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The Mazda5 defies categorization in the U.S. In many ways, it's a car out of time, as the proto-minivan class it belongs to left our market decades ago. Tall, multi-passenger wagons like the Nissan Axxess, Mitsubishi Expo, and Dodge/Plymouth Colt Vista once roamed the roads, but they've since gone extinct, making way for the larger minivans that still reign today. And the absence of competition has allowed the Mazda to thrive in the niche segment. OK, maybe "thrive" isn't the right phrase. Through the first half of 2014, roughly 7200 Mazda5s have been sold, and that's down nearly 21 percent from the same period last year. But for parents looking to haul kids on a budget, the six-passenger wagon is pretty much the only game in town. It's also the most compact and most carlike of all the minivan alternatives out there, two attributes that should please those opposed to the soul-sucking minivan driving experience. If that's not enough to persuade the enthusiast-turned-shuttle driver, the Mazda5 is also the only people-mover available with a six-speed manual transmission. Our 2014 Mazda5 Sport tester came equipped with that rare manual option, but what helped differentiate it the most from other multi-passenger vehicles is its taut chassis, which shares many components with the previous Mazda3. Turn-in is reasonably sharp for a car built solely to ferry people. Body roll is noticeable, but no more than expected for a tallish wagon. But perhaps the most engaging thing about the Mazda5 is its steering. Instead of the overboosted minivan steering I was expecting, the helm offered a more Mazda3-like experience -- a welcome departure from the segment's floaty, disconnected norm. In testing, the Mazda5 just about duplicated the handling results of the last model we tested, a 2012 Mazda5 Touring. The Sport model's 16-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 205/55-size all-season tires helped it hold an average of 0.79 g on the skidpad and complete the figure eight in 28.3 seconds at an average of 0.60 g. One thing testing director Kim Reynolds noted was how old the Mazda5 felt on the figure-eight -- specifically in regard to how the ABS intervened. When braking at the limit, the ABS would kick in abruptly and cause the Mazda5 to become directionally unsettled. Modern systems have become more sophisticated, and the 5's performance on our handling course just highlights how old its hardware is. It's not all bad, though. With the manual, the Mazda5 improved its acceleration numbers from last time. The 2.5-liter I-4 previously offered in the last-gen Mazda3 Grand Touring makes 157 hp and 163 lb-ft in the Mazda5. That power routed through the six-speed manual was good enough to scoot the Mazda5 to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds. Not quick by any means, but almost a second faster than the five-speed automatic-equipped Mazda5 Touring's 9.1-second result. The quarter mile came in 16.3 seconds at 85.5 mph, compared to 17.0 seconds at 81.5 mph with the automatic. Braking also improved slightly, with the 2014 Mazda5 stopping from 60 mph 7 feet shorter than the 2012 model at 116 feet. Going back to how old the Mazda5 feels, that impression applies to other parts of the vehicle as well. The exterior styling retains the "smiley" front end look of the previous Mazda3, and doesn't benefit from Mazda's latest Kodo design language. It's not a bad look, but without the corporate face found on the rest of the lineup, the 5 looks dated. It's a similar story inside the cabin, which features a center stack that's at least one generation behind. The switchgear and gauges also feel behind the times, and our tester lacked many modern amenities. Features such as three-flash turn signals, push-button start, hands-free keyless entry, Bluetooth, and automatic headlights were missing, though we can hardly complain considering our car's as-tested price of $21,010. Bluetooth is standard on the up-level Touring model, which starts at $23,065, while automatic headlights are locked away in the $25,465 Grand Touring trim. The sliding rear doors grant easy access to the second row. Getting to the third row, however, is a bit more of a challenge. The narrow passage between the second-row captain's chairs is barely wide enough for children to pass, so if you're an adult, expect to stumble at least once when making your way to the rear seats. Given the Mazda5's dimensions, those seats are understandably cramped, offering the bare minimum of legroom. Adults should expect to fold themselves origami-style, with their knees ending up somewhere near their chest. But passengers shorter than 5 feet should have no trouble fitting in the back row. With the third-row seats in place, there isn't much cargo room. I even had trouble getting the liftgate to close with just my (admittedly full) backpack in the rear. With the third row down, however, the Mazda5 offers 44.4 cubic-feet of space. If more storage is needed, the seat cushions of the captain's chair lift up to reveal extra compartments, with the passenger-side seat also hiding a fold-out tray and cupholder. The Mazda5 in some ways is like the modern-day crocodile. It's survived without many changes since its introduction because it hasn't needed any. Its unique features make it well suited for its intended purpose, and even in the animal kingdom we see evolution tends to stick with what works. But considering its dwindling sales numbers, the Mazda5 may face extinction if it can't adapt soon with proper updates. A face-lift inside and out with a dose of Skyactiv drivetrains might help ensure that this rare beast lives on. 2014 Mazda5 Sport BASE PRICE $20,935 PRICE AS TESTED $21,010 VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, FWD, 6-pass, 4-door van ENGINE 2.5L/157-hp/163-lb-ft DOHC 16-valve I-4 TRANSMISSION 6-speed manual CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 3362 lb (56/44%) WHEELBASE 108.3 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 180.5 x 68.9 x 63.9 in 0-60 MPH 8.2 sec QUARTER MILE 16.3 sec @ 85.5 mph BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 116 ft LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.79 g (avg) MT FIGURE EIGHT 28.3 sec @ 0.60 g (avg) EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON 21/28/24 mpg ENERGY CONS., CITY/HWY 160/120 kW-hrs/100 miles CO2 EMISSIONS 0.82 lb/mile | 9 | 700 | autos |
We've all been there: You're at work or dinner with friends, reach into the pocket where you usually keep your phone and... nothing. Then comes the panic. It's gotten to the point now where forgetting our phones makes us feel like we're missing a limb. According to a 2012 study , 73 percent of Americans would feel panicked if they were forced to be disconnected for an extended period of time. But despite all the research showing that we need to take a step back from our devices in order to be happier and healthier , we still cling to them like lifeboats. If you still need convincing as to why you should indulge in a little digital detox, take a look at the chart below (after you put your phone on silent, of course). Infographic courtesy of Who Is Hosting This . This article originally appeared in The Huffington Post | 4 | 701 | lifestyle |
A family-friendly employer doesn't just make it possible for parents who work there to care for their children without worrying about jeopardizing their job status. In addition, a true family-friendly employer also provides useful benefits that match the needs of working parents. Here are five of the friendliest, according to Working Mother magazine. Benefits and working conditions taken into account include schedule flexibility, paid family leave, and the availability of child care and other child-related perks. Abbott Labs In addition to being named one of the top 10 family-friendly employers by Working Mother, health care companyAbbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT) has garnered numerous other awards including as one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies, a top adoption-friendly workplace by The Dave Thomas Foundation, and Best Family Friendly Management accreditation by the Korea Ministry of Gender Equality and Family. Although Abbott provides paid maternity and paternity leave, paid adoption leave and a child care benefit, the company's innovative flextime work schedule has been found useful by 97 percent of the workforce. Other innovations include $10,000 in adoption aid and $50,000 for fertility or IVF coverage. Related: Abbott Laboratories Conference Call Highlights General Mills Family-friendly perks General Mills (NYSE: GIS) employees receive, according to Fortune, include on-site child care, job sharing and compressed workweeks. In addition, Working Mother said, the company's on-site beauty salon, cafeteria, day care, gym, gas station, tailor and medical clinic (including dental and vision care) are real time-savers for parents on the go. Other advantages include paid sabbatical leave; paid maternity, paternity, and adoptive leave; and the ability to telecommute, a perk taken advantage of by virtually all General Mills employees. IBM International Business Machines' (NYSE: IBM) approach to family concerns includes finances. The company offers unlimited free financial counseling to all employees. Low-cost day care services, college 529 plans and scholarship availability also help parents manage the family budget. These resources sprang from the fact that more than 20 years ago IBM launched the first national corporate child care initiative, which became a five-year, $25 million IBM Funds for Dependent Care Initiative designed to help employees achieve balance between work and family life. Parents who are in poor health cannot care for their children, a fact IBM recognizes through a unique incentive that pays families up to $300 each year for eating right, exercising and other healthy behaviors. Related: IBM Watson Acquires Cognea To Offer Conversational Virtual Personalities Procter & Gamble Personalized work schedules are also a big part of the family friendly policies of Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG). Another component is education. Two years ago the company brought in a team of work life professionals to help more than 2,500 P&G employees deal with everything from health and wellness to financial matters, and even issues related to education. Nearly all Procter & Gamble employees telecommute as part of their workweek. In addition, flextime schedules are the norm for workers. P&G's family friendly reach has been both worldwide and beyond the employee base with the company winning Best Company in Community Involvement, including Child Focused Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) three years ago in Nigeria. Related: 6 Major Retailers Starting Back-To-School Campaigns Prudential Financial Financial services firm, Prudential Financial (NYSE: PRU) lets employees who are new mothers take up to 26 job-guaranteed weeks off,nine of which are partially paid. In addition, employees can earn up to 36 days of paid time off each year, something many parents use to supplement the paid leave. Adoption is encouraged with an allowance of up to 11 weeks off and as much as $10,000 in adoption expense reimbursement. The Dave Thomas Association ranked Prudential as one of the top 100 adoption-friendly workplaces. Once the child arrives, the benefits continue. Additional perks include a solid lactation program, infant transition services, child care and eight on-site wellness centers. Up to 90 percent of Prudential employees take advantage of a flextime schedule, and 79 percent telecommute. At the time of this writing, Jim Probasco had no position in any mentioned securities. 2014 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. | 4 | 702 | lifestyle |
The 2015 Audi Q3 is gearing up for its arrival at dealerships this fall , and when they finally arrive, they'll wear a sticker price of $33,425, which is just $200 more than the new 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA. That price goes for the front-drive Premium Plus model, but for those who want to equip their Q3 with Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system, that's going to cost an extra $2100 for a total of $35,525. Factoring in all-weather capability turns the tables in the Benz's favor, as the GLA250 4Matic is priced $1300 cheaper than the Q3 Quattro at $34,225. Both crossovers are equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4, however, the one in the Q3 is slightly less powerful than the GLA's with 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque on tap. Like the GLA's mill, the Q3's is also matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. Only two trim levels are available on the Q3, with the Prestige being the top-trim model. Upgrading to the Prestige means you'll have to dish out $37,325 for the front-drive model, while adding Quattro brings the total up to $39,425. Prestige models add Audi's infotainment and navigation system that includes a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to eight devices, Google Earth maps, and a 14-speaker Bose surround sound audio system. For those looking to inject some sport into their compact crossover, a Sport Package will do just that by adding sport seats, paddle shifters, and Audi drive select, which adjusts shift points and throttle mapping to your liking. Standard equipment on all Q3s includes heated front leather seats, panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, xenon headlights and LED running lights, smart key. Pricing for the racier SQ3 has not yet been announced, but if the GLA45 AMG is the target, expect it to be close to that vehicle's $49,225 starting price . Source: Audi | 9 | 703 | autos |
In a recent conference call, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne reiterated that Fiat will not sell Alfa Romeo to another company. However, he remains open to potential partnerships with other automakers in the pursuit of lower production costs, reports Automotive News. Alfa Romeo has not turned a profit in the 10 years Marchionne has been CEO, and has been struggling since Fiat acquired it in 1986. In light of its troubles, Volkswagen Chairman Ferdinand Piech offered to purchase Alfa Romeo in 2010, an offer which Marchionne declined. Marchionne is open to forming partnerships between Alfa and another manufacturer, similar to the recent deal made between Fiat and Renault, with Renault building the successor to the Fiat Scudo, a light commercial van based on the similar Renault Trafic. Fiat also inked a deal with Mazda to share platforms and powertrains, which will yield a Miata-based roadster for the Italian auto giant. Whether that car is badged as an Alfa Romeo or an Abarth remains to be seen. In an attempt to revitalize the storied Italian marque, Fiat will be injecting Alfa with a €5 billion lifeline, with plans to turn Alfa into a desirable premium brand. The end goal is to increase global annual sales to 400,000 by 2018, a massive increase from last year's 74,000 in total sales. At the forefront of this brand renaissance is the development of a new rear- and all-wheel drive platform, codenamed Giorgio, which will underpin a future eight-model lineup. Currently, Alfa only has two old vehicles in its stable, the MiTo hatch and the larger Giulietta, which we've heard are likely to be axed. Part of this future success rests on the re-launch of Alfa Romeo in the U.S., which began with the release of the 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C . The 4C has already received praise, and sets the tone for a (hopefully) successful return. Source: Automotive News (Subscription required) | 9 | 704 | autos |
Dear Carolyn: My husband and I are expecting a visit from my brother "Allen" soon. He is on again with his on-again/off-again (mostly off) girlfriend "Mabel." I consider Mabel one of my close friends, but I openly admit she is a total slob. My husband has said that if Allen brings Mabel when he visits, she is not welcome in our home. My husband likes Mabel, too, but he doesn't want our house taken over by Mabel's mess. I am very nonconfrontational, and am already dreading telling my brother the news. Any suggestions? Boot This Mess Someone once saved me by noting that "writer's block" really just means you don't know yet what you're trying to say. What you appear to be suffering here isn't so much a fear of confrontation, but instead "confrontation block": It's hard to deliver a difficult message when you don't even know where you stand. Do you want Mabel to stay with you? Are you okay with her mess, or at least willing to assume responsibility for keeping it out of your husband's path? Do you find your husband's edict extreme? It is "our house," not just his, so you have equal say in how you handle guests. You have every right to say you're not comfortable barring the door to Mabel because she's a close friend and because you believe that outweighs her mess. You don't get to overrule your husband here, of course, any more than your husband gets to turn Mabel away unilaterally. The decision is one you make together after talking honestly about what matters to each of you and what each of you is willing to do to serve those priorities. "What matters" can include your own comfort, each other's comfort, Mabel's feelings, Allen's feelings, your marriage, your sibling bond, your sense of boundaries, your sense of what constitutes being a good host. When you identify what you stand for, actually standing for it becomes much less scary to do. Dear Carolyn: I'm 75 and from a bygone era. Recently my daughter and 14-year-old granddaughter were visiting. They visit once or twice a year. Granddaughter was e-mailing/texting or whatever kids do these days. I thought it was rude, but didn't say anything because her mother permits it and I didn't want a "forced" conversation. In my day, respect was the top priority around your elders. She is on her phone when I visit them, but it's "their house, their rules," so I say nothing. How do I not take this personally? I try to insert myself with comments like, "Tell me about . . .," but it doesn't make a dent. Help! Frustrated Grandma Please don't write yourself off as a "bygone era" casualty. It's not then (respect for elders) vs. now (no respect for elders) anyway; it's then (societal expectations) vs. now (individual expectations). That means scripts have been shredded and you all get to weigh in, for better or worse. And that means you'd best just say to your granddaughter, "Your phone has you for 360 days, and I have you for five. Please put it away and let's _______," making _______ something you do together. Make dinner? Take a walk? Play Parcheesi? You have standing; it's merely of a different kind. Don't be too timid to use it. Write to Carolyn Hax, Style, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071, or [email protected] . Get her column delivered to your inbox each morning at http://bit.ly/haxpost . | 4 | 705 | lifestyle |
Our Copperhead metallic 2013 Ram 1500 was welcomed into the Motor Trend Garage with open arms after the Ram walked home with our 2013 Truck of the Year award . Our truck came pretty fully loaded, and it better have been with its $52,320 sticker. We put the Ram to work right away, using it to help staffers move, support photo shoots off-road in the desert, and take friends camping. With nearly 30,000 miles on the clock and its time with us rapidly coming to a close, I thought the best way to say goodbye to our fleet workhorse was to take it out for one long last road trip, where our truck would get the chance to do all the things it spent the year doing in a short amount of time. The journey would take me and my fiancée north of L.A. to the "Great State of Jefferson" -- the region of Northern California that's been trying (and failing) to secede since before World War II. Once in NorCal, we'd hit up some breweries, attend a wedding shindig, and help my future mother-in-law haul furniture and appliances out of storage to her new home. The trip was designed to use just about every feature the Ram offers. The 5-foot-7-inch box was lightly loaded on the way north: My fiancée and I and our puppy shared the cab, our two suitcases shared the bed, and a variety of odds and ends filled the RamBoxes. On the way back south we'd filled the bed to the brim with odds and ends. Both trips along criminally boring I-5 were uneventful. My fiancée and I enjoyed the Ram's comfortable front seats and its Uconnect infotainment system, and the puppy enjoyed a low-enough beltline that she could watch cars whiz by without having to stand up. Load or no load in back, the Ram rode as soft as any sedan on both legs of the trip -- a testament to its innovative air suspension. Once in town, the Ram spent most of its time shuttling people around and making trips to local NorCal breweries. (Fun fact: The RamBox perfectly fits a case of beer.) The Ram did get a chance to show off its hauling chops by moving a washing machine, some furniture, a mattress, and a variety of other odds and ends from my fiancée's mom's storage unit. With the bed bursting, the sliding tie-down cleats and bed extender came in handy. The lone issue I had was with the Ram's folding bed extender. While cleverly designed to also function as a cargo divider, the bed extender initially refused to go into place, with the knob that locks the bed extender in place failing to rotate. A minute or two of fussing got the bed extender into the right spot, and we were underway. The bed extender would prove troublesome again while unloading -- this time I couldn't get the knob to release. After some (read: lots of) swearing and a few good whacks with a hammer, the bed extender finally released, allowing us to unload. All in all, the trip was uneventful, with the truck returning to L.A. with about 1500 additional miles on the odometer. The Ram achieved 17.3 mpg on the trip, just a bit above the 15.6 mpg average we recorded over our year with the Ram. That means our 395-hp Hemi V-8 Ram outperformed our previous Truck of the Year, the 365-hp EcoBoost V-6-powered 2012 Ford F-150 in fuel economy, with the F-150 netting just 14.4 mpg during its time with us. Our Ram suffered no problems during its year with us. We made just two trips to the dealer for regularly scheduled maintenance. Two oil changes, tire rotations, and inspections set us back just $120.94. Our old 2012 Ford F-150 long-termer needed three trips to the dealer for maintenance in 28,155 miles, totaling $208.35. That works out to about $60 per service for the Ram, and $69 per visit for the twin-turbo V-6-equipped Ford -- a difference, but not necessarily a meaningful one. Overall our year spent with our 2013 Ram 1500 reinforced why it had won our Truck of the Year award. It served as everything from a work truck to a luxury vehicle during its stay with us. It was always ready, willing, and capable of anything, and it will certainly be missed when it leaves our fleet. The only thing making the departure of our 2013 Ram less painful is knowing an EcoDiesel-powered 2014 Ram 1500 will soon be joining our garage. We can't wait. More on our long-term 2013 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4x4: Arrival Update 1: TV Hauling Our Cars: Handling Desert Heat Update 2: Interior Electronics Update 3: For Work or Play Update 4: Tough Truck Update 5: Plush and Powerful Update 6: Maxing Out Our Car SERVICE LIFE 14 mo / 32,170 mi BASE PRICE $44,920 OPTIONS Air suspension ($1595), RamBox ($1295), chrome side steps ($600), TorqueFlite 8-speed auto ($500), leather seats ($500), navigation ($500), Convenience Group ($495: keyless entry, rain-sensing wipers), spray-in bedliner ($475), class IV receiver hitch ($335), rear park assist system ($250), trailer brake controller ($230), remote start ($200), all-season tires ($175), Protection Group ($150: tow hooks, front skidplates), chrome trailer side mirrors ($100) PRICE AS TESTED $52,320 AVG ECON/CO2 15.6 mpg / 1.24 lb/mi PROBLEM AREAS None MAINTENANCE COST $120.94 (2-oil change, tire rotation, inspection) NORMAL-WEAR COST $0 3-YEAR RESIDUAL VALUE* $26,683 RECALLS Coolant bypass valve, parking brake *Automotive Lease Guide data 2013 Ram 1500 Laramie 4X4 POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS DRIVETRAIN LAYOUT Front-engine, 4WD ENGINE TYPE 90-deg V-8, iron block/alum heads VALVETRAIN OHV, 2 valves/cyl DISPLACEMENT 345.1 cu in/5654 cc COMPRESSION RATIO 10.5:1 POWER (SAE NET) 395 hp @ 5600 rpm TORQUE (SAE NET) 407 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm REDLINE 5800 rpm WEIGHT TO POWER 14.8 lb/hp TRANSMISSION 8-speed automatic AXLE/FINAL-DRIVE RATIO 3.55:1/2.38:1 SUSPENSION, FRONT; REAR Control arms, air springs, anti-roll bar; live axle, air springs, anti-roll bar STEERING RATIO 19.1:1 TURNS LOCK-TO-LOCK 3.5 BRAKES, F;R 13.2-in vented disc; 13.8-in disc, ABS WHEELS 9.0 x 20-in, cast aluminum TIRES 275/60R20 114S M+S Goodyear Wrangler SR-A DIMENSIONS WHEELBASE 140.5 in TRACK, F/R 68.6/68.0 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 229.0 x 79.4 x 75.8-79.9 in TURNING CIRCLE 45.5 ft CURB WEIGHT 5843 lb WEIGHT DIST., F/R 56/44% SEATING CAPACITY 5 HEADROOM, F/R 41.0/39.9 in LEGROOM, F/R 41.0/40.3 in SHOULDER ROOM, F/R 66.0/65.7 in PICKUP BOX L x W x H 67.4 x 66.4 x 20.0 in CARGO VOLUME 50.3 cu ft PAYLOAD CAPACITY 957 lb TOWING CAPACITY 8300 lb TEST DATA ACCELERATION TO MPH 0-30 2.3 sec 0-40 3.5 0-50 4.9 0-60 7.0 0-70 9.4 0-80 12.3 0-90 16.3 PASSING, 45-65 MPH 4.0 QUARTER MILE 15.5 sec @ 87.7 mph BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 122 ft LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.73 g (avg) MT FIGURE EIGHT 29.1 sec @ 0.58 g (avg) TOP-GEAR REVS @ 60 MPH 1400 rpm CONSUMER INFO STABILITY/TRACTION CONTROL Yes/yes AIRBAGS Dual front, front side, f/r curtain BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles POWERTRAIN WARRANTY 5 yrs/100,000 miles ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE 5 yrs/100,000 miles FUEL CAPACITY 26.0 gal EPA CITY/HWY/COMB ECON 15/21/17 mpg ENERGY CONS., CITY/HWY 225/160 kW-hrs/100 miles CO2 EMISSIONS, COMB 1.13 lb/mile REAL MPG, CITY/HWY/COMB 14/21/16 mpg RECOMMENDED FUEL Unleaded midgrade | 9 | 706 | autos |
Ford's total of 212,236 vehicles sold in July 2014 was a 9.6 percent increase over last year, and SUVs were a major contributor to this growth. Utilities were up 17.1 percent, compared to cars which were up 6.4 percent and trucks which grew 6.6 percent. The Escape and Explorer models did especially well this month, and the Lincoln MKC helped Ford's luxury brand post an increase as well. Overall, though, Ford still lags slightly behind in year-to-date sales, as sales through this time last year were 0.3 percent stronger than they are this year. Winner: Ford Escape, 26,558 Units Sold, Up 18.9 Percent The Ford Escape compact crossover was Ford's second best-selling model this month after the F-Series pickup. Its total of 26,558 vehicles sold is the nameplate's highest July total ever, and also represents an 18.9 percent increase over last year. The Escape is still behind the Fusion sedan in year-to-date sales, though, and is relatively flat compared with last year, as the Escape is up only 0.3 percent over its sales through July 2013. Winner: Ford Explorer, Police Interceptor Utility, Up 31.8 and 64 Percent, Respectively The three-row Ford Explorer crossover had a strong month, posting 16,797 sales for its best July since all the way back in 2005. That's a 31.8 percent increase over July of last year, and the Explorer is also ahead in year-to-date sales by 3.5 percent. This growth is even more impressive if you consider the Explorer-based Police Interceptor Utility , which grew 64 percent this month and is now outselling the Taurus-based Police Interceptor Sedan by a factor of more than two to one. Winner: Lincoln MKC, 1534 Units Sold Without the addition of the new Lincoln MKC luxury crossover , Lincoln would have actually posted a significant sales loss compared with last year. Thanks to 1534 sales of the MKC, though, the entire Lincoln brand was up 13.6 percent. All other Lincoln models were down save for the Navigator which was essentially flat. So the MKC looks to be a saving grace for this luxury brand, and we only expect sales numbers to go up for this new crossover as inventory levels increase across the country. Wait and See: Ford F-Series, 63,240 Units Sold, Up 4.6 Percent This week, Ford dealers started taking orders for the redesigned 2015 Ford F-150 . That didn't slow down sales of the current model too much, as the pickup still managed to post 63,240 sales this month. That's not much of an increase over last year at only 4.6 percent, but still beats crosstown rivals GM and Chrysler, which posted 59,585 and 37,699, with their truck lineups, respectively. We're still interested to see how the launch of the new truck affects sales numbers, as Ford will be shutting down its production facility in order to retool for the new model set to arrive at dealerships by the end of the year. Loser: Ford Edge, 8564 Units Sold, down 18.8 Percent Bucking the trend among the growing Ford SUV lineup was the Edge, which decreased 18.8 percent compared with last year. It was one of only four Ford models overall to post a sales decrease this month, along with the Fiesta, Taurus, and Flex. This is to be expected, though, as the new 2015 Ford Edge is just around the corner. Look for sales of the outgoing model to peter out as we anticipate the launch of the redesigned crossover early next year. Loser: Ford Taurus, 5587 Units Sold, Down 12.3 Percent Ford's car lineup didn't grow nearly as much this month as its SUV lineup, and the full-size Ford Taurus sedan's sagging sales definitely didn't help the case. The Taurus decreased 12.3 percent down to 5587 sales, and it lags behind in its year-to-date sales numbers by 19.5 percent. It could be that the midsize Ford Fusion is stealing some Taurus sales, as that car grew 16.7 percent in July and is also ahead of its year-to-date sales numbers by 4.3 percent. | 9 | 707 | autos |
The little birth control pill is a constant subject of debate. The drug is effective for preventing pregnancy, but at what cost? Is the surge of hormones harmful to the body or not? Women use birth control to treat acne and polycysts, regulate menstrual cramps, and more a 2011 survey by nonprofit Guttmacher even that 14 percent of women use birth control exclusively for reasons other than pregnancy prevention. New data, however, suggests that higher estrogen doses in some birth control pills currently on the market are linked to a higher risk for breast cancer. in Cancer Research found that women who took high-dose estrogen birth control pills were 50 percent more likely to develop breast cancer. Women using other formulations of the pill that used low-dose estrogen were not found to be at increased risk. Since birth control was first introduced in the 1960s, there have been changes to the drug, including a decrease in estrogen dosage due to safety regulations and the possibility of patients becoming at-risk for certain kinds of cancer. The World Health Organization has contraception as a definite carcinogen, citing increased rates of liver, cervical and breast cancer yet it also has been studied as a possible preventative measure for cervical and endrometrial cancer. Women currently have a 1 in 7 chance of developing breast cancer in their lifetime, but the study suggests this might increase when coupled with high estrogen pills and genetic history. Results indicate that risk was highest in those who recently used birth control pills containing high doses of estrogen, but the study also notes that the diagnosed women were more likely to have a history of breast cancer among female relatives in their family. The study recruited 1,102 women in the Seattle-Puget Sound area of Washington state, aged 20 to 49, who were diagnosed with breast cancer between 1990 and 2009, and 21,952 women who had not developed the disease. The scientists found that women who had taken high-estrogen oral contraceptives in the past year were 50 percent more likely to have developed breast cancer compared with at-risk women who formerly took them (but then stopped before the study was conducted), and with women who never ingested the pills at all. Researchers suggest that recent use of contemporary oral contraceptive formulas with high estrogen concentrations may put women ages 20 to 49 at higher risk for breast cancer, while low-dose formulations might not be linked to a higher risk of developing the disease. The results have yet to be confirmed, although the study mirrors others, such as, which examined possible long-term consequences of taking birth control pills through ingestion. However, physicians suggest that the potential benefits of birth control pills outweigh the risk, although all women react differently to taking the pill. Orally ingested birth control pills are the leading contraceptive method in the United States and currently stand as the most effective method of preventing pregnancy. "Breast cancer is rare among young women and there are numerous established health benefits associated with oral contraceptive use that must be considered," stated Elisabeth F. Beaber, a staff scientist in the Public Health Sciences Division of Fred Hutchinson Center Research Center in Seattle, Washington, in a press release. "In addition, prior studies suggest that the increased risk associated with recent oral contraceptive use declines after stopping oral contraceptives." For now, it seems the most effective way to both prevent pregnancy and not be at risk for breast cancer is to just not have ovaries. So the research begs the question: where is the ? | 7 | 708 | health |
The Cadillac ATS doesn't care if you're driving around the block or across the country, it's prepared for just about anything. We've totaled more than 14,000 miles in the eight months we've had this sports sedan in our Detroit office, and it continues to perform above our expectations. Most recently, it was loaded up with four passengers on a trip from Detroit to New York City, including one person who was 6-foot-2. The taller passenger rode in the ATS for hours on end without a complaint. He was, however, quick to volunteer to ride in a bigger vehicle during a pit stop. In the Big Apple the ATS remained a pleasure to drive and its diminuitive size allowed it to park in tight spaces, though, like many cars arriving in New York City, once it was parked, a door was not opened until it was time to head home. More importantly, the ATS continues to provide a great ride, lots of luxury features and a few surprises for many of the people who only spend a few hours in it. The 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine has not required any maintenance other than regularly scheduled oil changes, which the dealership provides at no cost for new owners. The engine also allows great at cruising speeds on the highway, with lots of low end torque for zipping through town and an average fuel economy of 26 mpg. On the highway, the ATS is comfortably quiet and the ride and handling is excellent. The steering is smooth and taut and only a little road noise sneaks into the cabin. One feature I have found myself using more often is the 110 V plug found in the center console facing the second row. This has been a true gift for a reporter who needs to charge his computer or quickly charge his iPad while also keeping the phone charged. USB ports were once the must-have accessory and now are in almost every vehicle build. Now, 110 outlets have become the newest must-have feature and are likely to make it into a lot more vehicles as drivers and passengers accumulate more devices. I have also found that over time, Cadillac's CUE infotainment system seems to improve. In part, I suspect, that you begin to lower your expectation for the haptic touch features. Once you do this, the system is actually very easy to use and works well. There may be a few glitches along the way, but it does everything a person should want or expect from their infotainment system, only with more style. More on our long-term 2014 Cadillac ATS 2.0T: Arrival Update 1: Great Touring Car Update 2: Cadillac Thumbs Its Well-Frosted Nose at Winter Update 3: A Victim of Detroit's Potholes Update 4: A Great Highway Ride Our Car Service life 13,973 mi Average fuel economy 25.8 mpg CO2 emissions 0.75 lb/mi EPA City/Hwy/Comb Fuel Econ 21/31/24 mpg Energy consumption 131 kW-hr/100mi Unresolved problems None Maintenance cost $0 (oil change, inspection) Normal-wear cost $0 | 9 | 709 | autos |
In recent years, with the transaction price of the average new car climbing past $30,000, and the sluggish economy, more and more people are electing to keep their cars a little longer, or buy used. So the question is, how do you keep from getting stuck with a bad used car? Here are my suggestions as a ten-year veteran of car sales. 1. Establish a relationship with a salesperson Any time you buy from a person you've never met, whether he's a salesman for a dealership or some guy on eBay, it's a bit of a gamble. The seller may be a straight shooter, and the car he's selling may be perfectly fine. Or he may be a con artist and the car may have serious problems with it. In my opinion, a good strategy is to find a salesperson you trust - maybe the man or woman you bought your last new car from - and work through them. When it comes time to buy something used, call them up and tell them what you're looking for. If he's smart, your salesman will steer you to a car you'll be happy with, if for no other reason than he wants to sell you more cars in the future. 2. Buy from a large dealership with a good reputation I'm not knocking small "Mum & Dad" dealerships, because I have many friends who work at places like this and there's nothing wrong with the cars they sell. But I think you have a slightly better chance of finding a good used car at a large, well-established dealership. There are two reasons. First, large dealerships have service departments, whereas your local "dirt lot" probably does not. Chances are good that any car you find at a large dealership has at least gone through a basic Safety Inspection to make sure the tyres are good, the brakes work, and nothing is wrong with the steering. Most dealerships will also check the fluids and change the oil. With a small lot you just have to take the seller's word for it that the car is mechanically sound, or arrange to have your own mechanic inspect it. Second, a big dealership has a bigger reputation to protect. They know that if they abuse you, you'll go on line and write a bad review or complain to their corporate office, and nobody wants that. So they go to greater lengths to make sure their used cars are sound, and they'll be more responsive to your complaints after the sale. Let me give you a quick example. A used car manager at a large dealership I know went to an auction and bought five used BMWs for a song. On the outside, these cars looked fine - but every single one of them had frame damage. I'm not sure how this guy expected to get away with it, but his plan was to sell these cars without disclosing the damage and make a killing. But when their history was discovered this guy was fired instantly and the cars never even made it onto the dealer's lot. A large organisation just cannot afford to do business like that. A word about rental cars Many times, dealerships will supplement their used car inventory with vehicles from rental car companies. The reason is simple: they need the inventory. A dealership can't just sit around and wait for customers to trade in what's popular, so they go out and buy desirable vehicles from rental companies, or at auction. A lot of people are put off by this, but they shouldn't be. If a car is in good condition it shouldn't matter who the previous owner was. In fact, you may even have a better chance that the vehicle was properly maintained because most rental companies perform regular maintenance. Rentals will typically have a little higher mileage on them than comparable privately owned cars, but that also means they're priced lower. I have sold many a used car that came from a rental fleet and had no complaints yet. 3. Buy a certified used car If you've been out cruising dealerships lately you may have noticed some of the cars have stickers on them saying things like "Certified" or "Certified Pre-Owned." What this means is that the car has gone through an inspection process, been serviced and, if necessary, repaired, and is being sold with an extended warranty. For example, if you come across a Certified Honda, it means that the regular warranty has been extended. This is a tremendous value. A certified car has a warranty on it that, in some ways, is better than the original factory warranty. Certification offers every used car buyer extra "peace of mind" that they haven't bought a lemon, and knowledge that the manufacturer stands behind it. Of course, a certified car will also cost a little more than a car that isn't certified, but in my opinion it's worth it. A Word About "As Is" Vehicles. Most of the used cars found on dealership lots have a sticker called the "Buyer's Guide" or "As Is" that tells you whether or not the car has any warranty left on it. Pay attention to this sticker. If it says "As Is," it means As Is - you're buying the car just as it sits, with no warranty. There's an old saying in the car biz that, if you buy an "As Is" vehicle and you drive it off the lot and it breaks into two pieces, you own both pieces. The dealership is under no obligation whatsoever to fix that vehicle for you. Here's the thing. If you discover a problem with an "As Is" vehicle before you complete the paperwork or drive it off the lot, most dealerships will probably fix it for you - depending on what it is. If it's a minor cosmetic issue, like a broken cupholder or soiled carpet, probably not. But if it's something major, like a bad headlight or mechanical issue, they probably will. Just be sure to get any promises in writing on the "We Owe" (that's the document the dealer uses to remind us of what we owe the customer). Verbal representations in the middle of a sale tend to get forgotten, or can be distorted by memory, so always get it in writing. | 9 | 710 | autos |
Chrysler Group finished July with its best sales in the month since 2005, racking up 167,667 units sold. Sales rose 20 percent beyond Chrysler's showing in July 2013, helping the company toward its 52nd consecutive month of year-over-year sales growth. Year-to-date sales are also up 13 percent to 1,187,790 vehicles sold. Each of the company's five brands posted improved sales, with Jeep at the forefront thanks to its eye-popping 41 percent jump, and only four models decreased in sales: the Fiat 500, the Dodge Avenger, the Dodge Viper, and the Dodge Durango. Winner: Jeep Brand, Up 41 Percent Jeep plowed ahead to its best ever July sales month, and its 41 percent growth ranks as Chrysler Group's biggest brand gain for the month. Leading the way was the legendary Jeep Wrangler, selling 16,388 vehicles, second only to the Ram pickup this month. The Wrangler is now up 11 percent in year-to-date sales. The Jeep Grand Cherokee again crested 15,000 units with15,169 vehicles sold, while the Jeep Cherokee continues to woo buyers as well. July sales for the Cherokee were up 11 percent compared to June , and 95,259 Cherokees have now been sold through July 2014. No Jeep vehicle showed a sales decline, and the brand is ahead an astonishing 44 percent in year-to-date sales. Winner: Ram Pickup, 35,621 Units Sold, Up 14 Percent Things keep looking up for the Ram pickup, which found its way to its best July sales since 2005. That's now 51 months in a row the Ram pickup has recorded year-over-year sales gains. Light Duty and Heavy Duty sales were up 15 and 18 percent, respectively. Year-to-date totals now read 239,481 vehicles sold an improvement of 19 percent compared to the same time last year. Winner: Chrysler Town & Country, 11,370 Units Sold, Up 41 Percent Despite the never-ending onslaught of crossovers, the Chrysler Town & Country keeps families coming back. This was the minivan's best July sales since 2006, and it outsold the Dodge Caravan (9473 vehicles sold). Look for the Town & Country to stay in the conversation, as Chrysler Group recently announced it would be phasing out the Caravan so Dodge can focus on performance cars. Joining the Town & Country, and sharing its platform, will be a new large crossover slated for 2017 . Loser: Fiat 500, 2821 Units Sold, Down 16 Percent Times remain tough for the Fiat 500, which can't seem to get itself out of the red. It's been in the gutter for months now, and only positive sales of the larger 500L are keeping the Fiat brand in the black for July. The Fiat 500 is behind 14 percent in year-to-date sales, down to 20,550 vehicles sold. The only major change headed the 500's way is a new automatic transmission option for the 500 Abarth, which the Italian brand hopes will broaden its audience and appeal. Wait and See: Chrysler 200, 8159 Units Sold, 0 Percent Change The Chrysler 200 has been on our Wait and See list for months now, both when sales were waning in preparation for the new model and as sales of the 2015 model were just beginning. Last month Chrysler said it was still building inventory for the 200 and selling off old models, but sales have not yet skyrocketed. 8159 Chrysler 200 units were sold, compared to 7345 last month. We'd expect a more dramatic change compared to July of last year given that this is an all-new model, but only the 200 only sold 37 more vehicles in July 2014 versus July 2013. Things could still turn around, but sales of the redesigned midsize sedan have hardly taken off as of now. | 9 | 711 | autos |
Spy photographers recently caught a 2015 Dodge Charger prototype testing, and because it sported very Hellcat-like features, rumors have swirled that a Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat is in the works. Now, we have even more reason to believe another Hellcat is in the works after a Dodge exec hinted that a big reveal is in store for the Woodward Dream Cruise. Automotive photographer Chris Doane reported on his Facebook page that Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis revealed on a Detroit radio show that the brand had "another performance announcement" to make at the upcoming auto gathering. While a Charger SRT Hellcat has not yet been confirmed, we can't imagine the announcement being anything else, especially since the automaker filed an SAE J1349 certification that reveals the same supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 found in the Challenger Hellcat will be used in the Charger. One alternative possibility suggested was the Dodge Dart SRT, though that car's status is unknown, and Woodward seems like the wrong venue for it given the event's musclecar-loving attendees. The Charger prototype that was recently photographed wore many parts found on the Challenger Hellcat, including matte-black seven-spoke wheels, Pirelli P-Zero Nero tires, a massive hood scoop, front and rear spoilers, slotted brake rotors, Brembo brake calipers, and large exhaust tips. While it's practically guaranteed the Charger Hellcat will be powered by the 6.2-liter mill, it's unknown whether it will also come standard with a six-speed manual like the Challenger, since a manual hasn't been available on the sedan for quite some time. We can bet, however, that it will be offered with the eight-speed automatic. The Woodward Dream Cruise is scheduled for later this month, so we'll have to wait until then to see if there are new developments regarding the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat. Source: Chris Doane via Facebook | 9 | 712 | autos |
For the past ten months, our long-term 2013 Nissan NV200 seems to be the staffers' choice of transportation when it comes to buying or selling large items. The NV200's rear cargo floor sits low, with a liftover height of 21.1 inches for the rear barn doors and a step-in height of 19.2 inches at the side slide doors. For comparison, our long-term Ram 1500's bed with the air suspension sits at 32.8 inches in park mode. Motor Trend 's William Walker wanted to get his 1979 Honda CT90 motorcycle up and running as his new daily driver. But before he can drive it, he took it to a shop to get it tuned up using the Nissan NV200 as a bike hauler. "Toward the beginning of the year, my long-term Volkswagen GLI departed our garage. To fill the void of dependable transportation, I decided to finally get my loved but neglected 1979 Honda CT90 motorcycle running again." Walker continues, "In order to transport the little beast to and from the mechanic, I borrowed our equally beastly Nissan NV200 van. I joke about its beastliness, but the NV200 is a great little van. It drives very car-like and has more than enough room to stow my little moto-scooter-cycle and parts -- even with the installed work rack! I do wish we had decided not to install the wire divider, because you can't access the cargo area without exiting the vehicle. That said, the NV200 is a nice little work van and now my Honda 90 is running like a dream." Motor Trend Creative Director Alan Muir recently helped some friends move their washer/dryer and BBQ to their new apartment. "Uploading a fullsize washer and dryer was easy, and the low loading-bay height helped hugely. The large sliding door on both sides made loading/unloading in a tight side alley really easy. Driving the NV200 with full-load or empty are two different experiences. Empty it feels very light and I couldn't help wondering if the 2.0L 4-cylinder engine with 130 hp could cope with a full load. Surprisingly it did, felt more stable, and didn't feel underpowered under full load." Muir added, "For it's intended purpose, I give the NV200 cargo van a 8.5 out of 10." Jason Gonderman, Truck Trend's editor-in-chief, learned how handy the NV200 with his many trips to the hardware store over a span of several weekends. "The Nissan NV200 is an interesting little animal. I recently had the opportunity to jump behind the wheel for a couple days and put the utilitarian cargo van to work." Gonderman continues, "From the driver seat, you quickly notice the simple nature of it. The seats are comfortable, except for the lack of a passenger armrest, and the ergonomics are great with all of the controls in logical places. There is no comfort lost driving for long periods of time, which is exactly how a work van should be. The engine and transmission combination leave a bit to be desired but get the job done adequately." "Where the NV200 really shines is in its utility. The double sliding doors and rear barn doors make loading a breeze from any angle. I loaded it down with all sorts of home-improvement items, ranging from kitchen cabinets (but not the sink) to tile and grout. We even stacked 20 two-cubic-foot bags of garden mulch, floor to ceiling." "No matter how full the cargo hold got, the NV200 seemingly continued to ask for more. And at full capacity, the NV200 showed little sign of reduced braking or accelerating ability." "I do, however, wish the four-cylinder engine would provide a bit better economy. Handling at slow speed is decent, but once you reach highway speeds, the NV becomes a bit darty and almost erratic. There is no doubt the small tires play a part in its handling shortcomings. One of the few downsides I found was the NV200's 6-foot cargo length, which relegated the purchased 2x4x8s to the roof rack. Also, loading and unloading at night is a chore due to the lack of adequate lighting in the cargo area." "Overall, the NV200 is well suited to a life of an around-town delivery or work van. It's not the largest, most powerful, or most efficient cargo van but it certainly gets the job done. At the end of the day, its a cargo van and hauling cargo is what it does best." 2013 Nissan NV200 SV Service life 20,574 mi Avg CO2 0.83 lb/mi Energy cons 145 kW-hr/100mi Unresolved problems None Maintenance cost $157.49 (2-oil change, tire rotation, inspection) Normal-wear cost $0 EPA City/Hwy/Comb Fuel Econ 24/25/24 mpg Average Fuel Econ 23.3 mpg | 9 | 713 | autos |
A one-of-three 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale will hit the block at RM Auctions' Monterey sale during the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d Elegance this month. As the sale's headliner, the rare Ferrari offers buyers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own an important piece of automotive history - and is estimated by RM to "comfortably achieve eight figures." The 275 GTB/C Speciale was created following a common racing homologation formula. A production aluminum-bodied 275 GTB model was stripped out, given a high-performance drivetrain, installed with racing equipment, and used for road racing. This particular model is one of three to receive this homologation treatment, resulting in an extraordinarily rare and desirable vehicle. While the other two Speciales were used to great success in racing, this car, designated chassis number 06701, was driven as a road car for much of its life. Eventually, after it changed hands, it was used in historic racing with a good deal of success. The Speciale is expected to sell for a pretty penny when it goes under the hammer later this month. RM notes that the other two examples are in private collections, and are unlikely to ever come up for sale. That means this could be the only chance for collectors to buy the super-rare Speciale, and the conditions might even be ripe for a record-setting sale price. The car that currently holds that title is a 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196R Silver Arrow Formula 1 car which sold for $31.6 million after premiums in 2013 . But even if the 275 GTB/C Speciale does take the crown, it probably won't wear it for very long, as another ultra-desirable Ferrari is heading to auction around the same time. The 1962 Ferrari GTO is, without a doubt, one of the all-time greats. Its racing career is nothing short of dominant, scoring a continuous line of back-to-back racing victories in its heyday. A total of 39 250 GTOs were produced, and the last one reportedly changed hands privately for a whopping $52 million in 2013 . Going up for sale is chassis 3851, a 1962 250 GTO with a successful racing heritage and pedigree. Rolling onto the block at a different auction , the aforementioned 250 GTO is expected to shatter current auction records. In the same spirit as the racing-pedigree Ferraris, a Porsche 962 IMSA GTP prototype is going up for sale. This particular 962 was owned by the Hotchkis family (of Hotchkis suspension fame) for 28 years, and run by a privateer team in the Camel GTP series before it retired in 1991. In that time, the car was relatively successful. From 1997 on, the 962 saw use in vintage racing, especially at the Monterey Historics. Now, it goes to auction during the same time as the two Ferraris. Don t expect it to break any records, but there should be more than a few interested buyers given its competition history. | 9 | 714 | autos |
Remember that time on 30 Rock when Liz Lemon and her eventual-husband Criss went shopping at Ikea, only to end up in a major fight? We know it couldn't be closer to the truth because we've all been there. In honor of the irritation that can be Ikea, here are the top fights you'll likely encounter. Remember that time on 30 Rock when Liz Lemon and her eventual-husband Criss went shopping at Ikea, only to end up in a major fight? We know it couldn't be closer to the truth because we've all been there. In honor of the irritation that can be Ikea, here are the top fights you'll likely encounter. Expedit/"IKEA Fights"/ Photo: IKEA The Fight: Expedit or Hemnes The minimalist furniture pieces you'll find are only slight variations of the others, but you and your partner start fighting over which uncluttered storage system you want. He likes the open shelving; you prefer one with cabinet doors, and a 45-minute heated argument ensues because you can't agree.More from The Nest: 10 things no one tells you about married sex By Alexis Jonnson Distractions/"IKEA Fights"/ Photo: IKEA/Shutterstock The Fight: Distractions Galore You're on a mission, but upon entering the dizzying section that is the Marketplace, your plan goes to the dumpster. Not only have you continued to make your way to the area that holds the end table you've been eyeing, but he's vanished into the shelves of frames, organizers and knickknacks. Your partner has gone missing into the abyss and your lack of cell service keeps you from finding each other, prolonging the glorious moment when you exit with your purchases.More from The Nest: 14 kitchen gadgets that will change your life Getting lost/"IKEA Fights"/ Photo: IKEA/Shutterstock The Fight: Getting Lost Ikea is a maddening maze of giant arrows directing you aimlessly around a windowless warehouse. All you want is to make it to the kitchen section and he fancies himself Magellan with the ability to bypass the maze of aisles. Wrong! Not only can you not avoid going through every single foot of the store, you have to pass EVERYTHING including the baby section, which results in the next fight.More from The Nest: 10 grossest spots in your home Kids fight/"IKEA Fights"/ Photo: IKEA/Thinkstock The Fight: About Kids Somehow, just passing the Nordic baby section sets you off on when will be the best time to have a baby. After how many conversations that have been approached like actual adults, this one is different, and now you're just plain irritated. Why is it so hard to decide on when the two of you are going to procreate? Low blood sugar/"IKEA Fights"/ Photo: IKEA The Fight: Low Blood Sugar You've spent the past 75 minutes moseying through the massive store only to realize that your partner's blood sugar has plummeted. He's cranky but won't admit it, so you casually decide to walk past the café to pick up some Swedish meatballs. Only, it takes him half a lifetime to decide on what snack to get, aggravating you more, and making you just as cranky as he is. Watch the game/"IKEA Fights"/ Photo: IKEA/Shutterstock The Fight: He's Trying to Watch the Game The only day you both had time to travel all the way to your local Ikea happened to fall on the same day as a game he just had to watch. His team, slash the reason he lives, is the only thing he's concerned about, so he tries to live-stream it on his phone, but the reception gets spotty as you wander deeper into the store. He begins to get frustrated and starts lashing out when you ask him if he prefers the blue stripe Signe rug or the red stripe one. Seriously? Is it that big of an issue that he has to snap? You were just being nice by asking for his opinion, anyways. Forget it. | 4 | 715 | lifestyle |
Go big or go home. That expression is used to encourage someone to do whatever they're doing to its fullest. But there's nothing wrong with going home, especially if you're getting there in a 2015 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 AWD. As far as looks go, it doesn't matter whether you choose the V-6 or the V-8. You're still getting a significantly refreshed Genesis that boasts the new 2.0 Fluidic Sculpture design language that makes the full-size luxury sedan look more expensive than it is. With its humongous chrome grille, it's clear the Genesis wants to be noticed. In fact, it will fit right in with its rivals, and has a more affordable sticker price than its German counterparts. That's even if you get it with the boatload of features our tester came with. Inside, new trim options such as the matte-finished open-pore wood and aluminum do a great job of dressing up the interior, and if that's the look you're going for, then opt for the $3500 Ultimate Package. Since you can't have that package without also adding the $3500 Tech Package and $4000 Signature Package, our tester rang in at $52,450. This means it was fully loaded with features including a panoramic sunroof, blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert, rear sunshades, ventilated/heated front seats, heated rear seats, and an upgraded display screen that measures 9.2 inches compared to the standard 8 inches. The system worked well except for the times the head-up display disappeared when following a white car, as the clarity washed out against the lighter background. If the upgraded leather and wood trim aren't enough to remind you you're in a luxury sedan, then perhaps the sound insulation will. Even in the midst of all the hustle and bustle in downtown Los Angeles, it felt like it was just me and the Genesis. Outside noises were nonexistent, and I knew it wasn't just a figment of my imagination after passing the commotion on the streets surrounding the L.A. Convention Center, where thousands upon thousands of costumed fans flooded the sidewalks outside the Anime Expo. Leaving the city, the 3.8-liter V-6 engine dished out enough power to comfortably merge onto the highway, and the Genesis delivered the same buttery ride at faster highway speeds as it did on city streets. Although the V-6 doesn't have the V-8's 109-hp advantage, it does have something the more powerful engine doesn't: HTRAC. The Korean automaker's new all-wheel-drive system is currently only available with the V-6, and it pushes all of the torque to the front or the rear if that's where the car determines the power should go. It also incorporates the car's electronic stability control to stop some wheelspin and transfer torque from the left to the right. On the way up to Big Bear Lake for the Fourth of July weekend, the AWD system was working all the time, but transparently. The Genesis stayed glued to the road as it rolled up and down the twisty Highway 33. Responsive and predictable, it turns in quickly and has adequate grip for a sedan of its size. It weighs in at 4473 pounds, so it's no surprise to find there's an average amount of body roll, but switching to Sport mode appeared to cut down the body roll while serving up more aggressive shifting by way of the eight-speed automatic transmission. On the track, the Genesis completed the figure eight in 26.7 seconds at 0.88 avg g, while in the straights it accelerated from 0-60 mph in 6.4 seconds and passed the quarter-mile mark in 14.7 seconds at 96.1 mph. In MT testing it took 109 feet before the luxury sedan came to a halt from 60 mph. The Genesis V-6 AWD might not accelerate as quickly as the Genesis V-8 , but how does it match up against its competitors? The front-drive Acura RLX was better in a line than the Genesis, going from 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds and completing the quarter mile in 14.3 seconds going 97.8 mph. But despite weighing 465 pounds less than the Genesis, the RLX completed the figure eight more slowly, finishing it in 27.3 seconds at a 0.64 avg g. Compared to the Cadillac CTS, the Genesis was just 0.10 second slower in the 0-60-mph sprint, while both sedans' quarter-mile times were the same, though the CTS' trap speed was a bit quicker by 0.5 second. But the Genesis once again smokes the CTS' figure-eight time of 26.7 seconds at a 0.66 avg g. So what if you chose the Genesis V-6 rather than going big with the V-8? You still get to go home in a stylish, compliant, and feature-laden ride, and you'll have a bit more money in your pocket. 2015 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 AWD BASE PRICE $41,450 PRICE AS TESTED $52,450 VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door sedan ENGINE 3.8L/311-hp/293-lb-ft DOHC 24-valve V-6 TRANSMISSION 8-speed automatic CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 4473 lb (52/48%) WHEELBASE 118.5 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 196.5 x 74.4 x 58.3 in 0-60 MPH 6.4 sec QUARTER MILE 14.7 sec @ 96.1 mph BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 109 ft LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.88 g (avg) MT FIGURE EIGHT 26.0 sec @ 0.72 g (avg) EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON 16/25/19 mpg ENERGY CONS., CITY/HWY 211/135 kW-hrs/100 miles CO2 EMISSIONS 1.02 lb/mile | 9 | 716 | autos |
If you stop to think about it, designing a replacement for an aging vehicle is a really difficult task. Not only should it go, stop, and drive better than the outgoing model, but safety and emissions requirements get tighter every year, consumers often demand more interior space and gadgets, and on top of all that, the new model must look sharp enough to catch the attention of buyers in showroom (or in the pages of, say, Motor Trend). So imagine Acura's conundrum in creating the 2015 TLX, a midsize sedan that replaces not just the outgoing TL, but also the TSX. Hey, if this stuff were easy, we'd all be automotive engineers, right? Slotting in Acura's sedan lineup between the full-size RLX and compact ILX, the TLX attempts to offer TL-like interior space and amenities while retaining the fun-to-drive personality of the TSX. To that end, the 2015 Acura TLX's wheelbase is carried over from the TL, maintaining cabin space, while the short front and rear overhangs keep overall vehicle length down. (The TLX is nearly four inches shorter than the TL.) The cabin is trimmed nicely, using mostly high-quality materials. Faux wood and metal are convincing enough for the price point and segment, though it's easy to spot the out-of-the-way areas covered in cheaper plastic. The front seats are some of the most comfortable I've sat in recently, and are covered in leather that looks premium and feels that way, too. Rear cabin room is a mixed bag, with plenty of leg- and shoulder room but slightly disappointing headroom for passengers 6 feet or taller. Power comes from two updated engines, Honda's familiar 2.4-liter I-4, now with direct injection for 206 hp and 182 lb-ft of torque, and the direct-injected 3.5-liter V-6 as found in the MDX with 290 hp and 267 lb-ft. The former is paired to Acura's new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, which interestingly uses a torque converter to smooth out around-town driving -- Acura claims it also gives slightly better acceleration off the line. The TLX V-6 gets the brand's first nine-speed automatic which is not only lighter than the old six-speed, but is said to shift more quickly, too. Acura says both engine/transmission combos should contribute to fuel savings over the TL, a benefit that is helped by slightly lighter curb weights and a more aerodynamic body. Meandering through 300 miles of West Virginian back roads (I still have John Denver music stuck in my head days later) also showed the TLX to have a new level of refinement. Less noise makes its way into the cabin, thanks to new acoustic foam sprayed around the A-pillars, noise-blocking panels inside the doors, and beefier door seals. Torsional rigidity is up significantly over the TL, and the TLX drives like it the chassis feels taut and solid, while ride comfort remains strong even if the spring/damper combo is tuned on the slightly firm side of things. One caveat: That extra rigidity means extra bracing, some of which eats into pass-through space on the 60/40 split rear folding seat. Front-drive TLX models get Acura's next-generation Precision All-Wheel Steering (P-AWS), which acts in three different ways on the rear wheels. At lower speeds, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction of the fronts to mitigate understeer and make the car feel a little more agile. At higher speeds, all wheels turn in the same direction for increased stability and the rears toe in slightly under braking for the same reason. In practice, the system is virtually invisible to the driver, though in brisk back-roads driving, the Acura does feel plenty willing, with positive turn-in and not much body roll. It's much more of a TSX driving experience than TL, which is a good thing as far as I'm concerned. All TLX models get Acura's Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) that allows for four selectable drive modes: Econ, Normal, Sport, and Sport+. As you'd expect, the selected driving mode alters steering weight, throttle response, and shift mapping. Sport+ is the most interesting mode, knocking the top two overdrive gears of each transmission out of contention, rev-matching downshifts, and switching to a sport-oriented transmission program that does a good job of holding gears until redline and downshifting to maximize engine braking. Three basic versions of the 2015 Acura TLX are on offer: front-drive, four-cylinder; front-drive six-cylinder; and all-wheel-drive, six-cylinder. For value-oriented as well as enthusiast shoppers, the car you want is the base four-cylinder version. Not only is the base TLX 2.4L the lightest of the group, weighing in at roughly 100 pounds less than the V-6 and around 300 pounds less than the V-6 AWD with Tech Package, it's also the most fun to drive. The I-4 doesn't have the grunt of the significantly torquier V-6, but running through the dual-clutch gearbox makes the most of what power it does have. Don't let the torque converter's presence deceive you, as a tug on the steering-wheel-mounted paddles gives surprisingly quick shifts both up and down while giving virtually none of the herky-jerky behavior dual-clutch transmissions can be known for around town. Automatic shifts are fast and smooth as well, especially in Sport+ mode. Drop the IDS back into normal mode (or Econ, for that matter) and you can cruise at 70 mph on the freeway turning a calm 2000 rpm and racking up an Acura-estimated 35 mpg. The TLX 3.5L versions do feel significantly quicker, with more lowdown torque and even fewer revs at freeway speeds (just 1500 rpm at 70 mph in ninth gear). The downside is that they lose a little of the 2.4's sporty personality, feeling heavier and offering somewhat slower shifts from the nine-speed automatic. The front-drive 3.5L suffers little from torque steer, though wheelspin is a common occurrence for those with heavy right feet. One good reason to opt for the SH-AWD version if you don't live in snowy climes is for the new all-wheel-drive system's brake-actuated torque vectoring, which gives sharper turn-in and helps mitigate understeer. Acura has also upped its game on the tech forefront. While the infotainment screen graphics look somewhat dated (and I'm still not a fan of the dual-screen layout), Acura has added plenty of safety tech to the TLX. Most notable is the suite of functions dubbed AcuraWatch, which uses both cameras and radar in conjunction to prevent accidents. Blind-spot and cross-traffic monitoring, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning are all included in the package. Active safety tech also includes Acura's Collision Mitigation Braking System and road departure mitigation with active steering. The TLX will be in Acura showrooms this month at a starting price of $31,890 for the 2.4L, $36,115 for the 3.5L, and $42,345 for the 3.5L SH-AWD. View 90 additional photos of the 2015 Acura TLX in the second page of this review. 2015 Acura TLX BASE PRICE $31,890-$42,345 VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, FWD/AWD, 5-pass, 4-door sedan ENGINES 2.4L/206-hp/182-lb-ft DOHC 16-valve I-4; 3.5L/290-hp/267-lb-ft DOHC 24-valve V-6 TRANSMISSIONS 8-speed twin-clutch auto; 9-speed automatic CURB WEIGHT 3500-3800 lb (mfr) WHEELBASE 109.3 in LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT 190.3 x 57.0 x 73.0 in 0-60 MPH 5.8-6.5 sec (MT est) EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON 21-24 / 31-35 mpg (est) ENERGY CONSUMPTION, CITY/HWY 140-160 / 106-109 kW-hrs/100 miles (est) CO2 EMISSIONS 0.69-0.79 lb/mile (est) ON SALE IN U.S. August 2014 | 9 | 717 | autos |
