What to Expect During a Farm Stay

You might be wondering what you can expect from your farm stay vacation. The answer is as varied as the farms themselves... from luxurious B&B style accommodations, to roughing it in a tent, and almost anything in between. The great news is, you're sure to find a vacation that perfectly suits your group.

SIGHTS

As you arrive at the working farm, ranch, or vineyard where you've chosen to stay, you might see animals in a field; large equipment, like tractors or harvesters; acres of orchards or other crops; silos and barns; and fences. Lots of fences. Or, you might not see much more than a gate and more road (perhaps unpaved) to follow before reaching your accommodations.

Don't be intimidated by a closed gate! You're supposed to be there, so just remember this very important rule: leave the gates how you found them. If the gate at the road is closed, open it and drive through, and then close it behind you. If it's standing open, then come on in and leave it open. This rule will apply throughout the property on almost every farm and ranch. Be conscientious about this, or you just may find yourself herding wayward beasts!

Checking in won't necessarily be a formal process like it is at a hotel, where you approach a person behind a desk. Perhaps at some of the larger ranches it will be, but on many farms you're looking for the farmer, a family member, or other worker to let them know you've arrived. Be sure to carefully read all of the information your host sends you before your arrival, so you'll know where to go and what to do first. Please adhere to the check-in times your hosts have indicated.

SMELLS

The smells on a farm are unique, but we don't think they're offensive. No, not even the smell of manure. Depending on when and where you go, you might also smell fresh-cut hay; blossoms on a fruit tree; mulch composting; and various by-product smells of the work being done around the farm. Maybe even... apple pie?!

CLOTHING & SHOES

At the very least, closed-toe shoes are a must. You might want to bring muck boots or other sturdy shoes or boots that you won't mind getting dirty. Your hosts may also provide some "left-behind" boots from prior guests - but don't count on it. It would be best to check with them about the type of footwear that works best on their farm or ranch. Your clothing should depend on whether you choose to lend a hand with some of the chores. Light layers, sun hats, long sleeves and pants, and nothing you wouldn't want to get dirty. Pretty hand-knit sweaters are great for your Instagram moments, but then it's best to switch to an old sweatshirt before the real work begins!

Tip: Find out from your hosts whether there are laundry facilities for you to use during your stay.

 

PETS

While there are quite a few farm stays where you can bring pets, it's best to double check and be sure that this is appropriate for you and your pet. There may be other dogs on site; large livestock; and various hazards around the property.

On a smiliar note, remember that many farm dogs are working guard or herding dogs, and may not behave the same way a family pet would.

 

FOOD

This is going to vary wildly. You might get three home-cooked meals a day around the family table, or you might be left to your own devices in your accommodation's kitchen. You may be free to supplement your meals with produce from the garden and eggs from the hen house, or you may be expected to buy these extra items. You may make your meals in a regular kitchen, over a campfire, or in a wood-fired oven (pizza!). Your hosts will give you the full run-down on what you'll want to bring and what you can obtain at the farm or nearby.

Remember, some farms and ranches are miles from town, so you won't necessarily want to run out to the store for that one thing you forgot.

 

CHORES

To work, or not to work? Unless expressly indicated as part of your stay agreement, you are not required to do chores. However, most farm, ranch, and vineyard stays are delighted for you to show an interest in their daily work. Please feel free to offer to lend a hand if you are so inclined, and follow your hosts' directions. You are likely to be able to do things like collect eggs, feed chickens, brush horses or donkeys, harvest crops, or milk goats or cows. Driving a tractor is not as likely. Some cattle operations allow guests to help with cattle drives or sorting, other farms may not let you ride their horses. It just depends on what they - and their insurance providers - have decided is safe for their guests.

Your hosts also want you to relax and have fun, so it'll be up to you how much or how little you want to pitch in! If you'd rather sit on the porch with a book and a glass of wine, or go for a hike on your own, that's absolutely fine too.

Don't be surprised if you and your group are left alone for much of your stay - these are working operations, and your hosts will be busy, but they will also probably have a routine and be available for guests who want to participate in the farm life.

There are so many activities and sights and sounds and new experiences to be had on a farm, ranch, or vineyard stay - what will you choose? Check out our listings and see where they lead you!

Source: farmstayus.com

Why You Should Have Online Video Conferencing Regularly

Online video conferencing has taken organizations by storm. Many companies are exploiting this technology to their advantage. There are still many businesses unaware of the potential of video conferencing. Here’s why your IT department should conduct online conferencing for IT regularly using services like Blue Jeans.

Flexible Workplace

Online video conferencing improves workplace flexibility. A study done by global workplace analytics as reported on PC mag shows that there is 3.7 million U.S. workforce working from home half the time. Video conference has changed the traditional office and provides the flexible work timings where employees can spend time with their families and children and yet grow professionally. This trend allows employers to employ professional people outside the geographical boundaries. Working remotely allows businesses to connect quickly with their IT employees to seek professional advice from anywhere in the world.

Increased Engagement

Research shows that people usually multi-task during a phone call rather than a video call. Video conference is more engaging and offers visuals allowing companies to understand their customers and employees better. Businesses can also ensure that employees are paying attention during the conference. As majority of the people are visual learners, it is a compelling case for video conferencing.

Increased Productivity

One of the ways to increase productivity is to share a screen. It helps you save time rather than sending huge files over emails. Screen sharing keeps the team engaged as it allows everyone to be in sync. There is no chance for miscommunication and loss of details. As the entire team is participating, listening, and contributing, it helps increased productivity.

Improved Communication

Online video conferencing fosters better communication and team experience as the meetings can be conducted any time and anywhere with various tools to improve communication. People can share their progress real-time and keep the current status of the project updated. They can also discuss projects, get training to upgrade their skills, and go through performance reviews and have group study circles.
The collaborative notes, video streaming, and other advanced technologies provide a wealth of experience and take collaboration to a new height which no other communication mode can match.

Quality Leads

Having regular meetings with customers help them to understand your products better, and your presentation will stay on top of their mind. It will help generate more leads and also assist in increasing the lead quality. As people attend your meetings since they express interest in your product, you will be readily getting more information about their contacts, demographic data, psychographic information since the customers have committed their time to learn. You can convert these prospective customers into fans by taking this chance and providing value.

Content Marketing

Video conferencing can be used to deliver content as visual, and an interactive material is the trend of the content marketing. Utilizing webinars and recordings to distribute valuable content can be the best way to attract customers. According to the Institute of content marketing, 66 percent of B2B marketers was of the opinion that webinars are successful form of content marketing while 62 percent said that videos are the most efficient method of content creation.

Establish As a Thought Leader

It provides an opportunity for you to establish as a leader in that category. With informative and unique webinars, you can create a buzz in the marketplace with your unique IT concepts and establish yourself as a brand where people want to listen to you. Once people find value in the content you deliver, more people will start listening to you on a regular basis and start converting giving you more business.

New Opportunities

You can use it for bringing in new guests as your partners to promote your services and products. It can have high effect in building a good relationship with the audience. You can also have a strategic partnership with them, which can help you increase number of customers. It will help you to bring new content to the public and increase your brand exposure, which will ultimately lead to more business.

