Tuesday, August 29, 2017

6 Things You Must Know When Moving into Your Own Salon Suite

Online Freelancing Platforms Are a Growing Sourcing Strategy: Oxford Report

Businessperson using a laptop with close up on world globe

Fortune 500 organizations are embracing a 21st-century workforce, turning to online freelancing platforms as a flexible and timely way to get high-quality work done in a cost-effective manner.

A new report from the Oxford Internet Institute (OII) at the University of Oxford, released as part of Upwork’s inaugural Work Without Limits Summit, delves into how and why firms increasingly turn to online freelancing platforms to find and engage freelance talent.

“The most effective enterprises are extending their workforce capabilities by leveraging sites like Upwork to gain access to a diverse pool of outside talent.”
— Upwork CEO Stephane Kasriel

Platform Sourcing: How Fortune 500 Firms Are Adopting Online Freelancing Platforms explores use cases from nine Fortune 500 firms and multinational enterprises. Lead author Greetje Corporaal, a postdoctoral researcher at the OII, says adoption of these platforms is likely to grow as companies realize their strategy for sourcing talent needs to evolve.

“Online platforms enable managers to extend project teams with freelancers,” Corporaal said. “This creates speed and flexibility for companies aiming to stay innovative and competitive in today’s global business environment.”

The report shows that as companies embrace a more agile workforce, they typically take a number of key steps to help ensure successful platform adoption:

Create space for experimentation. Start with a pilot or experimentation program inside your organization. This enables your company to test, learn, and ideate in a safe environment.

Add a program management layer. Instead of relegating platform adoption to a departmental manager, appoint a dedicated program manager to serve as an internal advocate and take the day-to-day lead in the adoption process.

Allocate sufficient resources for experimentation. A lack of funding can be a barrier to implementation. Starting off with a small test budget allows program managers to test the platform and explore its potential to generate greater business value.

Involve key stakeholders early on. It’s important to involve key stakeholders— particularly those in finance, legal, and HR—to help secure successful adoption. Working closely with these stakeholders, and making them part of the implementation process, can help to mitigate risks and drive better outcomes.

Click here to access the OII’s Platform Sourcing report >>

The post Online Freelancing Platforms Are a Growing Sourcing Strategy: Oxford Report appeared first on Upwork Blog.



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Monday, August 28, 2017

Businesses of All Sizes Learning to Leverage the Human Cloud

The vast blue sky and clouds abstract background

A growing number of B2B and B2C businesses are turning to the “human cloud” to hone their competitive edge—especially those that had less than $100 million in annual revenue last year. That’s according to the latest update to The Gig Economy and Human Cloud Landscape, a report from Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA).

SIA’s report looks specifically at the human cloud, which they define as a segment of the gig economy that specifically includes “firms that match workers to work through an online/digital platform,” such as Upwork Enterprise.

It’s a new way of getting things done that businesses of all sizes are learning to use to their advantage. Through their survey, SIA identified eight benefits that are driving adoption:

  • Greater talent access (63 percent)
  • Reduce costs (50 percent)
  • Expand skills coverage (46 percent)
  • Ease of use (38 percent)
  • Centralize management/control (33 percent)
  • Decrease legal risk (25 percent)
  • Reduce time to deploy workers (25 percent)
  • Track spend better (17 percent)

The human cloud within the B2B segment along grew approximately 20 percent year-over-year between 2015 and 2016.

“Companies can cut their learning curves significantly by tapping into the many strategies and best practices established by early adopters.”
Sarah Rickerd, Writer
Are You Ready? SIA Insights Predict Robust Human Cloud Growth in Future Years

The human cloud does come with challenges, however. Effective vetting, protecting company assets and intellectual property (IP), and compliance are among the issues that can be sensitive to navigate. But there are solutions available to help. And when you get past these initial considerations, the payoff for your business can be significant.

Read more about the SIA report >>

The post Businesses of All Sizes Learning to Leverage the Human Cloud appeared first on Upwork Blog.



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Saturday, August 26, 2017

Basalt by Pennyfarthing– Prices, Plans, Availability

Basalt from Pennyfarthing, part of the Cambie Collection.

At a Glance

  • attractive Cambie Corridor location
  • 6-storey concrete building
  • 49 family-friendly condominiums
  • 3 two-storey townhouses
  • steps from Queen Elizabeth Park
  • close to Hillcrest Community Centre recreation
  • near Oakridge Shopping Centre
  • easy access to Canada Line

Laneway view of Basalt, part of Pennyfarthing's Cambie Collection.

Marked by Refinement
The Cambie Collection by Pennyfarthing Homes continues its legacy on Vancouver’s West Side with Basalt, 51 contemporary residences, located at 35th Avenue and Cambie Street. Marked by refinement, this fourth chapter of the Cambie Story exemplifies Pennyfarthing’s continued commitment to design excellence and quality craftsmanship. Find balance with nature at Queen Elizabeth Park just steps away, and live amid a diverse selection of amenities on the Cambie Corridor.

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Basalt’s excellent West Side location provides you and your family with an enviable choice of shopping, services, schools, and recreation within easy walking distance. Just a short stroll down Cambie Street is Oakridge Centre with grocery shopping at Kin’s Farmers Market and Safeway, banks, a pharmacy, post office, public library, telecom providers, medical centre, cafes, restaurants, Hudson’s Bay department store, home decor stores, travel agencies, boutique shopping, and specialty shops. Enjoy unparalleled leisure activities at Queen Elizabeth Park, Hillcrest Community Centre, Nat Bailey Stadium, Riley Park, and Vancouver Racquets Club. Experience convenience by design at Basalt.

Pricing for Basalt
As this project is in pre-construction, Pennyfarthing has not yet released pricing information. Given the success of Pennyfarthing’s other Cambie Corridor projects, however, expect Basalt to sell out quickly. Sign up to our VIP list today to ensure you receive updates on all the latest developments.

Floor Plans for Basalt
Basalt will offer the following family-friendly mix of residences:

  • 8 x 3-bedrooms
  • 27 x 2-bedrooms
  • 12 x 1-bedrooms
  • 1 studio
  • 3 x 2-bedroom townhouses

Those with a serious interest in living at Basalt should contact me to discuss availability, plans, and pricing.

Amenities at Basalt
Residents will enjoy use of a shared amenity space on the ground floor and a landscaped courtyard between the main building and the laneway townhomes. Each of the ground floor units have private patios, while top-floor penthouse suites include a private rooftop patio.