Buying a home might be the largest single financial investment you ever make. Due to the hefty price tag, you will likely need a mortgage. The interest rate charged on the loan ultimately determines the cost of the mortgage and the size of your monthly payments. Even a small difference in rates greatly affects how much interest you'll pay over the life of the loan. Take a $250,000 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, for example: At 4.5%, your monthly payment would be $1266.71, and you'd end up paying a total of $206,016 in interest (assuming you stick to the amortization schedule). At 4%, your monthly payment would drop to $1193.54, and you'd pay $179,674 in interest, or $26,342 less than the 4.5% loan. Because the mortgage rate makes a big difference in how much you'll pay for your home, it makes financial sense to shop around for the lowest rate you can qualify for. Here are the five steps to take. 1. Get Your Credit Score . Lenders will use your credit score to help determine if you qualify for a loan and what rate you'll be charged. In general, the higher your credit score, the better the mortgage you'll be offered. It's a good idea to get a copy of your credit report at least six months before you plan on shopping for a mortgage so you have time to find and fix any errors (your own credit inquiry should not count against your credit score). Once you start shopping, each lender you contact will want to pull your report. While you may have heard that it will lower your credit rating each time a lender makes a credit inquiry, you can limit any dings to your credit by doing your shopping within a focused period of time. Credit agencies recognize that shopping for a mortgage results in a single loan (and not multiple new lines of credit). The FICO Score, for example, disregards multiple inquires when they happen within a 45-day window; other agencies have a 14-45 day window. 2. Consider Mortgage Types. Before you shop, determine how much you want to borrow, which type of mortgage you want and how long a term you need so that you can fairly compare lenders. Three basic mortgage types include: Fixed-rate mortgage . A fixed-rate (or "plain vanilla") mortgage is a conventional loan that has a set (or fixed) rate of interest for the entire loan term, allowing you to spread out the costs of your home purchase over time while making predictable payments each month. Fixed-rate loans are ideal for buyers who have steady sources of predictable income and who intend to own their homes for extended periods of time. Adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). An adjustable-rate mortgage (also called variable-rate or floating-rate) is a conventional loan with an interest rate that changes periodically, usually in relation to an index. The introductory rate (the teaser rate) is often lower than the rate available on a fixed-rate mortgage, but the rate may change at any time after the introductory period, resulting in sometimes sizable increases in your monthly mortgage payment. Adjustable-rate loans are typically the recommended option for buyers who anticipate declining interest rates (to avoid being locked into a higher rate), who plan on living in the home for a limited number of years or who expect to pay off the loan before the interest-rate adjustment period is reached. FHA (Federal Housing Administration). Many first-time homebuyers can qualify for FHA loans. These typically have less rigid borrowing requirements with low down payments, reasonable credit expectations and more flexible income requirements. A home financed with FHA loans must be the borrower's primary residence and must be owner-occupied (no investment or rental properties). 3. Contact Several Lenders. Mortgage loans are available from several types of lenders thrift institutions, commercial banks, mortgage companies and credit unions and you can shop online, by phone or in person. To find lenders and look up rates: Try an Internet search for "[your city, state] mortgage." Compare rate averages at financial information aggregators l www.bankrate.com. Visit a real estate database website such as www.zillow.com, www.trulia.com or www.realtor.com, and enter your zip code in the mortgage page. Visit direct lender sites such as www.bankofamerica.com or www.chase.com. Interest rates fluctuate, and different lenders may offer promotions for certain loan products. You'll likely receive a different quote from each lender, so you'll have to shop around to find the best deal. To keep the comparisons fair (apples to apples), provide each lender with the exact same information and make sure you are asking about the same loan: for example, a $250,000 30-year fixed-rate loan with no points. Remember to compare longer and shorter terms a 15-year mortgage may have a higher interest rate and monthly payments, but cost significantly less in the long run because you have 15 fewer years of interest payments. You can also work with a mortgage broker who finds a lender for you and arranges the transaction (note: brokers will contact multiple lenders on your behalf, but they are not obligated to find the best deal for you unless they are under contract to act as your agent). Some financial institutions act as both lenders and brokers. Since brokers are typically paid a fee for their services in addition to the lender's origination or other fees, it's important to find out if a broker is involved so ask if you're unsure. 4. Add in the Additional Costs. The lowest advertised interest rate may not necessarily be the best option since fees can significantly drive up the cost of a mortgage. In general, a mortgage with higher fees will have a lower interest rate, but it's important to ask about loan origination or underwriting fees, broker fees, and settlement or closing costs. Some fees are paid when you apply for a loan (i.e., the application and appraisal fees), while others are settled at closing. Ask the lender which fees you will be charged and what each fee covers. Points. Points are fees paid to the lender (or broker) and are typically linked to the interest rate: The more points you pay, the lower your interest rate. One point costs 1% of the loan amount and reduces your interest rate by about 0.25%. To find out how much you'll actually end up paying, ask for points to be quoted as a dollar amount instead of just the number of points. In general, people who plan on living in a home for a long time (10 or more years) should consider points to keep interest rates lower for the life of the loan. Paying a lot of money up front for points may not be worth it if you plan on moving in a shorter amount of time. 5. Negotiate. Once a lender has made you an offer, you may be able to negotiate for better terms. Ask the lender to write down all the costs associated with the loan interest rate, fees, points and then find out if it will waive or reduce any of the fees or offer you a lower interest rate (or fewer points). You can also ask if the lender will offer you better terms than you've found elsewhere. Once you are happy, ask for a written lock-in that includes the rate you agreed upon, the period the lock-in lasts and the number of points (if any) to be paid. The Bottom Line A mortgage is a long-term financial obligation, and the rate you pay greatly affects the overall cost of buying your new home. A 0.5% difference in interest rates, for example, can save or cost you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of a loan, so it definitely pays to shop around to find the best mortgage rate for which you qualify. | 3 | 718 | finance |
Editorial cartoon of the day. BING: PENTAGON ISOLATES SOLDIERS OVER EBOLA FEARS | 5 | 719 | news |
Editorial cartoon of the day. BING: WHO WANTS TO SPLIT FLORIDA INTO TWO STATES? | 5 | 720 | news |
Send him lexts (love texts) You don"t need to carve out time for a romantic getaway to refresh your marriage. Instead, try one of these small bonding secrets each day to give your love a big boost. When we focus on something, we tend to see it show up more often. So try sending him a text every day this month that acknowledges something you appreciate about him, such as "I love that you get me peanut M&Ms when I have PMS.""My husband did a text appreciation month for me after he forgot to get me a Valentine's Day card one year, and I was surprised that he found something new to write every single day it made me feel so cherished," says Orna Walters, who co-founded Creating Love on Purpose, a relationship coaching service, with her husband, Matthew. Use this excuse to hang those old pics Research confirms that experiences rather than things increase your happiness levels, and recounting shared moments in your relationship can also boost marital satisfaction. Gather pictures of your favorite times together such as the camping trip you took sans kids or his surprise 35th birthday party and place your new collection somewhere he will see it as a happy reminder. Then, hit up Home Goods or Michael's for some cute new frames. Look on the bright side It's no secret that positive people are more fun to be around, and the same applies to your relationship. In a brand-new analysis of the most important strategies for overall relationship satisfaction, positivity landed at the top of the list."Our research shows that there are concrete, small moves you can do in your daily life to make your partner like being around you more, and feel more committed to the relationship," says Brian G. Ogolsky, Ph.D., study co-author and assistant professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign." In terms of relationships, positivity really means those little fun, romantic gestures." In other words, zip the mother-in-law talk tonight at dinner. Open up more For a stronger bond, you have to create space for openness in your relationship. "We give as much as we get in terms of disclosure. The more open you are, the more likely your partner is to open up," says Dr. Ogolsky."It leads to deeper conversations and connection." So carve out time to greet him with a glass of wine after work today and see where the conversation takes you. Be a team player It might not be enough to make you love laundry, but doing chores around the house with your husband is actually a huge relationship booster. Sometimes merely spending time with him as he's tinkering around not grand gestures are what really makes him feel more close to you. And the research proves it. Taking part in shared tasks was another top-five relationship booster. "It doesn't mean that you have to vacuum the floor together, but simultaneously doing the chores that keep your household functioning, such as washing the dishes while he fixes the stove, reminds you both that you are working together as a team," says Dr. Ogolsky. Pen a relationship bucket list Just like you sometimes need assurances at work or from your friends think: "I'm grateful to have a best friend like you" your relationship also needs frequent positive reinforcement. Your guy loves hearing things like, "I feel like the luckiest girl in the world having you as my husband." Not surprisingly, this relationship strategy also made the top-five list. Think of those little things you do and say that remind your husband that you're not going anywhere as relationship insurance."You're effectively boosting commitment by creating a shared future with your partner," says Dr. Ogolsky. Dreaming together strengthens your bond, so try creating a list of your shared dreams, such as owning a summer home or traveling to Asia one day. Schedule a double date night A shared social network like having mutual couple friends is the fifth tried-and-true strategy that makes for a better marriage, according to the research from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. "Spending time with mutual friends strengthens couples' bonds because it gives you the chance to present your relationship to other people, share your inside jokes, and lets you see your partner in a different light when socializing," says Dr. Ogolsky. You'll quickly remember your husband's talent for spot-on puns, or how good a host he is. Don't try to change him Maybe you wish he folded his socks, or that he would chat it up with your friends without prompting. But, his inability to notice hair in the sink may stem from the laid-back personality that drew you to him in the first place. "Happy couples know their partner's differences, and have pretty much stopped trying to change the other person," says Darren Wilk, a certified Gottman Couples Therapist with a private practice in Vancouver, British Columbia. "Rather than trying to fight their partner's personality style, they instead focus on each other's strengths." To better understand how to tap into both of your best qualities, take this quick relationship personality quiz. Recognize his calls for attention Happy couples are mindful of those little moves their partners make when seeking attention. In studying 120 newlyweds in Gottman's Love Lab, his team discovered that couples who stayed married six years later were paying attention to these bids for connection 86 percent of the time, compared to only 33 percent of the time for those who later divorced. So look out for the small stuff, and respond to his need to connect. Like if he complains that his back is hurting, it might be his way of hinting that he'd like you to take care of him, so stop and give him a mini-massage. Dress like a single girl - just for fun If sweatpants have become your go-to at-home attire, try dressing up for him tonight. It doesn't matter how you do it or how '50s housewife you feel. Paying attention to your appearance or wearing something special is an easy-to-get way to show him that he matters. "Men are visually tuned in," says Wendy Walsh, Ph.D., host of Investigation "Discovery's Happily Never After" and author of "The 30-Day Love Detox". "Putting in the extra effort to look good makes him feel like you're still trying for him and are fully invested in the relationship." Give him 20 It's so easy to forget that emotional closeness means being on the giving end, not just the receiving one. One way to cultivate this kind of intimacy is to offer your husband just 20 minutes of your undivided attention, where you just listen, and ask questions that pop up, but keep the focus on him. "Experts who teach attachment parenting classes say giving each child 20 minutes a day of your undivided attention keeps up your bond, and it's also emotionally nutritional for your spouse," says Dr. Walsh. "You'll get into his head-space and become more connected." Virtually save your love story Gone are the days of stashing handwritten love letters in a special box. Text messages, online photo albums, and social media sites make it easy to send your love an update, but tough to keep everything in one place. Try downloading the new app, Twyxt, to your iPhone or iPad. It lets you store all of your text messages (and they won't be forever lost if you transfer phones), and create private photo albums. You can even categorize your conversations into different threads so you don't have to search all over for, say, that link that he sent you about a concert he wants to see this summer. Let your mate be right Sure, it may drive you nuts that the kitchen tile samples he chose really do look better than the ones you picked, but acknowledging that will do your relationship good."In order to have love in your life, you have to be willing to be wrong," says Matthew Walters. "Our ego wants to be right, but our soul wants connection. Your soul doesn't care who is right or wrong."Admit that his pick was the better one and that he has good taste he also chose you, after all! If you make a point to acknowledge when he is right, he'll feel validated and therefore more connected. Look at your relationship like an outsider The next time you and your honey have a love spat, try seeing your argument from the perspective of a relationship outsider who has your best interests at heart, such as your sister. Couples who wrote down what happened during big fights from the view of a caring third party rather than their own heated emotional accounts reported less relationship stress and more overall satisfaction with their partner than those who didn't, according to new research from Northwestern University. So whether you write it down or think about it in your head, try seeing the fight from a different perspective to be happier with your husband in the long run. Show him the light Soft lighting is not only flattering, but can transform your living room into a romantic hotspot and hide that pile of cookie crumbs on the carpet that you haven't gotten around to cleaning up yet. "Plus, candles make for a more relaxed atmosphere, and when your body is calm, you feel more sensual," says Dr. Walsh. Surprise him one night by arranging for the kids to have a play-date at the neighbor's. Then, fill the living room with candles and have an inexpensive bottle of Prosecco chilling next to two champagne glasses. We guarantee he won't even think about turning on the game. Frame your demands as favors Whether you want him to unload the dishwasher more often or pay closer attention to the kids, your partner will be increasingly likely to change his behavior if he feels like he'll get relationship brownie points rather than feeling forced to do it. "Throw it out there like a favor. Present it like, 'here is the recipe for what will make me happy,' because everyone wants to make their partner feel happy," says Wilk. "When you present your needs, present them as what you do want rather than what you don't want."Instead of saying, "I hate when you have to have everything scheduled," try saying, "I would love to have a day where we can just be spontaneous and have nothing planned." Give him the gift of lazing around One Saturday morning, wake him up with a coupon for a "do-nothing day," which lets him off the hook for chores or doing anything at all. Research finds that people who give more than they receive actually report being happier, less stressed, and living longer. For example, a new study reports that people who spend money on others feel more content than if they'd spent it on themselves. Think about it next time you're deciding between spending your leftover grocery funds on a new pair of shoes for yourself, or buying him another pair of his fave sweatpants. Behave like his girlfriend When you begin dating someone, you do things that make your romantic prospect think you're going to be the greatest partner ever, such as baking him a special dessert or meeting up with his family even when you don't feel like it. "At the end of the day, a good relationship is an exchange of care," says Dr. Walsh. "To give and get a little more, try behaving like a girlfriend instead of a wife." Join him for game he loves that you wouldn't normally go to; initiate a spontaneous make-out session on the couch; or text him that you miss him just because. Just say no to nagging If you notice that you tend to "remind" him of things a little to often, try biting your tongue and smiling for a day. He'll want to come closer, says Dr. Walsh. It might seem like men fall in love for other reasons, but it's actually a matter of trust. And that means creating an environment where he feels like he can express his true feelings without being attacked. He may interpret helpful "advice" as a nagging criticism, so try asking him questions about what he thinks is a good solution rather than telling him what to do. Mention you're stumped about how to organize the entryway and see if he has any ideas rather than demanding that he finally install those shelves this weekend. Make him a feel-good meal Studies show that certain foods have the power to change your mood. Omega-3s and folate help ward off the blues while complex carbs boost levels of the feel-good hormone serotonin. So skip the pasta and tater tots tonight and try cooking him an uplifting dinner. "Seared tuna and salmon are high in omega 3s, sautéed spinach is packed with folate, and baked sweet potatoes are a healthy, unprocessed carb," says Dr. Walsh. Don't compare yourself to your FB friends Have you ever felt secretly annoyed at your man after reading a friend's multiple status updates about how her husband surprised her with flowers for "no reason at all?" Constantly following all those positive news feeds has been proven to make you more jealous of your pals' lives and decrease your own satisfaction, finds German researchers. The next time you're tempted to pick a fight with your man because you don't think he's helping your social media posts live up to your friends', keep in mind that people tend to exaggerate the positive moments and downplay the negative times online. Them, give him a kiss. You'll feel happier with your own relationship than if you focused on Facebook versions of others' marriages, guaranteed. Ditch the assumptions Sometimes we think we know our partners so well that we can predict how they'll react, and play that assumption out in our heads. Instead of assuming that he won't go to that fundraiser with you, and starting your ask with, "I know you'd never want to do this but," try simply asking him, "Would you like to go with me to the spaghetti dinner?" Looking at your spouse with curiosity about how he'll respond to a situation or how he sees the world helps you keep the relationship fresh and avoid fights. "It prevents you from making assumptions about what your partner is thinking and feeling," says Walters."Assumptions can be damaging because then we take actions based on those beliefs rather than leaving the door open for him to fully express his own opinion." Let him take care of you It may sound old-fashioned, but sometimes it's a good idea to let him be a man and just do stuff for you. Your impulse may be to give back when he gives you something, but "one of the biggest mistakes women make is trying to reciprocate rather than just appreciating the gesture," says Walters. "It's appreciating and acknowledging what he does rather than reciprocating that makes him want to do more. "For example, if he goes out of his way to take your dress to the dry cleaner's before a big event, you don't have to make him pasta from scratch for doing it. Rather, pull him aside, look into his eyes, and tell him how grateful you are for his help in getting ready. Acknowledging his action will go a long way towards making him feel appreciated and happier in your marriage. Mind your marriage manners Every couple has a daily communication routine, such as how you greet each other or ask for things. "Research finds that 25 percent of couples don't say good night to their spouse, and of those couples, 75 percent have thought about ending their marriage, says Laurie Puhn, a couples mediator and author of "Fight Less, Love More". "These are marital manners that we instinctually know to do when we're dating, but often stop doing once we're married because we assume the love will always be there." To give your relationship more value, take the things that are common and ordinary, notice them, and say thank you for them at least once a day. Those small moments are what make for happy relationships. Be his biggest cheerleader "When you get married, you're taking on the role of being your mate's head cheerleader," says Puhn. This means giving your hubby character compliments. "It's important to show appreciation for all the times he meets your expectations." Even if he simply unloaded the dishwasher and it was his turn anyway try thanking him for being so dependable. It'll have a bigger impact than thanking him merely for doing his job. Don't act like he's a second-class citizen "You don't say 'I do' and then 'I'm done,'" says Puhn."What we come to expect, we come to neglect. So if you're not actively recognizing our mate when he walks through the door by greeting him and instead keep talking on the phone or plugged into the computer, you're sending the message that his presence means nothing to you." That's why it's so important to keep actively trying to make your marriage a great place to be. Taking trips down memory lane "Happy couples tend to rewrite history by glossing over the bad stuff and focusing on the happy times," says Wilk. By reliving memories out loud to your partner, it actually changes your mindset, and how you view him and think about your relationship. Try this exercise today for a relationship boost: Go over the highlights of when you were first dating, or rehearse the best moments of your relationship such as the day you had an impromptu picnic in the park during your lunch hour, or that surprise anniversary trip he took you on to Disney World to uncover buried memories. Give him the short version "Many men may act like they're not listening and yes, sometimes they really are not but if you make a simple request or share a feeling, just let it sit rather than going into too much detail," says New York City-based relationship coach Lois Barth. "Chances are, your husband will process what you're saying better if you don't bombard him with information. Believe it or not, a man's cave time isn't just about loafing in front of the TV, but processing your message so it can really sink in." Just believe Have faith that your partner is making an effort for your relationship, whether it be by trying to be more patient or a better listener, and you'll feel more satisfied with your marriage even if you think he has a lot of room for improvement.The more you believe your partner is capable of improving, the more he'll live up to your expectations and the happier you'll feel in your marriage, according to a new study published in "Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin". So rather than blaming him for not trying hard enough, give him props for his efforts to make your marriage happier today. Be true to yourself Knowing who you are and being realistic with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses also makes you more likely to be honest in your relationship, which in turn boosts intimacy and satisfaction. In fact, people who are truest to themselves also act less destructive in their relationships, which leads them to rate those partnerships as more positive, finds a study in "Personality and Individual Differences". This isn't to say that you should simply accept all your faults without trying to be better, but knowing your own limitations and speaking your mind about the things you value will only draw you closer to your husband. Do the little things "When it comes to relationship satisfaction, you can't just ride on the big things like, 'I don't drink, I pay the bills, I don't beat you, we went to Hawaii last year,'" says Wilk."This stuff is not really what keeps couples happy in their daily lives." What truly matters is all the small stuff that adds up, such as being there for each other when one of you needs to vent, noticing when he needs a hug, or making him his favorite meal just because. "It's also giving up on the idea that you have to feel in love all the time. Marriage is about trust and commitment and knowing each other," says Wilk. "That's what love is." | 4 | 721 | lifestyle |
You learn to spot them when you run a couples retreat called The Marriage Checkup. But program director James V. Cordova, Ph.D., promises that if you catch the bad marriage signs early, patients can make a full recovery. You know you've got relationship work to do if you notice... The money fights are fierce "Most people think these arguments are just about spending and saving, but they're really about our emotional relationships with money," Cordova says. "I once worked with a couple who were both passionate collectors of tropical fish. He would buy them and sneak them into the tank even though she thought they didn't need any more. They were completely polarized--the more he spent, the more anxious and thrifty she became. They would get into huge fights about it. I worked with them on accepting their differing attitudes about money. They realized that even though it's a struggle, it doesn't have to damage their bond. My advice: Find a middle ground that leaves you both content with the solution. You're always snapping at each other "A lot of people think that being irritated here and there is normal in marriage. In reality, constant bickering is a warning sign that you're inadvertently stepping on each other's toes, brushing over big issues that matter to you, or losing faith in each other. This can go on for years before a couple notices that they're truly unhappy." Or the opposite: you avoid conflict "The most authentic couples acknowledge their issues. But often, people don't want to start a fight, so they skirt around something that bothers them. You might think it's silly to tell your husband that it drives you crazy when he leaves dirty dishes in the sink, but since that's a behavior he can change, you're doing the relationship no favors by ignoring it. You need to choose your battles, but minimizing conflict also minimizes intimacy, and you're more likely to become bitter if you allow that to happen." Arguments don't end, they just fizzle out "Many couples just walk away after a spat, hoping the negative feelings will settle," says Cordova. "It's important to deliberately re-approach your partner to make sure there's no lasting damage. All you have to do is acknowledge, 'Okay, we disagree about this, but we're fine. I still love you.'" | 4 | 722 | lifestyle |
We're more than halfway through 2014, which means we're getting closer to the much-anticipated Acura NSX's official debut. While we haven't heard anything new about the sexy coupe for a while, spy photographers just caught a prototype out for a spin at the Nürburgring, and we're happy to report that not much has changed about the NSX's styling. The shapely NSX looks close to production-ready as it still flaunts the general proportions and stance as the concept version with a wide track and cabin pushed close to the front axle. Even with the camouflage, you can see the edgy design language remains, including the thin headlamps, aggressive side skirts, and a character line that folds into the protruding rear end. Unlike the last concept Acura showed off, this prototype doesn't sport the fancy LED "Jewel Eye" headlights. The thin rear LED strip remains, however, spanning the entire width of the rear fascia and connecting the two taillights. When the production model arrives in the middle of 2015, it will be powered by a mid-engine V-6 mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and three electric motors: one for the rear wheels and one each for the front wheels for torque-vectoring under acceleration. If this test mule is indeed close to production-ready, we like what we see. Check out all the spy shots in the gallery below. Photo source: CarPix | 9 | 723 | autos |
On paper, the standard 2015 Ford F-150 is impressive enough, and we're eager to finally get behind the wheel of the aluminum-bodied pickup. But we're perhaps more eager to learn what Ford will do with the next SVT Raptor variant. Today, we get a look at what Ford has planned in these spy shots. The prototype wears the current model's bodywork, with ill-fitting panels slapped on the front end and truck bed. We can tell it's a next-gen truck by the more rounded corners of the cab, however. The grille and hood are covered up, indicating those parts are likely genuine next-gen pieces. If you look closely at the wheel wells, you won't see any blue anodized accents of the current vehicle's Fox Racing-sourced shocks . That could be a clue that Ford has switched suppliers. What's most interesting, though, is what our spy shooter heard when the prototype attempted to flee from his lens. Instead of a rumbly V-8 sound, he reported a note more akin to the EcoBoost V-6. A 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine was said to be tested in the current Raptor back when it first debuted , but a production model never came of it despite enthusiast demand. Could Ford finally offer EcoBoost power in the next-gen Raptor? We hope to find out soon. Photo Source: Chris Doane Automotive LLC | 9 | 724 | autos |
Feeling disconnected and neglected is the stuff that tears couples apart. Luckily, by doing these concrete things right now -- and in turn prevent harm to your marriage. Set boundaries for cheating There are three different types of cheating: physical, emotional, and digital. With digital, it's especially unclear what counts as cheating. Is it okay to friend an ex on Facebook? Or to stream porn videos? Have a five-minute conversation about what each of you views as infidelity. "It's likely that one of you will cheat without knowing it if you don't have this talk," says Laurie Puhn, a couples mediator and author of Fight Less, Love More: 5-Minute Conversations to Change Your Relationship without Blowing Up or Giving In. You may think talking to a guy friend about your relationship is perfectly innocent while your husband sees it as betrayal, so it's important to set clear boundaries before anything happens. Recognize that your relationship is fragile "If you're not actively recognizing your mate when he walks through the door by greeting him and instead keep talking on the phone or typing away, you're sending the message that his presence means nothing to you," says Puhn. It falls on you to make your marriage a great place to be by choosing the right words and actions every day, or else, you can quickly go from "I do" to "I'm done." The goal is to display certain values respect, appreciation, intimacy, compassion and cooperation on a daily basis to keep love alive. Make each other your #1 priority This doesn't mean that you have to spend all of your time together, but rather that you make each other feel that you are the most important thing to each other (as opposed to work, the kids, or the going to the gym). If you don't, talk about it as soon as you start feeling that way to keep the distance from growing too wide. Open the door for reciprocity by saying something like, "Lately, I don't feel like your number-one priority. I'm wondering if you feel the same way." "Come up with three things that he can do to make you feel like his main priority," suggests Puhn. Try, "We used to email once a day, and we don't anymore. Can we do that again?" Or, "We're always running in different directions. Could we please spend Sunday nights together?" Be your partner's greatest champion "When you get married, you're taking on the role of your mate's head cheerleader," says Puhn. "If you don't fill that role, you're leaving the job open to someone else." This means giving your partner character compliments. Rather than saying, "Your tie looks great," speak to who he is with, "You're a wonderful father for always helping our daughter with her homework." It's also important to show appreciation for all the little things he does to make you happy, says Puhn. If you think in your head, 'Why should I thank him for unloading the dishwasher when it's something I expect him to do anyway?' Remember, everyone loves to feel like their actions are valued not expected. Speak up "Research shows that women who report keeping their mouths shut in arguments with their spouses have a four times greater risk of heart disease as compared to women who speak up," says Puhn. "Say what you mean and be direct. Don't expect your husband to mind read, because you re only setting yourself up for fighting and disappointment." For example, your husband may not think it's a big deal to tell his buddy about your marital problems, while you feel like that's an invasion of privacy. Rather than stewing silently, tell him that you understand that you have different expectations about what information is personal, and share a list of topics you'd rather he keep between the two of you. Reinvent your relationship Recognize that every time you hit a life milestone such as having a baby, losing a job, or moving it's time for a renegotiation of responsibilities. "If you don't have a conversation, your expectations and needs change, and your mate won't have any idea why you're so frustrated when he's doing the same thing he's always done," says Puhn. Say, our lifestyles have changed in a big way, so here is what I need now. Your mate may not be able to satisfy every need, but you'll be able to come up with a plan together." Let's say your mother is sick. You could tell him you need him to make dinner for the kids even though that's always been your job, or ask him call and check in on the days you take your mom to the doctor. "You may think it's obvious that he should call you, but it might not be to him and that doesn't necessarily make him a bad person," says Puhn. Create a happy communication routine Every couple has a daily communication routine, such as how you greet each other or ask for things. "Research finds that 25 percent of couples don't say good night to their spouse, and of those couples, 75 percent have thought about ending their marriage," says Puhn. "These are manners that we instinctively know to practice when we're dating, but often stop doing once we're married. Rudeness takes hold of our relationship because we falsely assume that love will endure." Something as simple as giving him a daily kiss when you wake up next to him can have a big impact your marriage. Those little daily moments are what make for happy relationships. | 4 | 725 | lifestyle |
1 year Oftentimes, just by being you, you"re sweeping your guy off his feet -- whether you"re newlyweds or a well-settled duo. Now, grab a tissue because these real guy quotes will warm your heart. "I keep falling in love with my wife's excitement at the world at large. She gets excited for every new experience together, every new trip together, and every new activity. And this pure joy and excitement makes me love her even more as I can't believe the enthusiasm she has for spending our lives together." Kevin B., 36 1 year "The first year of marriage is hard because you're just learning how to live with each other and juggle day-to-day stuff like bills and chores with romance. The way to my heart is when she makes me feel desired and appreciated, like when she makes my favorite meal because I had a hard day at work. Also, when she dresses up for me instead of wearing her sweatpants all weekend, that really helps, too." Bryan D., 32 1 year "Kristin is more of an action person than a words person, and she gets to my heart by showing me on a daily basis that I have someone by my side who always considers my feelings. It could be something as simple as coming home from shopping for our baby boy with a new long-sleeve shirt for me because she noticed that I didn't have anything warm to wear. And it's the big stuff, too: I had a fairly major surgery this year and when I was coming to, all I wanted was to see her. I asked for her so many times that the nurse allowed her in the recovery room. Why? I knew when I saw her I was going to be okay because she is where my comfort and safety lie." Jay F., 37 5 years "There are a number of things Savannah does and says (often) to make me keep falling for her. Now that we have twin babies, just watching her care for them from breastfeeding, to making homemade baby food, to laughing with them makes me swoon. And she knows me, so whether it's helping me remember things (my glasses for the movies), ordering my favorite delivery dish without asking, or calling me out on my B.S., I know she's got my back. It's getting better every day." Sam E, 39 5 years "I find that it's the small things that melt my heart. An unrequested embrace when you don't expect it, an 'I love you' out of the blue, even just a holding of your hand. These are the type of things that remind me of why I love this woman so much." Daniel G., 49 10 years "My wife, Jen, and I have known each other for more than a decade, and she still gets to my heart. Like in the midst of an argument or disagreement (whether I am wrong or right), I can recognize I am being ridiculous or she recognizes the same in herself. We laugh or just share a look that confirms the suspicion or obvious fact. But the argument continues. In the end, there is always an apology, a ceasefire, and we follow it up with together time on the couch after the kids are asleep. All is right again, and there is no other place I want to be. Also, in a group setting, we can have a conversation just through glances. Occasionally, we screw it up like the telephone game, but most times it's apparent." Gavin P., 34 10 years "It touches my heart how she puts everybody first. She takes care of everybody. I also like her smile at the end of a hard day." Michael S., 34 10 years "One way my wife, Barrie, sweeps me off my feet is by just how much she makes me laugh. She does over-the-top imitations of me (e.g. extreme overreactions when my political candidate loses, or feigning sharing my insane excitement when I get a photo pass to shoot a Slash concert). The caricatures are both funny, but they also give me a perspective of how I can come across healthy feedback we all could use more of! And what's wonderful is that as time goes on, we are constantly adding shared experiences and inside jokes so more and bigger laughing attacks keep coming." Ilya M., 43 | 4 | 726 | lifestyle |
Want to know what makes a marriage great? So did we! We asked hundreds of happy wives. (Hint: It doesn't always have to be work when you're in it with someone you love.) The Little Things Will Always Matter Charlie makes the coffee and sets the timer every night. I put out his cup with a spoon and the sweetener every morning. The few times when it s not there, he knows I'm mad. Dayna Steele, 54, Seabrook, TX, married 22 years Making Fun of Your Husband is a Bad Sign The golden rule in my marriage is to respect one another, and not just face to face, but also when the other isn t around. If you talk about your husband in a degrading way to your friends, complain about him in a group, or call him out in public for something that can be handled privately, it s indicative that you need to handle something bigger in private. Sure, having a good friend to vent to is helpful, but that s not the same as trash-talking your partner to anyone who will listen. Brooke Carsner, 33, Portland, OR, married two years Talk Money Early and Often So many marriages end because of financial disagreements or dishonesty. Keeping everything out in the open and sharing your financial hopes and goals will help you communicate about everything more effectively. Money actually, the lack thereof puts major stress on a marriage, and without a clear plan, it s easy for animosity and resentment to build up. Together, my husband and I paid off more than $127K in four years. I m not sure where our marriage would be right now if we were still entrenched in so much debt. Cherie Lowe, 35, Greenwood, IN, married 14 years Welcome Each Other Home With a Kiss "We do it every night. Then we sit on the couch with no distractions no TV, dinner, kids, or dogs. Sometimes we'll have a glass of wine as we talk about our days, our challenges, our ideas, everything that's going on that might be joyous, exciting, distracting, or causing stress. It might take a few minutes; it might take a few hours. That way, if there's anything going on that might disrupt our relationship, we get it out in the open, address it, and move on to the rest of our evening." Sandhi Schimmel Gold, 58, South Chesterfield, VA, married 10 years Love Can Heal Many Wounds "I once got really upset with my husband, which resulted in me crying so hard that he didn't know what to say or do. He got very quiet and tried to comfort me, but my response was something like, 'Well, that's all fine now, but what happens when this wound re-opens and I get angry like this again?' That's when he made his best statement of all time: 'Then we will just have to pour some love into it. The wound may not go away, but we will keep pouring love into it until it gets smaller and smaller.' Ever since that day, that's what we've done." Maggie Reyes, 40, Miami Springs, FL, married six years Lists Aren't Just for To-Dos "When we get married, many of us expect that since we love each other, our relationships will need little to no work. However, there are almost certainly times when we don't like each other. During our rough patch, my husband and I made lists of the things we loved about each other, like 'I love the way you parent our children,' or 'I love the way you look when you are sleeping.' They served as reminders of the good stuff we chose to focus on the positive. I think it saved our marriage." Kim Boerman, 46, Charleston, SC, married 22 years It's Time for Your Annual Review "Every January, my husband and I have a meeting about what we want to do that year and how will it affect our family. It's helped us narrow down some major life decisions, like moving to a new state. It also allows us to dream a little. The excitement over checking things off of our life bucket lists, like having a kid, going back to school, and buying our first house, has made us so much closer." Nikki Wallace Wilson, 31, Dallas, married eight years Don't Sweat (or Smell) the Small Stuff "If you find his socks on the floor, fight the instinct to smell them to determine if they are clean. This could be fatal. Instead, be thankful for your husband and throw the socks in the hamper. Use the moment to remember that we all have imperfections. He's overlooking some of yours too." Liz Rampy, 38, Easley, SC, married 15 years Be Friends First and Spouses Second "I have suffered from mental illness, including two years of severe depression. During that time, I shut down and shut people out, including those closest to me. I was not able to be the wife or mom I wanted to be, or that I thought my husband deserved. If we didn't have the foundation of friendship that we do, we wouldn't have made it through." Danielle Hark, 33, Millburn, NJ, married seven years Don't Be Afraid of a Little PDA "Show how much you love your husband by kissing his hand, rubbing his shoulders, or putting your hands on one another's knee. You don't have to force it or be overly affectionate, but showing love outside of the house reinforces a natural part of marriage. Plus, it has the potential to be a super-sexy, amazingly playful preview of what will happen at home!" Stephanie Freeman, 44, Raleigh, NC, married 19 years Being Right is Overrated "Early on in my marriage, I refused to admit I was wrong. My husband and I argued over the silliest little things, like the best way to get to the store or the right way to load the dishwasher. But I realized that by always insisting that I was right, I was causing avoidable and pointless fights. Now I ask myself, Is this really worth it? And most times, it's not. Picking my battles has made my husband listen more, because he knows I don't disagree over everything. So let your husband do things his way sometimes. You're better off supporting his decision and, if it's wrong, learning from it." Cari Andreani, 40, Jacksonville, FL, married 17 years | 4 | 727 | lifestyle |
As the weather cools, cozy up to a special AD DesignFile gallery of elegant fireplaces. Traditional living room by Anne Holden A painting by Blake Boyd hangs in the living room of a residence in the southeastern U.S.; the beams are white oak that was stained and pickled.ARCHITECT: Ken Tate DESIGNER: Ann Holden PHOTOGRAPHER: Jeff Herr ARTICLE: Second Edition, July 2010 LOCATION: Southeastern U.S. Contemporary kitchen by Stephen Shadley In Jennifer Aniston's Beverly Hills residence, the kitchen includes a pizza oven and wine room. A travertine bar separates it from the sitting area; the barstools are by Piet Hein.DESIGNER: Stephen Shadley PHOTOGRAPHER: Scott Frances HOMEOWNER: Jennifer Aniston ARTICLE: Jennifer Aniston At Home, March 2010 LOCATION: Beverly Hills, California Rustic living room by Stephen Sills Assoc. In an Aspen, Colorado, living room, club chairs inspired by Paul Dupre-Lafon are covered in a blue Cowtan & Tout fabric, and a sculpture by John Chamberlain hangs above the timber mantel added by designer Stephen Sills. The windows are by Loewen.ARCHITECT: Menendez Architects DESIGNER: Stephen Sills Associates PHOTOGRAPHER: Nikolas Koenig ARTICLE: Aspen Glow, January 2013 LOCATION: Aspen, Colorado Modern living room by Patrick & Laurence Seguin In a Paris apartment, over the living room's stone mantel is a silk-screen portrait by Andy Warhol. The stools are by Charlotte Perriand.PHOTOGRAPHER: Simon Watson HOMEOWNER: Patrick and Laurence Seguin ARTICLE: Playing Favorites, May 2013 LOCATION: Paris, France Sheryl Crow's rustic living room In the living room of Sheryl Crow's 1926 Spanish Colonial home in the Hollywood Hills, both the 19th-century American "boneshaker" bicycle and the vintage Italian pendant lamps are from Obsolete.PHOTOGRAPHER: Roger Davies HOMEOWNER: Sheryl Crow ARTICLE: Good Vibrations, March 2011 LOCATION: Hollywood Hills, California Contemporary living room by Charles Rose The living area of Joshua Bell's Manhattan penthouse includes a T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings cocktail table, a Harvey Probber bentwood bench, and sofas by Cassina.ARCHITECT: Charles Rose PHOTOGRAPHER: Scott Frances HOMEOWNER: Joshua Bell ARTICLE: Joshua Bell, May 2010 LOCATION: New York City Rustic bedroom by Michael S. Smith Inc. In a master bedroom in Montana, Nancy Koltes bed linens make an inviting statement on a custom-made walnut four-poster by Michael S. Smith. The ceiling lantern, armchairs, ottoman, and curtain fabric are all by Jasper, as is the dahlia print used for the chairs' pillows.ARCHITECT: Locati Architects DESIGNER: Michael S. Smith Inc. PHOTOGRAPHER: Roger Davies ARTICLE: Higher Ground, December 2012 LOCATION: Big Sky, Montana Modern living room by Brad Dunning Design In a Beverly Hills living room by Brad Dunning Design, a Vladimir Kagan Serpentine sofa from Ralph Pucci faces Zanotta side tables and Minotti armchairs; the carpet is by the Rug Company.DESIGNER: Brad Dunning Design PHOTOGRAPHER: Roger Davies HOMEOWNER: Eric Kranzler ARTICLE: Cocktail Modern, May 2011 LOCATION: Beverly Hills, California Contemporary living room by Charles Rose During solo and chamber performances with friends, violinist Joshua Bell's guests take a seat in his Manhattan living area and the piano is moved into the library/study, which conveniently becomes a staging area.ARCHITECT: Charles Rose PHOTOGRAPHER: Scott Frances HOMEOWNER: Joshua Bell ARTICLE: Joshua Bell, May 2010 LOCATION: New York City Modern living room by Jennifer Post Interior designer Jennifer Post maximized drama in a couple's Manhattan penthouse by using strong contrasts, rich materials, and lots of natural light. The limestone fireplace and ebonized-white-oak cabinetry establish the palette that prevails in the living/dining room, as throughout.DESIGNER: Jennifer Post PHOTOGRAPHER: Michael Moran ARTICLE: Modern Contrast, May 2007 LOCATION: New York City Traditional media/game room by John Milner Architects The restored reception hall of Nemours, the 1910 Carrère & Hastings designed Beaux Arts estate built in Wilmington, Delaware, for Alfred I. duPont; his portrait hangs above the mantel.ARCHITECT: John Milner Architects DESIGNER: John Milner Architects PHOTOGRAPHER: Bruce Buck HOMEOWNER: Alfred I. duPont ARTICLE: The Return Of Nemours, March 2010 LOCATION: Wilmington, Delaware Exotic kitchen by S.G Designs Ltd. A Moroccan home features a conical terra-cotta-tile stove.DESIGNER: SG Designs Ltd. PHOTOGRAPHER: Simon Watson HOMEOWNER: Dorothea McKenna Elkon and Salem Grassi ARTICLE: A Fine Romance, May 2012 LOCATION: Essaouira, Morocco Traditional office/library by McGeehan Design Inc. A Manhattan library features a hand-painted chinoiserie wall mural by Matt Austin and curtains of a Holly Hunt fabric; the portrait over the Edwardian leather armchair is by Charles Webster Hawthorne.ARCHITECT: Jaklitsch/Gardner Architects DESIGNER: McGeehan Design Inc. PHOTOGRAPHER: William Waldron HOMEOWNER: Robert Duffy ARTICLE: In His Element, October 2012 LOCATION: New York, New York | 4 | 728 | lifestyle |
Long hair, don't care? Think again… {none} 1. You have two morning-alarm settings: the wash-your-hair alarm and the dry-shampoo alarm. And they're about two hours apart. {none} 2. You're perfectly happy to get into the pool up to your waist. {none} 3. Birthday candles (and open flames in general) terrify you. If your hair doesn't catch on fire this year, consider your wish granted. {none} 4. Even the ends of your hair have been around longer than your current boyfriend. And you'd never waste any of those ends on a breakup cut. {none} 5. On windy days, your hair could be classified as a weapon. Not to mention your sticky lip gloss's worst enemy. {none} 6. You've gotten your hair stuck in doors, fans (we feel you, Bey), and Pilates reformer machines. Which leads us to our next point... {none} 7. There's always a band around your wrist. And it's not a Fitbit. {none} 8. You're willing to give up a spin class reservation (or a steamy hookup) on the day of a great salon blowout. Not tonight, honey, these glossy waves cost me $50. {none} 9. Drying your own hair makes your arms sore. Yep, definitely gonna feel that in my triceps tomorrow. {none} 10. You know the pain of a ponytail headache. And usually it's more like a migraine. | 4 | 729 | lifestyle |
A gallery featuring elegant conservatories, atriums, and sunrooms areas in the house that celebrate the immediate presence of nature. Nancy Cain Marcus Peter Marino renovated a 1929 Dallas-area residence for Nancy Cain Marcus. A vaulted breakfast pavilion, or conservatory, that resembles a domed tempietto was added at the west end of the house, with an adjacent terrace for entertaining. April 2006 The Cloister at Sea Island The Cloister at Sea Island, in Georgia, was rebuilt by architect Peter Capone, who strove to capture but not mimic the storied 1928 original, designed by Addison Mizner. Always guiding Capone and designer Pamela Hughes on this project were the many preferences and passions that visitors had clearly expressed over the years. "Bill [the hotel's chief executive officer] knows exactly how his guests like to live when they're at The Cloister," says Hughes. "He'd walk into the solarium [above] while we were working and say: 'OK, they'll want to sit here in the morning, in this spot, at this angle, while they have their coffee.' He just knew. And he was exactly right." September 2006 James and Lisa Cohen James and Lisa Cohen commissioned Montecito, California-based architectural designer James Nigro and Manhattan-based interior designer Alexa Hampton to help shape a Tudor-style house for them near the Hudson River. Nigro designed the residence so that "80 percent of the rooms…would have views of the garden out back, the golf course to the side, and the lake and the Ramapo Mountains in front." The entire southern wall is radiused, with the garden room (above) fanning out into a columned, groin-vaulted pleasance of a loggia. February 2007 Southern California For a Southern California couple, architect Richard Landry created discrete structures to emulate the look of a small Italian village. Regarding the breakfast room, Landry explains: "Unlike the terraces, where the outside is made to feel like an interior, this is an interior space but feels like an exterior." Its ceiling and outer walls are glass. A French beaded-crystal chandelier is over a table whose base was made from a Portuguese giltwood Corinthian capital. March 2007 Margaret McCurry Longtime clients of Margaret McCurry, of Tigerman McCurry Architects, asked her to design a weekend residence on their property in southwestern Michigan. In the enclosed porch, the walls and ceiling are done in the same corrugated metal that sheathes the house's exterior. With doors and windows on three sides, the room spills easily onto the lawn. June 2009 Carleton Varney Carleton Varney and his clients "worked together symphonically to create this environment," the designer says of an 11,800-square-foot Norman-style Long Island residence renovated and expanded by architect Norman Wax, of Wax Ferraro. Running along most of the house's rear elevation, the conservatory features such subtle Victorian-inspired details as mullioned transoms and Gothic Revival-style furniture. July 2007 | 4 | 730 | lifestyle |
To celebrate the arrival of summer, we present a portfolio of chic pool decks and terraces from the AD archive. Friederike Kemp Biggs's Manhattan penthouse Birch trees provide shade for the outdoor dining area of designer Friederike Kemp Biggs s Manhattan penthouse. Planters filled with ivy, boxwood, lobelia, and hydrangea also surround the bluestone-paved terrace, planned by landscape designer Halsted Welles. (January 2011)s Greg Jordan's V-shaped Hollywood Hills residence The pool and terrace serve as the focal point of designer Greg Jordan s V-shaped Hollywood Hills residence. The exterior space even informs the interiors a pair of sofas in the living room are aligned with the cypress trees. (September 2004) Ralph and Ricky Lauren's ivy-covered home in Bedford, New York The rear terrace of Ralph and Ricky Lauren's ivy-covered home in Bedford, New York, features relaxed seating for entertaining and offers views of the 250-acre property's sprawling lawn. (November 2004)Video: Creating an outdoor oasis Richard Shapiro's home in Malibu An outdoor fireplace warms this stone terrace at the Malibu home of designer and antiques dealer Richard Shapiro, who furnished the plein-air space with rattan and wicker chairs and striped fabrics. (April 2011) A Kengo Kuma designed residence in Japan The fourth-floor terrace of a Kengo Kuma designed residence in Japan is shaded by a fabric canopy. The geometric lines of the outdoor furniture echo the vertical louvers on the exterior wall that allow light into the home while ensuring privacy. (October 2010) Terry Hunziker's Pioneer Square apartment in Seattle, WA Overlooking the Seattle skyline and Elliot Bay, the 900-square-foot rooftop terrace of designer Terry Hunziker's Pioneer Square apartment is planted with vibrant Japanese maple trees and manicured shrubs. (September 2010) Ellen Denisevich-Grickis's Rhode Island retreat Flowering vines adorn the rustic log arbor surrounding the outdoor dining area of designer Ellen Denisevich-Grickis's Rhode Island retreat. Unmilled oak trees were used to create the structure, which spans almost the entire rear façade of the 18th-century barn. (June 2008) Ken Tate designed loggia Ken Tate created this classically inspired loggia during the renovation of a home he had originally designed. French doors in the living and dining rooms open onto the gracious space and echo the arches of the colonnade. (July 2010) Sting and Trudie Styler's farm in Tuscany At Sting and Trudie Styler's farm in Tuscany, landscape designer Arabella Lennox-Boyd conceived a mix of intimate and grand outdoor spaces. An oak tree shades a gravel dining area, where lunch is often served. (January 2011)See more Stylish Outdoor Spaces | 4 | 731 | lifestyle |
. Sting Sting and his wife, Trudie Styler, revamped their early-18th-century London townhouse to accommodate more living and dining space on the lower level. Architect Lee F. Mindel of Shelton, Mindel & Associates worked with restoration architect Anthony Close-Smith on the extensive project. Mindel recalls, We asked ourselves, How can we make each room seem spacious and connected to the outdoors? A large skylight was installed to bring natural illumination to the dining area. (May 2010) Trey Parker See how stars entertain in style. South Park co-creator Trey Parker crafted a hilltop haven for his family in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. With designer Michael Rath s help, Parker was able to meld a Japanese aesthetic with the alpine vernacular of the house, whose dining area offers expansive views of the lush landscape. (May 2010) Nina Garcia On Manhattan's Upper East Side, Carlos Aparicio renovated and decorated the Manhattan apartment that fashion editor Nina Garcia's shares with her family. A '20s Swedish light fixture from B4 complements a Jean-Michel Frank table and chairs, which are upholstered in a Lee Jofa silk and a Stark striped fabric; the painting is by James Nares, and the Jean Després candelabra are from Karl Kemp Antiques. (October 2012) Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne For their home in Hidden Hills, California, Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne worked with close friend Martyn Lawrence Bullard to create an eclectic design that was a dramatic departure from their last house, the gothic abode where they filmed their reality-TV series. A 19th-century French chandelier surmounts a table and chairs designed by Lawrence Bullard; the Directoire-style fireplace is from Exquisite Surfaces. (June 2011) Woody Allen A chandelier from 145 Antiques accents the dining room of Woody Allen's townhouse on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Designer Stephen Shadley infused the home with an elegant mix of American and English country-house style. (November 2008) Gerard Butler Actor Gerard Butler created an old-world home in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood with the help of architect Alexander Gorlin and film designer Elvis Restaino."I wanted something elegant and gorgeous and at the same time rather masculine and raw," Butler says. A heavy custom-made table is the heart of the 3,300-square-foot loft's dining area. (May 2010) Giorgio Armani With the help of his design team, Giorgio Armani transformed a 17th-century barn near Saint Moritz, Switzerland, into a luxe retreat. The winter garden's dining area contains pieces by Armani/Casa, including a table accented with a bronzed-brass base and director's chairs covered in Bulgarian leather; the room is clad in mahogany, which lends to the masculine feel of the home. (March 2012) Diane Keaton An Ed Mell painting titled Storm Mesas hangs in the dining room of Diane Keaton's Beverly Hills residence. Keaton worked with friend and designer Stephen Shadley to make the early-1920s structure by architect Ralph Flewelling her own. (November 2008) Claire Danes Eames chairs accompany a table in the dining area of actress Claire Danes's Manhattan loft, which was designed by Joan Krevlin of BKSK Architects. Drop ceilings, wood beams, and log columns help to define the expansive space. (April 2000) Diane von Furstenberg Diane von Furstenberg's Manhattan penthouse incorporates her bold personal style and love of pattern. Vintage chairs attend to a treelike table, and a portrait by Andy Warhol is displayed beyond. Located above her company's corporate headquarters, the apartment was designed by the architecture firm WORKac. (March 2012) Ricky Carmichael Motocross driver Ricky Carmichael and his wife, Ursula, who decorated their Tallahassee, Florida, home, fashioned a peaceful escape from the racing world. A wall covering by Osborne & Little lines the dining room of the lakeside house, which was designed by architect Bradley C. Touchstone; a pair of oversize chandeliers hang above the table. (November 2010) Sheryl Crow Sheryl Crow furnished her 1926 Spanish Colonial hacienda in the Hollywood Hills with many items she collected while on tour. The antique dining table was once used in a linen factory, and the light fixture is from the '30s. (March 2011) Demi Moore A table from the 1930s sits in the light-filled dining room of a Beverly Hills home that was owned by Demi Moore. It was renovated with architecture firm Marmol Radziner and tapped designer Brad Dunning for the interiors. It s interesting how things start to call to you, says Moore. Pieces from the 30s to the 70s were an automatic fit. (March 2007) Ali Wentworth and George Stephanopoulos When actress and comedian Ali Wentworth and her husband, television journalist George Stephanopoulos, relocated from Washington, D.C., to New York City, they enlisted their friend Michael S. Smith to decorate their new apartment. The dining room's Regency table, ladder-back chairs, and George III sideboard are all made of mahogany; the chairs are upholstered in a Jasper leather. (March 2012) | 4 | 732 | lifestyle |
Find the perfect perch to enjoy a summer cocktail while taking in incredible views at these extraordinary spots around the world. Hotel Grande Bretagne Roof Garden, Athens, Greece The restaurant and bar that tops the Hotel Grande Bretagne boasts nothing less than the Acropolis as its backdrop. Still not impressed? Turn your gaze to Kalimarmaro Stadium, the site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Michelin-star chef Asterios Koustoudis serves an inspired Mediterranean menu in a covered open-air dining room and terrace. Luna Rooftop Tapas Bar, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico There's no better place to unwind after a day of exploring this magical colonial Mexican city than the tapas bar crowning the luxurious Rosewood San Miguel de Allende hotel. The view of the town's historic district and the magnificent neo-Gothic church, La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, designed by self-taught architect Zeferino Gutiérrez, is unrivaled. Le Bain, New York City The penthouse discotheque and rooftop bar at the first New York outpost of André Balazs's Standard hotel is quite possibly the hippest place to take in panoramas of the Hudson River and downtown Manhattan. Set atop the 18-story concrete-and-glass tower designed by New York's Ennead Architects that straddles the High Line park, the turf-covered roof boasts a plunge pool and a crêperie. Sirocco and Sky Bar, Bangkok From your perch on the 63rd floor of the Lebua hotel, dine on chef Clément Pellerin's Mediterranean fare at the Sirocco restaurant or enjoy a cocktail at the adjoining Sky Bar. The elegant spaces, fashioned by architecture firm DWP, are finished with sandstone, timber veneers, gold-leaf touches, and Thai silks. Ristorante Bramante, Rome Just steps away from the Piazza Navona, chef Jean-Luc Fruneau reimagines traditional Mediterranean cuisine at the multilevel rooftop garden at the Raphaël Hotel's restaurant, which faces the Bramante cloister in the church of Santa Maria della Pace. The terrace also overlooks many of the Eternal City's architectural wonders, from the Pantheon and St. Peter's Basilica to Castel Sant'Angelo and Giuseppe Sacconi's 1885 war memorial. The Roof, Madrid British interior architect Keith Hobbs seamlessly blends the classic with the contemporary on the rooftop terrace at the ME Madrid Reina Victoria hotel. The bar itself is built into a stone wall, and sofas add to the relaxed atmosphere. Located in the Plaza de Santa Ana, the hotel looks onto the heart of the city. The Ides, Brooklyn A factory turned hotel on the waterfront of Brooklyn's Williamsburg neighborhood proves the ideal setting for taking in the Manhattan skyline across the East River. Located on the sixth-floor roof terrace at the buzzy Wythe Hotel, the bar offers seasonal cocktails with an emphasis on locally made spirits. Mikla, Istanbul Architect Mahmut Anlar of the Istanbul firm Geomim employed furnishings from the 1950s and '70s to infuse this restaurant with a cool retro vibe. Its prime position atop the Marmara Pera hotel in the Turkish city's historic Pera district affords wide-ranging perspectives of the Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace below. Le Panoramique, Chamonix, France Mont Blanc provides a dramatic backdrop for this seasonal it's open from June 15 through September 15 casual eatery adjacent to the Le Brévent cable-car station, a short distance from Chamonix in the Rhône-Alpes region. Mulled wine, local cheeses, and a plate of pasta add up to the perfect lunch after a morning of hiking. Aer, Mumbai, India Unobstructed prospects of the bustling Indian metropolis are yours at this high-energy restaurant and lounge occupying the entire roof of the Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai. Snack on international tapas think goat-cheese-and-pistachio truffles and whiskey-smoked salmon while a DJ spins jazz, funk, and house music. Located on the hotel's 34th floor, the bar is the city's highest. See More Rooftop Restaurants and Bars | 4 | 733 | lifestyle |