Fine Tune Your Message

Due to real-time feedback visually from the audience on the level of the engagement, your message can be customized and improved to resonate with the public. It helps you deliver the better message and adapt to the circumstances. You can quickly figure out working system. You can assess yourself and your presentation skills, which will give you scope to improve, making yourself better with each passing conference.
In conclusion, it is now a necessity to hold regular video conferences with employees and customers to stay on top of people’s minds and drive organization’s goals and services in this competitive market. It is the best technology that can help you grow by keeping in touch with all the stakeholders of your business all the time.

Source: conferencingadvisors.com

The Basics of Video Conferencing for Small Businesses

Modern business operations share the same dilemma: time is gold. When time is leveraged, productivity and output may increase. On the bright side, technology continues to provide businesses with new tools to help manage time effectively particularly during meetings wherein most of the time are spent on.
Video conferencing could prove to be one of the most important time leveraging business tools of the 21st century. Video conferencing is changing the landscape of how businesses communicate. Advanced tools you can use today lets you connect multiple parties across multiple continents - in real time with excellent and high quality video and audio.

How did Video Conferencing Start?

Video conferencing may technically be said to have originated in the 1970s. Early proponents of video conferencing technology had no standards or protocols to rely on. This fact made a teleconference via video an expensive proposition. In fact, only huge companies and government agencies made use of this tool.
Today, affordable networks and systems are readily available, which is why businesses, big or small, have started incorporating this tool within their operation and cut down on time spent on meetings with clients you usually travel across the border for.

How Video Conferencing Works?

A video teleconference highly depends on the equipment and network capabilities. This is why it’s crucial to choose the right provider for your business .

Since real-time video contains a tremendous amount of data, it is a must that the system used should be able to handle a high amount of bandwidth. On the bright side, video conferencing systems are designed to "sample" and "compressed”.

It is the job of your system provider to ensure that your video and audio is delivered clearly throughout the participants. But of course, there are still a number of factors that can affect your video conference’s performance like internet connection speed, hardware specs, etc.

There are so many video conferencing systems offered in the marketplace today. Before closing any deals, consider the following so you can narrow down your choices:

How will you be using video conferencing? Determine the maximum video conference scenario you will be utilizing to narrow down bandwidth and equipment requirements.

How large is the meeting room where you plan to conduct video conferences? Camera capabilities will depend on the size of the room and number of people involved.

What network will your video conference be hosted? Determine the capabilities of your network before deciding on any one specific video conferencing solution.

As more businessness experience the value in video conferencing as a time and money-saving tool, the technology will become more necessity than luxury. The age of the video conference has just begun!

How to Retain a Divorce Attorney if You Are Low-Income

Whether you want to begin divorce proceedings or have been served with marriage dissolution documents from your spouse, low-cost services and attorneys are available to assist you in handling your own divorce or who will represent you throughout the process.

Starting the Process

Divorce proceedings can be very expensive; advance retainers of $5,000 or more and hourly fees of $300 are not uncommon. Unless you have substantial savings and a good income, high-priced legal counsel is likely out of your range. However, a number of attorneys and other legal service agencies can help you.

If you have been in a short marriage, usually less than 5 years in duration, have no children or substantial assets, and the divorce is uncontested, you may be able to use truncated or summary procedures that enable you and your spouse to obtain a divorce for not much more than the court filing fees. Most counties provide forms on their sites for downloading for free and offer questionnaires and information to see if you qualify for the summary proceedings. If not, retain an attorney with fees within your means of income, or use a legal services company to help you prepare the forms for a few hundred dollars.

Finding Legal Services

• Local or state bar associations
• Legal aid offices
• Attorneys who advertise as low-income divorce attorneys
• Obtaining court-ordered attorney’s fees

Many local bar associations maintain lists of divorce attorneys who charge low hourly fees or set fees at reduced rates. You may also obtain assistance in responding to divorce papers or in starting an action from free or low-cost legal aid offices. These offices can refer you to attorneys who, in some circumstances, will represent low-income clients either at no-cost or at greatly reduced fees.

Many lawyers who advertise low-cost divorce services are experienced and competent attorneys. Before retaining an attorney based on an advertisement, however, do your due diligence and learn about the attorney’s credentials and reputation in the legal community by researching them in the legal directory, Martindale-Hubbell, and your local bar association Web site. In some cases, attorneys may only charge you a nominal fee upfront if there is a reasonable chance a court will award you attorney’s fees, especially if your spouse has a greater income.

If you have children, you may have issues of custody, visitation, and child support that you should not attempt to handle on your own. With some research, you can retain a skilled divorce attorney despite your low-income status who will competently represent you throughout the divorce process.

Source: attorneys.com

The Basics of Accounting for Small Businesses

 

In today's competitive market, there are many strategies to get ahead and grow your company's profit margin. In order to properly grow your company, you'll need to understand the basics of both accounting and bookkeeping and how they interrelate to help your business. Follow along as FindLaw takes you through the basics of accounting for your small business.

Bookkeeping vs. Accounting

Bookkeeping and accounting are often mistaken as serving the same purpose. In the larger sense, this is correct, as both bookkeeping and accounting aim to assist businesses grow in a financially responsible manner. However, when you take a closer look, you'll see that bookkeeping and accounting are two separate tasks which share a symbiotic relationship. 

Bookkeeping primarily entails:

• the systematic recording of all of the business' financial transactions
• accurately extracting financial information from business transactions in a form that can be analyzed for issues related to taxes, financial reporting, and the financial position of the business

Accounting generally encompasses:

• interpreting the data provided by the proper recording and extraction of financial information
• providing financial advice about the business' present and future direction

For ease of reference for this basic overview of business accounting, we'll refer to bookkeeping and accounting as the single idea of accounting, as they share the same goal and contain overlap in the duties typically assigned to them.

Maintaining Accurate Records

Much of accounting consists of the non-glamorous "grunt" work of taking your expenses and revenues and systematically and meticulously entering them into your records. You must faithfully keep each receipt and record all financial transactions, including payments received and expenses paid out by the business. You'll need to keep detailed records and keep receipts for at least four years (for tax purposes).

Through this information, you can create summaries of income and expenditures on a regular basis (daily, weekly, monthly) to give yourself a snapshot of the financial state of your business at any particular time and to chart its progress.

The General Ledger

A general ledger is the single document that presents a record of revenues and expenses, and every financial transaction will make its way onto the ledger. It serves as a permanent record of the business' financial dealings and progress. Every important financial document related to the business, such as balance sheets and profit and loss statements, are derived directly from the general ledger.

Sub-Ledgers 

There are also sub-ledgers, which eventually make their way into the general ledger as well. For example, you might have an accounts payable sub-ledger where you log every outgoing check. Once the check is deposited by the recipient, that information is inputted (or "posted") into both the sub-ledger and general ledger.

Updating Your Ledger

Next, you'll have to take that information and post it to the ledger(s). You don't have to post to the ledger after every transaction, but you should do so at regular intervals which are appropriate for your business.

How frequently you post to the ledger will be determined by the amount of business you generate on a regular basis. Large clothing retailers and restaurants have a huge volume of sales and expenses on a daily basis and these transactions need to be recorded meticulously and then posted at the end of the day. On the other hand, if you have a lower volume business, you can probably post on a weekly or even monthly basis.

Your general ledger provides you with information with which you can accurately gauge your business' financial health and also provides a defense against an audit (either tax or other outside audit). You'll also want the record so that you can quickly find any discrepancies to resolve disputes with customers (for instance if you've double billed, you'll be able to see it).

Writing a Financial Report

The financial report is basically an analysis of the information provided by your record-keeping and ledger entries. You take the data and distill it into a form that helps you see where the business is making money, where cash flow needs to be improved, and the state of your capital investments.