Parking and Storage
Vehicle and bicycle parking are provided within two levels of underground parking accessed from the lane. Plans propose 65 parking spaces, of which three are handicapped, 64 bicycle spaces, and one Class A loading bay. Each townhouse will have private access to its own parking space. Most residences will have their own in-suite storage. There will also be 17 bulk storage spaces on level P2 of the underground.

Maintenance Fees at Basalt
To be included in final pricing information.

Developer Team for Basalt
Since its formation in 1980, Pennyfarthing Homes has fulfilled the home ownership dreams of nearly 3,000 home buyers throughout the Lower Mainland, Washington State, and California, all the while setting exacting standards of integrity, reliability and professionalism. Following on Bennington House, Grayson, and Hawthorne, this is Pennyfarthing’s fourth Cambie Corridor development.

Pennyfarthing has chosen Shift Architecture to design Basalt. Shift is a high-performance practice with a track record of respected, inspired projects throughout Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. With proven expertise in multi-family housing, Shift boasts a diverse portfolio of residential, commercial, healthcare, and mixed-use developments. Renowned for its collaborative design process, Shift’s team of core personnel draws upon a deep collective well of experience spanning decades.

Expected Completion for Basalt
Estimated sales launch is Fall 2017.

Are you interested in learning more about other homes in the Cambie Corridor, Kerrisdale, or Mount Pleasant?

Check out these great Cambie Corridor Presales!

The post Basalt by Pennyfarthing– Prices, Plans, Availability appeared first on Mike Stewart.



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Friday, August 25, 2017

Trending Hair Colors This Week

The last days of summer are upon us, so of course, our #HolisticHairTribe couldn’t pass up the chance to play with cooler, brighter tones while they’re still trendy. From breath-taking blondes to ashy hues, we got the standout hair colors from our community right here.

See our top picks this week!

organic-color

Vintage Rose Hair Color Formula

Hair by Angela Molina

Odds are you’ve had at least a couple of clients who asked for Rose Gold hair this year. This Vintage Rose formula is a warmer, richer version of the popular trend, making it great color to wear this Fall.

Prelightening: Oway Hbleach Butter Cream Lightener

Toner: Oway Hcolor 11.17 Frosted Platinum + Oway Hcolor 0.1 Ash Booster + Oway Hcolor 0.6 Red Booster + Oway Htone 9 Volume Cream Developer

organic-hair-color

Macchiato Hair Color Formula

Hair by Christen Papasso

With just a simply balay, you can breathe life into your client’s hair. This client used to have dark brown hair but Christen’s signature soft, natural-looking highlights gave it more oomph.

Balayage: Oway Hbleach Butter Cream Lightener + Oway Hcatalyst 20 Volume Cream Developer

Toner: Oway Hcolor 11.17 Frosted Platinum + Oway Hcolor 9.01 Ash Natural Very Light Blonde + Oway Htone 9 Volume Cream Developer

oway-hair-color

Honey Blonde Hair Color Formula

Hair by Wendy Pendill

It’s incredible what some foils of Oway lightener can do for the hair. This stylish neutral brings out the natural beauty of the hair – so much so that you won’t need to use gloss.

Natural Level 7

Foils: Oway Hbleach Butter Cream Lightener + Oway Hcatalyst 20 Volume Cream Developer

oway-hcolor

Smokey Purple Hair Color Formula

Hair by Anna Lundeberg

A fun update on the gray and pastel trend, this hair color delivers a smoked out, rooty version of purple. It suits any skin tone which makes it so in demand these days.

Roots: Oway Hcolor 5.1 Ash Light Brown  + Oway Hcolor 0.8 Blue Booster with Oway Htone 9 Volume Cream Developer

Purple: Oway Hcolor 11.17 Frosted Platinum + Oway Hcolor 0.1 Ash Booster + Oway Hcolor 0.7 Purple Booster with Oway Htone 9 Volume Cream Developer

oway-hairstylist

Blue Slate Hair Color Formula

Hair by Carol Anne Horne

Don’t you love it when accidents turn into happy mistakes? Carol Anne was initially aiming for a pastel lavender but turned out to be a stunning silvery blue.

Natural Level 7

Previously Lifted with Oway Hbleach Butter Cream Lightener

Base: New Growth

Color: Oway Hcolor 90.2 Irisee Super Bleaching Blonde + Oway Hcolor 0.7 Purple Booster

oway-color

Ash Blonde Hair Color Formula

Hair by Summer Reid

To some, ash blonde may seem like a demure and conservative color, but when you got the right technique and stylist, it can turn out beautifully. We recommend doing a nice rootmelt to give it more character and dimension.

Roots: Oway Hbleach Butter Cream Lightener + 35vol

Ends: Oway Hbleach Butter Cream Lightener + Oway Hcatalyst 20 Volume Cream Developer

Toner: O&M Mineral.CCT 10/16 Lightest Ash Violet Blonde

Which hair color do you like most?



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Thursday, August 24, 2017

3 Different Ways to Approach UI Design

User interface design, paper prototyping, building wireframe for mobile website

A company’s website is often the first thing a customer sees and interacts with. If you’re selling a product or providing a service, you want your site to make a good first impression, so chances are high that a great user interface (UI) plays a critical role in establishing your brand.

So how do you design a great UI? While most of us can recognize it when we see it, it turns out there’s more than one way to answer that question. Here are three different approaches to UI design.

1. The aesthetic approach

One way to approach UI design is to directly engage a user’s sense of aesthetics—what would your target audience think looks good?

“There is a phenomenon that social psychologists call ‘the halo effect’. It means humans tend to assume that good-looking people have other positive qualities aside from their looks. The same is valid for product design. Good looking products and user interface are perceived as more valuable and having more qualities.”
— Anton Nikolov, UX Designer

In “Aesthetics and the Power of Beauty in Design,” user experience (UX) designer Anton Nikolov covers the broader field of aesthetic design, how to engage all the senses, and design for aesthetic pleasure.

For a specific example of how you can leverage the aesthetic approach for one particular niche, check out “The Rise of Retro Web Design” for an in-depth look at this rising web design trend.

2. The minimalist approach

Minimalism is an abstract concept that spans a variety of fields including art, music, literature, design, and philosophy. It achieves elegance by using simplicity to accentuate that which is meaningful. “Lean and Mean: Power of Minimalism in UI Design” gives a thorough overview of the minimalist approach, covering common design topics such as:

  • Flat design, a particular style that involves the use of flat two-dimensional visual details in UI elements like icons and buttons.
  • Monochrome or limited color palettes, which help avoid distracting users from core elements such as content.
  • Typography—color, fonts, and typefaces are often bold and expressive, serving as a core visual element.
  • Choice limitation, which involves eliminating unnecessary elements or functions to guide the user’s attention to the core feature of a given view.
  • Negative space or whitespace is the hallmark of the minimalist look or feel—it provides contrast that allows the important parts of a site to stand out.