Discover eight beautiful landscapes that continue to influence modern garden design. VILLA D'ESTE, TIVOLI, ITALY In 1550, after a failed bid for the papacy, Cardinal Ippolito II d'Este was given the governorship of Tivoli. He set about building a villa and gardens for himself that would equal any in Rome. The steep, terraced landscape is filled with grottoes, sculpture, and statuary, but the dominant feature is water, which d'Este's architects channelled into burbling canals, ponds, and a multitude of fountains. THE ALHAMBRA AND THE GENERALIFE, GRANADA, SPAIN In 1238, when Spain was under Muslim rule, Muhammad ibn al Ahmar of the Nasrid dynasty established a royal residence at Alhambra, a complex that grew to comprise 35 acres of palaces, terraces, and gardens high in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Its many courtyards, featuring symmetrical planting, architectural elements, and ubiquitous fountains, pools, and rills, serve as an excellent example of Moorish landscape design, which used shade and water to simulate paradise. The site suffered periods of neglect and misguided restoration efforts over the centuries but is now one of Spain's cherished historic landmarks. CHATEAU VAUX-LE-VICOMTE, MAINCY, FRANCE In the 1650s, the country's finance minister, Nicolas Fouquet, hired architect Louis Le Vau, painter Charles Le Brun, and landscape architect Andre Le Notre to create a grand private residence just outside of Paris. Fouquet's estate was a masterpiece of aesthetic collaboration, with each aspect of the garden enhancing and being complemented by the design of the building. Le Notre built dramatic patterned parterres and employed a visual technique called anamorphosis abscondita ("hidden distortion") to make the grounds seem larger than they actually are when viewed from the chateau's balcony. THE ROCK GARDEN AT RYOANJI, KYOTO, JAPAN Although there is debate about when it was created (estimates include the 15th and 16th centuries), Ryoanji is considered one of Japan's most important Zen dry gardens and has been widely referenced and imitated around the world. Located in a small Buddhist temple complex, the garden is deceptively simple. It consists of 15 rocks, raked gravel, and a smattering of moss set in a 98-by-32-foot rectangular courtyard. HUMBLE ADMINISTRATOR'S GARDEN, SUZHOU, CHINA Suzhuo was an administrative and trade capital for hundreds of years and starting in the 10th century became famous for its gardens. Nine of them, dating from the 11th to the 19th centuries, are UNESCO World Heritage sites, of which the Humble Administrator's garden is the largest and most famous. The garden, built around a man-made lake, has been occupied since the 2nd century, but it was expanded in the early 16th century by Wang Xianchen, a Ming Dynasty imperial inspector. PALEIS HET LOO, APELDOORN, THE NETHERLANDS This palace, built by William III in the late 1600s, is often called a mini Versailles because of its axial layout, formal parterres with numerous fountains, and symmetrical gravel paths. But Het Loo was a meant to be a hunting lodge, and its comparatively modest scale demonstrates how the Baroque garden design style of its famous French predecessor was reimagined and reinterpreted by later generations. Het Loo was full of personal touches: William's wife, Mary II, was a plant enthusiast and the garden featured flora brought from around the world that the gardeners would incorporate into the formal design. ROUSHAM PARK, OXFORDSHIRE, ENGLAND At the beginning of the 18th century, the English began to reject the manicured Baroque style in favor of a more open, naturalistic design. In 1738, William Kent, one of the founding practitioners of this new approach, was hired to remodel the house and grounds at Rousham Park. The resulting parkland is one of the most beautiful, and fortunately best preserved, examples of an early English landscape garden. Instead of altering the land to create a flat, bordered private garden, Kent linked the grounds to the surrounding countryside through connected vistas and complementary plantings. TAJ MAHAL, AGRA, INDIA This famous mausoleum, commissioned in 1631 by Shah Jahan, the Fifth Moghal emperor, for his third wife Mumtaz Mahal, took 22 years to construct. Its elaborate exterior gardens were altered during a British renovation in the early 1900s (they added green lawns), but much of the original layout remains the same. As was the style with Moghul-era gardens, water is a central element, as is the division of the garden into four equal parts separated in this case by walkways. | 4 | 734 | lifestyle |
When the sex begins to dwindle (it will) and the obligations start to pile up (they do), rather than settle, sweetly shock your man. Give him a date, not an obligation Between driving the kids to school, meetings, and housework and that's before noon keeping things fresh often gets put on the back burner. Make it a priority by tricking him into a sweet surprise. Jessie Dillon of Dallas, TX, and her husband are always trying to get each other to run errands.Video: Your love map"It seems that if I'm not asking him to pick up the dry cleaning, I'm having him meet my family for lunch," she says. "Recently, I decided to surprise him by having him 'meet me to have his suit tailored.' He begrudgingly agreed, and when he showed up, I handed him two tickets to a baseball game so that we could enjoy his idea of a great afternoon." Celebrate him for no reason Men like to feel like king of the castle, but often consider themselves neglected between the carpooling, cleaning and cooking. "Anytime a man feels like he's needed and respected, it makes him feel good," says Julie Orlov, psychotherapist, relationship builder and author of "The Pathway to Love."Bing: How to express gratitudeGather a few friends and family and cook his favorite dinner; it shows him how important he is to you, that you love him, and that you appreciate what good care he takes care of you and the family. The meal doesn't need to be a 10-course extravaganza, but since he often ends up eating what's on your current diet plan or the kids' mac n'' cheese, whipping up what he loves feels truly special. Make a 'thank you' list Over time, it's normal to begin to take for granted all the little things he does to keep the house going, like always mowing the lawn or taking out the trash. But doing this can make men feel like they're clocking in and out of a second job.Video: 5 ways to strengthen your relationshipMake a "thank you" list and write out everything you're grateful for or better yet, make a big display of giving him a kiss on the cheek for a job well done. Science proves that being generous, whether with kisses, appreciation, or compliments, makes couples feel "very happy" together, according to a recent study from University of Virginia's National Marriage Project. That generous "thank you" will make him feel like a hero for the day which is exactly what he craves. Get out of your sexual comfort zone For most women, the obstacle to breaking out of sexual humdrum is not being able to relax, so Carin Goldstein, marriage and family therapist and founder of Be the Smart Wife, suggests stepping outside of your comfort zone literally.Bing: Exploring loveAccording to a recent study by Trojan Brand Condoms, 32 percent of Americans have had sex outdoors, with one in three having hooked up on the beach or at a friend's place and one in four at their in-laws' house. If you're one of the 68 percent who hasn't, it's time to get out of your rut. Repair his beloved, well-worn objects Doesn't every man have an old like, really old chair from his college days or a favorite pair of ratty sneakers that he can't seem to throw away? Embrace his well-worn objects by breathing new life into them, rather than throwing them in the garbage.Video: How to pick the right gift for your relationship stage"My husband has a favorite pair of shoes that he wears all the time, and they're getting really worn-out," says Lindsay Powers Eichmann of Brooklyn, NY. "There's even a hole on the bottom of the sole of one. I'm going to swipe them and take them to my favorite cobbler and have them fixed up so he can wear them until they fall apart again." Plan a surprise getaway Sometimes, you just need a break so take one together, and make it a surprise."During my eighth year together, I finished grad school and was preparing for a new career, at which point my wife surprised me with the most amazing two-week trip across Italy," says Joseph Mellio of Springfield, IL. "I'm usually tough to fool and can see things coming a mile away but this completely caught me off-guard." Send him on a guys weekend Just like you value your girls nights, often complete with copious amounts of wine and "Real Housewives" trash-talking, men need their bonding time. Surprise your husband by volunteering to stay home with the kids while he heads off on a guys weekend. It's important for men to have their space to play, tell stupid jokes, and chill and this doesn't mean hitting up the strip clubs in Vegas, says Orlov.He'll probably return from a fishing, camping or game day with his buddies with a throbbing head and smelling like a distillery, but he'll be a happy hubby and you'll get the credit. Leave him sexy love notes or photos It sounds simple, but hear us out. With flooded inboxes and constant texts, receiving an actual hand-written, slightly naughty note is pretty special."He travels for work a lot, so I'll often send along a sexy love note explaining what I can't wait to do to him when he gets home. I'm not above sending a photo via Snapchat of me in my unmentionables," says Stephanie Costa of Austin, TX of the iPhone and Android app that allows you to control how long someone can view an image before it's automatically deleted. Indulge his hobby Whether he's obsessed with a football team, fishing, or paintball, indulging a guy's passion can make him feel like a million bucks. Although many women think these activities are their man's chance be away from them, participating sometimes, not always is great for your marriage. Olov suggests surprising your hubby by taking a ski lesson or going to the game with him once in awhile."Whatever you do, whether it's golf or hiking, do it with enthusiasm." Initiate in the bedroom Women do a lot in relationships, but aren't always the best at kicking things off in the bedroom."For women, what holds us back is feeling foolish and being uncomfortable in our own skin," says Orlov. "But we can actually gain confidence by initiating sex."She suggests ditching the subtlety men just don't care about candlelit dinners the same way we do and surprising him by getting into bed in sexy lingerie when he thinks you're settling in for a night of "Modern Family.""He won't care what's on TV at this point as long as you don't do it during the Super Bowl," she says. | 4 | 735 | lifestyle |
These guys are confused so we helped them sort things out. By Anna Davies Why does my wife feel the need to tell me every single detail about her friends lives? I love my wife, and I m interested in what she says unless it s about her coworker Jill s decision to get Botox. I haven t met Jill, and have no opinion on the matter. And I m sure Jill doesn t care what I think, either. Charles, 39, married five years Expert Rx: In general, guys want to know the point of a story before they hear it, says Jeremy Nicholson, Ph.D., a relationship psychologist. When you start talking about acquaintances they don t know, their minds scramble to figure out the so, what? factor. If you re looking for a gossip buddy, you re better off chatting with your BFFs. But if you re bringing up Jill s plastic surgery because you want to gauge what your guy thinks of Botox, then start the conversation with that so he knows where things are headed. We re not always a package. Sometimes, I don t know where my wife is for the afternoon. That s not weird we re individuals! But whenever I tell my buddies that, they look at me like I m nuts. Nick, 40, married 10 years Expert Rx: Alone time is a healthy and natural, but if you or your guy express that you're starting to feel like two ships passing in the night, maybe it is time to peek into the ever-mighty schedule and shore up some time for just you two. Even if date night's a given, there are other opportunities, like asking him to come grocery shopping, or waiting with you while you stand in line at the DMV. It's actually the kind of stuff you used to do when you were dating, and it can still be surprisingly fun the trick is asking your man (which sends the signal that he can get hero points) rather than expecting him to (which, as you guessed, does the total opposite). Date nights. Don t get me wrong I love them but the phrase sounds so forced. Brian, 31, married three years Expert Rx: Nothing, including the name, about date night should feel obligatory. If you and your guy are a bit eh about the term, retire it in favor of Sunday Funday, Martini Monday… you get the point, suggests Laurie Puhn, a couples mediator and author of Fight Less, Love More. And switch it up. Instead of the same dinner and a movie combo, head to a local ice hockey game or spend the evening on a scavenger hunt around town in search of the best slice of pizza. I hate when my wife puts photos of me on Facebook without asking. They re never bad and she always writes something nice, but it s sort of embarrassing for the guys to know I sometimes play princesses with my daughters. John, 42, married 15 years Expert Rx: You may think his Ariel impression is adorable, but unless he gives you the okay, it s best to save those shots for the private photo album, says Judi Cinéas, a therapist in Palm Bach, FL. At the end of the day, it s about respect. If he feels uncomfortable with the photos, then posting them behind his back is undermining his wishes. As soon as we got married, my mother-in-law started giving me unsolicited advice. I know she s coming from a good place, but I already have a mother! Dylan, 27, married two years Expert Rx: Your mom may know best, but experts agree it s even better if she keeps her opinions to herself unless she s asked. Gently tell your mother that you know she wants what's best for both of you, but that you and your guy are working out issues on your own. She ll likely still offer advice, but the more you stick to that line, the more she ll learn to back off, says Puhn. Even if Mom s insight is smart, letting your guy figure it out naturally makes him more likely to actually listen to it. I feel like before we got married, weekends were for lounging around, meeting up with friends, or having sex. We still do those things, but more and more, weekends are times to do errands. It just doesn t feel as romantic as it did back when we were dating. Steve, 37, married one year Expert Rx: Limited free time plus a long to-do list can make weekends feel like a slog. But remember: You re both grown-ups with the power to decide what goes on the list. So jot down some fun activities already! If you feel isolated on the weekends, it may be time to shake up your social lives, either by inviting some friends over or by joining a running club or other activity that ll give you both chances to connect with new people. People always ask when we re planning to have kids. My wife gets this question far more than I do, but even when people ask me, it sounds so invasive. Why is it their business? Dave, 29, married three years Expert Rx: Rude? Absolutely. And while it s easy to let an acquaintance know that the question is completely out of line with a chilly, When we have news, we ll let you know, the conversation can stay under your skin especially if you and your guy haven t recently had a conversation about kid timelines. Regularly checking about where you re headed as a family can help you maintain a united front so that these comments don t eat at you as much, says Lisa Bahar, a marriage and family therapist in Newport Beach, CA. People seem so impressed that I m usually the one who cooks. I ll take the compliment, but what irks me is the implication that my wife isn t pulling her weight. Aaron, 32, married one year Expert Rx: It s 2014, and it shouldn t raise eyebrows that you spend time in the kitchen. But what you should keep tabs on is how happy both of you are with your roles around the house. Relatively small schedule changes like a new gym habit or a busy streak at the office can wreak havoc on routine, warns Charles J. Orlando, a relationship expert and author of "The Trouble With Women… Is Men." Keep each other abreast of how you re feeling, as it may help you both avoid becoming overwhelmed or resentful. There are so many family obligations! I don t know if it s my imagination, but I feel like they ve tripled since we actually got hitched. And if I don t go, not only does my wife get upset, but I feel like it makes us look like we don t have a good bond. Steve, 33, married three years Expert Rx: If you two feel friction about family obligations, then it s time to sit down and figure out where each of you is coming from, says Bahar. Fights about family can fester, so getting on the same page now is key to preventing future arguments. It might be as simple as articulating what gets under your skin about the gatherings maybe you feel backed into a corner by your wife s blowhard brother or you believe that her mom makes belittling comments toward you. Understanding the why can help you both figure out how to move forward. There s this sense of, well, now what? The wedding was such a big project, and we know we won t have kids for at least a few years, so it sort of feels like we re in this anti-climactic slump. Brandon, 32, married one year Expert Rx: There s so much pressure (not to mention expense) involved in putting on a wedding that it s only natural to feel a bit let down when the celebration is over. The good news is, you ve accepted that, which means you re ready to think of ways to move beyond it. Maybe it s saving for a fabulous vacation, training for a triathlon together, or taking a sex challenge and doing it every night for a month. Whatever works! | 4 | 736 | lifestyle |
For those that appreciate getting more bang for their buck, and are looking into a compact crossover, the 2015 Hyundai Tucson should be on the list of contenders. The Korean automaker has announced that the CUV has received tons of new goodies as part of a new equipment package, while also revealing pricing information, which puts that base model at $22,375. Base models wear GLS badges and are powered by a 2.0-liter I-4 that makes 164 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque matched to a six-speed automatic. Although the GLS already comes with a generous amount of standard equipment including projector headlights with LED accents, LED brake lights, and Bluetooth, a new Popular Equipment Package adds extra niceties. A rearview camera, 4.3-inch touchscreen, eight-way power driver seat, leatherette seat bolsters with cloth insets, and automatic headlights can all be added to the GLS for $750. A more powerful 2.4-liter I-4 that puts out 182 hp and 177 lb-ft is available through the SE model priced at $24,445. Top-trim Limited models also come with the beefier engine, and for the new model year, LED taillights have been added to the list of standard features. Limited models start out at $27,175 in front-drive trim. For all-weather capability, all-wheel drive can be had for an extra $1500. The 2015 Hyundai Tucson is available in dealerships now. Source: Hyundai | 9 | 737 | autos |
Need fresh hair inspiration? We scoped out the best celebrity cuts of the moment. Check out the most flattering pixies, shoulder-length cuts, and long, flowing hairstyles. The 6 most stylish short haircuts You don't need a breakup or any excuse for that matter to inspire a serious chop. The newest short cuts are feminine, flattering, and just plain cool. Anne Hathaway's gamine style is rounded "like a modern bowl cut," says hairstylist Tommy Buckett, but with airy, razored ends to "give it a little more movement and softness." The volume at the top and on the sides balances out longer face shapes. Buckett suggests blow-drying with a paddle brush for a romantic, side-swept look and the perfect amount of body. ALLURE TIP: Straight, blunt lines can look too masculine and severe on shorter styles. Keep the cut feminine with textured, wispy ends. Textured pixie Audrey TautouIf you're on the curlier side of the spectrum like Audrey Tautou, embrace your natural texture with a shaggy pixie. Ask your stylist to cut it an inch longer than the classic style, with the sides and back slightly shorter than the top (don't be surprised if he decides to cut it dry "the curls will be more free-flowing and sculpted, instead of having hard, thick lines," says Buckett).ALLURE TIP: For added texture and hold, twist the ends with a tiny dab of pomade. We like Serge Normant Meta Form Sculpting Pomade. Updated bi-level Halle BerryIn honor of the ultimate short hair muse, we dub this cut The Halle closely cropped on the sides and in the back, with a longer, slightly layered top. "It's really versatile," Buckett explains. "You can flatiron it straight, wear it all spiky, or slick it back." To re-create Berry's "messy, texturized" look, prep damp hair with a beach spray, then blow-dry the layers straight. Soft Elisabeth Moss"I love this cut. She looks like a celebrity," Buckett says of the "loose, whimsical" chop he did for Elisabeth Moss. "It's a softer, longer version of a pixie, so she still feels like she has hair." Buckett kept the bangs heavy and long, hitting roughly at the brow bone, and just "chipped into it" to feather the ends. This cut flatters most face shapes because of the extra length in the front, and wispy pieces over the ears soften a strong jawline. ALLURE TIP: Go with intense, rich colors like Moss's bright blonde or a deep brown since medium shades can look dull and boring on short styles. Edgy Michelle WilliamsMichelle Williams's jagged cut is the perfect low-commitment look "for the girl who wants her hair short, but could grow it out superquickly," says Buckett. The sides and back are close to one inch long, but the top layers, cut at about six or seven inches, provide texture and make growing it out a breeze. In the meantime, "you can do anything with it," Buckett says. "You can twist it up, or if you want, you can hide the sides and back with all the hair coming down. It works on everyone and with a lot of textures." ALLURE TIP: Short hair requires frequent trips to the salon for maintenance. See your stylist about every four weeks to keep your cut fresh or to transition through a grow-out. Mohawk The award for Best Short Cut of 2013 goes to Miley Cyrus. It's dramatic. It's ballsy. It's way more versatile than we ever thought a short style could be. The sides are buzzed (Buckett recommends a #2 clip, no shorter) and the Mohawk section is a rough-cut two and a half inches long. Of all the short looks, "it's the most extreme," says Buckett, but "it's still feminine because it's not a skinny Mohawk. It spans from the outer corner of one eye to the other." Here, four of our favorite ways to style it: Pompadour: To get the styled height of this look, apply a handful of volumizing mousse try Dove Style+Care Nourishing Amplifier Mousse to damp hair, then blow-dry back and to one side, using your fingers to lift the roots and sweep the hair over. Spiked: "Get your hair a little dirty with this," suggest Buckett. Spike the hair straight up with a matte-finish pomade and add more to the ends as needed for a messy, piecey texture "the more product the better." Smooth: For a sleeker look, smooth a light, heat-protecting serum, like John Frieda Frizz-Ease Hair Serum Thermal Protection Formula, through damp strands. Then blow-dry with a paddle brush, directing hair forward and down toward the face. Updo: Although this isn't technically an updo, it is the most styled and polished of the looks. Use a small round brush to blow-dry the hair into a soft loop with plenty of body. "Just twirl it away from the face as it's drying, and finish with a light hair spray," says Buckett. ALLURE TIP: Balance out harsh short cuts by playing up your most feminine features eyelashes and lips. Keep plenty of mascara and lip gloss on rotation. The 6 best medium haircuts Shoulder-length hair: "It's the magical length," says hairstylist Harry Josh. "It has the flexibility of long hair, great for a bun or ponytail, but it can do its own thing down." Though you don't need a wand to pull it off, there are a few tricks involved and the ones we've rounded up are way easier than pulling a rabbit out of a hat. We start with something sleek: a one-length, collarbone-grazing cut that's insanely swingy and glossy, too. "In a sea of beachy curls, this is so chic," says Josh, adding that the clean lines are especially flattering on round faces. While it's obviously perfect for those with naturally straight hair, curlier types can achieve the style with a flatiron Sedu Icon Styling Iron is a Best of Beauty Award winner and a shine serum like Fekkai Advanced Brilliant Glossing Sheer Shine Mist. "Don't forget the razor-straight part and subtle bend at the ends, which you can get by pulling the flatiron in toward your face," he says. Shaggy "What's cool about this is that the texture natural, but a little rough makes it look effortless," says hairstylist George Northwood, who cut subtle layers two inches from the bottom to create Chung's shaggy style. "That's where the movement and piecey ends come from, without it looking overdone." And the bangs keep it modern: If you have a round or oval-shaped face, ask your stylist for brow-skimming fringe that angles down near the temples ("This will help it blend into the rest of the cut," Northwood says). He recommends lash-grazing bangs for square or heart shapes. All-over layers Allover layers are ideal for fine, wavy hair they make it appear fuller. Plus, it's a cinch to style. "All it takes is a little mousse, and you can let it air-dry," says Josh, who loves John Frieda Frizz-Ease Curl Reviver Styling Mousse. "Or, if your hair is curly, use a diffuser." He does have one warning: "If you're someone who loves to wear her hair up, be prepared for lots of loose pieces, since this style is so layered." Long, loose layers Thick, curly hair types will love Byrne's sexy, disheveled layers. "They frame the face nicely, and because they're below the chin, they thin it out a bit," says Josh, who recommends keeping layers longer in the back. "Anyone can pull this off, but those with rounder faces should ask their stylists for fewer layers. Otherwise, it will make the face appear wider." To style, wrap sections of hair haphazardly around a curling iron (we love T3 SinglePass Whirl Professional Styling Wand) and clamp the ends quickly with a flatiron for a piecey finish. Piecey curls Short, wispy layers add body to Mulligan's fine hair. "It looks so airy and lightweight, plus her grown-out bangs blend in perfectly," says Northwood. Ask your stylist for a shoulder-grazing cut and soft, scattered layers (the shortest pieces are concentrated in the middle) with an off-center part. "With the loose, easy curls, it's much cooler that way," he says. After you've curled, Northwood suggests dabbing Pureology Cuticle Polisher on the ends. "The finished look is piecey but polished not messy." Sleek bangs It looks all one length, but a few delicate layers just below the collarbone keep Washington's cut from looking severe; the bangs should begin about an inch and a half from the forehead and span from temple to temple, Northwood says. Like Munn's, this cut's clean, sophisticated lines are more flattering on a round face. "It's a look you need to own," he says. "And it definitely requires some straightening, so if your hair is supercurly, know that there will be a lot of styling involved." The 6 prettiest long haircuts How long can you go? If these seven celebrities are any indication, as long as you want just throw in some layers or bangs to complement your face shape and hair texture. Here, our favorite long-locked looks and how to get them. FRONT LAYERS Allison Williams: "Her hair is heavily layered around the face, with barely there layers at the back and ends," explains hairstylist Matt Fugate. Ideal for straight textures, it's extra flattering for someone with lots of fine hair. (It gives weight so the layers don't look wimpy.) As for face shape? "You can position the layers to flatter any shape," explains Fugate. Start your layers at your cheekbones if you have an oval or heart-shaped face and a little above your cheekbones if you've got a square jawline, like Williams. Tapered ends Sarah Jessica Parker's long-layered cut removes bulk and keeps her natural spirals from ballooning out. Her horizontal layers start at collarbone level in the back but remain long in front. "That way, when you tuck your hair behind your ears, you don't get the dreaded wedge shape," says Fugate. "The hair looks thick but streamlined." Long with bangs If you want to add bangs to a long hairstyle, look no further than Swift's '60s cut. To avoid dorky-looking blunt bangs, don't cut them too wide, says Fugate. "They should create a triangle shape that aligns with the outer corners of your eyes, exactly like Taylor's." Also, ask your hairstylist to snip up into the ends so they're not too blunt and add a few light, graduated layers in front. As for the rest of your hair, you could keep it one length or sprinkle in a few light layers. "Just don't make the layers around your face too short," warns Fugate. "They'll look most flattering if they begin below the chin." Long with tight curls "For this wild, curly texture, you need beautifully blended, round layers all around your head to lend weight without looking heavy," says Fugate. You're safe no matter what your face shape the trick is to keep the layers on the longer side. "Beyoncé's first layer doesn't start until chin level.ALLURE TIP: Always get a dry cut, says hairstylist Lorraine Massey of Devachan Salon. "Curly dry hair and curly wet hair are two different things." All-around layers For a simple, versatile option, try Chastain's long haphazard layers. "I take the bottom two inches of hair and cut them in a way that's not too perfect by pointing the scissors downward," says hairstylist Renato Campora, who recently gave Chastain a trim. The slightly imperfect ends make this a wash-and-go kind of cut. "You can blow it out or let it air-dry the cut takes care of the styling for you." This cut complements every face shape and can be styled with a middle or side part. Super-long hair Steinfeld demonstrates cascading long hair done the right way meaning not at all like Rapunzel. The trick is balancing the length with a few face-framing layers. "Her hair is all one length, other than a few layers starting at her cheekbones, which are sliced with a razor," says hairstylist Marcus Francis, who has styled Steinfeld's hair. ALLURE TIP: Avoid this length if you have fine strands they can turn feathered or limp near the ends. | 4 | 738 | lifestyle |
Who says a special outing with the hubby has to empty your wallet? These fresh, fun activities require no cash at all, so work your way down the list. Catch a Frisbee dog contest Are you both dog people? If so, you'll love watching one of the many disc dog competitions hosted around the U.S. These adorable canines and their trainers perform a series of impressive tricks and routines set to music. Check out Skyhoundz.com or AshleyWhippet.com to get started. Discover new music Besides major festivals like Lollapalooza, Coachella and Electric Zoo, many cities offer free concerts during the warmer months. "Check your newspaper and visit the websites of local colleges," says Mary Hunt, author of "7 Money Rules for Life." Undergraduate music majors are often required to give public recitals during the year as well; who knows, you might spot the next Yo-Yo Ma! Take a bubble bath What's the point of having a big bathtub if you're not going to use it? Light some candles, turn on soft music and take a dip in your own bathroom. Not only will a bath relax you and your hubby, it's also an excellent time to catch up on intimate conversation in your otherwise busy lives. As the weather warms up, a mild bath is also the perfect way to soothe summer skin problems, such as sun rash, bug bites and dry skin. Learn a magic trick You don't have to be as skilled an illusionist as Steve Carell and Jim Carrey in The Incredible Burt Wonderstone, but with so many free tutorials available online, you and your honey can learn enough sleight of hand to entertain your friends or kids. Bonus points if you get him to dress up as your beautiful assistant! Continue your education Intelligence is sexy, and you and your dude can bond over a love of learning with free lectures at your local college. If you'd prefer to avoid the undergrads, Hunt recommends searching for video lectures online and taking advantage of the flurry of mass open online courses. Start your return to higher ed at ocw.mit.edu. Then, take turns choosing which subject to delve into, and quiz each other afterward. Indulge in partner massages It might be an occasionally illicit occupation, but there's nothing wrong with the two of you dimming the lights and pampering each other with a well-deserved back rub, especially at the end of a stressful week. The experience will build trust and heighten intimacy, and your body is sure to appreciate the TLC research has found that massages boost your immune system while stimulating levels of oxytocin, the love hormone. Watch an eating competition Summer is the season of competitive eating, so if you think your husband and kids eat a lot, prepare to be impressed by the amount of food shoveled down by the hungry contestants. Some of these events, such as the Duck Wing Eating Contest in Chicago, even have free cocktails and finger food. Go to EatFeats.com to find one near you. Play games online Got a competitive spirit? Challenge your man to one of thousands of games online at AddictingGames.com or FreeArcade.com. "Test your dexterity with Sketch a Match, do a jigsaw puzzle with Daily Jigsaw or relive your old Tetris days with a similar version called Phit," suggests Hunt. Studies have shown a positive correlation between adrenaline and attraction the harder you play, the sweeter the romance. Attend a cultural festival From spirited Chinese New Year parades to colorful Hindu Holi festivals, cultural celebrations usually take place in public areas and offer an eyeful of traditional costumes and dances that are sure to be memorable. Tour a flower show You love it when he buys you flowers, so maximize the experience by seeking out the flora in bulk. If there aren't any shows near you, check out your nearest botanical garden, greenhouse or even forest preserve for a fresh and fragrant date. If it sounds too girly for your hubby, remind him that looking at the color green is particularly beneficial for tired retinas thanks, desk job and the fresh air won't hurt either. Plus, the two of you might stumble across some inspiration to spruce up your lawn. Play the tourist You don't have to jet to Japan to get the Lost In Translation experience. Brainstorm what you would do if you were visiting your town for the first time. "Check Free-Attractions.com to see what's waiting where you live," says Hunt and plan your date accordingly. "Google the name of your city plus 'tourist' and prepare to be surprised by events and attractions you'd either forgotten about or didn't know existed." Have a karaoke night-in Whether or not you can break it down like Beyoncé, karaoke is a great stress-reliever and form of entertainment. Plus, performing in the privacy of your home doesn't require nearly the courage that getting up in front of a bar full of people does. Show off which of you is the bigger diva by pulling up your favorite hits on YouTube and singing your hearts out. Catch up with long-distance friends Sometimes the best date is one that is shared with a whole bevy of people you love. Hunt suggests using free programs like Skype or Google Hangouts to video chat with friends or loved ones that you don't get to see often, especially if they happen to live overseas. Just make sure to factor in any time differences. Experiment in the kitchen Your kitchen is probably full of random food that you never got around to eating. Why not make a feast of it? Don your chef's aprons and show off your culinary creativity by putting together a meal with some natural aphrodisiacs you might have lying around your pantry, such as pistachios and vanilla. Attend a home-improvement clinic Whether your kitchen needs new tile or the bathroom could use a fresh coat of paint, the project will be more fun and fast if you do it together. "The Home Depot offers in-store classes," says Hunt. "Go to the store's website, click on 'Know-How,' then 'Clinics.' For online tutorials, go to Lowes.com, click on 'Services,' then 'How-To Projects.'" Explore a local haunt You're never too old for a good ghost story. Every town is bound to have a "haunted" or creepy location where you can park and dare each other to step out of the car. You'll definitely grow closer huddled in the backseat, trading scary stories. This fun outing isn't limited to the weeks around Halloween; in fact, it's best to do it during the less crowded off-season. Play an outdoor sport Replicate the glories of iconic movies like Bull Durham, and head into the backyard or to the local park with whatever sporting equipment is lying around in your garage whether it be a softball, Frisbee, tennis rackets or even putter and golf ball. It's up to the two of you to decide how competitive to make things, but no matter what, the rush of adrenaline will make you feel like kids again. Visit an art museum "Many museums throughout the U.S. offer free admission," says Hunt, and even the ones that normally charge tend to waive their entry fees on certain days or weekends. Head to MuseumFreeDays.com to check schedules for many big-city museums. Hold hands as you stroll through halls dedicated to centuries of history and marvel at the creativity and innovation of past generations. As an alternative, local art galleries are often free year-round. Scavenger hunt down memory lane As Amélie did for Nino in the film Amelie, leave a series of clues for your amour to follow around town. Include meaningful places such as the first place you met, or the restaurant where you had your first date, and wait for him at the final destination. After reliving those precious memories, he'll be delighted to be reunited. Finish the night off by trying something you haven't done in bed since the early stages of your relationship. Go geocaching If you and your husband love the swashbuckling of the Pirates of the Caribbean series, try geocaching, an outdoor treasure-hunting game in which participants use a GPS to hide and seek items, suggests Hunt. A typical treasure or cache is a small waterproof container holding toys or trinkets, although they're of of little value, so you're unlikely to strike gold. Just go to Geocaching.com to get started. Eat out outside, that is Picnics are a staple of romantic movie scenes, from Liv Tyler and Ben Affleck in Armageddon to Carl and Ellie in Up, and for good reason. Dining al fresco pairs the beauty of nature with the convenience of Tupperware for an invigorating date outdoors plus, it's cost-effective. Bring a kite or a soccer ball for some post-picnic fun. Strip and skinny-dip Perfect for those with a backyard pool and preferably a fence skinny-dipping in the dark is almost guaranteed to spice things up on a warm summer night. Just be sure that the kids are sound asleep, and that your neighbors are, too! Take a factory tour "It's fun to see how things are made especially when the tour concludes with free samples," says Hunt. Check out FactoryToursUSA.com to browse more than 500 different tours, such as the Colorado Coffee Merchants in Colorado Springs or the Liberty Orchards candy kitchens in Washington State, many of which are free. Take a long walk into the sunset It won't quite be the epic journey of The Hobbit, but a meandering stroll at dusk while holding hands is a classic way to grow closer. Try wandering around a friend's neighborhood, where you can stop by and say hello if your legs get tired. Considering the recent studies showing sitting at a desk all day can shorten your life, taking a walk will help the two of you grow old together. Even better: Take a couples' jog instead. Volunteer locally Knowing that you're making a difference and feeling appreciated for it is sure to boost your mood. "You could visit a hospital find out if the pediatric ward could use a storyteller," says Hunt. "Call a few local non-profits to discover projects just waiting for someone to help out, or spend a day at the library organizing periodicals." | 4 | 739 | lifestyle |
Still making the kids' lunches every day because you think you "have to?" Give that up and these other 10 things for a happier and less stressful union. Once you're married, you can't have a life of your own Although rigid roles can make things more streamlined, they can also be limiting. "A wife used to be encouraged to tend to her husband's and children's needs first. But if you do that, you'll become resentful," says Dan Beaver, a marriage and family therapist in Walnut Creek, CA. Then your frustration may manifest itself in different ways, like getting depressed, snapping at people, or smoking or drinking too much. So forget about that old-school rule, and do something every day that makes you feel happy, relaxed and/or fulfilled, whether that's seeing an author speak at your local bookstore, taking a few minutes to practice a morning meditation, or going on a green juice run sans kids. "You have to care for yourself before you can care for others," says Beaver. Pouting is an effective way to make your point In the past, married men and women often fell into their defined roles, rarely stopping to reveal their true emotions if something was starting to feel "off" for fear that their partner might not understand, or worse, would reject them for it. But now all that is changing. "I try to help couples express themselves, even if they're worried that they'll appear too vulnerable," says Cheryl Gerson, LCSW, a couples therapist in New York City.Video: Friends of the opposite sexIn other words, if you're scared, say that out loud to your partner. You don't have to be tough and brave all the time. "You're human. Contrary to what you may think, admitting your fears and doubts will actually bring you and your partner closer," says Gerson. Sexual desires should never be discussed Once you fall into a sexual routine that works fairly well, you may fail to realize as a couple, you've likely reached only the tip of the sexual potential iceberg. It may take some awkward conversations and yes, you might risk some ego-bruising on both your parts, but human sexuality is an evolving practice that requires exploration and openness to keep growing. To minimize the chances of your partner feeling as though he's doing something wrong, or failing to satisfy you, call this new phase "an experiment," and say, "Tonight, I was thinking we could try something totally different, just for fun." Read up on practices you've never tried before, or just start from a "beginner's mind" going with what feels good in the moment even if it's out of your usual comfort zone. Seeing a marriage therapist is a bad sign "Some couples think that if they admit that they're going through a rough patch, they're doomed," says Gloria Spitalny, EdD, a relationship counselor in Boston, MA. But the opposite is true. If you don't talk about and try to resolve your issues, they're only going to grow. "The sooner a troubled couple seeks treatment, the easier it is to fix the problems," says Spitalny.Video: Unspoken rules of a happy marriage The majority of relationship struggles aren't about incompatibility they're issues with communication and being unable to talk through your deepest sticking points. There's often a way to vocalize your wants and needs without upsetting or hurting the other person. Husbands should be the sole breadwinners Some guys are openly and proudly supportive of their wives' career ambitions and love to see them succeed. Other men might be supportive on the surface, but hardly realize the subtle tensions they put out there when your professional success triggers some very deep and primal ego-bruising or what some call "emasculation." We're not saying you need to give up your job to get along that's not even an option for most of us in this economy, and it's important to feel fulfilled by a career. However, understanding that your husband may be feeling this way, and being sensitive to that is half the battle to moving forward. Circumstances may not change and you might not even want them to but asking how you could make him feel better, and truly listening are the first steps forward to figuring out this tricky dance that, let's face it, with 40 percent of women now primary breadwinners, many couples are choreographing. Fighting means that you have an unhappy relationship Most married folks fight every day and by now, we know that's not a dealbreaker. But, what about when one of you says something that feels earth-shattering like if he admits he hasn't been attracted to you sexually for a long time because of your weight, or has intense feelings for a co-worker? New forms of therapy actually suggest that this is the first step toward a major relationship transformation that can bring you much closer and to a place of even greater intimacy. Not all relationships can be saved, but experts say that when you're finally able to get totally real with one another and work on solutions from there, you'll edge toward a kind of unconditional love that's unbreakable despite what stones are thrown. It's going to take some serious facing of the music on both your parts, but if you trod very carefully, respectfully and possibly with the help of a therapist, you could emerge not only stronger as a couple but as individuals, too and that's where life gets really exciting. Your marriage should revolve around your children Decades ago, parents tended to ignore their kids a lot i.e. "Go outside and play. Come back in an hour." These days parenting requires more vigilance, but if you find yourself watching every move your child is making to the point that you're sort of living through them, and correcting or judging every step with constant feedback, you've gone too far to the other extreme. Your husband and children will feel this, and everyone can suffer. "I see many husbands who feel neglected by their wives. Your marriage should come first," says Irina Firstein, a couples therapist in New York City. Your original motivation is out of love and wanting to protect your brood, but many parents continue to do it because it's easier than letting go and starting to live their own lives again, where there's more of an unknown. You're not allowed to talk about your job with your spouse Sure, you don't want to bitch and moan about every single annoying email your boss sent the second you walk through the door at night, but spilling a little is actually a good idea. "You don't forget about your workday the moment you step into the foyer. You need time to transition from being in an office to being at home," says Beaver. "If you don't vent a bit, your irritation might affect the way you talk to or treat your partner in the bedroom." Just keep it to five minutes, and encourage your husband to do the same. You'll get problems off your chest, and it'll help you and your husband get to know each other more deeply. A marriage is between only two people Today, plenty families don't look like the cast of Leave It To Beaver, and we're getting used to it. Women and men often maintain friendships with their exes and develop healthy relationships with a new mate's children. But, it means there's more to juggle, and as a stepmom or the like, you'll face challenges you may not have originally signed up for. If kids are old enough, acknowledge the awkwardness to avoid it becoming that which will not be spoken. And remember, no matter how tempting, don't bad-mouth your husband's ex. Instead, bring up these issues in private with concrete examples of what's bothering you, and ideas for solutions. Divorce is shameful, and if you get one, you've failed No way! At the turn of the 20th century, only four percent of people got divorced. Now your odds are 50/50. Of course, we'd all like to have blissful marriages that last forever and ever, but the reality is, life is hard and people can change. And when couples have serious problems that aren't solved by counseling, many experts maintain that it's better to live happily apart than miserably together. The fact that divorce is now a valid option is actually a good thing, according to Becky Whetstone, Ph.D, a marriage and family therapist in Little Rock, AR. "When you know that despite everyone's best intentions, your partnership isn't a 100-percent given, it might motivate you to work harder and strive toward win-win solutions," she says. | 4 | 740 | lifestyle |
Making "I do" last forever is one of the biggest challenges you'll ever face and it's normal to worry about how you'll do it. But, if your connection involves any of these things, rest assured that you're in it for the long run. He or she is the first one you want to tell When something weird happens, my guy is always the first one I want to text. Erin W., Highlands Ranch, CO Seeing your guy as your person the one you want to share gossip or funny observations with is essential, say Charles and Elizabeth Schmitz, psychotherapists and authors of "Building a Love That Lasts." Good couples tend to view their partner as their best friend, says Charles. Having inside jokes and stories is part of what builds that bond. That s why it s key to share funny anecdotes about your day, even if they re as minor as your coworker freaking out because someone stole her Diet Coke from the communal fridge. You're in it together He and I may not split chores 50/50 all the time, but we know we re on the same team. Amanda K., Federal Way, WA Surprisingly, you don t need to divide everything down the middle to be an amazing couple, says Charles J. Orlando, relationship expert and author of "The Problem with Women… Is Men." Keeping a score card makes everyone resentful. Yes, you both need to pull your weight around the house, but that doesn t mean it s necessary to count changed diapers or scrubbed pans. Having a relationship in which both of you can speak honestly if you re feeling overwhelmed, and not just lash out because someone forgot to take out the recycling one night, leads to a much stronger romance. You grow together & independently He still surprises me. At a party, he suddenly jumped up and started singing 'Ring of Fire.' I never even knew he had a voice! Aurea B., Calabasas, CA Obviously, major secrets are not okay in a long-term relationship, but keeping little things to yourself like taking step-dance classes leading up to your cousin s wedding or socking up vacation ideas can boost your bond, says Shauna Springer, Ph.D., author of "Marriage, for Equals." Overfamiliarity is the enemy of romance, so continuing to engage in some measure of independent growth is critical. More: Funniest save the dates You know conflict isn't always a bad thing He s probably the person who can infuriate me the most even more than my mom but I wouldn t have it any other way. Becka N, Toronto, ON Healthy couples know how to push each other s buttons, and being able to hash it out is ultimately a lot better than holding everything in. Not only that, but couples who experience a steady level of conflict over the years as opposed to never fighting at first, then constantly being down each other s throats five years in are stronger, according to a 2011 study. The trick is not to let resentments fester, says Gilda Carle, Ph.D., relationship expert and author of "Don t Bet on the Prince." Anger is a perfectly healthy emotion. It s fine to get into it, as long as you both know how to apologize and move on, fast." You've been through a lot together He and I have had our lowest moments together, but have come out on the other side. Amina P., Summit, NJ It says right in the wedding vows that everything won t be a walk in the park, but that s easy to overlook in the tulle-and-cake-induced fugue of your big day. In the ensuing years, surviving the tough stuff together is a huge sign you have what it takes to get through anything. A 2011 study found that couples who believe marriage will last forever, no matter what, survive longer than those who don t fully believe in the concept of till death do us part. Yes, the going will get tough, but knowing you re both 110 percent committed to staying the course is essential. You understand the risks of complacency When I m with him, I m never bored even on a Saturday spent mulching the backyard. Krissy J., Secaucus, NJ Research shows that couples who do new or different things together even if it's as simple as a fresh mulching technique are happier than those who fall into a same-old routines. In the beginning of a relationship, you re going to new places, you both have some insecurity about how the other person feels, and all of that contributes to the butterflies you feel, says psychiatrist Scott Haltzman, M.D., author of "Surviving Infidelity." But over time, you relax around each other and can get complacent. You don t need to go bungee jumping, but keeping things fun, like singing songs in the car or playing "Just Dance" as cardio, can help keep apathy from creeping into your relationship. | 4 | 741 | lifestyle |
Having fun with your fella doesn't require spending much, if any, money. Try one of these 10 cheap thrills for a guaranteed good time. Laugh Attack: $15 These days, movie tickets can cost you an arm and a leg before you even reach for a bucket of popcorn. But did you know you could enjoy a live performance for the same price? National Comedy Theater (NCT), located in NYC, L.A., Phoenix, Austin, and San Diego, is an improv company that performs 3-hour comedy shows and encourages audience participation. Instead of sitting in silence at the cinema next weekend, sign up for an evening of laughter. Eat Your Heart Out: $10 Explore the local farmer's market and find seasonal produce at affordable prices. Put your own spin on the Food Network's popular cooking show Chopped and give yourselves 5 minutes each to select two fresh picks. Then combine those ingredients with what you already have in your fridge to make dinner.Find local produce in season or a farmer's market near you at simplesteps.org. Ride On: $5 Explore a new neighborhood or revisit yours from a new perspective on wheels. Renting a bike is easy with B Cycle, located in 13 cities including Denver, Houston, and Madison, Wisconsin. Register online for a $5 membership valid for 24 hours. The first hour is free, and each additional half hour is only $4. Want to save more? If you return your bike to the rental spot within 60 minutes, you can check it out for another hour at no charge. Just think of how many loops around the park you could ride for free. Gaze and Graze: $5 Enjoy the benefits of camping without the bugs, dirt, and backache in the morning. Fire up the grill in your backyard and roast s'mores or banana boats ($5 for ingredients). Lie on a blanket and nosh on homemade goodies while finding your favorite constellations. If you have an iPhone, download SkyView, a free app that details what you are seeing in the sky. Just point your phone to any bright light, and within seconds you'll learn cool facts about that heavenly body. Enjoy the Show: $7 Travel back in time and watch a movie from the comfort of your car like Sandy and Danny in Grease. Most drive-ins feature new releases for less than what you'd pay at a regular theater. And you can bring your own snacks! Some drive-ins offer an early and a late showing, with tickets costing about $7. Roll down your windows and head to the nearest drive-in before summer nights drift away.Prices vary across cities. Find a drive-in near you at drive-ins.com. Dance the Night Away: $5 Spice up date night and take a salsa class with your partner. Shake, shimmy, and shuffle around the dance floor as you burn calories and learn new skills. Kansas City Salsa Clubs offer lessons for just $5 every Thursday. Show off your moves at one of the salsa dance clubs in the area for the same price! Classes in the Washington, DC, area usually cost $10, but the first class may be free.Find a salsa dancing meet-up group near you. Coffee & Art: $5 Many independent coffee shops host open mic night for aspiring artists hoping to get discovered or looking for an outlet. Curl up with a cup of joe (look out for specials) and some free entertainment after dinner. You won't know the quality of the talent when you walk in, but chances are you'll leave with something to talk about. Get Educated: Free Education knows no age limit. College campuses host many free events, such as lecture series that cover topics ranging from architecture to zoology. No notes are required for class, so enjoy the discussion without the pressure of having to ace an exam. Find a speaker you'd like to see or a topic you and your husband are both interested in. University events are typically open to the public. If you are required to pay, tickets will be priced at student rates.Check college calendars for events. Give Back: Free A great way to spend time as a couple is by helping others. Visit your community website to find volunteer opportunities like a park clean-up or clothing drive. Activities like a coastal kayaking clean-up combine free fun and philanthropy. If it's chilly outside, consider serving a meal at a soup kitchen. Some events will give you a chance to work as a team while others will let you to talk and catch up with your spouse. Nothing beats helping your community, feeling better about yourself, and sharing the experience with someone you love.Find volunteer opportunities at volunteermatch.org. Pop Fly: $7 Whether or not you're a sports fan, summer nights are perfect for watching America's pastime. Save money and root for your minor league team. Tickets to watch the Tourists, the minor league baseball team in Asheville, North Carolina, are $7 each for general admission. Six bucks will get you into the stadium in Eugene, Oregon and seven will snag you a seat to see the Chiefs play in Peoria, Illinois. Opt for lawn seating, which many stadiums offer for about $5, and you'll have enough leftover to splurge on peanuts and Cracker Jack for two.Prices vary across cities. Buy tickets for your home team at milb.com. | 4 | 742 | lifestyle |
Flirting shouldn't be retired once you've got the ring. We asked relationship expert Harlan Cohen, as well as real husbands, the best way to keep the sparks flying. Create a little mystery "My girlfriend insists that the bedroom door stays closed while she gets ready for date night. Whenever she comes out ready to go, she always looks amazing. It takes me back to when we first started dating, when I'd always get so excited seeing her smiling at me as she came into the bar or restaurant." Avery G., 28, New York City Expect some laughter A guy might giggle when you pull out a move because it's a break from the ordinary not because he's uncomfortable or weirded out. The best thing you can do, says Cohen, is to laugh along with him. Part of the fun of flirting when you're in an established relationship is that it doesn t have to be perfect. Show some Facebook love "I'd never admit it to my friends, but I love when my wife posts a sort of sappy Some E-Card on my Facebook wall. I love that she isn't afraid to share her feelings, and I also like that it never gets too personal. If she used pet names or dropped a lot of details, that would be overkill." Chuck R., 40, Secaucus, NJ Do what you do best In the early stages of dating, it's easy to adapt your flirting style to what you think your guy expects. Now that you're together, you know one thing that impresses him about you is your individuality so show it off, recommends Cohen. Whether that means giving him a nickname or surprising him with a handwritten haiku left on the counter for him to see when he comes home, showcasing your quirky personality is just one more way to remind him how much he loves you. Give him (a little bit) of grief "I'm extremely neat, and sometimes my wife will Instagram a picture of me folding towels or doing the dishes while wearing an apron and gloves. Because it's done with love, it makes me laugh, and I like that, in a weird way, she wants to show me off to her friends." Patrick O., 38, Maplewood, NJ See him in his element "I teach fitness classes, and I get a huge kick when my wife comes to one. She'll stand in the front row, make great eye contact, and follow my directions it feels like she listens and values what I do, which makes me feel awesome. Plus, not everyone in class knows we're together, so it definitely stokes my ego when she acts like she's into me after class." Dave W., 35, Boise, ID Keep s-e-x on his brain Swag boxes of product samples are all the rage these days, so it's no surprise that some cater to interests that are a little bit more intimate then, say, beauty products. Bedroomchemist.com is one example for $50 a month, a kit of everything from massage oils to vibrators is discreetly delivered to your door. "Anticipation is a big part of arousal and desire, and getting the goods can be good motivation to get a hot night of passion on the calendar," says Cohen. Keep him guessing "Occasionally I'll get a text that says, 'I have a surprise for you tonight.' Sometimes, it's as simple as her picking up a pint of our favorite ice cream, but once, it was that she booked us a hotel room in a nearby city for the night. No matter what, it's always good and I can barely concentrate for the rest of the day after seeing it." Derek R, 31, Savannah, GA Add some skin-on-skin contact Moves like a long, lingering kiss hello and goodbye, brushing his arm across the table, or squeezing next to him on the couch instead of automatically curling up in your usual spot go a long way towards revving up chemistry. Why? The chemicals produced during touching can stimulate the desire response, says Cohen. Keep up the fight "I love the way my wife's mind works, especially when she disagrees with me. Sometimes, what starts as a joke becomes a months-long argument. We saw The Hunger Games, which I didn't like, and now, whenever there's a positive review or mention of it, she sends the link to prove her point. It's a cool reminder that even the stuff that we don't have in common connects us." Matt H., 33, Highlands Ranch, CO Tell him what you want Done the right way, being a little bit bossy can be a turn on. We're not talking about going all 50 Shades of Grey, but most guys can get a little too relaxed in the romance department. "Tell him how often you remember a sexy date night from the past, or how sexy it would be for both of you to play hooky from work and spend the entire day in bed," suggests Cohen. Subtly letting him know how psyched you are to spend time with him will bring both of you back to a dating mindset. Play some mind games "Sometimes, my wife will text me an acronym with the idea that I'm supposed to figure out what it means. Like, one time she texted ILYLABH. It meant 'I love you like a baby hippo,' but of course I didn't figure it out. It always makes me smile and keeps my mind on her during the day." Geoff D., 42, Keller, TX | 4 | 743 | lifestyle |
When we're annoyed by male behavior, we turn to columnist Aaron Traister. His logic may be strange, but we have to admit, it's pretty helpful. Here, he answers our many questions for guys. Socially awkward Whenever I suggest we get together with some potential new couple friends, my husband doesn't want to go. What can I do? Going out with new couple friends is the worst. The interactions just aren't as real as the ones we have with friends we made when we were young. Those are the friends who remember you barfing after the school talent show and who were there when your folks got divorced. You can talk about anything with them, as opposed to your fancy new couple friends who just think you're gross if you bring up puke. All that new couple friends want to talk about is your home or your kids, or maybe restaurants (yawn). If you want to make friends, don't look for couples. You're in a great couple already--enjoy that, and go have a girls' night. Man toys My husband and brother just spent two hours at a party talking about speaker systems. Why is this so interesting? Guys like us grew up on high-tech toys. Since our first Transformer, we have been conditioned to talk about the many amazing things our toys can do. Now, the robots of our third-grade dreams have transformed (see what I did there?) into cars, gaming systems, and audio equipment. Normally, we just quietly putter away in silence, but if you put two guys in a room together who are into the same kind of toys, all bets are off. You were lucky the conversation only lasted two hours. Half-making the bed My husband makes the bed, but he doesn't put my throw pillows on. Why don't men like all the cute things that make a bed look nice? This is odd. Why does the bed need to look nice? Do you have people touring your home during the day? Do you live in the White House? What's even stranger is that you're piling useless pillows on your bed. They serve no purpose other than an aesthetic one, so you have to relocate them all before you can get in and use the bed for the purpose for which it was intended. What happens to the pillows when you need to sleep? Do you throw them on the floor? Think about your pillow-moving compulsion for a second and ask yourself: Who, in your marriage, should be writing to an advice columnist asking about bizarre bed-making habits? Cranky pants My husband hates his job, and as a result he's a cranky jerk for about an hour every evening. How do I get him to quit taking it out on me? First of all, tell him to stop being rude to you. It's not cool to take your bad day out on your spouse. That said, this is very normal, so here's what you should also do: Get him to exercise, anything that allows him to jump, kick, and punch his bad mood out of his system before he comes home. Guys who work in offices sit on a lot of energy, often angry energy. Your husband needs to burn it off before he can come home and watch The Notebook with you, the way Nicholas Sparks intended. His 'favorite' shirt Why does my husband wear T-shirts with holes in them when he has plenty of nice ones in his drawer? Holes represent a level of softness and relaxation that you just can't purchase new. They're priceless. Look, if he wants to wear a holey shirt to your cousin's bar mitzvah, okay, give him hell, but if he's napping on the couch? Pull on your sweatpants, curl up next to your guy, and enjoy the powerful bonding experience of a super-casual Saturday. A force to be reckoned with What's with the Star Wars obsession? My husband insisted on showing our 3-year-old the first movie, and even though I was mad about that, he "forgot" and showed him the second one. Star Wars is like Dirty Dancing for dudes. Nobody puts Chewbacca in a corner, okay? | 4 | 744 | lifestyle |
