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Jada Pinkett Smith -- "Everything falls into place" On a fiercely bright Los Angeles morning, Jada Pinkett Smith arrives for a photo shoot obviously exhausted; she'd worked until 2 A.M. shooting her new TNT series HawthorRNe. Wearing jeans, a sweatshirt, and a naked face, she's gorgeous and so radiant, despite being dog-tired, that she's a big presence. (But physically teensy: "I have to eat more than I'm comfortable with just to stay visible!" she says, laughing). Pinkett Smith excuses herself and disappears into a hair-and-makeup room. Less than half an hour later, she emerges, lit with energy. "I didn't want my sleep deprivation to jump on anybody else," she says. "So I took a moment to close my eyes, touch the center, rest, and be still. And I got rejuvenated! When I'm tired, or there's chaos around me, I go to the center. Sometimes I do a little hum. It's a comfort, like being in the rocking chair of the soul. It keeps me sane and connected." In HawthoRNe, Pinkett Smith stars as a hospital head nurse who's as compassionate as she is commanding. Those adjectives apply equally well to the actress; so do "sane" and "connected." A desire to stay that way inspired Pinkett Smith's return to television 16 years after she glided from the hit show A Different World into movies (more than 20, including Ali and the Matrix franchise). Having a regular, if grueling, schedule at least part of the year lets her focus on family -- her husband of nearly 12 years, the Oscar-nominated actor Will Smith; their kids Jaden, 11, and Willow, 8; and Trey, 16, her "bonus son" from Will's first marriage. That doesn't mean she's giving up acting in movies, or being a producer (of HawthoRNe and The Secret Life of Bees ), writer-director ( The Human Contract , out on DVD), or philanthropist (the Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation has given more than $1 million to educational and religious charities). But she has back-burnered her heavy metal band, Wicked Wisdom; touring's too hard now that Jaden and Willow have film careers of their own (most notably in The Pursuit of Happyness and KitKittredge: An American Girl, respectively). "I'm a woman who does a lot of things, but I'll put it all aside to be present with my family," she says. "Once you know what your priorities are, it's all so much easier. Everything falls into place." The best thing about being in my 30s: Really being able to embrace my womanliness, and understanding that compassion is where the power lies. Because of my background, I had to be tough and take on a lot of masculine energy for protection. When I got into my 30s, I started to become more receptive. I think it had a lot to do with becoming a wife and mother. I realized, Whoa, wait a minute, I'm a girl -- I don't have to fight like that! I have more comfort in my skin and in the world than I did in my 20s. At that age, you're looking for the dude to take care of you, or your mom. In your 30s, you start to connect with your own internal power. Once I decided to take care of myself, then everything else that was supposed to fall in place did. I've surprised myself by.... becoming a lot more mellow. I'm still a firecracker; I don't think that will ever change. But I have a lot more inner peace, and I'm a lot more patient. I've learned to shut up -- to know when something is worth a debate and when it's not. Lack of confidence is what makes you want to change somebody else's mind. When you know you're OK, you don't need to convince anyone else in order to empower yourself. I've stopped obsessing about... my body. I was gym-crazy! My stomach had to be hard, my arms had to be cut. I still work out, but now I tell Will, "I like that my body's getting softer." It goes with the internal changes. How my faith has changed: I've always been connected; I'm just focused on that connection more. I don't think I did any prayer in my 20s, to be honest, whereas now it's part of my daily routine. It's an absolute must. My top priority 10 years ago: Me! In my 20s I couldn't see anything besides what I wanted. My top priority now: Family is number one. I figure out how I can give them what they need, and in turn be given the time to do what I want. For instance, when I was considering the TV show, I sat my kids down and said, "There's a project that Mommy wants to do. It's going to be three months, and there might be days that I'm not going to be here when you wake up or when you go to bed. But then I might have two days off, and you can have Mommy all to yourself." And their response was, "Oh, yeah, that's cool, Ma!" Willow said, "When you come home late, will you just come in my bedroom and give me a kiss?" The whole family is spending the summer in China, where Jaden's shooting a remake of The Karate Kid. I was going to be in the film with him, but I decided that when he's working, he needs Mommy — just Mommy, who gives the apples with the peanut butter. My unbreakable mom rule: Respect. My kids are extremely respectful. You might not have to go to bed at a certain time, but do not talk crooked to anybody! Always treat people the way you want to be treated. My guilty pleasure: Pizza and french fries! I call it happy food. The ideal family day: I love just being at home. We'll go outside on the trampoline or the swing, take a nature walk, bake -- 7-Up cake, red velvet cake, chocolate chip cookies. I love to bake --that's the only thing I do. I don't cook at all. I can't. My mother didn't cook; my grandmother couldn't cook a lick! The ideal day with pals: I've started putting Sundays aside for my friends. That's the weakest area of my life — friendships; between family and work, I don't have a lot of time. But Sundays I get up at 7 A.M. and go on hikes with my girlfriends. Last week we went to see X-Men Origins: Wolverine together after the hike. That was fun. And I took my husband out on a date that night, after the day with my friends. My husband and I always make time for: Sex! Always. No matter how busy we are. And if I told you the places! You would not even believe! It's crazy the risks that we take. But that's what keeps it so much fun. I never thought that I'd be married to anybody, and I surely never thought I'd be married to anybody as long as I've been married to him. And I plan on being married to him for the rest of my life. It's been eye-opening how much the connection between my husband and me has deepened. Trisha Yearwood -- "I'm learning to find joy every day" One of the best things about country singer Trisha Yearwood's recipe for success? Plenty of butter. It figures abundantly and unapologetically in her best-selling 2008 cookbook, Georgia Cooking in an Oklahoma Kitchen . A collaboration with her mother, Gwen, and her older sister, Beth, the book features family stories that reveal Yearwood's literary flair; her text is as tasty as the down-home dishes. A sequel is due out next Mother's Day. Other key ingredients (besides, of course, three Grammys, nine number one songs, 19 Top Ten singles, and 12 hit albums that together have sold more than 10 million copies) include a hands-on commitment to good works (plenty of check-writing, too, of course, but she relishes swinging a hammer with Habitat for Humanity); a newfound sense of balance between personal and professional pursuits, and a deeply happy home life. In 2005, Yearwood married fellow country music star Garth Brooks, who proposed onstage in front of 7,000 fans. They met in Nashville more than 20 years ago, but didn't connect as a couple until each had left an unhappy marriage, Trisha for the second time. The couple live in Oklahoma, where Garth settled after retiring from touring to be a full-time dad to daughters Taylor, 17, August, 15, and Allie, 13. Yearwood has stopped touring, too, but she still makes hit albums, most recently 2007's Heaven, Heartache, and the Power of Love ; she's about to go back into the studio to record an album. On a recent visit to New York City, Yearwood talked about family, feeling fabulous in her 40s, and her special bond with this magazine. "My mom never subscribed to anything else," Yearwood told us. "She credits a Good Housekeeping article for the early detection and lifesaving treatment of her cancer. She read about a woman with cancer who had very few symptoms, but her hair was falling out. My mom's hair was thinning, so that sparked her. She hadn't been to a doctor in years, and she went for a checkup. It turned out she had Stage III uterine cancer. She's great now; she's been healthy for over 10 years." The best thing about being in my 40s: You become instantly wiser and funnier and sexier. That's what I'd say at my shows to younger women in the crowd after I turned 40. I like the balance in my life now. Balance comes when you're with the person you're supposed to be with and doing what you're supposed to be doing. I wouldn't say I should have been more balanced in my 20s or 30s; it's because of my early dedication to career that I now have the luxury of focusing on making every soccer game and being a bonus mom. Jada Pinkett Smith gave me that term. We were at an event together and she heard me say that I hate the word "stepmother" because it conjures up Cinderella and all these bad things. She came up to me and said, "Bonus mom. That's what you are." I love that. I also sometimes say that I'm the stunt mom. The best thing about being a "bonus mom": That the bonus children are great. These girls are smart and funny, and they've been really sweet to me. Garth and Sandy [his ex-wife and the girls' mom] have made it easy for me to become a part of the family. Garth gave me good advice: He said just be who you are, and you'll earn it day by day with the girls. And I believe that I have. What I'd tell my younger self: I spent a lot of time, especially in my 20s, stressing about my weight. I'm not huge; I'm in an industry where people are tiny, and I'm kind of more representative of real people. But I would love to go back and say to my younger self, "You waste so much time worrying about things that don't matter. Nobody ever said you're not going to get a record deal or a Grammy if you don't lose 20 pounds." I got to do everything that I've ever wanted to do and beyond. So it wasn't about that for anybody else except for me. How I stay in shape now: I do Pilates five days a week. It's really changed my life. I've weighed less, but I'm in better shape than I've ever been in. I did 125 sit-ups this morning. It doesn't get any easier. But I feel strong. And I've got ankles for the first time ever! My favorite way to start the day: Garth and I really had to adjust to the waking up in the morning thing. I'm kind of laid-back and quiet, easing into the day with a cup of coffee (or two or three) and a book. Garth is Mr. Energy — instantly awake. He's like a puppy: "Want to get up? Huh? Want to get up and play?" We have really compromised: He lets me have a cup of coffee, and I don't make him wait three hours before we leave the house and go do something. How "Gartha Stewart" contributes to the cookbooks: My husband takes my recipes and mans them up. He likes real hearty things. There's a recipe in the new book that we made up together; I call it Cowboy Lasagna. He loves lasagna, but he wanted it to have more stuff in it. And he took my country quiche and said, "Let's put tortellini in it." It was a really good variation. He's the one who taught me that the recipe is just a guideline; you can go, "Well, what would I like in this?" That's how new recipes are born. The ideal family day: We're more likely to pop popcorn and watch a movie at home than go out. The girls want to go do things with their friends, but they're also still at an age where they like spending time with us. Garth and I like to hike; the girls will come, but they'd rather be listening to their iPods. There are two gals I've especially bonded with in Oklahoma; our kids play soccer together and like each other. So they'll come over with their husbands and we'll grill out, and the kids will watch Twilight for the 10,000th time. It's fun! The perfect romantic getaway: Because Garth and I spent most of our time on the road before we got married, vacation for us is not going anywhere. We have the girls every other day -- so every other night is date night. We watch some movies, but enjoy just getting to hang out. Cooking together is very romantic. We've even been in the car, dressed up to go some nice place for dinner and to a movie, and we'll get out on the highway and go, "Can't we just go home and make a pizza and play Nintendo?" And we do! How I pick myself up when I'm feeling down: I do something for someone else. I've learned that when I'm micro-stressing over something that doesn't really matter, or feeling sorry for myself, I should get out there and do something that benefits others, like the fund-raising walks for the Susan G. Komen breast cancer foundation that I've done with my sister. Being an artist, it's really easy to be self-centered, because your career is all about you. So it's been a real challenge for me to learn how to make it not just be about me. I think falling in love with a man who mattered more to me than me was big. A man with children — that definitely forced me to take the focus off me. My beauty regimen: I'm a soap-and-water girl. I use one witch hazel pad, right after I get out of the shower, and then Oil of Olay. That's it. If you can't buy it at Walgreens, I don't use it. What I'll be doing when I turn 50: Garth and I have talked about doing one more tour together once the girls are grown and we're not too old to get off the bus. And I'd love to do a Broadway show, but it's going to have to be when Garth can move to New York for a year and hang out with me. What tested my faith: When I lost my dad -- it was the day after my 41st birthday -- that was one of those big moments for me. It's easy to say that God knows best, and that you trust everything to God -- until something really bad happens to you. And then it's harder to say, "I trust." But ultimately I got there, because I need to believe that my father is in heaven, and that he's watching over me. And so I would say that my faith is probably stronger than ever. My goal for the 40s and beyond: In midlife you get to a place where you say, "This isn't going to last forever, so you're going to have to just learn to find joy every day." And I'm really focusing on that. I'm glad Garth's not sitting here -- he'd be saying [in the vocal equivalent of a skeptical raised eyebrow], "Joy every day? Really?" I'm trying! Meredith Vieira: "I feel ageless" Halfway through the morning broadcast, Meredith Vieira dashes into the lobby of NBC's Studio 1A from the crowded Rockefeller Center plaza where she and the rest of the Today show team have been greeting fans. She stops to review her notes on the next guest, a hybrid-car expert, while a producer briefs her about schedule changes. It's been three years since Today 's cohost landed what she calls the best job in the world, and although she hasn't entirely come to terms with rising at 2:30 A.M., she thrives on the pace, the variety, and, especially, the company of her colleagues. "They're amazing," she says. "They always have your back." Speeding to their own next segments, her teammates stop, unbidden, to give testimonials. "Can I say something about Meredith?" offers news anchor Ann Curry. "She's one of the most generous people I know." Cohost Matt Lauer wants in. "Let me tell you about Meredith," he volunteers. "She's a pain in the ass. Her head is already so big we have to open both doors to get her out of here." The easy, teasing camaraderie the two share may be partly attributable to Vieira's having grown up with three brothers, the youngest child of a physician and full-time mom in East Providence, RI. Family has always come first for Vieira, most publicly in 1991, when she left her prestigious job as a correspondent on 60 Minutes. "Steve Kroft and I started at the same time in 1989," she explains. "The deal was that for the first two years, we'd each do 10 stories, then move up to the regular load of 20 stories a season. Then I got pregnant in 1990, and I said, 'There's no way I'll get the 20 stories in, because I'll be taking a six-month maternity leave.' The executive producer, Don Hewitt, made it clear that I would have to get the 20 stories done, and that's when I left." During the nine years she was a cohost of The View, she won fans for being unflappable, good-natured, sometimes goofy, and always incisive --and for sharing the ups and downs of life with her husband of 23 years, writer Richard Cohen, and kids Ben, 20, Gabe, 18, and Lily, 16. (She jokes that she left The View because the children didn't want her talking about them on the air anymore). She's spoken candidly about how the family copes with Cohen's multiple sclerosis, which has affected his vision and mobility. "I think living with a parent who has a disability has given our kids an empathy they might not have had," she says. Out on the plaza again, Vieira judges a talent show, poses for photos, hugs guest Jane Krakowski from 30 Rock, and shakes many hands (the team presses so much flesh that a giant Purell dispenser is mounted on the studio door). Before she speeds back inside for her next studio segment, she pats the shoulder of a gangly teenage fan, who sighs to his mom, "Meredith touched me." Us, too. The best thing about being in my 50s: Watching my children grow up to be wonderful young adults. Also, I think with each decade, you get a little bit more comfortable in your skin. You don't sweat the small stuff the way you might have before. I've surprised myself by... starting something new. I've realized that even though I'm scared of it, change is a good thing -- no matter how old you are. You can try new things at a time when a lot of people are saying it's risky at your age. My husband teases me about... overpreparing at work. I did on The View, too. Richard would say, "I don't understand what you're preparing for; you're doing a piece about organizing a closet!" I prepare for the closet as much as I do when it's Obama! I'm better than I was, but I still have some issues there. The challenges of being in my 50s: It's easy to start feeling bad about yourself when you're bombarded by images of youth. But I refuse to live that way. What is age, anyhow? I'm not sure that it has much meaning. I sort of feel ageless — not really a number. I think there's a child in all of us, and that's what we all need to remember. The worst advice I ever got: Someone tried to get me to renew a contract by saying, "You'll never get another job in the business because of your age." And I already knew I had an offer from someone else. That was the nastiest advice I ever got: "Settle, because you won't find anything else." Don't ever settle! The best advice I ever got: When I was in my 20s and my boss told me that I didn't have what it took, my dad said, "Do you believe that you have what it takes? Then don't worry about what other people think." The ideal family day: For me, it's puttering around the house. There are a million little chores, and I enjoy them all. Having everybody there, hanging out and just talking, laughing, playing games like tennis or chess — simple things. Probably more than anything, I love being home. My skin-care regimen: It's one-stop skin-care from head to toe. I alternate between Neutrogena Rainbath and Origins Gloomaway Grapefruit body wash. I get samples of fancy face creams sent to my office all the time, and no matter which one I apply at night, I still look like a 55-year-old woman in the morning! My gym routine: I always exercised in the morning, but now my day starts at 2:30 A.M. and I can barely drag my butt out of bed, much less do leg squats. So I get to the gym when I can and the rest of the time I jog or take long walks with Jasper the dog. How I pick myself up when I'm feeling down: I usually walk or jog. I'm most comfortable in the outdoors. I like solitude; I need to feel small, to just be part of nature. It's very peaceful. I guess it's my kind of religion, in a way, or spirituality. My trick for balancing family and work: I don't have one. Except maybe: Occasionally you drop a ball; that's what juggling's about. And it's OK. Don't feel bad about it or beat yourself up. My husband and I always make time for: Each other, every day. That's really important. Richard will call me from another part of the house and say, "Can I buy you a drink?" And we'll sit and have a glass of wine or a cup of coffee. Our commitment gets deeper and deeper. We're facing the next stage of our lives, and I'm really looking forward to it. It's not that I want the kids out of the house, but I'm looking forward to doing things with Richard. We'd love to travel a bit, or just take a walk — all of those things. How I'm handling the almost-empty nest: Last year, when we took my older son, Ben, to college in California, I cried the whole flight home. We called a few days later, and he was so happy! I said to Richard, "Why am I crying?" And he said, "That's right! You shouldn't be, because we did our job." It's the roots-and-wings approach to child rearing -- you give them roots, but you've also got to give them the wings to go. Richard said, "He's a happy, healthy young adult, and he wants to fly. We should be celebrating." I think we had a glass of wine. Ever since then, I've been generally OK. This fall we'll be taking Gabe out to college, and as excited as I am for him, there's a sadness in me. Because even though you've done the right thing, it's bittersweet, always. How my kids would describe me: I was feeling bummed out on Mother's Day because Gabe was leaving, and I went off on a walk. Lily sent me an e-mail: "Just want you to know you're a great mom." That was so sweet! I think all my kids would say that. And I can't ask for anything more. That's been my goal. But they'd also say... that I'm a little nuts. And that sometimes I embarrass them because I'm silly. I'll be walking along and start singing. I kind of do that with the hope of embarrassing them. Who'd play me in the movie of my life: Lucille Ball. She was a comedian, but she could be very serious, too. She's kind of kooky and fun. And that's what I try to be. | 4 | 800 | lifestyle |
The American Society of Landscape Architects recently released the results of its 2014 Residential Landscape Architecture Trends Survey. Landscape architects who specialize in residential design across the country were asked to rate the expected popularity of a variety of residential outdoor design elements for the upcoming year. No shocker: The findings showed that people are looking for low-maintenance design suited for entertaining and relaxing. Here s a look at some of the specific outdoor living features and design elements that respondents rated as the most in-demand for 2014. 1. Lighting 2. Seating and dining areas 3. Native plants 4. Landscaped gardens 5. Outdoor recreation amenities, including pools 6. Installed seating 7. Vegetable and fruit gardens 8. Grills 9. Outdoor kitchens 10. Fire pits | 4 | 801 | lifestyle |
The cool thing about the cozy ski-lodge look of this Colorado living room? You can copy it, wherever you are, for less. Designer tips: 1. "Beige is timeless, but it can be boring without color alongside it," says Ellie Cullman, the New York based designer who revamped this house (she's also the coauthor of The Detailed Interior). "Rich accents, like throw pillows and curtains, give the room personality." 2. "Hang curtains as high as possible" to fake extra-tall ceilings they'll make the room appear larger, Cullman says. 3. "I'm a fan of handwoven rugs because I love their irregular texture, but you'll get that same look with a sisal rug at a fraction of the cost," she says. 4. Cullman used leftover green fabric from the curtain trim to make pillows. So smart! 5. This kind of space is meant to have fun in, so leave out games like Parcheesi or checkers. They'll instantly relax people. Ski lodge home decor "I love leather," Cullman says. "It's the only material that looks better with age." Leather sofa, starts at $2,383; sofasandsectionals.com. Ski lodge home decor A spindly lamp has a delicate, handmade charm. Lamp, $79.99; target.com. Ski lodge home decor "Candy looks like art, and it's fun, too," says Cullman. Canisters, $49.95 for 3; williams-sonoma.com. Ski lodge home decor Extend the rugged vibe to the ceiling with a statement-making fixture. Iron chandelier, $499; potterybarn.com. Ski lodge home decor Every family room needs a soft blanket for snuggling. Throw, $34; overstock.com. Ski lodge home decor "A trunk or bench is so useful because it serves as both a coffee table and a place to stash stuff," Cullman says. Storage bench, $69.99; ikea-usa.com. Ski lodge home decor Let a fabric inspire your decor. Cullman fell in love with a plaid club chair and designed around it: "Its colors are referenced in the pillows and curtains." Allegra chair in Cinnamon, $689; la-z-boy.com. Ski lodge home decor Pretty pillows liven up everything. From left: Geometry pillow, $45; fermlivingshop.com. Rust pillow, $90; burkedecor.com (20% off all pillows with code BURKEBOOK). Jute trim pillow, $29.95; pier1.com. | 4 | 802 | lifestyle |