A financial report can be one single document or several smaller documents, depending on your wishes and the needs of the business. Common reports include:

• Income statements, 
• Statements of capital, 
• Balance sheets, 
• Profit and loss statements, and
• Cash-flow statements.

Accounting Software 

The bookkeeping and accounting tasks outlined above can be done on your own, but with the easy availability of quality accounting software programs such as Quicken, you should seriously consider using those programs to help you in the task. The software can help you keep accurate records and create basic financial reports to ensure your business' security.

Have a Business Law Attorney Assist You

While the above information may seem relatively straightforward, accounting is a complicated subject matter. Ask a skilled business and commercial law attorney how to maximize your record keeping efforts in order to comply with tax laws and otherwise. 

Source: smallbusiness.findlaw.com

The best places for powder snow in Japan

Jubilant “woo-hoos” ring in the crisp air as snowboarders send plumes of powder flying against the cloudless sky of Sahoro, a village 179 kilometres east of Sapporo. The thrill of deep-powder gliding is written all over the faces of four friends from Indonesia who have arrived for a week of snowboarding on what they describe as “soft clouds of icing sugar.”

Dewa and Horace from Indonesia show off their snowboarding skills.

The insanely fluffy bliss that powder hounds find so addictive is found in stupefying abundance on Japan’s northernmost island. The secret to Hokkaido’s delightfully dry, weightless snow is a weather system that pushes extremely cold air across the Sea of Japan from Siberia, guaranteeing at least 100 days of snow every winter.

This is Hanabi Ishikawa’s first time to Sahoro.

Japan’s mountains might not compare to the Alps or the Rockies, but Hokkaido compensates by offering the most reliable ski season in the world, with certain resorts averaging 18 metres of snowfall annually.

Consistently good snow conditions on the mountains make Hokkaido a mecca for ski bums.

Private playground

The best-quality powder is arguably found in Niseko, one of the snowiest places on earth. In the direct path of flurries from Siberia, Niseko is blanketed by about 20 metres of champagne powder annually.

A fun way to hike Hokkaido in the winter is by snowshoeing.

Offering superb off-piste skiing for the more advanced skier as well as groomed trails for those of all ability levels, Niseko is known as Japan’s ‘café latte resort,’ being the only ski village where a gaijin (foreigner) can walk into a café and order a latte in English. In the smaller resorts off the beaten tourist track, you’ll be lucky to find anyone who speaks English, much less a latte.

The breakfast buffet at Club Med Sahoro offers a mix of Japanese and Western fare.

Hokkaido’s lesser-known powder playgrounds such as Sahoro are legend among downhill ski bums but – for the time being – they remain hidden beneath the mass tourism radar.

Robel Zemichael is a ski instructor at Club Med Sahoro.

“Skiing here is like having a private resort all to yourself. The slopes and lifts are never crowded,” says Ethiopian-born ski instructor Robel Zemichael from the US. After eight seasons working as a ski instructor at Club Med Sahoro, he has a special fondness for Hokkaido’s mountains. “What they lack in steepness they make up for in variety and powder quality.”

Daisuke (on left) shows the ropes of the slopes to Indonesians Efendi, Horace, Dewa, and Rudi, who are in Sahoro for a week of snowboarding fun.

Home of ramen

The après scene in Japan is quieter than in Europe or North America. A winter holiday in Hokkaido revolves around three activities: powder skiing, onsen-soaking, and eating – in that order. Ramen, soba noodles, crab and other seafood delicacies are the local specialties.

Many tourists have the misconception that Japan is an expensive country, but for skiers it is surprisingly affordable. Lift tickets are cheaper than in Europe, and the further you venture off the beaten track, the less expensive things get. A one-day mountain pass typically costs around 4,000 JPY (€30).

Two local girls eat takoyaki, Japenese street food made of fried octopus.

The most famous Japanese soba (buckwheat) noodles come from Hokkaido! 

 

But what ultimately keeps pulling skiers back to Hokkaido is its diverse offering. Whether it’s the delight of weaving through knee-deep powder or luxuriating in off-snow pleasures such as onsen baths, resorts like Sahoro tick all the boxes for an ichiban (number 1) winter experience.

Powder to the people

There’s space to spare for every skier in Hokkaido, which has a population of five million people spread across a land mass the size of Austria. Sapporo’s international airport is an excellent gateway to all major resorts, which cater to every taste and budget.

Visitors to Sahoro in Shintaku Town enjoy the local flavours during a travel expo.

Niseko for night life

Combining four resorts, Niseko is Japan’s largest and most international ski destination. Located 100 km southwest of Sapporo, it is famous for its powder, tree skiing, and night life. English is widely spoken.

Solitude in Sahoro

Smaller Sahoro has only two hotels, the Sahoro Resort Hotel, and all-inclusive Club Med Sahoro. The slopes are crowd-free, offering outstanding off-piste skiing for advanced skiers and snowboarders.

Three-peak Rusutsu

A golf resort and amusement park in summer, Rusutsu is magically transformed into a world-class powder paradise when winter arrives. The frozen rollercoaster is a popular backdrop for selfies.

Family-friendly Furano

Furano appeals to kids with its long, well-groomed runs, and high-speed lifts. The town caters to English-speaking guests, yet preserves its local authenticity. Ski passes are free for kids 12 or younger.

Vegas vibe in Tomamu

A kitsch extravaganza, glitzy Tomamu has a 50-metre wave pool, glamorous hotel towers and plenty to keep the little ones entertained. The 145-hectare resort also offers superb terrain for powder hounds.

Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival

Colourfully lit ice sculptures line the shore of Lake Shikotsu during this month-long festival in Shikotsu-Toya National Park, about 40 minutes from Sapporo. The sculptures are created by spraying layers of lake water and letting it freeze. Fireworks and Wadaiko drum performances set a festive mood on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

29 January–21 February 2016

Sapporo Snow Festival

A tradition dating back to 1950, the former Winter Olympics host city is transformed into a winter wonderland for a week every February with hundreds of snow statues and ice sculptures filling Odori Park and the main drag in Susukino.

Why not spend Easter at a farmstay?

Going away on a holiday over the Easter break is almost a given for any Australian.

 

The congestion on the roads will start Thursday afternoon and rev up again late Tuesday as people reluctantly head back home again. For many they will often head to the same destination; that favourite little corner of the country where they will relax and unwind, spend precious time with family and eat way too much chocolate.

For us we would visit the same farm every year; 500 acres just out of Kyneton in Central Victoria. It became a ritual, almost like a second home, and every year we would do exactly the same things. The familiarity of it all was comforting, like the home cooked farm fresh food, the linen table cloth, the old wood-fired stove and the same farm animals greeting us year after year.

For those who haven’t experienced a farmstay, then perhaps this Easter is the time to do it.

 

There are many websites you can search, such as Farmstays Australia, that will give you a list of different properties offering up their hospitality for people needing a break. Often frequented by overseas visitors wanting a ‘taste of Australia’, they are also popular with families with younger children and those wanting to have a break from the city.

Easter was quite easily my favourite holiday of the year, particularly because I was longing to live on a farm and own a horse of my own. By the time I was 14 this had become a reality, but in the meantime, these five days were the highlight of my year and moments that I longed for again as soon as the break was over.