The best short haircuts (think Halle, Miley, and Jessica Stam) are cool, feminine, and sexy so long as you avoid these styling missteps. Adding volume at the crown Two words: Kate Gosselin. "When you puff up the back and flatten the front like a little Texas bouffant, it looks old-fashioned," says hairstylist Garren of the Garren New York salon in New York City. Excessive blow-drying Lazy women, rejoice and hit snooze. "It's better to blow a short cut around 50 percent dry, run a little wax or serum through it, then let it air-dry on its own," Garren says. "That gives it natural-looking lift." Getting too slick When a woman uses heavy gel to comb her hair back like Dracula, the results can indeed be monstrous. For some chic James Dean swagger, rake it back with a pomade or wax Garren likes René Furterer Vegetal Styling Wax "but not slicked to the head," he says. "Keep some height at the top and the sides really tight." Overworking it Too many products, too much heat styling, and too much time spent perfecting your hair in the mirror can result in a dorky Zack Morris helmet. Hairstylist Matt Fugate, who also styles Jessica Stam's hair, suggests a breezy trick involving a dab of wax rubbed vigorously between the hands and a move we'll call the arcade claw: Nestle the fingertips into the hair in a pitchfork formation, then pinch the fingers together and pull hair up through the ends. Battling your bangs Hair that's longer at the crown than on the sides is one of the keys to short-haircut harmony; it makes Garren crazy to see bangs being tucked behind the ears or pinned over to one side. "Why did you get bangs if you don't want them? Enjoy them, then move on," he says. (They'll grow out soon enough.) | 4 | 745 | lifestyle |
The key to wedded bliss isn't over-the-top romance, but these surprisingly simple practices you can do to stay - or fall back - in love with your partner. Read on for expert tips on how to have a happy marriage. Not trying to change each other Maybe you wish he folded his socks, or that he would chat it up with your friends without prompting. But, his inability to notice hair in the sink may stem from the laid-back personality that drew you to him in the first place. "One of the things we see with happy couples is that they know their partner's differences, and have pretty much stopped trying to change the other person," says Darren Wilk, a certified Gottman Couples Therapist with a private practice in Vancouver, British Columbia. "Rather than trying to fight their partner's personality style, they instead focus on each other's strengths." Framing your demands as favors Whether you want him to unload the dishwasher more often or pay closer attention to the kids, your partner will be more likely to change his behavior if he feels like he'll get relationship brownie points. "Throw it out there like a favor. Present it like 'here is the recipe for what will make me happy,' because everyone wants to make their partner feel happy," says Wilk. "When you present your needs, present them as what you do want rather than what you don't want." Instead of saying, "I hate when you have to have everything scheduled," try saying, "I would love to have a day where we can just be spontaneous." Vocalizing your appreciation Giving your partner positive reinforcement sounds like a no-brainer, but couples often forget to do it. "Relationship expert Gottman's research found that in everyday life, happy couples have 20 positive moments, such as a shared look, compliment, or affectionate touch, to every negative moment," says Wilk. Tell him something positive three times a day, and be specific. Instead of saying, "You're a good dad," tell him why. "You're a good dad because you helped our daughter with that puzzle, which I never would have had the patience to do." Focusing on the positive "Unhappy couples are stuck in a negative state of mind," says Wilk. "You will always find what you look for. If you look for stuff that bugs you and that your partner is doing wrong, you will find it every day. If you look at what your partner is doing it right, you'll find it everyday." It's a choice to flip your mindset, so when you find yourself getting annoyed, visualize something he does that makes your heart flutter to halt the negative thought circuit. Taking trips down memory lane "Happy couples tend to rewrite history by glossing over the bad stuff and focusing on the happy times," says Wilk. By reliving memories out loud to your partner, it actually changes your mindset, and how you view him and think about your relationship. Try this exercise whenever your feel your relationship needs a boost: Go over the highlights of when you were first dating, or rehearse the best moments of your relationship (such as the day you had an impromptu picnic in the park during your lunch hour, or that surprise anniversary date he took you on) to uncover buried memories. Never siding with the enemy "Sometimes what affair-proofs a relationship is simply being there when your partner needs to vent, and having their back without trying to fix the problem," says Wilk. "People want someone to listen to them. The key is to be supportive, and never take the side of the person he's venting about, even if you can see where that person is coming from. For example, if he is upset that his boss took away a contract and gave it to someone else in the office, now is not the time to say, "Well, maybe you didn't put your best effort in." Right now he needs his feelings validated, and to hear you say, "That must have been really hard." Happy couples know when to bite their tongues. Not getting too comfortable Trust, security, and commitment are key elements in any relationship, but having them doesn't mean you can treat your relationship as rock-solid, and stop trying. "Relationships are a fragile ecosystem, and that's why there is a 50 percent divorce rate," says Wilk. "Happy couples keep dating, telling each other they look great, and doing things together." Having rituals of connection "It's not only about having a date night, but happy couples seem to do a lot of mundane things together," says Wilk. "They have little habits that they decide to do together, whether it be sitting down to pay the bills once a month or folding laundry." We say, anything to make that pile of dirty clothes feel more manageable. Knowing your partner's calls for attention Happy couples are mindful of those little moves their partners do for attention. When Gottman's team studied 120 newlyweds in his Love Lab, they discovered that couples who stayed married six years later were paying attention to these bids for connection 86 percent of the time, compared to only 33 percent of the time for those who later divorced. So, look out for the little things, and respond to his need to connect. Like if you're grocery shopping and he casually mentions that he hasn't had Fruit Loops since he was a kid, throw them in the cart for him to show that you care. Doing the little things "When it comes to relationship satisfaction, you can't just ride on the big things like, 'I don't drink, I pay the bills, I don't beat you, we went to Hawaii last year,'" says Wilk. "This stuff is not really what keeps couples happy in their daily lives." What really matters is all the small stuff that adds up, such as being there for each other when one needs to vent, or noticing when he needs a hug, or making him his favorite meal just because. "It's also giving up on the idea that you have to feel in love all the time. Marriage is about trust and commitment and knowing each other," says Wilk. "That's what love is." | 4 | 746 | lifestyle |
We wanted to get the real deal on marriage in a nutshell. Here's how 18 women boil down modern matrimony. "Blessing." Stephanie Cancellieri, 34 "Disney-esque." Jessica M. Evans, via Facebook "Challenging." Tammy Pannell Nunn, via Facebook "Comfortable." Janet Hayes-Young, via Facebook "Complex." A Louise Collins, via Facebook "Geeky." Alexis Blake Hogan, via Facebook "Compromise." Katherine Deordio, 29 "Delicious!" Meshe Armstrong, via TwitterRelated: 10 Things Every Married Couple Should Try Once "All-purpose." Lori Nordine-Town, via Facebook "Evolving." Allison Sklaney, 36Related: 10 Ways To Surprise Him After All These Years "Fun!" Rhiannon Cruz, via Twitter "Inspirational." Jenn Taylor, 36 "Transformative." Marygrace Taylor, via Facebook "Jackpot!" Miranda, via Twitter "Partnership." Bindu Lokre, 34 "Solid." Amber C., via Facebook "Unconditional." Rachel Rombough, 28 "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious." Wendie Hutchinson Rodgers | 4 | 747 | lifestyle |
Here, our panel of husbands confess the peculiar things they do to entice their wives. He acts like a clown Whether they're texting us pictures of their thermometers when they're sick, or buying us flowers "just because," the men in our lives need to be noticed. Dr. Scott Haltzman, author of The Secrets of Happily Married Men: Eight Ways to Win Your Wife's Heart Forever, believes that in order to get attention from their wives, men need to do something slightly wacky. "Getting into bed with a tuxedo on, or roller skating through the house serving her dinner can generate a good laugh and reduce tensions," he says. "People have set ideas of how things happen from day to day, and whenever a routine changes, you end up on high-alert for danger. When you partner realizes there's no danger at all, the flush of adrenaline gets channeled toward gleefulness about you relationship." He wears your 'favorites' "Though I'm more of a soap and water kind of guy, whenever I take my wife on a date, I wear the cologne she bought me," says Brandon Heller, 32. "The smell always gets her attention. I'll also put on a shirt she got me even if it's pastel." He flexes his ego "When my wife and I are at the gym together, I ask her to spot me while on the bench press," says Geoff Gringas of Miami.Video: Strategies for a successful relationship"I like to give her a close-up view while I'm doing a bit of showing off and it keeps her eyes off of all the other sweaty guys." Why does it work? Dr. Jeremy Nicholson, the "Attraction Doctor," says that competing with other men especially at the gym is a key way that gents can stand out. "The man who dominates other men often gets the attention of women. So, guys push, shove, and fight when ladies are around. They also compete hard at everything from small games to sports. This shows the guy can handle himself, win resources and status from other men, and protect a woman." It may be a little old-fashioned, but hey, it's the truth. He learns what works for you "Usually men start by resorting to things that don't work to get attention, but that would work great for them in reverse," says Dr. Haltzman. "For instance, if a woman were to strip off all her clothes and prance across the room, a man would definitely tune in. Men catch on sooner or later that this won't work in reverse because women are not simply looking for hot bodies, but to connect in meaningful ways." He pretends not to know you "My wife and I have been married for six years, which isn't a lifetime, but we like to spice things up," says Matt Frances, 32. "Every so often, when we go to a bar, I approach her as if we've never met and try to pick her up. We have this really fun fantasy night. Sometimes we even use accents. Creating stories together and being able to laugh helps to remind her how much fun we had when we first started dating." He teases you about the movies he loves "Every time my wife and I watch schmaltzy movies together, I make exaggerated fake crying noises during the really sappy or upsetting parts and poke fun at her for actually crying," says New Yorker Steve Schwartz. "The first time we watched Love Story together I turned to her and asked, 'is this girl dead yet?' My wife thinks I'm insensitive, but really, pretending to be macho is the only way I can fight off my own tears during those gut-wrenching moments. Love Story is so sad!" | 4 | 748 | lifestyle |
That doesn't have to be a bad thing, thanks to these expert tips for resolving the not-so-good stuff. Truth is, you don't just marry a person you also marry their family."The way we grew up influences how we treat, talk to, and divide responsibilities with our spouses," says Gary Chapman, Ph.D., author of "The Five Love Languages." Conflict arises when those values don't quite line up. "The key is to spend your energy seeking solutions rather than defending your perspective."Next time you have a disagreement, try to focus on why your husband thinks and feels what he does. Then say, "What you're saying makes sense to me. Now let me share where I'm coming from so we can figure out a way to make this work." Instead of setting you up as enemies, this approach helps affirm everyone's feelings, which brings you closer and makes it easier to come up with relationship rules that work for both of you. If you've ever endlessly hinted about the birthday present you wanted only to be told he had "no idea what to get you," you know that men aren't great at picking up on subtleties."The danger of expecting your husband to know what you want, think, or feel is that it may cause resentment," says psychotherapist Marcia Naomi Berger, author of "Marriage Meetings for Lasting Love." "You feel like your needs aren't being met, and he feels like his efforts aren't valued."If you feel resentment building, remind yourself that he's not a mind reader, and work to be specific about your wants in a noncritical, non-naggy way. So rather than complaining that he never buys you flowers, say "I'd love if you would surprise me with flowers sometime" the next time you pass a florist. "She went from lawyer to nurturing mother; I went from laid-back to a worrier, especially with finances and planning for our future," explains John. And that's totally normal."Your needs, expectations, and even what attracts you to your partner change as you go from newlyweds to first-time parents, or deal with major life events, such as a job loss," says clinical psychologist Steven Craig, Ph.D., author of "The Six Husbands Every Wife Should Have." "Most marital spats and disagreements occur when those changing needs and expectations aren't communicated. I recommend couples carve out a half hour at least once a year to discuss what is and isn't working and what they need from each other now," says Craig. Maybe you once found it sweet that he called his mother every day, but now those phone calls are cutting into bath time."Before you react to bothersome behavior, try to put the issue in perspective by asking yourself, 'Is this worth an argument or is it something I can grow to accept?'" suggests psychologist Brian Doss, Ph.D., cofounder of the marriage counseling service Our Relationship. "Actively deciding to look past it can help you realize that some of what irritates you is related to other characteristics we really appreciate about our partners."You may hate that he keeps you waiting at restaurants, but a tendency to run late is often part of a fun, spontaneous personality. But if you do decide the issue requires a change, approach it by asking yourself how you would want your husband to approach you about a quirk that bothers him. Then go from there. "The number-one question I get from my clients is, 'We have less sex than we used to is there something wrong with us?'" says relationship researcher Terri Orbuch, Ph.D. There isn't."Research shows that excitement and passion decrease around 18 months into a relationship, but in my studies of happy couples, 80 percent said that sex, though less frequent, was just as or more enjoyable than when they first got together."Still, if you're craving more, you can potentially reignite your initial feelings simply by remembering them."Mentally replaying those first steamy encounters can make you feel more loving toward your spouse because it helps you remember how sexy you found him in those moments," Orbuch says. Try reminiscing with your husband about your early adventures then come up with a list of ways to create some new sexy scenes. "Now our Saturdays are booked with to-do's usually apart from each other," adds Keith. "It's easy to inadvertently take your relationship for granted by putting everything and everyone else first and that can lead to feeling more like roommates than spouses," says Howard Markman, Ph.D., founder of Love Your Relationship. "There's a myth that love should continue naturally, but relationships need to be nurtured both when they're going well and when they're not."Successful couples never stop dating, so block off a weekly calendar slot for activities that are fun and challenging for both of you learning a new language, taking cooking classes, setting out on local bike paths."It seems hard to do at first, but you'll find that the together time will quickly become something you both look forward to and that brings you closer than ever," says Markman. When we first fall in love, feel-good chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine flood our brains, making us foggy to negative qualities hence the phrase "love is blind" research shows. Typically, when those hormones levels go back to normal, the rose-colored glasses come off but they don't have to. In fact, how you perceive your partner's behavior is a better predictor of marital success than his actual actions, according to research from the University of Buffalo."The more you train yourself to seek out positive qualities, the more you'll find and the better your relationship will be," Scott Haltzman, M.D., author of "The Secrets of Surviving Infidelity." "And your husband will pick up on your vibe and start showing the same appreciation back at you." The result: You'll both be nicer and less nitpicky. | 4 | 749 | lifestyle |
George Clooney isn't the only one and with good reason. George Clooney The ultimate bachelor of Hollywood first met British lawyer Amal Alamuddin when they were working on a Syrian human-rights project. He's dated many famous women before, but he seems lately to have had a change of heart regarding his privacy.For example, he's very anti-Twitter, stating, "I don't think you need to be that available." And Amal, a brilliant lawyer, takes him outside of his very public Hollywood realm."On an intellectual level, they are equals," George's mom, Nina, told the Daily Mail. "That is very important to him. Amal's world couldn't be more different from the Hollywood lifestyle." Julia Roberts Julia has dated her fair share of celebrities Liam Neeson, Kiefer Sutherland, and Dylan McDermott, to name a few but she married cameraman Danny Moder in 2002, with whom she settled down and had three children. Although the Moder isn't completely out of the Hollywood scene, he's a far cry from a leading man on the big screen."I have said this a thousand times," she said. "I just think I am the same relatively simple person that I have always been. I just have this flashy, wacky job. In my own mind, I am still a girl from small-town Georgia who can't believe any of this has happened to her."But the couple may be on the rocks if there's any truth to recent on-set cheating rumors with Julia's "Normal Heart" castmate Mark Ruffalo. Scarlett Johannson Scarlett is no stranger to the Hollywood romance circuit: She dated actor Josh Hartnett for several years and then married actor Ryan Reynolds. But she's been vocal about her delight that fiancé Romain Dauriac, with whom she's expecting a child, is an artist, not a celebrity."It is [easier], but it's more than that," Scarlett said in an interview with Vanity Fair. "We do different things. He's in the whole art-scene world. So it's nice, because we can enjoy each other's worlds, but we don't have our crazy conflicting schedules and all that other stuff to contend with." Matt Damon Matt met his wife, Luciana Bozan Barroso, in Miami Beach where she was a bartender, then married and had four children with her. Now, after seeing friends like Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie constantly in the public eye, he considers himself very fortunate."I got lucky, I fell in love with a civilian," he told Esquire. "Not an actress and not a famous actress at that. Because then the attention doesn't double it grows exponentially. Because then suddenly everybody wants to be in your bedroom. But I don't really give them anything. If I'm not jumping up and down on a bar, or lighting something on fire, or cheating on my wife, there's not really any story to tell. They can try to stake me out, but they're always going to get the same story middle-aged married guy with four kids. So as long as that narrative doesn't change too much, there's no appetite for it." Meryl Streep Meryl has been a fixture in Hollywood for decades now, but she is known for valuing her privacy. Her husband of 36 years, sculptor Don Gummer, is also notorious for evading the public eye, and is perhaps responsible for Meryl's ability to balance it all."I know I couldn't even dream of being a mother and making movies without Don," Meryl said years ago in an interview with LIFE magazine. "He's the linchpin. I love him, and I am so grateful."And although she normally keeps mum on their marriage, she gave Don a shout-out at the 2012 Oscars, saying, "I'm going to thank Don, because when you thank your husband at the end of the speech, they play him out with the music, and I want him to know that everything I value most in our lives you've given me." Jon Bon Jovi Jon Bon Jovi married his high school sweetheart, Dorothea Hurley, with whom he has four children and although he's seen a massive amount of fame and fortune over his career, he's still happy with his original partner."I wouldn't trade her in for anything," he told the Daily Mail. It's increasingly common for rock stars to divorce their first wives and marry someone younger, but Bon Jovi says that won't be him."I find that women are much sexier when they age gracefully. I want to see them in cowboy boots and blue jeans and not with so much liposuction that they can't even close their eyes. You see women with it everywhere in Hollywood and, urgh..." Julianna Margulies After a string of unsuccessful relationships, Julianna got comfortable being single and then she met Keith Lieberthal. She told Good Housekeeping she was at a friend's party, and she had a plan: "Stay for one drink, then skedaddle," when she met Keith. "I said to him, 'Listen, I'm going to be leaving in 10 minutes because I'm sure you're an actor and I have sworn off [your type].' And he said, 'Well, that's good. I'm a lawyer.' Then he poured me a big glass of red wine, I stayed the entire dinner and that was it."She appreciates her husband, who gets her career but doesn't want to be a part of it: "I married a rock, who understands what I do without any resentment." | 4 | 750 | lifestyle |
For the most discriminating members of the elementary-school set, mismatched socks and a faded souvenir tee do not an outfit make. These celebrity progeny favor mixed prints, impeccably tailored ensembles, and a liberal dose of rhinestone embellishment. All we'd like to know is: do those overalls come in our size? Apple and Moses Martin The Martin siblings have been making headlines since birth, so it's no surprise that they top our list of taste-making offspring. Lucky beneficiaries of their mother's flaxen locks and their father's English charm, Apple and Moses are as at home in Hollywood as they are in Notting Hill. Balancing Gwyneth's film shoots with Coldplay's concert tours, the siblings stock their Goop-approved wardrobe with leggings, newsboy caps, and an array of double-breasted pea coats.Video: Seven weirdest celeb baby names Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz, and Harper Beckham Given that this quartet was created by demigod parents David Beckham and Posh Spice, Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz, and Harper's collective sense of style is practically a birthright. In 2012, Burberry creative director Christopher Bailey recognized such innate panache when he hand-selected 10-year-old Romeo to front the label's spring/summer 2013 campaign. While the Beckham boys rely on a uniform of athletic staples (plus the occasional red-carpet-ready tux), their only sister and heiress apparent to Queen V's expansive shoe collection seems to prefer sweet dresses and artfully patterned tights. Sasha and Malia Obama As America's First Daughters, Sasha and Malia Obama have not only accepted their standing within the nation's unofficial royal family but also managed to look pretty darn adorable while doing it. Gravitating toward color-blocked separates, statement necklaces, and plenty of J.Crew, the Obama girls prove what we've long suspected: Jenna Lyons really is a national treasure. Lila Moss (Kate Moss's daughter) Described by her supermodel mother as a "mini me," Lila Moss (whose father is Dazed and Confused co-founder Jefferson Hack) is often photographed in clothing that reflects her stylish mum's glamorous flower-child-meets-punk-rocker sensibility. Violet and Seraphina Affleck It takes a certain brand of self-possession to wear a tutu with aplomb. But when the children of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner are not gallivanting around their native Los Angeles in tulle, Violet and Seraphina still manage to demonstrate their shared penchant for a distinctly girlie aesthetic. The duo covets striped dresses, ruffled skirts, and the color pink.Video: Cutest celebrity kids Leni, Johan, Lou, and Henry Samuel (Heidi Klum's kids) When your mother is an internationally beloved icon, you're bound to inherit at least a degree of her poise. But evidently Heidi Klum has bequeathed more to her brood than mere fashion sense. Each of Klum's kids also managed to snag the former Victoria Secret model's megawatt smile. Whether they're strolling down the street or playing in the waves on one of their frequent beach vacations, these four never fail to dazzle. Suri Cruise As the daughter of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, Suri Cruise has been turning heads for her freewheeling style since her public debut on the cover of Vanity Fair in 2006. The immaculately dressed tot favors designer labels, A-line dresses, and the occasional faux-fur stole. Will her recently snipped micro-bangs cement her trendsetter status? Only time will tell. Honor Warren (Jessica Alba's daughter) Although the denim-jacket-loving daughter of Jessica Alba and Cash Warren is the spitting image of her gorgeous mother, the four-year-old isn't necessarily a carbon copy of Alba when it comes to taste. Alba recently described Honor's particular aesthetic on The Rachael Ray Show. "She's very independent, very opinionated and loves dress-up so much," says Alba. "She has a lot of wigs, and she has a lot of plastic heels. It's totally insane, but it makes her happy." Benjamin Brady (Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen's son) While Benjamin Brady's best accessory is arguably his impeccably tousled hair, the toddler's partiality for preppy staples and graphic knits certainly doesn't hurt his rising style profile. Of course, as the son of football legend Tom Brady and horse-enthusiast supermodel Gisele Bundchen, Lil' B hardly needs to cultivate a signature style. We're pretty sure one came with his birth certificate. | 4 | 751 | lifestyle |
From a supermodel's L.A. kitchen to an antiques dealer's New York City terrace, these are some of your favorite pinned homes and spaces from AD. Vintage light fixture A 1960s light fixture from Venfield presides over the breakfast nook of a Manhattan apartment by Penny Drue Baird. Architect David Ruff designed the lacquer cabinetry; the chair is from Design Within Reach, and the Roman-shade fabric is by Lulu DK. The countertops and wainscot are statuary marble. Planters Antiques dealers Angus Wilkie and Len Morgan updated a New York City penthouse apartment that looks onto St. Jean Baptiste Church. The terrace is outfitted with terra-cotta planters. Elaborate dining At a ranch in Southern California, an ironwood table and chairs decorate the great room's dining area; Dogger, by Elliott Puckette, hangs on the concrete column. The stairs lead to the library, which is suspended above the kitchen; the range, ovens, and wine refrigerator are by Viking. Colorful entrance In a New York City townhouse renovated by architect Peter Pennoyer and decorated by Jeffrey Bilhuber, artisan Mark Giglio painted the entrance hall with colorful stripes. Manhattan style A Labrador retriever dozes in the living area of a Manhattan apartment; the sofa is by Ralph Lauren Home, the black ceramic vase is by JF Chen, and the floor lamp is vintage. Unique bathroom A vintage French bistro mirror hangs above the antique pedestal sink in the pool-house bath at Ralph Lauren's Bedford, New York, estate. Dapper dressing room The dressing room of Nashville philanthropists and photography collectors Jennifer and Billy Frist features light fixtures by Charles Edwards. Cozy master bedroom A chandelier by Williams-Sonoma Home overlooks a Kansas City, Missouri, master bedroom. The folding screen and sofa are vintage, the herringbone wool blanket is by Ralph Lauren Home, and the velvet curtains are by Restoration Hardware. Artful seating In the Sao Paulo living room of architect and interior designer Sig Bergamin and his partner, architect Maurilo Lomas, works by Alexander Calder, Carla Barth, and others hangs behind a chinoiserie chair cushioned with a Rubelli velvet. Bright, white kitchen A view of the kitchen and its plasterwork ceiling in a Boston home designed by Thad Hayes. Hollywood flair The master suite of a 1930s Los Angeles home by design firm Commune is furnished with a George Smith button-tufted bench in an Osborne & Little fabric. The embroidered bolster pillow on the bed is from Hollywood at Home, the curtains are made of a Lee Jofa linen, and the carpet is by Tai Ping. A model's paradise A frangipani tree lends a verdant note to Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber's Mexico villa's courtyard, which is furnished with teak tables and seating custom made by Jasper; the cushions are upholstered in a Ralph Lauren Home fabric, and the accent pillows are by John Robshaw. French-style master bath Stephen Sills and James Huniford created a Midwest master bath with floor-to-ceiling French doors that open to the garden. They discovered the antique Italian-marble sarcophagus tub in Belgium, and the circa-1910 chandelier is French. Beautiful breakfast room In the breakfast room of a Washington, D.C. area home designed by Darryl Carter, a 1940s Italian chandelier hangs over a custom-made trestle table. The shelves hold 19th-century transferware, a Zimmer + Rohde fabric covers the Beaumont & Fletcher settee, and a Glant Textilesfabric cushions English side chairs from Niall Smith Antiques. Malibu master bath The mirrors, sconces, and vanity were custom made for the master bath in movie producer Avi Arad's Malibu, California, house; the towels are by Frette, and the rug is from Woven Accents. Nickel-finish tub A JF Chen globe lantern hangs above a Waterworks tub with a burnished-nickel finish in fashion designer Jenni Kayne's Los Angeles bathroom; the fittings are by Lefroy Brooks. Earthy alcove In the dining alcove of a rustic farmhouse in the hills of Italy, the banquette and oak table were custom made. Tile art A bath in Shelter Island, New York, sports a mural by Chelsea Arts Tile + Stone; the tub is by Waterworks, with fittings by Lefroy Brooks. Checkered bath The tiles in this New York bath are by Nemo Tile Co., and the towels are by Restoration Hardware; the art includes a photograph by Machiel Botman, at top, and a Guzman portrait of Lambertson. Vintage meets custom A vintage Tommi Parzinger bench from Palumbo sits at the foot of the bed in a master suite designed by Victoria Hagan; the armchair and ottoman, both by Hagan, are upholstered in a Glant Textiles fabric, and the carpeting was custom made by Tai Ping. Plush living area Anthony Lawrence Belfair made this Long Island living room's club chair, matching footstool, and large sofa, the latter of which is upholstered in a Gretchen Bellinger fabric; the carpet is by Marc Phillips Decorative Rugs. Mix of leather & glass In a New York kitchen, 1930s chairs by Dominique upholstered in patent leather surround a custom-made glass-top table by the home's decorator, Delphine Krakoff. Speckled bath In a Lake Forest, Illinois, cottage, works by Joan Miro brighten a bath, which features a Calacatta marble shower, a Kallista tub, and an Ann Sacks mosaic floor tile. The shower fittings are by Perrin and Rowe, and the stool is by Restoration Hardware. Marble wonder Designer Waldo Fernandez's Los Angeles master bath is sheathed in Calacatta marble; the tub is by Kohler. Actor's outdoor oasis Honeysuckle climbs the trellis of actor Hank Azaria's outdoor living room, which is furnished with Trip Haenisch-designed seating upholstered in Perennials outdoor fabrics; the cocktail table is by Holly Hunt. | 4 | 752 | lifestyle |
Like it or not, electric vehicles are fast becoming a reality. The age of such alternatively powered vehicles being nothing more than car-show candy is over. If all plans go smoothly, nearly every road-going human will have to deal with them in only a few years' time. Sure, EVs are nothing really new. The all-electric Tesla Roadster has been filling Hollywood's valet lots for a few years now, shocking people (no pun intended) with its quickness, uncanny cornering ability, and claimed 250-mile single-charge range. That's just great. So how many of those $100,000-plus cars have you seen in your neighborhood, or better yet, your state? Exactly. Automakers, from small and exclusive as Koenigsegg to monstrous and diverse as Volkswagen, are investing billions into electrified rides. Much of this forthcoming EV market infiltration is a result of recent advances in lithium ion battery technology, as well as a global realization that humanity can't continue with its current consumption of fossil fuels. While both the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi i-MiEV employ said battery technology and will soon be available to consumers, they occupy different segments and target separate customers. Then why even begin to compare these two? Because new EVs, no matter their size or purpose, invite comparison. No matter your personal beliefs, the Leaf and i-MiEV are two of the most highly anticipated next-generation all-electric vehicles bent on changing the way we perceive and interact with the automobile. It's inevitable that they will be compared, no matter what the PR folks say, so we couldn't pass up the opportunity when we recently had the chance to drive both, back to back, in So Cal. But is important to recognize each car's MO. Come December, the Leaf will be a mass-produced, "all around-er" built to satisfy as many customers as possible with its sub-$30,000 price tag (with incentives), plus comfort, sportiness, and unassuming cute styling. The i-MiEV (pronounced "My EV," short for "Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle"), an urban roamer built for compact dwellings, is more of a niche vehicle currently being tested and sold in limited batches to select Japanese domestic market buyers at a price of just over $30,000 (converted with incentives). Mitsubishi hopes to sell the model in the U.S. by next winter at a sub-$25,000 level with government bonuses, but no official plans have been detailed. (Expect more info at the 2010 L.A. Auto Show.) Both spew out no environmentally harmful emissions, offer a claimed single charge range of around 100 miles, and have, literally, sparked interest worldwide. Nissan says 16,100 Americans have put down a $99 refundable deposits, while Mitsubishi's first year allotment quickly sold out in Japan. Stare at the i-MiEV and you know it is something different. Its rounded jellybean profile looks slightly better than a Prius', albeit kind of anime-ish. Head on, the Mitsu's headlights give it a bug-like appearance, and the bulbous wheel arches stuff the bug's cheeks full. Compared to the 2010 Toyota Prius, the i-MiEV measures more than 3-and-a-half-feet shorter in length (133.6 in. vs. 175.6 in.), nearly 11 inches thinner (58 in. vs. 68.7 in), and almost 5 inches taller (63.3 in. vs. 58.7 in.). It also bests the Prius' wheelbase by 6 inches (100.3 in. vs. 106.3 in.). It is top-heavy, skinny, devoid of any real overhangs, and nearly compact enough to lane split gridlock traffic on the I-405. That said, it is quite cute. Whereas the Mitsu can come across as an elongated golf cart, Nissan's pride and joy is unassumingly handsome. During our short drive, passersby hardly gave the Leaf a second look as it hummed away -- a good thing for such a high-tech car. Nissan isn't making a huge aesthetic statement with its first EV, graciously sculpting a ride that's as pleasing to the eye as it is good for the environment. No Prius Kammback profile here. Nearly every exterior bit carries out a mission of efficiency, while simultaneously exuding futuristic panache. Take, for example, the rear radio antennae mounted atop its roof. Its shape minimizes the air pocket that naturally builds behind it. Also, like the Leaf's brother, the GT-R, its bottom is completely sealed (though not with carbon fiber), and its behind wears an integrated diffuser for supreme aerodynamics. Talk about down to the last detail. Inside, the Mitsubishi feels stripped and bare. Our tester's option list included heated seats, but that's about it. Manual air conditioning and a CD player/radio kept us cool and entertained (in Japan, you can get a navigation system). Layout-wise, the i-MiEV's interior is welcoming and cleanly assembled, though Mitsubishi's notorious hard plastics continue here as well. Gauges are simple, displaying available range information, power consumption, and vehicle speed. Despite what its exterior may portray, roominess is the name of the game inside, both up front and out back. We didn't have a chance to pack it full with four passengers, but with two others aboard, the i-MiEV was spacious enough. Visibility is stellar thanks to the huge front windshield and surrounding extra-large windows. We have a few gripes. While driving, our left knee more than once hit the gear selector (all testers are right-hand drive). We could also use some front seat armrests. Strap into the Leaf and you'll be inundated by real-time vehicle statistics (a la the GT-R) shown in Nissan's new EV blue and bright white colors. Switch off the air conditioning as the modern centralized user interface recommends (yes, it shows you how you can improve range) and you'll see range bump up a few miles. The standard issue navigation indicates the locations of the nearest charging stations and their power type, so you're never too far from juice. Synthetic PET fabric -- a material similar to what water and soda bottles are made from -- wraps each of the cushy seats and contributes to the Leaf's recyclability. Given its tall build and thin tires, the i-MiEV is not a car to be pushed hard in corners -- best keep it going straight fast or slow going on city streets. Cruising in traffic, the car can't help but feel tiny, tinny, and light, but it remains unmatched when it comes to maneuverability. There is a slight road drone that transmits into the cabin, and at highway speeds, the 63-horsepower motor produces a strong whine no matter the amount of throttle. Even so, the i-MiEV has more than enough grunt to get up to highway speed quickly and put a smile on your face. Passing a slower car is a cinch; merely plant the accelerator and all 133 pound-feet immediately push you backward. Drop the gear selector into "Eco" mode (in reality, there are no gears or a transmission, as it is a direct-drive) and horsepower cuts and regenerative braking bumps up. Click it one notch further down into "B" (the regenerative braking mode, or the one we liked best for its best combination of power and efficiency) and maximum power and regenerative braking become available. The same sprightliness can be said of the direct drive-equipped, no-gear Leaf, though it is more powerful by 45 horsepower and 73 pound-feet and thus feels significantly quicker. Its ride is smooth and comfortable yet firm and confident, like that of a BMW 335is. Take a turn and the Leaf corners flat, exhibiting little body roll thanks in large part to its roughly 600-pound batteries stuffed below passengers' feet. Once out of a bend, the low center gravity keeps the hatch securely planted. Like the i-MiEV, the Leaf can be driven in "B" mode for a minor increase in driving range. The mode tones down air conditioning and numbs throttle responsiveness, while applying full-force regenerative braking, for a roughly 10-percent range boost. We brought three others along during the Leaf drive and each noted the car's roomy and quiet cabin. No one felt cramped in the least bit. As such, the Leaf succeeds in feeling like a regular, gasoline-powered five-door hatchback that has the latest in safety features and creature comforts (such as an available backup camera and automatic air conditioning, which according to Nissan, is more efficient than a manual system). The pair makes living the EV-lifestyle easy thanks to uncomplicated charging procedures (seven hours for a full charge on a 200V AC outlet for the i-MiEV; eight hours on a 200/240V outlet for the Leaf) and regular driving functions that we've been accustomed to for long. Like every EV on deck for worldwide release, both are equally reliant on the electric vehicle charging station infrastructure that is slowly but surely expanding. Their success is also at the mercy of world governments that provide crucial manufacturer and customer incentives. Which is the better electric vehicle? That's not a fair question as these two are so different. While the Nissan may be a more refined, more comfortable, sportier model, the Mitsubishi shines as a speedy urban warrior that potentially could thrive with the right price point in key space-constrained regions. Despite their obvious differences, the two are essentially one in the same; each heads down an identical path of consumer scrutiny and segment growing pains. Maybe this wasn't such a mismatch after all. | 9 | 753 | autos |
On the market only since 2011, the second-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class has had a roller-coaster life. When it first debuted, its slick design and impressive muscle were well-received. It was quickly shown up by the prettier, fancier, and dynamically superior Audi A7, and both were then eclipsed by the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe. Now, after less than four years on the market, Benz is hitting back. To appreciate how fully the new CLS will take the fight back to Ingolstadt and Munich, you have to look deep. Cosmetically, the new CLS receives only new headlights, a new lower front fascia, a revised grille, and revised lower rear fascia. The looks are improvements on an already good-looking car, giving it a bit more elegance and reducing some of the old nose's bluntness. The interior makeover is also light, with the addition of a new steering wheel and Benz's trademark "floating" navigation and entertainment screen. On the whole, these changes don't sound like enough to make Audi and BMW worried, but that's why you have to look deeper. Perhaps the biggest change is under the hood. Conceding that the competition offers more fuel-efficient six-cylinder models and customers seem to like them, Benz has introduced the new CLS400 powered by a twin-turbo V-6. It's a good motor, as we found when we first tried it in the closely related E-Class last year. It's a torquey little motor with a fairly linear powerband that tapers off at the top end. Here in the CLS-Class, it provides more than enough power for most customers, with plenty of turbo-backed torque ready to execute a pass at any time. It's no monster like the twin-turbo V-8s in the CLS550 and CLS63 AMG, but it's plenty quick and very smooth. It doesn't have much of a growl to it, as again, it's not the performance motor, so Benz has kept it quiet. A second key difference is the CLS400's steel-spring suspension, as opposed to the other models' fancy air suspension. Tuned for comfort, it doesn't ride noticeably different than the air-sprung CLS550 in that car's Comfort mode. The ride is fairly soft and keeps out most of the worst road imperfections. The car leans a fair bit in corners, but body motions are well-controlled and it transitions smoothly. With reasonably quick steering and good throttle response, the CLS400 takes a corner pretty well for a luxury sedan -- excuse me, "four-door coupe." Given the minimal differences, you can accurately guess that the CLS550 drives pretty much the same way. Sure, the twin-turbo V-8 has a lot more power and makes a much better noise, but aside from push-you-back-in-the-seat acceleration, the driving experience is similar. The CLS550's exclusive-for-now nine-speed automatic transmission is smoother and seems to communicate with the engine better than the seven-speed unit in the old CLS. Compared to the CLS400, though, it just feels faster. It does pick up one advantage in handling, as its air suspension is adjustable and can be firmed up in Sport mode. Doing so makes the car ride harder, but without becoming harsh. It also reduces the body roll in corners a bit. All in all, the extra power and stiffer air springs help make the car a decent sports sedan, though I wouldn't call the driving experience any more than marginally improved over the previous CLS-Class. If performance and handling are what you're after, the CLS63 AMG is, as always, the way to go. It sports a bigger twin-turbo V-8 with even more power on tap than before. The result is an addictive shove in the chest every time you get into the throttle. Like the other two models, this one seems to play a bit better with its seven-speed automatic transmission than before. The ride, even in Comfort, is again firmer, and even more so in Sport. The handling is substantially better than that of the CLS400 or CLS550 thanks to that performance suspension and a faster steering rack. This car feels like a proper sports sedan, if not an over-the-top one with all that torque. It turns in quickly and accurately with controlled body movements and wonderful grip from the standard 4Matic all-wheel drive and summer tires. Dinner plate-sized brakes clamped by football-sized calipers easily haul the car down from speed over and over without complaint. As with the CLS550, I would characterize the new CLS63 AMG as better than the old car, but only incrementally so. When you're not driving like teenager on a Mountain Dew binge, all three cars are perfectly comfortable for everyday commuting. The interior is quiet, the seats are comfortable, and the ride is good, even on the AMG. The latest COMAND navigation and entertainment software displayed on that fancy new screen is a welcome update that features crisper graphics and more functions. Unfortunately, it might be slightly more complicated to use than the old software. For example, having to connect your smartphone as a phone and as a Bluetooth audio player separately, on different screens, using different menus, seems like a needless complication. Navigating between functions on the screen can also be difficult, as you're never sure which is achieved by turning the dial and which is achieved by tilting the dial to the side. The other new technology works better. The CLS-Class picks up all the latest safety tech from the new E-Class, which means everything from adaptive cruise control to automatic emergency braking to lane-keeping assistance that can basically steer the car for you. The camera- and radar-based technologies together will essentially drive the car for you when you're stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic, which is the one time you'd really want them to. They'll also help save your bacon in an emergency. With more models to choose from, a lower starting price, a more efficient engine option, better looks, and updated technology, the new CLS-Class is poised to recapture ground lost to Audi and BMW. It might not blow the competition out of the water, but it expands the model's depth more than enough to regain consideration from buyers who may have strayed. Being as it's a mid-cycle refresh (and an early one at that) rather than a full redesign, Benz may not have delivered a knockout blow, but it's not going down without a fight, either. Head to the second page of this review for more than 60 additional photos of the refreshed 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. | 9 | 754 | autos |
What's an SUV? This might seem the absolute worst question for a six-way SUV comparison test to pose in the opening paragraph, but here we are. But could it be that this is the absolute best question to be asking in the year 2011? If it were 1998, one could simply answer, "Jeep Cherokee," and get back to buying shares of pets.com for $190 each. Forty years ago, you'd say, "International Scout," and finish installing the lake pipes on your van. But today? Today the Scout and Cherokee are long dead (RIP), and the Nissan Juke and Murano CrossCabriolet technically qualify as SUVs. There are two possible answers. The first is that an SUV is a vehicle short on compromises and high on versatility. Of course, it will get you to 7-Eleven. Any car will do that. But this version of SUV can also take you and your (large) family somewhere. The seats can fold and suddenly you've got a junk lugger that can go off-pavement, through mud and standing water, and over (small) rocks. Got a new boat? An SUV can tow that. Since we're shooting the moon, it should be fun to drive. Good-looking, too. An SUV, then, is the automotive equivalent of a Leatherman. Of course, there's a second, more cynical answer. It goes something like: SUVs are for people too vain to drive a minivan and too stupid to drive a station wagon. They look like trucks-even though they're mostly car-based-because the poseurs buying them need to frighten and intimidate others. New mothers feel that a key component of good parenting is swaddling your child up in a tank. SUVs waste resources, pollute the earth, and can't stop clubbing baby seals. Ever. Like most things, the truth is buried somewhere in the middle. It's time, then, to meet our six contenders, all 28,398 pounds of 'em. The newly mature midsize-SUV segment features one of the most closely matched sets of vehicles we've ever seen. Each SUV tested has a V-6. The smallest is 3.5 liters, the largest is 3.7 liters. The weakest engine makes 250 horsepower, while the two most potent pump out 290. Torque is even closer with 22 pound-feet separating the buffest from the most effete. Every one gets an EPA rating of either 16 or 17 mpg in town and 22 or 23 mpg on the highway. In our own tests, the most frugal car recorded 15.9 combined mpg (Highlander), while the thirstiest recorded 13.8 mpg (Traverse). They all seat seven, except for one that seats six (the Ford came with optional second-row captain's chairs) and one with eight seats (Pilot). As-tested price is the same story, with the cheapest wearing a $40,800 sticker (CX-9), while the most expensive costs $45,515 (Explorer). The average price for the six is $42,192, with most costing a few hundred bucks less than the mean. Aside from our usual crew of automotive know-it-alls, we brought along Mark Williams, former editor-in-chief of Truck Trend and all-around off-road expert. He makes the following salient point: "Thank God we're not grading on a curve. The top players in this segment are fiercely competitive. Worst of the group probably gets a B+, with the top spots being separated by just a few percentage points." Exactly right. Are you ready? Here we go. 6TH PLACE: FORD EXPLORER Before we get to the specifics of why it finished last, let's go over some of the new Explorer's good points. Everyone likes its looks. It's bold, stout, aggressive. Very SUV-like, in fact. Most of us also agree that the all-encompassing MyFord Touch system is best in class. Says editor at large Ron Kiino, "I like the IP and the center stack; they're modern and functional. Overall, the interior is very handsome and high quality." Still, there was a bit of dissent. Associate road test editor Carlos Lago logs, "When MyFord Touch works, it's brilliant. When it doesn't it makes you facepalm repeatedly." By "not working," Lago means having to hold a string of annoying conversations with a talking female computer. And he makes one final point on which we all agree: "Give me knobs for volume, tuning, and temp. Please." Still, it must be said the optional Sony-branded controls look fantastic. We didn't like driving the Explorer very much. "Holy torque steer, Batman!" shrieked executive editor Edward Loh. "Why is this AWD beast pulling under wide-open throttle?" Because more so than any other vehicle here, the Explorer is primarily FWD, with power routed to the rear tires only when the fronts lose traction. Hence, massive, freaky, comical torque steer. The big Ford also rode worse than much of the competition. Says Williams, "The chassis needs some refinement to give it the level of sophistication and playfulness most of the others deliver." From my own notes: "Car feels wobbly at speed-not confidence inspiring." We also had issues with the seating position. Considering its great width, one would think the Explorer would be spacious. But like the Taurus it's based on, it just isn't. Then there was this: "An odd squeak has developed. Seems to be coming from right rear." A moment later, I'm on the walkie to associate online editor Scott Evans. "Sounds like something in the driver-side A-pillar is sizzling." He tells me it could be the airbag malfunctioning. Great. Mr. Loh piles on, "The squeaking from the rear and the zippery farting noise coming from the windshield only enhance the rattletrap nature of the Explorer." After poking around, we learn the head-splitting rear squeak is because of a poorly fitted rear-tire aerodynamic deflector spat. Both rear tire spats eventually failed, and the trim piece flew off on the freeway. Additionally, a front piece of bumper trim broke loose, and the MyFord Touch system shut down for about 60 seconds, taking away all climate, stereo, phone, and navigation controls before rebooting. Can all this be chalked up to the Explorer being an early pre-production vehicle? Ford assures us that's the case and all five flaws has been addressed or redesigned. Perhaps, but you know the old saying/shampoo commercial about not getting a second chance to make a first impression? 5TH PLACE: HONDA PILOT Going into this comparison, some of us thought the Honda had it in the bag. There was just something so Honda about it. And the first impressions were generally positive. Says Kiino, "Doesn't feel like the least powerful of the group. Gets up and goes just fine. Engine sounds sporty and refined-typical Honda." Evans continues, "Handles like a Honda should." Another Honda family trait shined brightly: the center binnacle storage solution, which is Christina Hendricks in a world of Jonah Hills when compared with the others. Of course, not all typical Honda attributes are positives. As Lago points out, "In a long-standing Honda tradition, the road noise is the worst of the bunch." It wasn't just the noise. The Honda featured the worst ride, with Evans noting it rides "like an SUV, not a crossover." Problem is, the car-based Pilot is a crossover. Williams said the Pilot feels as if it's standing on its tiptoes. Loh was less kind. "Ride is the poorest here. At first, it feels light and lively, but you feel and hear every bump and divot in the road. Lots of negative feedback through the steering wheel. Only SUV here that actually jerked the wheel out of my hands on bad pavement." That's not good. Nor are the slow steering, lousy backup camera, or well-labeled but busy collection of buttons on the center stack. Still, there was plenty to like about the Pilot. It tied for first with the Durango in our rear-seat comfort test. We all loved how usefully wide the interior is, especially compared with how wide and useless the Ford feels. Many of us dug the almost-retro, Isuzu Trooper/Japanese box looks. Still, the Pilot shipped with the smallest wheels of the group (17-inchers-every other SUV rode on 20s except the Toyota, which stood on 19s), and while the brakes felt instantaneous and powerful, they provided the worst stopping distance at 133 feet from 60 mph. Loh sums up the Pilot best, saying, "I would fatigue over a long haul due to the NVH. I can't recommend it." 4TH PLACE: CHEVROLET TRAVERSE The Traverse proved the surprise of this group, especially in ride and handling. After climbing out of the Honda and into the Chevy for the first time, I asked everyone, "Did this thing always ride so well?" No one could clearly remember, but reaching back into the far recesses of his mind, Kiino remarked that, no, it didn't. Echoing my thoughts was Loh, "The ride, the ride! Where did this magic-carpet ride come from? This is a way better vehicle than I remember." One of the biggest gripes with the Traverse is its ho-hum, fat-minivan looks. Part of the reason SUV owners like SUVs is that they look like big, tough trucks you could use to invade Baghdad. The Traverse, meanwhile, looks like a blueberry-flavored Jelly Belly. Williams says it best, "When I look at the Traverse, all I see is a generic compromise of a vehicle. But then I began pushing the chassis on our punishing road course, and it kept up with the best of the group. Good chassis, quick steering, and drives like a smaller sedan." Says Lago, "Nice driver." And Evans, "Great highway cruiser." Kiino, "Smooth, composed ride. Maybe the best here." So why only fourth place? Pretty much everything else. Besides the dull exterior, the interior drew the bulk of our collective ire. "Interior plastics have the coarseness of a cheese grater," says Lago. More than the cheap materials, however, Chevy made some bad decisions early on in the Traverse's design phase. For instance, if you choose to plug a phone charger into the 12-volt outlet, it renders one of the cupholders useless. Here's another example: There's only one column stalk. Meaning the wipers, turn signals, and brights are all on a single lever. A single, cheap-feeling, poorly designed lever. The really sad part is that this stalk comes from another vehicle that isn't an SUV. The controls for the rear wiper/spritzer aren't on the stalk -- they're (oddly) found at the very bottom of the center stack. The Durango is also a single-stalk type of SUV, but the Dodge version not only feels five times more substantial, it manages to sport controls for the rear wiper. The Traverse's cabin is cavernous, something we expected from the longest, tallest, and second-heaviest SUV in the test. We like how the second-row seats are true captain's chairs, giving the rear-seat occupants the ability to stretch out their legs down the center aisle. Those same second-row chairs slide and collapse forward, providing easy access to the third row. Finally, the Traverse was the only SUV in the test without a navigation screen. It did have a rearview camera, but it was located in the rearview mirror. It worked okay, but was by far the worst of the group. As Loh pointed out, comparing the Traverse's low-tech solutions to the Explorer's Hal-like system requires a time machine. 3RD PLACE: TOYOTA HIGHLANDER On paper, and for an SUV in this group, the Highlander seems to have several handicaps. It's the lightest at 4478 pounds, some 600 pounds less than the Durango. With 270 horses, it makes the second-least amount of power (the Pilot manages just 250 ponies) and its barely 3.5-liter mill (3456 cc) makes the least torque, at 248 pound-feet. It's also the shortest and narrowest. And...so what? The Toyota was the quickest car here, blowing the competition away to 60 mph (7.1 seconds) and tying the Mazda in the quarter mile at 15.6 seconds (though at 89.5 mph, the Mazda has a 1-mph trap speed advantage). "Gutsy engine," notes Kiino. "Revs freely and pulls strongly." Loh croaks, "Best powertrain here." Lago agrees, "Stepped on the throttle and said, 'Whoa!'" Unfortunately, we're not seeking the best seven-passenger bracket racer. "Gets unsettled too easily-more so than others-at speed on rough roads," continues Lago. From my own notes: "The faster you go, the more this thing wobbles." This feeling may have been compounded by the fact that that ex-Alaska governor Palin is more supportive of moose rights than the Highlander's seats are of enthusiastic drivers. "May as well have bench seats," concludes Evans. Speaking of seats, the Highlander has one party trick that amazes us all: its magical, disappearing middle seat. Pull a strap, lift up, and the narrow-but-comfy seat is in your hands. Then all you have to do is slide it into the secret compartment under the front seat armrest. Totally brilliant. We should note that the removable and stowable middle seat in the Sienna helped tip that car's fortunes in our tightly contested, if not cutthroat, minivan comparison ("Family (Hauler) Feud," December 2010). The Toyota's interior is a mixed bag at best. We all like the giant knobs for temperature and radio controls ("Good for the elderly," noted Loh) as much as we hate the cheesy-looking fake wood. Says Evans, "What's going on inside? The plastic pieces don't match, and the ergonomics go from great to garish as you work your way up the center stack." Ultimately, while we found much to like about the Highlander, we found too much not to like. 2ND PLACE: DODGE DURANGO Sigh. This could have been such a feel-good story. We all remember how lousy the previous-generation Durango was. So bad, in fact, that Dodge stopped making it. Fast-forward a couple years and here we are with an all-new Durango that's so good it wins its very first comparo. Except it doesn't. Second place is the most Dodge's new warhorse can muster. It tried; it really and truly tried. But at the end of the day, we just couldn't declare it the winner and sleep soundly at night. That's not to say the Durango didn't have fans. Evans and Willams both gave it the nod, while Loh and Kiino rated it second place. I was torn between it and the Mazda, going back and forth several times before ultimately reaching a decision. Lago ranked it fourth. First, let's get the good stuff out of the way. And there's a lot of good stuff. From Williams: "The Durango does a better job of letting all sides of my personality come out and play. It's fun to drive, likes being pushed, hunkers down in the corners, and will even let me haul heavy stuff for my neighbor." We all appreciated that the Durango can tow the most-6200 pounds-and, even though it's the heaviest, it returned the second-best fuel economy. Too frugal for you? This is the only vehicle here that has an optional V-8. Says Evans, "The Durango looks and sounds the best in this group. It handles better than most of the others, and is a joy to drive fast." This was partly due to the fact that, of all six SUVs, the Durango is the only RWD-biased machine present. The Durango is also far and away the quietest, most refined SUV here. You can partially thank the extremely solid Mercedes-Benz-derived chassis for that (shared with the ML, GL, and R-Class, as well as the Jeep Grand Cherokee), but much respect is due to the engineers at Dodge. There is very little wind or tire noise. The ride is pretty sweet, too. Says Loh, "Freeway ride is smooth and locked down. Driving position is excellent." I thought the front seats were the best of the bunch. The Dodge had the nicest interior with real metal and super-soft-touch plastic, though with its all-black color scheme you'd never know it. So what went wrong? In a word, transmission. Geared for fuel economy and little else, the Dodge's old, nearly antiquated five-speed automatic just isn't up to snuff. "It feels like a slug," quips Kiino, and our dragstrip results echo those sentiments. Despite a similar power-to-weight ratio as the rest of its competitors, the big Dodge turned in the worst acceleration, with 8.5 seconds to 60 mph and a quarter-mile time of 16.4. Only the Pilot was nearly as slow (8.3 to 60 mph, 16.5 in the quarter mile, and we feel 60 mph is a more important metric for this segment), but the Honda makes 40 fewer horsepower, though it weighs 500 pounds less. Testing director Kim Reynolds offered his take after putting the Durango's cog-swapper into manual mode. "The transmission is a mess. In manual, the tranny does everything wrong. Sometimes upshifts, sometimes doesn't. Often the display doesn't show the correct gear. I tried just putting it in D, and it virtually rolled to a halt before waking up again. I know that manual mode in these cars is rarely used, but it worries me that this is indicative of other lapses in the car's development." A transmission is just too major a component to give a pass. Hence, the otherwise lovable Durango comes in second. But fear not, Mopar fans, in a few months, Dodge will shoehorn a new eight-speed transmission onto the end of the Durango's flywheel. And while they're at it, here's hoping they also swap in the beautiful new Uconnect Navigation system found in both the Charger and Journey. Until then... 1ST PLACE: MAZDA CX-9 It's got that cartoonish Mazda smile, looks more like the Lincoln MKT in its larval stage than a proper SUV, won't handle real off-roading, and can't even tow 2 tons. It also happens to have won our SUV of the Year contest in 2008. A bit of a ringer? Maybe, but it's also the cheapest of the competitors by about $500. The logbooks are simply overflowing with praise. Said I, "As a high speed, canyon-carving seven-seater, the CX-9 is severely gifted. It actually inspires confidence when you push, quite unlike the rest of the field." Says Kiino, "Delicate steering that's just perfect. Feels very carlike, almost like a raised Mazda6." I'd argue it feels better than that. Then there's Mr. Williams, the "real SUV" lover, "I'm very surprised how well the CX-9 has held up over the years. Throttle response and front-end dynamics make it a hoot to take on undulating mountain roads. The excellent chassis smoothes out any nasty chop." And that's just the half of it. Swoons Loh, "Easily the best driver here. Feels fast and light and sporty. Yes, it looks like a sport wagon and not a butched-up truck, but at least the packaging matches the dynamics." Per Evans: "This is not a crossover or an SUV; it's a sport wagon. Out of this group, the entire driving experience is second to none." Finally, Lago asks, "Can I take this one home?" Kinda says it all, no? So there you have it. Four years on and the scrappy, fantastic-driving Mazda CX-9 is still the best seven-passenger SUV you can buy. Sure, the nav system is a generation behind the Explorer. Of course, it could learn a thing or two about interior packaging from Honda. And the Durango is four or five times better-looking. But in the end the former king conquers 'em all, once again. I'll let Loh sum up the Mazda's latest triumph: "A truly excellent package with no major strikes against it." You listening, Dodge? 1st Place: 2011 Mazda CX-9 Mazda CX-9 AWD The best driver here, no questions asked. Mazda keeps the sport in sport/utility vehicle, and it's the best truck here. 2nd Place: 2011 Dodge Durango AWD It's time for an eight-speed. The Durango would have claimed a victory but for an old five-speed slusher. 3rd Place: Toyota Highlander 4WD It's small, but roomy. It has the smallest motor, but was fastest here. A wobbly ride means third place. 4th Place: Chevrolet Traverse LTZ AWD If the rest of the Traverse had been as good as the ride, it could have taken home first place. 5th Place: Honda Pilot 4WD Touring Noisy and harsh are not good family-hauler traits. However, it offered great storage solutions. 6th Place: Ford Explorer Limited 4WD The marshmallow of this soft-roading group, the Explorer had too many quality issues to really be a contender. Behold, The Ultimate SUV : Expirangolanderverse-9 This comparison is as close as they come. That's great news if you're in the market for a big, car-based sport/utility vehicle. There really wasn't a bad apple in this basket, but our evaluators agreed there wasn't a caramel-covered one, either. While it was clear that all present made sacrifices on the altar of cost containment, each rig displayed at least one characteristic that put it above the rest. So if you want to know how to build the perfect three-row, AWD crossover, here you go: Take the manly, but clean-shaven styling of the Durango and pair it with the agility and athleticism of the CX-9. Mix in the smart packaging and cavernous capacity of the eight-seat Pilot with the impressively integrated and voice-activated technology of the Explorer. Finish it off with the Highlander's potent yet teetotaling powertrain, and then mix in the ultraplush ride of the Traverse. The only question remaining is what to call it. - Edward Loh 2011 Chevrolet Traverse LTZ AWD 2011 Dodge Durango AWD (Crew) 2011 Ford Explorer Limited 4WD POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS DRIVETRAIN LAYOUT Front engine, AWD Front engine, AWD Front engine, AWD ENGINE TYPE 60-deg V-6, aluminum block/heads 60-deg V-6, aluminum block/heads 60-deg V-6, aluminum block/heads VALVETRAIN DOHC, 4 valves/cyl DOHC, 4 valves/cyl DOHC, 4 valves/cyl DISPLACEMENT 217.5 cu in/3564 cc 219.9 cu in/3604 cc 213.4 cu in/3497 cc COMPRESSION RATIO 11.3:1 10.2:1 10.8:1 POWER (SAE NET) 288 hp @ 6300 rpm* 290 hp @ 6400 rpm 290 hp @ 6500 rpm TORQUE (SAE NET) 270 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm* 260 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm 255 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm REDLINE Not indicated 6400 rpm 6500 rpm WEIGHT TO POWER 17.1 lb/hp 17.6 lb/hp 16.5 lb/hp TRANSMISSION 6-speed automatic 5-speed automatic 6-speed automatic AXLE/FINAL-DRIVE RATIO 3.16:1/2.34:1 3.06:1/2.54:1 3.39:1/2.52:1 SUSPENSION, FRONT; REAR Struts, coil springs,anti-roll bar;multilink, coil springs, anti-roll bar Control arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar; multilink, coil springs, anti-roll bar Control arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar; multilink, coil springs, anti-roll bar STEERING RATIO 16.1:1 19.0:1 15.8:1 TURNS LOCK-TO-LOCK 2.9 3.6 2.8 BRAKES, F;R 12.8-in vented disc; 13.0-in vented disc, ABS 13.0-in vented disc; 13.0-in disc, ABS 12.8-in vented disc; 12.8-in disc, ABS WHEELS 8.0 x 20-in, cast aluminum 8.0 x 20-in, cast aluminum 8.5 x 20-in, cast aluminum TIRES 255/55R20 107H M+S Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza 265/50R20 107T M+S Goodyear Fortera HL 255/50R20 104H Hankook Optimo H426 DIMENSIONS WHEELBASE 118.9 in 119.8 in 112.6 in TRACK, F/R 67.8/67.4 in 63.9/64.1 in 67.0/67.0 in LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT 205.0 x 78.4 x 72.8 in 199.8 x 75.8 x 70.9 in 197.1 x 78.9 x 71.0 in GROUND CLEARANCE 7.2 in 8.1 in 7.6 in APPRCH/DEPEART ANGLE 13.1/17.1 deg 16.3/21.4 deg 21.4/21.0 deg TURNING CIRCLE 40.4 ft 37.1 ft 39.1 ft CURB WEIGHT 4939 lb 5092 lb 4792 lb WEIGHT DIST, F/R 55/45% 50/50% 54/46% TOWING CAPACITY 5200 lb 6200 lb 5000 lb SEATING CAPACITY 7 7 6 HEADROOM, F/M/R 40.4/39.4/37.8 in 39.9/39.8/37.8 in 39.1/38.3/37.8 in LEGROOM, F/M/R 41.3/36.8/33.2 in 40.3/38.6/31.5 in 40.6/39.8/33.2 in SHOULDER ROOM, F/M/R 62.0/61.3/57.6 in 58.5/58.3/50.4 in 61.3/61.0/50.8 in CARGO VOLUME, F/M/R 116.4/68.8/24.4 cu ft 84.5/47.7/17.2 cu ft 80.7/43.8/21.0 cu ft TEST DATA ACCELERATION TO MPH 0-30 2.6 sec 3.1 sec 2.9 sec 0-40 3.9 4.5 4.2 0-50 5.7 6.1 5.8 0-60 7.7 8.5 7.8 0-70 10.4 11 10.5 0-80 13.6 13.9 13.4 0-90 17.1 18.2 16.7 PASSING, 45-65 MPH 4 4.4 4.1 QUARTER MILE 16.0 sec @ 86.9 mph 16.4 sec @ 86.3 mph 16.1 sec @ 88.2 mph BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 124 ft 123 ft 119 ft LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.80 g (avg) 0.76 g (avg) 0.81 g (avg) MT FIGURE EIGHT 27.8 sec @ 0.61 g (avg) 28.2 sec @ 0.57 g (avg) 27.4 sec @ 0.61 g (avg) TOP-GEAR REVS @ 60 MPH 1600 rpm 1900 rpm 1800 rpm CONSUMER INFO BASE PRICE $31,999 $32,045 $30,995 PRICE AS TESTED $42,400 $41,340 $45,515 STABILITY/TRACTION CONTROL Yes/yes Yes/yes Yes/yes AIRBAGS Dual front, front side, f/m/r curtain Dual front, front side, f/m/r curtain Dual front, front side,f/m/r curtain BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles 3 yrs/36,000 miles 3 yrs/36,000 miles POWERTRAIN WARRANTY 5 yrs/100,000 miles 5 yrs/100,000 miles 5 yrs/60,000 miles ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE 5 yrs/100,000 miles 3 yrs/36,000 miles 5 yrs/60,000 miles FUEL CAPACITY 22.0 gal 24.6 gal 18.6 gal EPA CITY/HWY ECON 16/23 mpg 16/22 mpg 17/23 mpg ENERGY CONSUMPTION, CITY/HWY 211/147 kW-hrs/100 miles 211/153 kW-hrs/100 miles 198/147 kW-hrs/100 miles CO2 EMISSIONS 1.05 lb/mile 1.06 lb/mile 1.01 lb/mile MT FUEL ECONOMY 13.8 mpg 15.3 mpg 15.1 mpg RECOMMENDED FUEL Unleaded regular Unleaded regular Unleaded regular * SAE certified Get the New Car Price Report 2011 Honda Pilot 4WD Touring 2011 Mazda CX-9 AWD (Grand Touring) 2011 Toyota Highlander 4WD (Limited) POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS DRIVETRAIN LAYOUT Front engine, AWD Front engine, AWD Front engine, AWD ENGINE TYPE 60-deg V-6, aluminum block/heads 60-deg V-6, aluminum block/heads 60-deg V-6, aluminum block/heads VALVETRAIN SOHC, 4 valves/cyl DOHC, 4 valves/cyl DOHC, 4 valves/cyl DISPLACEMENT 211.8 cu in/3471 cc 227.4 cu in/3726 cc 210.9 cu in/3456 cc COMPRESSION RATIO 10.5:1 10.3:1 10.8:1 POWER (SAE NET) 250 hp @ 5700 rpm 273 hp @ 6250 rpm 270 hp @ 6200 rpm TORQUE (SAE NET) 253 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm 270 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm 248 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm REDLINE 6300 rpm 6500 rpm 6400 rpm WEIGHT TO POWER 18.3 lb/hp 16.6 lb/hp 16.6 lb/hp TRANSMISSION 5-speed automatic 6-speed automatic 5-speed automatic AXLE/FINAL-DRIVE RATIO 4.31:1/2.64:1 3.46:1/2.37:1 2.93/2.21:1 SUSPENSION, FRONT; REAR Struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar; multilink, coil springs, anti-roll bar Struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar; multilink, coil springs, anti-roll bar Struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar; struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar STEERING RATIO 19.0:1 16.3:1 17.0:1 TURNS LOCK-TO-LOCK 3.6 3 3 BRAKES, F;R 13.0-in vented disc; 13.1-in disc, ABS 12.6-in vented disc; 12.8-in vented disc, ABS 12.9-in vented disc; 12.2-in disc, ABS WHEELS 7.0 x 17-in, cast aluminum 7.5 x 20-in, cast aluminum 7.5 x 19-in, cast aluminum TIRES 245/65R17 105T M+S Michelin LTX M/S 245/50R20 102V M+S Bridgestone Dueler H/L 245/50R19 103S M+S Toyo A20 Open Country DIMENSIONS WHEELBASE 109.2 in 113.2 in 109.8 in TRACK, F/R 67.7/67.5 in 65.1/64.7 in 64.0/64.0 in LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT 190.9 x 78.5 x 72.7 in 200.2 x 76.2 x 68.0 in 188.4 x 75.2 x 68.1 in GROUND CLEARANCE 8.0 in 8.0 in 8.0 in APPRCH/DEPEART ANGLE 27.8/24.5 deg 16.0/21.1 deg 22.0/23.0 deg TURNING CIRCLE 38.6 ft 37.4 ft 38.7 ft CURB WEIGHT 4565 lb 4532 lb 4478 lb WEIGHT DIST, F/R 55/45% 56/44% 55/45% TOWING CAPACITY 4500 lb 3500 lb 5000 lb SEATING CAPACITY 8 7 7 HEADROOM, F/M/R 39.3/39.8/38.2 in 39.6/39.0/35.4 in 39.7/40.1/36.3 in LEGROOM, F/M/R 41.4/38.5/32.1 in 40.9/39.8/32.4 in 43.2/38.3/29.9 in SHOULDER ROOM, F/M/R 61.5/62.2/58.9 in 59.4/58.7/56.8 in 59.7/59.5/55.0 in CARGO VOLUME, F/M/R 87.0/47.7/18.0 cu ft 100.7/48.3/17.2 cu ft 95.4/42.3/10.3 cu ft TEST DATA ACCELERATION TO MPH 0-30 3.0 sec 2.5 sec 2.3 sec 0-40 4.3 3.8 3.7 0-50 6.3 5.5 5.3 0-60 8.3 7.3 7.1 0-70 11 9.6 9.7 0-80 14.8 12.5 12.8 0-90 18.8 15.8 16.1 PASSING, 45-65 MPH 4.3 3.7 3.8 QUARTER MILE 16.5 sec @ 84.4 mph 15.6 sec @ 89.5 mph 15.6 sec @ 88.5 mph BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 133 ft 116 ft 122 ft LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.79 g (avg) 0.81 g (avg) 0.75 g (avg) MT FIGURE EIGHT 28.2 sec @ 0.59 g (avg) 27.5 sec @ 0.61 g (avg) 28.1 sec @ 0.60 g (avg) TOP-GEAR REVS @ 60 MPH 1900 rpm 1700 rpm 1800 rpm CONSUMER INFO BASE PRICE $41,175 $31,320 $37,305 PRICE AS TESTED $41,175 $40,800 $41,950 STABILITY/TRACTION CONTROL Yes/yes Yes/yes Yes/yes AIRBAGS Dual front, front side,f/m/r curtain Dual front, front side, f/m/r curtain Dual front, front side, f/m/r curtain, driver knee BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles 3 yrs/36,000 miles 3 yrs/36,000 miles POWERTRAIN WARRANTY 5 yrs/60,000 miles 5 yrs/60,000 miles 5 yrs/60,000 miles ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE None 3 yrs/36,000 miles 2 yrs/25,000 miles FUEL CAPACITY 21.0 gal 20.1 gal 19.2 gal EPA CITY/HWY ECON 16/22 mpg 16/22 mpg 17/22 mpg ENERGY CONSUMPTION, CITY/HWY 211/153 kW-hrs/100 miles 211/153 kW-hrs/100 miles 198/153 kW-hrs/100 miles CO2 EMISSIONS 1.06 lb/mile 1.06 lb/mile 1.02 lb/mile MT FUEL ECONOMY 15.1 mpg 14.8 mpg 15.9 mpg RECOMMENDED FUEL Unleaded regular Unleaded regular Unleaded regular * SAE certified Get the New Car Price Report | 9 | 755 | autos |