As part of the 2014 Brides Best Honeymoon awards, we're counting down the best places for newlyweds to stay in the Mainland U.S. From luxe resorts in the Napa Valley to hotel oases in the Sedona Desert, you're guaranteed a memorable stay no matter which resort you choose. 1. Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, California From villas on stilts to suites with wildflower-carpeted roofs, every room feels as much a part of the landscape as the redwoods that surround it do. No wonder Anne Hathaway got hitched here. 2. Auberge du Soleil, Napa Valley, California When you're done with a day of wine tasting in the vineyards, come home to this posh hillside retreat to sip a little more. (The Michelin-starred restaurant's wine list is among the most robust in Napa.) Bonus: The property has serious eco cred food is composted, the pool is purified with an ozone system, and lights are rigged for maximum efficiency. 3. Amangiri, Canyon Point, Utah Set among the bluffs and canyons of southwest Utah, this 34-room hotel is literally one with its surroundings. Buildings and rooms are the color of the earth, a natural rocky promontory juts into the pool, and spa treatments are inspired by the Navajo dedication to Hozho beauty, harmony, balance and health. Mother Nature never looked so good. 4. Little Palm Island Resort and Spa, Little Torch Key, Florida To get from your sumptuous bungalow to the white sand beach that stretches in front of the restaurant, you could take the seashell paths that run this five-and-a-half-acre private island. Or you could kayak through the surrounding mangroves, past blue herons and egrets. Worked up a sweat? Take a dip in the pool, or rinse off in your outdoor shower. Seriously sexy. 5. Calistoga Ranch, an Auberge Resort, Napa Valley, California When you're honeymooning in a town known for its healing mineral waters, it's practically mandatory to do at least one mud bath. But there are other ways that this haute resort, tucked deep in canyon lush with grape vines and oak trees, works hard to dissolve your wedding stress. Take a wine-blending class or painting class, hit the hiking and jogging trails, or just sip chardonnay on your private cedar deck before bedding down in 500-thread-count sheets. 6. Enchantment Resort, Sedona, Arizona The desert landscape is the draw here, so don't be surprised when you notice that the blues, taupes, and rust tones of your casita match the colors of the sky, earth, and red rocks outside. With the canyons and vortexes (energy centers) of Sedona to explore, hiking is a must. Good thing your aching muscles have access to Mii amo, consistently ranked among the best destination spas anywhere. 7. Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara, California Like much of Santa Barbara, the Four Seasons was built in Spanish-colonial style the perfect choice for a resort set on the coast of the American Riviera. Take a stroll on Butterfly Beach, practice your synchronized swimming moves in the heated pool (music is streamed underwater), and breath in the smell of jasmine as hummingbirds hover overhead. It won't be long before you come down with your own case of California love. 8. Montage Laguna Beach, California Laguna Beach has been the artistic heart of California since the 1900s. Reflecting that legacy, plein air paintings by California artists are on display throughout the 248-room Craftsman-style oasis. Also on view: the Pacific surf, both from your balcony and the beach below. 9. Amangani, Jackson Hole, Wyoming If there's a chicer place to ski and be seen, we haven't seen it. In winter, steam rises from the heated outdoor pool, making your après-snowboarding views of the snow-peaked Grand Tetons that much more mysterious. In summer, sign up for one of the resort's safaris, so you can spy on the area's flora and fauna, including moose, bison, and bald eagles. No wonder they call it the Wild West. 10. The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, Colorado Sprawling across 3,000 acres, this 95-year-old lakeside grand dame is a Rocky Mountain legend. When you're not outside mountain biking, hiking, swimming, rafting, or fly-fishing, you'll be inside knocking down pins in the bowling alley, browsing the 26 shops, or doing the couples-massage thing in the 90,000 square foot spa. | 4 | 803 | lifestyle |
It's all in the details! From small side tables to personalized wall decor, give any room a fresh look with these simple home projects. Butterfly cloches Capture a Victorian cabinet-of-curiosities vibe minus all the hunting and gathering -- with faux butterflies. To create the vignette shown here, we applied a technique featured in the book Design*Sponge at Home to a graceful glass dome ($125; jaysonhomeandgarden.com). Using a serrated knife, cut a one-inch thick circle piece of Styrofoam into a five-inch circle. Next, cut a nine-inch circle from black velvet. Pull the fabric over the Styrofoam until taut and affix underneath with straight pins. Using our photo as a guide, cut pieces of 22-guage wire to various heights that fit within the dome. Place a dot of superglue on one wire end before sliding it into a butterfly's body; hold in place until dry. Repeat for each butterfly. Finally, insert the wires into the Styrofoam base, then top with the glass. DIY at your doorstep: 'Photo op' pillows Think outside the frame! These petite custom cushions rely on printer-friendly fabric to turn your cherished family photos into keep-forever decor.Get all the materials you need to make these memorable pillows from our all-new line of craft kits, DIY at Your Doorstep » Papier-mâché bowls Upcycle shredded paper into a set of gilded decorative bowls. First, choose a bowl (or multiple different-size bowls) to use as a mold. For each container you plan to create, follow these steps:Step 1: Tightly cover the outside of your bowl with plastic wrap, securing it on the inside with painter's tape, and turn upside down. In another bowl, mix equal parts Elmer's white school glue and water. Dip shredded paper into the mixture, evenly coating each piece; then lay the strips atop the plastic-wrapped bowl so they overlap, until the bowl's exterior is completely covered. Let dry for three hours.Step 2: Flip the bowl right side up and trim away any excess paper along the rim with scissors. Then, loosen and separate your paper bowl from the plastic-wrapped bowl.Step 3: Paint the interior of your paper bowl with white acrylic paint and let it dry for one hour; then paint the exterior and let it dry for an hour.Step 4: Cover the outside of your paper bowl with wax paper, securing it to the bowl's outer rim with painter's tape. Next, apply gold leaf to the bowl's interior using our Artisans Collection Holiday Gilding Kit ($24.99; caromalcolours.com). Follow the package instructions, and let set overnight.Step 5: Apply neutral-toned Liberon Wax to the interior of the bowl with a soft cloth ($16.99 for 150 ml; caromalcolours.com). Allow the wax to set for an hour, then gently buff to a shine with a clean soft cloth. Finally, remove the tape and wax paper, and display a few treasures in your lustrous vessel. Patterned-paper clock Patterned paper is all you need to overhaul a wall clock (for similar, DecoMates, $34.99; 11 3/4" diam.; amazon.com). This man-in-the-moon clip art is free from thegraphicsfairy.com -- just download, resize as necessary, and print. We also put wallpaper samples to work (gray birds, $7; 21" square; trustworth.com. Blue floral, $9; 11"W x 27"L; growhousegrow.com). Use a screwdriver to pop off the clock's backing and battery, then lift out the face. Gently remove the hands, nut, and washer with pliers. Set aside all parts, noting their order for reassembly. Trace the shape of the clock face onto your wallpaper or printed art, then cut out the circle. Center the paper atop the face, patterned side facing out, and secure with double-sided tape. Use a T-pin to poke a hole through the paper for the clock hands; reassemble all parts and hang. Photo-slide night-light Designer Heather Wells of brightlights-littlecity.com turned us on to this brilliant idea for repurposing antique glass photo slides -- readily available for $6 to $10 on eBay. Just apply a thin layer of E6000 adhesive to the center of the slide's back bottom edge, then adhere it to the flat side of a mounting bracket for a standard night-light (adhesive, $7.99 for 3.7 oz.; amazon.com. Night-light base, $2.85; mounting bracket, 60 cents; nationalartcraft.com). Let dry overnight before clipping the mounting bracket onto the night-light base. And if you'd rather make your own photograph into a night-light? Wells's new DIY kits, $30 at anotherdiamondday.etsy.com, include all the info and materials to construct one. Embroidery-hoop photo frames Jessica Marquez gives black-and-whites extra charisma in this idea from her book, Stitched Gifts ($19.95; Chronicle).Step 1: For each of your prints, select an embroidery hoop that's slightly larger than the photo: a seven-inch-diameter hoop for a 3x5; a nine-inch-diameter hoop for a 4x6 (for similar hoops, from $2.09 for 7" diam.; createforless.com).Step 2: Cut a square of pale-hued fabric (Marquez used linen) that's two inches larger than your hoop's diameter; cut a same-size square of fabric stabilizer (Pellon Stitch-N-Tear, $7.99; 12" x 10-yard roll; nancysnotions.com). Stack the fabric atop the stabilizer, then center and mount both in the hoop.Step 3: Center your photo atop the mounted fabric and secure in place with small pieces of Scotch tape along all four sides. Working 1/8 inch out from the photo, use a ruler and a water-soluble marker (Dritz marking pen, $4.99; joann.com) to draw a 1/2-inch-by-1/2-inch "L" shape around each corner.Step 4: Using black satin thread, and working from the ends of each "L" to its corner, stitch from side to side, within the lines, to create a triangle. Take care not to sew through your photo.Step 5: Remove the tape. If any pen marks are visible, wipe them away with a damp cotton swab. Trim any excess fabric at the back of the hoop. Repeat to make a wall's worth of memories. String-art trophies Begin by painting a blank basswood plaque with two coats of semigloss, allowing one hour of drying time between coats (from left: Valspar paint in Schooner, Mystified, and Montpelier Wedgewood, $2.98 for 8 oz.; lowes.com). Let dry overnight.Step 1: Download our rabbit, horse, or steer template, resizing as necessary to fit your plaque (from left: 12"W x 16"H, $12.99; 9"W x 12"H, $8.99; 13¾"W x 18"H, $15.99; woodcrafter.com). Print and cut out.Step 2: Center the shape on your plaque and tape it down. Following the marks indicated on the template, hammer 3/4-inch brass nails 1/4 inch deep into the plaque (you'll need between 50 and 80 nails for each animal); then tear away the paper.Step 3: Double-knot the loose end of a spool of 0.035-inch waxed cord ($5.97 for 210 feet; mainethread.com) to the bottommost nail. Working clockwise, stretch the cord to the next nail, loop around once, and pull taut; repeat for all nails to form the animal's outline. After you return to the initial nail, continue stretching and looping, working across and diagonally at random points, to fill the outlined shape. Once you are satisfied with your critter, tie a double knot to the nearest nail and cut the cord. How to make a paintbrush vase Blogger Camilla Fabbri gives 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. Paint-stick lampshade Transform a basic shade with paint sticks. Those hardware-store stirrers can do more than just blend semigloss. Instead, use them to ring any cylindrical shade that's up to 14 inches tall.Step 1: Measure the circumference of your shade to determine how many paint sticks you'll need. Each one is approximately 1"W, so for our 40"-circumference lampshade, we used 40 sticks.Step 2: String up a length of twine with a drop cloth underneath. Dunk the unnotched end of one stick into a can of semigloss paint (we used Benjamin Moore's Cedar Grove). Secure the unpainted end to the twine with a clothespin. Repeat with remaining sticks, varying the heights of the paint lines. Let dry for four hours.Step 3: Place your lampshade upside down on a flat surface. Apply a line of hot glue along the length of one stick's back side, and adhere it to the lampshade, placing the notched handle end flush against the top edge (the ends of the sticks may extend past your shade's bottom edge). Repeat with remaining sticks, placing them side by side until the lampshade is covered. Finally, flip it over and position your shade on a pendant- or table-lamp base to really brighten a room.YOU HAVE: Plain cylindrical lampshade (if you don't have one, try the White Swag Style Plug-In Chandelier, $99.99, lampsplus.com) Twine Drop cloth Clothespins Hot glueYOU'LL NEED: 40 stir sticks, 14" ($0.37, amazon.com) Semigloss paint, 16 oz. ($6.99, benjaminmoore.com) Cross-stitch wall art Swap a needle and thread for a brush and paint to re-create this oversize riff on an embroidered rose, by Dutch artist Eline Pellinkhof. Don't worry: You won't have to freehand it. Pellinkhof sells the basic cross-stitch stencil for $20 at bypetra.nl. And we've adapted her painting guide -- divided into 16 sections, each the same size as the stencil -- to make things even easier.Step 1: Using a pencil, mark the spot on your wall where you'd like to center the design. Draw two 54-inch lines -- one vertical and one horizontal -- that intersect with the mark at their midpoints. (These are the blue lines noted on our guide.)Step 2: We recommend numbering and lettering the stencil's edges with a Sharpie, as indicated here. To replicate section I on the guide, align the stencil so that its right side is flush against the uppermost portion of your vertical line. Attach the stencil to your wall with painter's tape and use a pencil to lightly trace crosses in each box where paint is called for; then pencil in the corresponding initials for each box's paint color in the center of the cross.Step 3: Move the stencil to the other sections indicated by our guide and continue lightly marking crosses and initials.Step 4: Working one color at a time, and using a ¼-inch flat brush, paint all crosses in the corresponding shade indicated by our key. Let paint dry for 24 hours, then carefully erase any visible pencil lines. Flameless candle decals All you need to turn battery-operated pillars into the very epitome of a bright idea: our free filament-bulb illustrations and waterslide decal paper ($5.95 for 3 8½"W x 11"L sheets; amazon.com). Download the images of your choice and resize them, as necessary, to fit your candles.Print each image onto a sheet of decal paper and cut out. Following the package instructions for the paper, transfer the image to your candle; let set for 30 minutes. Apply a coat of protective sealant (Krylon Crystal Clear Acrylic Spray, $6.61 for 6 oz.; amazon.com), and allow five minutes of drying time before flicking the candle on. Lampshade-frame cocktail tables This project, featured in Juliette Goggin and Stacy Sirk's book Junk Genius ($29.95; Cico), offers a smart way to upcycle cast-off lampshades -- usually no more than $10 to $20 apiece at flea markets.Step 1: Using scissors or an X-Acto knife, remove and discard all the fabric from your lampshade.Step 2: Working in a well-ventilated area, apply two coats of white spray paint to the frame, allowing 30 minutes of drying time after each coat (Rust-Oleum All-Surface aerosol paint, $6.98 for 12 oz.; homedepot.com).Step 3: Have a professional cut safety glass sized to either the same diameter as your frame's bottom or up to four inches wider; this typically costs from $50 to $70 for an 18- to 24-inch diameter piece. Apply a layer of strong-bonding clear epoxyalong the top edge of the lampshade frame, following package instructions (Beacon's Glass, Metal & More glue,$6.19 for 2 oz.; amazon.com). Carefully center the glass atop the frame. Let dry for 24 hours before resting anything atop your repurposed masterpiece. Mini domes 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. 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. Recycled-sweater sham To make this sham, you'll need an 18-inch square pillow insert and a large sweater, cut into two 19-inch squares. Sew the right sides of the wool together along the edges, leaving the bottom open. Turn right side out and insert the pillow form, then stitch the bottom closed. For the flower, cover a two-inch circle of card stock with a piece of a thin sweater; hot-glue to the circle's back. Next, fold a 3- by 20-inch strip of another sweater in half lengthwise. Glue the edges together, then sew a running stitch down the strip lengthwise along the glued seam. Once you've stitched the entire length, pull the thread to gather the fabric and knot. Hot-glue the gathered edge in a circle to the back of the card stock, then hot-glue a pin-back in the center and affix to the pillow.See more recycled-sweater crafts » Clothespin table To adorn an apron-sided table, determine how many clothespins you'll need to trim each side. Then paint the table and pins. When dry, apply hot glue to the entire back side of each pin; hold vertically against the apron, with the closed end facing down, until a bond forms. Glue the next pin directly beside the first; continue this process until the space is filled. Repeat on the other three sides, then allow the table to dry for one hour. Ruler table runner Follow the steps below to do a number on a drab drop cloth ($10.98 for 6'W × 9'L; homedepot.com for stores).Step 1: Cut a strip from the drop cloth that measures 14¼"W × 8'1¼"L; press it to iron out any wrinkles. To hem all four edges: Turn each under ⅝"; press, then stitch in place using a ½-inch seam allowance. The fabric strip should now measure 13"W × 96"L.Step 2: Working on one of the strip's long sides and starting at a short end, use a ruler and a pencil to measure and mark one inch at a time; continue until you reach the other end. Repeat on the opposite side of the strip. Next, using your ruler and our photo as a guide, draw a line at each mark, varying the line lengths. At each 16th mark, draw a line that crosses the entire strip. Trace over the lines using a black fabric marker ($2.99; createforless.com), which dries almost instantly.Step 3: Just left of each line that crosses the strip, and working in numerical order, center a six-inch-high number stencil ($14.62 for set; stencilsonline.com). Affix with stencil adhesive ($4.65 for 4.4 ounces; misterart.com).Step 4: Using a foam stencil brush, fill in the stencil with fabric paint ($2.19 for 1 ounce; createforless.com) . Let dry about four hours. Remove stencils; if needed, touch up the numbers with a paintbrush. To clean the runner, wash by hand and hang dry. Paper quilt "Stitch" up a colorful paper quilt -- no sewing necessary! Inspired by a post on lindaandharriett.blogspot.com, this playful take on a folk-art staple offers a smart way to repurpose scraps of paper. (We used open stock: from 99 cents per 12-inch-square sheet; michaels.com for stores.) Select four different patterned papers; cut 20 two-inch squares from three of them and 21 two-inch squares from the fourth (the extra square will serve as the center of your quilt). Following our pattern template, adhere the squares to an 18-inch-square illustration board using a glue stick. Then, pop the quilt in a frame to show off your handiwork (similar 20-inch-square frame, $47.82; salinepictureframe.com). Paint-by-number side table Measure the surface you want to cover, and mark those dimensions atop the desired section of your painting. Score the marked lines with a craft knife, then cut along the scored marks with sharp scissors. Secure the image to your object's surface with a strong adhesive, like Magna-Tac 809 ($6.98 for eight ounces; mjtrim.com), and let dry for an hour. Protect the image with two coats of Plaid Clear Acrylic Matte Sealer ($3.93 for six ounces; sears.com), allowing 15 minutes of drying time after each coat. Table: For most tabletops, you'll need to use a larger than average painting.See more paint-by-number craft projects » Wall decals For a delicate stenciled effect on a wall, stylist Paul Lowe took a digital snapshot of a Royal Copenhagen Blue Fluted Mega plate. After enlarging the pattern by several hundred percent, he printed the designs on standard printer paper and cut them out. To determine the best arrangement, he first taped the patterns to the wall with tiny pieces of tape. Then he applied wallpaper paste to the backs of the designs and attached them to the wall. Decorative plates Antique-shop plates can decorate a wall when embellished with word decals, spelling out a favorite quotation. | 4 | 804 | lifestyle |
Enchanting autumn arrangements can be crafted with items from your yard, a farm stand, even the supermarket. Autumn Harvest: Wreath Come autumn, the garden may seem to be winding down. Nevertheless, wherever you live, this can be the perfect time for harvesting things to display inside your home. Contributing editors Richard Kollath and Edward McCann enjoy the fall in New York's Hudson River Valley, where an abundance of natural elements inspired the simple yet stunning ideas in this slideshow. With minimal preparation, you can complete each of these projects in under an hour, integrating some of your favorite bowls, platters, or containers from the garden shed. Create this wreath on a square wreath base or a picture frame; tie the end of a spool of waxed floral wire to the base, then use an overhand. Autumn Harvest: Gourds Create a still life pumpkin centerpiece worthy of a Flemish master by arranging squash and pumpkins on a table or sideboard; as with any fresh produce, reject those with bruises or nicks that will hasten their demise. Brush or wash off loose soil, allow to air-dry, then make your own edible cornucopia. Autumn Harvest: Pumpkin Display Display winter squash under glass cloches. You may have a jack-o'-lantern on the porch, but these beauties from the Great Pumpkin Patch in Arthur, Illinois, take the Cucurbita to new heights, especially when elevated on cake stands, a nod to their eventual conversion to a holiday treat. Presentation: Showcase your autumn harvest under a trio of elegant glass cloches. Find a variety of choices at secretgardenflowers.com. Make It Sparkle: Get your glass to shine by cleaning with white vinegar and newspaper, or use a lint-free cloth with a streak-free cleaner such as Glass Plus. Vary Height: For a vertical display, invert the cloche to add the squash, then cover the opening with a plate or cake stand and turn it right side up. Party Favors: Tiny pumpkins make ideal placeholders for a holiday event; simply write the guest's name on the pumpkin with a permanent marker. Autumn Harvest: Pumpkin Chandelier This Ivy Planter Chandelier from Aidan Gray Home has a rustic finish and lends a French country feel to a room. Establish a focal point with a realistic-but-lightweight artificial pumpkin from Funkins. A faux crow from Seasons of Cannon Falls, bittersweet vine, and ivory tapers complete the effect. Note: Bittersweet berries can be toxic; avoid them where food is served. Autumn Harvest: Dough Riser An Antique Dough Riser is the foundation for this lush centerpiece of autumn-hued pillar candles and a variety of tiny gourds, squash, cones, and pods. Adapt this idea to any shallow box or tray you may currently have. Oak leaves, acorns, and moss can be collected during an afternoon forest walk or from a trip to the local craft store. A long, low centerpiece such as this looks as pleasing on an entry table or sideboard as it does on the dining table. It's also great for parties since it doesn't obscure seated guests' views or obstruct the passing of food. Autumn Harvest: Tabletop Conservatory Terrarium A tabletop conservatory terrarium filled with potted plants makes a statement on an entrance table; the faux crow adds a note of whimsy. Note: Keep terrariums out of direct sunlight to prevent overheating and a buildup of excess condensation. Warning: Protect wood surfaces from moisture; display potted plants and pumpkins on trays, plates, or platters. Keep combustible items such as dried leaves and grasses far from heat sources. And, of course, never leave a burning candle unattended. | 4 | 805 | lifestyle |