Each farmstay will vary in the way it houses its guests. Some will have elaborate Bed and Breakfast style set ups, others you will sleep in the old shearer’s quarters, some may have a converted barn or self-contained cottages. 
  

Some properties will even offer the opportunity to camp or stay in the house with the family.

 

There are plenty of farmstays on offer, so it is easy to take your pick based on your preferences.

You can spend your weekend relaxing or alternatively help out on the farm. Activities will vary, depending on the property and the location, so as well as what is going on around the farm you may also find plenty to do if you explore the local region.

To really experience farm life it is great to get involved. Depending on the property you could be mustering cattle, feeding out hay, picking fruit, collecting eggs, feeding animals, helping out with the shearing, fixing fences, drenching livestock, grooming horses or helping pull a calf!

As well as all the farm work you might take a relaxing walk through the paddocks or the bush, sit on the verandah and read, fish in the river or dam, ride horses or sit out in the evening under a sky full of stars.

Wherever you decide it will be a holiday that you won’t easily forget, and one that I know you will just keep on revisiting, year after year.

Source: mouthsofmums.com.au

The best places to ski in Japan

Chasing powder in Japan’s hottest ski spots.

In January and February of the 2014 ski season, 63,967 Australians flocked to Japan for a taste of its famous snow, endless groomed runs and epic scenery. Up 21% on the previous year and with a bumper season predicted for 2015, skiing and snowboarding in Japan has become a booming tourism draw card.

Let’s zip around the three main ski regions to find the most popular resorts and what they can offer for snow bunnies.

Hokkaido area

The holy grail of skiing in Japan, Hokkaido is the country’s northernmost island and its second largest. The dropping off point for air or train travel from Tokyo is its capital, Sapporo. Try to time your travels to catch the city’s annual winter snow festival in February, where snow sculptures, snow slides and Sapporo beer fill the streets. From Sapporo, ski resorts are within easy reach and excellent nearby options include Niseko, Rusutsu, Kiroro and Furano. Niseko is made up of a handful of smaller resorts and is a low altitude destination, making it less susceptible to whiteouts. Hugely popular with tourists, it offers deep powder, plenty of groomed runs and Japan’s famous night skiing. For those travelling with a range of boarders and skiiers of varied abilities, its plentiful options make it a great choice. Don’t miss a day trip resting tired muscles in the local onsen and soaking up the beautiful scenery.

Rusutsu is another very popular choice and is around 90 minutes from Sapporo’s international airport. With an abundance of natural terrain features and second-to-none tree skiing, it’s a snow-lover’s delight and an easy day trip from Niseko. Lesser known Kiroro is a good option for those after a quieter experience and family-friendly atmosphere. With a kids club and day nursery, it’s great for little ones and has 21 runs catering to all abilities.

Spoilt for choice, another excellent option is Furano, a three-hour bus ride from Sapporo. Gaining a reputation for fantastic groomed runs, it has a great mix of terrain options, speedy lifts and is known for having the most blue sky days in Hokkaido.

Nagano and Niigata area

The home of the 1998 Winter Olympics, Nagano offers skiiers and snowboarders plenty of options and is located within easy travelling distance from Tokyo. Shiga Kogen became a popular destination for tourists following the Games and is made up of 21 resorts, interlinked via slopes and lifts. Further north, Nozawa Onsen, known first and foremost for its hot springs, is a popular ski resort. Experience over 30 hot springs in the area, soak up the charming traditional village atmosphere and enjoy plenty of variety on the slopes.

Myoko Kogen, found on the border of Nagano and Niigata, is home to some of the deepest, longest powder runs in the country. Made up of three separate resorts, it’s rich in culture and history and with world class powder to boot. Hakuba Valley is another local destination offering 11 ski resorts and an average of 11 metres of snow each year.

Tohoku area

Resorts in the Tohoku area include APPI, Zao and Hakkoda. APPI is around 5.5 hours from Narita airport and is known for its well-groomed runs and generally light, dry conditions. There’s excellent accommodation and plenty of high-end facilities for guests.

While its signature fir trees clumped with snow give Zao resort, around 3.5 hours from Tokyo, a distinctly otherworldly feel, this onsen town offers excellent runs in a medium sized resort. It’s less touristy than APPI, and has a more traditional Japanese atmosphere. 

Snow lovers will delight in a trip to Hakkoda, a ski area found in the northern most part of Japan’s main Honshu island. With epic snowfalls, fewer people and plenty of variety, it’s a largely undiscovered spot for snow bunnies visiting Japan and promises plenty of soft landings. 

Source: medibank.com.au

A Guide to Awesome Skiing in Japan

Carve Your Name in Asian Powder

When I’ve told people I’ve been skiing in Japan the usual reply is: “I didn’t even know you could do that there.” Neither did I at the end of 2014, but after a week spent sampling the slopes of the land of sushi this January I’d place it firmly at the top of my must-ski list.

I’d planned a trip to Tokyo to start my four-month tour of Asia and knew I wanted to see the weird and wonderful side of Japan, as well as the action and adventure. One search led to another and before I knew it I’d planned to ski at three different places in Japan: Nozawa Onsen, Mount Zao and Niseko. With the help of the gapyear.com message board community who I thank for inspiring my incredible Japan trip I’d narrowed it down to these three as the must-dos.

Which resort is best?

Of course if you’re going all the way to Japan to ski you want to go straight in for the kill and strap those snow boots on at the best resort the country has got.

Nozawa Onsen had great powder, was only a few hours from Tokyo and a good selection of run abilities. There was also a great vibe in the village with all the onsens (hot springs) available and the nightly karaoke at Heaven Bar. I really liked it here and on a weekend in January it was just busy enough to have some atmosphere but there was plenty of room for me to flex my skis without feeling the pressure of a compact resort either. There was so much snow here I actually ended up on a black run because they’d had to close the red runs I was planning on and I hadn’t read the signs properly. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!

I wanted to see the Snow Monsters of Mount Zao AmberMarie had talked about on the gapyear.com message boards. When I found out you could fit in some skiing too I was all for it. The snow here was a lot different to Nozawa Onsen – at least when I went. It was icy and more difficult to traverse. I fell over a lot at Mount Zao! There wasn’t quite so much going on here during the day or evening in terms of après ski either. Mount Zao is a great place to go for a day on the way up to Niseko from Tokyo to see the snow monsters but I wouldn’t go back next time I go skiing in Japan.

I would definitely go back to Niseko. It’s the most famous ski resort in Japan for good reason – it’s huge and the pow pow is amazing.  I was actually only planning on skiing for a day here, thanks to the budget, but that soon turned into three and a steaming credit card in my purse. The Niseko Mountain is divided into four ski resorts and once you’re at the top you can walk/ski/board across to the others, or you can take the public bus along the bottom.

The powder here is just incredible – it makes you realise what you’re missing at other resorts. I’ve skied in Canada and Slovenia and neither come close to the feeling of skiing the powder of Niseko. There were loads of different slopes, new challenges, plenty of backcountry powder to try (not for me!) and plenty of green and red runs too.

The cost of skiing in Japan

Skiing in Japan did end up being more expensive than I thought but mainly because I wasn’t prepared. Take as much equipment as you can – trousers, jackets, thermals, goggles, gloves and hats can all be found fairly cheaply from discount sports stores or TK Maxx in the UK. Even if you leave them after a few days of use it’ll still be cheaper than paying to rent. I was paying 1000¥per day just for the goggles, over 5 days that’s £25!