Building a supercar is easy. Even if you've got zero experience in car-building, you can have your family name festooned across the back of a mid-engined track monster in a few easy steps. Step one is cash, and lots of it. You'll need this to license an engine from Audi or Mercedes. Step two is to hire an engineer, preferably one with several decades of experience at a major automaker. Sure, he'll cost more than a recent graduate (remember step one), but he'll know which hoops to jump through and which to set ablaze. Optional step: You might want to change your name to one that ends with a vowel. Pagani and Ascari sound good. Gumpert, not so much. Building a minivan, on the other hand, especially for us American types and our super-precious children, is the most difficult feat in all of car-dom. Think about it. After more than two decades of trying, both Ford and General Motors threw in the towel. They simply couldn't compete with Chrysler and its omnipresent Grand Caravan. Which, when you stop and think about it, is crazy, especially considering how very competitive GM and Ford are with every other niche Chrysler occupies. Speaking of niches... Hyundai, the new king of inserting itself into every single segment extant (including ultra-high-end, chauffer-driven luxury yachts-hi, Equus) cannot build a competitive minivan for the North American market. Sure, Kia makes the Sedona, but when's the last time you saw one of those? What about Volkswagen, the mighty global giant with its umpteen brands, legions of engineering doctorates, and gazillions of Euros stuffed into Swiss banks? Nope, it can't sell minivans in the U.S. either, so it rebadged a Caravan as a VeeDub and called the mashup Routan. Go figure. There are two companies, however, that can go toe-to-toe with what's arguably Chrysler's best-engineered product. Toyota and Honda, the once-upstart Japanese brands, are now almost as American as apple pie, and for certain as ubiquitous as adult-onset diabetes. Honda's Odyssey is now in its fourth generation, while the Toyota Sienna enters its third. Purists will insist Toyota's minivan heritage continues farther back than that. There were the Previa, of course, and the original Toyota Van, the latter called the Master Ace and/or Space Cruiser in other markets. Of course, these are the same people who will tell you the 1984 Dodge Caravan was the first-ever minivan, when everyone knows the actual first is the 1949 DKW Schnellaster. But I digress... As difficult as building a minivan must be, let me assure you that writing about our three competitors is no walk in the park. Sometimes comparison tests are over after we figure-eight the competitors. After all, that's where you evaluate acceleration, braking, handling, road-holding, chassis composure, and body roll, all at the same time. And if this test were purely about how the minvans in question drive, the Toyota Sienna SE would be the hands-down favorite. As editor-at-large Ron Kiino points out, "directional tires!" The Sienna also has the best power, the best handling, and by far the best steering of the three. The Dodge's 4.0-liter V-6 is noticeably the slowest motor here, and it also returns by far the worst gas mileage, 17.4 mpg by our mixed freeway/backroad yardstick. Still, most of us thought its transmission shifted very well, and appreciated the ability to manually shift any of its six gear ratios. That's quite unlike the Honda, which offers no shift-it-yourself ability (there is an overdrive-off button that locks you into direct drive, aka third gear), with its standard five-speed automatic. You can get an Odyssey with a six-speed, but you still can't choose your own gears, and it's available only in the Odyssey Touring, which starts at $41,535. I won't say who said it, but one editor opined, "Honda needs to pull its head out of its ass and offer [the six-speed automatic] across the board." Agreed. Here's why: The Odyssey's high-tech, VVT 3.5-liter V-6 with cylinder deactivation managed 21.1 mpg over 11 laps of our roughly 30-mile mixed driving loop. The Toyota Sienna, meanwhile, with its comparatively low-tech (i.e., no cylinder deactivation), 3.5-liter V-6, managed 21.3 mpg. And the Toyota makes 17 more horsepower than the Honda, 265 compared with 248. Equipped with the six-speed and cylinder deactivation, the Odyssey would have likely added 1 mpg (as the Touring does in city and highway EPA ratings). The point is that fuel economy matters to minivan buyers: Why not try and stand out? Also, we imagine the take rate will be quite low, but you can get the Sienna with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder. Even that motor comes with a six-speed. The Sienna is the best-looking minivan of the three, and probably the best-looking on the road. True, some of our judges liked the Odyssey's "lightning bolt" window-line kink, but to my eyes that droop looks deformed. And the exposed tracks for the sliding doors seem an afterthought in terms of design. The official excuse is that the ugly slashes allow the Honda to offer more interior third-row shoulder space, but that's bunk because the narrower Sienna manages more shoulder room with tidy door tracks. Meanwhile, the Dodge is about as vanilla-looking as plain yogurt. The Sienna SE, on the other hand, at least tries. Carlos Lago kept yelling, "Why does that van look so angry?" over the walkie-talkie whenever I roared up behind him. Mr. Lago has a point. Does a mother of 2.4 children want to show up at soccer practice behind the wheel of some sort of Yakuza transportational device? Probably not, but if she does, that's my definition of a hot mom. Sad to say, for Toyota, edgy good looks and sporty handling are not why people purchase minivans. Really, it's all about the interior. "Just a different league," executive editor Ed Loh crooned about the Odyssey EX-L. "This could wear an Acura logo on the steering wheel." That's very true, as in terms of quality of materials the Honda is miles ahead of the other two. The leather and soft plastics are higher quality, and even the buttons click better. The Grand Caravan SXT, on the other hand, is, to quote Loh again, "by far the cheapest-feeling." Good news for Pentastar fans: A significant Caravan refresh is on the way, but that's neither here nor there. The innards of the Toyota, however, are much closer to the bargain-basement feel of the Dodge than they are to the entry-level luxury accommodations of the Honda. Everyone hated the shiny plastic strips (though, of course, if you opt for the more expensive LTD, you do get some Lexus-looking wood strips). Loh describes the SE's surfaces as "high-utility dreck." He points out that products like the Sienna, Tundra, and Sequoia are designed specifically for the North American market with no JDM counterparts, and therefore have different quality standards, "and they suffer for it." Still, let me point out that, since children and their Cheetos-encrusted boogers are the target audience, perhaps a really nice interior doesn't mean a whole lot in this segment. The utility of the interior sure does. This is where the Dodge really shines. All these years later, Stow 'n' Go is still the minivan technology to beat, and none of the competition has it. If you're not familiar, Stow 'n' Go is an incredibly clever way to drop all the back seats under the floor. Again, all of the seats, not just the third row. I didn't try removing either the Toyota or Honda's second row, but I did lift the Odyssey's middle seat out of the second row. I'm not bragging, but I'll wager I'm physically stronger than most moms out there, and I struggled hauling it out. Remember, after the engine and transmission, seats are the heaviest parts of a car. The Grand Caravan, then, is the clear winner in the configurability department. But not so fast. It's rare that you need to remove/hide both rows of seats-where would the kiddies go? Then there's the fact that while the Dodge will forever be a seven-seater, both Japanese vans can be configured to seat eight, a big plus when you're carpooling. As mentioned, the Honda's middle seat is bulky and heavy, and once you pull it out, you have to either take up precious cargo room to store it, or leave it behind. Toyota has a better way. Its eighth seat is not only lighter and therefore easier to wrangle than the Odyssey's; it cleverly stows in the way-back. Moreover, it has an integral seatbelt (as opposed to the Honda's roof-mounted belt), and at least two testers found it more comfortable (I'd call it a draw). The Honda does offer one unique seating feature: The second-row captains chairs can slide left or right by 1.5 inches. This makes it possible to fit two child seats in the second row while the third flips forward for third-row access, a huge plus for some. You will no doubt have noticed by now the incredible amount of back and forth concerning these three vehicles. In fact, we had a hard time just talking about one minivan at a time. The conversation always went, "Yeah, the Honda does X well, but the Toyota is better at Y." Never in my career have I been presented with three vehicles so evenly matched. The Grand Caravan, which many testers consider the least refined of the group, produces the lowest levels of wind, engine, and tire noise. In fact, it offers the quietest interior of the bunch. It also sports the only touch screen of the group and the only navigation system, however, a nearly illegible screen mars the latter feature. This point-counterpoint could go on forever, as this market segment really is that cutthroat. So, let's count the votes. Loh places the Honda first on the strength of its classy interior materials, while Mr. Kiino gives the nod to the Sienna for its overall dynamics and superior packaging. Technical director Frank Markus basically threw his hands up and declared a tie, though all three place the Grand Caravan last. Which leaves me as the tiebreaker. Personally, I'd take the Dodge-that's how much I like Stow 'n' Go. Also, I haul a lot of junk and I have a tiny garage, so removing seats means I'd have to put them back in just to park. I would have no qualms about getting the down-market interior filthy; it already looks crummy, and I have no children. To me, the Sienna and the Odyssey seem too close to call. However, of this group of voters, only Kiino has a child, so I'm going to weigh his vote a bit more heavily than the others. Your winner, then, by the very slightest of margins, is the 2011 Toyota Sienna SE. 1st Place: Toyota Sienna SE Brilliant (for a minivan) driving dynamics and intelligent second- and third-row packaging make for the smartest choice. The good looks don't hurt its case. 2nd Place: Honda Odyssey EX-L The rich interior isn't enough to make up for this giant's doldrums driving dynamics or goofy exterior treatment. Interior packaging isn't as good as in the Toyota, either. 3rd Place: Dodge Caravan SXT Stow 'n' Go is still good enough to let this otherwise dated Dodge play with the big boys. A refresh is coming, and not a minute too soon. 2010 Dodge Caravan SXT 2011 Honda Odyssey EX-L 2011 Toyota Sienna SE POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS DRIVETRAIN LAYOUT Front engine, FWD Front engine, FWD Front engine, FWD ENGINE TYPE 60-deg V-6, alum block/heads 60-deg V-6, alum block/heads 60-deg V-6, alum block/heads VALVETRAIN SOHC, 4 valves/cyl SOHC, 4 valves/cyl DOHC, 4 valves/cyl DISPLACEMENT 241.2 cu in/3952 cc 211.8 cu in/3471 cc 210.9 cu in/3456 cc COMPRESSION RATIO 10.3:1 10.5:1 10.8:1 POWER (SAE NET) 251 hp @ 6000 rpm 248 hp @ 5700 rpm 265 hp @ 6200 rpm TORQUE (SAE NET) 259 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm 250 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm 245 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm REDLINE 6000 rpm 6200 rpm 6500 rpm WEIGHT TO POWER 18.2 lb/hp 18.1 lb/hp 16.7 lb/hp TRANSMISSION 6-speed automatic 5-speed automatic 6-speed automatic AXLE/FINAL-DRIVE RATIOS 3.16:1/2.07:1 4.31:1/2.64:1 3.94:1/2.39:1 SUSPENSION, FRONT; REAR Struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar; torsion beam, coil springs Struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar; multilink, coil springs Struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar; torsion beam, coil springs,anti-roll bar STEERING RATIO 16.9:1 16.4:1 15.5:1 TURNS LOCK-TO-LOCK 3.1 3.5 3.4 BRAKES, F;R 11.9-in vented disc; 12.0-in disc, ABS 12.6-in vented disc; 13.1-in disc, ABS 12.9-in vented disc; 12.2-in disc, ABS WHEELS 6.5 x 17 in, cast aluminum 7.0 x 17 in, cast aluminum 7.0 x 19 in, cast aluminum TIRES 225/65R17 100T M+S Bridgestone Turanza EL400 235/65R17 103T M+S Continental ContiProContact 235/50R19 99V M+S Dunlop SP Sport 7000 AVS DIMENSIONS WHEELBASE 121.2 in 118.1 in 119.3 in TRACK, F/R 65.5/64.8 in 68.1/68.2 in 67.7/67.7 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 202.5 x 76.9 x 68.9 in 202.9 x 79.2 x 68.4 in 200.2 x 78.2 x 68.9 in TURNING CIRCLE 39.1 ft 36.7 ft 36.9 ft CURB WEIGHT 4580 lb 4478 lb 4417 lb WEIGHT DIST, F/R 56/44% 59/41% 56/44% SEATING CAPACITY 7 8 8 HEADROOM, F/M/R 39.8/39.2/37.9 in 38.3/38.3*-39.4/38.0 in 41.0/39.7/38.3 in LEGROOM, F/M/R 40.6/36.3/31.8 in 40.9/40.9/42.4 in 40.5/37.6/36.3 SHOULDER ROOM, F/M/R 63.0/64.7/62.0 in 64.4/63.5/60.9 in 65.0/64.6/61.1 in CARGO VOLUME BEHIND, F/M/R 140.1/83.7/32.3 cu ft 148.5/93.1/38.4 in 150.0/87.1/39.1 cu ft TEST DATA ACCELERATION TO MPH 0-30 2.6 sec 3.1 sec 2.6 sec 0-40 3.9 4.3 3.8 0-50 5.5 6.1 5.5 0-60 7.6 7.9 7.1 0-70 10.1 10.1 9.1 0-80 13.5 13.2 11.5 0-90 17.3 16.5 14.4 0-100 22.4 20.3 18.4 PASSING, 45-65 MPH 4.1 3.8 3.4 QUARTER MILE 15.9 sec @ 86.5 mph 16.1 sec @ 89.1 mph 15.4 sec @ 92.6 mph BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 128 ft 125 ft 121 ft LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.67 g (avg) 0.73 g (avg) 0.74 g (avg) MT FIGURE EIGHT 30.5 sec @ 0.52 g (avg) 29.4 sec @ 0.56 g (avg) 28.6 sec @ 0.59 g (avg) TOP-GEAR REVS @ 60 MPH 1500 rpm 2400 rpm 1800 rpm CONSUMER INFO BASE PRICE $29,195 $35,230 $31,575 PRICE AS TESTED $32,575 $35,230 $34,418 STABILITY/TRACTION CONTROL Yes/yes Yes/yes Yes/yes AIRBAGS Dual front, f/m/r curtain Dual front, front side, f/m/r curtain Dual front, front side, driver knee, f/m/r curtain BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles 3 yrs/36,000 miles 3 yrs/36,000 miles POWERTRAIN WARRANTY 5 yrs/100,000 miles 5 yrs/60,000 miles 5 yrs/60,000 miles ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE 3 yrs/36,000 miles N/A N/A FUEL CAPACITY 20.0 gal 21.0 gal 20.0 gal EPA CITY/HWY ECON 17/25 mpg 18/27 mpg 18/24 mpg CO2 EMISSIONS 0.98 lb/mile 0.92 lb/mile 0.96 lb/mile RECOMMENDED FUEL Unleaded regular Unleaded regular Unleaded regular *SAE certified Get the New Car Price Report | 9 | 756 | autos |
The Honda Accord is a perennial top seller in the highly competitive family sedan segment -- and for good reason. It has historically been an affordable, well-appointed vehicle tailored to fit the American family. Clever engineering gives the Accord sedan the exterior dimensions of a mid-size car, but a large car classification by EPA interior volume standards. Coupe and sedans are available, with two 4-cylinders and one V-6 engine option available. Standard transmissions are all 5-speeds, with a 6-speed manual available for the V-6 coupe only. All come bundled with an impressive array of standard and optional features. Though compelling, Accord's formula is starting to feel dated. Despite a substantial redesign for 2011 that upgrades styling, interior appointments, and fuel economy, a key opportunity has been missed. Nearly all of the competition offer 6-speed automatics or CVTs, while the 2011 Accord sedan still has only five forward gears. Others offer a quieter and smoother ride as well, though few can touch the Accord's light and tight handling. Bodystyle: Sedan, coupe Engines: 2.4L I-4, 2.4L I-4, 3.5L V-6 Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic Models: LX sedan, LX-P sedan, EX sedan, EX-L sedan, EX V-6 sedan, EX-L V-6 sedan, LX-S coupe, EX coupe, EX-L coupe, EX-L V-6 co All Accords receive a refresh for 2011 that includes a restyled front grille and bumper, new tail lights and a new wheel design. In addition, sedans get revised trunk lid. Interior styling has dated as well, and the EPA estimated fuel economy improves on many trim levels. A new leather trimmed special edition (SE) trim level debuts as well. The eighth generation Accord is Honda's largest by a significant margin, and most controversially styled. Time and sales volume no longer make it stand out among the crowd, despite the exterior tweaks for 2011. Tight fits, quality materials and a console awash with buttons define the Accord cabin. Rear passengers are rewarded with impressive leg and shoulder room. For 2011, paddle shifters are available for V-6 coupes. The Accord traditionally receives high marks for its tactile steering, quick throttle response, and an excellent ride and handling balance. Smooth powertrain performance is another Accord hallmark, especially in the V-6 coupe. Not so smooth: this latest generation transmits a bit too much wind and road noise under certain conditions. Wallet watchers will appreciate the 4-to-8 percent improvement in combined fuel economy. Dual front, front-side, and side curtain airbags come standard on the Accord, as do driver and front passenger active head restraints, stability/traction control and a host of braking aids (ABS, EBD, and BA). All passengers have 3-point seatbelts. LX, LX-P, EX sedan, EX-L sedan: 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway (manual): 21 mpg city/31 mpg highway (automatic) EX V-6, EX-L V-6 sedan: 19 mpg city/29 mpg highway LX-S, EX, EX-L coupe: 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway (manual); 21 mpg city/31 mpg highway (automatic Crisp handling Responsive engine Improved fuel economy Roomy cabin Large trunk Lack of six speed auto Still no looker Wind and road noise Chevrolet Malibu Ford Fusion Hyundai Sonata Nissan Altima Toyota Camry | 9 | 757 | autos |
Not that long ago, electric-powered vehicles were little more than rolling science experiments. Everybody had one, but no one seemed to be serious about them. Not anymore. With gas prices spiraling ever upward and governments around the globe pressing automakers for more efficient lineups, seemingly every car company on the planet is breaking their legs jumping on the EV bandwagon. Nissan is the first major automaker to deliver the juice in the form of the Nissan Leaf, a mass-market, all-electric vehicle you'll be able to buy from your local Nissan dealer soon. (The first 2011 Leafs hit customer garages just before the close of 2010.) It's a quirky little hatch, but Nissan essentially delivered what it promised, and we've found the Leaf to be a surprisingly normal driving experience, range anxiety aside. It will soon have company. Other major automakers will be trickling EVs onto the market this year -- namely the Mitsubishi i-MiEV and Smart ForTwo Electric Drive -- but it's the soon-to-arrive 2013 Focus Electric hatchback that will no doubt serve as the Leaf's first true foil. Since we won't be able to drive the Focus Electric until closer to its late-2011 on-sale date, we've decided see how the two cars stack up on paper. Let the opening round of the Kilowatt Wars begin. POWER The Leaf is powered by an 80-kilowatt AC electric motor capable of producing 107 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque, routed to the front wheels via a single-speed transmission. During a test drive, we saw an indicated top speed of 95 mph -- 5 mph faster than Nissan claimed -- and an approximate zero-to-60 mph time of 10 seconds. The Focus Electric gets its motivation from a 100-kilowatt AC electric motor that produces 123 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. Ford reports a top speed of 84 mph and has not announced a zero-to-60 time yet, though we expect it will be in the same ballpark. Advantage: Nissan. What it lacks in horsepower, the Leaf makes up in torque and top speed. BATTERY/CHARGE TIME The Leaf gets its power from a 192-cell, 24 kilowatt-hour laminated lithium-ion battery that requires no special thermal management system. The Focus Electric employs a 23 kW-hr lithium-ion battery regulated by a liquid heating and cooling system. Both vehicles require up to 20 hours to charge from a standard household 120-volt outlet, but the Leaf requires eight hours to charge from a 240-volt outlet while the Focus Electric needs just four hours at the same voltage. The Leaf will have an optional 440-volt quick charge port, but no such public charging stations exist yet. Advantage: Ford. The holy grail of EVs is a charging time as short as filling a gas tank. Ford's looks like it will be closer. WEIGHT While the Nissan Leaf is a purpose-built vehicle, the Focus Electric is an adaptation of the upcoming 2012 Ford Focus hatchback. Despite being slightly larger than the Focus in length, height, and wheelbase, the Leaf weighs in at about 3400 pounds. The wider Focus, which carries a liquid heating and cooling system for its batteries, is about 300 pounds heavier. Advantage: Nissan. Weight is the enemy of range and the Focus Electric is a portly compact. HANDLING Both being front wheel-drive, it's no surprise that each vehicle employs a simple MacPherson strut front suspension design. Handling characteristics will likely be decided by three factors. First, the rear suspension. Nissan employs a simple torsion beam rear while Ford sticks with the Focus' proven "Control Blade" multi-link setup found on many European-spec Fords. Second, the tires. Nissan uses Bridgestone Ecopia all-season tires size 205/55 on 16-inch wheels that carry an "H" speed rating of 130 mph. Ford opts for Michelin's Energy Saver all-seasons sized 225/50 on 17-inch wheels with a "V" speed rating of 149 mph. As for weight and weight balance, the Leaf is lighter and carries its batteries under the seats and rear footwell. The heavier Focus carries its batteries higher beneath the rear seats and up behind the rear seat backs. Advantage: Ford. It's a narrow margin, but we expect a better suspension and tires over the center of gravity, although we'll have to drive it to know for sure. RANGE Possibly the most important metric of an electric vehicle next to charge time is how far it will go before the battery dies. EPA testing suggests a range of 70 to 100 miles for the Leaf. Our lead-footed test drive returned a real-world range of 73 miles. Ford has not released a range estimate, though the company initially targeted the same 100-mile range based off the same research as Nissan showing that 90 percent of Americans drive less than 100 miles per day. Advantage: N/A. Until Ford talks, we can only guess, but a higher curb weight, more powerful motor, and fewer obvious aerodynamic tricks could hurt it. PRICE The Nissan Leaf starts at $32,780 before the $7500 Federal income tax credit, which brings its price down to $25,280. Credits and incentives are available in several states that can bring the price under $21,000. Ford hasn't released a price for the Focus Electric, so a direct comparison isn't possible. We expect it will fall somewhere in the mid-$30,000 range, between the Leaf and the $41,000 Chevrolet Volt. Ford has the advantage of amortizing development costs with the rest of the Focus line, but the Focus Electric also has more equipment and features than the Leaf. The Leaf will also enjoy the advantage of roughly a full-year head start, as Focus Electric deliveries won't begin until late 2011, according to the automaker. Ford will have a lot of catching up to do, which could affect the pricing strategy. Nissan is also offering an attractive lease rate to entice customers. Advantage: Nissan. Even if Ford can get the price down, the Leaf will have established itself in the market long before the Focus gets out of the gate. GADGETS "Range anxiety," a phrase coined by rival and "Extended-Range Electric Vehicle" purveyor General Motors, refers to consumer concerns about running out of battery power before reaching an outlet, and requiring hours rather than minutes to fill up. To combat this worry, both Ford and Nissan have developed a number of gadgets to aid the driver in addition to the eco-driving coaching programs found on most hybrids. Nissan has incorporated an overlay into the vehicle's standard navigation system that shows your current range on the map, based on your battery charge. The system also shows all the nearest charging points and can map a route from charging station to charging station. The system can also display current energy usage and efficiency for vehicle systems as well as the motor, and can schedule charging times and "pre-conditioning," activating the climate control system before you get in the car. Finally, Nissan offers a mobile app for your smartphone that can show vehicle system data, battery level, and charge time, and can remotely control charging and pre-conditioning. Ford offers many of the same features, but takes them a step further. Rather than digital gauges like the Leaf, Ford uses a pair of 4.2-inch full-color LCD screens flanking the analog speedometer that display charge, range, driver coaching, and other vehicle information. In the center stack, Ford employs an 8-inch touch screen (to Nissan's 7-inch unit) featuring the company's lauded Sync infotainment system. Like the Leaf, the Focus Electric's navigation system has been augmented for electric driving. Drivers are encouraged to use it for every trip, as the nav can then determine the most economical route, charging stations along the way, and the amount of "surplus" energy that will be left in the battery at the end of the trip, allowing drivers to choose their driving style based on available and required energy. Ford's system can also schedule charge and pre-conditioning times. Ford's mobile app, though, offers more features, including a GPS locator to find the car in parking lots; the ability to start, lock and unlock the car remotely; the ability to set charge and pre-conditioning times; the ability to monitor vehicle systems and battery charge; and a MapQuest-powered trip planner that can send a route you've designed on your phone to the car. Advantage: Ford. More tricks in the car and on your phone mean a more convenient ownership experience. SPACE As noted earlier, the Focus Electric and Leaf are within inches of each other in every dimension. Unfortunately, Nissan doesn't list the Leaf's interior dimensions in its official specifications, and there's no gas-powered model to compare it to. The Focus Electric, meanwhile, does reveal its interior dimensions, but with nothing to compare them to, we can only make educated guesses. As the Focus is nearly three inches wider than the Leaf, it stands to reason it will likely offer more shoulder and hip room. Both vehicles suffer from somewhat tight back seats, as the Ford keeps some of its batteries behind the rear seats while the Nissan keeps its charger there. This affects rear-seat legroom, especially in the Ford, which gives up 10 inches of space to gas-powered models. The Leaf is an unknown. In addition to legroom, this issue especially impacts cargo space. The Leaf has a deep cargo floor and a tall, narrow cargo area behind the seats. It also offers folding rear seats, which only fold down to the level of the charger, creating a two-tiered cargo space for fitting more stuff. Gas-powered Fords have flat-load floors, which aren't as deep as the Leaf's, but that could change on the Electric model. Presumably, the seats will fold as well, creating a two-tiered cargo area thanks to the intrusion from the battery pack. Advantage: N/A. A lack of specifications for the Leaf and hands-on experience with the Focus Electric makes this comparison impossible right now. LOOKS Aesthetics are, of course, entirely subjective. Nissan has allowed form to follow function, crafting the Leaf's futuristic and somewhat odd exterior for maximum aerodynamic efficiency. Ford, meanwhile, has only made a few modifications to the Focus' exterior in creating the Focus Electric, and to our eyes, it's the better-looking car. Inside, Nissan's futuristic theme continues, where Ford's is much more traditional, replacing only the standard analog gauges with dual LCD screens. Advantage: Ford. We just like the way it looks better. At the end of our informal comparison, it's the Ford Focus Electric with a narrow 4-3 win over the Nissan Leaf. With two categories undetermined, though, Nissan could still come out ahead. We'll have to wait until we can get more information on the Focus Electric and actually drive it before we'll have a better idea. And of course, a full-fledged comparison is all but inevitable. Stay plugged in, because this is only the beginning of the EV revolution. 2011 Nissan Leaf Base Price $32,780 before tax credits Price as tested $25,280 with federal tax credit Vehicle layout Front-engine, FWD, 5-pass, 4-door hatchback Motor 107-hp/207-lb-ft AC electric Transmission 1-speed automatic Curb weight 3400 lb (mfr) Wheelbase 106.3 in Length x width x height 175.0 x 69.7 x 61.0 in 0-60 mph 10.0 sec (MT est) Range 100 miles MT observed range 73 miles CO2 emissions None On sale in U.S. Already on sale in select states, nationwide in 2011 2013 Ford Focus Electric Base Price $30,000-$40,000 (est) Vehicle layout Front-engine, FWD, 5-pass, 4-door, hatchback Motor 123-hp/181-lb-ft AC electric Transmission 1-speed automatic Curb weight 3700 lb (mfr) Wheelbase 104.3 in Length x width x height 171.7 x 72.4 x 58.9 in 0-60 mph 10.0 sec (MT est) Range 100 miles (MT est) CO2 emissions None On sale in U.S. Late 2011 | 9 | 758 | autos |
The Davis Dam grade in Nevada is where all of the major truck OEs come to make their trucks cry -- it's been where the majority of serious pickup truck trailer testing has been done for decades. Temperatures in this part of the desert just above Laughlin, Nevada, are usually in the triple digits. Add to that a nasty climb out of the valley for several miles and you can see how this might be a problem for an engine and transmission (not to mention a cooling system) pulling a heavy load. For many truck drivers, this is the kind situation to avoid at all costs. For Ford, in desperate need of proving the strength and durability of its new EcoBoost engine, this is where it needs to be to challenge the competition. For those who haven't been following Ford's EcoBoost marketing plan, Ford pulled a random 3.5L V-6 EcoBoost engine off the line (#448AA), did some dyno testing (for an equivalent of 150,000 miles), then mounted it into a SuperCrew XLT for some towing (11,000 pounds for 24 hours around a NASCAR track) and hauling (26 tons of logs at an Oregon tree mill) and racing (the Baja 1000) situations. But none of those tests pitted the new engine against any of its competitors, like in this Davis Dam grade test. The testing was conducting by a third-party test crew, running a Ford F-150 SuperCrew EcoBoost against a Chevy Crew Cab Silverado 5.3L V-8 and a Ram 1500 Quad Cab 5.7L V-8. All three pulled identically equipped and weighted trailers in two different types of runs-0-60 mph from the start line, as well as a 3.5-mile full run up the course. At the same time, Ford pitchman Mike Rowe had some on-camera time with the lead F-150 engineer, Eric Keuhn, to talk about the F-150 and EcoBoost powertrains. Here's what we saw. The runs took place on Highway 68, where the local law enforcement occasionally halted traffic so the test drivers could make clean runs up the course. On the day of the test, each truck had an identically equipped 9000-pound trailer hitched to their bumpers. Ambient temperatures hovered around 85 degrees with very little wind, so extreme heat did not come into play. In the 0-60 mph runs against the F-150, the Chevy did slightly better than the Ram off the line, but neither could keep up with the Ford. We're guessing the fact that the Ford's transmission has a lower first gear and axle ratio than the Chevy, and more gears than the Dodge, had a lot to do with that outcome. Next came 4-mile runs up the 5-, 6-, and sometimes 7-percent grade climb. The Ford's first runs up the hill against the Chevy started out pretty close; however, as the rpms climbed in the EcoBoost, the F-150 pulled away with authority from the first mile marker, almost making it impossible to see the GM pickup in the Ford's rearview mirror. The Ram was a different story. As expected (after seeing how the Ford and Ram measured up against each other in the 0-60 test) the Ford had an easy time taking the early lead. But once the Ram got into second gear, it pulled hard, not losing any ground for the remainder of the climb. It finished behind the F-150 by a touch under 4 seconds over the three-minute course. In the end, the tests seemed convincing, although we would have liked to see all the same ring and pinions, and some extreme heat on the hillclimb would have been nice. As to why the Chevy didn't have 3.73:1 axles, test coordinators said GM products in that body style with that engine cannot be ordered with the 3.73:1 or higher axle ratios. But we know those gears fit in those axles, and to keep this test as apples-to-apples as possible, it would have been better to have a more representative axle gear. We have a pretty good idea why GM might decide not to offer that axle ratio and, as you might have guessed, it has to do with CAFÉ numbers. 3.08:1 or 3.23:1 or 3.42:1 gears will do much better in EPA MPG testing than (numerically) higher gears. Another consideration is the cooling needs of the smaller twin-turbo engine. From our vantage point, the F-150 had plenty of cool-down time between runs, as well as during the long downhill runs to the start line. It stands to reason EcoBoost longevity is likely to be effected by how often and how long the engine gets a chance to rest. Still, from what we saw, the new EcoBoost did a masterful job of schooling the larger, higher cylindered competition. We're eager to get our hands on one for some real-world testing, but we'll have to wait until the first quarter of 2011, when they're reported to start rolling off the line. How the Vehicles Match Up Test Results with 9000 pound trailer. Chevy Silverado LT 4x4 Crew Cab Ford F-150 XLT 4x4 SuperCrew Ram 1500 SLT 4x4 Quad Cab Vehicle Specs Engine 5.3L OHV V-8 16-valves 3.5L DOHC V-6 DI Twin-turbocharger 5.7L Hemi V-8 OHV 16-valve HP/Torque 315/335 365/420 390/407 Trans 6-speed 6-speed 5-speed Axle ratio 3.42:1 3.73:1 3.92:1 Tire size 275/65R18 275/55R20 275/60R20 EPA MPG, city/hwy 15/21 19/26 (est) 13/19 Actual Price $38,455 $43,170 $40,770 0-60 mph: Ford EcoBoost beat both the Chevrolet and Ram by 12.6 seconds and 11.9 seconds, respectively. Full course run: Ford EcoBoost beat both the Chevrolet and Ram by 42.9 seconds and 3.2 seconds, respectively. | 9 | 759 | autos |
Set an unexpectedly fresh fall scene with cool crafts and fetching finds that bring a welcome twist to holiday traditions. Go beyond the vase When it comes to centerpieces, vintage wooden spools around $5 to $10 each on etsy.com offer a novel way to display dried leaves or branches. (If using fresh flowers, seek out spools with hollow cores wide enough to accommodate floral tubes.) The vessel that contains our loose arrangement of dahlias and pomegranates? It's a ceramic utensil holder. ($56; canvashomestore.com) Craft the cheapest candlestick ever: A $2 roll of jute twine from the hardware store! Pop a taper inside, then set it atop a plate. (BIA salad plate, $12.50 each; bloomingdales.com) Pomegranate centerpieces Liza Lubell of Brooklyn's Peartree Flowers (peartreeflowers.com) says, "Ripe fruit is as lush as any flower." Here, she uses opulent pomegranates for these autumnal centerpieces. Cut each branch to a height that allows its heavy fruits to rest on the rim of your vase. Then fill in with inexpensive foliage, such as the purple shiso leaves here. Also try: Apples or persimmons (Ceramic vases, HomArt, $17.60 each; amazon.com) Crabapple arrangement The best thing about this sort of arrangement? There's absolutely no arranging involved. Liza Lubell of Brooklyn's Peartree Flowers (peartreeflowers.com) simply stripped the leaves from each limb before putting it in a vase. "This treatment highlights the prettiest feature of the plant its fruit," she explains. Group several different-size vases for even greater visual payoff. Also try: Figs or chestnuts (Recycled glass vases, from $19; westelm.com) Prepare a memorable meal for friends & family From easy potluck casseroles to elegant Thanksgiving turkey , MSN Food & Drink serves up a bounty of recipes to create your most memorable meal yet, Asian pear arrangement "Cut or buy these beautiful branches long," Liza Lubell of Brooklyn's Peartree Flowers (peartreeflowers.com) says, then balance their heft with an equally sizable container. Start by placing your tallest cuttings in the middle, and fan out with the shorter ones from there. An ideal home for such a striking setup: a low piece of furniture, like a chest or bench. Also try: Olives or forsythia (Urn, $48 for similar; greatstuffbypaul.com) Create the perfect place setting For favors sure to spark conversation, turn acorn caps into adorable mini-candles by filling them with melted wax and inserting short wicks (allow one hour of cooling time). To assemble a complete glow-on-the-go kit, stash the tiny lights, plus a few matches, in a wood box tricked out with a striker, a.k.a. a strip of sandpaper glued to one side. The final touch: Personalize the lid with a sweet frame stamp and a handwritten note. (Acorn caps, $2.50 for 100; kringlescountrystore.com. Wax, $6.70 for 1½ pounds; wicks, $2.99 for 10 yards; amazon.com. Box, $1; acmoore.com for stores. Stamp, $7; rubbersoul.com). Go beyond the typical autumn tropes with inspired dishware. This beautiful dinner plate features classic seasonal colors, like orange, yellow, and green, and plenty of foliage, too. But it also incorporates blowsy flowers and surprising shades of soft blue and peachy pink which inspired the look of this tablescape. We topped off each dinner plate with a smaller white dish and a sprinkle of paper-punched confetti leaves. (Floral plates, $24 each; anthropologie.com. White plates, $72 for six; gracioushome.com. Leaf punch, $10.78; amazon.com) Craft a unique table runner Let nature take its course with a DIY leaf runner. Crafted from lush blue and green felt, this table topper perks up plain linens and provides a padded path for hot plates. Download our leaf template and use it to cut the shapes out of felt. Create enough leaves to traverse your table, then hand-stitch the edges together in a whimsical, overlapping design. (Felt, $18 for two yards; etsy.com/shop/tadaastudiofelt) A feather lends a placecard fine finish. More than just a way to denote seating arrangements, this pretty plumage doubles as wearable art thanks to a bar pin hot-glued to the back. Make the quill stand upright by hot-gluing a magnet to the side of a cork, then sliding the placecard between the feather pin and cork magnet. As for the gorgeous handwriting, we splurged on professional calligraphy. (Feather, $5.52 for 54; createforless.com. Bar pin, $2.13 for 24; misterart.com. Calligraphed cards, $60 for 10; bernardmaisner.com) Think outside the circle Not all DIY front-door decor requires a foam wreath form. To make this elegant cluster, we selected 8 four- to six-inch pinecones and 8 two-foot-long pieces of silk ribbon. Use a hot-glue gun to adhere the last two inches of each ribbon to the base of a cone. After the glue dries, collect all the ribbon ends and stagger them so that the cones fall at varying lengths. Tie the ribbon ends together in a knot, trim the tips so they are uniform, and slip the knot over a finishing nail. Give centerpieces a new home Free up prime dinner-table real estate by moving oversize arrangements to the buffet. And don't bother with elaborate floral fantasies: Just go "shopping" in your backyard for branches of holly, crab apple, or bittersweet berries. Then bring in-demand items butter, gravy, cranberry sauce to the middle of the table. Get crafty with DIY napkin holders Stamp a message and design on cardstock, punch holes on either side, and thread with a coordinating ribbon to create custom napkin holders. Put your stamp on cocktail napkins Enlist the kids to stamp colorful messages and designs onto napkins before guests arrive. Take on Thanksgiving with turkey transferware Antique turkey-themed transferware with its rich colors and patterns, inspired the mix-and-match look of this table. Multidimensional menu cards add an even more personal touch. (Flatware; arteitalica.com. Compote; villeroy-boch.com. Glass; laurenhome.com. Silver Vase; Barbara Barry for wedgwood.com. Pitcher; rosannainc.com.) | 4 | 760 | lifestyle |
Forget ho-hum floral displays. Here are 12 surprising ways to make your wedding bloomin' gorgeous. Striped Swoosh Borrowed from Italian garden weddings, a striped swoosh of vivid rose petals "Milva," "Spice," "Versilia," "Free Spirit," "Geisha," "Miss Piggy," "Femma," and "Sweet Eskimo" adds allure to a patch of green.Loose petals, Fifty Flowers. Floral design (throughout), Elisabetta Urioni. Location: Brecknock Hall, Greenport New York. Rose Petal Bubbly Add a little extra pizzazz to toast time by floating rose petals in the bubbly. (Yes, they're edible!) Fresh roses come in a rainbow of shades, so you can match the garnish to your cocktail's hue; we paired peach petals with rosé sparkling wine.Glass, Mikasa. Exclusiv Rose Moscato, Wine Anthology. Perfect Photo Op Take advantage of a backyard swing by wrapping garlands of carnations around a tree branch. The result: a tempting spot for guests to gather and pose.Carnation garlands, $48 for four feet, Fancy Florist. Shoes, Anyi Lu. Fancy Focal Point Flank your front door, line the aisle, or bookend your driveway with glossy white pedestals topped with orange flower globes. We took a floral foam ball and inserted "Miracle," "Milva," and "Miss Piggy" roses, from lightest to darkest shades, to create an ombré effect.Urn, Jamalia Garden. Cute as a Bouton He'll love this unexpected combo of an anemone with bright yellow sandersonias.Suit jacket, Andrew Fezza from Men's Wearhouse. Carnival Chandelier Hang a colorful candelabrum in the porch entryway to welcome guests. Cover a wreath frame (available at floral-supply stores) with blue "Dutch" hydrangeas, then use five coordinating shades of ribbon to suspend it from a sturdy hook.Ribbon, The Ribbon Retreat. Enchanting Tableau Your wedding's a little bit country, a little bit...global? Combine the two with a charming seating-card station that pairs vintage mini air-mail envelopes with a casual grouping of posies. Place stems like viburnums, double tulips, hyacinths, "Tote" lilies, clematises, lisianthus, umbrella ferns, anemones, gomphrenas, muscari, and succulents in assorted glass bottles for a fresh-from-the-garden look.Bud vases, The Home Port. Envelopes, Ooh La La Factory. Calligraphy, Linda Pasca. Hanging Garden Your wedding cake becomes the showstopping focal point of a sunny spring celebration when it perches beneath swaying spheres of button and daisy mums. Hot-glue flower heads to wire frames (available at floral-supply stores), then suspend them from tree branches with yellow ribbon.Cake, Mali B Sweets. Dessert Plates, Classic Party Rentals. Flatware, Sambonet, 201-804-8000. Napkins, Sferra. Cantina pitchers, Libbey. Love Seat Hang garlands of blue hyacinths on the bride's and groom's chair backs to add fairy-tale flair to your fete. They're easy (if time-consuming) to make: Use a needle and sturdy thread to string together individual florettes.Ribbon, Midori Ribbon. Chair, My Prestigium. "Bluebell" knit jacket, Twinkle by Wenlan from BHLDN. Top Hat Who says a boutonniere has to be worn on a lapel? Your trilby-wearing groom could pin a few magenta gomphrena blooms to his brim.Hat, Hat Stack. Chair, Classic Party Rentals. Stunning Centerpiece A monochromatic bouquet in a vibrant mix of "Yves Piaget" roses, nerines, dahlias, and anemones doubles as a festive reception centerpiece. If the stems are cut evenly, it can be stabilized with a pin frog (a heavy metal disc with a spiky top, available at floral-supply stores). | 4 | 761 | lifestyle |
He popped the question. You said yes. Now what? These 11 things will help you figure out what to do first and how to enjoy every second of the wedding planning process. Congratulations! You're engaged. These 11 to-dos from the fun (get a manicure!) to the nitty-gritty (set your budget) will get you organized, on track, and well on your way to planning the best wedding ever. Call your VIPs Share the big news with your inner circle before updating your status on Facebook.It's not cool for your acupuncturist to find out before Grandma. Get your engagement ring insured It may not be the most thrilling task in the world, but if your engagement ring falls down the garbage disposal, flies off a rollercoaster, or sheds a diamond or two, you'll be ever-so-glad you got that precious stone insured. Enjoy the moment Being engaged means you get to plan the wedding of your dreams. But it also means that you just committed to spending the rest of your life with your soul mate. Take some time (at least a couple of weeks) to savor how epically romantic that is before you dive into logistics. Get a manicure Everyone's eyes will be on your hand, so grab your BFF, splurge on a professional mani, and start showing off that sparkler! Start dreaming This is the fun part: brainstorming with your guy about the big day. Compare fantasies (tequila tastings! beach vows!), and sign up for a Pinterest account to create an online inspiration board. Go crazy you can refine things after you've picked your venue. Add up your wedding budget Ready to get down to the nitty-gritty? Settle on a rough guest list and budget. "Without them, you can't book the right venue and vendors for your price point," says wedding planner Tracy Taylor Ward. Get out your calendar Have a range of dates in mind before you tour venues. Are you envisioning a spring garden wedding, or fall I do's in the woods? Do you want to honeymoon in Yosemite, or cruise the Caribbean? The answers will help steer you toward your ideal time of year. Tip: Ask engaged friends when they're getting hitched, so you can avoid those dates. Hire a wedding planning pro If you want to work with a wedding planner, book her before you choose your venue. "I often wish I could turn back time and show new clients a site that would have been a much better fit," says planner Annie Lee (pictured). Find a wedding venue Your venue will influence every decision you make, from your color scheme to the style of your dress, so lock it down early. The key is finding one that meshes with your vision (black-tie ballroom, modern minimalist, etc.). And don't be afraid to think beyond the banquet hall. Stay organized This is not the kind of party you can throw together at the last minute. Stay on track by creating a comprehensive timeline of your wedding to-dos. Book in-demand vendors Once you've secured a venue and date, start hunting for your officiant, photographer, and band or DJ. Because these vendors typically book just one event per day, they get scooped up very quickly. "Many have schedules that rival the president's," says planner Calder Clark. | 4 | 762 | lifestyle |
Wedding season is here! If you're a bride-to-be, you probably have a massive to-do list that includes everything from securing a venue to shopping for THE dress. But there may be one or two small tasks you might be forgetting that could end up creating a big headache. To make sure you don't, we compiled a list of 15 things many brides forget to prepare for click through and add them to your checklist, stat! 1. Shave! Make sure your legs and underarms are smooth so that you don't have to be self-conscious while you're dancing or raising your glass for a toast. If you plan on changing into a shorter cocktail dress for your reception, take extra care to set a reminder. 2. Break in your shoes. You are about to have an incredible and incredibly long day. You'll be on your feet for hours, so remember to get comfortable shoes and break them in early. Make sure your bridesmaids do the same! 3. Get that marriage license. The administrative details are the least fun to attend to, and the easiest to forget. But this piece of paper tells the state you are legally married and is, therefore, super important. 4. Pack for your honeymoon. If you're jetting right after the wedding, pack before any nuptials festivities begin. That way, you won't be frantically grabbing things the night before and, instead, you can enjoy that time with relatives and friends. 6. Do not get a major beauty treatment right before your wedding. Give yourself at least four weeks before your wedding date to get a facial or do anything else drastic different from your usual routine. You do NOT want your face to be red and sensitive on your big day. 7. Mind the sun. If your wedding is outdoors when the sun is at its peak, prepare fans for your guests and remind them to wear sunglasses. Remember to time your ceremony appropriately so that guests are not in the heat for too long. 8. Wedges are best for outdoor weddings. Wedges are so much more convienient and easier to manuever in than high heels, especially if your wedding is outdoors. Otherwise, you may end up sinking into the grass and ruining your brand-new shoes!IBERIS HEELS, $328, KATESPADE.COM 9. Wear a robe or button-up during hair and makeup. Before you sit down for hair and makeup, make sure you and your bridesmaids are wearing robes, button-ups or even hoodies you can easily take off without having to pull them over your heads. That way, your beauty looks will remain intact. 10. Remember the essentials. You carry them every day and you definitely don't want to forget them on THE day. Carry your lipstick, oil-blotting papers and whatever else you may need in a chic clutch your maid of honor/mother/sister can carry or have nearby.CYSTALLOGRAPHY BOX CLUTCH, $250, BHLDN.COM 11. Check that sound system. It would be a shame if you were surrounded by your friends and family, only to have them not hear your vows especially if you have written your own. If your ceremony is indoors at a religious venue, the altar may have a built-in microphone accessible only to the officiator. In that case, make sure the staff prepares an extra one for you and the groom. 12. Have cash tips on hand. Prepare cash tips and account for this in your budget ahead of time. Ask your wedding coordinator or one of the groomsmen to handle the distribution. 13. Drink up! And we don't mean the champagne. Between the heat, dancing and celebratory toasts, you need to stay properly hydrated. Ask one of your bridesmaids to remind you to drink water throughout the day. 14. Schedule time for photos. Talk to your photographer about how much time he/she will require to get the shots you want and create gaps in the day accordingly. Note: Avoid taking photos when the sun is strongest. Otherwise, you'll end up with a sweaty wedding party and a lot of shiny foreheads in your photos. 15. Find the right bra. The right bra will make you look infinitely better trust us on this one. Get fitted by a professional and find the style that fits best with the cut of your dress. It will make all the difference not only on your wedding day, but every day.DIVINE E NON-WIRE BRA, $88, US.TRIUMPH.COM; DIVINE E BIKINI, $68, US.TRIUMPH.COM | 4 | 763 | lifestyle |
While you can't actually make warmer weather arrive any sooner, you can totally coax out spring fever with a new hairstyle. Get inspired by these fresh celeb 'dos. Charlize Theron Charlize may have chopped off her shoulder-length locks for a role, but we hope she'll keep them this way. If you were to look up fuss-free hair in the dictionary, we swear this picture would appear. Michelle Obama The First Lady almost upstaged the presidential inauguration with her fresh statement fringe. While most celebs are switching to more low-maintenance hair for spring, Michelle goes the other way and we can't help but love it. Zooey Deschanel The New Girl's chin-length bob may have been faux, but we'd love to see her rock a shorter style come spring. The length and the side-swept bangs frame her face nicely, creating a softer, prettier look. Britney Spears In the sea of celebs dying their hair lighter, Britney chose to darken her platinum blonde locks to a more natural brunette shade. And you know what? We like it. Stacy Keibler Stacy's Oscars 'do marked a major change from her lighter, longer locks. Those fun curls bring out the girly-girl in us that can't wait to ditch our scarves for beachy dresses. Michelle Williams Michelle Williams is growing out her sweet pixie into a more sophisticated asymmetrical 'do. We're excited to see all the ways the super-cool mom-actress will pin it back this spring. Rihanna We can't stop staring at Rihanna's new long, light waves. The major perk? The chance to experiment with all different ways of putting it up. Nicole Kidman The Aussie actress chopped off her wavy locks in favor of a straight and simple cut. The middle part and blunt ends give her hair a more sophisticated look without trying too hard, of course. Lauren Conrad Our April cover girl cut her long ombre locks to well, shorter ombre locks. Regardless, the layered cut feels fresher and less weighed down. Natalie Portman As the weather gets warmer, shades get lighter. Natalie Portman brightened her features by switching from chocolate brown to hazelnut. Giuliana Rancic The E! personality is taking a break from her signature long mane, and sporting a new, textured bob. The length hits the sweet spot of long enough to pull back, but short enough to be hassle-free. Sold! Anne Hathaway We know the newly crowned Oscar winner's haircut has already been discussed a million times but how could we not throw it in? If you're looking for a big change, just follow in her pixie-wonderful footsteps. Kerry Washington The Scandal star ditched her blunt fringe for a more low-maintenance middle part. This way, when the weather gets warmer, she doesn't have to worry about pesky bangs getting stuck to her forehead, and falling in front of her eyes. | 4 | 764 | lifestyle |
More from Redbook 5 Dresses Every Woman Should Own 26 Fun, Cheap Date Ideas 43 Sneaky Tricks for Looking Younger Foreplay Moves Men Secretly Crave Easy Hairstyles in 15 Minutes or Less The new get-ahead career book, Nice Girls Just Don't Get It , totally contradicts the advice in the work bible The Power of Nice . So which approach is best: good girl or straight-talker? Our verdict: They both rock. Just pick the one that's the most natural for you. How To: MAKE A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION Nice Girls: "To establish a friendly connection, lead in with a compliment, such as, 'I love your earrings,' or a personal comment like, 'Is that a picture of your daughter?'" says Robin Koval, coauthor of The Power of Nice . Straight-Talkers: "People are attracted to those who are most like them. If the person you've just met gets right down to business, skip the small talk and do the same," say Nice Girls Just Don't Get It authors Lois Frankel, Ph.D., and Carol Frohlinger, Esq. How To: SHINE IN MEETINGS Nice Girls: "Approach a brainstorm session from a point of collaboration by saying, 'I like that idea, but here's a way to make it better.' It shows that you respect your peers' ideas." Straight-Talkers: "Speak up early in meetings to establish yourself as a player in the decision-making process. Nice girls often miss their window of opportunity by letting others go first." How To: GET ON THE PROMOTION TRACK Nice Girls: "Studies show that likability plays a big role in who gets hired and promoted, so spend time creating personal relationships if you want to move up." Straight-Talkers: "Coworkers don't need to know your deepest secrets. Save that for your spouse and focus on wowing your superiors with results — that's what really matters." More from Bing and MSN Lifestyle Site Search: succeed at work , better yourself , how to get a raise | 4 | 765 | lifestyle |
Think of this as your ultimate cleaning checklist: Easy ways to get your kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, living room, laundry room and patio in tip-top shape. Kitchen | Clean around & inside appliances Dirt, pet hair, and dust particles can build up behind your refrigerator, says Steve Ash of partselect.com. Airborne materials can block the appliance's coils, restricting airflow through the appliance. It's worth it to pull out the refrigerator and vacuum the coils. Also, sanitize the dishwasher. Place a shallow dish of vinegar on the top rack of your dishwasher and run it (empty) on a long sanitation cycle to kill fungi. Kitchen | De-smudge windows A simple mixture of two parts water to one part white distilled vinegar is all you need for a streak-free finish on windows and glass surfaces. Wipe the inside of windows from side to side, and the outside of windows from top to bottom. This makes it easier to see which side (if any) needs further cleaning. Kitchen | Dispose of old food Go through the pantry, refrigerator, and freezer for foods that are past their expiration dates or those items you know you'll never use. Throw them away. For unopened can and jar foods that are still good, donate them. Kitchen | Create a natural air freshener Give your room a fresh scent. Whip up a room deodorizer on the stovetop by simmering orange rinds or lemon slices and rosemary in a pot of water. The scent will freshen your space. Kitchen | Take inventory of small appliances Donate the novelty appliances you rarely or never use. Clean out the inside of your microwave. And turn your attention to your must-have appliance: the coffee maker. To clean your coffee maker, brew a pot using 2 parts distilled water and 1 part vinegar. Brew this mixture through 3 times, then follow up with 3 brews using distilled water. Bathroom | Clear your counter Organizer MaryJo Monroe of Respaced says those little bottles of lotions and potions are dust-catchers. "If you're not using them, give them away or throw them out. If you do use them, find a storage system to hold and organize them in your bath." Bathroom | Neaten up the medicine cabinet Throw away any medicines or health and beauty items with expired dates. Many personal care products deteriorate after six months. Bathroom | Go through old linens If your towels, rugs, and shower curtain are looking shabby or worn, it might be time to donate them and replenish your supply with fresh ones. Organizer Michelle Paxton of The Organizer Gal says it's smart to invest in products such as containers, racks, shelves, or drawers for extra storage in a small bath. Bathroom | Scrub tile grout Clean grout is like a facelift for your bathroom. To remove mold and mildew, home care expert Cheryl Mendelson, author of Home Comforts: The Art & Science of Keeping House, recommends scrubbing grout with a toothbrush and a simple solution of 1/2 cup chlorine bleach diluted in a gallon of water. Test on an inconspicuous section of grout and tile first.If deep cleaning your tiled surfaces doesn't go far enough, try regrouting the surfaces. Bathroom | Create natural scents Soak a cotton ball with essential oils and toss it under the bathroom sink (out of reach from pets) for a clean, fresh smell. Try lavender, jasmine, or any fragrance you like. The cotton will stay fragrant for about two weeks. Bathroom | Organize drawers Clear plastic drawers are the "little black dress" of organizing, says Barbara Reich, a professional organizer. Use them in every room of the house. They're great in the bathroom when used to divide and organize drawers or to make great use of space under the bathroom sink. When they get dusty, clear them of their contents and wash them in the dishwasher. Bedroom | Tame your closets Dry clean or launder coats, sweaters, and any items you are keeping. Toss or donate any items that are worn, don't fit, or you don't like. Inventory your spring and summer clothes and make a list of new items you need to purchase. Michelle Paxton, a professional organizer at the The Organizer Gal says it's good to invest in storage containers, clothing bags, and cedar blocks to store out-of-season clothing. Bedroom | Purge Remove everything from your bedroom that doesn't serve you books you've read or don't intend to read, clothes you don't like, magazines, newspapers, and more. Make your bedroom a haven by first cleaning out the piles. Bedroom | Launder bedding Dry clean or launder the heavy comforter on your bed, store it and replace with a lighter blanket. Swap your heavy bed sheets for lighter sheets and store the rest. Wash linens in hot water to kill allergens. Invest in a new odor-eliminating, anti-bacterial mattress pad. Bedroom | Get rid of dirt Dust everything from the top down. Start with cleaning walls and the ceiling fan, move to baseboards, and finally sweep up all dust. Bedroom | Organize small items Corral small items like loose change, eyeglasses, remote controls, and your lip gloss on a tray to transform what might otherwise look messy into a neat arrangement that's stylish and chic. Living room | Cut down on paper Magazines and newspapers create clutter in living spaces and collect dust. Store them in a basket until you're done with them, and donate magazines to a hospital or library. Recycle newspapers. Living room | Wash textiles Vacuum upholstery and launder curtains. Update furniture with slipcovers one of the simplest tools for refreshing a room. Shop for light or neutral slips that are machine washable. Sure Fit slipcovers are treated with Scotchgard protector to keep colors stains at bay. Living room | Add plants Houseplants freshen and filter the air in your home. Plus the green brings life to rooms that have been bundled up for months. Try one of these favorites recommended by Costafarms.com: ferns, orchids, peace lily, philodendron, massangena cane, anthuriums, or palms. Living room | Clean carpets Send out the rugs for a professional cleaning. For wall-to-wall carpet, consider hiring a pro for deep cleaning and stain removal. Laundry room | Clear dryer vents Check and clean your dryer vent and ducts to remove lint build-up. If the ducts get clogged with lint, it can be a fire hazard. Drying clothes with fabric softener sheets can leave a residue on the lint trap. Wash the trap with soap and water in a sink. Bonus: You'll be amazed at how much faster your clothes will dry when the dryer duct is free from lint. Laundry room | Maintain washer & dryer Pull out the washer and dryer. Vacuum the backside of each appliance with a brush attachment to remove dirt and dust, says Steve Ash of partselect.com. Wipe down the top and sides of the appliances with an all-purpose cleaner. Laundry room | Clean inside of washing machine Run the washing machine cycle with distilled white vinegar and hot water. This will get rid of any mildew and soap scum. Laundry room | Wipe down iron Clean the plate of the iron with a baking soda and water paste to remove any build-up from spray starch. Check the condition of your ironing board and board cover and replace if needed. Laundry room | Tidy up shelving Line cabinet interiors with wallpaper and edge shelves in trim for a cheerful greeting every time you open the door. Floral-patterned trays corral laundry and sewing supplies. Porch & patio | Power wash surfaces Grime and dirt can leave surfaces looking dingy or even a different color. Power washing your porch and patio before the summer entertaining season starts will freshen your outdoor spaces up. If you don't have a power washer, you can rent one from your local hardware or tool rental store. Porch & patio | Check boards Give the deck boards a good look. Raised nails can be pounded back in. If the floor is in disrepair, take time to replace rotting boards and to scrape, sand, and refinish existing boards. Porch & patio | Wash furniture Most patio furniture, cushions and umbrellas can be cleaned using a mild soap and water mixture and a soft cloth, says The Maids. Saturate the furniture and cushions then rinse well with a damp cloth or garden hose. Follow manufacturer's directions when cleaning wood or other specialty furniture. Wipe down the grill with a soap and water mixture. Or, for caked-on grease, scrub with a wire brush. Porch & patio | De-grime screens If you have a screened in porch, vacuum the screens to remove dirt and allergens. Fill a bucket with soapy water and wipe down the screens using a sponge. Porch & patio | Plant flowers Add plants. Buy planters and flowers to welcome the season and add a little color. Fill window boxes with bloomers. | 4 | 766 | lifestyle |