Update your front yard or backyard design with shrubbery, gardens, walkways, and more. Garden courtyard Framed by wisteria, a Grecian- style planter holds a tangle of geraniums and sweet-potato vines outside of this Rhode Island home. Pretty path 'Tardiva' and 'Annabelle' hydrangeas, 'Diana' Rose of Sharon hibiscus, and Hosta plantaginea line the walkway behind this Martha's Vineyard home. Sweeping views 'Karley Rose' grass highlights a view of the pool and vineyard in the backyard of this California home. Into the woods A limestone path, lined with wild daisies, leads to this Kentucky cabin. Plant coral honeysuckle Throughout this perennial's long bloom time, from mid-June through September, its trumpet-shaped blossoms can perfume your entire garden. Coral honeysuckle will twine around anything in its path, scaling a 10- to 15-foot trellis in a single season, and attract hummingbirds as well. A quiet corner Clematis and confederate jasmine climb a brick wall adjoining this Alabama house's back patio. Backyard walkway The owner of this California home renovated her gardens with help from Oakland landscape designer Tod Rimrodt, who cleaned up the overgrown perennial beds and refreshed gravel paths that connect the landscape's many nooks and crannies. Covered addition Oak-leaf hydrangeas and lady's mantle bloom in front of the sugar shack in the backyard of this Ohio farmhouse, while wisteria vines punctuate the building's reclaimed windows. Going on green 'Blushing Bride' hydrangeas and 'Morning Light' ornamental grasses soften the path to the guesthouse in the backyard of this California farmhouse. An elegant entrance A very vigorous clematis, Sweet autumn clematis (Clematis terniflora) doesn't just grow tall (up to 30 feet in a few months); it also grows wide, ensuring full coverage. Consider its tiny white flowers, which bloom in late summer and early fall, a bonus. Oh, and did we mention that the plant tolerates most soil and sun conditions? Plus: More fast-climbing vines for your garden » Smell the roses This homeowner of this Birmingham home covered an arbor in 'New Dawn' roses. The walls of the home are covered in jasmine, clematis, and ivy. The view from inside To maximize the scene from their upstairs windows, which overlooks this arbor, the homeowners of this Hudson, New York, home planted a trumpet vine at each of the structure's six posts. Garden arbor The homeowner of this Connecticut cottage built a fence close to the pool for intimacy, added evergreens for year-round structure, and varied the garden palette with complementary colors. A green entrance Instead of a lawn, the homeowner of this Canadian cottage filled his front yard with a variety of plants. A gently winding gravel footpath leads visitors through the garden to the door of a whimsical and practical straw bale home. Stone walkway This 19th-century Italianate villa features a generous helping of lighthearted touches in the garden, like this walkway, to soften the stern edges and loosen up any lingering pomp. The homeowner planted allium for its simple geometry. Room with a view In the garden of this Philadelphia home, the outdoor "room with a view" is canopied by a trumpet vine, golden hops, and rose-bowered pergola, with concrete pavers laid down checkerboard style. Pedestrian plants In this Rhode Island garden, a variety called 'Green Sheen' surrounds the path to an office. The outcome? A no-maintenance, evergreen ground cover that shines year-round and complements the sage woodwork of the 18th-century fanlight and door. Garden path Lush ornamentals and edibles were planted between the straight lines of paths in this Ohio garden, which artfully bind yard to house. Clipped boxwood and arborvitae, and a century-old stone lion, carved by an Ohio folk artist, define open-air rooms. White phlox and daisies bloom by the picket-fenced vegetable patch. Geometric garden Flowers are sprinkled throughout this Connecticut garden, from the bold prelude a moody row of rose and clematis arbors to herb beds anchored in 'Fairy' rose standards rising above fragrant heliotrope. The homeowner also devoted ample space for purple basil beside sweet, jalapeno, and paprika peppers. Secret garden With a structure to grow on, plants in this New York garden can create living walls that offer privacy and seclusion. Here, a cedar arbor boasts a dense covering of roses that forms a natural "roof," while a boxwood shrub anchors the base of each column. The result is an intimate seating area that can be used for relaxing or dining. A painterly path The passageway in this garden looks straight out of a storybook and re-creating it requires almost no effort. In fact, the first step is simply letting an area grow wild. (If your plot's bare, ryegrass seed will take care of the problem, fast.) Once the grass reaches great heights, plow a trail through it with a riding mower or weedwacker. From then on, a push mower can keep up appearances. And don't worry about weed control or water; perfection's not the point. Plus: See more ways to make over your lawn » Think outside the boxwood Instead of the usual prim suspects boxwood, privet, holly the designer of this Rhode Island garden composed the hedge with tall, breezy grasses. A seven-foot-tall maiden grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus'), along with several smaller stands of dwarf fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln'), creates a sense of enclosure that has a fluid, almost musical effect. | 4 | 806 | lifestyle |
People who can host a get-together on the fly don't possess magical powers, just a well-stocked pantry and bar. Keep this stuff on hand and you can throw a party anytime. Down-home drinks and snacks Serve 'em some bourbon, let them munch on cheese sticks and pickled okra, and deal up some Texas Hold'em. Way fun.1. Such cute glasses! Mason jar tumbler set, $48 for 12 jars, lids, and straws; poketo.com.2. Carolina cheddar cheese straws, $21.95 for 20 oz; southernseason.com.3. Rick's Picks Smokra pickled okra, $9.99; rickspicks.com.4. Sparkling juice, $5.99 for 4 bottles; izze.com for stores.5. Antiqued zinc bucket, $12; jamaligarden.com.6. Blue calico paper plates, $6 for 8; paperstyle.com.7. Toot Sweet spotty small paper napkins, $5.50 for 20; merimeri.com.8. Rowan's Creek bourbon, about $35 for 750 ml; kentuckybourbonwhisky.com for stores.9. Add this mix and some fresh-squeezed lemon juice to sparkling water for awesome bubbly lemonade. Sonoma Syrup Co. lemon lime syrup, $10.95; surlatable.com.10. Mason jar drink dispenser, $69; potterybarn.com.11. Polka-dot playing cards, $20.95; zazzle.com.Lynchburg Lemonade : Fill a tumbler with ice. Pour in 8 oz sparkling lemonade, 2 oz bourbon, ½ oz triple sec, and ½ oz fresh lime juice. Garnish with a lemon slice and a maraschino cherry. Serves 1. (You can also use this ratio to make a big batch for your guests.)More on MSN Living: 13 party clean-up tips from the pros Fiesta in five Fact: Nothing makes people happier than a pitcher of margaritas and a bottomless bowl of salty chips.1. These handmade paper flowers will perk up any old vase. Monica's paper flowers, $3.99 for 6; amols.com.2. Margarita salt mix that's spicy. $7.95; williams-sonoma.com.3. Hang these paper fans from the ceiling or on the back of a door. $7.99 for 6; partycity.com.4. Xochitl Mexican-style chips, $3.99 for 12 oz; salsaxochitl.com for stores.5. REDBOOK editors' favorite salsa! $4 for 16 oz; greenmountaingringo.com for stores.6. Fiesta paper cocktail plates, $7 for 12, and napkins, $6 for 16; beeyondpaper.com.7. Chip and dip tray, $11.99; target.com.8. Artland iris pitcher, $42; macys.com.9. Margarita glasses, $19.99 for 12; bedbathandbeyond.com.10. Margarita mix, $7 for 25.4 oz; stirrings.com.11. Splurge on good tequila so your guests won't wake up with a headache. Ixá silver tequila, about $40 for 750 ml.Fast (but delish) guacamole: In a medium bowl, mash together the flesh of 4 ripe avocados; 1 medium tomato, diced; ½ medium red onion, diced; 1 small jalapeño, seeded, minced; ½ cup cilantro leaves, chopped; 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice, and salt to taste.Bing: DIY fiesta party decorations Classic wine and cheese This party includes all the major food groups: wine, cheese, and salami.1. Raw wood cutting board, $39; westelm.com.2. Let your guests take hunks out of a sharp Pecorino (left) and a soft American beauty, Humboldt Fog. Buy at murrayscheese.com.3. Barolo salami, $56 for 4 links; creminelli.com.4. Olea olives, $5.99 for 12.5 oz; wholefoods.com for stores.5. Wine biscuits, starting at $5.40; americanvintage.com.6. Acrylic stemless tumblers, $11.96 for 4; worldmarket.com.7. Blue paper cocktail napkins, $5 for 20; casparionline.com.8. Wicker string lights, $39.50; potterybarn.com.9. Stick a few of these faux-cork candles in empty wine bottles for ambiance. Cork candles, $9.04 for 4; beau-coup.com.10. Pulltex corkscrew, $9.95; surlatable.com.11. Ceramica paper plates, $6 for 8; paperstyle.com.Italian wines everyone will like: From left: The crisp Principessa Gavia Gavi will replace your usual pinot grigio (about $14; castellobanfi.com for stores). A light red from Piemonte pairs with cheese (Tintero Rosso, about $10; kermitlynch.com for stores). Toast with prosecco! (Ca' Furlan's Cuvée Beatrice, about $8; wine-searcher.com for stores)Video: Open wine bottles as effortlessly as a waiter | 4 | 807 | lifestyle |
Whether you've endlessly daydreamed about your perfect wedding dress or can't pick a dahlia from a daffodil, you are capable of putting together a wedding that reflects your style as a couple just add color and a carefully cultivated design concept. Need help getting started? Wedding style expert Matthew Robbins knows a thing or two about personalizing your big day and making it pop. In his new book, Matthew Robbins: Inspired Weddings, the wedding guru presents a stunning guide for creating the wedding of your dreams and we've convinced him to share his top tips. 1. Find inspiration in your own world "What do you collect, wear, eat? Where do you travel? How do you decorate when hosting a party or freshen up a room?" Robbins suggests you ask yourself personal questions in order to really dig into what makes you happy."If you aren't feeling so in touch with your inner style guru, try pulling out your favorite pieces from the wardrobe, your travel pics or postcards," Robbins says. "Going to that place where you felt your best or did your best will lead to some great inspiration!"Bing: Wedding dress ideas 2. Learn how to edit "The best photo shoots, songs and stories are great because they were carefully and thoughtfully edited," Robbins notes. Streamlining your wedding ideas and inspiration will allow you to recreate that same success on your big day."Doing this," says Robbins, "will no doubt lead to a more beautiful, cohesive vision."Bing: Unique wedding favor ideas 3. Don't fall victim to obvious design trends "Being current is important, but looking timeless is even better. Don't ruin your photos by getting too caught up in overly trendy ideas." 4. Stay true to you! Listen to the advice of your family and friends but try not to stray from your original vision."If you can maintain one thread of genuine and personal inspiration throughout your wedding it will feel authentic and unique," Robbins says. 5. Simplify "Try boiling everything down to a really perfect, concentrated story or inspiration," Robbins says. "Dissect the major design details from a favorite object, allowing it to inform your color palette, mood or overall vision for your wedding." 6. Don't overdo it "Focus on a mood or broad strokes in the design story rather than an obvious theme or anything too specific. You can tell a story without making things obvious." 7. Throw 'perfect' out the window "Remember you will never find an image of exactly what you want your wedding to look like," Robbins says. "I see so many brides and grooms perplexed when they can't find specific images detailing what they want for their event."He goes on to suggest you stop looking so hard and simply create your own:"Consider the images and ideas you might pull together as suggestions rather than literal interpretations of your own design plans." 8. Involve the season "This will infuse your wedding with a sense of time and place without feeling too theme specific." 9. Keep your camera handy "You can find inspiration in museums, gardens, boutiques, antique stores, hardware stores, eclectic neighborhoods the list goes on," Robbins says. "You never know when a great pattern on a dress or a random accessory in a showroom might inspire an entire color palette or décor plan!" 10. Take the pressure off and just breathe "Instead of treating your wedding day as the defining style statement of your life, consider it to be the most wonderful dinner party you have ever hosted! It's better to say one or two things elegantly than trying to say it all." | 4 | 808 | lifestyle |
Make the most of your money with these tips from wedding experts. According to the Brides American Wedding Study, last year the average couple spent $23,883 with an average of 153 guests. Here's the typical breakdown of what they spent and where: Venue, catering & rentals: $11,500 (46%) Photography & videography: $3,420 (14%) Gown, accessories and day-of beauty: $2,438 (10%) Flowers & décor: $1,967 (8%) Ceremony & reception music: $1,747 (7%) Event planner: $1,299 (5%) Invitation suite & paper goods: $806 (3%) Transportation for the couple and guests: $752 (3%) Bridesmaids & groomsmen s gifts: $538 (2%) Wedding cake: $486 (2%) We consulted Annie Lee, top New York wedding planner and founder of Daughter of Design, for her wedding budget tips. From what to book first to cutting some costs, here's your wedding budget creation road map.Video: Unique bridal party gifts Get on the same page as your fiancé about wedding spending. Decide how much of your own funds you want to use, and agree not to go into debt. Ideally, you'd have six months' salary in savings, untouched, for this purpose. If that's a stretch and you want a big party, consider opening a joint wedding savings account and prolonging your engagement so you can stockpile and pay as you go.Video: How to make a wedding budgetBing: Worst wedding gifts ever Draw up a realistic guest list. If you have large families and/or tons of friends, divide it into an A team (musts) and a B team (optionals).Tip: If you're on a tight budget, it's okay not to invite colleagues and to get a little thrifty with your plus-ones.More: The trick to getting through a fight with your partner Ask your parents if they want to pitch in and, if so, how much. Once you've asked both of your parents if they're willing to help, add it all up and you've got your budget. FYI, 75 percent of couples ignore traditional who-pays-for-what rules. A full 36 percent cover the entire bill themselves. Once you have your figure, cut it by 10 percent. This gives you room to go over, which many people do especially for destination weddings. (Studies show that 40 percent of those couples overspend, as do 32 percent of those who marry locally.) Get comfy with math. Your spreadsheet should have three columns: Estimated, Modified, and Actual. Amounts under Estimated will be driven by research, vendor proposals will fill up Modified, and Actual will have your final expenses. Note: You can also consult our handy wedding planning checklist tool to ensure you're not missing one minor cost. Use average percentages to help you allocate your money. Rearrange according to your priorities. (For instance, if you geek out to gold foil and letterpress, up the paper percent.) Then adjust numbers after calling vendors for costs. Ta-da! You've filled in your Estimated column. Make sure the total doesn't exceed your budget and never delete your estimates, so you can always see where you started. Book the venue first. It's the biggest piece of the wedding pie, and it'll help you lock in your guest count, which is a crucial predictor of total budget. (For example, if your venue charges $200 a head, the difference between 200 and 250 guests is $10,000.) Side note: Book vendors like your stationer and florist later, but if you have a dream person, make sure he's available on your date before finalizing the venue. FYI, figure 10 to 20 percent of invitees won't attend, especially if you have guests coming from out of town. Anticipate a higher drop-off for a destination wedding. Book the caterer second. If your wedding will be at a hotel or country club, catering costs will likely be part of the deal, and your per-head costs will fluctuate based on your menu choices. If you're celebrating in a loft or a tent, your caterer will be a separate item and probably the second-biggest number in your spreadsheet. Book everything else. Before signing on the dotted line, always ask, "Have I missed anything? Does this number include everything everything?" If you're hiring a planner, she'll know the drill. If you're on your own, make sure vendors reveal every hidden cost, from cake-cutting and corkage to overtime and freight-elevator fees. If you're not sure, ask a friend who planned a comparable party and may have learned the hard way. FYI, the caterer's service-and-gratuity fee (often called "tax and tip" or "the plus-plus") can add as much as 30 percent to your bill. Ask your caterer to include it in the proposal so you can budget for it from the get-go. Finally, tweak your numbers as you go. In the end it'll all work out! We promise. | 4 | 809 | lifestyle |
About a decade ago, I knew this German guy -- let's call him Jens -- with a clothing business that sold items to people like Alanis Morissette and Anthony Kiedis. He needed a ride to the American Apparel factory in downtown Los Angeles. Once inside, he purchased a trash bag full of imperfect T-shirts for about $4 a shirt. Back at his shop, he cut off the tags and screen printed each shirt with a highly stylized something or other. The one that sticks out in my mind featured an AK-47. The price after Jens and his partner made their alterations? $400 a shirt. It's an age-old problem. How do you increase the price of an item while still selling basically the same old item? One solution is to add style. Meet the automotive equivalent of haute couture -- high fashion, where you're asked to pay top dollar for an item that'll wind up copied and swinging from the $9.99 rack at H&M four months from now. But who cares!? You're now, you're hip, you're cutting edge. And for a week, so were we, at least in terms of new-car design. Please meet our friends, the 2012 Audi A7, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550, and 2011 Jaguar XJ. Mercedes-Benz invented this segment -- the horrifically named "four-door coupe" -- back in 2004 with the original CLS, based off the W211 E-Class platform. The boys at Benz figured out how to sell customers a meal between lunch and dinner. Sure, you're paying $10,000 more for an E-Class in a new suit, but what a sharp suit! So sharp, in fact, that Audi followed in lockstep, crafting its new A7 from the new A6/A8 platform and charging customers about $10,000 more. The Jaguar XJ, on the other hand, usually competes with the larger S-Class and Audi A8. However, we're making the argument that it's just a stretched XF (same engines, transmission, software, chassis). Also, while the XJ is bigger than the Audi or the Mercedes, thanks to a liberal sprinkling of aluminum, it's lighter than either of the Germans. Plus it's in the right price tag ballpark. And let's not forget, this comparison involves style, something the Jaguar has in spades. If these three cars were suits, I'd walk around wearing the Jag. As good-looking as I find the new A7 -- love the hatch -- it simply can't compete with the XJ. The new CLS is better looking than its predecessor, though perhaps a touch more conser-vative. However, I very much like and respect the fact that Mercedes-Benz opted not to cravenly revise the existing model. Instead, it opted to keep the CLS as the tip of its design spear. Lest you should think otherwise, the black CLS550 you see here is previewing the forms of the upcoming SL and S-Class. But come on, now -- Ian Callum's reinterpretation of the big cat is flat-out gorgeous, and the XJ is one of the best-looking big cars ever made. If these three cars were suits, I'd walk around wearing the Jag Speaking of beauty, on what might have been the absolute most beautiful day in recorded history (what, you got a better one?), I set out with my colleagues, editor-at-large Ron Kiino and associate editor Scott Evans, to pound these three across a large driving loop of sweeping canyons and crumbling California freeways. At one point, we found ourselves parked on top of a turnout staring at a 100-foot waterfall with the western edge of the San Fernando Valley on one side and the deep blue of the Pacific on the other. Here's the thing, though: Even surrounded by all that natural splendor, aesthetically speaking our three contenders held their own, with the oxblood Jag shining a bit brighter. As Evans observed, all three scream, "I've got money!" But only the Jaguar can say, "Taste, too." The Jaguar also had us singing its naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V-8's praises. "Sweet and powerful with raspy pipes. Strong pull and linear power delivery," said Kiino. We knew the twin-turbo Benz would be faster, but there's something special about a motor that makes its power the old-fashioned way. And though throttle cables have long been passe, the Jag's engine has that sort of direct, precise response. As Kiino said, linear. Fast, too -- the RWD XJ popped off a 0-60 run in 4.9 seconds. The "little" engine in the A7 had us scratching our heads. It's down on cylinders and way down on power compared with the other two. Rated at just 310 ponies and 325 pound-feet of torque, the five-door four-ringer's supercharged V-6 bested the Jag by virtue of hitting 60 mph in a startling 4.7 seconds and flying down the quarter mile in a very quick 13.3 seconds at 103.5 mph. The slightly lighter and much more powerful Jaguar (385 horses, 380 pound-feet of torque) needed 13.4 seconds, though its trap speed was 106.3 mph. Like most other Audis, the A7 is AWD, but something smells slightly fishy in Ingolstadt, and here's why: Last month, we tested another A7 with the same engine and transmission (Audi's very nice eight-speed automatic) and recorded a 60-mph run in 5.3 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 13.8 at 100.9 mph. True, because of options or lack thereof, this A7 is nearly 100 pounds lighter than the car we previously tested (4140 pounds versus 4232), but 92 pounds does not explain away six-tenths of a second. Our testing crew complained about the A7's violent shifts, and we asked Audi if the transmission (or anything else) had been reprogrammed. They had no explanation. Still, if you think those two are fast, have you met the 2012 CLS550? While it's the heaviest car here at 4183 pounds, the big Merc managed to smash its way to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds on the way to a quarter-mile run of 12.8 seconds at a blistering 110.6 mph. Mercedes-Benz rates its new 4.7-liter twin-turbo V-8 at 402 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, but consider that the 343-pounds-lighter Shelby GT500 with its 550 horses and 510 pound-feet of torque is just a tenth of a second quicker to 60 mph and just 4.4 mph faster through the quarter mile. For a four-door family-ish sedan (like the Audi, there are only four seats), that's wantonly bonkers. And remember, this isn't even the fast CLS -- that title's reserved for the AMG-badged CLS63, which, when equipped with the Performance Pack, is more or less as fast as a Corvette Z06. The big Merc managed to smash its way to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds Still, all the good things we had to say about the XJ motor went out the window once we started punting these hyperstyled sedans around our makeshift road course. "Not especially confidence-inspiring," observed Kiino, and Evans and I agree. More than once, I found myself turning into a corner only to become frightened of what the big cat might do. Even in Dynamic mode, the Jag's suspension was the sloppiest of the trio. It loaded up funny, rebounded too aggressively, and just didn't make for a good back-road burner. A big asterisk is in order for two reasons. First, unlike the Audi and the Mercedes, the Jaguar arrived wearing all-season tires and we don't know why, especially considering that Jaguar knew full well we'd be testing these cars in Southern California in June. The second reason is that our testing crew feels strongly that there's something wrong with this XJ's brakes. Under