On average it cost around 10,000¥ per day (£60) to rent the skis, boots, trousers, jacket, goggles and helmet, and then the ski pass was on top of that. I had a hat, scarf and gloves already.

If you have your own equipment you can send it between ski resorts using the highly refined delivery service, which is great value and saves you carting it about on the busy public transport. Some of the Tokyo residents I met didn’t even bother ever having their stuff at home but just directed it between ski resorts. Accommodation near the resorts averaged £20 per night, and that was for the cheapest I could find without going too far out.

How to ski Japan

The best way to get around Japan for skiing depends on what your other plans are in the country. I had a three-week Japan Rail Pass so could use that as much as I liked to get around, although it wasn’t always the quickest and most convenient option for the resorts. I’d recommend the following:
Nozawa Onsen

Get a train from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo to Nagano and then the ski bus to Nozawa Onsen. To save money but spend a little more time you can also get a bus from Shinjuku Station to Nagano, and then jump on the same bus from there. There are plenty of ryokans available in the village near the slopes that will also provide your food while you’re there too, or there are cheaper villages nearby connected by the ski bus.
Mount Zao

I took a train from Tokyo Station to Yamagatawhere I stayed in a decent hotel for pretty cheap (£20ish a night). From here I could get the ski bus 40 minutes to Mount Zao, which dropped me off at the bottom of the slopes.Alternatively you could look for accommodation at Mount Zao as there were plenty of guesthouses there.
Niseko

I used my Japan Rail Pass to get to Chitose Airport and then picked up a ski bus from there, which took a few hours to get to Moiwa where my hotel was. On the return I took a train from Niseko to make the most of my rail pass but with the cost of the taxi I needed from the Niseko Ski Resort to the Niseko Rail Station I spent just as much as I would for the ski bus to Chitose, and it took more time. I’d recommend you choose somewhere in Hirafu as that’s where the best resort is and it’s easier to access there.

Skiing in Japan

My time skiing in Japan has been one of the main highlights of my time travelling in Asia. Sure it’s more expensive than partying on the beaches of Thailand or cruising the Mekong Delta in Vietnam but it’s worth every yen.

Source: gapyear.com

5 Accounting Mistakes that Put Your Small Business at Risk

Accounting mistakes can put your small businesses at risk. Unfortunately, mistakes are all too common, especially for new or budding businesses.

We have the top 5 common accounting mistakes that places small businesses at risk and how to avoid them.

1.) Not Staying on Top of Receivables
Always keep track of your receivables. When you issue an invoice, a receivable is recorded—meaning that a customer owes you money. As soon as you receive payment from that customer, it should be applied against the invoice to mark it as paid. However, this is easier said than done.

If you want to lessen the work needed to be done in fixing your receivables and avoid the hassle during tax season, use a combination of cloud accounting software and accepting online payments. This process will automate your receivables process, helping you get paid faster.

2.) Not Keeping Expense Receipts
Most small business owners fail to save copies of business expense receipts. This can result in a series of tax, accounting, and cash flow issues. Not having receipts with the actual details of the purchase can result to serious errors in your tax report expenses and a high tax bill if you’re ever audited.

Save yourself from the hard work and keep all receipts of every business purchase. Here are a few tips to make this task less time-consuming:

• Use your business bank or credit card only in paying for business expenses

• Keep an envelope in your bag/car where you can put all your receipts

• Every month, go through the receipts stored in the envelope and file them to your tax folder or save digital copies in the cloud.

3.) No Records of Cash Expenses
It is essential for business owners to track all expenses related to running a small business so these costs can be deducted from total income at tax time and to have better grasp of overall profitability throughout the year. Generally, most of these expenses are not recorded and thus forgotten. This causes the business owner to overstate income for the year! Create a system wherein you can track all of these cash expenditures. Ask for a receipt from the vendor to enter into your accounting software or notify your accountant.

4.) Not Hiring a Professional to Handle Taxes
Many small business owners try to save money by doing their own taxes. Truth be told, not hiring a professional can cost you more down the road as compared to hiring one. There’s a risk that of not claiming all the deductions you qualify for or you underpay your tax bill thus, leading to penalties and other fees.

5.) Not Getting on the Same Page as Your Accountant
Communication is important between you and your small business accountant. If you can’t understand something that your accountant tells you, you should raise that immediately so you are on the same page with them. While jargons are inevitable, you want to have a deeper understanding of your accountant’s analysis as it is your business after all that he/she is taking care of.

Lawyers embrace fixed-price fees

One year on from implementing a 100 per cent fixed-fee billing structure, Perth law firm Bowen Buchbinder Vilensky says the move from traditional time-sheet billing to the new model has transformed the firm’s relationships with its clients.

“Clients love the certainty of fixed-fee pricing and knowing that they are not effectively writing a blank cheque,” BBV managing director David Vilensky said.

BBV said there were no hidden charges associated with fixed-fee pricing, which also included all incidental expenses such as telephone calls, postage charges and printing.

“Our experience has taught us that clients of law firms dislike the hourly rates regime, which most lawyers still use,” Mr Vilensky said.

“Instead, they prefer the certainty of fixed fees, which is fairer and promotes efficiency and effectiveness.”

The practice of time billing and hourly targets, in particular, was criticised by WA Supreme Court Chief Justice Wayne Martin late last year.

“It discourages the active and detailed supervision of junior staff, it discourages collegiality and mutual cooperation between colleagues and it reduces quality of life,” Mr Martin said.

Mallesons Stephen Jaques solicitor Michael Robbins told a Law Week seminar last month billing targets caused lawyers to view their worth in six-minute increments.

“In order to be profitable, the young lawyer must make enough money, not only to cover their own salary and their own overheads, but also make money for the firm,” Mr Robbins said.

Other WA firms, such as Lavan Legal, are adopting the fixed-price billing approach for some practice areas, to achieve greater profitability and relieve lawyers of time-billing pressures.

Lavan Legal managing partner Greg Gaunt told WA Business News timesheets could promote inefficiency among lawyers.

“You often find that people will spend an inordinate amount of time on a particular job because the perception is that they need to fill up their timesheet,” Mr Gaunt said.

Mr Vilensky agreed that there was too much of a focus by law firms on the time spent on a particular matter. “There is little incentive for lawyers to be efficient when they are financially rewarded for the length of time taken to complete a task … charging by the hour promotes inefficiency and not outcomes,” he said.

BBV assigns a fixed fee to each case after it has been discussed by a value-pricing committee, comprising at least four lawyers from the firm. Jackson McDonald and Lavan Legal have appointed pricing committees, with others using cost consultants to help them tackle the issue.

Source: businessnews.com.au

5 videoconferencing fears (and how to overcome them)

More than half (54 percent) of employees regularly take part in work-related video conferences, but not all of them are eager participants, according to a recent report.

In the survey of more than 230 full-time U.S. workers by West Unified Communications, 23 percent of the respondents said that videoconferencing makes them feel uncomfortable, and three-quarters said they still prefer audio to video.

“There’s a definite fear factor among employees when it comes to using videoconferencing,” says Dennis Collins, director of marketing at West. “Just like listening to a recording of your voice makes people uncomfortable, many are uncomfortable with seeing themselves on camera.”

That unease is a major roadblock for many companies that are trying to adopt videoconferencing software and hardware and increase usage among their employees, Collins says.

“You don’t want the tech usurping the attention of video calls. Tech should enable better results, not inhibit it,” he says. “As workplace dynamics shift — with more millennials and fewer [baby boomers] — the use of video will grow.”