Learn more by reading the full article >>

3. The technical approach

At the end of the day, the goal of any UI is to provide a means for people to communicate with computers. In “How the Study of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Helps Guide Better UI Design,” Carey Wodehouse explains the broader field of HCI, its history, and how it continues to inform modern UI/UX design today:

“Before laptops, smartphones and mobile applications; before graphical user interfaces (GUIs), browsers and search engines; before [UI] and user experience (UX) design, there was [HCI]—the study of better, more intuitive ways for humans to interact with technology.”

Wodehouse takes us back to the 1970s to trace the origins of UI/UX design in HCI, a field that combined cognitive and computer engineering together to pioneer the first user-driven interfaces: Things like the mouse, keyboard, and the rudimentary UI’s of the first computers.

She then dives into HCI concepts like GOMS (Goals, Operators, Methods, Selection Rules), a model that can be used to map the way in which a human interacts with a computer. HCI models can help designers quantify the usability of an app so they can optimize its UI and UX accordingly.

Learn more by reading the full article >>

In an increasingly digital world, it is often the products themselves that are in need of good UI design. The better app is often the one that strikes that key balance between form and function—pleasing to behold, easy to use, and effective. Use the design approach that best suits your web project’s needs.

Eager to learn more about UI Design? Check out more articles about design in the Hiring Headquarters >>

The post 3 Different Ways to Approach UI Design appeared first on Upwork Blog.



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Tuesday, August 22, 2017

5 Essential Steps to Creating an Effective Retail Design for Salons

Setting Goals for Your Freelance Business

Boy kicking soccer ball toward the goal on sports field

One often overlooked aspect of being your own boss is the goal setting process. No matter what the size of your business – whether you are a solopreneur or an entrepreneur with a full team – creating goals can help you strive forward.

Not only are goals great for growth, they are also a fantastic way to stay on track with tasks and improve productivity. Without goals to work toward, it is easy to coast along in your day-to-day work, and that is a great breeding ground for procrastination.

We recently asked the Upwork Facebook community for their best tips for setting business goals. Many of those who participated agreed that businesses must create goals that have purpose and break them out into manageable chunks.

“Your goals have to have purpose. Set long-term goals to give yourself perspective of where you want your business to go. Once you have set your ‘vision’ you can create smaller, more manageable goals that are obtainable in the short term. Eventually [these smaller goals] lead to achieving your ultimate goal. Don’t try to eat the entire cake at once!!!”
Jake Creer

When you break business goals into manageable pieces, it allows you to feel a sense of accomplishment along the way. Many freelancers agree it’s easy to feel unmotivated when you don’t have little milestones to celebrate on the path toward a larger goal.

“Enjoy the process winning small battles each day and don’t forget to reward yourself.”
Stefan Trajkovski

But it isn’t as simple as saying “I want my business to be bigger by next year.” Goals need to clearly defined. You are more likely to be successful when you have something specific you are working toward.

“It’s simple. In order for the business to thrive or succeed, your goals should be SMART (i.e., specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely).”
– Jhen Yango

The actual process can be as simple as sitting down with pen and paper and making a list. With the SMART goal attributes in mind, build your plan. Begin with defining a large-but-realistic goal (or goals) for the year, and then break down how you will get there in smaller chunks over shorter periods of time. If you are a service provider with multiple clients at any given time, for example, creating a to-do list each week allows you to stay on track with projects while ensuring they are also in line with your larger goal.

The further your goals are broken down, and the more specific you can be with your action items milestones along the way, the more successful you will be in making things happen. Give it a try!

What are your goals for this year? Have you achieved any great milestones? 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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Friday, August 18, 2017

Trending Hair Colors This Week

By now, you’d think our #HolisticHairTribe would’ve begun transitioning to fall hair colors. It’s still summer after all, and for our community of stylists, there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the brighter, more vibrant look.

See this week’s most popular hair colors!

original-mineral-mineralcct

Cosmic Fusion Hair Color Formula

Hair by Deb Pedraza

Whoever said holistic hair color is boring hasn’t tried using Original & Mineral. The fusion of pink, orange, blue, and purple reminds us so much of the outer space. Talk about out of this world!

Balayage: O&M Paint Powder Clay Lightener + O&M Mineral.CCT 20 Volume COVERAGE Cream Activator  

Pink/Orange: O&M Mineral.CCT 9/0 Very Light Blonde + O&M Mineral.CCT 0/45 Red Tone Booster + O&M Mineral.CCT 10 Volume DEPOSIT Cream Activator  

Blue: O&M Mineral.CCT 9/0 Very Light Blonde + O&M Mineral.CCT 0/88 Blue Tone Booster + O&M Mineral.CCT 10 Volume DEPOSIT Cream Activator

Purple: O&M Mineral.CCT 9/0 Very Light Blonde + O&M Mineral.CCT 0/66 Violet Tone Booster + O&M Mineral.CCT 10 Volume DEPOSIT Cream Activator

organic-color

Mushroom Brown Hair Color Formula

Hair by Abigail Waldrum

Mushroom Brown seems to be all the rage for brunettes this year, which comes as no surprise as it gives the hair a more lively and glossy appearance. Just look at that shine!

Roots (1:1): Oway Hcolor 4.1 Ash Brown + Oway Hcatalyst 20 Volume Cream Developer

Mids and Some Ends (1:1): 1/4 Oway Hcolor 6.1 Ash Dark Blonde  + 3/4 Oway Hcolor 7.1 Ash Blonde  + Oway Htone 9 Volume Cream Developer (Left out Blonde Pieces)

Toner (1:1): 1/3 Oway Hcolor 7.1 Ash Blonde + 2/3 Oway Hcolor 9.1 Ash Very Light Blonde + Oway Htone 9 Volume Cream Developer on Towel-Dried Hair for 10 mins

oway-hcolor

Sangria Hair Color Formula

Hair by Jordan Brownlowe

Fall and winter warms are here! This gorgeous red is a great transition color for brunettes who want to brighten it up for the colder seasons.

Roots (1:1.5): 20mL Oway Hcolor 4.1 Ash Brown + 10mL Oway Hcolor 4.0 Natural Brown + 45mL Oway Hcatalyst 20 Volume Cream Developer

Freehand-painted through Ends: Oway Hbleach Butter Cream Lightene +  Oway Hcatalyst 30 Volume Cream Developer

Toner: 20mL Oway Hcolor 6.4 Coppery Dark Blonde + Oway Htone 9 Volume Cream Developer

oway-color

Café Latte Hair Color Formula

Hair by Jakob Dozen

When warm and cool tones come together, the result can be very stunning. Jakob combined Oway (a warm-based line) and O&M (a cooler line) to create this gorgeous custom blonde.