full ABS, the front end would violently shudder. The XJ stopped fine, but at 128 feet from 60 mph it was way behind the other two (a crazy good 102 feet for the A7, and a mere very good for the CLS550 at 107 feet). The brake feel was also worst in the test. The Audi and the Mercedes-Benz were very good up in the canyons. Kiino felt they were equally matched in sportiness, while Evans and I preferred the Audi A7 in the tight and twisty stuff. Let's chalk that up mostly to the Audi's tremendous, near-tenacious AWD-derived grip. The Audi just felt more stable. One reason is that, when you put the Benz's transmission into Sport, the throttle response becomes twitchy. At first, the rear suspension seemed too bouncy. Then I noted that, if I didn't try and throttle my way out of a turn, the CLS felt as stable as the Audi. As odd as it sounds, the twin-turbo's massive power was coming on too early and overwhelming the rest of the car. This theory was confirmed when road test editor Scott Mortara ran the CLS550 around our figure eight. "What's with that touchy throttle?" were the first words out of his mouth. That said, everyone felt the Benz had the best steering. On the freeway, the script flipped. Here the Audi's firmer ride and 20-inch tires made for the least pleasant people-mover. Evans described it as "harsh." We found the accompanying road and tire noise annoying, too. Says Kiino, "In ride quality, the A7 feels more like an A4 than an A8." Meanwhile, the Jaguar delivered on its old brand values by offering up the best ride of the bunch. "Well-damped, quiet, smooth, luxurious without being boatlike. The XJ is a great road-tripper," continued Kiino. The Mercedes ride quality was just a notch below the Jaguar's because of all the tire racket caused by super low-profile tires (35 profile front, 30 rear, just like the A7). We did note a huge difference between Sport and Comfort modes in the Mercedes -- that's air suspension for you -- yet almost no difference between the A7's Dynamic and Comfort modes. As all three of these cars are relatively high-end luxury items, we'd be remiss not to discuss the interiors. "This is the best-looking wood trim I've ever seen in a car," noted Evans while sitting in the Audi. "Could be on display at the OMG Cockpit Wood exhibit," says Kiino. The A7's open-pore, oil-finished wood is breathtaking. Still, compared with the last A7 we tested, this one is down about $14,000 worth of interior options. So even with all that pretty wood, there's a bunch of gray plastic that cheapens the feel of the car. We even think the leather's a lower grade. Sure, at $66,220, the A7 is the bargain of this trio. But we honestly thought Audi would be handing us back the other A7, which stickered for $80,130, a price much more in line with the other two -- this Jaguar XJ stickers for $77,575 and the Mercedes-Benz goes for $80,335. As you might expect from the dollar figures, the Jag and the Merc are much nicer places to find yourself seated. We love the active side bolsters on the CLS550, which hug you when you turn the wheel, and both of these cars came with seat-A/C while the A7 did not. However, the CLS550's interior might be the one place where the car stumbles. If the exterior of the vehicle is intended to be a brash design statement, why does the interior look exactly like the staid, sedate E-Class? Why not be bold and brave here, too? The Jaguar, on the other hand, is just old school. Sure, the touch-screen is fancy junk, but will you look at all that leather? It's everywhere. The same can be said about all that wood. Now we come to the hard part. Kiino, Evans, and I all agree that, when you weigh all the metrics, the CLS550 is the best car of this group. But not by much. The Mercedes-Benz' win is more of a TKO than an outright knockout. And if looks factored more heavily into our rankings, the Benz would be last. Second place goes to the Audi, which did most things quite well, looks fabulous, and was the most fun to drive hard on the challenging roads. We just wish its performance weren't so out of whack compared with the A7 we tested last month. Then we get to the Jaguar with its comparatively cruddy all-season rubber. The XJ was without question the best-looking of the three and the best over long distances. That said, it was noticeably the least sporting of the trio and is about a decade behind in terms of technology. The CLS550 then, by virtue of its blistering performance at the track, fearlessness in the canyons, and luxurious nature on the freeway is the one we'd take home. There simply aren't any good reasons not to recommend the CLS550. Wish it were prettier. Mercedes-Benz's win is more of a TKO than an outright knockout First Place: Mercedes-Benz CLS550 This stealth athlete has no major flaws, which in this sort of test might actually be a flaw. A superb all-rounder. Second Place: Audi A7 Mysteriously great performance, the beauty of quattro, and the most impressive wood this side of a Sequoia forest.. Third Place: Jaguar XJ Prettiest car by a mile, though the least sporty to drive. Possesses an X factor, but appears to missing a few letters up front. 2012 Audi A7 2011 Jaguar XJ 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS DRIVETRAIN LAYOUT Front engine, AWD Front engine, RWD Front engine, RWD ENGINE TYPE Supercharged 60-deg V-6, alum block/heads 90-deg V-8, alum block/heads Twin-turbo 90-deg V-8, alum block/heads VALVETRAIN DOHC, 4 valves/cyl DOHC, 4 valves/cyl DOHC, 4 valves/cyl DISPLACEMENT 182.8 cu in/2995 cc 305.1 cu in/5000 cc 284.6 cu in/4663 cc COMPRESSION RATIO 10.3:1 11.5:1 10.5:1 POWER (SAE NET) 310 hp @ 5500 rpm 385 hp @ 6500 rpm 402 hp @ 5000 rpm TORQUE (SAE NET) 325 lb-ft @ 2900 rpm 380 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm 443 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm REDLINE 6500 rpm 6500 rpm 6500 rpm WEIGHT TO POWER 13.4 lb/hp 10.6 lb/hp 10.4 lb/hp TRANSMISSION 8-speed automatic 6-speed automatic 7-speed automatic AXLE/FINAL-DRIVE RATIO 2.85:1/1.90:1 3.31:1/2.28:1 2.47:1/1.80:1 SUSPENSION, FRONT; REAR Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar; multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar Control arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar; multi-link, air springs, anti-roll bar Struts, air springs, anti-roll bar; multi-link, air springs, anti-roll bar STEERING RATIO 15.9:1 10.4-15.1:1 16.5:1 (avg) TURNS LOCK-TO-LOCK 2.7 2.6 2.5 BRAKES, F/R 14.0-in vented disc; 13.0-in vented disc, ABS 14.0-in vented disc; 12.8-in vented disc, ABS 14.2-in vented, drilled disc; 12.6-in vented disc, ABS WHEELS F/R 9.0 x 20-in, cast aluminum 8.5 x 19-in; 9.5 x 19-in, cast aluminum 8.5 x 19-in; 9.5 x 19-in, cast aluminum TIRES F/R 265/35R20 99Y Yokohama Advan Sport A0 245/45R19 102H; 275/40R19 105H Pirelli PZero Nero All Seasons 255/35R19 96Y; 285/30R19 98Y Pirelli PZero DIMENSIONS WHEELBASE 114.7 in 119.4 in 113.2 in TRACK, F/R 64.7/64.4 in 64.0/63.1 in 62.9/64.1 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 195.6 x 75.2 x 55.9 in 201.7 x 74.6 x 57.0 in 194.5 x 74.1 x 55.6 in TURNING CIRCLE 39.0 ft 40.4 ft 37.0 ft CURB WEIGHT 4140 lb 4094 lb 4183 lb WEIGHT DIST., F/R 54/46 % 51/49 % 54/46 % SEATING CAPACITY 4 5 4 HEADROOM F/R 57.2/55.9 in 39.5/37.2 in 36.9/36.1 in LEGROOM F/R 41.3/37.0 in 42.0/39.0 in 42.1/35.0 in SHOULDER ROOM F/R 57.2/55.9 in 55.4/55.1 in 57.1/56.5 in CARGO VOLUME 24.5 cu ft 15.2 cu ft 15.3 cu ft TEST DATA ACCELERATION TO MPH 0-30 1.6 sec 1.8 sec 1.6 sec 0-40 2.5 2.8 2.3 0-50 3.5 3.8 3.3 0-60 4.7 4.9 4.3 0-70 6.2 6.4 5.6 0-80 7.9 8.1 7.0 0-90 9.9 9.9 8.5 0-100 12.4 11.8 10.5 PASSING, 45-65 MPH 2.5 2.3 2.1 QUARTER MILE 13.3 sec @ 103.5 mph 13.4 sec @ 106.3 mph 12.8 sec @ 110.6 mph BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 102 ft 128 ft 107 ft LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.96 g (avg) 0.85 g (avg) 0.92 g (avg) MT FIGURE EIGHT 25.2 sec @ 0.76 g (avg) 26.3 sec @ 0.72 g (avg) 25.6 sec @ 0.77 g (avg) TOP-GEAR REVS @ 60 MPH 1500 rpm 1800 rpm 1500 rpm CONSUMER INFO BASE PRICE $60,125 $73,575 $72,175 PRICE AS TESTED $66,220 $77,575 $80,335 STABILITY/TRACTION CONTROL Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/Yes AIRBAGS Dual front, front side, f/r curtain Dual front, front side, f/r curtain Dual front, f/r side, f/r curtain, front knee BASIC WARRANTY 4 yrs/50,000 miles 5 yrs/50,000 miles 4 yrs/50,000 miles POWERTRAIN WARRANTY 4 yrs/50,000 miles 5 yrs/50,000 miles 4 yrs/50,000 miles ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE 4 yrs/Unlimited 5 yrs/50,000 miles Unlimited/Unlimited FUEL CAPACITY 19.8 gal 21.7 gal 21.3 gal EPA CITY/HWY ECON 18/28 mpg 16/23 mpg 14/21 mpg ENERGY CONSUMPTION, CITY/HWY 187/120 kW-hrs/100 miles 211/147 kW-hrs/100 miles 241/160 kW-hrs/100 miles CO2 EMISSIONS 0.90 lb/mile 1.05 lb/mile 1.18 lb/mile RECOMMENDED FUEL Unleaded premium Unleaded premium Unleaded premium | 9 | 810 | autos |
Want your I do's to be totally you? From pre-wedding cocktails to Mad Lib vows, here are 25 ways to make your ceremony as unforgettable as your reception. Have an exciting wedding ceremony Who says your reception is the only fun part of your wedding day? There's no reason why your ceremony shouldn't be as exciting, meaningful, and inventive as your reception. Our wedding experts have advice on how to personalize your I do's from a pre-ceremony slideshow to a wedding time capsule. Have a drink Start the celebration as soon as guests arrive by throwing a short (no more than an hour) preceremony cocktail party.Video: The dos and don'ts of toastsIt will give everyone a chance to mingle and ensure that even your chronically late college roommate will get there in time for the main event. Keep it simple by serving a festive cocktail or two and a small treat like artisanal popcorn in paper cones. As for whether you choose to make a special guest appearance yourself possibly in another cute white outfit that's up to you. Thank your guests Make guests feel welcome from the moment they arrive by writing them personal notes and leaving them at the ceremony entrance, recommends Lauren Geissler of San Francisco's Downey Street Events. Another plus: By giving cards, you can skip the receiving line, giving you more time for photos and the reception. Personalize your program Todd Fiscus of Todd Events in Dallas suggests sprinkling your programs with personal details, like factoids about your VIPs ("Father Don baptized Steven" or "Beth's mom makes the best pralines west of the Mississippi!"), photos from your engagement shoot, a hand-drawn map illustrating your adventures together anything that sets the tone for the wedding ahead.Video: Cheap wedding cake ideas Plan a group activity If you're marrying at a location like a museum, zoo, or aquarium, give your guests the option of taking a fun behind-the-scenes tour before your I do's.Bing: Awesome wedding venues Provide flower favors Gift your guests with boutonnieres (for the men) and fresh-flower hair clips (for the women). Arrange them on trays near the beginning of the wedding aisle. Screen a slide show Dying to do a slide show? Play it before your ceremony rather than at the rehearsal dinner. It's a unique way to entertain guests until the vows. Pick an alternative bridesmaid bouquet Skip the bouquets and have your besties carry a chic clutch instead. (It doubles as a bridesmaids' gift!) Other creative options: silk fans, parasols in your colors, or candlelit lanterns (great for an evening ceremony). Choose a calligraphed runner Ask a calligrapher or a friend with good penmanship to emblazon your aisle runner with something personal, using chalk or fabric paint (a line from a favorite poem, perhaps). Or you can have a custom runner created just for you (try originalrunners.com). Make your processional music meaningful Meaningful processional music is a must, say Paige Appel and Kelly Harris of Los Angeles's Bash, Please. Is "Sweet Child O' Mine" your song? Play it. Did you grow up in New Jersey? Head to the altar to Springsteen's "Jersey Girl." Get creative with the ring bearer Have your ring bearer carry your bands on something unique: a felt flower, a mini fishing rod, or a slice of wood that says "Here Comes the Bride." Walk down the aisle together Buck tradition and walk down the aisle with your guy. It's a poignant way to kick off your new life together. Pick an altar backdrop Place something pretty behind the altar. A flower-filled bookcase, sparkly garlands, and a curtain of ribbons are photogenic options. Sign on a celebrant Not having a religious ceremony? Ask a friend to be your officiant. (It's free to get ordained online through the Universal Life Church.) Fun fact: If you live in Colorado or some parts of Pennsylvania, you can marry yourselves! Gather 'round your guests Seat guests in a circle around the altar. You'll feel surrounded by love. Provide a passage to read out loud Print a fave passage in your program and invite everyone to read it aloud together. Make a time capsule Before the wedding, write a letter to your groom. (He should do the same for you.) During the ceremony, put the notes and a bottle of wine in a box and take turns hammering it shut. Open it on your 10th anniversary! Write Mad Lib vows! Want to write your own vows but don't know where to start? Fill in the blanks and get inspired! Water a plant Another ritual to try: Add a scoop of soil from each of your hometowns to a small potted tree, then water it together to symbolize the merging of your two lives. (You can plant it when you get home from the honeymoon.) Say no to poems Forgo readings and ask a few people to stand up and share their marriage wisdom (but tell them to keep the speeches short). Flip for the vows Have the best man flip a coin to see who will say their vows first. Slow-dance at the altar Don't wait until the reception for your first dance. Ending your vows cheek to cheek is really sweet. Toast to your new spouse! Or end the ceremony on a celebratory note: Have the ushers pass around your favorite drink (single-malt scotch, tequila shots and lime) and make your first toast as husband and wife. Say 'hey' to your guests Share the joy by stepping into the pews for a quick hug from your favorite cousin or BFF. Lead the way to the reception If you're within walking distance, invite guests and a rollicking band to accompany you, parade style, from the ceremony to the reception. Throw them a twist Nix the tossed rice and have guests wave ribbon wands or colorful paper pinwheels as you exit the ceremony. Or place party-store tambourines, kazoos, and other noisemakers on seats so guests can jam while you walk out. | 4 | 811 | lifestyle |
Whether you're looking for a classic bob or a "lob" there's a cut that will work for your hair type and face shape. Graduated "Carey Mulligan's blunt bob gives her fine hair shape and makes it appear thicker," says hairstylist Matt Fugate of Sally Hershberger Downtown in New York City. "The thinner your hair, the shorter your bob should be." ALLURE TIP: Don't overlayer fine hair it could look even thinner and flatter than it is. Graduated "Michelle Obama's bob is a classic shape but has short, square layers to add body," says Fugate. It's great for women who want hair shorter than their shoulders "without sacrificing softness or femininity."ALLURE TIP: For thick, wavy, or curly hair, add lots of choppy layers and cut hair when it's dry to keep it from forming a poufy triangle. Graduated "With heavy bangs, razored ends, and one long piece, Keri Hilson has a rock and roll version of the iconic bob," says Fugate. Hilson's is a wig, but it could be achieved with a blow-dryer and a flatiron. ALLURE TIP: If you have a big forehead or a square jaw, try cutting some bangs to downplay it. Rounded "Keira Knightley's choppy bob has layers that are very short in the back and get longer toward her face," Fugate says. "The shorter, heavier pieces push the hair forward so you get that curved shape in front." ALLURE TIP: If your face is round or your jaw is square, the bob should end below your chin. Otherwise you'll exaggerate these features. Choppy "Olivia Munn's style has long layers chopped into the ends," says Fugate. With short front pieces, this cut is great for slimming a round face and works for all textures, providing you keep the layers long. Long "Rashida Jones's length is perfect if you want a bob but don't want to chop everything off," says Fugate. It works with any hair type, especially fine. "The bangs and blunt layers add body," he says. | 4 | 812 | lifestyle |
These 50 tips from thrifty brides will keep you well within budget so you can focus on keeping your vision alive and your bank account afloat. Buy, don't rent It's no secret that weddings can be very expensive. Who better to give advice for sticking to your wedding budget than the real brides who have been there? Whether it means pulling out the craft scissors with your hubby-to-be, brushing up on your best bartering skills, or opting for locally-grown flowers instead of a florist these. "When I got a quote for more than $500 to rent linens, I went on Ebay and purchased what I needed for less than $250. And we're going to resell them after the honeymoon!" Brittani P., Jacksonville, Fla. Find a smart substitute "Instead of a bouquet, I carried my favorite book wrapped in something borrowed a friend's blue-embroidered handkerchief. I called it my 'book-quet.'" Emily L., Los Angeles Get intimate "For the rehearsal dinner, we threw a casual outdoor barbecue for just our families, the officiant, and the bridal party. Keeping it low-key and super-small meant we had more to spend on the wedding itself." Shannon M., New York City Bail on the ballroom "Get creative with your wedding venue. We married on a 1920s theater stage, then had a reception upstairs. Everyone raved about how different and fun it was. And it only cost us a few hundred bucks to rent the whole thing." Samantha S., Harrisburg, Pa. Make yourself beautiful "Instead of hiring a makeup artist, I'm going to go to a department store for a free makeover, then use what I learn to do it myself." Emily C., Sterling, Ill. Get married by a pal "A friend from high school officiated at our wedding. He got ordained through the Universal Life Church for free!" Swan C., New York City Shop at home "We're having a nautical wedding, so we're using a bunch of décor that we already own, like lanterns, seashells, driftwood, and model ships." Mandy C., West Palm Beach, Fla. Try the barter system "The church where we married let us use its wedding ministry for free in return for my volunteering at other weddings. The ministry did everything decorating, flowers, catering, and coordinating. We saved thousands of dollars, and the day was so much less stressful for everyone." Bekah S., Fairbanks, Alaska Cut it out "Every week, I clip coupons for decor and DIY supplies at Michaels and Hobby Lobby. We still have a year of deals to go!" Lindsay C., Martinez, Ga. Skimp on stamps "We chose postcards for our save-the-dates. It saved us money on postage and envelopes!" Kelly N., Omaha, Neb. Go local "We went to our farmer's market the morning of the wedding and bought all the flowers we needed to make our bouquets and centerpieces. It was so much more affordable than going through a florist." Hannah I., Seattle Pay with plastic "We've been saving credit card points for two and a half years. Our honeymoon is practically paid for." Alexis J., Forest Hills, N.Y. Aim low "I set a spending limit for every item, then tried to come in a little bit under for each purchase. Saving a couple hundred on a dress here and a DJ there really adds up!" Alyssa D., Moorhead, Minn. Choose an off-day "Having your wedding on a Friday night is so much cheaper than doing it on a Saturday." Rachel P., New York City Dress differently "I bought a gorgeous off-white bridesmaids' gown with a full A-line skirt instead of a traditional wedding dress. It only cost $350!" Rebecca K., Miami Get crafty "My husband and I made fourteen tissue pomanders by hand to decorate the aisle at our wedding ceremony. It took a lot of time and effort, but it saved us a ton. And it looked amazing!" Laurie M., Margate, N.J. Hire a wedding planner "Yes, we paid extra at the outset, but our planner more than made up for it by helping us negotiate better deals. Plus, nothing curbs the urge to spend like running all your purchases by a professional." Morgan M., Richmond, Va. Shop outside the box "I bought two beautiful lovebirds for less than four dollars and used them as cake toppers." Gia L., West Hartford, Conn. Involve your guests "I wanted to make a brooch bouquet for my walk down the aisle, but buying the seventy-five pieces I needed would have been expensive. So I asked my loved ones to help with the hunt. Soon I had brooches pouring in some from personal collections, some from thrift stores, some from department-store sales. The best part? Now guests are buzzing in anticipation of seeing the finished bouquet." Lauren C., New York City Go to bridal shows "Vendors often offer great specials and giveaways at shows. I was able to save $500 on our florist and $100 on our wedding photographer." Allison V., Tulsa, Okla. Do double duty "My mom bought a bunch of colored pashminas in bulk for about $4 each. We used them as chair coverings and as party favors for guests." Vivian S., Norfolk, Va. Plan destination I do's "I have a large extended family, so having a huge local wedding in Wisconsin would've been pricey. Most of them aren't big on traveling, so we decided to marry in Bald Head Island, North Carolina, instead. We're saving a bundle!" Brooke B., Madison, Wis. Choose à la carte "Don't feel pressured to buy a photography package. They often include a lot of extras you may not want. Instead, ask your photographer to quote you a lower price based only on the options that are most important to you." Emily W., New York City Plant some memories "In keeping with our antique-garden theme, I potted cheap flowers in clay pots and used them to brighten up the reception tables. After the wedding, we decided to plant the perennials in our yard. Now we have colorful mementos in our garden that we can enjoy for years to come." Nancy C., Lafayette, Ind. Skip the tulle "I'm wearing fabric flowers in my hair. I found someone online to make them custom for me at a quarter of the price of a new veil!" Jennifer M., Brooklyn Make it personal "I put pictures of me and my fiancé in Mason jars we got from friends and family, dressed them up with twine, and used them as centerpieces. The cost? Practically nothing." Amanda P., Vassar, Mich. Capture the moment "Instead of hiring a videographer, we signed up with a company that sends you cameras for each table, so your guests can shoot your wedding video. Luckily, two members of our bridal party are film students." Shelly P., Lawrence, Kans. Restrict your list "I have lots of acquaintances but only a few very close friends. Booking the Stone Mill at the New York Botanical Gardens which has a capacity of a hundred and twenty gave me an excuse to keep my guest list really small." Rachel J., New York City Get graphic "I designed our wedding invitations using Adobe Illustrator. Then I sent them to CatPrint.com to be printed it's awesome and super-cheap." Amanda S., Brooklyn Bribe your BFFs "To entice friends to help with my DIY projects, I threw several girly cocktail parties. It made tying ribbons on bottles of bubbles and arranging flowers a blast." Sarah W., Manistee, Mich. Do a photo-strip search "I got my photo booth on Groupon and saved half of the original cost!" Alissa R., Pittsburgh Go to school "Hire recent graduates from a local culinary institute to cater your wedding. They'll be grateful for the experience and charge way less than an established caterer." Thea K., Chicago Pick a public place "My fiancé and I booked our ceremony and reception at a state park it was only $160 for the whole day. And since it's such a pretty location, we barely need any décor." Ashley N., DeFuniak Springs, Fla. Ride the bus "Instead of blowing our entire budget renting limos or shuttles, we found a charter company that leases yellow school buses for events. It's way cheaper and so much more fun!" Ashley W., New York City Pick blooms online "I ordered my flowers in bulk from Fiftyflowers.com and put them together with my family. The site also has premade bouquets and centerpieces." Chetna K., Houston Say no to rentals "Booking a venue with tables, chairs, and china meant we didn't have to rent anything. We ended up saving $900!" Cassandra R., Farmington, N.M. Get inked "Letterpressed envelopes are expensive, so I had a rubber stamp with my return address on it custom-made. I still use it for thank-you notes and holiday cards." Denise S., Port Chester, N.Y. Leave a message "When I ordered our engagement-photo album online, I had extra pages put in, so we could use it as our wedding guestbook." Tiffany G., Boswell, Pa. Drink more "I'm saving wine bottles and using them as vases and candle holders." Stephani R., San Diego Learn a new trick "I taught myself calligraphy in just a few hours, using a kit I found on Amazon. The invitation and save-the-date envelopes we sent out looked great, and the tutorial and all the materials only cost me $25." Jess S., Vancouver, Wash. Forget the Favors "We were more worried about showing our guests a good time than giving them gifts. Trust me, no one missed the little goodie bags of chocolate at the end of the night." Kate H., Washington, D.C. Raise the bar "We had the bartender offer wine, beer, and two signature cocktails. It was less expensive than a full open bar, and guests couldn't stop talking about how fun the drinks were." Erika T. , Napa, Calif. Check out Etsy "I had a vision of hand-painted signs for the bride-and-groom chairs. I found exactly what I wanted on Etsy for about $30, and the quality was amazing. You can find just about anything there if you're patient and have the time to look." Melisa M., New York City Be morning people "We had a late-morning wedding, which saved us a ton of money. The reception ended at four p.m., and then we threw an after-party at someone's house at six-thirty!" Sarah M., Dartmouth, Mass. Borrow for your big day "I'm wearing the veil my mother wore at her wedding. I saw one just like it for $800." Natalie I., Tampa, Fla. Do a dessert table "We created a homemade dessert buffet instead of ordering a wedding cake. My husband and I asked all of the ladies from his family to make their signature dessert, and we put their names next to each one. Everyone loved the variety, and it saved us a lot of cash." Kristin S., Irvine, Calif. Be good to your feet "If you're wearing a long dress, choose affordable, comfortable shoes, rather than killing yourself (and your wallet) in expensive five-inch stilettos. No one can really see them anyway." Jacqui G., New York City Negotiate nicely "We found an amazing venue that was beyond our budget. We told the sales director how much we loved it and what we could spend. He knocked down the price dramatically." Katie A., Enfield, Conn. Hit the town "Instead of having a formal after-party, we're going to hit some bars with our friends post-wedding to celebrate. It's less pricey and feels more adventurous!" Chelsea A., Plainfield, Ill. Downsize the cake "Order a smaller 'show cake', then ask your caterer to serve guests from a sheet cake in the back. They'll never know the difference!"--Tiffani R., Rolla, Mo. | 4 | 813 | lifestyle |