Millennials, perhaps unsurprisingly, are most comfortable with videoconferencing tools, according to the report. Of the millennials polled, 61 percent said they frequently use the technology, compared to just 44 percent of Gen Xers and 47 percent of baby boomers.

The differences in how employees react to videoconferencing in the workplace aren’t just generational, nor do people’s videoconferencing fears revolve solely around their concerns about how others will judge their appearances, according to West’s report. Employees worry about everything from public speaking (a concern expressed by 42 percent of the women polled and 34 percent of the men) to the background setting (a preoccupation for 15 percent of the male respondents and 25 percent of the female respondents).

Collins says both individuals and businesses can do things to ensure that people feel more comfortable — and more empowered — when using videoconferencing tools. Here’s a look at users’ top fears, plus tips for overcoming them.

1. I don’t look good on camera

“There’s an old adage that says the camera adds 10 pounds,” Collins says. “Overcoming the fear of seeing yourself on camera takes time and boils down to just getting used to it.”

In addition to just hoping that you grow more comfortable with the idea of seeing yourself on-screen over the course of several video conferences, concentrate on what you can change. For many people, it starts with wardrobe, Collins says. On the “no” list: stripes and busy patterns, which he says don’t translate well to video. Instead, go with solid, neutral colors.

Style of dress may also be a concern — though, compared with their colleagues in the office, people who work from home are probably more likely to fret about what to wear.

“Some people, especially remote workers, are afraid that others won’t think they’re working if they show up wearing a sweatshirt,” he says. “In many workplaces, that stigma [of working outside of the office] seems to have eroded, but if you’re worried about it, then dress up a bit for the meeting.”

2. Everyone can see what I’m doing

It’s not uncommon to multitask during conference calls — you might message others, check email or continue to work on the side. If you’re just on the phone, your fellow attendees likely won’t be aware of what you’re doing. But when you’re participating in a video conference, your actions are on display. This might appear to be a disadvantage of video vis-a-vis audio, but Collins says it may make videoconferencing a better medium for a meeting.

“When you’re on video, it’s clear what you’re doing. On conference calls, you’re probably not doing anything well — listening, working, whatever,” he says. “Generally, people who participate in video conferences are more prepared than they are for conference calls.”

In the West survey, 92 percent of the baby boomers polled reported an increase in attentiveness on video calls, compared to 78 percent of Gen Xers and 68 percent of millennials. If you’re worried about how others might perceive you, it’s best to eliminate all distractions beforehand, Collins says. Log out of messaging apps, silence your phone and tune out email alerts.

3. My house is too messy to be on camera

Three-quarters (76 percent) of the respondents said that distractions such as background noise or clutter in their colleagues’ home offices are major videoconferencing annoyances, according to West. If you’re logging on from home, consider staging your background. This means choosing a location that’s quiet, well-lit and free from clutter, Collins says.

“You need to become aware of your virtual presence,” he says. “Are there dirty dishes behind you? Is your dog running around? Most people aren’t video producers, so they’re unaware of how their surroundings can be distracting to others.”

You should also consider the context of the call when choosing a background. If it’s a quick status update of an internal team of colleagues, your setting can be more relaxed. If it’s a call with a vendor, consider staging the background, Collins says.

“And whether you’re logging on from your home or the office, make sure your window blinds are closed if it’s sunny,” he says. “You don’t want the camera to blast out from the background light, leaving you as a shadow.

4. I hate public speaking

One-third of the men polled and 42 percent of the women reported that their fear of public speaking makes them uneasy during video conferences, according to the report.

“People are more afraid of public speaking than they are of death,” Collins says. “I’ve seen CEOs who are passionate and energetic in small groups, but they’re not that way when they step onto a podium. It’s all psychological.”

As videoconferencing continues to grow more common, Collins says companies need to consider offering professional coaching to help employees overcome their fear of public speaking. However, just 23 percent of the respondents said they had received video etiquette training.

If your company doesn’t offer training in public speaking, consider seeking it out on your own. And until you become more comfortable, remember that there should be no stigma attached to calling in over the phone instead of logging on with video, Collins says.

“If you’re totally uncomfortable with speaking on video — to the point where video conferences are a speed bump instead of something that expedites progress — it shouldn’t be an issue to call in,” he says. “In the end, it’s about getting your work done efficiently, however that may be. This sort of thing takes time.”

5. I’m worried it won’t work

Many people are plagued by technical concerns — the audio or video not working, or the software not connecting properly, for example. Collins says the best way to conquer this fear is to familiarize yourself with the technology by testing it beforehand.

“Test the software, test the hardware, and test everything else, too,” he says. This includes performing a dry run to check on lighting, camera angles, audio quality and any other factors that could create distractions for fellow attendees.

“Take some time to visualize what others will see,” Collins says. For example, “make sure you don’t have confidential information written on a whiteboard behind you and that your lighting looks good,” he suggests. “This will help you feel more comfortable when it’s time for the real thing.”

Source: cio.com

Accountant vs. Bookkeeper: What Do They Do for a Business?

Small businesses live and die by their cash flow and accountability. Accurate recordings of transactions, coupled with proper assessment and processing, give small business owners a firm base on which to make decisions and create plans for growth.

Recording and understanding the sales, expenses and other basic business data should be easy enough for small business owners. But understanding the accounting needs of a business is not always so simple. What type of activity is considered bookkeeping, and when do you need an accountant instead? Is there even a difference between the two?

There is, and it is a simple but important one: Bookkeepers record a company's day-to-day transactions, while accountants verify and analyze that information.

Bookkeeping versus accounting

A bookkeeper's territory is daily financial transactions, which include purchases, receipts, sales and payments. Recording these items is usually done through a general ledger or journal. Many small businesses use software such as QuickBooks or Peachtree to keep track of their entries, debits and credits. Their efforts culminate in a trial balance, which means the final total of debits and credits match.

"Bookkeeping is designed to generate data about the activities of an organization," said D'Arcy Becker, CPA and chairwoman of the Department of Accounting and Finance at the University of Wisconsin. "Accounting is designed to turn data into information."

The role of an accountant, therefore, is to verify the data entered, and then use that data to generate reports, analyze the account, perform audits and prepare financial reporting records, like tax returns, income statements and balance sheets. An accountant's analysis of the financial information can provide information for forecasts, business trends, opportunity for growth and when to restrict spending to manage cash flow.

 "Accountants look at the big picture," wrote John Tracy in his book, "Accounting for Dummies" (For Dummies, 5th edition, 2013). "[They] step and back and say, 'We handle a lot of rebates, we handle a lot of coupons — how should we record these transactions? Do I record just the net amount of the sale or do I record the gross sale amount, too?' Once the accountant decides how to handle these transactions, the bookkeeper carries them out."

Hiring a financial professional

Regardless of the size of your company, it is critical for ongoing success to ensure the financial accuracy of daily transactions and use that data to make decisions for the future of your business. If you feel your business is growing too quickly for a "do-it-yourself" approach to finances, you should look into hiring someone to help you keep track and make sense of your business transactions. Business News Daily has published a guide to choosing a business accountant if you're not sure where to begin.

While many small businesses hire an accountant outside the company, bookkeeping is more diverse. Some small business owners do their own bookkeeping on software recommended or used by their accountant, providing it to him or her on a weekly, monthly or quarterly basis for action. Other small businesses are large enough to employ a bookkeeper, or have a small accounting department with data- entry clerks reporting to the bookkeeper.