Lightened: Oway Hbleach Butter Cream Lightener + Oway Htone 9 Volume Cream Developer

Color (1:1): O&M Mineral.CCT 8/1 Light Ash Blonde + Oway Hcatalyst 20 Volume Cream Developer

Toner (1:1): Oway Hcolor 10.1 Ash Extra Light Blonde + Oway Htone 9 Volume Cream Developer

organic-hair-color

Iris Blonde Hair Color Formula

Hair by Cristina Williams

Don’t you just love how purple and some shadow root can instantly revitalize the hair? Cristina recommends lifting the hair to a pale yellow, color, then blending them horizontally to achieve a smooth transition.

Roots: 1/4 Oway Hcolor 4.77 Deep Purple Brown + 3/4 Oway Hcolor 6.77 Deep Purple Dark Blonde with a ribbon of Oway Hcolor – 0.7 Purple Booster + Oway Htone 9 Volume Cream Developer

Lengths: Oway Hcolor 11.17 Frosted Platinum

oway-hairstylist

Wild Lilac Hair Color Formula

Hair by Kori Logan Neuhauser

When client walks in with orange hair, what better way to fix it than giving her purple roots? That is – if your client is as daring as this one.

Pre-lightened to Pale Blonde: Oway Hcolor 11.17 Frosted Platinum + Oway Htone 9 Volume Cream Developer

Roots (1:1.5): Oway Hcolor 6.77 Deep Purple Dark Blonde + Oway Htone 9 Volume Cream Developer for 20mins

Combed through the last 5 mins to blend

What do you think about this week's trending hair colors?



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Productivity Hacks from the Upwork Community

Closeup of a hand holding stopwatch with blurred female runner on the race track

When it comes to productivity skills, entrepreneurs come unmatched. Meeting client deadlines while at the same time managing all the aspects of running a business takes dedication, hard work, and continuous self-improvement.

We asked the Upwork Facebook community for their most effective productivity tips for work and the answers did not disappoint! From the very simple–but effective–to the complex, here is just a sample of what they had to say.


[Freelancer Yang Rhea offers these six tips:]

  • “Wake up early. I find that I am more productive when I start working at 5 a.m. So I am usually up by 4.
  • “Create a daily to do list.
  • “Limit checking your emails and social media notifications to twice a day, unless your client requires up-to-date emails.
  • “Create a work playlist each week (I do it on weekends). Something that will last throughout a work shift.
  • “Tackle one task at a time. It will cut down stress and anxiety and yield better results since you are focused on one task rather than juggling several at once.
  • “Most of all, caffeinate but don’t forget to rehydrate.”

— Yhang Rhea

“Set a schedule. Stick to it.”
— Nikki Hansen

“Write your to-do list the night before. This helps you start your day with clarity. You know exactly which item you need to complete by 10 a.m. the next morning.”
— Daniel Cela

“Before you write a to-do list, you need to write a NOT to-do list [in order to recognize] what is decreasing your productivity.”
— Jasmin Kharimn

“Do some [exercise] early in the morning. It’s good for the mind and body. Plus, it will [improve] your disposition and your productivity by extension.”
— Guilherme Cazzonato

“Set deadlines to trick the brain into urgency, [listen to] lyricless music with a moderate-to-fast tempo (chill hop or electro swing for myself), and tell people to leave you alone… Also, set short to-do lists that are only high-priority items. Long to-do lists just make you busy, not productive.”
— Jacob Anderson

“Invest in off-the-rack productivity and collaborative tools like Slack, Asana, and the like.”
— Butch Balsomo

“Rest often. A simple nap could go a long way in enhancing ones productivity as you’re able to help keep stress at bay.”
— Jermaine Dimalanta Delos Santos

“Stop doing everything by yourself, start letting people help you. This means don’t [just] work in your business, you need to work on your business.”
— Adil Mehmood

“Pomodoro principle: Take strategic mandatory 3-to-5-minute breaks between 25-minute sprints of focused work. This’ll help you maintain your pace throughout the day without feeling too overwhelmed by the task at hand.”
— Lance Sison


What is your best productivity hack? 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 Productivity Hacks from the Upwork Community appeared first on Upwork Blog.



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Thursday, August 17, 2017

3 Ways the Internet of Things is Reshaping our World

Smart city on blue tone cityscape and network connection information communication technology, abstract cityscape image visual, internet of things concept.

An Internet of Things (IoT) device can be any physical object you can attach a sensor to and connect to a network. From personalized smart homes a la Alphabet’s Nest to fitness tracking wearables like the Fitbit, businesses have already begun to explore this exciting opportunity.

Looking for ways you can get in on this latest technology trend? Here are three articles from Upwork’s Hiring Headquarters that can help you capitalize on the IoT.

1. Smart stores and the retail revolution

Looking to take your retail business to the next level? “Internet of Things Retail Revolution” takes a deep dive into the marketing stats and benefits driving retailers to adopt this disruptive new technology:

  • 25 major established retailers have lost more than $64 billion in market share to smaller, tech savvier, players.
  • 65 percent of retailers plan to invest in automation technologies for inventory and planogram management* by 2021.
  • 77 percent of retailers see a strong influence of IoT on customer experience.
  • 72 percent of retailers are planning to improve their supply chain via IoT based automation, sensors, and analytics.

*Note: A planogram is a diagram used in retail space planning and merchandising to show the optimum placement of products in a store.

Learn more by reading the full article >>

2. Streamlined credit card transactions

Frictionless transactions are the “Holy Grail” of the payments industry: The analytics-driven world of eCommerce has the data to show how every step in the process, from product listing to checkout, can negatively impact your conversions.

How the Internet of Things Will Change Credit Card Acceptance” details some of the ways in which the IoT has started to streamline in-store credit card transactions. For example:

  • IoT technologies such as NFC (Near Field Communication), beacons, Bluetooth, geolocation, and computer vision streamline transactions and provide novel ways for customers to pay for their products.
  • Smart car dashboards that route you to the cheapest gas station and let you pay with your credit card with the press of a button.
  • Amazon Go, a physical store backed by a suite of IoT technologies, allows a customer to pick up their groceries, checkout, and go without taking out their wallet.

There are certainly security concerns in the IoT that need to be addressed, such as the infamous Mirai botnet attack on Dyn last September. An attack of that magnitude was possible because a large number of early IoT devices weren’t really constructed with network security in mind. The industry has since learned to employ technologies such as biometrics, tokenization, and the blockchain for tighter security.