How happy do you feel in the airport security line? In more than 40 airports worldwide, travelers now have a chance to vent their feelings at "happiness readers" near security checkpoints, baggage claims and more. After making it through security in Spain, for example, passengers choose from a variety of emoticon-ish buttons to let the airport know they feel "very happy," "ok," "meh," or downright mad. Travelers in Orlando have taken to posting photos of the machines on social media. The machines ask passengers if they're "comfortable" in the terminal and to describe their "restroom experience." Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport in South Carolina also installed the machines earlier this year, near baggage claim. The machines -- called HappyOrNot and used at retailers like IKEA and Domino's Pizza -- help measure airport quality control, officials say. Heathrow has used HappyOrNot to collect over five million happiness measurements from travelers so far (we would LOVE to meet anyone who feels "very happy" after the epic battle known as the security line). Here's hoping this whole communication-with-your-airport thing makes for a brighter future of travel . What would you say to a HappyOrNot? Pic of our device at the #Orlando #airport , courtesy of Joonas Julkunen. #HappyOrNot #customerhappiness #feedback pic.twitter.com/XhRX36nB8X HappyOrNot Ltd. (@happyornotcom) May 23, 2014 This article originally appeared in The Huffington Post | 4 | 814 | lifestyle |
You won't believe the surprising engagement facts we discovered after surveying new brides and brides-to-be across the country. Engagement fact 1 Ever wonder what the most popular month is for engagements? Curious about how many brides were actually surprised when the question was popped? Click through to get the scoop on how many men would actually don an engagement ring and more!61 percent of guys consult with their girlfriend before buying the ring. Engagement fact 2 The most popular month for engagement? December. Engagement fact 3 27 percent of brides call their best friend first after the proposal. Engagement fact 4 Cost of the average engagement ring: $5,229 dollars Engagement fact 5 Percentage of brides who change their Facebook status soon after they get engaged: 75 percent. Engagement fact 6 Approximately 2,000 couples get engaged every year at Disney World. Engagement fact 7 29 percent of men would wear an engagement ring. Engagement fact 8 The average length of engagements: 14.7 months. Engagement fact 9 75-100 couples take the ferry to the Statue of Liberty every year to propose. Engagement fact 10 Percentage of couples who take engagement photos: 69 percent. Engagement fact 11 7 percent of our Facebook readers dated for 3 months before they got engaged. Engagement fact 12 62 proposals were made on the Jumbotron at Fenway Park in Boston in 2011. Engagement fact 13 37 percent of brides were completely surprised by the proposal. Engagement fact 14 46 percent of couples announce their engagement via Facebook. | 4 | 815 | lifestyle |
Some two out of five Millenials 39% prefer cash as the long-term investment for money they don't need for at least 10 years, according to a new, roughly three times the number who chose the stock market. That's a perilous pick, considering that cash will actually lose value over time due to inflation, while the S&P 500 has gained 17% in the last 12 months. "What we are seeing is that Millenials actually get the importance of saving," says Greg McBride, senior vice president and chief analyst at Bankrate. "They're just not willing to take risks with it, particularly with regard to long-term savings." One thing that may explain the lean toward greenbacks is that Millenials came of age during tumultuous financial times. "When you look at the events of the last 10 to 15 years, with the financial crisis and the tech bust, young adults had a front row seat for one or both of those events," McBride says. "Even if it didn't impact them directly, they saw the impact it had on their parents and other family members and friends." Millenials prefer cash for long-term savings. (Photo credit: 401(K) 2013) That's certainly the case for Alisha Nicole , 22, who recently graduated from and started work for an advertising firm in Atlanta. "I prefer to keep my savings in cash," she says. "Growing up, it seemed like that was the forefront of every media outlet how poorly the market was doing. The images and reports definitely left a lasting impression." Watching the stock market tank and their parents struggle has left many Millenials with a poor appetite for risk which is ironic, since they're the age group with the most ability to be risky. Since Millenials have decades to go until retirement, they have plenty of time to recover from market dips. "Even with something as severe as the financial crisis, if you just hung in there and continued contributing throughout, you not only recovered your losses, but you came out well ahead," McBride says. "That's not a perspective that someone who's only been investing for a couple of years necessarily has." Among other things, student loan debt may be hampering Millenials' ability to think long-term. The average student loan debt now tops $29,000 per student, according to , and many are borrowing two and three times that amount. Jenna Kusmierek, 30, manages to fund her Roth IRA in full each year, but the rest of her cash goes to her student loans. "I plan to proceed this way for the next 10 years until my $140,000 student loan bill is paid off," says Kusmierek, who lives in Denver. Then there's convenience. For Jason Fisher, the 27-year-old co-founder of Waterway Financial Group in Myrtle Beach, SC, having quick access to his funds trumps saving money in a retirement account. "The reduced accessibility to cash is not attractive," says Fisher. "Often, an investment for our age group tends to be much shorter term anyway. I think children, first homes, and other bigger purchases make having cash on hand more feasible." Unfortunately, Millenials are the generation that most needs to get aggressive with savings. "Today's young adults have the biggest retirement savings burden of all time," McBride says. "Their life expectancies are longer, their healthcare costs are going to be higher, they don't have the pensions their parents did, and the future of Social is more uncertain than it's been for any of their predecessors." In other words, Millenials need a bigger nest egg, and they're not going to get there with cash in a savings account. "A key part of this is getting people to think long term, getting them to see the power of compounding over those longer periods of time," McBride says. Thankfully, not all Millenials are sticking to cash-only savings. "I keep a small emergency fund in cash, but beyond that, I invest everything I can," says Kali Hawlk, 24, who runs the blog . "The only way I'm going to grow the value of my nest egg is to invest it where it can earn reasonable returns." Of course, cash in an interest-earning savings account is the best way to save for emergencies and shorter-term needs. But for the long haul, the stock market is the better bet. | 4 | 816 | lifestyle |
We've made picking your palette a breeze! Just find your favorite hue and choose one of the cool combos below. If you love blue ... Steel blue, gold and powder blue {none} Turquoise, emerald and teal {none} Indigo, amethyst, orange and powder blue If you love orange ... Salmon, orchid and chartreuse {none} Poppy, gray and aqua {none} Persimmon, watermelon and marigold If you love pink ... Pink, black and aqua {none} Blush, rose gold and peach {none} Pink, lilac and lemon If you love purple ... Eggplant, persimmon, orchid and peach {none} Amethyst, magenta and spruce | 4 | 817 | lifestyle |
The classic Ferrari 250 GTO celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and will be prominently featured at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Below is the complete release from the organizers: PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (May 5, 2011) - Ferraris are revered the world over for being among the finest, fastest and most exotic sports cars ever conceived, and the Ferrari 250 GTO is considered by many to be the greatest Ferrari ever manufactured. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the birth of this model, more than twenty of these exclusive sports racing cars will take to the show field of the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on Sunday, August 21. Only thirty-six 250 GTOs were originally produced, as well as two 330 GTOs with larger capacity engines. All of these exclusive cars have been invited to the Concours and more than half have already accepted the invitation. Some of these GTOs have sold for as much as $30 million in recent years. "The Ferrari 250 GTO is one of the great sports racing cars of all time," said Ed Gilbertson, Chief Judge of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. "The GTO beat everything in the world for about three years running, which is quite an accomplishment when you consider the marques that were racing at that time." In its racing debut at the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1962, American Phil Hill and Belgian Olivier Gendebien placed second overall in the 250 GTO, with only a Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa sports racing car ahead of them. This was the beginning of the 250 GTO's racing success, which included winning the Federation Internationale de L'Automobile's (FIA) International Championship for GT Manufacturers three consecutive years, from 1962 to 1964. Other 250 GTO wins included the Tour de France in 1963 and 1964; the Tourist Trophy at Goodwood in 1962 and 1963; the Nürburgring 1000 km in 1963 and 1964; class wins in the Targa Florio in 1962, 1963 and 1964; and category wins at Le Mans in 1962 and 1963. Based on the Ferrari 250 GT SWB chassis, the 250 GTO evolved from an experimental test car, the 1961 250 GT Sperimentale, which was raced by Stirling Moss to a GT win and fourth overall at Daytona. Production of the 250 GTO began later that year. The Sperimentale and many examples of both the Series I and Series II 250 GTOs will be exhibited at Pebble Beach. Gilbertson says just one of these limited production cars remains in its original condition, although it was repaired in period due to extensive race damage. It too will be on the famed 18th fairway at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Enzo Ferrari put engineer Giotto Bizzarrini in charge of developing a car outside the normal Ferrari circles, wanting the car built in complete secrecy. Bizzarrini started with the 250 SWB, lightened and reinforced the chassis, then moved the engine behind the front axle for improved weight distribution. But in the fall of 1961 Bizzarrini and a number of others left the company. Subsequently, Enzo Ferrari assigned engineer Mauro Forghieri and coachbuilder Sergio Scaglietti to complete the 250 GTO. The team enhanced the 2953 cc V-12 engine, fitting Testa Rossa heads, larger valves and six double-barrel Weber carburetors, increasing the horsepower to 300 hp and replacing the SWB's four-speed transmission with a five-speed, all syncromesh gearbox. The 250 GTO also featured many familiar Ferrari technologies of the era, including a hand-welded tube frame, A-arm front suspension, live-axle rear end, disc brakes and wire wheels. The interior was extremely basic, to keep the weight of the car as light as possible, with no soundproofing and no speedometer in the instrument panel. First conducted in 1950, Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance(r) ( www.pebblebeachconcours.net ) has grown to be the world's premier celebration of the automobile. Only the most beautiful and rare cars are invited to appear on the famed 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links(r), and connoisseurs of art and style flock to see these masterpieces. Charitable donations raised by Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance(r) now total over $14 million. Related events include Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance(tm) presented by Rolex, Pebble Beach RetroAuto(tm), and Pebble Beach(r) Auctions presented by Gooding & Company. Pebble Beach(r), Pebble Beach Golf Links(r), Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance(r), Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance(tm), and Pebble Beach RetroAuto(tm) are trademarks, service marks and trade dress of Pebble Beach Company. All rights reserved. Pebble Beach Company, headquartered in Pebble Beach, Calif., owns and operates the world-famous Pebble Beach Resorts(r), including The Lodge at Pebble Beach(tm), The Inn at Spanish Bay(tm) and Casa Palmero(r). The company also operates four renowned golf courses: Pebble Beach Golf Links(r), Spyglass Hill(r) Golf Course, The Links at Spanish Bay(tm) and Del Monte(tm) Golf Course. Its other famed properties include the scenic 17-Mile Drive(r) and The Spa at Pebble Beach(tm), and it annually hosts premier events such as the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance(r), the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, the Callaway Golf Pebble Beach Invitational, the Pebble Beach Food & Wine event and the Nature Valley First Tee Open at Pebble Beach. Site of the 2019 U.S. Open Championship, Pebble Beach Golf Links(r) has hosted five U.S. Opens, four U.S. Amateurs, one PGA Championship, and numerous other tournaments. For reservations or more information please call (800) 654-9300 or visit www.pebblebeach.com . | 9 | 818 | autos |
In search of an easy-to-get-to, but super-romantic destination no passport required? We rounded up 20 of the best honeymoon resorts in the mainland U.S., perfect for rest and relaxation. Start packing! You don't need to fly halfway around the world to check into a glamorous resort. We teamed up with the A-list agents at Virtuoso to rank the USA's top twenty sexy hideaways, from wine country resorts in California to mountain retreats in Colorado. 20. Sundance Resort, Sundance, Utah Robert Redford's idyllic, 98 cottage mountain resort, just outside Park City, is perfect for an adventure honeymoon it's all about reconnecting with nature. In the summer, you can golf, hike 10 miles of Alpine trails, or raft down the Provo River. In the winter, try cross-country skiing, or calling for owls while night snowshoeing. Rooms from $250, Sundance Resort 19. Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, Colorado This insanely-luxurious Rocky Mountain honeymoon resort has superb skiing; unreal food (fancy Wolfgang Puck cuisine at Spago, raclette cheese and organic bison at Anderson's Cabin); and a 21,000 square foot spa, offering sage salt scrubs and detoxifying mud wraps. Rooms from $229, Ritz-Carlton 18. The Wauwinet, Nantucket, Massachusetts This warm, cozy inn feels blissfully-isolated from the world: Request a room that faces the windswept beach perfect for sunset strolls and don't miss dinner at Topper's, the island's best restaurant. Your five-course feast might feature diver scallop ceviche, or butter-poached lobster with a madras curry sabayon. Rooms from $225, The Wauwinet 17. Little Nell, Aspen, Colorado Looking for a winter honeymoon spot? This is Aspen's only, ski-in, ski-out hotel, and the staff is unbelievably gracious. The activity options? Hole up in one of the 92 warm, earth-toned rooms, styled by famous designer Holly Hunt; borrow an Audi for a half-day mountain drive; or sip Veuve Cliquot 11,000 feet up at the world's first ski-in, ski-out champagne bar. Rooms from $380, The Little Nell 16. Inn at Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton, South Carolina You'll flip for your cottage's huge screened-in porch, dressing area, and steam shower, but don't get stuck indoors at this beautiful Southern honeymoon resort. The grounds abound with lawn games, pool, and hiking trails; offshore, you can cruise the salt marshes and spy on bottlenose dolphins and bald eagles. Rooms from $475, Palmetto Bluff 15. Blackberry Farm, Walland, Tennessee We love the get-away-from-it-all, Great Smoky Mountains setting, spectacular service, and countless outdoor activities (fly-fishing, shooting clays, horseback riding) on this 4,200-acre estate. At night, head to the elegant Main House for farm-to-table feasts. Rooms from $695, with meals, Blackberry Farm. 14. Triple Creek Ranch, Darby, Montana Picture 23 ultra-luxe cedar cabins, all with wood-burning fireplaces and hot tubs, set on 600 acres of wildly picturesque Big Sky country. Even better, this is an all-inclusive resort, so meals, house wines, and adventure activities like fly-fishing, showshoeing, and guided nature walks, are part of the price. Rooms from $950, Triple Creek Ranch. 13. Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Orlando This red-gabled, Victorian-inspired hotel is one of Disney's poshest places to stay. We love the stunning lagoon setting and soaring, five-story high lobby (but look down characters are artfully embedded here and there in the marble floor.) Don't miss a fancy, six-course dinner at award-winning Victoria and Albert's, where guests get a keepsake menu. Rooms from $460, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. 12. Sanctuary Resort at Camelback Mountain, Scottsdale, Arizona World-travelers Beyonce and Jay-Z "mini-mooned" at this gorgeous, mountain-meets-desert honeymoon resort. The 105 brick-walled casitas all have Frette linens and private patios, plus the spa is top-notch think 12, indoor/outdoor treatment rooms, a meditation garden, and a Watsu pool. Rooms from $259, Sanctuary Resort at Camelback Mountain 11. Four Seasons the Biltmore Santa Barbara, California Hollywood-types (Halle Berry, Katy Perry) head here to sunbathe on Butterfly Beach and soak in the lovely Spanish-colonial setting. If you're up for an adventure, borrow the in-house bikes and hit the 3-mile coastal path, or just lounge by the Olympic-size pool. Rooms from $395, Four Seasons the Biltmore Santa Barbara 10. San Ysidro Ranch, California This California wine country resort offers 41 spacious cottages all with plush four-poster beds and fireplaces nestled in the Montecito foothills. Hilary Duff stayed in the famous Kennedy cottage (yes, that's where Jackie and JFK honeymooned) on her wedding night. Rooms from $650, San Ysidro Ranch 9. Calistoga Ranch, Napa Valley, California Foodies relish this California resort's wine-tasting seminars; all go gaga (including Lady Gaga herself!) for the 48 cottages' private patios and outdoor showers. The sublime Bathhouse Spa offers mineral pool soaks, healing mud wraps, and lavender body balm massages. Rooms from $675, Calistoga Ranch 8. Meadowood Napa Valley, California This elegant wine country resort, a collection of 85 cottages off the Silverado Trail, is big for both honeymoons and destination weddings. The amenities are unmatched: think croquet lawns, tennis courts, pools, hiking trails, and a just redesigned three-Michelin star restaurant. Request the table in the kitchen to watch Chef Christopher Kostow in action. Rooms from $400, Meadowood Napa Valley 7. Shutters on the Beach, Santa Monica, California This California beach resort is ideal for a mini-moon, or a stopover on the way to Fiji or Tahiti. The airy, country-meets-beach rooms all face the Pacific, and have sumptuous marble bathrooms with peekaboo windows. Plus, you're steps from the iconic Santa Monica Pier. Rooms from $545, Shutters on the Beach 6. Amangiri, Canyon Point, Utah This low-lying, 34-suite desert oasis seamlessly blends in with the surrounding rock formations the gorgeous pool even wraps around a massive boulder. After exploring nearby wonder such as the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell and Monument Valley, head to the spa, which has two outdoor treatment terraces with unreal mesa views. Rooms from $1,050, Amangiri 5. Enchantment Resort, Sedona, Arizona New Age types swear by the spiritual effects of the "energy vortex" at this honeymoon resort in the heart of red-rock country. Others just go for the world-class MiiAmo spa, which offers everything from Ayurvedic yoga to Sedona clay wraps to tarot card readings. Rooms from $325, Enchantment Resort 4. Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, California No kids are allowed at this rustic-luxe clifftop hotel made of reclaimed wood, glass and stone. Upon arrival, your ride is valeted, a glass of wine appears and you're off to the infinity pool, which has sweeping views of the Pacific. Rooms from $595, Post Ranch Inn 3. Montage Laguna Beach, California Expect major celeb-sightings: Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom honeymooned at this California beach resort with airy suites and a sunburst-tiled pool surrounded by posh cabanas. Can't leave your dog at home? This pet-friendly resort will pamper your pooch, too. Rooms from $395, Montage Laguna Beach 2. Auberge du Soleil, Napa Valley, California Little details like votive candles at nightfall and welcome bottles of cabernet impress as much as the vineyard views at this California wine country resort, with 50, Provencal-inspired rooms. Rooms from $600, Auberge du Soleil 1. Little Palm Island Resort and Spa, Little Torch Key, Florida Expect to see mini Key deer, herons, and out-of-control orange sunsets at this adults-only, 5.5 acre private island resort in the Florida Keys. The 30 bungalows are as decadent as they come, featuring canopy beds, chandeliers, Jacuzzis, and outdoor showers. Rooms from $690, Little Palm Island Resort and Spa, rooms from $600, Auberge du Soleil | 4 | 819 | lifestyle |