Source: businessnewsdaily.com

Qualities your best bookkeeper should have

The primary task and responsibility of your bookkeeper is to keep track of the financial records of your business. And so, what should you look for in a bookkeeper?

• They must be registered.

  • A bookkeeper performs basic accounting and is not technically a qualified accountant. They undergo a formal bookkeeper or accounting training and is preferably a registered BAS agent. Being a BAS agent means that they are skilled and qualified to do the job and they only need a minimum experience to account for GST and prepare BAS according to legislation.

• They think like an accountant.

  • Hiring individual accountants and bookkeepers can cost you more since you are paying two different people to do different tasks. But having a bookkeeper who can think like an accountant can save you heaps. Like for example, if they can already do the necessary changes in your account then there is no need to consult an accountant.

• They are charged on a fixed basis.

  • In our experience, it is better paying your bookkeepers on a fixed basis rather than paying them on a per hour basis. They are more efficient in this way and get their work done on time. No need to worry about getting your bills with fluctuating amounts.

• They must be knowledgeable and experienced.

  • A more experienced bookkeeper may always seem to have higher rate compared to a less experienced one – this is not true, as the experienced one can work significantly faster and better than the bookkeeper with less experience. Having a bookkeeper with great knowledge and great experience will let you not worry about your bookkeeping. Great experience results to great results, therefore, hiring a good bookkeeper is not only what you want and need. You need a great one to perform a great job!

Now, here are the signs that tell you that your bookkeeper is doing a great job:

1. Your bookkeeper knows the operation of your business. Of course, they must know the ins and outs of what you do in your business.
2. Your bookkeeper helps you simplify and make your processes more efficient.
3. Your bookkeeper asks you questions to ensure transactions are correct.
4. Your bookkeeper knows what is legally within their scope. As BAS agents, they are not permitted to give any income tax or FBT advice – and they should know about this.
5. Your bookkeeper does their own research. They know the latest updates in bookkeeping, accounting and technology. They should be able to explain to you and encourage you the use of cloud accounting packages such as MYOB Essentials or MYOB AccountRight.
6. Your bookkeeper has good relationships with his/her clients. A reliable and trustworthy bookkeeper can help you get the most out of your accounts.

If you want to focus on your business operations and not worry about your bookkeeping, then hire a great bookkeeper.

Source: wadvisory.com.au

The Video Conference Connection: Doing it Right

In a global business environment, video conferencing advancements bring people together from all four corners of the world. The enhancement of video conferencing technology makes it both affordable and efficient for organizations to use this method for conducting workplace communications. From recruitment efforts to strategy meetings, video conferencing technology can be accessed from desktops and mobile devices, connecting the right people to increase productivity and functionality across multiple office locations.

Instant Is Better For Everything But Coffee

Video conferencing advancements have changed the way many businesses operate. Unified communication solutions allow organizations to combine video conferencing (VC) with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) business lines for more personal communication with clients and employees. Virtual meetings can be held on-demand from any location, which ensures the leadership team is always at the forefront of vital information even on-the-go. For example, HireVue, one of the pioneers of virtual interviewing, provides an easy way for recruitment teams to screen and interview candidates, improving the recruitment cycle by as much as 25 percent and increasing the likelihood of retaining candidates by 29 percent. Similarly, GreenJob Interview, a mobile-friendly video interviewing platform, has helped save companies over $40 million in recruitment costs just in 2015 alone.

The popularity of VC will slowly start to replace all other forms of communication, such as phone conferencing and even face-to-face meetings. People, particularly millennials, are very comfortable with the format and use it extensively in their everyday lives. According to the "Internet and American Life Project" from the Pew Research Center, 19 percent of American adults have at least tried video conferencing either through cell phones or a desktop app (such as Skype) -- a number that will surely increase each year as technology continues to touch every aspect of people's lives.

Frost & Sullivan, a consulting firm, reported that "companies adopting strategic collaboration tools now will be two to five years ahead of the competition." So video conferencing will influence the way businesses communicate and share information more and more as technology continues to advance and become more versatile.

Clearing Potential Hurdles

As with any form of technology, there can be potential pitfalls. Video conferencing is so cost effective that now any business can utilize it. Wait a second -- that's a downside? It may seem counterintuitive, and although it's cheap to implement, the proliferation of this technology has reduced the need for business travel to the point where many remote teams never actually meet in person. This could eventually lead to a wide disconnect inside organizations as coworkers fail to have the need to develop relationships.

A simple way to avoid this would be to implement policy and practices that require some brief and friendly interaction before meetings and discourage the "just get down to business" meeting model.

Video conferencing also contributes to the loss of personal interaction with job candidates who would traditionally come in for interviews. There is an acute loss of candidate assessment capabilities when you don't get to physically interact and interpret more subtle, yet just as telling, physical cues from your prospective employees.

But this drawback can also be sidestepped by directing hiring managers to develop questions that require a candidate to speak candidly about their character, rather than just their accomplishments. By asking them to engage on a personal level, you'll be able to suss out some of the details that get lost in the shuffle when they're just a face on a screen.

With Great Power Comes Great Accountability

It's up to HR leaders to partner with executives and managers to effectively use video conferencing advancements to enhance employee communication and productivity. Here are some best practices:

Using video conferencing only as needed

Not all meetings and project interactions can be managed with VC technology. Create a policy for the appropriate times to use this technology and when it may be better to choose traditional meeting methods.

Set standards of behavior during video conferences

The organization should set forth a policy on how to use video conferencing, including the use of meeting agendas and interpersonal communication tips for proper behavior of attendees (for example, introducing everyone in the room).

Watch for potential employment violations

Develop a strict policy on information and file sharing to avoid any potential breach of data. Ensure the video conferencing environment is always secure for meetings (when traveling, be in a private area when participating in meetings).

Actively communicate policy changes and technology updates

Whenever possible, let all employees know about important updates to the VC technology, including security and use. Communicate often about the appropriate use of video conferencing for recruitment, customer service and interdepartmental meetings.

If executed wisely, your organization can use video conferencing technology to boost performance, improve communication and promote an organization that is together, not just interconnected.

Source: adp.com

Choosing the Right Lawyer in a Family Law Matter

Choosing the right lawyer in a family law matter can often be difficult. A family lawyer is, for most people, someone seen for a small, but crucial, part of their lives- the end of a relationship. We are not like your business/commercial/property lawyer who you see from time to time over a number of years for different transactions.

Often your business lawyer is not able to be your lawyer in your family law matter as they may have acted for your spouse as well as you over the years. They may have prepared your Wills or acted for you in the buying and selling of homes. This is called having a conflict of interest. Even if they have not acted for your spouse, your business lawyer may have met your spouse over the years and feel uncomfortable about acting against that person. In addition, many business lawyers do not practice in family law and recognise that you need a specialist (“horses for courses”).

A good family lawyer needs to be sympathetic to you but will not always agree with you. You are not paying a lawyer to agree with you. You are paying a lawyer to give you their professional opinion and advice based on their experience and expertise.

Family lawyers need to have a working knowledge of many areas of law. A relationship breakdown impinges on many areas of law: from criminal law to bankruptcy; from property to tax law. A good family lawyer will know enough to seek advice from other specialist lawyers when your case requires it. A good family lawyer will also liaise with your accountant and financial planner, both to seek advice when needed, but also to make sure that the financial goals you were trying to achieve with them are consistent with the approach that is being taken in your family law matter.