Give your Christmas tree a heartfelt touch of homemade with these fun and easy ornament craft ideas.Once you've made them, try one of our creative ideas for decorating with ornaments! Frame ornaments Scraps of wrapping paper look pretty as a picture when tucked inside nickel frames. ($6.09 for four frames; amazon.com) Folk-art ornaments Frame fabric in embroidery hoops to create homespun ornaments with graphic good looks. Charming tree Create personalized name tags for your dinner guests to hang on your tree. Spritz paper labels with instant coffee to acheive a perfectly imperfect patina, then stamp on the name of each guest. Homemade bird seed ornament Attract blue jays and goldfinches in winter with this frozen birdseed ornament, adapted from Ernst Kirchsteiger's "Swedish Christmas Traditions" ($19.95; Skyhorse).Instructions:Bird Seed Ornament Upgrade a plain glass ornament At around a dollar each, these empty orbs offer an affordable catalyst for creativity. Fill one with small wooden chips, another with a single stunning peacock feather (attached to the ornament's top with hot glue). Or compose a more obvious Christmas scene by dropping a model fir tree into a globe dusted with artificial snow. You can also use tweezers to position branches inside and even hot-glue a tiny cardinal in place. Hanging bud vase Put flower buds in small jars outfitted with wire for hanging. From A to Z A tree is trimmed with vintage letters found from old signs, printers' type, and alphabet teaching aids. Red-and-white bows Grosgrain ribbons become eye-catching bows. Baking molds Vintage baking molds add a sweet touch to any tree; simply hot-glue ribbon loops to their backs and hang. Victorian Santa A nod to Christmases past, these antique Santa images are from the 1860s, when the Victorians really began celebrating Christmas. If you can't get your hands on originals, or don't want to put any valuables on display, consider making a color copy of the print, mount it to a piece of cardboard, then decorate with glitter and gold tinsel! Pizzelle candy cones Decorated then filled with holiday treats, these nostalgic cones spread sweet holiday cheer.Instructions:How to Make Pizzelle Candy Cones Hanging pincushions The stems of tomato pincushions make for easy hanging. Beaded snowflakes This sparkly snowflake is so quick to assemble, you'll want to make dozens, for gifts, cards, favors, and, of course, the holiday tree. It just requires a wire snowflake form, beads, and a dab of hot glue on each leg to affix the beads.Instructions:Easy Holiday Snowflake Crafts Keys Coated in glossy white spray paint, skeleton keys feel fresh. Sparkly star cookie Buy ready-made dough it's sturdier than homemade. Knead in 2/3 cup flour until smooth to increase dough's density, making it suitable for ornaments. Roll dough. Cut shapes. Make holes for hanging. Chill and bake per manufacturer's instructions. Pocket-watch ornaments Craft unique ornaments using old photos and pocket-watch cases. Pinecones Spray-painted white, pinecones really pop against evergreen boughs. Bird ornaments A vintage Audubon book yielded these images. We turned them into tree-trimmers by color-copying them onto card stock, then cutting out the birds and punching holes at the tops. Calla lily Silk calla lilies lend a surprising note of spring.Bright idea: Let the basic style and colors of your home guide your holiday decorating, advises interior designer Rollande. "The idea is to enhance, not overwhelm, the spaces you live in." Peace on Earth Pure white doves flock en masse to the miniature tree's branches, proclaiming "peace on Earth." Cut your own from white card stock and hang from lengths of ribbon, or use dove-shaped gift tags for a quicker solution. In keeping with the humble theme, the tree sits inside a pale blue-painted galvanized bucket. | 4 | 767 | lifestyle |
While New York Fashion Week's Fall 2014 shows as a whole had a serious shortage of high heels, a number of major designers included impressively towering shoes amidst the abundance of flats. On the catwalk, Erin Fetherston's dainty designs paired nicely with clear-sided pumps, while Marchesa featured intricate, strappy sandals. The season's street style stars and front row celebrities proved that the craziest and at times, most uncomfortable high heels are far from dead. While we'll happily slip into a beautiful pair of towering heels any day, we figured we could use a few tips from those in the fashion business who know the shoes best. Hanne Gaby Odiele "You need to have confidence and keep your head straight." Bella Thorne "Walking up the stairs can be really hard, so what helps is kicking up your dress with your feet. My heel always gets stuck on the bottom of the staircase, so I always have to kick up every time. Kick them up, so they don't get stuck!" Charlie Paille "Don't think about anything! Be confident and just go for it. Standing up straight is everything. No slouching." AnnaSophia Robb "Practice makes perfect, and focus on your core. Try not to think about it. And wear shoes that fit that's the absolute most important thing you can do." Malaika Firth "I try to fly! Stand up straight and walk softly." Anmari Botha "Find a shoe that fits and then practice a lot!" Gina Torres "I would say keep your weight up. Think up, rise up, keep your posture going it's very important. You don't want to sink into your knees, you don't want to sink into your feet. And keep moving don't think about it!" Kristine Zandmane "Make sure you start off with a straight back. When you take the first step make sure the other leg behind you is very straight so your legs make a 'V' shape. Then, swing your hips!" | 4 | 768 | lifestyle |
Great hair is the world's best accessory, and when you've got a 'do that works, everything falls into place. Get inspired by these 50 celebs, and never again ask, "what am I going to do with my hair?" Reese Witherspoon Long, side-swept bangs soften Reese's heart-shaped face.Related: Reese Witherspoon's Cute & Casual Mom Style Victoria Beckham Recreating the singer-turned-designer's casual 'do is super-easy: Gather hair into a loose braid on one side, then pull out a few loose pieces in the front to achieve grunge-meets-glam. Amy Adams Create this red-carpet-ready look at home using Velcro rollers to create plump, bouncy curls.Related: 5 Tricks to Master At-Home Hair Color Beyoncé A topknot is a simple way to look chic on a lazy Saturday. Amy Poehler Layers and natural waves add life to fine hair.Related: 10 Beauty Mistakes You're Probably Making Angelina Jolie Straight hair with just two face-framing pieces curled into ringlets looks surprisingly hip. Ashlee Simpson A round, graduated bob is adorable with hair streaking over one eye.Related: More Celebrity Short Hairstyles and Tips Ashley Greene Messy barrel curls (made by hairstylist Ted Gibson with a 1/2-inch curling iron) are more rock 'n' roll chick than baby doll. Blake Lively Hairdressers constantly get requests for Blake's California-girl waves. Pulling a little back at the crown adds height and rounds off the look.Related: 5 Tricks to Sexy, Shiny Bouncy Hair Amanda Seyfried For shine like Amanda's, slick on Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum and prepare to spend some quality time with a flat iron. Kate Beckinsale "Buns don't need to be perfect and neat," says celebrity hairstylist David Babaii. "A little texture and a touch of messy is all the rage." Make like Kate and create a side bun, then pull out a couple of pieces in the front, and use a curling iron to create ringlets. Scarlett Johansson Scar-Jo lets her hair do "the flip." Aubrey Plaza This funny actress looks seriously cool with shoulder-length, I-rolled-out-of-bed-this-way waves. Kristen Wiig Long, side-swept bangs camouflage a long forehead or conceal pesky lines and add interest with minimal effort. Christina Applegate Christina's flowing, golden locks look effortlessly lovely the kind of style you can't help flipping over your shoulders as if in a shampoo commercial. Christina Aguilera Punk up a simple low pony with colorful streaks that wash out the next day. Try Manic Panic Dyehard Temporary Hair Color Styling Gel or use pastels to create the "chalking" effect. Catherine Zeta-Jones A natural wave looks great pushed back behind the shoulders. Cobie Smulders The actress pulls off serious glamour with side-swept hair secured in back and teased on top. Courteney Cox With hair this healthy and shiny, all you need is a center-part and loose waves. Debra Messing "Sleek, straight ponys are very elegant and easy to achieve," says Babaii. Give a low ponytail a little extra lift by gently teasing small sections of hair just below the rubber band. Sandra Bullock Loose, tousled waves and a center-part look sexy without trying too hard. While celebs rely on an army of hairdressers to achieve the faux-effortless look, normal women can make their lives a lot easier by getting a cut that complements their natural wave patterns. Jessica Alba Tired of topknots? Try a low, messy bun gathered on one side just below the ear. Christina Hendricks Eyebrow-skimming fringe and below-the-shoulder locks recall '60s babe Brigitte Bardot. Amy Grant Face-framing layers and curls add body. Ellen DeGeneres Ellen's 'do is short and no-nonsense, but the lift in front adds personality. Alyson Hannigan A simple, shoulder-length 'do shows off Alyson's enviable shade of red. Minnie Driver Minnie's signature spirals look healthy and bouncy. Care for your curls with specially designed products like Samy Moisture Plus Shampoo. Emily Blunt A ballerina bun never goes out of style. Use a light hairspray like Aveda Control Force Firm Hold Hairspray to prevent flyaways. Kate Hudson Babaii, Kate's Golden Globes stylist, created this "loose, bohemian" look with products from his IT&LY Hairfashion Purity Design line. After applying serum and mousse, he blew out Kate's hair using a medium-size round brush at the roots to create volume and a large brush to smooth hair and create rounded edges. He finished the look with a volumizer to create lift at the roots and piece-y definition throughout, and brought back the medium round brush to lightly curl face-framing fringe. Jennifer Garner Cascading, beachy waves and a touch of face-framing highlights look surprisingly glamorous. Glenn Close Gray is grand! Glenn's undone waves add body to fine hair. Eva Longoria Eva's elegant look is easy to recreate. Pull hair back into a chignon and let a few pieces fall free in the front. Gwen Stefani Not ready for a Miley Cyrus-style undercut? Fake it: Make a deep part on one side, then slick back the remaining hair on that side with gel and secure with a barrette. Morena Baccarin The Homeland star's curly bob is flirty and youthful. It works well with oval or long faces, but those with round faces should be careful with this cut, since it adds extra width around the center of the face. Gwyneth Paltrow Gwyneth never changes her poker-straight and icy blonde hairstyle because it works with her oval face and swanlike neck. Tucking one side behind her ear makes the look a little less prissy. Haley Strode A half-updo is a gorgeous style anyone can create in about 15 seconds flat. Halle Berry Spiked hair with frosted tips looks more pretty than punky when paired with soft makeup. Heidi Klum A medium-high pony is perfectly flirty. Secure with a hairband and then camouflage it by wrapping a thin strand of hair around the band and securing with a bobby pin. Brandy "This is an explosion of curls and not for everyone," says Babaii. "You have to have full, thick hair to create such volume." If you're bold enough to try it, the style works with most faces, but on those with a round face, the hairdo can look a little Little Orphan Annie. Mila Kunis Mila's sexy, undone mermaid waves look casual and cool. Jane Krakowski Straight hair doesn't look dull when a few layers add life and bounce. Naomi Watts With hair that's longer in the front, Naomi's asymmetrical chop looks hip and modern. Jane Lynch The Glee star's messy, piece-y 'do is as simple as scrunching with a little gel and air-drying. Her chiseled features and soft makeup create a look that's both fierce and feminine. Jennifer Aniston Always a source of hair inspiration, Jennifer's latest 'do features long locks with shoulder-skimming layers to soften the line and add movement. Carey Mulligan This super-short cut with bangs looks adorable tucked behind Carey's ears. Want to sport this style without looking like a little boy? It works best on gals with long or oval faces, fine features, and perfectly done brows and makeup. Jennifer Lawrence Dove celebrity hairstylist Mark Townsend created this 'do with the company's products, starting with mousse to encourage the curl. Then, he pulled out random sections, spritzed with hairspray, and curled with a 1/2-inch iron. Finally he grabbed four three-inch sections near the hairline, loosely braided them, and pulled everything into a loose chignon secured with bobby pins. Jeri Ryan Choppy layers and loose waves add body. Jessica Paré Hitting somewhere between the chin and shoulders, this blunt 'do looks chic and easy, but can be hard to pull off. It works best on fine, naturally straight hair. Mindy Kaling Mindy's long layers are high on shine. Add depth to a rich, almost-black shade with products from John Frieda's Brilliant Brunette line. Michelle Obama Get the First Fringe with straight-across bangs (slightly texturized to keep from looking too blunt) and a rounded bob. Light, face-framing layers soften the angles of a heart-shaped face. | 4 | 769 | lifestyle |
He asked, you said yes, and now the real questions start! Who should you call first with the good news? How long should an engagement last? And what if (gasp!) you don't like your ring should you tell your fiance? Our wedding etiquette experts are here to help you navigate the wild road to your wedding with their essential tips for brides-to-be. Who should I tell first about my engagement? Your parents and his should be the first people you tell about your engagement. You don't want them hearing about it from another person even if that other person is a grandparent, sibling, or aunt. If you can't tell them in person, call them. Sending an email is fine to announce your engagement to your friends, but your parents especially if you are expecting them to help pay for the wedding deserve a phone call. After you tell both sets of parents, you can see, call, or email anyone you are close to and share your exciting news: grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, close friends. Does my boyfriend have to ask my father for permission to marry me? While it's more of a tradition than a requirement, many dads appreciate the gesture of being asked for their daughter's hand in marriage. However, since you can marry whomever you like, regardless of your father's wishes, nowadays most men ask for a father's blessing, not permission. If you think your dad may be upset if your future groom doesn't consult him ahead of time, tell your boyfriend to make sure to talk to him before proposing. If you're not sure what your dad would like and don't want to ask him, talk to your mom. She'll be able to tell you if your father expects to be asked. If the wedding is cancelled, who keeps the engagement ring? Even though technically the bride isn't required to return the ring (at least in most states), it's the best thing to do, regardless of who called off the wedding. While the ring was a gift, it was more importantly a symbol of a commitment to marry. Since there will no longer be a marriage, do you really want to keep a reminder of a future that won't happen? After all, the ring isn't a consolation prize. The emphasis here should be on appreciating the relationship you once had, not on cashing out any material value. Returning the ring gives everyone a fresh start. In the end, you will need to let your conscience be your guide. If, however, the ring was a family heirloom of the groom's family, there's no question: It should be returned. If you and your fiance purchased the ring together, one solution would be to sell it and split the proceeds proportionately. Anna Post, The Emily Post Institute My family invited several people to my engagement party that I'm not planning on inviting to the wedding. What should I do? If the invitations have gone out there's nothing much you can do. You can't call them up and un-invite them to the party. You need to schedule a time to talk with both set of parents about the size and style of wedding you and your fiance want. Based on the size of wedding you want and the amount of people that your reception site can hold, you need to let both sets of parents know how many guests they can each invite including relatives and friends. If the space allows more people, you may now have to invite these extra guests, or ask your parents to spread the word that the bride and groom have decided to hold a more intimate wedding with only immediate family and close friends. Here's a general rule to follow: If you send an engagement party or bridal shower invitation or a save-the-date card to anyone, you will also have to send them a wedding invitation. Can I propose to my boyfriend? Of course you can! You can make your proposal of marriage to him as traditional or as fun and informal as you want. And don't be afraid to get down on one knee either. While we're not suggesting you buy him a diamond ring, you could buy him another accessory he can wear every day a watch, necklace, bracelet, or another style ring. Some brides-to-be who decide to propose to their boyfriends have bought themselves an engagement ring, and when the groom-to-be says yes she asks him to slip it onto her ring finger. I hate my engagement ring. Can I tell my fiancé? You must absolutely tell him how you feel! And together you can pick out an engagement ring of equal or lesser value. Most guys will understand that your opinion counts for a lot, since YOU are the one who will be wearing the ring and literally wearing it every day! And guys are cautioned all the time to discuss ring styles with their partner before making a purchase, so you have good reason to speak up. If you think his feelings will be really hurt or if you think voicing your thoughts will make him angry and resentful (and take away from the joy you are both feeling upon getting engaged) wait a year before saying anything.In general, a new ring is in order if you dislike the color of metal, you dislike the shape or cut of the diamond (round vs. square, emerald-cut vs. cushion, etc.), the ring is too modern/too glitzy/too old-fashioned-looking/too plain, and your style is just the opposite. However, it is NOT okay to say you want a different ring because you think the stone is too small or of poor quality. Because that's like saying, "You didn't spend enough money." You would never want him to feel that his choice was inadequate in that regard surely he bought you the most beautiful ring he could afford, so if everything else about the ring works (metal, stone shape, style) then hold your tongue. Five years from now you can discuss upgrading to a diamond of better quality. I'm planning on having a very long engagement. By the time I get married, I will have been engaged for over three years. Is this appropriate? You can plan to be engaged as long as you want but you may not want to book any vendors or buy your wedding dress so far away from your wedding day. Styles and your own personal taste will change over the course of three years, so enjoy being engaged and start getting ideas from wedding Web sites and bridal magazines. Don't start signing contracts with vendors until about 12 to 18 months from your wedding date. | 4 | 770 | lifestyle |
Make your season both merry and bright with these clever handmade ornaments, centerpieces, and other craft ideas. Advent calendar Use ordinary grocery-store matchboxes to count down the days till Christmas. Just hot-glue the tops of empty boxes to one another to form rows (start with nine boxes for the base, and decrease by two until you have a single box). Cut wrapping paper to cover each section; secure with hot glue. Next, hot-glue the rows in a pyramid shape as shown. Use number stamps (available at craft stores) to mark the boxes 1 through 25, then fill with candy and trinkets. Birdcages These simple gift tags, which cost less than a dollar each, take center stage when hung in vintage cages. The paper doves also look lovely dangling from chandeliers or even doorknobs. (Tags, $9.95 for 12; paper-source.com. Birdcages, from $10 each; ebay.com) Upgrade a plain glass ornament At around a dollar each, these empty orbs offer an affordable catalyst for creativity. Fill one with small wooden chips, another with a single stunning peacock feather (attached to the ornament's top with hot glue). Or compose a more obvious Christmas scene by dropping a model fir tree into a globe dusted with artificial snow. You can also use tweezers to position branches inside and even hot-glue a tiny cardinal in place.(Ornaments, starting at $4.99 for four, and cardinal, $1.99; michaels.com for stores. Peacock feathers, $2.99 for three, and artificial snow, $2.99; joann.com. Wood chips, $3 for 4.8 ounces; walmart.com for stores. Model tree, from $2.99; hobbylinc.com) Homemade bird seed ornament Attract blue jays and goldfinches in winter with this frozen birdseed ornament, adapted from Ernst Kirchsteiger's Swedish Christmas Traditions ($19.95; Skyhorse).Instructions:Bird Seed Ornament Bird-themed tree The shining star of this avian-themed tree? An egg-filled nest perched at the top. Frame ornaments Scraps of wrapping paper look pretty as a picture when tucked inside nickel frames. ($6.09 for four frames; amazon.com) Pinecones Spray-painted white, pinecones really pop against evergreen boughs. Red-and-white bows Grosgrain ribbons become eye-catching bows. Baking molds Vintage baking molds add a sweet touch to any tree; simply hot-glue ribbon loops to their backs and hang. Bird ornaments A vintage Audubon book yielded these images. We turned them into tree-trimmers by color-copying them onto card stock, then cutting out the birds and punching holes at the tops. Hanging pincushions The stems of tomato pincushions make for easy hanging. Keys Coated in glossy white spray paint, skeleton keys feel fresh. Photo wreath To make your own photo arrangement, hot-glue a selection of black-and-white snapshots (use copies if you're worried about ruining the originals) to a wire wreath form. ($1.55 for 10" diameter; mainewreathco.com) Card tree Save your mantel from a paper blizzard with this "tree." To craft it, you'll need two wood dowels. Cut them into five segments, starting with eight inches wide and enlarging each piece by two inches. Fold two yards of ribbon in half, then place the shortest dowel about six inches from the fold, spacing the rest about five inches apart from one another. Hot-glue so the dowels are sandwiched between the two ribbon tails. Attach your favorite greetings to the dowels with small binder clips and hang. Ornamental decorating Reserve a special spot for treasured ornaments by showcasing them inside a shadow box: Line the frame backing with bright wrapping paper, then affix your decorations with double-sided adhesive pads. (Shadow box, $23.52; frames4everyone.com) Festive centerpiece Branch out from conventional tablescapes by using an extra-long tree limb as a platform for displaying ornaments. Simply knot lengths of twine around the branch and hang it from a row of five or six ceiling hooks.(Silver and green ornaments, from $23.75 for 12; codyfosterandco.com for stores. Cultural Intrigue ornament in bronze, from $4; lunabazaar.com. Chairs, $275 each; conranusa.com. Martha Stewart collection glasses, $36 for four; macys.com) Vintage sewing pattern stockings Jodi Kahn, author of "Simply Sublime Gifts", devised this genius project, using iron-on vinyl to turn paper patterns into durable fabric.Instructions:Unique Stocking Craft | 4 | 771 | lifestyle |
The 'Set Up By Grandma' Date It's the best and worst time to be a single girl in the dating world. On the one hand, past generations of women didn't have the freedom, financial independence, access to birth control (depending on your state and employer, of course), or plethora of options to meet new people online and off that we enjoy today. On the other hand, they also didn't have to worry about sexting, selecting the best selfie for their profile picture, or accidentally swiping right on a coworker. A white eyelet dress is sweet enough to make grandma proud, and even if her podiatrist's son turns out to be a dud who barely looks up from his iPhone the whole meal, it's still stylish enough to skip out for drinks with the girls. EYELET LOVESONG DRESS, $88, MADEWELL.COM; NUBUCK FLAT COUCH, $198, CLARE V, SHOPBOP.COM; GEM STUD EARRINGS, $92, LEIFSHOP.COM; FLAT SANDALS WITH METALLIC STRAPS, $25.99, ZARA.COM The OkCupid Date The younger, artsier sibling of the online dating world, OkCupid is the perfect place to find a date to go gallery hopping this weekend. A miniskirt and silky black top paired with stand-out accessories ensures you show up looking just as intruiging as your profile suggests. LEATHER-TRIMMED TOP, $132, ALICE + OLIVIA, THEOUTNET.COM; LEONARD SUNGLASSES, $177, ILLESTEVA, ASSEMBLYNEWYORK.COM; CLASSIC GOLD WATCH, $230, POKETO.COM; ST. TROPEZ SANDALS, $315, K JACQUES, SHOESCRIBE.COM; TWILL SKIRT, $9.95, HM.COM The 'Is-It-Or-Isn't-It A Date' Date How do you dress for a date when you aren't really sure it's a date at all? Casually, for starters. Denim and a strappy tank works for dinner with a friend even if it turns into into something more. The bag does double duty, too, with both backpack straps and a top handle, and to clear up these foggy situations in the future, invest in a fun field guide to dating by witty romance writer Chiara Atik (this one you can leave at home). PHOEBE JEAN, $115, MIH-JEANS.COM; MALIN TOP, $138, TRADE-MARK.COM; "MODERN DATING: A FIELD GUIDE" BY CHIARA ATIK, $12.62, AMAZON.COM; CHARLIE SANDAL, $475, RAG-BONE.COM; CYNNIE PEBBLED LEATHER BACKPACK, $545, ELIZABETH AND JAMES, NEIMANMARCUS.COM The 'Reconnecting With An Ex' Date Whether you're hoping to rekindle things with an old flame or just flaunt how fabulous your life is without them around, this is bound to be a nervewracking occasion on all fronts. You want to look hot, but not like you spent all day trying to look hot, so choose something sleek and unfussy. Think "I woke up like this" actually, think Beyoncé, period. That's always sound advice. BOMA CHIFFON TOP, $87.50, THEYSKENS' THEORY, THEOUTNET.COM; FLEX BLACK JEAN, $230, ACNE, LAGARCONNE.COM; DAME HEELED SANDALS, $498, JIMMY CHOO, FORWARDFORWARD.COM; CYD UNDERWIRE BRA, $99, LONELYHEARTSLABEL.COM The Tinder Date I know Tinder isn't really the free-for-all hookup bazaar people make it out to be, but it's still the most casual dating app out there, so dress accordingly. An LBD is a foolproof option, but skip the stilettos. You don't want a shoe with too much height, since odds are you don't know how tall they are. In case things really go well, keep a dark pair of sunglasses stashed in your bag you might just thank yourself in the morning. QUINOA DRESS, $198, THEREFORMATION.COM; LYPTON BAG, $698, DANNIJO.COM; PIPER SUNGLASSES, $95, WARBYPARKER.COM; EMMALINE STRIPED SANDAL, $200, J. CREW, NET-A-PORTER.COM The eHarmony Date Chances are you're looking for a little more than a one-night stand, so you might as well wear something that cuts to the chase. The pink and white palette is super romantic, and the extra sparkle is perfect for the candlelit dinner your date has no doubt planned. Plus, what says "I've got nothing to hide" like a see-through handbag? (Add a pouch if you'd prefer to retain some air of mystery). LAKEN CLEAR MINAUDIERE, $206.50, TORYBURCH.COM; ORGANZA BEADED MINI SKIRT, $398, THEYSKENS THEORY, THEOUTNET.COM; LUXE SILK CREPE TOP, $128, JCREW.COM; SANDRINE BEADED SANDAL, $402, CHARLOTTE OLYMPIA, NEIMANMARCUS.COM The Classmate Date They know what you look like on two hours sleep wearing the leggings you only break out for the library, so you're already way ahead of the game. But that doesn't mean that when you finally grab a beer with your crush from Comparative Lit you shouldn't put some extra effort into your outfit. Put on a little red dress and some comfy boots in case you want to take a stroll around campus afterwards. Oh, and ditch the backpack this time. TIERED SLIP DRESS, $66.69, RIVER ISLAND, ASOS.COM; ORILEY ANKLE BOOT, $175, JEFFREY CAMPBELL, NASTYGAL.COM; TEEPEE TRIANGLE NECKLACE, $58, HOUSE OF HARLOW 1960, PIPERLIME.COM; HUDSON MOTO MINI, $265, REBECCAMINKOFF.COM The Ashley Madison Date The trim sheath dress and rolling suitcase say, "Honey, I'm leaving for my business trip!" Underneath, however, is a lingerie set fit for the most torrid of affairs. (Look, we're not here to judge.) BOUCLE KNIT DRESS WITH LEATHER TRIM, $995, ST. JOHN, NORDSTROM.COM; SILHOUETTE SPHERE HARDSIDE SUITCASE, $224.99, SAMSONITE.COM; LEATHER T-STRAP PUMPS, $650, GUCCI, SAKSFIFTHAVENUE.COM; DOMINETTA BALCONY BRA, $310, MYLA, JOURNELLE.COM; THONG, $220, JOURNELLE.COM; AND SUSPENDER, JOURNELLE.COM | 4 | 772 | lifestyle |
Life would be a terrible long slog if you didn't celebrate the milestones: graduations, anniversaries, retirement, even TGIF. So why don't we whoop it up when we achieve our money goals? Planning for a "Hooray, I did it!" moment can actually motivate you to keep saving or paying off your debt, and propel you over your next money hurdle. "The part of our brain that makes daily decisions is like a 6-year-old it loves treats," explains Ted Klontz, Ph.D., a behavioral consultant in Nashville. "That's what we're honoring when we give ourselves these little rewards, like throwing a party when you make progress on your debt." These three women say their celebrations were the light at the end of the tunnel that kept them going. Read, plan, then load up on the confetti you'll need it sooner than you think. WOO-HOO MOMENT: Making the last college tuition payment for their daughters CELEBRATION: Throwing a "tuition-free" party for their friends To put two daughters through 20 years of private school, from kindergarten to college, Marcia Niedringhaus and her husband, Duke, of Creve Coeur, MO, took a pass on a lot of stuff their friends were doing. There was no kitchen remodel, no fancy new car. It was all worth it, Marcia says, "but you get tired of writing those checks. A few years ago we started saying, 'When we're done paying for all their school, we really ought to have a party.'" When the big day finally arrived, they invited their closest friends over and, as everyone watched, did a New Year's Eve style countdown before hitting "submit" on the final $22,000 electronic payment for their youngest's college tuition. "Everyone did a shot of tequila and cheered," Marcia says. Afterward, the group piled into the biggest, gaudiest limo they could rent, hit a dive bar, and stayed out dancing till 2:30 a.m. The evening was such a hit that the next day, one of their best friends, whose kids are in grade school, sent out a "save the date" for her tuition-free party… in 2024. WOO-HOO MOMENT: Paying off a mortgage CELEBRATION: A Jamaican vacation Less than halfway through the 25-year mortgage on her Toronto condo, Shondell Varcianna got serious about axing it entirely at first, just because being debt-free seemed like a smart goal. But then, she says, "it got to be something bigger. I wanted to have that money from the payment for myself. I kept thinking, What could I do with $1,618 extra a month? " With $80,691 to go, she meticulously tracked every penny she spent and cut way back on expenses with changes like brown-bagging lunches and skipping new clothes. To stay motivated, Shondell devised mini-celebrations for every $25,000 she paid off, like going for dinner with friends a wise strategy, says financial adviser Harriet J. Brackey. "When New Year's comes along, it's kind of a joke how long those resolutions last. Incremental rewards prevent that kind of burnout." Meanwhile, Shondell focused on a mega-reward for making the final mortgage payment: a trip with her boyfriend (now husband), Clive, to Jamaica. She strategically scheduled it so that the last payment came out of her bank account while they were there, in December 2011. Watching divers hit the waters of the Caribbean from a cliff-side restaurant made all the scrimping worth it. "You definitely have to be looking forward to something," says Shondell, who blogs at callmewhatyouwantevencheap.com. "It's not just about working and sacrificing. You have to play." WOO-HOO MOMENT: Paying off $35,000 in debt CELEBRATION: Screaming on the Dave Ramsey show In the beginning of their marriage, Ashley Swierczek and her husband, Adam, wobbled perpetually on the brink of financial disaster, thanks to $35,000 of debt. "Then one day in the car, I stumbled on financial guru Dave Ramsey's radio show and listened as caller after caller explained how they got out of the red, then screamed, 'We're debt-free!' They sounded so emotional," remembers Ashley, who lives in Columbus, NE. Inspired, the couple wrote their debts on a whiteboard in their kitchen and committed to knocking them out one by one. To make it happen, they beefed up their construction and photography businesses and scrapped extra spending, even opting out of the extended-family Christmas gift exchange. ("We felt a little guilty, but everyone knew how important getting out of debt was to us," she says.) The couple tuned in to Ramsey's radio show every week to stay inspired, and after just 10 months, they were ready: At the appointed time, they set up a video camera and recorded themselves calling in to Dave to holler, "We're debt-free!" Ashley broke down and cried. "It was that moment of, 'We survived. We did something extraordinary.'" Now she watches their video regularly to stay on track they're saving for a trip to Belize with their two kids and tears up every time. Ramsey says that emotion is part of the experience: "For most people, getting rid of debt is about deep sacrifice." But, he adds, you can celebrate however feels right to you, whether it's cutting up your credit card or burning your last bills. "Whatever keeps you motivated and helps celebrate a huge victory works." More from Redbook 25 Lazy Ways to Save Money 50 Ways to Quickly Boost Your Confidence 21 Ways to Burn Fat Faster 40 No-Fail Beauty Shortcuts The Best Beauty Buys of 2013 27 Fashion Finds Under $50 | 4 | 773 | lifestyle |
Find out how to organize your kitchen with these thrifty and pretty ideas for controlling clutter. Functional cabinet Install a wall-mounted shelf to keep baking supplies off the counter but within easy reach. Double the shelf's utility by adding hooks to hang towels, pot holders, and tools. Pin up items to be kept out of sight, such as rubber gloves, sponges, and plastic bags, on the inside of a cabinet door. Using hot glue, affix magnets to the back of plain clothespins, and glue the other magnets directly to the door. Vintage hutch Vintage hutches make terrific storage for those who don't have adequate built-in cabinetry, and they can be found at almost every antiques market. Paint one to match the kitchen, and then try a complementary color on the interior. Customize it by adding even more organizing tools to the inside of the doors, such as a key rack, a message board, or even a basket to hold mail. Prioritize by placing everyday items on low shelves, while stashing seldom-used pieces up high. Arrange like items or any collections you may have together to create pleasing symmetry. Store dry goods and snacks in airtight containers to keep them fresh and discourage pests. Apply shelf paper to ease routine cleaning, or use old wallpaper remnants instead. Versatile storage Furniture that fits anywhere, such as this unit with cubbies, will never go out of style. It's used here in a kitchen but would be just as at home in a mudroom, a crafting area, or in a child's room to corral toys, and can easily adapt as your needs change.Presentation is key with open storage. Think about what you plan to store there, and choose baskets, containers, and filing systems that will keep clutter under wraps. The wicker baskets lined up along the bottom conceal a recycling center. Consider the overall balance for visually appealing results. Place larger, bulkier items toward the bottom and showcase lighter, more decorative pieces up top. Try to create symmetry by evenly distributing the visual weight on each side as well.Prevent a clutter resurgence by labeling the shelves or baskets so that family members know what goes where. Fabric kitchen storage bags Stash kitchen essentials in charming fabric bags. POCKET HOW-TO:1. Cut four pieces of fabric in two different styles. Sew the contrasting pieces together with the right sides facing out. Select the fabric for the outside of the bag, and turn the pieces so that side faces in. Line up and sew the two halves together, leaving the top open. 2. Turn the bag right side out and turn over a one-inch cuff of the contrasting fabric. 3. Punch holes in the fabric and apply grommets following the instructions included with a grommet kit. 4. Hang with S hooks. Storage cabinet Adjustable shelves offer maximum storage space at minimal cost. Storage Cabinet, $261; sauder.com for stores. Dry erase board Recycled materials give this message board a signature confetti-like look. Recycled Melamine Dry Erase Board, $15; containerstore.com. Basket Hang this basket to wrangle odds and ends. Naturlig Organizer, 12 1/2"W x 9 1/2"H x 5 1/2"D, $7; ikea.com for stores. Bookcase Expedit Bookcase, 31 1/8"W x 58 5/8"H x 15 3/8"D, $90; ikea.com. File box Cargo Atheneum File Box, $24; r-i-inc.com for stores. Drawers Stockholm Paper Drawers, $25; containerstore.com. Woven basket Basket, $15; visit homegoods.com for stores. Bamboo bowl Large Flair Bamboo Bowl, 12 3/4"D, $40; crateandbarrel.com. | 4 | 774 | lifestyle |
Warm-weather craft projects you can tackle in a flash. Plus, get even more great summer crafts! Drink umbrellas To re-create these adorable accents by blogger Olivia Kanaley (afieldjournal.blogspot.com), first cut a two-inch-diameter circle out of card stock. Then, using a glue stick, paste the circle to the solid center of a four-inch doily (for similar, $3.39 for 12; www.sugarcraft.com). Cut the doily from one edge to the center and bend it into a cone, with the card stock circle on the underside; secure the cut ends with a glue stick. Hot-glue a wooden skewer (75 cents for 100; amazon.com) to the umbrella's underside, then hot-glue a 1/4-inch button plug (15 cents each; widgetco.com) on top. Shadow-box bird feeder Pretty as a picture, this seed supplier is inspired by a similar creation from designer Nina Tolstrup (studiomama.com).Step 1: Drill a 1/16-inch-wide pilot hole into the center of the outer-top section of a 15-inch-square barn-wood shadow box ($15; bvoutdoors.etsy.com). Twist a basic metal screw hook into the hole ($1.06; 3 3/8"L; hardwareworld.com).Step 2: Saw off a four-inch length of a 3/4-inch-diameter dowel rod ($2.47 for four; 12"L; hobbylobby.com). Center it atop the bottom-inner section of the shadow box and adhere with epoxy, following the package instructions (Gorilla Epoxy, $4.99 for 0.8 oz.; dickblick.com). Let set for 24 hours.Step 3: Use the epoxy to adhere the dish of a small terra-cotta planter (ours is five inches in diameter) atop the dowel; let set for another 24 hours. Hang the feeder with twine, fill it with birdseed and watch your feathered friends flock. Feathered hat How's this for an easy way to fancify a $6.99 fedora (privateislandparty.com)? Simply print and cut out our feather template; tape it to your hat; and trace around the shape with a black fabric marker (Pebeo Setaskrib, $7.19; amazon.com). After removing the template, draw a line down the center of your feather, and voilà! you've created a fashion statement in five minutes flat. Outdoor cushions Turn three bed pillows into one outdoor lounger with waterproof vinyl cases ($5.99 each; shopbedding.com) and four yards of weather-resistant fabric (Sunbrella, $21.95 per yard; amazon.com).Step 1: Cut three pieces of fabric: one that measures 32 1/2"W x 68"L, and two that measure 20"W x 68"L each. Iron all pieces flat.Step 2: For both narrower pieces, fold one long side under by 3/4 of an inch and iron. Hem both folded-under sides, leaving a 1/2-inch seam allowance, with white outdoor thread ($4.99 for 200 yards; joann.com). Step 3: On a large, flat surface, place the wider piece right side up. Align the two narrower pieces atop it, right sides down, with their hemmed edges overlapping in the center of the wider piece. Pin all pieces together.Step 4: Sew along all four outer edges, leaving a one-inch seam allowance. Trim the fabric at the corners to reduce bulk.Step 5: Turn the case right side out and smooth flat. Using the diagram (inset) as a guide, divide the case into three equal sections: Along one long side, measure 22 inches from one end and mark with a pin; then measure 22 inches from the first mark and pin. Repeat on the opposite long side. Sew across the case, connecting the opposing pinned spots as shown. Remove all pins, and stuff each pocket with a standard 20-inch bed pillow. Oil cloth clutch Stitch up a spiffy clutch for less than $8 with these step-by-step instructions and print-out template.Step 1:Print two copies of our template and cut out. Leave one template intact; cut the other along the dotted line to create a total of three patterns.Step 2: Use the resulting patterns to cut three shapes from half a yard of oilcloth ($8.99 per yard; fabricdepot.com). Place the largest oilcloth shape on a table, right side up. Twist a hair elastic into a figure eight, with the bottom loop larger than the top. Center and tape the elastic atop the oilcloth. Baste in place a quarter inch from the edge; remove tape.Step 3: Align the two smaller oilcloth shapes atop the larger one, right sides facing down; tape in place. Stitch around the outer edge, leaving a quarter-inch seam; remove tape as you go.Step 4: Use scissors to make small slices about every inch along the bag's seam allowance to allow for easy turning.Step 5: Turn bag right side out. Topstitch along the flap's edge, then finish by hand-stitching a button onto the bag (as shown in photo). Plastic coasters Colorful straws take on a supporting role for cocktails with a few strips of bright duct tape.Step 1: Using sharp scissors, cut 15 straws of the same color to a length of 5 1/2 inches. Repeat with 15 straws in a second color. Next, create a "loom" by drawing a 5 1/2-inch square on a piece of cardboard.Step 2: Beginning with straws of one color, squeeze an end between your thumb and index finger; run the straw between your thumb and finger to flatten. Tape the straw's ends flat along opposite sides of the cardboard square. Continue flattening and taping straws down, side by side, until the square is filled. Depending on the width of your straws, you'll need 13 to 15.Step 3: Weave the other color straws, one at a time, in and out through the taped-down straws. Push the straws tightly together as you go, to form a checkerboard pattern.Step 4: Cut four 7-inch-long strips from a roll of duct tape in a coordinating color ($9.26 for 2"W x 180'L roll; amazon.com). Place 1 strip atop each side of the square so that 1 1/2 inches of the tape rests on the straws. Using an X-Acto knife, cut all the way through the tape and the straws on each side to create a clean square that measures approximately 4 1/2 inches. Discard the cardboard loom. Step 5: Finish off the coaster's edges by cutting four 1-inch-wide strips of duct tape. Fold 1 strip over each edge to create a 1/2-inch border, trimming as needed, for extra polish. Playful lifesaver napkin rings Turn curtain rings into entertaining lifesavers. One of our favorite bloggers, Cathe Holden of JustSomethingIMade.com, came up with this cool way to create nautical napkin rings from white wooden drapery rings ($7.97 for seven 1 3/8-inch rings; homedepot.com for stores). Simply unscrew the eye screws attached to the rings and lightly sand the painted wood to achieve a distressed finish. Then use a red or blue Sharpie marker to draw four equally spaced stripes around each ring (as shown). Let dry for five minutes. With a set of alphabet stamps and a black ink pad ($6.49 for typewriter alphabet stamp set; $3.99 for pad; joann.com), stamp the phrase of your choice onto each ring. Wait another five minutes, then coat the rings with a clear acrylic spray (Krylon Make It Last Clear Sealer, $3.99; joann.com). Let dry for 20 minutes before sliding onto napkins. Record player lamp Teach an old gramophone a brand-new tune. To assemble this flared fixture, you'll need a swag lamp kit ($16.95; leevalley.com), three S hooks at least two inches long ($12.18 for six; Amazon.com), and a vintage gramophone horn. (We found this painted horn at an antiques shop. You can nab similar ones on eBay for around $30 each.) Use a scratch awl and a hammer to make three equidistant pilot holes about one inch in from the narrow end of the horn. Then, using the appropriate bit, drill into those holes. Assemble the lamp kit following package instructions, and connect the kit's chain to the horn with S hooks before hanging. Sidewalk chalk The key to crafting your own chalk: Plaster of Paris ($3.33 for four and a half pounds; dickblick.com) and a plastic candle mold (ice cream cone mold, $6.99 each; spiritcrafts.net)Step 1: In a disposable bowl, mix three tablespoons of tempera paint ($3.61 for 8 ounces; dickblick.com) with one cup of cold water. Slowly add one and a half cups plaster of Paris and stir until the lumps dissolve (the mixture should have the consistency of extra-thick yogurt).Step 2: Pour the mixture into each half of the mold. Gently tap to release air bubbles, then let the halves sit for two minutes before carefully closing them together to create one unit; tape shut.Step 3: Let the mold sit for 24 hours, then open and carefully remove the ice-cream cone. Allow chalk to dry for another 24 to 48 hours before using. Repeat as desired. Retool a $2 tin To make this handsome holder, Brenda Ponnay (secret-agent-josephine.com) repurposed a common metal container ($8 for six; artfire.com).Step 1: Undo the clasps holding the tin's lid to its base, using pliers if needed.Step 2: Center a metal eye strap ($5.25 for four; amazon.com) atop the lid; then use a pen to make marks inside each of the strap's holes, where the screws will go. With a large nail and a hammer, gently tap holes into the lid at the marked spots, making the holes large enough to fit screws (ours measured 1/4 inch).Step 3: Coat the outside of the base and the lid with glossy red spray paint (Krylon Cherry Red spray paint, $6.17 for 12-ounce can; dickblick.com). Let dry for one hour, then repeat with a second coat; let dry. step four Replace the eye strap on top of the tin's lid and screw into place using flat-tipped sheet metal screws and a screwdriver. Secure with nuts inside the lid, then reattach it to the base. Party piñata Crafter Kirsten Fields assembled this irresistible papier-mâché hive for only $10 bees included!Step 1: Inflate a 24-inch-wide balloon ($1.35; balloonsfast.com); set it atop a large bucket so that the balloon's narrow end rests just inside the bucket.Step 2: Cut newspaper into 3"L x 1"W strips (you'll need about 200 strips total). In a bowl, mix equal parts school glue and water. Working one strip at a time, dip paper into the mixture and immediately place on the balloon. Once the strips are dry to the touch (about an hour), turn the balloon upside down and cover its narrow end stopping a few inches from the top to leave a four-inch-wide opening (where you'll later insert candy). Allow to dry completely, about six hours. Repeat with two more layers on both ends, allowing six hours of drying time between each layer.Step 3: Use a pin to pop the balloon, then tip the hive over to empty. Set the hive back in the bucket and fill with candy.Step 4: Create a hanger for the hive by making two small holes at the narrow end with an X-Acto knife, on opposite sides near the opening. Cut a four- foot-long piece of twine; thread one end through both holes and tie off near the top of the hive, leaving enough twine for hanging.Step 5: Close the open end using six-inch-long strips of papier-mâché, applying a total of three layers and allowing for drying time between each.Step 6: Cut honey-colored crepe paper streamers ($3.69 for 500 feet; dickblick.com) into three-inch-long strips. Glide a glue stick along each strip; then, starting at the bottom of the hive, affix in a horizontal pattern until the hive is covered. (See next slide for instructions to make the bees.) Pom-pom bees Step 1: Hot-glue a one-inch black pom-pom to a two- inch yellow pom-pom. Step 2: Cut 2 two-inch-long pieces of black pipe cleaner, then wrap each around the yellow pom-pom, leaving about a half-inch between the pipe cleaners. Hot-glue ends in place. Finally, fold a piece of vellum paper in half and cut out a one-and-a-half-inch wing shape (as shown). Unfold and attach the creased center to the bee's body, just above the stripe nearest to its head, with hot glue. Repeat to make additional bees, then hot-glue them onto the piñata. Strawberry sachets Sew your own patch of lavender-filled pouches, using old fabric scraps and buttons, with this project from designer Rebecca Thoms Hanley (bananasaurusrex.com).Step 1:Download templates for the strawberry and its leaves here, then cut out. Place the strawberry pattern (right) on top of a fabric scrap at least 8"L x 5"W. Pin in place, then follow the pattern to cut out the fabric. Fold the fabric, wrong side facing out, into a cone shape; stitch as shown.Step 2: Turn the cone right side out and sew a running stitch along the top edge.Step 3: Fill the cone with 1⁄2 cup dried lavender ($2.99 for four ounces; amazon.com). Pull the running stitch taut, tie a knot,and hand-stitch the cone closed.Step 4: Pin the pattern for the leaves onto a fabric scrap at least 2 1/2"L x 2 1/2"W, then cut out. Repeat once more. Overlap the leaves as shown, top with a small button, and stitch in place atop the cone. | 4 | 775 | lifestyle |
Deciding what to put on your wedding registry can be stressful. But what's worse is winding up with 15 butter knives and only two of the nice wine glasses you requested! Don't worry we've searched through hundreds of registries and sites and compiled our own tips to bring you six easy tricks that will help you make the most of your wedding registry. {none} Pick the right registry for you! We love Thankful Registry, which not only offers beautiful and clean templates, but can also pull items from almost every site out there. Unlike most sites, there is a $30 flat free per registry, but with their one-week free trial you can test it out to see if Thankful Registry is right for you. Another perk? The site keeps a running track of who purchased which gift, and can be easily exported into an Excel file for optimal thank-you-note writing! You can add your honeymoon fund as well. And along with each gift requested, you can include a little description and explain why you're asking for it. {none} Find an all-inclusive registry, especially if you don't need big-ticket items like dishes, furniture or bedding. NewlyWish is totally free, plus it gives you choices from chic, stylish shops that incorporate less-traditional gifts. From artwork to food to event tickets, you can almost anything to your registry. {none} Register based on your location. While big-name superstores are great for out-of-town guests, make sure to include a few local boutiques that you love, too! There's nothing like supporting your local merchants when it comes to your big day. Most online registries will even allow you to add items from these boutiques, provided they offer e-commerce. If not, call them and see if they have their own registry options or just drop hints to your friends and family! {none} When registering, choose places with completion program offers, which allow you to get additional items on your registry at a discount. But remember, most are only good for up to six months after your wedding, so don't wait too long!Rei offers 10 percent off any remaining items on your registry after your wedding date. Bloomingdale's also offers a 10 percent completion discount for up to six months after your wedding plus free monogramming, invitations to exclusive events and honeymoon discounts from participating hotels. Bed Bath & Beyond not only offers 10 percent completion, but makes you eligible for free gifts when your guests purchase qualifying items. Kohl's offers 15 percent completion for up to three months after your wedding. If you're a Macy's credit card holder, you can enroll in the Registry Star Rewards program and earn 10 percent off on purchases made through your wedding day. You'll also receive 5 percent rewards dollars on purchases made from your registry and a 10 percent completion discount on most items. Other sites with 10 percent completion offers include Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, Target, Williams-Sonoma, Restoration Hardware, MOMA Design Store, JCPenney and Jonathan Adler. {none} Register for fun gifts over big bulky items you'll never use. Unless you really plan to use that $500 espresso machine, leave it off the list! Instead, pick out something more fun that still suits your taste. Whether it's sports game tickets or a deluxe DVD set of your favorite show, you'll end up loving it more than an unused coffee machine that takes up your whole counter. This is also helpful for your guests with limited budgets don't think you can't include an item on your registry simply because it's under $50! nerd gun, $9.99, hasbrotoyshop.com {none} Register for gift cards. Some people still feel uncomfortable giving cash, so gift cards are an easier way to get that $2,000 sofa or grill you've had your eye on! amazon gift card, $25-2,000, amazon.com | 4 | 776 | lifestyle |
When it comes to trends, sunglass shapes and brands seem to fall in and out of favor as quickly as do denim silhouettes and washes. But just like jeans, there are a select few styles of shades you absolutely need in your arsenal consider them the eyewear equivalents of skinny, flared and boyfriend-cut denim. While you should certainly feel free to experiment with the season's more faddish frames perhaps at a lower price point? you can safely consider these five timeless (or in some cases, soon-to-be-timeless) sunglass types your year-round, all-occasion staples: Retro, Ageless, Jackie O style, Mirrored, and Classic Cat Eye. The Retro Wayfarer Introduced in the 1950s by Ray-Ban, the Wayfarer's distinctive sharp-cornered shape and plastic frame immediately made it stand out against the rest of the eyewear pack. The style picked up steam once again in the '80s, when Tom Cruise sported it in Risky Business and Bret Easton Ellis referenced it often in his zeitgeisty novels. Today, this edgy shape's a unisex favorite amongst the celebrity set. Click through to shop the best Wayfarer-style sunglasses. original wayfarer classic, $155, ray-ban.com catfarer, $169, wildfoxcouture.com vintage square plastic sunglasses, $230, persol, saksfifthavenue.com black & multi-color wayfarer sunglasses, $245, kenzo, ssense.com retro sunglasses, $9.95, gap.com The Ageless. Aviator Easily identified by their teardrop-shaped lenses, whisper-thin metal frame and double bridge, aviators were first invented as a way to protect pilots' eyes during flight. First marketed by Ray-Ban, they're now produced by pretty much every eyewear brand on the market. Today, men and women alike still can't resist the opportunity to look like Tom Cruise in Top Gun (seriously, what is it with Tom Cruise and classic shades?!). Click through to shop the best aviator sunglasses. aviator classic, $150, ray-ban.com raskin, $145, warbyparker.com dylan aviator sunglasses, $126, michaelkors.com pilot-brimmed sunglasses, $420, marcjacobs.com leather wrapped aviator sunglasses, $350, chloé, barneys.com The Classic Cat-Eye Those Pink Ladies knew what they were doing when it came to eyewear. This '50s-inspired shape has always been a hit with pinup beauties and retro glamour girls and if you're uncomfortable in a pair with a super-sharp swoop, fear not! There are tons of less-extreme options out there featuring softer edges and a more oversized shape. Click through to shop the best cat-eye sunglasses. angular cateye sunglasses, $32, topshop.com jacey, $325, oliverpeoples.com embellished cat-eye sunglasses, $395, miu miu, mytheresa.com cat-eye sunglasses, $290, illesteva, stylebop.com siouxsie sunglasses, $259, karen walker eyewear, matchesfashion.com The Jackie O-Style "Lady Shades" Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis is arguably our country's most stylish First Lady of all time and while she was celebrated for her tweedy suits and pillbox hats, her signature oversized shades are perhaps the most iconic element of her look. Beloved by Hollywood actresses both past and present, this style's particularly flattering on those with longer or more angular face shapes or those with a predilection for partying or pulling all-nighters. Click through to shop the best Jackie O sunglasses. 58mm oversized sunglasses, $296.25, gucci, nordstrom.com round sunglasses, $7.95, hm.com minnie, $95, warbyparker.com "baroque" 55mm round sunglasses, $290, prada, nordstrom.com jackie-o sunglasses, $442, the row, lagarconne.com The Mirrored Party Pair Spraaaaang breeeeeak! Every girl should own a statement pair of sunglasses, and mirrored lenses are one of your best bets. Though particularly popular amongst sci-fi film heroes and, yes, spring breakers, super-reflective shades are available in every shape under the rainbow round, oversized, aviator so you're guaranteed to find one that works for you. Party on! Click through to shop the best mirrored sunglasses. color revolution N°9.6, $180, westwardleaning.com steff deluxe, $179, wildfoxcouture.com superior sunnies, $105, beach riot, pacsun.com leonard light blue stripes with blue mirrored lenses, $177, illesteva.com california dreamin' shades, $20, nastygal.com | 4 | 777 | lifestyle |
You'll stave off credit card debt by the end of the year if you account for these often-forgotten expenses. Gifts Wedding, baby shower, graduation, birthday, and holiday presents simply aren't part of your daily or weekly spending, but if you don't plan for them, they begin to chip away at the money you've saved for long-term stuff, like retirement or buying a home. And while the odd spa gift card isn't going to make a difference, a year when you go to five or six weddings will, says Sarah Chang, editor-in-chief of personal finance website GoGirl Finance. Check your bank and credit card statements to see how much you've coughed up for gifts in past years, then average out those numbers to arrive at a reasonable amount to sock away, says Clare Levison, author of Frugal Isn't Cheap: Spend Less, Save More, and Live Better. To do it, put money into an "unexpected" category in your budget or savings account. "You can't plan for every single detail, but you can create a slush fund," says Levison. Unforeseen travel costs Whether you misplaced the save-the-date for a friend's wedding, didn't plan to fly in for your cousin's baby's christening, or didn't realize how high holiday travel costs would spike, it's easy to space on some pricey stuff. Plus, other expenses can sneak their way into your time away, like forgetting your good shoes and having to buy a new pair or taking your extended family out to brunch. Knowing that, aim to save and deposit around 4 percent of your take-home pay into that unexpected fund. It might not cover everything, but it gives you a good foundation, says Brandhyze Stanley, founder and editor of frugal-living website Frugal-Nomics. Unexpected but necessary clothing purchases "People often forget to save for things like new winterwear, job interview outfits, or workout clothes to go with a new gym membership, thinking, I'll eventually get it or I'll buy it when I fall in love with the perfect item," says Stanley.But especially during a winter like this one, you may need to buy many things a coat for you, boots for your kids, gloves for your husband in one season. Plus, it's easy to feel justified spending more on a new office or gym outfit because of the I-deserve-it-for-working-hard mentality. To plan for that, save a cushion of 2 to 3 percent of your take-home pay in your unexpected fund. And plan accordingly for the fact that you'll likely spend more in winter than in summer. Tech breakdown It's happened to all of us you lose your phone or the screen breaks, the battery on your laptop goes haywire, and it's as much of an emotional drain as a financial one. Plan to save around 6 percent of your take-home pay for repairs and upgrades, suggests Stanley. And while purchasing warranties and insurance up front can add to your initial bill, it's often worth it to avoid unexpected charges sneaking up on you. Either factor the money into your unexpected fund or use a portion of your year-end bonus or tax refund. Non-food home items Sure, you know what you spend every week on groceries, but what about toilet paper, shampoo, and cotton balls? If you don't keep track of these costs, it's easy to end up paying more than you have to. "If I'm running low on wipes for my 1-year-old, get distracted, and don't get my order in to diapers.com, I'm going to end up running to the drugstore and buying a smaller pack at a higher price," says Chang. Though there's no set amount to budget for this one, our money-saving experts agree that the best strategy is to factor this stuff into your regular grocery budget. You may not save money, but gradually rotating costs into your weekly grocery bill will keep you from having to make a single, giant purchase. Then, check your store's money-saving flyer so you don't end up buying tissues the day before they go on sale always a major bummer. Daily vacation costs People tend to underestimate how much they're really going to spend on holiday because, well, that number can be a hard one to swallow. But it doesn't feel any better to get where you're going and realize you've forgotten to factor in the cost of meals, transportation, or entertainment. Depending on your plans, it makes sense to allot $50 to $100 per day, which you'll find in the entertainment portion of your budget, says Rebecca Jackson, director of strategy and operations at GoGirl Finance. Or make a point to start stashing away money for each vacation day's activities as soon as you book your trip. Home and vehicle repairs Having to replace your tires or deal with a broken air conditioner is completely unforeseen, so it's no wonder we overlook those costs. While you can't exactly prevent snafus, the trick is to stay up-to-date on care and repair, and once you do notice a problem brewing, start saving immediately, says Levison. How much you budget depends on your situation do you own your home? How old is your car? Is your equipment under warranty? but $600 is a good place to a start. Put it into your general emergency fund, stashing away around $50 per month. Irregular child-care costs "People are very conscious of their day-care payments because they write a check for the same amount to the same person every month," Levison says. "But when something isn't a bill, you tend to forget about it." That's often the case with needing a last-minute babysitter on a snow day, when you work late, or when you have a party to attend. To account for these sure-to-happen-sometimes events, add a small cushion, say, $50 to $100, to your monthly child-care budget. Emergencies You don't want to think about potential doom and gloom, like a natural disaster hitting, unexpected medical bills, or losing your job, so in the moment it's easier to figure, out of sight, out of mind, Jackson says. However, most experts recommend having at least three to six months' worth of living expenses in liquid cash ready to go in case you need it. Arrange for a monthly sum to be transferred directly from your main account to your emergency fund if you never see it, you're less likely to miss it, says Chang. It's also smart to make a list of situations that would warrant dipping into that money and only do so if they occur.Sarah Kaufman is the editor-in-chief of the Manilla Folder at Manilla.com, a free service that helps you manage and share your bills, finances, utilities, daily deals, travel and rewards programs, health-care accounts, and subscriptions all in one place. Sarah is also a regular contributor to Yahoo! Finance, The Huffington Post, Good Housekeeping, Esquire, Woman's Day, The Motley Fool, and other major sites. | 4 | 778 | lifestyle |