Whether your tree at home is real or artificial, you'll find inspiration for decorating the centerpiece of your holiday home. Glowing tree This Christmas tree shines in shades of gold, white, and blue. If you don't have a mantel, simply hang stockings from thick twine. Outdoor decor A stone fireplace keeps an elegant Christmas tree toasty on the covered patio of this Arizona home, furnished like a full-fledged living room. Cozy corner Carved-wood cookie molds and burlap ribbon decorate the living room tree in this Tennessee home. A festive room For the living room's tree, the homeowners of this Connecticut home limited themselves to basic glass ornaments in a handful of shades: blue, green, and gold. The presents beneath it benefit from a similar restraint. Golden touches In this Connecticut home, multiple mini-trees are placed throughout the house. This one, on the library's demilune table, jibes with the room's palette. The table is also flanked by English club chairs, 1960s Ethan Allen sconces, and midcentury intaglios. The new tree skirt So long, standard base-hiding apron: This kicky wicker mini provides contemporary cover with natural style.(Skirt, $58; shopterrain.com) Elegant entryway Fashion homespun ornaments by stamping Kraft-paper rectangles. Spreading the cheer In the Beekman Boys' house, poinsettias were turned into living ornaments, in a flash, with floral water tubes. 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. Folk-art ornaments Frame fabric in embroidery hoops to create homespun ornaments with graphic good looks. Fanciful flight This fir tree is decked out with craft-store birds and painted pinecones. Birds & pinecones The star of this avian-themed tree? An egg-filled nest perched at the top. DIY tag ornaments Make eye-catching ornaments by creating custom tags with written messages or photos. Blue-and-gold Christmas tree A striking gold-and-teal color scheme sets off this seven-foot Douglas fir. Gold ribbon bedecks the branches for classic appeal. Pinecone tree Create a pinecone tree on a cone-shaped foam base. Anchor the base in a container with a heavy object, then wire the cones onto 2" wooden floral picks. Insert picks downward into the foam, starting at the bottom with the largest cones and working to the top with the smaller ones. Conceal the foam by tucking sheet moss among the pinecones. Fresh green & white White dove ornaments combine with amaryllis, carnations, and orchids on this lovely tree. Pinecone ornaments Humble pinecones make a triumphant return to the tree as glittering Christmas ornaments. Use silver and gold metallic spray paint to highlight the textures of pinecones. Pearly tree A smaller tinsel tree with pearlescent ornaments packs a festive punch. Simply wonderful A beautiful collection of hand-blown glass balls plain, faceted, and tinted adorn this tree. Consider placing a tree near the fireplace so ornaments are illuminated by its light. Displaying 2 trees One room can embrace two types of trees: modern and traditional. Fruity ornaments Strung popcorn and cranberries are used as garlands on this au naturel evergreen and, yes, those were strung by hand. Not to worry, however they don't have to be. This kind of garland can be purchased at most holiday decor stores. The rest of the decorating is simple: apples, oranges, and pears straight from the market! Oranges should be sliced, then dried. The apples and pears can be tied to branches with red ribbon. From A to Z This tree is trimmed with vintage letters found from old signs, printers' type, and alphabet teaching aids. White wonderland An all-white home becomes a holiday haven with glittery decorations and a shimmering gold tree. | 4 | 820 | lifestyle |
Your wedding day to-dos and when to do them. 12 MONTHS BEFORE Write up the guest list.Fantasize about your ideal wedding.Have the money conversation.Set your budget with some wiggle room.Figure out who's paying for what.Hire a wedding planner, if you want one.Book a reception venue and ceremony site. Lock in the date.Book a stationer.Video: How to Make Save the Date Cards > 10 MONTHS BEFORE Go dress-shopping.Settle on your officiant.Select your bridal party.Shop for vendors. Set up in-person meetings with potentials.Video: 2-Minute Wedding Planner: The Perfect Wedding Gown > 8 MONTHS BEFORE Order your dress.Book the caterer, florist, band/DJ, ceremony music, and photographer and secure your rentals.Block hotel rooms for out-of-town guests.Register.Video: Wedding Bouquet Alternatives > 6 MONTHS BEFORE Send save-the-dates.Meet with vendors to hammer out details.Order invitations.Shop for wedding bands.Order bridesmaids' dresses (if you want them to dress alike).Book the getaway car.Book transportation (buses, limos) for guests, if required.Video: Wedding Party Etiquette > 4 MONTHS BEFORE Hire a calligrapher.Plan the rehearsal dinner.Crank out thank-you notes post-shower.Order the cake.Choose the groom's and groomsmen's attire.Video: 8 tips for a 'cent'sible wedding > 2 MONTHS BEFORE Write the vows, if you plan to personalize.Finalize the ceremony selections with the officiant.Mail the invitations.Accessorize your look.Set up your hair-and-makeup trial.Buy gifts for the bridal party, parents and your fiance. 6 WEEKS BEFORE Apply for a marriage license.Confirm the arrival of the bridesmaid's dresses.Print the programs, menus, and other wedding-reception stationery.Plan welcome baskets for out-of-towners.Partake in bachelorette hijinks. 2 WEEKS BEFORE Final dressing fitting (!).Submit your shot list to the photographer.Give playlists and "no play" lists to the DJ.Procure your marriage license.Review the RSVPs, and chase after stragglers. 1 WEEK BEFORE Give the final head count to the site and caterer.Break in your shoes.Finalize the seating chart.Give last-minute requests to vendors.Get any waxings or facials. 48 HOURS BEFORE Pick up your dress.Put all vendor tips in envelopes. Delegate their distribution to the MOH or best man.Write day-of balance checks that are due.Drop off welcome baskets for our-of-town guests. DAY BEFORE Reconfirm pickup times.Last-minute beautification.Rehearse the ceremony and go to dinner.Give your bridal party and your parents their gifts. | 4 | 821 | lifestyle |
Whatever your style, we've got a ring shape that suits it. Diamond shape: Round Do you love to be different or prefer to stay on top of the latest trend? Do you favor timeless elegance or love to be hip and edgy? A round-cut diamond is one of the most popular cuts for engagement rings, and for good reason. It sparkles like none other, thanks to the stone's 58 facets. Brides who favor this classic shape are traditionalists at heart, and recognize a good thing when they see it. Diamond shape: Princess Another popular option, the princess-cut diamond is a favorite among brides who want a traditional-shaped engagement ring, but with a little something extra. The stone's four pointed corners make it an excellent choice for a bride with a modern sensibility. Diamond shape: Emerald Fewer facets make an emerald-cut diamond susceptible to revealing any flaws the stone may have, which means confidence is a must! Brides who favor this retro-inspired design are open to taking risks and delight in the unexpected. Diamond shape: Cushion A cushion-cut diamond gets its name from the rounded corners and curved sides that make it appear softer than a princess-cut diamond but not as circular as a round-cut stone. Everything from the name of the cut to the shape of the diamond is effortlessly romantic, as is the bride who wears one. Diamond shape: Asscher This vintage-inspired style has been a favorite among the fashion-conscious crowd ever since Carrie Bradshaw modeled an asscher-cut engagement ring during her brief betrothal to Aidan Shaw on Sex and the City. Brides who both follow and define the latest trends can wear this stone with confidence. Diamond shape: Radiant True to its name, a radiant-cut diamond catches the light in a big way. The shape mimics an emerald-cut stone but the facets allow for extra sparkle. Brides who don't want to stray too far from the classic shapes appreciate this stone's timeless nature. Diamond shape: Heart Consider a heart-shaped diamond the wild card in the bunch. Bashful brides who shy away from the spotlight need not consider this finely-crafted shape, as they'll be sure to attract attention wherever they go. Diamond shape: Oval Essentially an elongated circle, an oval-shaped diamond can have just as many facets as a round-cut stone, which means it has the capacity to sparkle just as much. This elegant shape is a favorite among sophisticated brides who are also striving for something unique. Diamond shape: Marquise Because of their shape, marquise-cut diamonds often appear larger than life. The shape of the stone is made to maximize carat weight, which can appeal to brides with a flair for drama. Diamond shape: Pear Also known as a teardrop, the pear-shaped diamond is a hybrid of styles. Taking its cues from both the oval and marquise, this unique shape is a perfect choice for those who play by their own set of rules and think that two is better than one. | 4 | 822 | lifestyle |
More from Conde Nast Traveler: Best Holiday Travel Deals World's Friendliest Cities Take Better Travel Photos Best Gadgets of the Holiday Season Last-Minute Holiday Getaways World's Friendliest Cities Travel-induced insomnia is something that The Benjamin Hotel, a luxury hotel in Manhattan, takes seriously. The hotel has a dedicated Sleep Concierge to answer any slumber-related questions or concerns and even offers a menu of 12 pillows, categorized by whether you're a side, back or stomach sleeper, all designed to help travelers rest better. Recently, the hotel also sought the expertise of Rebecca Robbins, a sleep researcher, consultant and author of Sleep For Success, to help make visitors' nights even better. We got her advice on how to sleep better while traveling. How did you get into the business of sleep and sleep research? I started this work about seven years ago by doing some initial formative studies with my professor at Cornell. We realized there's a critical need for education about the importance of sleep it's a necessity, not a luxury. There's a critical link between sleep and performance on the job, in the classroom, or on the sports field. Can you tell us about the program you've devised for the Benjamin Hotel? I met with staff and discussed the hotel's current sleep program, and from there provided recommendations to really deliver on providing the best quality sleep for their guests. Now everyone at the Benjamin down to the housekeepers and doormen and front desk staff knows more about sleep medicine than most doctors. Our hope is for that not only to translate to the employees valuing sleep more in their only lives, but that translating to the guest by showing a real vested interest. Sleeping in an unfamiliar environment like a hotel is probably one of the biggest things that negatively affects people while traveling. What's the best way to make the experience better? I'm a huge fan of making your hotel room feel as much like home as possible. I pack a picture of my family in my wallet, cashmere socks, and a travel pillow. My co-author and I worked with a company to design a pillow that has silver thread, and it keeps your head cool at night. Little tricks like that can help you feel comfortable in an unfamiliar environment. What about earplugs or eye masks do you think those are helpful when adjusting to unfamiliar environment? Absolutely. I always have a set of high-quality earplugs get the foam earplugs that block about 60 decibels or above. They're not that expensive but really do the trick. I always pack an eye mask to block out any unwanted light. And a pre-bed routine is really important, too: Start to power your computer down about 90 minutes before bed, and do something relaxing. Another component is taking a warm shower. If you take a nice, warm shower and cool off your room 65 degrees is the best temperature for good sleep at night that transition helps with sleep onset. I always take my phone into bed with me is that something people should avoid doing? [Laughs] Yeah, we've gotta stop that. Most cell phones typically emit blue, daylight-spectrum light, so one way to get around that is to dim the brightness way, way down. And the other tip if you have an iPhone or any other smartphone is to turn the wireless off. It takes away the worry of emails coming in that you might have to respond to, and that extra step can help you de-stress. Another huge impediment to sleeping well while traveling is jet lag, especially on transcontinental flights. What's the best way to adjust to that? Try to never, ever take the red-eye. It's easy and saves a lot of time, but you'll wake up sleep-deprived. If you're going to a time zone that's five hours away, that's enough to really require some preparation. Start about five days before your trip starts, and pull your bedtime back 15 minutes each night. That'll help you adjust and ease your transition into a new time zone. Do you think those sort of old wives' tales about drinking warm milk or herbal tea before bed actually helps with falling asleep faster? Absolutely. I'm a big proponent of a pre-bed snack that's another thing we've worked on at the Benjamin, designing pre-bed bites that are about 200 calories each. Typically the best advice is to avoid proteins before bed, but milk is the one exception. So many of our mothers made us warm milk before bed, so that's an example where whatever is relaxing to you is the best thing. But a glass of wine or a slug of whiskey not a good idea? The term nightcap drives me crazy! It's the worst thing you can do before bed. Alcohol is one of what I like to call the three cardinal sins of sleep, which are stress, stimulants, and screens before bed. Alcohol is an REM sleep inhibitor it pulls your body out of rapid-eye movement sleep, which is where all of the benefits of sleep come in to play. That's why we wake up after a night of drinking and feel completely exhausted. I'm a huge proponent of happy hour take advantage of that! [Laughs] What's the worst thing you can do if you're in a hotel or another unfamiliar place, and experiencing insomnia? If you're tossing and turning after 15 minutes, get up and get out of bed. But keep the lights low, walk around, do some light stretching, or read a book. It's important to do something that's not stressful. What do you think is the most important thing people should know when they're on the road if they want to get a good night's sleep? Make your guest room as comfortable as possible. And keep to your regular habits as much as possible exercising when you normally do, keeping to your bed time as close to normal when you're at home. Consistency is key! But be patient recognize that you're in a new environment and that it does take some extra effort. | 4 | 823 | lifestyle |
Let your guests dine in style! From galvanized buckets to glass hurricanes, these ideas for floral arrangements, candle groupings, and more will put the finishing touches on your big day. Simple florals A smattering of bud vases instead of one huge arrangement decorated each guest table at this Kentucky wedding. The bride worked with a local florist to select locally grown hydrangeas, veronica, and Queens Anne's lace. Elegant arrangement Place glass tumblers inside a vintage bottle carrier to hold small buds that can be placed on each table. To add subtle shine, layer a mirror below. Spring setting Soft lavender hydrangeas in a crisp white pot create an elegant, no-fuss piece. Seasonal centerpieces For an autumn wedding, use opulent pomegranates as table décor. Simply 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 purple shiso leaves. Get crabby The best thing about this crabapple arrangement? There's absolutely no arranging involved. Simply strip the leaves from each limb before putting it in a vase. Group several different-size vases for even greater visual payoff. Keep it simple Single stems of oakleaf hydrangea and sweet peas in glass decanters create an easy yet sophisticated arrangement. Make your own vases Floral foam and glass marbles aren't the only ways to hold flowers aloft. 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 party favors. Dahlia domes You can you use a cake stand for more than just a wedding cake: Give them a new purpose by placing colored floral domes on them. To make this centerpiece, cut the bottom of a foam ball, so it sits flat. Then soak it in water for 30 minutes before inserting the flowers. Short and simple Rather than large centerpieces in the middle, the couple at this Oregon wedding opted for an array of candle holders along the length of the table. This way, your guests can easily chat and the soft glow adds to the romantic atmosphere, especially as the sun sets. Rustic décor Baskets filled with sweet autumn clematis relflect the surrounding countryside at this rural New York wedding. Classy and creative 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. | 4 | 824 | lifestyle |
STEP 1 Start with two pleated skirts. Working from the hem of one of the skirts, cut up through the waistband along a side seam to create a long rectangle of fabric. Repeat with second skirt. (If you're using kilts, just open them up flat. Remove their buckles and set aside.) STEP 2 Measure 22 1/2" up from the hem of one of the skirts and draw a line across with tailor's chalk. Cut along the line; turn under 1/2" of fabric at the top, then hem. Next, measuring from one unfinished edge to the other, divide the skirt into thirds and cut into three pieces of equal widths. Repeat with second skirt. STEP 3 Pin the "right" sides of one piece of each skirt to face each other and sew along one of the unfinished edges to attach. Repeat, alternating between the two skirts until you have stitched all six pieces together in a row. If you're working with kilts, make sure their frayed edges make up the outside edges of the final panels. Otherwise, finish these edges by turning under 1/4" on each side and hemming. STEP 4 Knot a length of embroidery floss or another strong thread at one end. Starting at the first fabric panel — and working about 1" down from the top seam — loosely stitch through the pleats (or, if your skirt doesn't have sharp pleats, loosely sew using a running stitch). Once you've stitched the entire tree skirt, pull the thread to gather the fabric and knot the end several times. STEP 5 If you have kilt buckles (removed in Step 1), sew the straps onto one end panel and the metal buckles onto the other, matching them up so you can easily buckle the skirt to close it. If neither of your skirts came with buckles, sew four lengths of ribbon (two at the edge of one end panel and two on the other) and tie together. | 4 | 825 | lifestyle |
Contributing editor Jodi Kahn sets an unexpected fall scene, bringing a twist to holiday dinner with cool DIY crafts and fetching finds. 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)MSN Living: 10 colorful kitchen finds under $20Go beyond the typical autumn tropes. 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 our entire 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) Lovely tablescape Think outside the vase. 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)Bing: Thanksgiving craft ideasThe 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) Crafty 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) Recipes for the road Serve recipe cards alongside the feast. It's a snap to share the secrets to making Aunt Karen's pecan pie or Uncle Bill's gravy, thanks to these nifty souvenirs. Save our index-card JPEG; then paste it into Microsoft Word and type the recipe in a text box atop the image. Print out multiple copies of each recipe on card stock; cut out and stack the cards in wooden boxes near their corresponding dishes. (Bamboo box, $4.99; containerstore.com) Useful accents Colorful sleeves eliminate the need for coasters and silly wine charms. Not only do these accessories protect tabletops; when fashioned in a variety of hues, they also help guests keep track of their champagne glasses. Measure the diameter of a glass's base, then cut two slightly larger felt circles. Cut an X across the middle of one circle before stitching the piece atop the other. Pretty to-go packages Looking for an attractive way to wrap up leftovers? Disguise cheap storage containers with custom-stamped fabric covers. Measure the lids in a pack of plastic bowls. Next, use pinking shears to cut cloth circles that measure several inches wider than the lids they'll cover. Using alphabet stamps and fabric ink, press playful phrases in the center of each circle. Allow two hours of drying time; then before folks head out, secure the covers in place with rubber bands. (Food containers, $2.99 for five; ikea.com for stores. Stamp set, $7.99; stamp pad, $3.99; joann.com) | 4 | 826 | lifestyle |
Some 'dos never go out of style and these celebs are here to prove it. 1970s: Sophia Loren Sophia Loren looked sultry with voluptuous barrel curls. Now: Salma Hayek Ombré highlights give Salma Hayek's own curls extra bounce. 1950s: Marilyn Monroe Who can forget Marilyn Monroe's iconic waves? 1990s: Jennifer Aniston "The Rachel" the haircut Jennifer Aniston sported as her character Rachel on Friends pretty much defined the 90s with it's choppy, layered look. As much as she's tried to grow it, it's still what we remember Aniston for! Now: Kirsten Dunst Kirsten Dunst has a similar face-framing, layered look but softer (translation: less hair product). 1960s: Mia Farrow Mia Farrow took the plunge from long locks to this close-cropped pixie in 1967. Now: Emma Watson Emma Watson made a similarly drastic cut, but updated the look with a slicked side part. 1960s: Jane Fonda Jane Fonda shows off her side-swept long layers and bouncy, elegant curls. Now: Blake Lively Lively has the Old Hollywood glamour thing down with her voluminous waves. Now: Taylor Swift Before chopping her long hair in early 2014, Taylor Swift flirted with a short 'do by under-pinning her curls a wispier, more playful version of the classic 20s look. 1920s: Louise Brooks Louise Brooks was one of the first women to debut the short bob her blunt bangs launched a million lookalikes. Now: Katie Holmes Katie Holmes updated the flapper bob with side-swept bangs and a drastic side part. 1960s: Twiggy Twiggy showed off her piercing eyes with this side-parted short crop. Now: Adele Adele's luxe length and a dark golden hue look less "sweetheart" and more "modern bombshell." 1980s: Demi Moore Demi Moore's wispy bangs gave her glossy hair even more volume. Now: Freida Pinto Freida Pinto rocks the wispy bangs sans the 80s-style amount of hairspray. | 4 | 827 | lifestyle |
From an Instagram print throw pillow to a flattering spring dress that won't break the bank, these are the coolest products and latest trends on our radar this month. Pig in boots! Can we be honest? This is a totally gratuitous piglet, wearing Wellies. We just couldn't resist. (And--oh, yeah--March 1 is National Pig Day.) Fancy some frosting? Carrot cake, cupcakes, whoopie pies--let's get real, they're all just frosting-delivery devices. So make it gourmet with these easy frosting upgrades from REDBOOK food guru Barbara Chernetz. Start with any basic cream cheese frosting recipe (for Babs's, visit redbookmag.com/frost) and then...Chocolate-chile: Add melted chocolate and ancho chili powder. Lime-coconut: Add grated lime zest and shredded coconut. Bourbon--brown sugar: Substitute dark brown sugar for the usual confectioners' sugar, and add bourbon to taste. Honey-ginger: Add ground ginger and a squirt of honey. Get hooked Spend 15 minutes D.I.Y.-ing this cute action station and we promise you'll never hear the phrase Honey, have you seen my keys? again. Use a precut wood plaque for the base (you can find them at any craft store) and screw in a mismatched jumble of painted hooks. "It's perfect for keys and scarves by the door, and I keep one for jewelry in my room," says Amy Azzarito, author of the new book Past & Present. Be-witching makeup Sometimes you feel like a good witch; other days a little more bad. Now, by way of the new film Oz the Great and Powerful, you can channel either persona. Urban Decay's makeup palettes are inspired by virtuous Glinda (played by Michelle Williams) and devious Theodora (Mila Kunis). Both have eight shadows, a liner, and a lip crayon. It's the most glamorous movie tie-in we've seen yet. ($49 each; sephora.com) Drink to St. Patty's Day An excellent reason to step away from the green beer: the delicious Irish Smash from our Mommy Mixologist, Kim Haasarud. First, squeeze a whole lemon into a cocktail shaker. Add an ounce of simple syrup (just sugar dissolved in hot water) and two ounces of whiskey. Top with ice and shake it like you're James Bond. Strain it into a glass, add a few mint leaves, top with fresh ice, and praise the Irish. It takes a village... Actress Sarah Chalke once played a young mom who reluctantly returns to live with her folks on ABC's very cute new comedy How to Live With Your Parents (For the Rest of Your Life). But in real life, she would actually relish the idea: "My mom would teach the kids how to garden, and my dad would listen to their stories and sneak them doughnuts--altogether it would make for very well-balanced children." An actress without family issues? That's refreshing. Personalize your pillow Instagram has already unleashed your inner art photographer; now let it help you channel your budding decorator. Just send your favorite shot to yellowvelvet.com, and for $56 they'll turn it into a throw pillow. So cute, and way more useful than yet another framed photograph, no? Watch this "When I was in college, there was one sentence in my textbook that said, 'Women were given the vote.' That gave me a very unrealistic idea of how change happens," says Gloria Steinem, one of the stars of Makers: Women Who Make America, a PBS special (airing February 26) that documents just how far we've come. Everyone from Barbara Walters to Hillary Clinton tells her story. You'll get a lump in your throat, and say a little prayer that our girls keep fighting for equality. "Life will radicalize them," Steinem predicts, "but it helps for them to know that we can act." Minimal, and relatable It's exhausting how Patty Perfect most parenting-book authors are. Not so the authors of Minimalist Parenting, which is all about giving yourself a break. Cowriter Christine Koh even admitted to us, "I let my 2-year-old eat mostly chocolate-chip cookies the other night for dinner." We like these ladies! Va va voom! The next time you find yourself with two $20 bills to rub together, get thee to Target and trade them for this insanely pretty dress from Prabal Gurung for Target. The price tag ($39.99; target.com) will leave you with enough left over to splurge on shoes... or jewelry... or a massage. Eat in, for them We know you hardly need an excuse to have the ladies over for dinner, but here's one more: Host a potluck supper, then send the funds you would've spent at a restaurant to the nonprofit Dining for Women. They'll use the money to help women all over the developing world. Cheers to that! | 4 | 828 | lifestyle |