Learn more by reading the full article >>

3. Big data meets the Internet of Things

In “5 Ways the Internet of Things Will Change Big Data,” Carey Wodehouse explains that integrating the IoT with existing big data infrastructure is not for the faint of heart:

“Before the [IoT] came along—billions of networked sensors and devices capable of generating enormous amounts of new, unstructured real-time data—big data was already really, really big. To tackle this, businesses small and large have taken to the cloud and reworked their IT architectures to create more flexible, scalable ways to manage their data.”

Wodehouse goes on to explore some of the major ways in which the IoT has spurred changes in the data industry—particularly how better IT infrastructures are needed to capitalize on the wealth of data that has recently been made available thanks to IoT devices.

Besides the sheer volume of data, data analysts will have to pick back-end technologies that excel in server clusters and parallel processing, be smart about how they find actionable information, and use technology stacks that are nimble enough to process that data for analytics.

Learn more by reading the full article >>

From the smart bridge that alerts its maintenance crew to areas in need of repair, to the smart bus that tells the municipal traffic signal network to extend the duration of a green light long enough for it to get back on schedule, the line between Information Technology and our physical world has begun to blur. The Internet of Things (IoT) is here.

Eager to learn more about this revolutionary new technology? Checkout more articles about the IoT in the Hiring Headquarters >>

The post 3 Ways the Internet of Things is Reshaping our World appeared first on Upwork Blog.



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Wednesday, August 16, 2017

Productivity Tips from Inside Upwork

Sharpened pencils on top of a pile of pencil shavings—great for being more productive.

Mark your calendar for a live Productivity Week Twitter chat with guest host CMO Dave King from Asana tomorrow, Aug. 17, at 10:30 a.m. PT. We will be using the hashtag #UpworkChat.


We consider ourselves productivity experts at Upwork, connecting clients and freelancers quickly and easily to get more work done every day. But it doesn’t stop there! Upwork employees and the freelancers they work with have many years of experience optimizing their workdays.

Whether it’s connecting with freelancers across the globe on a project you need help with or doing work for clients in different locations, the skills required to meet multiple deadlines, stay organized, and work efficiently are the same. Here are eight simple tips from Inside Upwork you can start using right away to help get more done.

On productivity hacks

“Make a to-do list that you update throughout the day (I keep mine in Notes on my laptop). Make a new one every day, and carry over your incomplete tasks. Not only does it keep all your active tasks in easy access, it also creates a log of work accomplished. Looking at a long list of crossed-out tasks gives me a sense of accomplishment at the end of the workday.

“I am also working toward my own Inbox Zero goal—seeing <10 emails in my inbox gives a powerful feeling of organization and control. That’s something all project managers can relate to!”
— Katy German, Project Manager, Creative

“If you notice that your calendar is booking up days in advance, block out time regularly to work on projects and important initiatives.”
— Erin Hicks, Director, Talent Operations

“1. I always plan ahead and strictly follow my to-do list.
2. I try to create reasonable goals. I often challenge myself with tight deadlines, but still leave some room for breathing so that if anything goes wrong I have the bandwidth to fix it.
3. I don’t force myself to work. Being a remote freelance team member, I have flexible work hours. If I don’t ‘feel like working’ at any certain point, I just skip work for a couple of hours and do something I find refreshing. Often times, I get back to work with doubled energy and spirit.”
— Saidur Mamun Khan, Market Research, Enterprise

On prioritizing tasks

“Working with clients around the globe can come with prioritization challenges. For meetings, I try to fit all the timezones in my business hours — [I schedule] European clients first to catch them before their end of day. East Coast clients get scheduled next, then West Coast, and finally [Asia-Pacific] in the late afternoon to snag their morning. I’ll handle most emails in between meetings during business hours. Once the kids are asleep, I’ll hop back online to handle remaining emails and try to respond to clients outside of the US, since it is their working hours.”
— Nina Sabado Bitz, Program Manager, Enterprise

“Set up in the morning and make a list of what you need to get done; set calendar/alarms to keep you on track if necessary!”
— Brittany Kirby, Customer Support, Premium

“I prioritize tasks by importance. All client-facing tasks are completed first (Upwork Messages, emails, phone), then the basic daily followup outreaches are saved for after clients have all been tended too. The best advice for time management is to build up a routine. Once you establish a routine and follow it as much as possible, everything gets done and your time is not wasted going 500 directions at the same time.”
— Crystal Miller, Upwork Success Manager/Talent Scout

“I’m a total pen-to-paper list maker. Each evening, I generate a list of my to-do’s—organized by client/personal—and I prioritize both on a per-client basis and overall basis based on deadlines. The most valuable thing I have learned about time management as a freelancer is that not everything needs to be done today. It’s OK to space things out and leave things with a less-pressing deadline for tomorrow to ensure that today’s tasks get done to the best of your ability.”
— Jill Kellogg, Social Media Specialist


The only real trick to productivity is getting started. Make your first step today, check out our seven tips for a more productive work day, and start employing some of the strategies right away.

The post Productivity Tips from Inside Upwork appeared first on Upwork Blog.



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Monday, August 14, 2017

7 Ways to be More Productive at Work

Five clocks with different colored faces show different times for freelancers who want to be more productive.

Mark your calendar for a live Productivity Week Twitter chat on Thursday, August 17, at 10:30 a.m. PT. We will be using the hashtag #UpworkChat.


You sit at your desk fully intending to crush your to-do list but before you know it, the day is over and you’ve accomplished only a fraction of what you set out to do. You promise yourself you’ll work longer and harder the next day to get more done. Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

Does this sound familiar?

Being productive is not always about putting in more time and working harder. It is about being smarter with managing the time you have. But what does that mean for you?

Most of our time is wasted on tasks we don’t really need to do, on tasks we dislike that cause us to drag our feet, or even on trying to do too much at once. But it can (and will!) get better. While there is no magic pill to make you better at time management, there are steps you can take to form better and more productive habits.

First, know how you’re spending your time

What do you do with your time? The first step toward a more productive day is to determine where your time is currently going. For the next week, keep track of everything you do during your working hours. Every time you switch tasks, write it down.

  • 8:00 a.m. ate breakfast
  • 8:15 a.m. brewed coffee
  • 8:20 a.m. looked at Facebook
  • 8:30 a.m. got up to get coffee
  • 8:40 a.m. checked email
  • …and so on.