Move the fun outdoors! These tips and tricks will turn your summer get-together into the event of the season. Set up a drink and food station Use a potting bench as the perfect stand-in for a sideboard at a backyard bash. Bright idea: A sealed canister keeps kitchen matches dry. Create an inspiring outdoor dining room Tips from Stephanie Stuart from The Golden State. 1. Every room deserves a ceiling. Stuart commissioned grommeted panels, stitched from weather-resistant fabric, that attach to her home's exterior walls via hooks. The porous material not only diffuses sunshine, it also lets rain pass through. (Custom panels, from $300 each thegoldenstatestore.com) 2. Add an outdoor rug. Stuart scored hers from Mad Mats, which sells recycled-plastic carpets in tons of patterns and the 4'W x 6'L size starts at just $51! (madmats.com) 3. Add cheer cheaply with a no-sew banner. These dapper pennants are nothing more than cotton remnants cut into triangles. Stuart used twine to tightly tie the two top corners of each to a length of hemp rope; a quick spritz of water-resistant Scotchgard increased their durability. 4. Pass on plastic furniture. Stuart nabbed her wooden picnic set on Craigslist for $100 and made it feel less outdoorsy by adding a midcentury iron seat at the head of the table. 5. Add greenery to blur hard edges. A variety of wooden containers filled with hibiscus, a prayer plant, and assorted grasses soften the perimeter, acting as a foil for the concrete floor and rocks. 6. Add outdoor artwork. "These mirrors help the patio feel like a real room," Stuart says. "Plus, they bounce the light around." Throw a Victorian garden party From Ikea's powder-coated steel lanterns to a table garnished with herbs, fern fronds, and basswood slices, it's easy to bring an air of refinement to your next outdoor soirée by celebrating Victorian fascinations. Fashion DIY drink umbrellas Make these adorable accents for your guests to place in their cocktails. Bonus: They can also serve as drink markers. Use napkin rings Turn curtain rings into entertaining lifesavers for a cute accessory for your dinner party. Make cool coasters Colorful straws take on a supporting role for cocktails with a few strips of bright duct tape.» Give beverages the big chill Cool down drinks in galvanized buckets filled with ice. This saves room in the refrigerator and makes it easy for guests to help themselves whenever they're thirsty. Keep utensils handy Set out silverware in containers. If a fork drops to the ground, guests can easily reach for another. When it's time to clean up, load the containers with silverware from the table and carry inside to the dishwasher. Dress up bottles in one minute flat Sparkling water and lemonade, jars of pickles, even soda bottles become part of the decor when wrapped in patterned paper secured with double-sided tape. Use scraps of gift wrap or wallpaper that match the color scheme of your party. Create two exciting drinks from one ingredient Hibiscus syrup, which comes in a jar with 11 edible flowers, gives a floral note and a lovely red tinge to tall glasses of tea.($11 for 8.8 ounces; wildhibiscus.com) Keep bugs out of the buffet Sure, you could ward off ants and flies with plastic-wrapped bowls, but at some point the salad has to come out from under its cover. A much prettier and more practical solution: Pack side dishes in single-serving lidded jars. Spoon individual portions into the containers, then set out one for each guest. Simplify the sundae Dressing up a dozen cones before a party starts streamlines the dessert-bar process. To make these treats think of them as environmentally friendly bowls and toppings all in one just dip each cone in melted white or milk chocolate and roll in tiny marshmallows, coconut flakes, chopped nuts, crushed cookies, or candy chips. Set out a selection of ice cream flavors chilled in a tub of ice, and dessert is done without your taking a single order. Offer flavorful food Warm weekends bring out the entertainer in chef Suvir Saran (far right), who gathers friends for an easygoing meal that includes masala fried chicken, curried deviled eggs, ginger iced tea, and more. Have cocktail hour Cookbook author and Indian cooking authority Maya Kaimal decorates a drink station with candles, flowers, and garnishes to create a rustic ambience. Take on a simple, laid-back approach Summer calls for supper under an open sky. Food Network host Ted Allen puts an easy spin on outdoor entertaining with a meal of make-ahead sides, simple grilled steak, and a campfire-cooked berry crumble that showcases the season's bounty. Keep it casual With summer's arrival, baker and author Allysa Torey regularly invites friends over for for a relaxed dinner of rib-eye steak, corn fitters, and more at her home in upstate New York. Have a sunset fish fry With blues and greens reminiscent of a rambling river, plus camp-inspired accessories (metal plates, classic lanterns), this tablescape is sure to reel guests right in. An old fishing creel finds new use as a centerpiece, and a vintage store display gets reborn as a menu holder. Use a camp blanket to double as an unexpectedly lovely summertime tablecloth. Romantic woodland supper Conjure up a lush scene that feels fairy-tale enchanted with glowing candlelight, untamed greenery, and a flora-and-fauna motif. Use a white matelassé bedspread as an elegant stand-in for a tablecloth, while repurposed glass kitchen jars become candleholders. Throw a French country fête Timeless striped linens, rattan accents, and citrusy colors evoke a midday meal in the Provence Country side.For a centerpiece, a basket piled high with fruit works as both an easy-to-achieve focal point and a refreshing dessert. Turn traditional Basque runners width-wise to create a casual play on placemats. Lamp-shaded votive holders bring interior panache outside with a sense of humor, while terra-cotta pots supply an earthy spot for pillar candles. | 4 | 779 | lifestyle |
Wedding etiquette is a pretty tricky subject, and sometimes brides might not even realize they've broken "the rules" until someone gets upset at them. We know that the last thing you want to stress about is a sticky etiquette situation so to help you navigate the ins and outs of wedding etiquette, we asked Lizzie Post, co-author of Emily Post's "Wedding Etiquette," Sixth Edition, to explain the six biggest bridal blunders and how to avoid making them. by Carolyn Hsu Including any kind of gift information in the invitation This is a huge no-no, emphasizes Post. "While gifts are a mandatory part of weddings, it's really important that the invitation is purely about the guest. Any reference to gifts at all even if saying 'no gifts please' turns the invitation away from being about the guest and turns it into being about some of the extra things that come along with it." Concerned that you might get wacky gifts from clueless guests? "It's totally fine to put registry information including honeymoon funds on your wedding website," Post says. "It's even okay to direct people to the wedding website in the invitation suite." Making assumptions about budgets "Never assume anything about your budget," says Post. "And make sure that you have clear and candid conversations about it. If your mother, for instance, offers to pay for your wedding dress, make sure you understand if that comes with the expectation that she'll have some say in what dress you buy. If someone offers to give you $15,000 towards food and alcohol, and you then only spend $10,000 and want to use the remaining amount on a DJ, you need to make sure if that's okay with them first. You always need to be clear: Who is this money coming from; what are they giving it to you to use it for; and what would it not be okay to use on." Directly asking your parents for money You shouldn't assume that your parents are going to help pay for your wedding, but you also can't directly request an amount from them either. "Rather than say 'Mom and Dad, I need $20,000,' you should invite your parents or your fiancé's parents into a discussion about it." A better alternative would be: "Mom and Dad, Jeff and I would love to sit down with you and talk about wedding planning and budget. We would be so grateful if you want to contribute to the wedding, and if you don't or can't we totally understand." Remember that people are going to give what they can, and that might be their support and their love, says Post. Oversharing on social media Wedding planning is a very exciting and new process, and you might be tempted to share every detail and discovery with your 2,000 Facebook friends. They are friends, after all, right? "Resist the temptation," says Post. "Instead of sharing in your happiness, most people might read that as 'Hey she's throwing an amazing party, and I'm not invited.'" Getting upset with guests Weddings are expensive and perfection is the only standard on every bride's mind. So it's super annoying when something goes awry: Perhaps your friend showed up to your shower, engagement brunch, rehearsal dinner, and after-party, yet never sent you a gift. Or maybe Uncle Joey had too much to drink and took it upon himself to photobomb every picture of you on the dance floor. But regardless of how tempted you may be, under no circumstance is it ever okay to lash out at a guest after the wedding, says Post. "If anything, this might be the biggest bridal blunder to get upset about things that didn't go right and take it out on people," she says. "The only thing you should do, is just to let it go." Having a cash bar "A cash bar or even a partial cash bar is never acceptable," says Post. "You don't invite people to a party and ask them to pay for what they're eating or drinking. If you can't afford a full open bar, go with beer and wine and a signature cocktail. There aren't any rules that there even has to be alcohol at your reception so work with what fits within your budget, but just make sure that you're not asking guests to bring cash to your wedding." | 4 | 780 | lifestyle |
Make your life easier with these near-instant re-dos for your space, your stuff, your kitchen, and your routine. Create pretty order Keep keys handy. Unfurl a tangle of necklaces. Display a collection of vibrant scarves. Or make this pretty rack to corral the things that often collect by the front door -- like backpacks, hats, even the dog's leash. "You can make this in minutes," says Ana White, author of The Handbuilt Home and the self-named blog Ana White. Start with any length 1x6 board. Paint or stain it if you like. Find the center of the board, both lengthwise and widthwise. Mark the placement of each knob, spacing them every four inches and working outward from the center. Drill a hole slightly smaller than the knob's post, and screw each knob in place. Fix a tabletop Most people put an old table that shows years of abuse -- lots of scratches and large chips -- in the giveaway pile. But DIYer KariAnne Wood of Thistlewood Farms gave the top of her beat-up side table a beautiful stained herringbone facelift. To do it yourself, cut paint sticks into five-inch lengths. (KariAnne used 34 5-inch long paint sticks for a tabletop 17 inches deep by 26 inches wide.) Measure 2.5 inches from the edge of the table on all four sides and place a piece of painters tape. The tape will be your guide. Arrange two sticks on a right angle (a square ruler helps with this), and apply them on an angle with one corner of the paint stick lined up on the tape line. Using those two paint sticks as a guide, continue laying pieces of wood in a herringbone pattern, cutting edges to fit and gluing everything in place with wood glue. To finish, sand, apply two coats of stain (Minwax Provincial, $8.49; amazon.com), and brush on water-based polyurethane to seal.See step-by-step photos and KariAnne's full how-to » Fancy up the fare Stephen Hacker, part of the cooking and writing duo behind Gourmandistan, says the easiest way to dress up simple cakes, cupcakes, or waffles is with a spoonful of sugared berries. Beat one egg white with a splash of water. Dip your favorite washed individual berries in the egg wash and then roll in granulated sugar. Place them on a cookie sheet or plate and let dry for a few hours at room temperature. "Blueberries and strawberries become dazzling crunchy, sweet stars," Hacker says. Purge the pantry Open pasta boxes buried in the back, canned goods you don't remember buying, snacks way past the best-by dates. These items lurk in pantries. Organizing it can seem a bit daunting (read: time consuming), but Andrea Fowler, the author behind the lifestyle blog Keeping It Cozy, makes quick work of cleaning out this crowded cupboard. Dump cereal, flour, sugar, rice, and dry beans into large 32-ounce Mason jars ($20.99 for 12; amazon.com) and large glass canisters. Don't have built-in pantry space? "Repurpose an antique cabinet and paint the inside of the door your favorite color," Fowler suggests. Decorate With toys Rather than employ storage baskets and bins around the house to conceal her son's toys, Ashley Leckey Schoenith of Heirloomed blog integrates Wyatt's things in with her personal very neutral, vintage aesthetic. Wooden toys feel more like decor on a bookshelf but are still fun for little hands. With this design strategy, "the house looks like a lived-in home with personality even when his toys are scatted all around," she says. Get creative & organized Free the countertop, the desktop, and other surfaces from paper clutter by fashioning these simple graphic message boards from foam core board, a roll of cork, and embroidery hoops. To make, trace the inner hoops onto the foam core board and onto the cork roll (you'll need the foam core board to provide a sturdy backing for the cork). Then, cut, glue together, and pop the circle into the embroidery hoop. Mask off the design with tape, and paint. Rachel Faucett, the creative mastermind behind Handmade Charlotte and this project used FolkArt craft paints in light blue, white, and yellow. Once dry, pin up pictures, to-do lists, invites and other reminders. Make yourself up in minutes If you often find yourself applying makeup in the car or just going with the fresh face (read: no makeup) look because of a lack of time, the beauty junkies behind Girls of Lincoln Park suggest adding Cargo's Color Sticks ($28 each; ulta.com) to your beauty bag. The oil-free cream sticks, available in five shades, blend easily on eyes, cheeks, and lips. "There is nothing better than finding the ultimate multi-use beauty product," says Lauren Nelson, one of the gals behind the blog, who loves that this three-in-one creates a natural glow with one swipe. | 4 | 781 | lifestyle |
Say goodbye to expensive centerpieces, guest books, place cards, and more with these easy crafts that will dress up your big day. Beyond the guest book At this Kentucky wedding, the couple asked friends and family to write messages on balsa-wood horseshoes and toss 'em for good luck. Handy holders Floral foam and glass marbles aren't the only ways to hold flowers aloft at a wedding reception. Instead, a bunch of vintage milk bottles gives this arrangement featured in "Decorating with Flowers" by Paula Pryke its structure. Simply line up nine same-size vessels in three rows of three. Then wrap gardener's twine around the grouping twice and tie the ends. Finish the blooming display by placing two to three stems in each container. Smart idea: Separate the milk bottles and flowers afterwards to give to your guests as wedding favors All that glitters For a touch of gold, the bride and groom at this Kentucky wedding spray-painted branches that adorned the backs of their chairs. Make picture-perfect coasters Refocus plain ceramic tiles as snappy coasters to use at a wedding reception. Use Polaroids or Instagram prints of you and the groom, family, or friends to let guests rest their drinks on fun photos as they wine and dine. Crazy for candy Make a lasting impression on your guests with this self-serve favor station created for this Georgia wedding. Pair penny candy in inexpensive glass jars with muslin to-go bags that you can stamp in a custom design. A pillow with personality For this Kentucky wedding, Country Living contributor Jodi Kahn stitched the ring pillow as a wedding gift. On one side, she embroidered an outline of Kentucky for the bride; on the other, she rendered the groom's home state of Washington. Reinvent the wheel Translate big-day pronouncements for more prosaic moments say, gift opening with custom vinyl-cut signs, like this stylist made for her Georgia wedding. Most print shops will charge around $25 for similar circles mounted on posts. Garden décor This New Hampshire wedding used place settings that featured napkins tied with burlap and decorated with fragrant freesia. So long, stuffy centerpieces A smattering of bud vases instead of one huge arrangement decorated each guest table at this Kentucky wedding. Table-number flags were tucked in among the blooms. Favor boxes Give guests personalized, hand-wrapped boxes, like the ones offered at this Oregon wedding. The couple packed each favor with a ripe Star-Crimson pear and a John Lennon quotation. A fresh spin on the family tree The bride at this Kentucky wedding created this display by decoupaging thrift-store china with photocopied wedding portraits of her and the groom's relatives on their wedding days. Multipurpose pieces At just over $1 each, Mason jars can quickly morph from drinking glasses to vases to hurricane lanterns. Customized wine bottles This bride and groop at this Oregon wedding used customized wine labels to give each table a personal touch. Hatch a prettier seating plan A carrier pigeon, clad in a vintage-postcard print could there be a wittier way to convey your wedding's pecking order? We fell for the concept upon spying it in Clare Youngs's "Book Art" (Cico, $21.95). Then we simplified the process for you: Just print our placecard art onto 8½"W x 11"L card stock, cut out, and fold in half as directed. To equip each pigeon with a message, write a guest's name on a 5/16"W x 6"L strip of paper and curl the ends by wrapping them around a pencil. Then loop the strip around the bird's front leg before perching him atop a plate. Let it snow Conjure up a little snow business for a winter wedding. Use stencils and white fabric paint to imprint a flurry of flakes onto linen tablecloths that will cover tables at the reception. Liquor labels, decorated with a snowflake-shaped craft punch, can be placed at the bar. Pull-out photo album Transform a series of candid images of you and the groom into a curated collection with the help of a lidded wooden box ($1.49; 3½"W x 3½"L x 2"D; woodcrafter.com), then strategically place the boxes on each table. Step 1: Cut an 8 1/2"W × 14"L piece of heavy card stock to a width of 2 13/16". Using a ruler and a pencil, measure and mark the card stock, crosswise, every 2 13/16 inches. Step 2: Fold the card stock at the first mark, creasing it with a bone folder to get a precise line (Fiskars, $6.80; amazon.com). At the next mark, fold and crease the card stock in the opposite direction. Continue the accordion folds for the remaining marks, then erase the marks. Step 3: Position the folded card stock on a flat surface so that it's as shown, left with the topmost fold facing you. Cut five images into two-inch squares, then center one on each card-stock square and adhere with spray mount (3M, $6.57 for 4.4 ounces; dickblick.com). Allow 10 minutes of drying time. Step 4: Fit your folded card stock in the box. If you'd like, hot-glue the back side of the bottom square to the inside bottom of the box, and let dry another 10 minutes. For a finishing touch, use hot glue to adhere a loop of ribbon to the top back edge of the top square, and let dry five minutes. And just like that, you've got a "scrapbook" that's the very picture of fun. Think outside the vase At her Georgia wedding, this designer struck a down-to-earth note by aging too-shiny galvanized buckets with a few spritzes of bleach. She suggests a similarly simple approach to arrangements: Unify flowers around a single hue, as in this grouping of white carnations and mums. A happy message Now here's an idea you'll want to clip and save: This easy craft lets your guests write a note to you and the groom, then easily display them at the reception. Ideas for where to hang it? Try near the place cards. | 4 | 782 | lifestyle |
Make a Date With a Friend Feeling stuck in a rut? You don"t need to big changes to make your life better. Make these small, mindful moves to improve your mental and emotional well-being in a big way. Whenever you're up against a lengthy to-do list, remember this: Time with pals is the last thing you should cut. The more you hang out with friends, says a recent Dutch study, the easier it is to cope with stress. Social ties in general help, but it's face time that matters most, says study coauthor Mariska van der Horst. "Talking about your stress can help you get a grip on it," she says. "And good friends have a way of making you feel that things will work out." Go Play (Outdoors and In!) "Every married couple needs an outdoor game, like tennis, and an indoor game, like gin." Julia Bator and her husband follow this tip learned from her Quaker grandparents, married 72 years with regular rounds of golf and cribbage. "It's our carved-out space for fun," Bator says. And spouses who play together build happier marriages, says a University of Denver study. "Having fun is an essential part of falling in love," explains researcher Howard Markman, Ph.D. "Couples who play rekindle that early spark, which keeps their foundations strong." Use Chores to Connect Think of it as a new weekend ritual: The next time you need to fold laundry, pay bills, or do dishes, grab your hubby and work in tandem instead of dividing and conquering (and catch up at the same time). Far from resenting making an equal contribution to household chores, men who pitch in report being happier, a University of Cambridge study found. "We actually think that's because their partner complains less," says study coauthor Anke Plagnol, Ph.D. Clearly, less kvetching leads to more cuddling. Besides, folding sheets is easier à deux. Laugh Off Stress When faced with an annoying situation like being stuck in a traffic jam you could have avoided don't beat yourself up about it. A study at the University of Luxembourg found that if you laugh gently at a misstep ("Hey at least I'm getting some downtime here") instead of belittling yourself ("I was an idiot to take this route!"), you'll be less tense and feel a greater sense of well-being. So swap those derogatory digs and try humoring yourself nicely. Power It Down Out of sight, out of mind your phone, that is. The next time you meet a friend, switch it off and stow it. Keeping your mobile in view is distracting and can put a damper on your interaction, found a study at the University of Essex. "When you put your phone away, you show that what you're doing now is most important," says lead study author Andrew Przybylski, Ph.D. In other words, you've got to disconnect to truly connect. Get Out in Nature Enough with the multitasking: The best thing you can do for your productivity is give your brain a break and head outside. Being outdoors (ideally somewhere with greenery) for half an hour can boost creativity and help you feel more focused and less stressed once back at your desk, say researchers at the University of Kansas and the University of Utah. "Plus, if you're having a mental block, taking a quick walk can help you problem-solve," says study coauthor David Strayer, Ph.D. It doesn't matter whether you're in a city park or somewhere bucolic; for maximum benefits, leave your BlackBerry behind. | 4 | 783 | lifestyle |
From havens of six-mile sunrise hikes to destinations that encourage full days of chilling in pool cabanas, Kindle and cold drink in hand, we present the best hotel and resort spas across the country. Lay back, relax, and breathe very deeply. L'Auberge de Sedona, AZ Many believe that Sedona, AZ, has a particularly healing energy, and in recent decades it has become a big draw for alternative medicinal professionals and wellness-seekers. Boasting views of the dramatic red mountains, this intimate, 87-room hotel is spread out over 11 acres on the banks of Oak Creek, where the slightly-cooler temperatures allow for lots of outdoor spaces, including creekside dining, an alfresco wine bar, and outdoor showers in many of the cottages. The spa also offers plenty of nature-backed experiences, from sunrise yoga classes to massages performed in open-air cabanas to the soundtrack of the bubbling creek. The signature, 90-minute Sedona Dreams treatment starts with a body scrub scented with your choice of uplifting ginger-lime or restorative almond-orange followed by a scalp ritual and body massage with coconut and argan oils that leaves the mind cleared and muscles relaxed. The Allison Inn, OR While Portland has earned a reputation as a culinary and cocktails hotspot, the nearby Willamette Valley is making its name as a producer of award-winning wines. Drawing from this focus, and the Pacific Northwest's general dedication to enjoying and preserving nature, The Allison Inn & Spa is a sustainably-minded, 85-room resort spread out over 35 lush acres. With views of the peaceful Willamette Valley, the 12-room spa has an indoor pool; relaxation terraces, gardens and lounges; and a dedicated spa cuisine menu and wine list from the hotel's award-winning, farm-to-table Jory restaurant. Many of the services incorporate Northwestern ingredients like apples, berries, rosehip, and of course pinot grapes. The signature Divine Wine Facial includes cleansing with nourishing honey, a wine-infused mask, and the application of an antioxidant serum and grape-infused moisturizer all topped off with a virgin mimosa. The Cloister at Sea Island, GA Sea Island, located halfway between Jacksonville, FL, and Savannah, GA, is an ideal spot for R&R. Its 65,000 square-foot wellness haven, located near the Cloister Hotel, offers both active options an indoor pool, squash courts, and daily fitness classes and a quiet spa with treatment rooms ringing an indoor garden and koi ponds. After the attentive locker room ladies shower you with Southern charm and homemade granola bars, enjoy the 90-minute Sea Creations Facial, in which you'll be wrapped in cushy socks and blankets and pampered with a seashell massage. Afterward, relax in the therapeutic water circuit with thermal pools and waterfalls, or explore the outdoor meditation walk. JW Marriott Hill Country San Antonio Resort & Spa, TX At the entrance to Texas's lush vineyard- and lavender field-filled Hill Country sits the largest resort spa in the Lone Star state. The Lantana Spa draws inspiration from the traditional healing remedies of the indigenous Curanderos culture, and makes use of local ingredients like lavender and sarsaparilla. For a splurge, the 105-minute Spirit of the Curanderos Energy Spa Journey includes an herbal inhalation, mineral salt-and-herbal body scrub, massage with wild-crafted lavender and warm stones, nourishing body wrap, and lavender oil scalp treatment. Top it off with a tasting of house-infused tequilas back at the bar. The Peninsula, NY Lots of city hotels claim their spas are an "urban oasis," but The Peninsula, where the calming wellness and fitness facilities are spread out over two floors and include a glass-enclosed rooftop pool and spacious sundeck, makes for a real retreat. Guests who book two or more hours of treatments can make use of all the facilities, including the pool and fitness and yoga classes, while those opting for shorter services can still enjoy the "heat experience" area with an aromatherapy steam room, a sauna, "experience showers," an ice fountain, a tea lounge serving organic brews, and legendary relaxation rooms. The spa menu boasts both Asian and Western influences, with everything from Thai and Ayurvedic services like herbal compress massages and hot-oil body therapies to results-oriented anti-aging facials. After a post-service nap in the lounge, head up to the sundeck for a drink, a snack, and unbeatable city views. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, AZ With two golf courses; five restaurants; 65 Sonoran Desert acres; and numerous fire pits, lagoons, and fountains, this iconic resort does things big. New is Well & Being at Willow Stream Spa, a whole-body concept that takes Fairmont's spa offerings to the next level. The beautiful amenities like a rooftop pool for spa guests only, a courtyard with waterfall pools, and a food-and-fitness-focused atrium alone are stress-relieving. You can choose à la carte treatments like desert salt scrubs, Sedona clay masks, massages, and hydrating facials, or dig deeper with individual health, fitness, and nutrition consults, or a session in traditional Chinese medicine. We particularly love the Zeno Sleep Manager, a gadget that you borrow overnight to help track your sleep patterns, then return for results and take-home tips or a follow-up with a sleep coach. The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch, WY Take the traditions and soul of a working cattle ranch, add the service and amenities of a five-star hotel, throw in panoramic views of Wyoming's North Platte River Valley, and you've got this unique and unforgettable property. At the all-inclusive Lodge, guests stay in a variety of upgraded accommodations including log cabins drink and dine, and have access to a massive on-site equestrian center and activities from fly-fishing to bocce ball. This is truly a place to disconnect even more so thanks to the Trailhead Spa, which highlights the indigenous ingredients and healing techniques of the American West. Choose treatments that supplement your days out on the range like a post-horseback ride Wyoming River Stone Massage, skin-calming Paintbrush Facial, or End of the Trail hydrating body scrub with juniper and sage oils or really embrace the setting with a service in a private teepee, which includes massage and a traditional Native American sage-smudging cleansing ritual. Don't miss a morning yoga session on the Falcon Peak Overlook, a large deck with breathtaking views of the whole ranch. The Setai Miami, FL Forget what you think about South Beach despite its location, The Setai is way more serene than scene-y. Understated, Asian-inspired decor, quiet, courtyard-facing rooms, and a sophisticated bar and restaurant help make this a true retreat after a day and night out on the town. In the heart of the complex sits the intimate spa, which recently enjoyed a menu overhaul. There are no big communal areas here; instead, each spa suite has a private bathroom and shower, and dreamy water views. Facials aren't usually our top pick for relaxing treatments, but the Ila Rainforest Rejuvenation Facial it includes warm herbal compresses, an Amazonian mud mask, and lots of lymphatic drainage massage to help firm and tone skin left us half-conscious. Keep up the mellow vibe post-treatment with a snooze on one of the oversize poolside daybeds. Rancho Valencia, CA This recently-refreshed resort just north of San Diego puts guests up in bungalows, many with outdoor fireplaces and all with terraces, free minibars, and thoughtful touches like bottles of fresh-squeezed OJ delivered with the morning paper. The grounds include a noted tennis center, olive tree groves, two excellent restaurants, and a popular cocktails-and-tequila bar with live music. But we'd visit the Rancho Valencia just for the spa. After donning an oversize robe, guests can take in a sauna or steam, relax around the adults-only pool, or snack on tea and cookies in an open-air fireplace lounge. Treatment rooms have private outdoor spaces that get incorporated into services like the Sixth Sense, a 90-minute therapy that begins with a soak in an herb-infused alfresco tub, followed by a moisturizing paraffin hand and foot treatment, and a full-body massage with warm herbal oils. You'll be floating all the way back to your bungalow. Ocean House, RI Standing guard on the bluffs of Watch Hill, overlooking the Atlantic and a private white sand beach, this Victorian-style mansion has been catering to discerning diners and overnight guests since 1868. Following a $140 million renovation completed in 2010, the Ocean House now welcomes visitors with 64 plush rooms, five revived farm-to-table restaurants, and fun touches like a croquet lawn. The seven-room spa has a product-stocked locker room and Kashwere blankets in the ocean-view relaxation lounge, along with a full roster of seasonally-changing treatments separated by influence. From the Harvest uses of-the-moment ingredients like lavender in spring or honey from a local apiary to target the skin's changing needs, while From the Ocean features rejuvenating marine extracts, sea mud, spring waters, and rhythmic massage techniques that mimic waves. There are also excellent fitness classes and gym facilities including a cool "virtual trainer" system and an on-staff Food Forager who leads daily Farm + Vine classes and chats with guests about farm-fresh eating. On top of all that, a yummy complimentary afternoon snacks are served daily. | 2 | 784 | travel |
Chrysler is developing a new seven-passenger crossover to take on vehicles like the Chevrolet Traverse, according to brand president and CEO Al Gardner. Per Fiat Chrysler's five-year plan , we know this vehicle will launch in 2017. What we didn't know until our chat with the Chrysler brand CEO yesterday is what platform it would be built off of. Per Gardner, the Durango simply isn't large enough for many customers in the segment and is too aggressive. He envisions a vehicle to go head-to-head with large people-movers like the Chevrolet Traverse and Toyota Highlander. Gardner suggested that the vehicle will follow the established formula closely, in that it would be a front-wheel drive platform with an all-wheel drive option and powered by a V-6 engine. Naturally, then, the Durango platform is out. Gardner also spoke of the need to build more models off of existing architectures to maximize the investment in those platforms, so we believe this new crossover will be built off of the next-generation minivan platform. Furthermore, the crossover will feature a plug-in hybrid variant and the only plug-in hybrid currently being developed at Chrysler is the next-generation minivan . While the two vehicles will likely share underpinnings, we expect they'll look significantly different, with the as-yet unnamed crossover adopting SUV styling cues to distance itself from the Town & Country minivan. The two will likely share powertrains, from the plug-in hybrid to standard gasoline V-6 engines. It's possible Chrysler could offer both the smaller 3.2-liter, 271-hp Pentastar V-6 and the larger 3.6-liter, 275-305-hp Pentastar V-6 to give customers a range of power and fuel economy options. No word yet on whether the Aspen nameplate will be revived. | 9 | 785 | autos |
Are you ready for a change? If you can, you should take advantage of all life has to offer. Here are five ways to make a commitment to reinventing your life. Relocate Our world can sometimes feel small, but it's enormously vast and definitely worth exploring. Moving to a new area is a major commitment, as it will most certainly reinvent your life. If you've decided relocation is a good idea for you, get started. Research your new city. Start job hunting, and look for an apartment. Calculate your moving costs. Relocating to a new place takes some major legwork, but it's an exciting, life-altering endeavor. Switch careers It's not easy to start from scratch. Taking on a whole new career takes guts and fortitude. But when you know what you want to do with your life, the sooner you get started, the better. Commit yourself to doing whatever it takes to pursue the career you want. This could be as simple as saving up for the transition. Educate yourself, find ways to hone your skills, and update your resume. Get over your breakup A divorce or breakup can be devastating. For many, it's almost like mourning a death. Every split is different, but if your emotions feel more like dwelling than grieving, it's probably time to get over it. Take some time to think about what you need to do to regain your strength and get over the past. Empower yourself. Learn to forgive. Whatever it takes for you to change your life for the better and get out of that funk--do it. Get your finances in order Money doesn't buy happiness, but financial freedom provides some pretty amazing life options. The sooner you get a hold of your finances, the closer you are to sweet financial freedom. If you're in debt, come up with a plan for getting out. It might seem hopeless, but you have to start somewhere. Then build yourself an emergency fund. Start saving for medium and long-term goals, like retirement. Learn the basics of budgeting. Financial literacy is key. Dedicate yourself to helping others In our fast-paced, automated world, it's easy to succumb to an existential crisis. A crisis like that can leave you wondering, Why am I here? What's the point? If you feel stuck in the doldrums of life, consider the less fortunate--the people who suffer and struggle to survive. The world is full of need. If you really want to bring meaning to your life, consider dedicating at least some of it to helping others. | 4 | 786 | lifestyle |
When you're planning your wedding, you're sure to have a lot of questions about finding the right wedding gown, the wedding-planning process, choosing and managing your bridesmaids and groomsmen. All of this can be just as stressful as planning the big day- that's why we are here to answer all of your wedding questions! Does it matter when we cut the cake at our wedding reception? Timing isn't usually the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks about the traditional cutting of the cake at a reception. For most of us it conjures up an image of a couple feeding cake to each other with their hands. Cutting the cake does provide an unspoken signal to guests: namely, that it's okay to leave without being thought of as rude. In days past, the cake was cut at the very end of the reception, and for some guests it was the magic moment that meant they could leave what was usually a long evening. Today, as a courtesy (especially to elderly guests), the cake is cut early on during the reception so that guests are free to leave when they are ready. The cake is typically cut after dinner is over and before the dancing gets in full swing. I want a non-white wedding dress: how do I convince my traditional mother? I want my wedding dress to be a color other than white. My mother, a traditionalist, is having a fit about this. She's footing the bill, so how can I make her understand that times have changed? Start by arming yourself with the facts. Tell your mom that colorful dresses are a sizzling hot trend in bridal wear. In addition to being quite fashionable, colorful dresses can also be very meaningful. Yes, white represents purity, but so does blue. All the other colors of the rainbow have their own significance, too. For example, purple symbolizes spirituality and yellow represents joy and happiness. You may even be drawn to a color because it makes you feel great, or it has something special to do with your relationship with your fiancé (it's the color of the shirt you wore when you first met, or the precise shade of pink of the first roses he sent you). After you explain your desire for color, offer to take your mom out dress shopping with you. She may need to see for herself just how beautiful colorful wedding dresses are. When you find the right one for you, she's sure to be wowed by how radiant you look in it. What does the wedding party actually do? The honor attendant is usually a close friend or family member who not only organizes and hosts a shower for the bride, but also helps her get ready on the wedding day. She wears a dress that she usually pays for, which matches or coordinates with the other bridesmaids, and she sometimes carries a slightly more elaborate bouquet than the other attendants.The bridesmaids are select friends and family, who are usually about the same age of the bride. They attend pre-wedding parties and also help out with some wedding preparations. They wear matching or coordinating dresses (usually paid for themselves) to the ceremony and are customarily given a gift by the bride as a token of appreciation. The best man is often the groom's best friend or a close family member. His formalwear matches the ushers' and he pays the rental fees himself. He hosts the bachelor party, holds the ring during the ceremony and leads the other men in the well-wishing.Ushers are also close in age to the groom. They are usually chosen by the groom, and their primary function is seating guests at the wedding. They each wear and pay for matching formalwear, and the groom usually gives each man a present as a thank-you for participating in the wedding. Children between the ages of 9 and 14 are best suited for the duties of candlelighters, junior bridesmaids or junior ushers. These attendants wear coordinating dresses or formalwear. Parents pay for their children's attire when asked to be in a wedding, unless otherwise notified by the bride or groom. Do I need place cards at my reception? Place cards, which are found at each place setting, are not required, and eliminating them is an easy way to save time and money. Seating cards, however, are another matter. They assign guests to a particular table, and I highly recommend them if you want to prevent a free-for-all (12 guests fighting it out at one table; two lonely souls at another). Creating a seating chart is never fun or easy, but it is preferable to listening to your mother-in-law complain about her table by the buffet line for the next 30 years.-- By Lisa Birnbach I hate my engagement ring? what do I do? You must absolutely tell him how you feel! And together you can pick out an engagement ring of equal or lesser value. Most guys will understand that your opinion counts for a lot, since YOU are the one who will be wearing the ring and literally wearing it every day! And guys are cautioned all the time to discuss ring styles with their partner before making a purchase, so you have good reason to speak up. However, it is NOT okay to say you want a different ring because you think the stone is too small or of poor quality. Because that's like saying, "You didn't spend enough money." You would never want him to feel that his choice was inadequate in that regard surely he bought you the most beautiful ring he could afford, so if everything else about the ring works for (metal, stone shape, style) then hold your tongue. Five years from now you can discuss upgrading to a diamond of better quality. Do you have to serve dinner at your wedding reception? Our ceremony starts at 7:30 p.m., and the reception will follow directly at 8:00. Do we have to serve dinner? In most parts of the country, eight o'clock is a reasonable dinner hour; realize that guests will have spent their normal dining period getting ready for and driving to the wedding. If cost-cutting is your motivation for skipping the meal, remember that the food doesn't have to be elaborate. Instead of pricey filet mignon or lobster, go with a less expensive chicken or pasta dish. Talk to caterers about your budget and your options. You might be pleasantly surprised. Can we only let some guests bring their children to our wedding? A lot of our guests have kids, but we don't want our wedding to feel like a circus. We plan to write "Adult Reception" on the invitations, making exceptions for the flower girls and their brothers, and for children of people who are flying in. Will other guests be insulted? Once you open up the guest list to kids outside of the wedding party, you've got to invite all guests to bring their offspring (though not everyone will want to) or make a strict age-related cut-off (no children under five, for instance). Set up an on-premises nursery overseen by a baby-sitter recommended by a friend or by your officiate. You won't save any money (you'll have to pay the sitter and feed the tots), but you will take a load off guests' minds and preserve the atmosphere you're after. When you write out the invitations' inner envelopes, list the names of every person who is invited, including the children. Include a printed card that says there will be a supervised children's room. Can my fiancé ask two friends to be best man? It's perfectly fine for your fiance to have two people stand up for him. His friends can split the best man duties and even do a tag-team toast. Should we offer non-cake desserts at our wedding reception? A slice of cake is the perfect way to end the meal, and you're not obligated to provide your guests with other selections to choose from. Sure, some couples opt for a dessert table to accompany cake service, but rest assured your guests aren't counting on it. However, if you're looking to add a little variety to dessert, here are a few options that won't break your wedding-planning bank: You could arrange for plated truffles or chocolate-covered strawberries to be placed on each reception table. Folks who don't have room for a big slice of cake (go figure!) at the end of a filling meal might still want a little something to satisfy their sweet tooth. Another idea is to set up a fruit station after dinner. It's a refreshing addition to dessert especially on a hot summer's night. Whether you decide to add extra sweets for dessert or not, just remember that as long as guests get their coffee and cake, they're good to go. Should my bridesmaids' dress color be season-appropriate? Unfortunately, too many people fall prey to the idea that there's only one "proper" way to do a wedding and you'll be laughed at if you don't serve the right meal and wear the right color. But that's just not the case. Your bridesmaids can wear any color you love, no matter what the season. They should, however, stick to materials that are appropriate for the weather. While some fabrics transcend season or climate, others might look wrong next to the clothes the guests wear. Flimsy chiffon in December would seem odd among the wool coats of Minnesota but would be perfect in balmy southern Florida. And heavy velvet in July is downright mean pretty much everywhere. So go on and pick your favorite shade, whether it's ice blue or hot pink, and find a great dress in that hue. Trust us it'll look just as great in summer as it does in the dead of winter. Is 11 a.m. too early to serve drinks to my wedding guests? For some guests, it probably is; for others, a party's a party no matter what time of day, and they'll be happy to raise a glass or two. Instead of stocking the bar with hard liquors, though, take a lighter route. "You could do a bubbly bar, with champagnes and sparkling wines, or pass around Bloody Maries, in addition to serving wine and beer," says Laura Weatherly, owner of Engaging Affairs in Alexandria, Virginia. Fruity alcoholic drinks can be both pretty and punchy, like pomegranate margaritas. Have juices and sodas on hand too, plus iced tea and flavored lemonade in summer or mulled cider in winter. Is five bridesmaids too many for my wedding party? I wanted to ask five of my good friends to be bridesmaids, but my fiancé says that's way too many. Now, so as to avoid hurting anyone's feelings, I'm thinking about not having any attendants at all. Does that make sense to you? If your fiance is worried that he'll have trouble coming up with five groomsmen, tell him not to worry bridal parties don't have to be symmetrical. However, you can certainly skip the tradition of having bridesmaids and groomsmen and just ask your friends to attend the wedding as guests instead. How much time should pass between the wedding ceremony and reception? Having your reception start immediately after the ceremony is ideal, which is possible if you're holding both at the same place. If not, don't let guests languish for more than an hour between events. Try to choose venues that are no more than half an hour's drive apart. Can each of my bridesmaids wear a different color? The key to pulling off a multicolored bridal party is unity, meaning your bridesmaids should all wear dresses made of the same material in a similar tone. If you're opting for jewel colors, choose shades like emerald green, sapphire blue and plum all of which look good together. If pastels are your passion, try dusty rose, pale gray and sage. Flowers should coordinate with each dress, meaning each bouquet should be a different color. But unless you want your party to look like a dance troupe, don't play mix-and-match with the guys. Have them go with a uniform look navy suits, black tuxedos or white tie. Should we send both save-the-dates and wedding invitations? Do I have to send someone a wedding invitation if I sent them a save-the-date? It's an absolute must to send a wedding invitation to anyone who received a save-the-date announcement. There's a clear expectation when a save-the-date card is received that an invitation will follow; failing to send one is essentially the same as uninviting a guest which is unacceptable. If finances have become an issue to the planning since the save-the-dates were sent, the answer is to cut back on the scale of catering, music, flowers or invitation instead of on people already planning to come. Who should plan my bridal shower? Let's start with who should not do it. Traditionally, close relatives (your mom and sisters) do not host the bridal shower, as this can be perceived as the family asking for gifts. But it doesn't mean that they can't help organize it just make sure their names aren't on the invitation. Your bridesmaids and sisters should join forces, choosing one person to spearhead the shower effort. Enlist your mom to nudge the proceedings along, so that you can retain an air of blissful ignorance. When should the flower girl and ring bearer walk down the aisle? In most ceremonies, the ring bearer and flower girl make their entrance (either single file or together) right after the groomsmen and bridesmaids. Then it's your turn. If you feel they're mature enough to stay still for the whole ceremony, they can stand directly in front of the wedding party at the altar. Otherwise, have them sit with their parents after their duties are completed. Just be sure that Mom and Dad are seated up front for easy access! If I went to her wedding, do I have to invite her to mine? There is no reciprocation rule. Smooth feathers by inviting them to a casual celebration, or get together when you get back from your honeymoon.-- By Lisa Birnbach Can I mix fake flowers with real flowers? Absolutely. However if the cost is a concern, good artificial flowers (usually silk) can be more expensive than real blossoms. So unless you're allergic to the real deal, consider forgoing the faux in favor of in-season blooms or affordable picks like carnations (which look great in a tight bunch) and gerbera daisies. Another great way to save? Consider repurposing your ceremony flowers at the reception. Assembling simple, small arrangements into centerpieces is a great cost cutter and can be a fun DIY project for you and your bridesmaids. That said, if you do decide to go faux, beware of long plastic stems they're a dead giveaway and can cheapen the appearance of an otherwise lovely arrangement. How do I handle an uneven number of groomsmen and bridesmaids? The good news is this isn't a problem at all! Lots of couples have an uneven number of attendants. For the processional, tradition dictates that the groomsmen stand with the groom before any of the women in the bridal party walk down the aisle. (Remember Harry standing next to Prince William, whispering how beautiful Kate looked as she made her way toward the altar?) Follow this rule and the uneven number is of no consequence. Can we have a cash bar at our wedding? Guests shouldn't have to shell out for anything at a wedding reception. But there are ways to serve liquor without getting soaked. Lisa Harris, director of catering at the Wyndham Miami Beach Resort, suggests limiting the time the bar is open you could close it during dinner or an hour before the reception ends, offering just house wines, beer, and soft drinks. Other cost-savers: Pass up expensive premium liquors (you'll save about 15 percent), and have a sparkling-cider toast instead of passing champagne. If your caterer will allow it, buy your own liquor that way, you can stockpile during sales and return unopened bottles for credit. Can we ask for money for our honeymoon instead of gifts? Registering for gifts is de rigueur, so you probably should register for a few items (surely you can use another carafe or picture frame?), just to give your guests the option. Wanting cash is fine, but banks don't offer cash registries yet, as far as I know. Instead, have friends direct your guests to sites like honeyfund.com and honeymoonwishes.com, which allow you to register for your big trip. Don't forget to share pictures when you return. How do I invite only certain coworkers to the wedding? This is tricky especially if you plan on returning to your job after your honeymoon. If you work with 10 or fewer coworkers, you really ought to invite all of them. But if you work at a large company, get the message out that you have to keep the list small, and invite only those you actually spend time with outside of work. The other option is to invite no one from your office other than your boss and your assistant, who (if you have one) most likely licked envelopes or covered for you when you were at a dress fitting. Inevitably, someone who considers you a close work ally might be wounded by not being invited. But there's a silver lining: This may be an opportunity to establish some boundaries at the office. Worst-case scenario, you won't get invited to said colleague's boring holiday party but did you really want to go anyway? I didn't think so. | 4 | 787 | lifestyle |
It's step one in defining your own unique way of dressing. These iconic, fashionable celebrities are some of designer Rachel Roy's go-to's which one speaks to you? {none} The look: Proper elegance The icon: Grace Kelly {none} The look: Proper elegance Pairing a sheath with a cardigan instead of a blazer softens it up. It's now alluring yet still demure. Necklace, $45; carolee.com. Clutch, French Connection, $78; nordstrom.com. Dress, $84; spiegel.com (20% off with code DECO20). Sweater, $39.90; uniqlo.com. Belt, $9; lulus.com. Heels, $139; talbots.com. {none} The look: Menswear chic The icon: Greta Garbo {none} The look: Menswear chic A scarf at the neck plus a hat that exudes confidence transforms a classic work combo into a whip-smart look. Hat, $45; shopdavidandyoung.com (20% off with code RBDY20). Scarf, BCBG MaxAzria, $68; bcbg.com. Cardigan, $69.50; loft.com. Belt, $14.94 (sizes XS to XXL), $24.94 (sizes 1X to 4X); oldnavy.com. Skirt, $129; llbeansignature.com. Heels, $110; vincecamuto.com. {none} The look: Classic sex appeal The icon: Liz Taylor {none} The look: Classic sex appeal Define your waist, skim your curves, and show some décolletage: It's a seductive formula that works on many body types. Gold necklace, $58; cwonder.com. Silver necklace, Simply Vera Vera Wang, $34; kohls.com. Dress, $140; bananarepublic.com. Jacket, $118; thelimited.com. Belt, $79; Tommy Hilfiger stores. Heels, $59.90; zara.com. {none} The look: Major glamour The icon: Diana Ross {none} The look: Major glamour A winter-white trench and high boots make a statement. Hat, Genie by Eugenia Kim, $95; revolveclothing.com. Turtleneck, $69.50; anntaylor.com. Coat, $168; victoriassecret.com. Skirt, Calvin Klein, $79; Lord & Taylor. Boots, Jessica Simpson Collection, $198; Dillard's. {none} The look: Casual cool The icon: Brigitte Bardot {none} The look: Casual cool A boxy sailor-stripe top is classy but still easy. Pair it with snug, cropped pants they lengthen and slim the legs. Sweater, $54.95; gap.com. Pants, $34.94 (sizes 0 to 20), $42.94 (plus sizes 16 to 30); oldnavy.com. Earrings, Nine West, $14; Macy's. Watch, $60; timex.com. Flats, Nine West, $69; amazon.com. | 4 | 788 | lifestyle |
Marriage is a beautiful thing, but it's not always easy to stay on the same page. Here are 20 signs your marriage is in trouble and what you can do to fix it. You've become roommates Do you feel less like lovers and more like roomies? Not a great sign. Your partner or spouse should be your friend, yes. But there should be a stronger bond between you, too. If you feel like you and your partner no longer share a life together, it's time to get back on the same page and reinstate your bond. This may be as complex as counseling or as simple as date night. By Kristin Wong One spouse always feels resentful Feelings of resentment can quickly take over and unravel a relationship. If one (or both) of you constantly feels resentment toward the other, this resentment can grow to make you apathetic about the relationship in general. To fix this, identify the source of your pain and determine what needs to be done to let it go. It can be tough to work through these feelings. Try to focus on the bigger picture. Emotional cheating Some experts say emotional cheating is actually worse than physical or sexual cheating. If you or your partner is confiding in someone else, and possibly discussing a future with another person, this is dangerous territory. Working through an emotional affair might take the objectivity of a professional--someone who can help you understand why one of you is looking elsewhere for intimacy. Zero communication Communication is key to any successful relationship. So it's not surprising that, when communication has stopped, your marriage or partnership might be in danger. The reason for a lack of communication varies--maybe you're both incredibly busy. Or maybe there's a larger issue that needs to be addressed. Either way, set aside time to sit down with your partner. Make sure there will be no distractions, and then start talking. Get to the heart of the issue .Easier said than done, we know. But starting the discussion is a step in the right direction. Intimacy is a thing of the past It's usually apparent when all physical and emotional intimacy has left a relationship. And this can be a big sign that your marriage is in trouble. But there are many ways to reignite the spark. Relationship expert Mark Tyrell suggests starting with small changes: "…take time to hug them when perhaps you normally wouldn't…maybe before they go to work and also when they come back." One spouse doesn't care to try When one spouse has given up, it can be disheartening and frustrating for the other. Unfortunately, if the other person has made up his or her mind and wants to leave, there's only so much that can be done--you can't change your partner. But it is possible to fix a marriage with a reluctant spouse. This might mean looking at the issue on your own and seeing if there's anything you can do to make it better. If your spouse has given up and doesn't seem receptive to you, suggest counseling to give the relationship another try. Serial cheating A marriage is hard work even without infidelity. But serial cheating can make marriage a near-impossible challenge. If you or your spouse is guilty of this, it's time to take action. First, decide whether the marriage is worth working through the infidelity. If it is, come up with a plan together that involves complete transparency. It will likely be necessary to seek the help of a third-party professional, too. You fight constantly A study found that incessant arguing is one of the top eight most common reasons for divorce. If you and your partner keep having the same argument over and over, it's time to resolve it. An open-mind is a must. Whether or not you agree with each other, try being more receptive to other person's perspective. A little validation can go a long way. You don't make time for each other Sure, absence makes the heart grow fonder. But if you and your partner never see or think about each other, one of you will probably start wondering--what's the point? Hectic schedules and long-distance marriages can make spending time together difficult. But even if it's a twenty-minute conversation or a quick video chat, carve time out of your schedule for your spouse. Staying connected is key to making your marriage work. Your fights go unresolved Unresolved arguments don't always lead to constant fighting. Sometimes, the unsettled issue simply drives a wedge between you. While you definitely don't want to keep having the same argument over and over, the solution isn't sweeping the issue under the rug. Address the problem out in the open. Learn to communicate effectively and come to a compromise. Leaving it unresolved can eat away at your marriage over time. The relationship is unequal Do you feel like you're constantly compromising while your spouse does whatever he or she wants? Unequal relationships can build up resentment and lead one spouse to eventually blow up. While we sometimes have to make small sacrifices and compromises in a relationship, these should be balanced. If the scales aren't lining up, it's time to open up a dialogue about it. You avoid each other If you and your spouse both want nothing to do with each other, there could be a couple of reasons for this. Maybe you've both given up, or maybe there's an issue that seems insurmountable. Either way, at some point, you'll have to face the music.Figure out what it is exactly that you're both avoiding. Then, schedule time to talk about it. Ask yourselves: what will it take for you to embrace each other again? You constantly feel angry We all have spats that leave us feeling less than peppy. But overall, your relationship should make you feel secure. If it feels more like a source of frustration and anger, it's time for some self-reflection. Think about your relationship's problem, but also think about your own emotions. These are two separate things and may need separate solutions. Figure out how to get a handle on your emotions first, and then work on the problem with your spouse. Levelheaded communication can pave the way for a compromise. You don't feel like there's a solution Maybe your marriage doesn't feel repairable. If you think problems and issues have snowballed out of your control, it might be time to take a break or talk to a counselor. If you still want to save your marriage, despite not knowing the solution, there's hope for it. But it will likely take some time to figure things out and bring your issues to a manageable state. You try to hurt your partner's feelings If you have so much anger toward your partner that you try to find ways to hurt his or her feelings, that's dangerous territory. Not only is it unhealthy for your relationship, it's emotionally abusive. Everyone gets mad, but if your spouse is your enemy, it's time for an overhaul. Some serious changes may be in order. Before relationship issues are addressed, it may be time to address your anger management. You've become enemies Again, if you've become enemies, it's time to take a step back. Every relationship has issues. It's important to separate those issues from the love that keeps your relationship strong. Learning to be friends again will take a great deal of self-reflection. Learn how to communicate effectively, and figure out how to let go of the resentment. Constant blaming Playing the blame game can quickly lead to marriage trouble. Marriage takes effort from both parties. If one of you refuses to take responsibility or is more interested in finding fault than a solution, this can put a huge amount of stress on your marriage. Understand that you're in this together. Forget about the blame--commit to a solution. One spouse acts single Maybe one of you has started thinking or behaving like a single person. That can be a sign you've given up, or it can be a cry for help. Either way, it needs to be addressed. If one spouse is trying to attract other people, looking for his or her own place, etc., it's important to recognize this behavior and why it's happening. You'll have to become a team again, and that will take communication and time together. The bad outweighs the good All marriages have good times and bad times. But if the bad seems to overshadow the good, it's time to nip that problem in the bud. Once you start focusing on the negative, you can become absorbed and unwilling to remedy it. Pinpoint the problems taking over your relationship. Instead of dwelling on these problems, use your energy to find ways to overcome them. Constant comparing If you constantly compare your spouse to someone else, your marriage needs some serious work. If this is happening in your relationship, identify the source of the behavior. Why are you comparing? If you're the one being compared, you'll have to objectively find out what your spouse thinks he or she is missing. Solving the issue won't be easy, but once the source is identified, you can work toward a solution. | 4 | 789 | lifestyle |
Let these smart ideas cap off your holiday decor. Classic arrangement Cose Nuove imports the Finnish birch and felt ornaments and topper that trim the tree in this Wisconsin home. Southwestern style The tree in this Arizona home gets topped off by a large wooden star. Cozy corner A simple ribbon bow tops the living room tree in this Tennessee home. Bright touches Designer Eddie Ross opted for a golden starburst on the tabletop tree in his Connecticut home. A floral note In the Beekman Boys' house, poinsettias were turned into both tree ornaments and toppers, in a flash, with floral water tubes. Folk-art additions A wooden snowflake makes its mark atop the tree in this Vermont cottage. Birds & pinecones The shining star of this avian-themed tree? An egg-filled nest perched at the top. Blue & gold A tree topper from Seasons of Cannon Falls and Smith & Hawken's gold ribbon light string bedeck the branches of this seven-foot Douglas fir. Red & white A star made of fabric puts the finishing touch on the Christmas tree in this Connecticut home. | 4 | 790 | lifestyle |
So you know a couple with a tricked-out, freshly-patented-kitchen-gadget-filled home, complete with an imported Swedish couch and a petrified wood sculpture that's way cooler than anything you'll ever own, that just got engaged. You're totally happy for them, and even more excited for the wedding, because two people with such great taste are guaranteed to throw one hell of a party. Still, there's also a part of you that's kind of dreading the whole thing because, like, what are you going to give them that they don't already own?! Coffee table book Find a coffee table book dedicated to something they both enjoy. How big or expensive the book is doesn't matter much; what's more important is that it pertains to the ethos of the couple in question. If they takes biannual visits to France, maybe look for something on the Normandy countryside; if they have a Twitter account for their shared Jack Russell terrier, a collection of dog photos would be good (bonus points if it's the same breed).THE FRENCH DOG BY RACHAEL HALE, $29.95, ANTHROPOLOGIE.COM Monograms Monogram something that isn't usually monogrammed. Chances are your spend-happy friends already have some of the standard stuff monogrammed‚napkins, towels, totes so something surprising, like soap, prove you put some thought into your gifting.MONOGRAMMED SQUARE PAPERWHITE SOAP SET, $49, POTTERYBARN.COMVideo: Modern monogram wedding ideas Handmade treasure Go vintage or handmade. If want to ensure that your gift is 100 percent one-of-a-kind, dig around on sites like Etsy or eBay for antique or artisanal homegoods. Sea Breeze Queen Quilt, $425, etsy.com Take them out Give them a date. Movies are things that people love to go to, but haaaate paying for, so extra tickets are always good. But also, you might want to consider something a little more specific to what's available in your hometown, like a cooking class or dancing lesson. Regal Ticket Style Gift Card, regal.comVideo: Dating coach -- Double dating Monthly deliveries Sign them up for an of-the-month club. Although sending a basket of food is a terrible idea, both impersonal and inconvenient (you're handing off a bunch of perishables right before they fly off on a honeymoon: not cool), a monthly delivery of their favorite treat (you don't have to go fruit; there's everything from wine to coffee to bacon out there) has the opposite effect. I mean, wouldn't you enjoy getting a free snack replenishment every 30 days? 12-Month Organic Fruit-of-the-Month Club Collection, $349.95, harryanddavid.com An upgrade Look for the fanciest version of something ordinary. The key here is to make sure the ordinary thing happens to be something they use all the time already, otherwise the gesture doesn't make sense. For instance, a poker set worthy of Donald Trump's man cave would work for any couple that regularly hosts casino night. Poker Set, $595, Renzo Romagnoli, barneys.com Stationery Personalize some stationery. Even if they haven't decided to share a last name, it's a nice way to commemorate their new official Mr. and Mrs. (or Mr. and Mr./Mrs. and Mrs.!!!) status; it'll also come in handy for all those post-wedding thank-you notes they'll be writing. Personalized Dalton Blue Correspondence Cards, from $94 for 25, crane.com | 4 | 791 | lifestyle |