Your wedding is your special day, but you want to keep your guests happy, too. Here are 20 typical wedding guest complaints and what you can do about them. The dress code was too strict Black tie for a beach wedding? Guests will most definitely groan. Make sure your dress code is appropriate to the venue. And if you give guests a too-specific set of instructions, they'll probably roll their eyes at that, too. The hotel was too expensive When you've thrown down thousands on your reception, the hotel cost might seem like chump change. But keep in mind: your out-of-town guests have their finances to consider. Opt for a comfortable, mid-range hotel with reasonable rates to keep everyone happy. The reception started too late After they've watched you walk down the aisle, your guests are ready to party. Of course, you've likely put a lot of work into planning the reception. Guests will appreciate your efforts all the more if it starts at a reasonable time. I couldn't eat the food Try to ask about food allergies or dietary restrictions in advance. It's hard to consider everyone's requirements and preferences. But serving a crowd-pleasing menu with vegetarian options will make sure most people are covered. I had to sit with strangers at the reception Try to make sure your guests are seated at a table with at least one person they know. Sitting at a table full of strangers can be uncomfortable, especially if they all know each other, and you're the odd person out. Dinner was served too late When stomachs start growling, it's only a matter of time before the complaining starts. Waiting too long for dinner is a big wedding guest annoyance. Make sure your dinner will be served at a reasonable time, and consider offering hors d'oeuvres before the big meal. The music was terrible If the music is too loud or too out-of-place for a wedding (Dubstep, maybe?), guests might want to escape. Make sure people can still hear their conversations, but don't be afraid to turn up the volume, either--when it's appropriate. And if guests aren't feeling the vibe, ask the DJ to mix it up. The date/time was inconvenient Guests will likely complain if they have to do some serious schedule rearranging to make it to your wedding. However, if you're intent on having your wedding on a holiday or a specific time during the week, you can minimize the complaints by announcing the date well in advance. This will give guests plenty of time to prepare. I couldn't bring my kids It's certainly okay to have a "grown-ups only" policy for your wedding. But etiquette experts recommend you call your guests who have children, to make sure they know your wedding isn't child-friendly. I had to pay for my drinks If you're picking up the tab, it can be heartbreaking to see all the half-sipped glasses of booze lying around after the reception. Still, most wedding planners agree that cash bars are a no-no. If you can't afford an open bar, consider serving a limited selection of beer and wine. The weather was too cold/hot Outdoor weddings can be a challenge. You're at the mercy of everything from wind to rain to the sun's positioning. If it's freezing, provide heat lamps. If it's hot, make sure your venue offers plenty of shade. You want to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors without annoying your guests. I never got a thank-you card Yes, thank-you notes are still a thing. And your guests will definitely notice if you fail to send them out. EmilyPost.com recommends sending your notes within three months of the wedding. The ceremony was too long When it comes to your ceremony, you should swap vows according to what works for you and your partner. That being said, you want your guests to be moved, not bored, during the ceremony. So make sure it starts on time, and if your ceremony is hitting an hour, keep in mind--your guests will probably stop paying attention. The reception was too far away If your guests have to drive an hour to get to the reception after the ceremony, they're probably going to complain. Ideally, you want your ceremony and reception to be as close in proximity as possible. If that's not possible, try to at least keep the distance within 20 miles. The activities made me uncomfortable Flash mobs might be all the rage, but participating in activities like this can make some guests uncomfortable. If you have group activities planned--tossing the bouquet, chicken dances, etc.--make sure to let them happen organically without making your guests feel obligated to join in. I couldn't afford anything on the registry You might have caviar taste, but many of your guests could be on a PB&J budget. Especially if they're booking a hotel or spending hundreds to fly to your wedding, guests will complain about your overpriced registry. Have a variety of price points available when you register for gifts. There weren't enough appetizers Appetizers are only meant to hold your guests over until dinner, but there should also be enough to go around. It can be tough to estimate how much you'll need. When in doubt, round up your estimates. I didn't get to talk to the bride or groom Your guests came to your wedding to be a part of a special day in your life. Obviously, they'll want to catch up with you and at least offer their congratulations. Even if you're stressed, try to remember to be a gracious host and make your rounds. I couldn't afford the destination Santorini might be your dream destination, but not everyone can afford it. Consider saving your destination for the honeymoon and making the wedding convenient for your guests. If you're set on a destination wedding, help your guests nab discounts and make it as easy as possible for them to attend. Once they do, make sure they know how much you appreciate their presence. It was boring Yes, your wedding is ultimately for you and your partner. But the point of a wedding is to include your friends and loved ones in your major life milestone. So you want to make sure they're having a good time, too. Consider your guests throughout your planning, and everyone is sure to have a good time. | 4 | 829 | lifestyle |
Color trends aren't just for the runway Benjamin Moore's creative and color team dug into the most popular looks in fashion, textiles, and the arts to find the serene and calming palette of colors that they predict will be gracing homes across the country this year. Click through to see the colors on the walls of real homes! Entryway The walls and wainscotting of this entryway are painted Benjamin Moore's Castleton Mist, while the chairs are coated in Coral Essence. Reading Corner This cozy reading nook is painted in Benjamin Moore's Sparrow, a mossy neutral. Kitchen Benjamin Moore's Flint, a dark charcoal, can mask stains in the kitchen. Bedroom Benjamin Moore's Van Alen Green creates a calming oasis in the bedroom. Home Office Lavender Mist by Benjamin Moore offers a pop of color without being overwhelming. Guest Bathroom The walls are painted in Benjamin Moore's Palladian Blue, while the bath is coated in the 2014 Color of the Year, Breath of Fresh Air, a pastel blue. Bathroom Here, Benjamin Moore's A Breath of Fresh Air appears on the walls of a bathroom. Living Room The walls of this living room received a cheery coat of Fruit Shake by Benjamin Moore. The trim is done in White Dove. Dining Room Wickham Gray by Benjamin Moore is a calming and subtle shade perfect for a dining room. Front Door Give your front door a makeover! This one received a coating of high gloss A Breath of Fresh Air. Breakfast Nook The walls of this room are painted in Benjamin Moore's Clay Beige, while the cabinets and stairs are done in White Dove. | 4 | 830 | lifestyle |
Whether you live by the beach or just dream about ocean breezes, enhance the natural beauty of your home with crisp white, splashes of bold color and sea-themed accents. Open and airy The living area's furnishings are awash in a sea of blues in this Martha's Vineyard home. A patchwork rug from Nomadic Trading Company anchors the room, furnished with linen sofas and a wingback chair by Cisco. The glass top on Groundwork's reclaimed-oak coffee table displays a collage of vintage art and family photos. Budget spring living room In the living room of this East Hampton beach house, painted a happy green, Ikea bargains $6 roman shades and a $99 jute rug stylishly coexist with a $1,695 eco-friendly sofa by Lee Industries. The reclaimed-elm table is from local shop English Country Antiques. Sun-drenched room The sea-themed tableau of this New York cottage's living area includes a Victorian pond yacht, a taxidermic seagull, and 19th-century art-student landscapes. Slipcovered in white denim, a trio of Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams sofas offers ample seating. The homeowner painted her dark, 19th-century Chinese coffee table to better reflect light. Room with a view In this Massachusetts home, a pair of chairs covered in cotton matelassé swivel to face the harbor in the master bedroom's sitting area. A model sailboat from Chatham's Tale of the Cod sits atop a reclaimed-wood table found at Midsummer Nights, also in Chatham. The walls are painted "Icy Morn" by Benjamin Moore. Beachy desk area The owner of this California home spotted the shell mirror at an L.A. gift shop. Philippe Starck's clear Ghost chair tempers the solidity of a Chinese rattan desk. Local artist Inglis Kelley painted the portrait. Backyard shower The owners of this New Hampshire cabin indulged in a few fantasy elements, like an outdoor shower itself equipped with a view. The cabin's old garage doors were used to enclose the shower. Bright living room The homeowner of this seaside cottage accented the white living room with reproductions of 19th-century bird prints, an antique model sailboat, and a Who Knew ottoman. The pretzel-chair cushions sport fabric in Tyler Hall's Siddhartha pattern. Shades of gray In the kitchen of her summer cottage, interior designer Sarah Richardson chose two different gray-greens by Benjamin Moore for the cabinets: Gray Cashmere up top and November Rain below. The marble tile backsplash incorporates the kitchen's many hues and loosely resembles life buoys a nod to the home's island location. Ship shape The homeowner of this New York home (that was built from a ship!) outfitted the guest room with a new iron bed from English Country Antiques, an 1860s painted pine blanket box, a circa-1900 zinc clockface, and her treasured 19th-century Bastille Day coat. The cotton coverlet is by Matouk.Bright Idea: Show off antique garments and artwork on a Shaker-style peg rack with a shelf. Cheery guest bedroom In her cozy cottage, interior designer Sarah Richardson opted for a matelasse coverlet by HillTop Interiors because it subtly references the guest room's water views. "The quilting reminded me of waves," she explained. Pillows sewn from an embroidered linen called Beckman Counterpane add even more texture, while continuing the aqua theme. Oceanside view The master bedroom of this Massachusetts home features a bed dressed with a linen Pandora de Balthazar coverlet and shams. The matching nightstands, colored in tones that mimic the beach outside, are by Seabrook Classics. Breezy bedroom In this California home, the owner's inspired use of wallpaper augments the endless-summer fantasy, like this Cole & Sons design that evokes palm trees in the master bedroom. An Ethan Allen four-poster and a Horchow capiz-shell pendant imbue the room with a vacation-villa vibe. The Belgian linen duvet cover is by Restoration Hardware. Water-friendly room The owner of this New Hampshire lake house furnishes the living room with outdoor finds that can handle wet swimsuits: a wicker sectional sofa from Restoration Hardware and a weather-resistant rug by Dash & Albert. Built-in cubbies store beach blankets and fishing gear, and the ladder leads to a sleeping loft. The walls are painted Strong White by Farrow & Ball. Seafaring dining room The homeowner of this Nantucket cottage found her dining room's late-1800s farm table and reproduction Windsor chairs at Nantucket House Antiques. Nautical decor, like the sailboat and blue-green chairs and bench, pays homage to the sea. The verdigris chandelier is by Richard Mulligan. Little vignettes The stair landing in this Nantucket cottage doubles as a mini museum of regional tools, including a cranberry rake, a wire lobster trap, and glass floats. The caged pendant light was discovered at Val Maitino Antiques; the cabinets' strap hinges are by Whitechapel. Ocean view living room Interior designer Sarah Richardson relied on natural textures a wood coffee table, bamboo and wicker side tables, woven baskets to bring some of the outside warmth into her cottage. Blue and white In the boys' bedroom of this California home, navy bedspreads from Bed, Bath & Beyond and a chevron rug by Serena & Lily suggest "nautical" without going overboard. The beanbag is a PBteen score. Beachy breakfast nook A booth tucked into the kitchen accommodates casual meals (and wave-watching!) in this beachside California home. Metal stools $90 World Market bargains sidle up to the breakfast nook's table, constructed of salvaged wood. The chandelier dates from the 1960s. Family room In the family room of this Massachusetts home, a melon-colored coffee table by Seabrook Classics pops against neutral Lee Industries chairs. The faux-coral table lamp is from Pier 1, and the walls are painted "White Dove" by Benjamin Moore.Bright Idea: A vinyl coating (applied by a professional fabric-treatment firm) protects the sofa's upholstery from wet swimsuits. Sea-inspired bedroom Coastal blues and greens enliven century-old quilts in Pinwheel (left) and Bear's Paw patterns that dress the antique wrought-iron beds in the bedroom of this Nantucket cottage. The new rag rug was handwoven by area artisans at the Weaving Room, and the demijohn lamp hails from a nearby antiques shop.Bright Idea: Loosen up a traditional bedroom with mismatched quilts. | 4 | 831 | lifestyle |
Get ready for sunny afternoons on your patio with these fun outdoor decorating tips from designer and HGTV star Emily Henderson. Emily Henderson Los Angeles-based interior designer Emily Henderson, winner of HGTV's "DesignStar" in 2010 and star of the network's "Secrets From A Stylist," was recently named Target's new home style expert. We asked Emily to share her top tips for updating your patio this season, along with some of her favorite outdoor-ready Target goodies. Create an outdoor living room "By simply clustering a wicker loveseat and chairs around a coffee table on a colorful patio rug, like this navy chevron pattern one, you've defined a space that's primed for a little R&R," says Emily. "I love the Threshold Heatherstone Wicker Patio Conversation Furniture Collection it looks super comfortable and sophisticated, but simple enough that it can easily transition into different styles with just the changing of accessories."Pictured: Threshold Heatherstone Wicker Four-Piece Patio Conversation Furniture Set, $956, target.com Create a garden on your deck "I can't tell you how to keep plants alive, but I sure know how to style them up," says Emily. "Fill pots in different sizes and colors with beautiful blooms and group them in threes or fives. These colorful planters come in lots of sizes and are inexpensive so you can turn your deck or patio into a garden, no yard required."Pictured: Threshold Stoneware Planters, $12.99, target.com Let there be light "Everyone loves warm summer nights, but good lighting is important," says Emily. "Cluster a few of these lanterns together or scatter them around the deck. They're rust-resistant and can sit outside in any weather. And don't be afraid to repurpose your string lights! I love adding s1light to trees, or stringing them across a space to add a little pizzazz."Pictured: Room Essentials Frosted Globe Lights, $14.99, target.com Add color and comfort "Throw pillows are an inexpensive way to liven up any space, especially outdoors," says Emily. "Mix shapes, sizes and colors for a fun and eclectic look. Be sure to choose outdoor pillows that are weather-resistant and won't fade in the sun."Pictured:Threshold Two-Piece Square Outdoor Toss Pillow Set in Turquoise Circles, $24, target.com Add extra seating "When you entertain a crowd, there are never enough seats and it's not like you want five sofas outside," says Emily. "I love using outdoor fabric poufs as an inexpensive and versatile option. They're light enough to move around but comfy enough that guests will love to plop down on one and sip on a margarita."Pictured: Threshold Outdoor Fabric Pouf in Navy Stripes, from $31.99, target.com | 4 | 832 | lifestyle |
June is right around the corner, which means summer and wedding season are about to kick off! Combine the two, and you get one of the most popular honeymoon travel times of the year. If you're one of the lucky couples that's planning a post-wedding getaway, it's time to start thinking about your packing list. Clothes and toiletries are obviously travel essentials, but there are a few other must-have items to consider. Noise-canceling headphones Beats by Dre Studio Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, $379.99, Target A neck pillow T-TECH by TUMI Inflatable Neck Pillow, $25.29, Target A set of luggage Rockland Luggage Metallic 3 Piece ABS Spinner Luggage Set, $155.99, Target An SLR camera Canon EOS Rebel T3i 18MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55IS Lens, $549.99, Target A video camera GoPro HERO3+ Silver Edition, $299.99, Target A cosmetic bag "Mrs" Travel/Cosmetic Bag, $25.90, Target | 4 | 833 | lifestyle |
Home décor deals We shopped it all, and these 16 fall home decor finds wowed with style and price. Serve anything on these, but don't put them away when you're done they're great counter décor. Happy Chic by Jonathan Adler ceramic nesting trays, $95; jcp.com. Home décor deals Think of a bold geometric pillow as a statement necklace for the sofa. Jester pillow, $60; arnge.com. Home décor deals Tacking a to-do list to your corkboard with paper-airplane pins feels like playtime. Pushpins, $4.99 for 6; containerstore.com. Home décor deals Hang one or a pair of these silvery pendant lamps. 8½-inch-wide smoked glass pendant, $99.99; lampsplus.com. Home décor deals This planter will give your mums some stately digs. Ceramic planter, $29.99; homegoods.com for stores. Home décor deals A gorgeous, snuggly blanket that just begs you to curl up with a good book. Throw, $59; boconcept.us. Home décor deals Tuck this side table in a tiny space; it's only 14x17 inches on top! Wooden table, $98; urbanoutfitters.com. Home décor deals Every day deserves to be margarita day. Just add tequila to these mixes (mmm, blood orange) and serve. Modern Margaritas variety pack, $8.29; themoderncocktail.com for stores. Home décor deals Even last night's leftovers are Instagram-worthy in this pretty container. Bento box, $32; leifshop.com. Home décor deals In the age of email, a gorgeous card can make someone feel wildly loved. John Robshaw creature note cards, $14.95 for 16; chroniclebooks.com Home décor deals A rattan chair lends your place the charm of a Parisian bistro. Älmsta chair, $99.99; ikea.com. Home décor deals Add some wit to a bookshelf with these wise fellows. Pair of bookends, $29.99; zgallerie.com. Home décor deals Such pretty, artisanal-looking dinner plates, for an amazing price. Ceramic plate, $6; pier1.com. Home décor deals Clean lines and a deep green color make this lamp elegant in a home office. Task lamp, $99; westelm.com. Home décor deals Bright striped napkins are picnic-cheerful, even in the dead of winter. Napkins, $32 for 4; furbishstudio.com. Home décor deals Roll out a batch of Grandma's famous cookies with this sweet ceramic pin. Rolling pin, $15; target.com. | 4 | 834 | lifestyle |
Don't make that seasonal trip to the consignment store quite yet! You're going to want that pile of cast-off clothing around after you've read through the nine easy-to-follow fashion DIYS in the slideshow above. Click through to breath new life into your old stuff. The DIY: Frayed Hem Jeans Level Of Effort: SmallWhat You Need: Skinny or straight legs jeans (this is much harder to pull off with looser fits, so just save those for making cut-off shorts another easy DIY!), sharp scissors, tailor's chalk, a ruler.How It's Done: Before cutting anything, experiment with different inseams in front of the mirror. Once you find what crop best flatters you, tag the spot with chalk. Then take your jeans off, use the ruler to make a guide line and cut. Repeat the process on the other side, and exaggerate the fraying by pulling a few threads loose (a few washes helps with that, too). The DIY: Elbow Patch Sweaters Level Of Effort: MediumWhat You Need: A long-sleeve sweater with little to no texture (too much can be tough with work with), contrasting fabric for the patches, straight pins, iron-on fabric tape, oval/heart/square pattern (either search for one online or make your own), a pen, scissors, a damp cotton cloth.How It's Done: Determine the exact elbow bend of your sweater, and mark each spot with a pin. Taking care the two places line up, go ahead and make a square of fuse tape around each one before removing the pins. Now trace and cut out the patches from your contrasting fabric, lay them over the fuse tape, and press the iron down on each side, using the damp cloth as a barrier. (Of course, if you feel comfortable with sewing instead, that's always an option as well this look is especially cute when you use contrasting thread!) The DIY: Raw Edge T-Shirts Level Of Effort: Extra-SmallWhat You Need: A thin turtleneck (the Uniqlo style pictured left is ideal), measuring tape, pins and a pair of scissors. How It's Done: Following the seam as a guide, cut the turtleneck top completely out of the shirt. Finish by measuring and marking each sleeve to the desired T-shirt length and trimming. (Tip: If the neckline isn't deep enough for you, use a plate to trace a scoopier one before cutting again.) WOMEN HEATTECH TURTLE NECK T-SHIRT (LONG SLEEVE), $14.90, UNIQLO.COM The DIY: Jewel Encrusted Heels Level Of Effort: LargeWhat You Need: Block heel shoes, flat-back crafting crystals, a hot glue gun, paint the same color as your shoe and a plastic needle-nose bottle. How It's Done: Hot glue different sized crystals placed at random angles to make a mosaic pattern around the heel. Once that's dried, pour the paint into the plastic bottle and squeeze a little across the edge of each jewel to fill in the cracks. The DIY: Lace-Trimmed Cut-offs Level Of Effort: MediumWhat You Need: Cut-off shorts, lace trimming, tape measure, scissors, fabric glue (or thread, pins and needles). How It's Done: Measure the circumference of each leg opening, add an inch (it's always better to have a little too much than not enough!), and use that length to cut two strips of trim (alternatively, you can slit each side of the short and just let a little lace peek out the sides). Turn your shorts inside out and carefully glue your embellishment around the bottom edge or if you're handy with a needle and thread, pin and sew it in place. The DIY: Tie-Dye Jeans Level Of Effort: LargeWhat You Need: Jeans with a dark and uniform wash, a bucket, bleach, elastics. How It's Done: Just like your would if you were tie-dying a tee at summer camp (remember how fun was that was?!), secure your pants in a tight little twisty ball with lots of elastics the more you can squeeze in, the better the final product. After you've finished prepping the denim, dip it in a bucket filled with half bleach, half water and wait four hours. Then dump the solution, fill the bucket with fresh water, rinse the pants and then throw them in the washing machine with no soap. The DIY: Festival Tees Level Of Effort: SmallWhat You Need: A slightly oversized T-shirt and scissors. How It's Done: As any Google search will prove, there are no less than a million ways to slice and dice your old T-shirt like a Coachella regular. Should you be feeling uninspired, though, here's are are few ideas to start: 1. Trace and cut an interesting shape in the back (like the adorable heart to the left!). 2. Deepen the neckline, remove the sleeves and cut it to a cropped length so perfect for high-waisted pencil skirts. 3. Slice out the collar and a small sliver on each shoulder. The DIY: Button-Down Skirt Level Of Effort: Extra-SmallWhat You Need: An oversized menswear button-down that's all! How It's Done: With about a quarter of the buttons undone, slip into the shirt and pull it down around your hips; fold the top portion down so you can't see it. Tie the arms around your waist, and adjust extra fabric as needed. The DIY: Artsy Handbags Level of Effort: LargeWhat You Need: An solid colored handbag you're completely sick of using, paint, brushes, tray, water, cotton balls How It's Done: Really, it depends on your taste. You can get a little more abstract with it (like our fashion editor-at-large Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele did with her Chanel purse), draw on a face à la Prada Spring 2014 or paint the top flap for a color blocking effort. Your options are limitless! | 4 | 835 | lifestyle |
