interview process.

Looking for more information and insights to help find top freelance talent? Head over to the Hiring Headquarters to learn more >>

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Inside Upwork: Meet Content Marketing Director Lisa Oda