Inject some unexpected personality into your kitchen with these fun do-it-yourself cutting boards, canisters, and more they're guaranteed to put a smile on your face, every day. Hand-stamped cutting board An alphabet's worth of metal hot stamps transforms a wood-burning pen into a label maker for cutting boards (stamp set, $19.99, and wood-burning pen, from $9.99; walnuthollow.com. Cutting boards, $12.96 each; 12"L x 8"W x 1"H; hardwood-lumber.com). First, measure and mark, in pencil, the center point of one long side of your cutting board. On a flat surface, arrange the stamps to spell out your word. Measure the word's length, and divide that number in half. Measure that distance to the left of your board's center point and mark the spot. The left side of your word's first letter should align with this mark. Load the first letter stamp onto the pen and press it onto the wood; continue with the other letters to spell out your word. Finally, erase any pencil marks and get chopping! Bent-spoon recipe box Turn a $5 box into a fabulous recipe organizer. A flea-market spoon is the secret ingredient to punching up an unfinished box (6 9/16"W x 4 5/8"H; michaels.com for stores). Step 1: With a foam brush, stain the box, inside and out, with Minwax wood finish in Classic Gray ($8.97 per quart; homedepot.com). Let dry overnight. Step 2: Using your hands, bend a teaspoon at a 90-degree angle. Lightly sand the widest point of the handle's back side. Step 3: Apply Glass, Metal & More glue along the sanded area ($4.88 for 2 oz.; stuff4crafts.com). Center the spoon atop the box, press and hold for one minute, then let set overnight.For extra flourish, include a set of recipe cards. ($8 for 10; jacquelynvaccaro.etsy.com) Cutting-board tablet stand Here's an ingenious way to provide a little kitchen tech support, from Jane Edwards of mamiejanes.blogspot.com.With wood glue, adhere a Scrabble tile holder to the bottom center of an 8 1/2"W x 16"L cutting board ($20; nancysvoice.etsy.com), as shown at left. Let dry for two hours. Next, use wood glue to affix a nine-inch-long wooden doorstop to the bottom center of the board's opposite side, as shown in inset ($6; odyssey359.etsy.com). Let dry for two hours. Finally, paint the entire piece with acrylic latex paint (Valspar in Cream Delight, $2.98 for 8 oz.; lowes.com), and let dry overnight. Buff the edges lightly with sandpaper to achieve a weathered look. Cutting-edge knife block All it took for us to elevate a basic knife block ($25.95; cutleryandmore.com)? A pencil and some paint. Begin by spray-painting the block with two coats of Rustoleum's white semigloss ($4.19 for 12 ounces; amazon.com). Allow two hours of drying time between coats; then let them dry overnight. Next, lay the block faceup. Using the knives you plan to keep in the block, lay one utensil atop the block in a spot that reflects the blade's placement when stored; carefully trace the shape with a pencil. Repeat with the other three knives. Fill the inside of each shape with another paint color we used Benjamin Moore's Clearspring Green ($6.49 for 16 ounces; benjaminmoore.com).Let dry for two hours, add a second coat, then let dry again before inserting the cutlery. 'Embroidered' kitchen canisters Cross-stitch makes the leap from fabric to glassware with help from a free font and transparent sticker sheets ($13.99 for ten 8 1/2"W x 11"L sheets; amazon.com).Go to myfonts.com and download the Home Sweet Home font. Use it to type out the names of pantry staples, adding a decorative flourish if you like, in a Microsoft Word document, then adjust the type size and alignment to fit your canisters (from $3.99 for one quart; containerstore.com).Following package instructions for the decal sheets, print your document(s). Once the ink has dried, lightly coat each sheet with a thin layer of hair spray, to prevent smearing; let dry.Cut out and trim each label, then affix to the canisters. Note: The labels won't be entirely waterproof, so when necessary, carefully wash your canisters by hand. Jewelry magnets Instead of letting vintage brooches gather dust in your jewelry box, turn them into refrigerator magnets: Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to remove the pin hardware from the back of each brooch (most fittings will come off easily); then affix a superstrong magnet with a small bead of glue we used Gorilla Super Glue. Let dry overnight.Your grocery list has never looked more glam! Stenciled animal mugs Look no further than the nearest pasture for inspiration to dress up plain dishware. To duplicate these mugs, print and cut out the animal shapes. Use these templates for Cow, Sheep, and Pig shapes.Place each shape atop a small piece of contact paper and outline it in pencil. Cut out with a craft knife; then discard the paper inside the outline. Peel away the backing and affix the stencil to a clean, dry mug, making sure to center the image. Following the package directions, use a soft brush to fill in the outline with dishwasher-safe PermEnamel paint ($3.49 for two ounces, joann.com); let set for a few minutes. Carefully remove the contact paper, clean up any edges with a damp cotton swab, and allow the paint to cure for 10 days. Dart fridge magnets Get right to the point with photorealistic magnets. The key to crafting these sharp fridge accessories? Adhesive magnet paper ($7.29 for 12"W x 24"L sheet; promagproducts.com). Simply download our dart and pushpin photos and print them out on computer paper. Next, pull the magnet sheet's paper layer away to reveal the magnet's adhesive side, and place your printed images atop the adhesive. Smooth out any bubbles before cutting out each image with sharp scissors, working close to the images. Then, take aim at the fridge to see your handiwork hold tight. Crocheted tea towels Ready-made edgings and borders, available by the yard at fabric stores or adapted from flea-market finds, make it easy to transform even the simplest home textiles into vintage-style home accessories. You can machine- or hand-stitch the filigree embellishments to almost any fabric surface dish towels, bath towels, bedding, or attire in an afternoon. | 4 | 792 | lifestyle |
Get creative with these ideas for crafts made of recycled materials. Book box for remote control A fresh plotline for a used book: storing a remote! Unlike Downton Abbey, your clunky clicker isn't exactly a must-see. So stash the eyesore in a book: You'll need one at least two inches longer and 1/4 inch deeper than your remote control.Step 1: Open the book's back cover. Using a foam brush, coat the inside cover and facing page with school glue. Close the book and press down firmly for 10 seconds.Step 2: Open the book's front cover. Coat the entire stack of pages all three exposed sides with school glue, taking care not to get any on the topmost page. Let dry for one hour; repeat. Close the book, weight it with a second book, and let dry overnight.Step 3: Open the front cover, center your remote on the first page, and trace around it with a pencil, adding 1/4 inch all the way around. Set the remote aside. With an X-Acto knife, cut along the marked line, removing two to three pages at a time. Continue until your remote fits deeply inside.Step 4: Cut a piece of ribbon that's half the length of your book plus five inches. Trim one end into a fork; dot hot glue on the opposite end, and affix it in the bottom-center of the hollowed-out area this "bookmark" will lift out your neatly disguised device.YOU HAVE: Old book School glue Remote control Pencil X-Acto knife Scissors Hot glueYOU'LL NEED: 2" foam brush ($0.47, amazon.com) 9-mm ribbon ($1.59 per yard, mjtrim.com) Watchband notebook Secure your secret musings in a journal (Semikolon, $14.95; 6"W x 8½"L; amazon.com) fastened with two matching watchbands ($10.95 each; 18mm; amazon.com).Step 1: Measure and mark two spots inside the front cover of your notebook: one, two inches from the top; the other, two inches from the bottom; both, 1 1/2 inches from the spine. Next, measure and mark two spots inside the back cover: one, two inches from the top; the other, two inches from the bottom; both, 5 1/2 inches from the spine. Using a hammer and a four-penny nail, punch holes through all four marks.Step 2: For each of the four watchband pieces, measure and mark a spot 1/8 inch from the end that would attach to a watch. Use the hammer and nail to punch through all four marks.Step 3: Place one buckle-end watchband piece atop the front cover, aligning the punched holes. Push one 5/16"W × 5/16"L brass rivet through both holes; set according to package instructions (Rivets and Setter Kit, $12; amazon.com). Repeat for the other hole and buckle-end watchband piece. Then flip the notebook over and repeat for the remaining hole and watchband pieces. Button rings Get a load of this fresh notion for something you probably already have around the house! Emily Peters sells these baubles at our Country Living Fairs (emmalouvintage.etsy.com), but she's also generous enough to tell you how to craft your own. If you become so carried away that you need more buttons, Etsy.com has a killer selection of vintage ones.Step 1: Start with an adjustable brass "ring blank," the band that wraps around your finger ($6.50 for 10; filigreefindings.etsy.com).Step 2: If your button has a shank on the back, snip it off with wire-cutting pliers and sand down the back surface with a rotary tool (Dremel 4.8-volt, $24.97; homedepot.com).Step 3: Apply a thin layer of metal-bonding glue (Beacon's Glass, Metal & More glue, $6.99 for two ounces; createforless.com) to the back of your button, then adhere it to the top of the ring blank. If you'd like to add a second button, apply a thin layer of the glue to its back side, then adhere it atop the first button. Let dry for 24 hours. How to make a paintbrush vase Blogger Camilla Fabbri gave used paintbrushes a new lease on life with this fanciful centerpiece. "I love the way the colorful bristles look," says Fabbri, an Evanston, Illinois, artist, "and the whole thing takes just minutes." Simply space two rows of plain rubber bands around a tall, cylindrical vase, then tuck brushes (Fabbri used about 40) inside the bands until the tools completely surround the vessel. Mini cloches Upend ordinary glassware as display domes. To create these super-adorable mini cloches, raid your kitchen. We used (from left) a tumbler ($2.50; cb2.com), a stemless wineglass ($12.99 for four; libbey.com), and a canning jar ($21 for six; weckjars.com). Glue an iron lamp finial -- like a tree (from $12.50; coloradodallas.com for stores) -- to the bottom of each container with a thin coat of E6000 Multipurpose Adhesive ($3.99 for .5 ounces; joann.com). Let harden for an hour before enclosing tiny treasures underneath. Nifty eyeglass case Transform a traditional necktie into a nifty eyeglass case. (A fun gift idea for Father's Day!)Step 1: Lay a tie front side down. Measure and mark 17 inches in from the pointed tip, then cut the tie widthwise. Discard the narrow end of the tie.Step 2: Using a seam ripper, open the seam along the back of the tie at least six inches, to create a pouch for the glasses.Step 3: Measure eight inches in from the cut end and mark. Fold the tie at the mark toward the pointed tip; tuck under 1/2 inch of cut edge and pin.Step 4: Using hand-stitches along the top and sides, secure the folded-over portion of tie to the top layer of fabric beneath it (taking care not to sew the pouch closed). Finish by affixing a set of self-adhesive Velcro dots to keep the case closed. Jaunty firewood carrier Carry out a seasonal chore in style with a log sling that costs less than $15 to make!Step 1: Turn a canvas bag ($4.99; hobbylobby.com for stores) inside out, then use a seam ripper to undo the gusseted corners. Using scissors, cut the bag along the side seams so that it lays completely flat when open.Step 2: Lay the bag wrong side up. Using a pencil and a ruler, draw and 8 1/2-inch diagonal line across each of the bag's corners. Cut the bag along the lines, as shown; discard corner pieces. Then, fold each cut edge over by 1/4 inch and topstitch in place.Step 3: Cut a piece of faux bois oilcloth ($8 per yard; oilclothbytheyard.com) that measures 18 1/4''L x 13 1/2W. Flip the bag right side up, then lay the panel across the bag's middle section, as shown. Using bright-orange thread, topstitch the panel in place along its edges.Step 4: Reinforce the handles by folding each strap back on itself. Clamp or pin the strap in place, then stitch it together. Repeat for the second strap. Barnyard candleholders To show these plastic animals the light, we applied a technique featured on thesweetestoccasion.com. First, use a drill to make a small pilot hole in the flattest spot on the back of an animal (from $3.49; anwo.com). Align the pilot hole beneath the hole in the bottom of a menorah candle cup ($9.95 for nine; zionjudaica.com). Secure the cup using a no. 5 screw (its head will rest just atop the cup's hole). Repeat to make multiple holders. Next, apply three coats of Krylon's Fusion for Plastic white spray paint ($5.99; amazon.com), allowing 30 minutes of drying time after each coat. Finally, place a menorah candle ($4.14 for 45; amazon.com) inside each cup to set the herd aglow. Book storage boxes Extend the shelf life of secondhand books. "I'm crazy for the patterns on these covers," says CL contributing editor Cathe Holden of the condensed books Reader's Digest published from the 1950s through the '90s. She often nabs them at yard sales for next to nothing; you can also find the volumes on eBay and Etsy, where they typically go for around five bucks. Here's how Holden transforms the tomes into stealthy storage boxes.Step 1: To make one box requires two books -- the first will become the outer cover, while the second forms the inner framework. Using an X-Acto knife, carefully remove the entire stack of pages from the first book, cutting as close to the spine as possible. Conceal the now-exposed inner spine with colored paper cut from the first page in the stack, adhering the paper with paper glue (paper glue, $5.50 for two ounces; amazon.com). Discard the rest of the stack.Step 2: For the inner framework, you'll need to cut four panels from the second book's covers. Use the first book to determine the panels' dimensions. With the first book open flat in front of you, measure the width of the inner spine and subtract a quarter inch. This will be the width of every panel. To determine the length of two panels, measure the length of the inner spine and subtract one-half inch. To determine the length of the other two panels, measure from the outer edge of the first book's cover liner to the initial crease of the spine. Cut all four panels from the second book and discard it.Step 3: Form a right angle by aligning one long and one short panel, using our photo as a guide. Attach using hot glue, making sure the panels' patterned sides face out. Repeat with the remaining panels. Attach these two right angles to form one rectangle. Cover the framework's top edges with thin strips of colored tape ($3.50 for 3/5"W x 33'L roll; cutetape.com).Step 4: Return to the first book and lay it open flat. Stand the framework atop the book's inner back cover and hot-glue in place. Finally, hot-glue the spine to the framework, then stash your stuff in the box. Paint swatch organizers Repurpose hardware-store color cards in seconds flat: Simply stack two same-size cards atop each other, right sides facing out, and stitch together along the bottoms and sides with contrasting thread (we opted for red). Then use flathead tacks to attach your brilliant little pocket organizers to a bulletin board, and fill them with pencils, papers, and more.(Sisal bulletin board, $149; 24"W x 36"H; ballarddesigns.com) Upcycled drink station CL contributing editor Ryan McPhail reveals his method for creating a stealthy bar from a cast-off chest of drawers.Step 1: Measure the inside of a dresser drawer to determine its width (from side to side), depth (front to back), and height (base to top).Step 2: To create a middle divider, use a jigsaw to cut a piece of wood that measures the depth of the drawer and slightly less than its height. To create a shelf, cut another wood piece that measures slightly less than half the drawer's width and slightly less than its height. Sand the ends.Step 3: Using our photo as a guide, insert the shelf and divider into the drawer; screw in place with a drill.Step 4: To create a drop-down door, remove any screws holding the dresser's top to its frame; then pop the top off the frame using a rubber mallet.Step 5: Cover the drawer unit and door with a coat of primer, followed by two coats of paint, allowing two hours' drying time after each coat. (We used Benjamin Moore's Azure Water, $22.58 per quart; myperfectcolor.com).Step 6: To install the door, stand the drawer so that its front faces up and its open top faces you. Following package instructions for a piano hinge, attach the door to the back edge of the drawer, as shown above (if needed, trim the hinge with a jigsaw). Make sure the door closes properly before screwing in place.Step 7: Install two metal chains, each at least ¼ inch wide, to support the door. Using our photo as a guide, experiment with chain placement before screwing in a set of eye bolts inside the drawer's sides, about three inches from the drawer's front and ½ inch from the top. Use pliers and eye hooks to attach a chain to each eye bolt. Then, on each side of the door, about two inches down from the top edge and ½ inch in from the sides, drill a hole 3/4 inch wide.Step 8: To determine chain length, pull each chain down diagonally to reach the door (the chain needs to hold the door open at exactly 90 degrees). Use pliers to remove excess chain. For each chain, insert the last link into the hole on the door. Drive a screw into the door's side and into the hole, threading the link onto the screw as you go.Step 9: To keep the door shut, install safety-gate hooks and eyes on the outside of the door and drawer, as shown above. Finish by installing a drawer pull in the center of the door's front; then use mounting brackets to hang the station on a wall. Scarf watchband It's easy to fall in love with vintage scarves at flea markets and thrift stores. The hard part? Finding a fresh way to wear the ladylike relics. Here's one: Just remove the straps from a watch, then weave a scarf through the watch's lugs (the bars that hold the straps in place). Wrap the scarf's ends around your wrist and secure with a knot to make a timely fashion statement. Tree-branch coasters To make these rustic drink perches, you'll need a tree limb that's roughly three inches in diameter. (Save-on-crafts.com sells birch logs for $12.29 a foot.) Saw the branch into slices about3/4-inch thick -- or have a hardware store do it for you -- and lightly sand each wood disk. Create the leaf motifs shown by pressing an inked stamp (stamps, $23.28 a set; green ink pad, $6.61; stampinup.com) onto each coaster. Let dry for five minutes, then coat the stamped side with a protective matte finishing spray (Krylon Make It Last Clear Sealer, $3.63; misterart.com). Allow 15 minutes of drying time before using. Wallpaper tree Any blank surface becomes an enchanted forest with this patterned mural made from wallpaper scraps.Step 1: Using this photo for reference, sketch a basic tree trunk on the back side of a sheet of wallpaper (you may want to practice first on butcher paper). Once you have your desired shape and height, cut out.Step 2: On the back of another piece of the same wallpaper, again using this photo as a guide, draw branches of various sizes and shapes including a group of three attached limbs for the treetop. Cut out the branches.Step 3: Apply the paper trunk, then the branches, to your wall with ready-made paste.Step 4: While the tree dries, trim remnants of other brightly patterned wallpapers into leaf shapes -- you'll need about 60. Paste these to the wall so they appear to be sprouting from the branches. Pump up a plain Mason Jar Repurpose the classic Mason jar as a soap or lotion dispenser in your bathroom.Step 1: First, measure and mark the center of the jar's lid.Step 2: Using a 1/2" high-speed steel drill bit (about $10; local hardware store), drill a hole to fit the width of a soap dispenser pump. We used pumps from old lotion bottles.Step 3:Fill the jar with liquid soap, screw the lid back on, and insert the pump. You may need to trim the bottom of the pump to fit your jar. Fork & spoon door pulls Fashion these sturdy handles from two same-size serving pieces.Step 1: Flip one facedown, then following the package directions, apply bonding glue to the flat end of a one-inch aluminum screw post ($11.95 for box of 100; screwpost.com). Quickly press the post to the base of the flatware's handle (approximately a half inch from the end), and hold until a bond forms. Let dry for 20 minutes.Step 2:At the serving end of the utensil, find the flattest point to glue on a second post (approximately two inches in from the end). Let dry, then repeat for second utensil.Step 3:Remove your existing cabinet hardware and drill new holes, if necessary, to correspond with the posts. Finish by screwing flatware into place from the inside of the doors. Make your motto into art Reward a great quote (we cribbed from The Wizard of Oz) with the gallery treatment, courtesy of this project adapted from Meg Mateo Ilasco's Crafting a Meaningful Home ($24.95; STC Craft).Step 1: Lay a piece of poster board on a flat surface. Use letter stencils ($7.69 for a set; staples.com) to spell out the phrase of your choice on the board, experimenting until you find a placement you like. (Use a ruler and pencil to mark horizontal lines for guidance.)Step 2: Spell out the phrase backward, then flip the stencils over (you'll be turning the board over when you're done, and the words will then read correctly). Trace the letters onto the board with a pencil.Step 3: Carefully cut out the letters with an X-Acto knife, then use hem tape to affix a patterned piece of fabric to the poster board. Flip the poster board over to reveal the finished artwork, then frame. CD case project Traded in all your CDs for MP3s? Rather than tossing those plastic covers in the trash, where they'll likely linger for decades -- most aren't recyclable -- mount them on your walls with this resourceful project from Photojojo! Insanely Great Photo Projects and DIY Ideas (Potter Craft). You'll need little more than 20 CD cases, a computer, Velcro tape, and, of course, a favorite photo.Step 1: On a computer, open a high-resolution photo of your choice in an image-editing program like Adobe Photoshop. Resize the picture to 26½" x 18¼". Using a selection tool, divide the image into twenty 5 3/8" x 4 5/8" squares, then digitally cut and paste each square into a separate 5 3/8" x 4 5/8" file.Step 2: Print out each document onto 5" x 7" photo paper. Trim off any white space.Step 3: Pop out the interior section (the round piece that the CD snaps onto) of 20 standard jewel cases. Also remove the paper inserts.Step 4: Carefully trace one photo segment onto a piece of thin cardboard and cut; repeat 19 times. Use double-sided tape to attach one piece of cardboard to the back of every photo segment; then slip each segment, image side up, into a CD case and close it. Repeat until every photo sits inside a case.Step 5: With Velcro tape or mounting strips, affix the cases to the wall one at a time, making sure to arrange them so the photo lies in the right order and the cases almost touch. Buttoned-up bolsters Step 1: Iron shirt to smooth out all wrinkles. Button it, then pin the shirt's front and back to each other to keep them together when cutting.Step 2: Cut out the shirt to match the shape of your pillow insert -- adding two inches to both the width and length, and centering the row of buttons down the front. (You'll now have two pieces of fabric.)Step 3: Repin the fabric so the shirt's finished sides face each other. Sew the pieces together using a 6/8-inch seam. Snip the corners at an angle to ease turning.Step 4: Unbutton the fabric and turn the pillowcase right side out. Iron, then rebutton.Step 5: Topstitch around the case twice -- first 1/8 inch from the edges, then 3/8 inch from the edges -- to finish it.Step 6: Unbutton the case, insert the pillow, then rebutton and fluff.How to add rickrack trim to your tailor-made cushions: Cut an old shirt as described in Steps 1 and 2, but adding only 1/2 inch to both the fabric's width and length. You will have two pieces of material: one with buttons (keep them closed) and one without. Take the piece without buttons and pin rickrack along the perimeter of its front side. Rickrack should be parallel to the edges with no overhang. Machine-baste the rickrack onto the fabric using a scant 1/8-inch seam (you will just be sewing across the top of the rickrack to hold it in place -- the trimming will flip up once the pillow is inserted). Pin the two pieces of fabric together so the side with the buttons and the side with the rickrack face each other. Sew together using a 1/4-inch seam. Unbutton the case, turn it right side out, and insert pillow. Jewelry magnets Instead of letting vintage brooches gather dust in your jewelry box, turn them into refrigerator magnets: Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to remove the pin hardware from the back of each brooch (most fittings will come off easily); then affix a superstrong magnet with a small bead of glue -- we used Gorilla Super Glue. Let dry overnight. Your grocery list has never looked more glam! Ruler tabletop Try to get a variety of colors, but be sure they're all the same thickness. (For a 19- by 17-inch table like this one, you'll need about 16 yardsticks.)Step 1: To figure out how best to align the sticks, create a template of the tabletop by tracing it onto a sheet of paper. Arrange the rulers on the template, marking where you'll need to cut so they fit the width and length of the table.Step 2: Once you know where each ruler segment will go, make the cuts with a hacksaw or small electric saw. Smooth out any rough edges with medium-grit sandpaper.Step 3: Starting at one corner, attach one of the ruler segments to the top of the table lengthwise by hammering a flat-head nail in at each end. Repeat in rows until the entire surface is covered. You can stagger the sticks as shown, but line them up carefully to avoid gaps.Step 4: Apply several layers of Zinsser clear shellac ($4.79; doitbest.com) over the yardsticks with a wide brush, according to the can's directions. Allow ample time for drying between coats. Once you're done, let the table dry for another 48 hours before putting anything on its surface. Brilliant bowl lampshades An enlightened take on the pendant lamp, this project uses ceramic yellowware to glowing effect.Step 1: Choose a bowl that measures at least four inches high and five inches in diameter. Turn it upside down on a flat work surface. Measure and mark the center of the bottom of the bowl.Step 2: Using a power drill fit with a two-inch tile or ceramic hole saw ($9.98; homedepot.com for stores), push squarely down on the center mark until the ceramic piece pops through the bottom of the bowl (wear a dust mask for this part).Step 3: Wipe off any debris, then screw the socket from a pendant light kit ($14.94; drillspot.com) into the hole. Install a 60-watt bulb, and hang according to kit's instructions. Sewing pattern flowers An elementary school craft takes on a sophisticated edge when fashioned from the tissue-thin paper of old sewing patterns.Step 1: For each flower, cut six 7-inch squares from the pattern. Stack and fold them accordion-style six times, forming a one-by seven-inch rectangle. Snip off the corners of the rectangle with scissors.Step 2: Tightly twist a wire floral stem around the center of the rectangle.Step 3: Fan out the paper, then pull apart each layer, creating the blossom. Crocheted tea towels Ready-made edgings and borders, available by the yard at fabric stores or adapted from flea-market finds, make it easy to transform even the simplest home textiles into vintage-style home accessories. You can machine- or hand-stitch the filigree embellishments to almost any fabric surface -- dish towels, bath towels, bedding, or attire -- in an afternoon. Magnetic message board An old office corkboard can be converted to a stylish magnetic message board with the help of fabric, a zinc-coated steel, and a white-washed frame.More:4 ways to make a message board » Paper vases Near a favorite reading chair, present a page-turning vignette. Paint a silhouette on a backdrop of book pages. Then cut vase shapes to give text three dimensions. Get the drections to make paper vases »Plus:12 more craft ideas that make clever use of words » Flatware candleholders Make these playful accessories using chrome-plated candle cups that measure about one inch wide -- the perfect size for holding tapers ($5.36 each; antiquelampsupply.com). Affix cups to the serving ends of a spoon and fork using bonding glue. Let dry for one hour. Sewing kit Visit a local farm stand for a vintage-looking egg carton, and store all your sewing basics in one lightweight, portable kit.Step 1: Cut a piece of material, such as ticking or gingham, the size of the egg carton's lid. Make the safety-pin cushion (see further instructions below), and hot glue the fabric to the carton. Cross-stitch the elastic to the fabric to hold sewing scissors; try Gingher's. Make the pin cushion and set in carton. Fill the carton with sewing notion.Step 2: Create a place to hold your sewing scissors. Cut a piece of elastic 1 1/2 inches wide, and cross-stitch it to the fabric.Step 3: Make a pin cushion. Ball up batting. Wrap a piece of fabric tightly around the batting, and stitch the fabric closed.Step 4: Make a safety-pin cushion. Cut batting to fit the right half of the carton's lid. Place batting under the fabric, creating a cushion to use for safety pins. Display shelves Glamorize an old wine crate or wooden box by adding shelves and a gilded frame. Finish with paint and it's ready for storing pretty toiletries or displaying an interesting collection.Step 1: Remove the back of an old wine crate or wooden box.Step 2: Make shelves to fit inside the box, then add a bit of glamour by fastening a gilded frame onto the front of the unit.Step 3: For an antique finish, spray-paint with Krylon Crystal Color.Step 4: Buy a picture-hanging kit that includes hooks that can be attached to the back of the shelves. Make sure they can hold at least 50 to 100 pounds. Antique book art Rescue an abandoned book, and present it as a still life. Adorn a dilapidated atlas with delicate butterflies, their winged shapes the product of a butterfly craft punch. Glue a page from a discarded novel to the cover before affixing the butterflies with glue dots to look as if they fly off the page. Postcard wallets Stitch up vintage postcards to make slim wallets and business card holders. Get detailed instructions to make your own » Jelly jar shelf Wash and save jelly jars to attach to a shelf for creative craft storage. Measure your shelf to determine the number of jelly jars to attach. Space them out evenly and mark their placement with a pencil.Step 1:Start with clean jelly jars. Turn the shelf over and position the jar lids along the underside of the shelf. Attach each lid securely with two small nails; if the lid is too loose, it will spin.Step 2: Fill the jars with colorful office and craft supplies -- check out seejanework.com -- and twist onto the lids.Plus:See more clever storage projects » Pocket board organizer A basic, wooden picture frame becomes a pocket board to hold notes and other mementos.Related Project:Creative Ideas for Vintage Frames Ornate cork board Painting an ornate frame and fitting it with a piece of cork creates a pretty way to display photographs in a guest room or office.Plus: 4 ways to make a message board » Quilted baskets Sew remnants of worn or stained quilts onto woven baskets for a decorative liner.Related Project:How to Make Fabric-Lined Baskets Decorative plates Antique-shop plates can decorate a wall when embellished with word decals, spelling out a favorite quotation.Plus:12 more craft ideas that make clever use of words » Curtain tieback To create this handy hook, drill a small hole approximately one inch in from the end of the fork's handle. Hold the utensil faceup, then use pliers to bend the prongs back toward the handle, making sure to form a rounded C shape rather than a V. Finish by screwing the tieback into your window molding. | 4 | 793 | lifestyle |
A few of our favorite designers show us how they add loads of character to interior spaces with dramatic color. Sara Gilbane Sullivan's Lively Living Room A neutral backdrop of various textures ivory stucco and oak beams begged for punches of warm red and orange to create an intimate and approachable space in this seaside retreat. So New York City designer Sara Gilbane Sullivan started small, injecting easy beachy blue and white tones before throwing the vivid suzani-print sofa into the mix. "Without this wild pop of color, the room would have felt stagnant," she says. Now the gathering spot for her client's family game night feels cozy and happy, plus the allover print hides spills. Tobi Fairley's Colorful Collection Playful color combinations enliven the rooms that Tobi Fairley designs. And the master bedroom and adjoining sunroom that she decorated for an eco-friendly show home in Arkansas were no exception. Fresh mint and coral add "an interesting punch and help make mismatched collections look cohesive," Fairley says of the grouping of frames she painted the same citrusy tint and hung in a narrow hallway. She recommends bringing in pops of color sparingly throughout a room for balance a pair of throw pillows on a sofa, a bright lamp in one corner, and a colorful throw in another, for instance. Shawn Henderson's Dark Room "Painting the floors in my home in a high-gloss black was, by far, the boldest color choice I have ever made," says New York City designer Shawn Henderson. To give a modern take on his historic home, the walls are all painted Sail Cloth white by Benjamin Moore, and the striking contrast gives the allusion of height, making every room look bigger, he explains. Thom Filicia's Saturated Space For big impact in spaces without a lot of real estate, designer Thom Filicia chooses strong colors and uses them everywhere. At the Kips Bay decorator show house in New York, he lacquered the ceiling and walls of a pass-through space in Benjamin Moore's Cat's Eye, a fun Kelly green. "Using the same color and finish on the ceiling and walls gives so much depth to a tiny room," he says. He suggests using bold colors in powder rooms and small entries, where they won't overwhelm since there's not a lot of wall space for the color to live. The Novogratz's Blushing Bedroom Cortney and Robert Novogratz, authors of Home by Novogratz, never hesitate with color. In a recent project, the couple painted the ceiling, the walls, and the floors of this teenage girl's room in similar tones of pink. "It's like a lagoon of color," Cortney says. "A room feels so warm when it's wrapped in a single shade." If you're worried about drowning in a sea of color, Cortney recommends starting in doses, like painting just the door or only the molding in a room. Darryl Carter's Lesson in Contrast Darryl Carter, known for his penchant for pale neutral palettes, made quite the entrance in the foyer of his country house in Virginia by painting the original front door in a glossy Marbury Brown from the Darryl Carter Colors collection for Benjamin Moore. "Glossy finishes tend to highlight imperfections," he explains. But that's precisely what he was hoping to achieve since he wanted to emphasize the patina on the 18th-century door's surface. | 4 | 794 | lifestyle |
Want to revamp your room? Let your favorite color and these gorgeous bedroom photos inspire you to create a bold and beautiful boudoir. Red Paired with the right fabrics, even the most striking hue can set a serene mood. In this summer cottage white furniture and soft blues offset the fiery color red. Gray A combination of plush fabrics, grand furniture, and pops of pink make a gray color palette look extraordinary. Brown This sophisticated hue lets a collection of vintage prints and neutral linens shine, without overshadowing colorful details like a thrift shop chair and a turquoise glass lamp. Blue A playful kid's room gets its crisp, classic look from bright furniture and a simple color scheme of baby blue and white. Yellow A sunny canopy can turn any bed into eye candy! Matching pillows and linens in contrasting colors tie the look together. Black The bold contrast of black and white flawlessly combines contemporary and classic styles. A monochromatic palette lets accent colors, like the key-lime green pillow and floral arrangement, really pop. White Textured fabrics, such as this cable-knit blanket and assortment of pillows, make an all-white room inviting. Pink Neon knows no limits in this petite boudoir. This high-gloss hot pink is accented with exciting tribal patterns and crisp white linens. Neutral There's nothing plain about this neutral room. A slouchy camel-colored bedspread, along with rustic touches like pinecones and binoculars, complement the wood interior. Teal A teal and white polar-bear-print oilcloth was the inspiration for this adventurous kid's room. A patchwork vintage quilt and colorful mobile adds to the eclectic color scheme. | 4 | 795 | lifestyle |
"Traditional wedding etiquette rules don't apply when it comes to the save-the-date. You can have a lot of fun personalizing the wording, the lettering style, the colors, and the overall design," says stationer Cheree Berry, who recently created wedding invitations for famous actors Ellie Kemper ("Bridesmaids", "The Office") and Jesse Tyler Ferguson ("Modern Family"), and also created the awesome campaign button spoof seen in the first slide. "We made this for a DC-based couple with opposing political views. For added effect, their save-the-dates were sent to their guests to arrive on Election Day! Your save-the-date can and should tell your individual story," she explains. So before choosing that kitchen magnet or filmstrip template online (cute, but let's face it, not-so personal), figure out your schtick. To get inspired, click through the 10 fresh ideas we've decoded from a puckish save-the-date for a booze-fueled bash, to a sweet, vintage-inspired paper LP for a couple of indie rockers. Campaign button save the date What it says about you: "We duke it out over MSNBC vs. Fox."Your best man's wedding toast will probably be as witty, wonky, and adorable as your campaign-button save-the-date. The theme? Opposites attract. Awwww… A hand-stamped save-the-date card What it says about you: "We're laid-back, we love life, and we're throwing one kick-ass party." This save-the-date flaunts DIY skillz (check out that ombré ink effect!) and makes clear that you're more interested in showing everyone a good time than in foofy engraving or Emily Post's approval. Save-the-date stamp, $75, Patti Murphy Designs A photo save-the-date card What it says about you: "We're hopeless romantics but want to be cool about it." A snap of you two smooching could read cheesy. But tuck it into a stylish typographical design? Perfection. Modern, typographical wedding save-the-date, $170 for 100, Love vs. Design A laser-cut save-the-date card What it says about you: "We're so arty that even our save-the-date could hang in a museum." Laser cutting, used to create the name overlay here, is a no-brainer for design geeks and devout minimalists. Laser-cut wedding save-the-date, $400 for 100, Pounding Mill Press A preppy save-the-date card What it says about you: "We're living proof that blue bloods know how to have fun."This upper-crusty design undercuts its own potential stuffiness with swooshy calligraphy and the suggestion that finding a mate is like chasing a helpless animal through the woods for sport. Ha!Equestrian-themed wedding save-the-date, from $628 for 100, Gus & Ruby Letterpress, calligraphy by Elizabeth Porcher Jones A digital save-the-date card What it says about you: "We're evolved." A digital save-the-date says you're eco-conscious and forward thinking. Just make sure your less tech-embracing invitees don t miss it. Digital save-the-date, from 25¢ each, Jonathan Adler for Paperless Post A music-inspired save-the-date card What it says about you: "We'll see you on the dance floor." This record-inspired design pretty much guarantees that there will be great music at your wedding possibly a jazz-band processional, but definitely an awesome DJ or a high-energy band for the party. Mini record wedding save-the-date, $650 for 100, Ello on Etsy A luggage tag-inspired save-the-date card What it says about you: "We love to travel and hope you do too because we're having a destination wedding!" This design incorporates all the useful travel details into a fun little card that you'll send in advance of your wedding. Travel-inspired wedding save-the-date, $158 for 100, Paper and Parcel for Minted A minimalist save-the-date card What it says about you: "We like our martinis dry, straight up, and with two olives." You'll dig this if you're planning a modern, urban-chic affair. Two reasons: The clean black-and-white palette and the fact that it cleverly weights the most important piece of information: the date. Purists, rejoice! Modern wedding save-the-date, from $475 for 100, Bella Figura | 4 | 796 | lifestyle |
You've heard the old saying, "Nothing handles like a rental car," right? Well, trust us when we tell you that nothing handles a summer vacation through spectacular scenery like a rented convertible. Viewing the Rocky Mountains, the red rocks of Sedona, the Chicago skyline, or the Blue Ridge Parkway through the windows of a standard compact or midsize offering is like watching "Transformers 3" on your iPhone -- sober. Our apocalyptic economy has torpedoed convertible sales, slashing market share from more than 2 percent to just around 1.2 percent through the first half of 2011, but once you've made the rational decision to forego the monthly payment on a full-time convertible, it's a cinch to rationalize a weekly rental. But which one is best? The drop-top offerings on rental lots have never been better. The perennial fleet favorites -- Ford Mustang and Chrysler Sebring (now 200) -- have been thoroughly updated; Avis and Hertz now offer Chevy's newly minted Camaro convertible (even in V-8 SS trim at some locations); and some fleets are replacing their VW Beetle cabrios with the origami hard-top Eos (also restyled for 2012). Sad to say, rental agencies almost never guarantee a specific model at booking, so we arranged press cars for our ersatz vacation, though for logistical reasons we rented a Hertz Mustang for instrumented testing. We ordered rental-spec cars with base engines and automatics, but our domestic contestants came dolled up with some unlikely extras like bigger wheels and tires (Chevrolet and Ford) and the Limited trim level with optional hard top (Chrysler). Our decked-out Eos happens to be the cheapest one money can buy. Let's buckle in, drop the tops, and start driving like we won't be around for these cars' 100,000-mile birthdays. 4TH PLACE: CHRYSLER 200 LIMITED We're selfish driving enthusiasts at heart, and this impressive reskin of an aging and graceless Mitsubishi-born platform offers little to stir our souls. Yes, the new 3.6-liter V-6 and six-speed automatic improve performance dramatically, hustling to 60 mph in just 7.2 seconds -- 2 seconds ahead of our last 2.7-liter Sebring -- but past that mark the gear spacing widens considerably for fuel economy, making the car feel lethargic at highway speeds. Our 200 was plagued by torque steer and it suffered the worst Rocky Mountain high, with its temp-gauge needle kissing the red while struggling up the switchbacks. Nevertheless, "This would be my pick were I shuttling the family on vacation," says associate editor Allyson Harwood, giving props to the 200's biggest, most comfortable back seat, which offers armrests, cupholders, and 3.5 inches more leg and shoulder room than the second-most-spacious Mustang. Farther from the windshield, it's slightly windier with the top down, but top-up visibility is superb. Top-up trunk space (13.1 cubic feet) bests the class, though there's little room with the top down. Also, raising the decklid qualifies as strength training. Nice try -- Chrome flourishes, VW-esque interior details, and a lustier 3.6-liter breathe new life into a car whose best attribute is its roomy rear seat. Of course, it isn't easy reinforcing a big, open cabin, and the 200's floorpan and seats are set a-quiver on uneven pavement, flexing enough to dislodge the wind-blocker from its mounts in some maneuvers (like frame-twisting driveways and the all-important rental-car handbrake-turn test). That tight-fitting, quiet hard top takes 30 seconds to raise and lower. "I could get mugged three times waiting for the top to go up in a bad neighborhood," opined associate editor Mike Febbo. But it's the car's driving dynamics that really let it down, as senior editor Jonny Lieberman notes. "It has the worst ride and the worst handling, and the steering is a mess. It's initially too slow, and then once past a certain point it speeds up too much and the car feels like it's falling over on itself." Buyers can do a lot better, but renters looking to slow down and enjoy the view with four adults onboard may be best served by this big softie. 3RD PLACE: FORD MUSTANG This car is the real-world winner as the most popular rental convertible of our time, and with good reason: It's great-looking; its controls are intuitive enough to master while rolling off the rental lot; and its softtop raises and lowers stoplight-quick (12.8 seconds down, 11.1 up -- fastest of this foursome), although you have to manually fasten two header latches, and our shortest driver had difficulty reaching the right one without getting out of her seat. Best of all, the top doesn't consume any of the 9.6 cubic feet of trunk space, so the top-down fun can start right at the airport. Mustangs have felt a lot of love around here lately, especially since their new DOHC engines arrived on the scene, so this was the heavy favorite going in. Carrying the fewest pounds per horsepower (11.9) helped the Mustang win the drag race with a quarter-mile time of 14.8 seconds at 95.3 mph (just 2 seconds off the 5.0-liter GT convertible's time). It posted strong numbers on the figure-eight course too, but when storming up Independence Pass, our vacationing critics all panned the 'Stang's chassis control. Jonny: "The suspension feels lazy, the ride is sloppy, and you just don't get that sense of woo-hoo! you get from other Mustangs." Mike: "Where is the Mustang that won me over earlier this year? I don't feel like I'm trading V-8 power for V-6 handling." LOOKING SHARP -- The Mustang's interior boasts the most bucketed seats and the only sunvisors in the group that swivel out and extend. We longed for the V-6 Performance or Brembo packages, but they're not available on the less structurally rigid convertibles. Another fun-robbing feature is the automatic transmission's D-3-2-1 shifter. "Why is it that you can get a manual mode on an F-150 or Edge Sport, but not in a freakin' Mustang?" asks Allyson. The Mustang's iconic appeal accounts for its perennial popularity, and it will inspire you to compose vacation photos around it as if it were a portable landmark. But at $37,220 as equipped for our drive with the Pony appearance package and navigation (at $2340, a Garmin or Hertz Neverlost makes more sense), the value proposition seems off, making us wonder: Is the base car the sweetest deal? 2ND PLACE: VOLKSWAGEN EOS Behold the best convertible in this test, and possibly on planet Earth. Just a bit less complex than the space shuttle, this retractable hardtop is the only such device to offer a huge sunroof with shade. It even operates quicker than the Chrysler's top--24.7 seconds down and 28.0 up. "Crazy cool engineering--Michael Bay should be so ambitious with transforming metal," says Lieberman. The windshield header's pop-up wind deflector reduces buffeting with the sunroof open and works like Mercedes-Benz's AirCap to dramatically reduce the wind that otherwise buffets the rear-seat riders when the top's down. Pop in the standard rear wind-blocker (it'll surely be missing from rental-fleet cars) with this screen up, and this is the calmest front-seat compartment in the test by a long shot. It's also the least windy rear seat, but adult legs will press hard against the front seats. Windows can be operated individually or by a single auto-up-down button. The passenger seat slides forward for rear access and it returns to the set position, plus there's a trunk pass-through for long items. CLOSE, but no cigar -- The turbo four is slower to spool at altitude, then delivers full punch. Adults with thighs won't be seeing those rear cupholders. The little VW also undercuts its competition in weight by 128-614 pounds, so its little 2.0-liter direct-injected turbo four-banger and twin-clutch transmission (with the shortest, most closely spaced gearing) have no trouble keeping up with the pack--or jumping ahead at high altitude, once the boost builds. Its V-tex vinyl interior managed to feel posh and fancier than the others despite wearing the lowest as-tested price (at $34,765 this IS the Eos you'll rent if you find one, and it's the one we'd buy--the higher trim grades get navigation, leather, and walnut trim we could do without). So how did it finish second? Despite the competent turbo performance, lightweight agility and strong value, it was perceived as lacking soul. The Loverman says, "My issue is that besides the crafty roof, this VW just doesn't do anything to make me scream for joy. I like driving it, but once I'm out of the Eos, I'm not thinking about it." Febbo concurs, "This car is so easy to like, but I don't think I would love it." And there was one car we all loved. 1ST PLACE: CHEVROLET CAMARO RS 45TH ANN. Talk about your Cinderella stories--Camaros have been whipping boys in every recent comparison, and this 2012 model is only mildly updated. The V-6 makes 11 more horsepower (now 323); a spoiler and Bluetooth come standard; and the interior gets more legible graphics and the Volt's steering wheel. Our test car's 45th Anniversary trim brought stripes, and the RS/SS' 20-inch wheel/tire package. Is that really all it took? Notorious Camaro critic Lieberman was shocked to discover "the Camaro has the best ride, handling, steering, and power. It's also the best-looking, and it has no trouble transitioning from canyon carver to classic cruising convertible. Plus it aced my handbrake test, so, winner!" Harwood praised its best-in-test chassis rigidity, confident cornering, and the paddle-shifted, sport-moded tranny's ability to make the most of the V-6's diminished power at altitude, but found the seat cushion too long and opined, "This is a manly man's manly convertible." Manly Mike agreed, and recommended dealers provide tall owners "a four years' supply of baseball hats, because they're going to be blowing off all the time" due to the low windshield header. BLACK BEAUTY -- The iPod-white interior panels coordinate nicely with the red, white, and blue seat stitching by day, and glow blue-green at night. Our black beauty trailed the Mustang by a scant tenth at the dragstrip, but its meaty tires delivered the shortest stop (111 feet from 60 mph), the best lateral grip (0.90 g) and the quickest figure-eight lap (27.0 seconds at 0.66 g). Convertible attributes like the single central twist-latch, quick operation (14.5 seconds down, 18.4 up), and easily fitted standard tonneau cover drew praise (our Mustang lacked Ford's fussy $160 tonneau). Sitting down so low makes it hard to hang an arm out, but reduces wind buffeting with the top down. Visibility is atrocious with the top up, but a standard rearview camera should prevent catastrophes. Oh, and adults in the rear seat on long drives will likely mutiny. The perfect rental convertible would blend the 200's space with the Eos' top and fuel economy, the Mustang's ubiquitous availability, and the Camaro's drivetrain, rigidity, and chassis poise. Until the Chinese knock off such a chimera, we recommend wheedling, cajoling, and bribing your rental agent for a Camaro. DO YOU REALLY NEED INSURANCE? You've snagged a killer rate for your rental ragtop, the kids are itching to get some wind in their hair, and then the desk agent pops the question: "You want insurance?" These line items--the loss or collision-damage waiver (CDW), liability and personal accident insurance, and personal effects coverage--threaten to double your deeply discounted daily rate. Do you need it? Ask yourself: Do you have car insurance? YES -- Call your insurance agent and ask these fine-print questions: 1. What conditions are excluded from my coverage: Renting in a foreign country or within my hometown? Business trips? Rentals longer than two weeks? Cars worth more than mine? Trucks? Accidents on unpaved roads? 2. Am I covered for vehicle theft? 3. Will the policy cover "loss of use" fees ($25-$90/day) for the days the rental car is out of service? (Some insurers demand vehicle utilization logs from the rental company, which the companies often refuse to provide.) 4.How about "diminished value" claims? (Previously wrecked rentals are worth less.) NO -- Buy the $18-$27/day CDW and the $7-$14/day liability coverage, but ask about exclusions and decline the supplemental medical and property coverage (both typically under $5/day) if you have health insurance and home owner/renter coverage. OR: 1. Consider a non-owners' liability policy providing $500,000 to $1 million coverage for $200-$500 per year if you're a car-less urban dweller who rents frequently. 2. Purchase third-party collision damage in advance for as little as $9/day covering $35,000 worth of damage and all loss-of-use charges for rentals at least 50 miles from home in the U.S. or abroad (excluding Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, and Mexico). Will you pay with a Diners Club card? YES -- You have full primary coverage, meaning they pay everything so your car insurance premiums (probably) won't go up. NO -- Some American Express cards provide the coverage above; the rest offer it for $24.95 per rental--NOT PER DAY (but you must pay before picking up the rental car). Any coverage from other cards is secondary, meaning it pays (most of) what your car insurance policy doesn't. Call your credit card's customer service line and ask all the same questions above, and then hurry to file a claim if you have a wreck -- credit cards often have a 45-day window of coverage. Online discount dot-coms AGENCY Convertibles Offered Agency Site Kayak Priceline CarRentals Alamo Chrysler Sebring/200, Ford Mustang, Saab 9-3* Volvo C70*, VW Beetle* $71 $78 $78 $78 Avis Ford Mustang, Chevy Camaro, Mini Cooper,* Jeep Wrangler* $77 $90 $89 $89 Budget Ford Mustang $71 $78 $78 $78 Dollar Ford Mustang $70 $70 $70 $70 Enterprise Chrysler Sebring/200 Ford Mustang, Saab 9-3*, Volvo C70* VW Beetle* $74 $74 $73 - E-Z Rent-a-car Ford Mustang $64 $64 - - Hertz Mustang, Camaro, Eclipse Spyder, Beetle/Eos, Solara, C70,* Miata,* Corvette,* 350Z,* Wrangler* $73 $95 - - National Chrysler Sebring/200, Ford Mustang, Saab 9-3*, Volvo C70*, VW Beetle* $89 $89 $89 $89 Payless Chrysler Sebring/200 $52 $52 $52 - Thrifty Ford Mustang $68 $68 $68 $68 We sought out the lowest basic daily rates for a weeklong rental in Orlando, Florida (where nearly all rental agencies stock ragtops), with no optional coverage or equipment, assuming a driver older than 25 years. Note that the agency site rates reflect the discount for paying in part or in full at the time of booking. Hotwire.com quotes a rate of $73 but doesn't divulge the agency until booking, and Expedia.com only shows the $52 Payless rate. *Limited availability, select locations 2012 Chevrolet Camaro RS 45th Anniversary 2011 Chrysler 200 Limited DRIVETRAIN LAYOUT DRIVETRAIN LAYOUT Front engine, RWD Front engine, FWD ENGINE TYPE 60-deg V-6, aluminum block/heads 60-deg V-6, aluminum block/heads VALVETRAIN DOHC, 4 valves/cyl DOHC, 4 valves/cyl DISPLACEMENT 217.5 cu in/3564cc 220.0 cu in/3605cc COMPRESSION RATIO 11.3:1 10.2:1 POWER (SAE NET) 323 hp @ 6800 rpm 283 hp @ 6400 rpm TORQUE (SAE NET) 278 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm 260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm REDLINE 7000 rpm 6400 rpm WEIGHT TO POWER 12.7 lb/hp 14.5 lb/hp TRANSMISSION 6-speed automatic 6-speed automatic AXLE/FINAL-DRIVE RATIO 3.27:1/2.19:1 3.16:1/2.07:1 SUSPENSION, FRONT; REAR Struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar; multilink, coil springs, anti-roll bar Struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar; multilink, coil springs, anti-roll bar STEERING RATIO 16.1:1 16.7:1 TURNS LOCK-TO-LOCK 2.6 2.9 BRAKES, F;R 12.6-in vented disc; 12.4-in vented disc, ABS 11.5-in vented; 10.3-in disc, ABS WHEELS, F;R 8.0 x 20-in; 9.0 x 20-in, cast aluminum 7.0 x 18-in, cast aluminum TIRES, F;R 245/45ZR20 103Y; 275/40ZR20 106Y Pirelli Pzero 225/50R18 94T Goodyear Eagle LS2 DIMENSIONS WHEELBASE 112.3 in 108.9 in TRACK, F/R 63.7/63.7 in 61.7/62.7 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 190.4 x 75.5 x 54.7 in 194.8 x 72.5 x 57.8 in TURNING CIRCLE 37.7 ft 37.7 ft CURB WEIGHT 4105 lb 4097 lb WEIGHT DIST, F/R 50/50% 57/43% SEATING CAPACITY 4 4 HEADROOM, F/R 37.8/35.7 in 39.0/36.6 in LEGROOM, F/R 42.4/30.0 in 42.4/33.5 in SHOULDER ROOM, F/R 56.8/42.4 in 56.4/48.5 in CARGO VOL, TOP UP/DN 10.2/7.9 cu ft 13.1/6.6 cu ft TEST DATA ACCELERATION TO MPH 0-30 2.3 sec 2.7 sec 0-40 3.4 3.9 0-50 5 5.3 0-60 6.6 7.2 0-70 8.4 9.2 0-80 10.8 12.2 0-90 13.6 15.3 0-100 16.6 18.9 PASSING, 45-65 MPH 3.3 3.6 QUARTER MILE 14.9 sec @ 94.7 mph 15.5 sec @ 90.5 mph BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 111 ft 124 ft LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.90 g (avg) 0.81 g (avg) MT FIGURE EIGHT 27.0 sec @ 0.66 g (avg) 28.0 sec @ 0.59 g (avg) TOP-GEAR REVS @ 60 MPH 1800 rpm 1700 rpm CONSUMER INFO BASE PRICE $36,375 $32,190 PRICE AS TESTED $37,710 $35,555 TRUE CAR TRUEVALUE PRICE** $36,950 $34,210 STABILITY/TRACTION CONTROL Yes/yes Yes/yes AIRBAGS Dual front, front side/head Dual front, front side/head BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 mi 3 yrs/36,000 mi POWERTRAIN WARRANTY 5 yrs/100,000 mi 5 yrs/100,000 mi ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE 5 yrs/100,000 mi 3 yrs/36,000 mi FUEL CAPACITY 18.8 gal 16.9 gal EPA CITY/HWY ECON 18/29 mpg 19/29 mpg ENERGY CONS, CITY/HWY 187/116 kW-hrs/100 mi 177/116 kW-hrs/100 mi CO2 EMISSIONS 0.89 lb/mi 0.86 lb/mi MT FUEL ECONOMY 21.2 mpg 20.7 mpg RECOMMENDED FUEL Unleaded regular Unleaded regular *Rented Mustang test car had 17-in wheels/tires. Pricing reflects the photo/drive car's 8.0 x 18-in wheels and 235/50ZR18 Pirelli PZero Nero tires. 2012 Ford Mustang 2012 Volkswagen Eos 2.0 TSI DRIVETRAIN LAYOUT DRIVETRAIN LAYOUT Front engine, RWD Front engine, FWD ENGINE TYPE 60-deg V-6, aluminum block/heads Turbocharged I-4, iron block/aluminum head VALVETRAIN DOHC, 4 valves/cyl DOHC, 4 valves/cyl DISPLACEMENT 227.4 cu in/3726 cc 121.1 cu in/1984 cc COMPRESSION RATIO 10.5:1 10.3:1 POWER (SAE NET) 305 hp @ 6500 rpm 200 hp @ 5100 rpm TORQUE (SAE NET) 280 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm 207 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm REDLINE 7000 rpm 6000 rpm WEIGHT TO POWER 11.9 lb/hp 17.5 lb/hp TRANSMISSION 6-speed automatic 6-speed twin-clutch auto. AXLE/FINAL-DRIVE RATIO 3.31:1/2.28:1 4.06:1(1-4), 3.14:1(5,6,R)/2.39:1 SUSPENSION, FRONT; REAR Struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar; live axle, coil springs, anti-roll bar Struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar; multilink, coil springs, anti-roll bar STEERING RATIO 15.7:1 15.8:1 TURNS LOCK-TO-LOCK 3 3 BRAKES, F;R 12.4-in vented disc; 11.8-in vented disc, ABS 12.3-in vented disc; 10.6-in disc, ABS WHEELS, F;R 7.0 x 17-in, cast aluminum* 7.5 x 17-in, cast aluminum TIRES, F;R 215/65R17 98T M+S Michelin Energy Saver A/S* 235/45R17 97H Continental ContiSportContact M+S DIMENSIONS WHEELBASE 107.1 in 101.5 in TRACK, F/R 62.3/62.9 in 60.8/61.1 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 188.1 x 73.9 x 56.8 in 174.1 x 70.5 x 56.8 in TURNING CIRCLE 33.4 ft 35.8 ft CURB WEIGHT 3619 lb 3491 lb WEIGHT DIST, F/R 52/48% 57/43% SEATING CAPACITY 4 4 HEADROOM, F/R 38.8/36.5 in 37.5/35.8 in LEGROOM, F/R 42.4/29.8 in 41.7/32.5 in SHOULDER ROOM, F/R 55.3/45.0 in 54.7/41.5 in CARGO VOL, TOP UP/DN 9.6 cu ft 10.5/6.6 cu ft TEST DATA ACCELERATION TO MPH 0-30 2.4 sec 2.5 sec 0-40 3.4 3.5 0-50 4.9 4.9 0-60 6.5 6.5 0-70 8.3 8.6 0-80 10.1 11 0-90 13.1 14 0-100 16.3 17.8 PASSING, 45-65 MPH 3.3 3.3 QUARTER MILE 14.8 sec @ 95.3 mph 15.1 sec @ 92.9 mph BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 124 ft 127 ft LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.83 g (avg) 0.83 g (avg) MT FIGURE EIGHT 27.1 sec @ 0.64 g (avg) 27.3 sec @ 0.62 g (avg) TOP-GEAR REVS @ 60 MPH 1450 rpm 1950 rpm CONSUMER INFO BASE PRICE $27,995 $34,765 PRICE AS TESTED $37,220* $34,765 TRUE CAR TRUEVALUE PRICE** $34,119 $33,305 STABILITY/TRACTION CONTROL Yes/yes Yes/yes AIRBAGS Dual front, front side/head Dual front, front side, front head BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 mi 3 yrs/36,000 mi POWERTRAIN WARRANTY 5 yrs/60,000 mi 5 yrs/60,000 mi ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE 5 yrs/60,000 mi 3 yrs/36,000 mi FUEL CAPACITY 16.0 gal 14.5 gal EPA CITY/HWY ECON 19/30 mpg 22/30 mpg ENERGY CONS, CITY/HWY 177/112 kW-hrs/100 mi 153/112 kW-hrs/100 mi CO2 EMISSIONS 0.85 lb/mi 0.78 lb/mi MT FUEL ECONOMY 21.5 mpg 23.1 mpg RECOMMENDED FUEL Unleaded regular Unleaded premium *Rented Mustang test car had 17-in wheels/tires. Pricing reflects the photo/drive car's 8.0 x 18-in wheels and 235/50ZR18 Pirelli PZero Nero tires. | 9 | 797 | autos |
From the best straighten-up strategies to the right way to wash windows, we share our favorite advice for keeping your house in tip-top shape. Sweep steps Most household dirt 75 to 80 percent is tracked in from outside. Keep it outside by regularly sweeping driveways, porches, sidewalks, and garage doors. Then, add a doormat to both the inside and the outside of the door. Clean door mats Vacuum or shake entryway rugs and mats when you clean the rest of the house and wash them once a month. Remove shoes Keep grit and scuff marks at bay by asking family members and guests to remove their shoes when coming into the house. Keep a basket of slippers by the door for guests to borrow. Umbrella stand Place an umbrella stand near the door to keep wet umbrellas from dripping all over the house. Clean paw Use a towel to wipe down pets paws and coats when coming in from muddy weather. Kitchen fan Use your exhaust fan in the kitchen. Smoke and grease are sticky magnets for dirt and dust. Save wood floors Protect the wood floors under your wooden rockers by placing masking tape or painter's tape on the bottom of each rocker. Plan to clean Understand the three levels of clean. Level One: Tasks that must be done every day or several times a week; Level Two: Tasks that must be done weekly or monthly; and Level Three: Tasks that must be done once or twice a year. Specific chores Make a detailed task list. Don't just say "clean the bedroom" is today the day to change the sheet? Dust under the bed? Clutter free Do it all, no matter whatever you decide to clean, even if it's only a cluttered desk. Cleaning one thing halfway, and another halfway, means nothing gets completely cleaned, and you never get the satisfaction of seeing the job done right. Work in the light Try to vacuum when the natural light in the room is at or near its best. You'll do a better job and won't have to come back for touch-ups. Listen to music Put on the radio or some music while you clean. Music will boost your energy and make you more productive. Find time Clean during television commercials for every hour of television, you'll gain 20 minutes of cleaning time. Dust knick knacks Try using compressed air to dust those impossible to clean items. It blows away dust on dried flowers, candles, intricate vases, figurines, and carved wood pieces. Clean lampshades Use a padded lint brush to dust fabric lampshades. Book care A clean, dry paintbrush will whisk away dust from the pages of a book. Dust-free fabric Vacuum your couch and upholstered chairs regularly, even if they don't look like they need it. When invisible dirt and dust are left on the surface of the fabric, people sit on it and grind the particles deep into the weave of the fabric. Over time, this builds up and becomes noticeable, and by the time it does, it's too late to vacuum. Nightly chores Do one last thing at night, no matter how tired you are. Whether it's emptying the dishwasher or just wiping the bathroom sink and faucets, it will be one less thing to do tomorrow. Fresh bathroom For natural and continuous air-freshening, douse cotton balls with your favorite fragrant oil and stick one or two in corners and in the medicine cabinet. After-bath clean up Clean the bathroom after your shower or bath, when the steam has loosened the dirt. Bright tiles Rub your ceramic tiles with car wax, let stand for ten minutes, then buff them as you would for your car. They'll gleam! Clean shower curtains Wash the shower curtains whether you have fabric, plastic or vinyl curtains, throw them in the washing machine to remove all the soap scum, shampoo, and mildew. Wash grout Mildew in the grouting between tiles looks like dirt, ranging from gray to black. Eliminating it may not be as difficult as you think. Try the easiest way first fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and apply directly to the affected grout, wait ten minutes, then rinse. If this doesn't do the trick, dip a clean toothbrush directly into the vinegar and scrub gently. The grout should come clean with surprisingly little effort. Dirty faucets To get cloudy faucets gleaming, first wipe the faucets, then swab with vinegar. Soak a cloth or paper towel with vinegar and wrap it around the faucet. After an hour, remove the wrappings and give the fixtures a final rub with a fresh towel. Regular maintenance Prevent soap scum and residue from building up on shower doors by getting into the habit of rinsing and wiping them down after each shower. Natural cleaning products Use lemon oil to remove soap scum on shower doors. Once they are clean, use the oil once a week to prevent build-up. Bathroom ventilation Prevent mildew in the bathroom with good ventilation. Run the bathroom fan to dry the tub and shower completely after use, and draw the shower curtain closed to prevent mildew from getting a toehold in moist, damp folds. Washing the tub and tiles with a disinfectant cleanser, then rinsing and drying thoroughly, will also help keep mildew at bay. Clean air If your windows always seem dirty, make sure you aren't inadvertently blowing dust back into the air. Check the filters in your heating and air conditioning systems, and make sure your registers and vents are clean. Wash away from sunlight Bright sunlight causes glass to dry quickly, which promoted streaking. Choose a cloudy day to wash windows, or do it late in the day, when direct sunlight no longer strikes the glass. Wash tops first Clean and dry a one-inch strip at the top of each window first; starting a squeegee on a thoroughly dry surface will prevent drips. Streak-free windows Use vertical strokes on one side of the glass and horizontal strokes on the other. If there are any streaks after cleaning, you'll know which side they're on by the direction of the streak. Homemade cleaner For a quick and easy homemade window cleaner, combine one-third cup water with one-third cup rubbing alcohol and add one teaspoon vinegar. Wipe smudges If smudge marks develop between washings, try spot cleaning. Finger and paw prints may come off simply by swiping with a clean chalkboard eraser. Window frames Discolorations on aluminum window frames are caused by oxidation. Keep them from forming by washing and drying the frames thoroughly, and then applying car wax to the frames. Dust blinds The fastest and most effective way to dust blinds is to put on a pair of inexpensive soft cotton gloves, give them a shot of dusting spray, and glide your fingers over the slats. Adjust blinds Get into the habit of adjusting shades and blinds to moderate your home's energy. In cold winter months, lowering shades and blinds as soon as the sun sets provides an extra barrier of protection against the cold. Use curtains Curtains also help control indoor climate. Bright, light-colored fabrics reflect sunlight and encourage air flow. In cold climates, heavy drapes absorb cold air that lingers around windows, You may want to consider having two sets of window treatments, and changing them with the seasons. If this isn't practical, simply making curtain liners of heavy fabric and threading the on an expansion rod which can easily be popped in and out of the window, will go a long way to saving energy in the winter. | 4 | 798 | lifestyle |
It's all in the details! Give your big day an added touch of whimsy with these creative ideas for table assignments and place cards. Animal instincts To place guests at their Kentucky wedding, this couple spray-painted plastic horses gold, drilled a small hole in each, and inserted wires to secure the cards. They set the steeds atop sod; the bride's mother made the white fence that surrounds the corral. Hatch a prettier seating plan A carrier pigeon, clad in a vintage-postcard print could there be a wittier way to convey your wedding's pecking order? We fell for the concept upon spying it in Clare Youngs's Book Art (Cico, $21.95). Then we simplified the process for you: Just print our placecard art onto 8½"W x 11"L card stock, cut out, and fold in half as directed. To equip each pigeon with a message, write a guest's name on a 5/16"W x 6"L strip of paper and curl the ends by wrapping them around a pencil. Then loop the strip around the bird's front leg before perching him atop a plate. DIY décor Honey jar labels double as table assignments for this rural New York wedding. Sophie Purdy, a beekeeper and farmer, harvested the honey from her five beehives. Floral settings A smattering of bud vases instead of one huge arrangement hold table-number flags at this Kentucky wedding. Sweet settings At this New Hampshire wedding, maple syrup bottles double as place cards and wedding favors. Tricked-out setting Personalized, hand-wrapped boxes served as place cards and added a touch of color to the simple table setting at this Oregon wedding. Simple and rustic A place card attached to a pear and a hand-picked fern frond add a burst of green to an otherwise plain-colored table setting. Chic placements A little hand bag fashionably displays a guest's name at an alfresco wedding dinner. | 4 | 799 | lifestyle |
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