At the end of the week, look at this list and mark everything that didn’t help you get closer to reaching your goals for the week. Can you identify patterns? Did you have an abundance of interruptions? Did you switch tasks more often than you should have? Did you really need to check Facebook while waiting for that coffee to perk or could you have gotten a head start on your emails instead?

Once you’ve identified the activities that are wasting your time, you can take steps to either spend less time on those things or stop doing them altogether.

Rise and shine with a solid routine

Though not everyone is wired to be a morning person, having a refreshing morning ritual and then tackling the most important tasks first is an easy-to-implement strategy. Some people start their days with meditation, yoga, or a relaxing shower with their favorite music, followed by a nutritious breakfast.

If you can, schedule most of your meetings for the afternoon, so you can get the hardest items on your to-do list tackled in the morning while you are still fresh. Putting the hard stuff off until later in the day will backfire as fatigue eventually sets in, making it more difficult to do an already tough task.

Do one thing at a time

You may be under the impression that multitasking is a good way to get more done. However, science says just the opposite. While most people have no trouble walking and talking or eating and reading at the same time, multitasking two or more similar tasks—like talking and reading, something many of us try to do while answering emails—use similar cognitive functions and trying to do them at the same time will actually take longer.

So the next time you think you can save some time by making a phone call and writing a blog post at the same time, think again: You will do a better and more efficient job at both by doing them one at a time.

Take adequate breaks

We don’t need science to tell us that working on something for a long period of time results in fatigue: Focus suffers and we become more easily distracted.

What science does say is that taking a break—even a short one—will help. Try to resist the temptation to “break” by doing something similar to what you have already been doing. Sitting at your desk and scrolling through Instagram isn’t going to help you fully refresh.

When it is time to step away from your work, stand up and take a short walk before returning to the task at hand. Walking can not only improve your focus once you return, it can also help give your creativity and problem-solving abilities a boost.

If you’re the type of person that ignores fatigue, or can’t really tell when it has set in, there are things you can do to ensure you take breaks. For example, set alarms on your phone to remind you to get up. If you find yourself ignoring them, try an app that will block your ability to continue working like TimeOut for Mac or WorkRave for Windows.

Keep interruptions to a minimum

Efficiency means focusing on the task at hand, and focus requires minimal interruptions. Start by taking control of notifications; turn off all but the most important ones. Use the built-in functions on your phone and computer to filter out unnecessary noise, and put a “Do not disturb” sign on the door.

Some business owners are hesitant to cut themselves off for a period of time. What if there’s an emergency with a client? If that’s a concern for you, think about it this way: If you had a client meeting for an hour, you wouldn’t interrupt the meeting for an impromptu phone call or to answer an email from another client. Treat work time the same way.

If you are in a business where time-sensitive client issues come up frequently, consider using an email responder that triages the issue. For example, if it is urgent, ask them to call you. Otherwise, schedule three to four times during the day where you attend only to email and include those times in your responder to set expectations.

Use a system and a schedule

Start scheduling your to-do list with blocks of time, arranged in priority sequence with a calendar app. Google Calendar is a great free option and will easily sync with most calendar apps on mobile devices. Allow desktop or mobile notifications so you are made aware of when it is time to start the next task.

You can also try Pomodoro, a popular system by which you set a timer that will buzz in 25-minute increments. Once you have been through four, you are instructed to take a break.

When used in conjunction with a task list, like paper Bullet Journaling, or productivity apps like Todoist, Asana, or Evernote, efficiencies are more easily attainable.

When you start out, don’t get discouraged if you find yourself running out of blocked time on items before you’ve actually finished them. If you have never lived by a schedule before, it takes some trial and error to get the timing right. Eventually, you will become more knowledgeable about just how long certain tasks take. Not only can this help with your productivity, it can also help uncover if you are not charging enough for your time!

Find a buddy

Being responsible for your own time and schedule is a perfect breeding ground for procrastination, and time can run away from you. You can, however, set up an accountability partner of your own to help you reach your goals and put these productivity techniques into play. Whether that person is a friend, colleague, family member, or a productivity consultant you hire to help coach you, they will have the responsibility to be disappointed in you and express that if you don’t achieve your goals.

Productivity is just like any other skill—with practice and perseverance, you can have more control over your time. The added work it takes to learn how to get there will be paid back countless times with less stress, more time for leisure, and more quality work that will be noticed by your colleagues and clients.

Have you tried any of these techniques? Let us know your experiences in the comments.

The post 7 Ways to be More Productive at Work appeared first on Upwork Blog.



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Friday, August 11, 2017

Trending Hair Colors This Week

Warm tones and deeper colors are inching their way back into our feeds and that only means fall season is arriving! While we love seeing their gorgeous balays and sunkissed locks, we can’t be more excited to see what our #HolisticHairTribe will serve us during this year’s fall/winter season.

For now, check out this week’s trending hair colors from our community!

oway-hcolor

Dark Honey Hair Color Formula

Hair by Wendy Pendill

Honey blonde flatters almost any type of skin tone. So, if you have a client who has virgin hair like Wendy’s client, Honey Blonde is a great choice. Add some highlights for more dimension.

Balaylights: Oway Hbleach Butter Cream Lightener with Oway Hcatalyst 20 Volume Cream Developer

Gloss: 40g Oway Hcolor 10.1 Ash Extra Light Blonde + 10g Oway Hcolor 8.1 Ash Light Blonde with Oway Htone 9 Volume Cream Developer

oway-color

Ice Queen Hair Color Formula

Hair by Tara Jean May

It’s never too late to try that Daenerys Targaryen-inspired hair color. Platinum blondes look amazing whatever the season, anyway, so go for it!

Lightening: Oway Hbleach Butter Cream Lightener with Oway Hcatalyst 30 Volume Cream Developer (on scalp)

Toner: Oway Hcolor 11.17 Frosted Platinum + Oway Hcolor 9.1 Ash Very Light Blonde with Oway Htone 9 Volume Cream Developer

original-mineral-mineralcct

Strawberry Copper Hair Color Formula

Hair by Candice Tainton

This hue offers just the right amount of vibrancy and zest to the hair. Clients looking for a fresh, elegant color may want to try this strawberry copper formula by Candice.

Roots: 20g O&M Mineral.CCT 7/0 Blonde + 30g O&M Mineral.CCT 7/43 Copper Gold Blonde

Balayage: O&M Paint Powder Clay Lightener + O&M Mineral.CCT 30 Volume LIFT Activator

Toner: O&M Mineral.CCT 9/5 Very Light Mahogany Blonde + O&M Mineral.CCT 5 Volume SEMI Cream Activator

oway-hairstylist

Pumpkin Spice Hair Color Formula

Hair by Merissa Luetjen

Unlike its latte namesake, this hair color works from summer to winter. Change it up a bit by foiling in highlights over the color.