You need to feel at ease with your family lawyer. Some clients express surprise at the amount of detail we need from them. Therefore before making an appointment you might wish to consider whether you feel more comfortable talking about private matters with a man or a woman or whether you want someone your age, older or younger? Different cases necessitate different levels of personal detail.

You should feel confident in seeking a second opinion if you just don’t feel right about something your lawyer is advising.

In seeking information about who to see, consult family and friends whose opinions you value. Your business lawyer, accountant or financial planner can also be a source of information and most firms have a website where you can gain a feel about the firm.

One of the most important things to remember in choosing your family lawyer, however, is not to leave it too long. If you are the instigator of the breakup then you may wish to get advice prior to separation. If the break up has come as a shock, you should have it as one of your priorities to obtain family law advice so you know where you stand. Some of the most important decisions are made at or very soon after the time of separation, and forming a trusting relationship with a family lawyer early on is an enormous benefit.

Source: findlaw.com.au

Japan's 10 Best Skiing Resorts | Winter in the Far East

Winter in Japan

Japan’s ski resorts are known for their excellent powder and gorgeous mountain scenery. There are more than 500 resorts of varying size found across the country, many of which are typically overlooked by international tourists. Aside from high snow quality, many ski resorts in Japan double as relaxing hot spring resorts, as well as offering a variety of other winter activities and festivities. Here are some of the best places to ski and snowboard in Japan.

Appi Kogen

Appi Kogen’s carefully-groomed runs cater to an upmarket crowd. The resort encompasses 45.1 km of pistes, most of which are found along the slopes of Mount Maemori along with two nearby on Mount Nishimori. The resort is known for its wide, long runs, with more than half stretching for longer than 2 km. Although there’s no village or town around Appi, it offers the chance to visit an authentically Japanese resort with few international tourists. There’s also a family park with mini-courses, sledding, and snow tubes for children. The resort is located in Iwate Prefecture in the Appi Highlands, 50 km north of Morioka and 580 km north of Tokyo.

Asahidake - Hokkaido, Japan

Asahidake

Asahidake is an excellent spot for advanced skiers and boarders, offering a variety of alpine terrain and tree skiing. The back-country slopes are set in Daisetsuzan National Park on Mount Asahi in central Hokkaido, about 1 hour east of Asahikawa. Visitors have access to 500 vertical meters of terrain and four groomed trails. Asahidake is officially a national park rather than a resort, so facilities are quite limited which is part of the area’s appeal for skiers and boarders looking to escape the crowds and take on a challenge. The area also features a handful of cross country ski trails, and a number of the hotels offer onsen.

Furano

Furano is a popular ski resort in Hokkaido with 25 km of groomed ski runs. The resort is ideal for families, with varied beginner trails in addition to an attraction called Family Snowland which offers other winter activities like snowmobiling and dog sledding. There are also runs to challenge advanced skiers and boarders, including a World Cup sized half pipe, downhill courses, and terrain parks. Furano’s lifts are exceptionally fast, and the weather is generally sunnier compared to Hokkaido’s other resorts. Furano town, which is located 141 km northeast of Sapporo, can accommodate English-speakers yet it does not exist solely to accommodate skiers and thus remains authentically Japanese.

Want to see all skiing sites in Hokkaido? See Hokkaido Ski Package

Hakuba

A favorite of international tourists, Hakuba comprises 11 different ski resorts. Bordered by 3,000-meter peaks, Hakuba is located the Northern Alps, 44km west of Nagano. The area gained international attention in 1998 when it hosted several competitions during the Winter Olympic Games. With 137 km of piste and more than 200 courses, Hakuba’s resorts offer incredible variety with runs suited to skiers and boarders of all levels. The main village, Happo, is home to some excellent izakayas and restaurants, or there are also quieter villages in the area for those who want to stay away from the crowds.

Niseko 

Niseko - Snowboard Backcountry

Located 100 km southwest of Sapporo, Niseko is one of Japan’s most famous ski resorts. Niseko features 47 km of groomed terrain and is thought to receive more snowfall than any other ski resort in the world. The resort’s trails are ideal for skiers and boarders of all levels, with plenty of pistes geared towards families and beginners. The resort also offers extensive off-trail skiing, which can be accessed through special gates or by participating in a guided tour. Niseko is actually composed of 5 different resorts, the largest of which is the Grand Hirafu. Hirafu Town is known for its excellent après-ski, with many lively bars, restaurants, and karaoke spots.

See more Niseko ski packages

Nozawa Onsen

Nozawa Onsen is located in northern Nagano Prefecture, 46 km northeast of the city of Nagano. Opened in 1924, Nozawa Onsen is one of Japan’s oldest, largest, and most popular ski resorts. The resort features over 50 km of pistes, ideal for skiers and boarders of all levels, including a half pipe, moguls, a 39 degree incline, as well as gentler slopes for beginners. The resort is also ideal for families, with English-speaking instructors available for children’s ski lessons. Nozawa Onsen town is particularly charming and traditional, with narrow cobbled streets and more than 13 public onsen.

Rusutsu

Offering 42 km of groomed slopes, Rusutsu is one of the top ski resorts in Hokkaido. The ski area is spread across three mountains, offering a variety of groomed trails for beginners. The highlight for advanced skiers is the resort’s convenient tree runs and back country, which are accessible straight off the lifts. The hotels in the area offer a great selection of restaurants, plus there are a few smaller restaurants found near the base of the mountain. Kids can enjoy dog sledding, tubing, and snowmobiling, while the resort is also home to pool facilities and onsen. Rusutsu is located 90 minutes southwest of Sapporo.

Sapporo Teine

Sapporo Teine is ideal for day-trips from Sapporo, located 20 km northwest of the city center. The resort attracts novices with its Olympia Zone, which offers wide, gentle slopes for beginners and night skiing. For more advanced skiers, there’s the Highland Zone which includes medium to advanced courses, and off trail runs. Set 1,000 meters above sea level, this upper area provides visitors with fantastic views over Sapporo and the ocean. The resort also includes a snow park with boxes, jumps, and rails, as well as a family park with tubing and sledding.

Tomamu

Tomamu is an upscale ski resorted located in central Hokkaido, 150 km east of Sapporo. This modern, swanky resort includes a 50-meter wave pool, sophisticated restaurants, and sleek hot spring facilities. The resort offers 21 km of slopes, with a variety of runs for beginner and intermediate level skiers, along with ‘expert’ courses and sanctioned off-piste skiing areas. Other activities include cross country skiing, snowmobiling, snow rafting, and heli skiing. For kids, there’s a snow playground, snow boat rides, and a special snow playground. In the evening, check out the resort’s Ice Village, which consists of a restaurant, bar, shop, and wedding chapel housed in domes made of snow and ice.

Yuzawa 

Yuzawa - Naeba Prince Hotel

Yuzawa is one the easiest ski areas to access from Tokyo, located 200 km away from the city and reachable in less two hours by train. Located in Niigata Prefecture, the area encompasses about 20 resorts, all of which are accessible by public transportation. A number of these resorts offer combination lift tickets, and connections that make it possible to ski or snowboard between them. Visitors will generally find beginner slopes near the center of town and more challenging runs around the Mount Naeba resorts. The area also features excellent onsen, with baths available at resorts, hotels, and shinkansen stations, including a few public bath houses.




Source Written by: Jessica Dawdy