New Growth (2.5 inches): Oway Hcolor 7.34 Golden Copper Blonde + Oway Htone 9 Volume Cream Developer

Painted Sections of 1.5-2.5 (Alternating): Oway Hcolor 7.34 Golden Copper Blonde and O&M Mineral.CCT 7/34 Warm Copper Blonde with Oway Htone 9 Volume Cream Developer

Foiled Highlights Over the Color: Oway Hbleach Butter Cream Lightener with Oway Htone 9 Volume Cream Developer (2.5-3 in apart).

Rinsed & Mixed all Colors Together for about 5mins

organic-color

Hot Copper Hair Color Formula

Hair by Johnie Brown

The best thing about this color is it looks different in every angle, depending on the amount of light hitting it. Perfect for clients who aren’t afraid to stand out!

Roots: 25g Oway Hcolor 6.43 Copper Golden Dark Blonde + 5g Oway Hcolor 7.44 Deep Coppery Blonde + 45g Oway Htone 9 Volume Cream Developer

Mids to Ends: 30g Oway Hcolor 7.44 Deep Coppery Blonde + 10g Oway Hcolor 0.0 Bleaching Booster + 60g Oway Hcatalyst 20 Volume Cream Developer

organic-hair-color

Beach Blonde Hair Color Formula

Hair by Lindsey Rae Crosby

Don’t you just love it when your client has naturally beautiful hair? This hair color didn’t need a toner. Just a bit of Oway Bio-Rich Water, Glossy Nectar, and Smoothing Cream and she was good to go.

Highlights: Oway Hbleach Butter Cream Lightener with Oway Hcatalyst 30 Volume Cream Developer

Which are your favorites this week?



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Thursday, August 10, 2017

Hair Stylists: These 3 Questions Will Help You Charge What You Are Worth

How Safe Is Your Data? Time for a Cybersecurity Checkup

Multiple locks hanging on a cable.

Cybercrime cost the global economy $450 billion dollars last year, according to a report from Hiscox Insurance. Protection from threats such as malware, hacking, phishing, ransomware, and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks is a top concern for companies of all sizes.

But the threat is just as real for small businesses, which are frequently the ones in the crosshairs. The impact can be devastating: Not only can a cyber attack bring business to a standstill, the National Cyber Security Alliance found 60 percent of those that suffer an attack go out of businesses within six months.

What’s a small business to do? Here are articles from Upwork that explain more about some of the risks and best practices you can follow to address them.

“95% of all attacks involve some form of social engineering.”
Thomas Koulopoulos, Founder, Delphi Group

1. Start with cybersecurity best practices

Keeping your software up-to-date and learning to avoid potential threats online are among the defenses explained in “Cybersecurity Tips for Upwork Users.”

Since so many threats depend on individual people to slip up, a proactive defense can do a lot to keep you protected. Some of the other steps you can take include:

  • Use reputable antivirus software to keep an eye on your email as well as your IT setup.
  • Keep your web browser, operating system, and software up-to-date.
  • Be cautious about anything that seems odd, whether it’s a pop-up ad, suspicious email, or USB drive you receive in the mail.
  • Beware of phishing emails, which aim to trick you using what may appear to be legitimate correspondence.

2. Consider your specific needs

A growing number of platforms and applications are moving to two-factor authentication (2FA, TFA, or multi-factor authentication)—a layer above your password that requires additional information such as an authentication code you access via text message or an app.

“While passwords alone grant access by asking for ‘something you know,’ 2FA requires both this and ‘something you have’ in order to grant access,” Carey Wodehouse wrote in “All Things Authentication: Why You Should Use Two-Factor Authentication For Better Mobile Security.”

“This means that even if someone has acquired your password, unless they’re you and have your phone or other trusted device in their hand, it will be much more difficult for them to gain access to your accounts,” she said.

Another potential vulnerability is cloud computing, a move that enables businesses to scale more easily through hosted services delivered via the Internet. But the cloud comes with its own security challenges—some comparable to traditional data security, and some unique to the cloud.

In “Cloud Security: Keeping Data Safe No Matter Where It Is,” Tyler Keenan explains some of the top considerations, including physical security at data centers, multitenancy (i.e., your information will be stored alongside information from other companies), API vulnerabilities, and insider threats.

“Security in the cloud falls on both providers and the organizations who use their services, though ultimately it’s the responsibility of each organization to ensure that its data is secure,” Keenan wrote. He notes that multifactor authentication and encryption are recommended as best practices for anyone transmitting to or storing information in the cloud.

3. Learn how to avoid attacks, such as ransomware

WannaCry is ransomware that infected 200,000 computers worldwide; in May 2017, it locked up England’s National Health Service (NHS) and impacted corporations such as FedEx, Deutsche Bahn, and KPMG.

“The attack is a perfect example of the ‘head in the sand’ approach to cyber security taken by too many organizations,” Ben Rose at Digital Risks said in an explanation of what happened and what small businesses can learn. “So-called ‘cyber-hygiene’ requires constant vigilance to the latest threats and there is a tendency for companies to ignore or neglect this fact until it’s too late.”

But WannaCry isn’t the only ransomware out there; this type of attack alone can net a hacker as much as $1,000,000 a day. Outlining tips to help protect yourself from a ransomware attack, Keenan says your best bet might just be to pay the ransom.

However, as with cybersecurity in general, your best approach is to be proactive: Avoiding suspicious links and regularly taking steps to backup your information and update your software are among the things you can do to help keep your data safe.

Want to learn more about your cybersecurity options? Learn more by checking out the IT security information in Upwork’s Hiring Headquarters

The post How Safe Is Your Data? Time for a Cybersecurity Checkup appeared first on Upwork Blog.



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Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Jasmine at The Gardens – NOW SELLING!

Artist rendering of Jasmine at The Gardens Richmond townhouses.

At a Glance

  • last phase of South Richmond’s only master-planned community
  • 23 luxury concrete townhomes
  • 2- or 3-story, 2- & 3-bedroom homes
  • self-contained urban village with stunning 12-acre park
  • most homes have panoramic views
  • access to 6,000 sq ft amenity complex
  • steps from Loblaws City Market, Ironwood Plaza, Coppersmith Mall
  • easy access to Highway 99, YVR Airport, BC Ferries, US border

A cut-away profile of a Townline's Jasmine at The Gardens townhouse.

Luxury Living on the Park

Jasmine is a refined collection of twenty three luxurious air-conditioned parkside townhomes neighbouring a serene twelve-acre natural park. As the final phase of The Gardens, a master-planned urban village in a sought-after South Richmond neighbourhood, these two- and three-bedroom homes span across two- or three-storeys, offering spacious interiors for comfortable modern living. Expansive rooftop terraces in some homes provide a seamless integration between indoor and outdoor spaces, perfect for both relaxing and entertaining. The effortless elegance of these modern townhomes perfectly complements the surrounding natural beauty of the adjacent park.

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  • Reload
  • Should be Empty:

Jasmine at The Gardens’ convenient and highly accessible location is only one factor that contributes to the elevated lifestyle you’ll experience living here. The rest comes down to design. Every element, whether it’s flooring finishes, window sizes and orientations, shower niches or kitchen layouts, everything has been thoughtfully planned and meticulously designed, ensuring comfortable living. With stunning exteriors and exquisite interiors, coming home has never been more inviting.

Pricing for Jasmine at The Gardens
Contact me today to discuss availability, plans, and prices for this limited, exclusive opportunity.

Floor Plans for Jasmine at The Gardens
Jasmine offers 23 townhouses with one 2-bedroom and five 3-bedroom plans to choose from.

2-bedroom floorplan for Jasmine at The Gardens townhome.

3-bedroom floorplan for Jasmine at The Gardens townhome.

Jasmine at The Gardens Interiors
Design concept for Jasmine at The Gardens living room.
A choice of three well-curated West Coast colour palettes defines sophisticated interiors. Step inside a Jasmine townhome filled with natural light – the result of high ceilings and expansive windows. The intelligently designed open concept conveys an uninterrupted flow of space, enhancing brightness from wall to wall. Appreciate your surroundings when relaxing after a long day or in the company of friends and family.

  • Three thoughtfully curated west coast colour palettes to choose from
  • Over-height ceilings starting at 9′ in main living areas for all homes
  • Luxurious wide-plank laminate flooring throughout
  • Solid, wood shelves and chrome rods in all closets
  • State-of-the-art roller blinds on all exterior windows
  • Efficient forced-air heating and cooling system for year-round comfort
  • High-efficiency Blomberg washer and dryer

Kitchen concept for Jasmine at The Gardens by i3 Design Group.
Kitchens not only look beautiful; they are exquisitely designed to function the way you want them to. Ample storage keeps all your culinary supplies and groceries organized, while plenty of counter space gives you room to work. The full-sized appliances will ensure you’re fully-equipped and able to experiment in the kitchen with ease.

  • Premier professional grade appliance package:
    • Blomberg 30″ 17.8 cu. ft. Energy Star stainless steel refrigerator
    • Bosch 30″ stainless steel five-burner gas cooktop
    • Bosch 30″ 4.6 cu. ft. stainless steel wall oven
    • Venmar 30″ 450 CFM stainless steel hood fan with 3 speed settings
    • Bosch 24″ Energy Star™ integrated stainless steel dishwasher with fourteen place-setting capacity
    • Panasonic 24″ 1.2 cu. ft. stainless steel microwave with trim kit
  • Durable and easy-to-clean quartz countertops and backsplash
  • Modern, under-mounted double bowl sink with a polished chrome faucet
  • Soft-close laminate cabinetry with brushed nickel hardware
  • Under-cabinet lighting

En suite design for Townline's Jasmine at The Gardens in South Richmond.
Retreat to the luxurious spa-like en suite after a long day at work where you’ll be welcomed with heated floors, a soaker tub and sleek tile surround. Indulge in the panoramic mountain and park views from your private rooftop terrace, a perfect place to gather with friends and family for a meal under the evening sky.

  • Solid quartz counter tops
  • Under-mounted sinks with European styled chrome faucets
  • Soft-close cabinetry with brushed nickel hardware
  • Powder room on main living floor

PRIMARY BATHROOMS

  • Custom designed mirrored medicine cabinet
  • Comfortable, custom heated floor tiles
  • Full-height, large format porcelain tiles on all walls and floors
  • Elegant frameless glass shower enclosures
  • Recessed wall niche with shelf
  • Bathrooms with tubs feature a contemporary 5′ soaker tub with tiled apron

SECONDARY BATHROOMS

  • Frameless mirror with warm hued overhead lighting
  • Large format porcelain tiled floors
  • Contemporary 5′ soaker tub
  • Feature wall with elongated hexagon tiles

Amenities at Jasmine at The Gardens
As part of a master-planned community, Dahlia residents will enjoy a range of amenities not normally found included in condominium developments. A 6,000-square-foot amenity complex offers an indoor gymnasium with basketball and badminton courts, changing rooms, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, a conference room, and a shared green space.

A 10,900-square-foot courtyard will provide a lawn with water feature, children’s play area, a covered outdoor dining area, and a summer flower garden. A 12.2-acre Agricultural Park will include trails, play areas, ponds, community gardens, and horticultural and agricultural interpretive facilities in the various garden areas.

In addition to the commercial spaces that have already been constructed in Phase 1 of The Gardens, a 37-space child care facility will be housed in an existing replica Dutch castle that was originally donated to Vancouver for Expo ’86 by the city of Coevorden, the ancestral home of Captain George Vancouver.

Parking and Storage
Each home includes a private two-car garage with ample space for storage.

Maintenance Fees at Jasmine at The Gardens
Included in pricing information.

Developer Team for Jasmine at The Gardens
Townline Group of Companies is a real estate development company focused primarily in the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. Since 1981, they have amassed a diverse project portfolio spanning market and non-market multi-family housing, rental apartments, single-family homes, heritage restoration, mixed, commercial, and retail developments. Through the firm’s various departments, they stay hands-on for the entire life of a project to ensure they create the kind of residential and commercial places people want as their own, such as 999 Seymour and 1335 Howe.

Townline has chosen ZGF Cotter Architects to design this final phase of The Gardens. ZGF’s design philosophy is centred on the premise that design excellence should be reflected in each and every aspect of a building—its fit with the community, its function and relationship to its users, its building systems, and its cost. The firm’s design portfolio is intentionally diverse, ranging from transportation terminals, commercial office and mixed-use developments to corporate campuses, healthcare and research buildings, academic facilities, libraries, and museums. In addition to receiving more than 770 local, regional, and national design awards, ZGF was honoured with the American Institute of Architects’ highest honour, the Architecture Firm Award, recognized for “creatively transforming client needs and aspirations into elegant, inventive architectural form, and establishing a standard of excellence and expectation of quality to which other firms aspire.”

Expected Completion for Jasmine at The Gardens
Selling now.

Are you interested in learning more about other homes in Richmond, the Cambie Corridor, or South Vancouver?

Check out these great Richmond Presales!

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