Even with these six little luxuries, you won't mistake your seat for first-class, but every little bit helps. The Inflatable Komfort Kollar I've used many a neck pillow in my day, and my favorite is the Komfort Kollar because it consumes the least space and weighs practically nothing. You inflate it (with a few deep breaths), wrap it around your neck, and fasten with a Velcro strap. It completely surrounds your neck, protecting it no matter what position you get twisted into, especially if your head drops forward while you're dozing (magellans.com; $28). Cocoon Coolmax Travel Blanket When I'm flying to a cold-weather destination, I carry a pashmina, which I use as a blanket on board and as a scarf upon arrival. If I'm bound for warm climes, however, I carry the compact, lightweight, moisture-wicking Cocoon blanket. It's as soft as silk pajamas and as warm as flannels (campmor.com; $30). Luxe Self-Inflating Seat Cushion I carry this in the outside pocket of my carry-on wheelie and move it to my airline seat pocket before shoving the wheelie into the overhead bin. Twist the valve and, as if by magic, the cushion fills with air. Sitting on it keeps your legs, hips, and butt from cramping (by taking pressure off your spine) and makes you feel like you're suspended on a cloud. A few caveats for those who are tall or large: Since the cushion elevates you two to three inches, your seat belt may fit a little more snugly, the in-seat headrest may be poorly aligned (if you pull the wings of the headrest forward, they'll hit your shoulders instead of your neck), and it may be tough to use a laptop comfortably (magellans.com; $50). Aviator Laptop Stand The taller you are, the harder it is to use your laptop when the seat in front of you is reclined. Even when it's not reclined, you have to slump down in your seat, slide your legs forward, and contort your lower spine just to see what you're typing. Take it from me, the position can be excruciating. The laptop stand raises the screen about three inches. It takes five seconds to assemble, and when disassembled, the thin plastic pieces just slide into your laptop bag. Warning: Because the stand's risers extend toward you from the tray table, how well it will work for you depends on how large your belly is (keynamics.com; $20). In-Flight Refreshing Facial Mist Every couple of hours during the flight, I'll spray this hydrating mist which I bought at a gift shop in Terminal 4 of New York's JFK on my face. It cools and soothes the skin by moistening it, and it revives me thanks to the tingly sensation and reinvigorating aromas (kiehls.com; $18). Cucumber Eye Pads Along with artifical-tears lubricant eye drops, these moist, disposable eye pads cool, refresh, and wake up my tired eyes after overnight flights. You're supposed to leave them on for 10 to 15 minutes, so, when the plane is descending and I'm forced to switch off my electronics, I place them on my eyes for the final 15 minutes before landing, so I can walk off the plane feeling human again (XpresSpa.com; $6). | 4 | 836 | lifestyle |
Try out these clever storage and organization ideas to make the most of space in your kitchen. Try industrial shelving Construct a pantry from a pair of metal storage units. This one is painted blue with individual metal bins taking the place of drawers; labels placed on the shelves help identify the bins' contents. White enamelware, a wire basket of potatoes, and an entire shelf of mineral water break up the geometric pattern of the bins. Display rack In a small kitchen, both storage and design needs can be met at the same time with careful placement of various wall racks. Whether pot racks, spice racks, bakery racks, or plate racks, they all organize and accessorize. Here, a plate display rack also has a lower shelf holding a small collection of pitchers and mugs, with hooks below for teacups. Vintage storage jars Collections of clear vintage jars, bottles, and canisters make great containers to store all sorts of dry ingredients for cooking and baking. Look for them at flea markets, yard sales, and online. Organized cabinets With exposed cabinets (either completely open or with glass fronts), presentation of the contents really matters and neatness does count. Display dishes of the same color scheme and arrange carefully. Pot rack Pot racks offer great convenience for getting pots, pans, strainers, and other large utensils out of the way but keeping them within reach. Showcase storage Even the simplest of storage choices can be transformed into a showcase. Here, two plain plank shelves have been painted pale green and mounted on white fret-work brackets. Kitchen desk A small kitchen desk is handy for making lists, paying bills, or keeping up on correspondence. Vintage dish rack Simple storage options help a kitchen function more efficiently. A dish rack is a space-saving and attractive feature to store plates at the ready. Streamlined kitchen You know a kitchen is seeing a lot of use when utensils, pots, and pans are within easy reach for the cook. The long metal bar on this range hood provides a clever spot for a variety of tongs and ladles. | 4 | 837 | lifestyle |
The inspiration This airy space is a library, living room, and cook's paradise in one. The designer helps you replicate its chicness for less with these kitchen accessories and decor. "I painted everything here even the ceiling a warm white using a few coats of Swiss Coffee lacquer by Kelly-Moore," says Los Angeles based designer Mark D. Sikes. "Anything will wipe off lacquer." Paint, $28.26 per gallon; kellymoore.com for stores. BING: BACKSPLASH IDEAS Kitchen collectables Show off a collection. "I use ginger jars as bookends and as accents on the island," Sikes says. 11-inch porcelain vase, $54; orientalfurniture.com. BING: KITCHEN COLOR IDEAS Wild about stripes An indoor-outdoor runner cleans up in a flash and fits a narrow space plus, graphic stripes feel nicely perky. Catamaran stripe 2.5x8-foot rug in charcoal, $115; dashandalbert.com. BING: CELEBRITY KITCHENS Must-have towels Echo the stripes on the rug and a dish towel will seem more like a well-placed accessory. Towels, $19.95 for 4; williams-sonoma.com. BING: MUST-HAVE KITCHEN ACCESSORIES Mix and match The best pillows are unmatched. Clockwise from top left: Oasis pillow by Villa Home, $85; burkedecor.com. Suri orange pillow, $29.95; crateandbarrel.com. Aloe vera pillow by Koko Company, $100; burkedecor.com. William Yeoward Albariza sky cushion, $120; designersguild.com. BING; DIY KITCHEN SHELVES Go green Go green with a pretty topiary you can't kill and a mini herb garden. Left: Live 5-inch rosemary topiary, $49; potterybarn.com. Right: 28-inch faux Boxwood topiary, $65; jamaligarden.com. BING: KITCHEN STORAGE IDEAS Unique lighting Lighting makes a huge difference. A classic pendant with glam, shiny trim gives the space extra elegance. Robert Abbey Chase 16-inch pendant chandelier, $430; lampsplus.com. BING: KITCHEN LIGHTING IDEAS Wonderful wicker Wicker furniture has low-key elegance. "It's a staple in my decorating," says Sikes. Threshold club chair, $199; target.com. BING: BEST PLANTS TO GROW IN YOUR KITCHEN WINDOW Finishing touches Change out your hardware. It's an inexpensive way to get a major upgrade. Classic bin pull, $12; schoolhouseelectric.com. BING: OUTDOOR SEATING | 4 | 838 | lifestyle |
Let clutter be a thing of the past! Here's how to find extra storage space in every room of the house. Build your own unit Spray-painted yellow and topped with plywood, three Goodwill filing cabinets bought for $25 total morphed into a bright storage space in this Washington home. Give antiques new life Vintage breadboxes provide sneaky storage for table linens in the kitchen of this Texas ranch. Use deep drawers The owner of this Kentucky home devised ingenious barn-wood stairs, which store linens, candles, and games. Try industrial shelving Construct a pantry from a pair of metal storage units. This one is painted blue with individual metal bins taking the place of drawers; labels placed on the shelves help identify the bins' contents. White enamelware, a wire basket of potatoes, and an entire shelf of mineral water break up the geometric pattern of the bins. Seek out open spaces Rather than let a rarely used fireplace go to waste, the owner of this North Carolina home stacked collectible books with colorful spines inside. Install floor-to-ceiling shelves The owners of this Austin home replaced awkward upper cabinets with shelves and hooks that makes kitchenware easily accessible. Go for an artistic arrangement The owner of this Atlanta loft covered cardboard boxes which hold arts-and-crafts supplies in old French maps and newspapers. Add high storage Since our 2013 House of the Year was damaged by Hurricane Sandy, the owner requested elevated storage to protect cherished belongings from flooding. So we carved out a mini-attic above the bathroom ceiling, then rendered it accessible via Rockler's wheel-and-rail kit that turned this wooden cast-off into a rolling library ladder. Use what you've got The owners of this Pennsylvania home removed the cabinet doors underneath the window seats to create a clever spot to stash logs for the woodstove. Carve out more space Faced with reclaimed white pine in the bedroom of this New York retreat, the gas fireplace's chimney hides a surprise: a flat-screen TV. Take advantage of vertical space Rather than waste a kitchen's closet on buckets and a broom, the owner of this California home transformed the area into a pantry with six-foot-tall pine shelving units that also maximize corners. Take suitcases out of the closet Stack antique piece to use them as 'drawers' that can increase storage space in tight corners. Think outside the box Use cardboard tubes and contact paper to create circular shelves that double as wall art. Try a freestanding wardrobe No built-in storage in your bedroom? No problem. This reasonably priced armoire, crafted of reclaimed barn wood, boasts adjustable shelves. We tricked it out with paint and a handy hook as well as ticking-stripe shelf liner, which Chic Shelf Paper will custom-cut to your measurements. Eliminate confusion with easy-access cubbies Rather than force weekend visitors to hunt for plates and glasses in her kitchen not to mention booze Sarah Gray Miller, CL's editor-in-chief, stashes all the necessities in plain sight on Pottery Barn units that line the wall opposite the sink. And lest you think visible storage dictates expensive dishes: She purchased her whiteware at Home Goods and stemware at Walmart. Hail the pocket pantry The designers of our 2012 House of the Year constructed an abbreviated wall that lends space to the kitchen. Their back sides stockpile dry and canned goods on shelves that are accessible yet out of sight. Make the most of a mudroom A mail-room cabinet, scored at a vintage shop, strikes an industrial note in the mudroom of this Oregon home. Opt for bathroom storage The owners of this California ranch strategically placed a vintage black lacquer cabinet in their bathroom to hold extra clothing. Borrow from the library A second-hand card catalog can easily double as a brilliant filing system for seed packets. Want extra room? Any recipe box will fit the bill, too. Aim for 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. Use every inch Vintage hutches make terrific storage for those who don't have adequate built-in cabinetry. 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. Make a sink skirt Instantly brighten your bathroom and create extra space to store linens with a simple sink skirt. Add a wall of shelves Custom-built egg-crate shelving covering an entire wall provides ample room to mix storage and display. A mix of magazine organizers, baskets, and boxes provides storage for periodicals, stationery, and painting and office supplies and creates a pleasing, layered mix of objects. Include overhead storage Three bookcases joined with molding provide plenty of space for books and have a built-in feel. The space above the bookcases is put to use storing extra chairs for guests. Install built-in cabinets In addition to extra counter space, a kitchen island with shelves is a great place to store cookbooks, towels, and other frequently used items. Utilize a pot rack Free up cabinet space by hanging pots and tools from a pot rack. Corral items with cubbies Hardworking storage is the key to a well-organized garage. This cubby unit was placed near the back door and filled with items that are used outdoors: sand pails, bubbles, lanterns. The bottom three levels are covered with netting to keep things such as balls and rolls of paper towels from falling off the shelves. Try a secret office For a functional and easily concealable work space, use an armoire. Pick one specifically designed for computer equipment, or customize a regular armoire with shelves and cubbies to suit your needs. When guests come by, simply close the doors to hide the clutter. Construct a jewelry hanger Arrange necklaces in an out-of-the-way place, like on the back of a door. Here, an old rake manages a mass of pretty necklaces and rosaries. Add closet shelves Consider investing in a shelving system (like Elfa) to get the most out of every inch of your closet. This closet has floor-to-ceiling shelves, using the highest shelves for rarely used items. Boxes, shelves, and double hanging rods provide space for different types of items. Contain food creatively Floor-to-ceiling slide-out pantries offer great stow-away potential. This custom pantry makes the most of a wall return alongside a new refrigerator. The lowest shelves are for kid-friendly foods; wood-mode.com. | 4 | 839 | lifestyle |
Far too often, grass gets the short end of the stick. We trample on it, force-feed it fertilizer, and cut the poor stuff within an inch of its life all while doting on our roses and tomatoes. But focus your attention on sod for a second, and its design potential will sink in. 1. Mow a painterly path This passageway looks straight out of a storybook and re-creating it requires almost no effort. In fact, the first step is simply letting an area grow wild. (If your plot's bare, ryegrass seed will take care of the problem, fast.) Once the grass reaches great heights, plow a trail through it with a riding mower or weedwacker. From then on, a push mower can keep up appearances. And don't worry about weed control or water; perfection's not the point. 2. Court a graceful place to play After a game of badminton or volleyball, most people tuck the net away in a garage. Los Angeles landscape architect Pamela Burton made it the centerpiece of this outdoor room. Follow her lead by carving out a special spot, planted with resilient turf (tall fescue or Bermuda grass) that contrasts with the surrounding lawn. To prevent the two from mingling, install metal or plastic edging around your court's perimeter. Then, maintain visual separation with a weekly mowing, at the lowest setting. 3. Put the 'park' in parking space The cool checkerboard yard below is actually a driveway, devised using turf pavers (from $2 per square foot; belgard.biz for stores). Basically shallow planters, these interlocking stone blocks can handle heavy traffic and accommodate topsoil and grass seed. You'll need to plant a durable variety like tall fescue or buffalo grass and, of course, excavate the site before laying the pavers. When it's time to mow, opt for a high setting. | 4 | 840 | lifestyle |
"I love my swing," says Heidi King, a mother of three who lives in Tallahassee, Florida. "It's where I rock my youngest daughter to sleep." Still, King was hoping for something more: namely, an open-air extension of her living room, a place where she could sip coffee, read magazines, and serve up her husband's famous mojitos when the mood struck. With a few well-chosen, inexpensive accessories — most purchased online and delivered right to King's door — we turned this deserted corner into a neighborhood hangout: no painting or hammering required. "I love that the new porch lures our friends over," says King. "They end up staying all evening, which is exactly how I pictured it." Curtains Hung from a wall-mounted rod, these weather-resistant, machine-washable panels create a sense of enclosure. ($159 each; ballarddesigns.com) Cushion King considered hiring an upholsterer to soften her swing, but this foam seat fit the bill for a lot less. ($79; westelm.com) Pillows Bold accents give the neutral sitting area a festive focal point. (Striped pillow, $29, and floral pillow, $32; potterybarn.com. Red pillow, $49.95; outdoorfabrics.com) Table This durable, iron-topped console doubles as a mojito-making station. ($199; wisteria.com) Lanterns A few citronella candles popped into these bamboo beauties stave off insects and add instant ambience. (Slatted lanterns, $250 for a set of three, and basket-weave lantern, $360 for a set of two; twoscompany.com for stores) Chair Woven polyurethane withstands spills better than traditional wicker. ($59; lowes.com for stores) Stools Less cumbersome than a boxy coffee table, these twin columns also serve as occasional seating for a crowd. (Similar abaca stool, $119; crateandbarrel.com) Rug A waterproof mat defines the space — and actually makes it look larger. (Similar rug, $89, 8' x 5'; homedecorators.com) Floor pillow Nothing encourages late-afternoon flop-downs like a hefty quilted-cotton floor cushion. ($126; utilitycanvas.com) More from Country Living Over 300 Great Outdoor Entertaining Ideas Easy Summer Desserts that Beat the Heat 30 Fun Summer Crafts Freshen Up Any Room with New Window Treatments Cute Pet Photos | 4 | 841 | lifestyle |
Citrus style This cool home décor won't leave you sweating at the cash register. Amp up your summer style with these accents and accessories...all under $100! Is your room experiencing fatigue? A dose of citrus (in the form of this ottoman) will perk it up. Ottoman, $69.99; homegoods.com for stores. Surfer meets Scandinavian Surfer-bright stripes meet Scandinavian-chic tableware. Modern neon bowl and plate from Nicole Porter Design's Etsy shop; $50 each Modern electric mixer This powerful mixer tackles everything from batters to bread dough, and it comes in four cool colors. Electric hand mixer, $60; bodum.com Sprouting scents You can actually plant the packaging of this fresh-smelling soy candle and it'll sprout a tomato vine! Wild tomato vine candle from kobocandles.com; $28 Fabulous florals Sweet floral straws turn a drink on the deck into a garden party. Blooming shoppe straws from bhldn.com; $7 for 25 (20% off with code BHLDN20). Chic laundry Your dirty laundry might not smell great, but at least it'll look swanky. Laundry bag, $22; ringchingching.com Hip bistro style Stools that get you hip bistro style, minus the two-hour wait for a table. 24-inch metal stools, $90 for 2; overstock.com. Canvas tote turned cooler Transformed into a leak-proof cooler, the classic preppy tote is more useful than ever. Canvas cooler, $39.50; landsend.com. Retro glamour This gilded pair of servers will certainly add some retro glamour to your table. Bamboo server set, $44; cwonder.com. Gourmet eats Brat-tastic! These organic sauerkrauts will make your cookout crazy gourmet. Farmhouse Culture kimchi and krauts, $7.99 to 8.99 each; chefshop.com. Bright and bold Snuggling up on this and dreaming of the rainforest almost counts as travel. 12x21-inch silk pillow cover, $34; westelm.com. Gorgeous glasses Your iced tea deserves a new summer wardrobe too. Brite double old-fashioned glass, $6.95; cb2.com. Beautiful branches A bowl that decorates your table with absolutely nothing in it. 16x7-inch Branch bowl, $69.95; zgallerie.com. Urban jungle This safari trophy is perfect for a living room in the urban jungle. Papier-mache giraffe head, $76; dwellstudio.com. Pattern perfect Empty your pockets (or serve a little snack) on a subtly luxe glass tray. 8-inch Tripp foil long tray from jaysonhome.com; $28 | 4 | 842 | lifestyle |
Play more! We all need a few minutes a day for "adult play," advises DeAngelis. Too much to do? Schedule "fun appointments." Go bowling! Cook for friends! "When you do something physical - such as laughing or singing - it's chemically beneficial and can get you out of a funk," DeAngelis says. Another joy booster: Share funny anecdotes, or tell stories. Every evening, ask your man to talk about the high point of his day - and you do the same. It'll encourage a positive conversation, instead of one focusing on your daily annoyances. Experience the power of choosing . If you feel like you're in the movie Groundhog Day - living the same grind day in and day out - take control. "If you could wave your magic wand, what would your life look like?" asks DeAngelis. "Even if it seems like a fantasy, there'll be a grain of reality to work with." If you feel you deserve a raise, for example, don't wait for your boss to bestow one on you. Choose to make a case for yourself. Knowing that you have choices will lift that burdened, "stuck" feeling, making room for more joy. Release what you don't need. Get rid of psychological and physical clutter: old fights, used linens - whatever slows you down. If you're trying to forgive someone, write a letter that you may never send, suggests DeAngelis. "You can even burn it after you've purged your feelings. The process is cathartic, and it'll make you feel lighter." When you're done, celebrate! Be present. Most of us are engaged in the here and now about 8 percent of our waking hours - the rest of the time is spent thinking forward or backward, dwelling in worry or regret, according to research. One strong sign that you've checked out of your own life: Friends are always saying, "I just told you that." "Improve your active listening skills by making eye contact with people. It conveys interest and connection," says DeAngelis. Life - and your relationships - are much more fulfilling when you're actually there to enjoy them! Instant Inspiration Click for a pick-me-up. Check out these motivational sites: bestinspiration.com Rate your favorite stories, quotes, books, and movies. Also, get the free daily-quote newsletter and start each day with a little wisdom. comfortqueen.com Find balance in your life with take-it-easy tips from best-selling author Jennifer Louden. Get inspiration in your in-box with free daily e-mails, and chat on the site's message boards to remind yourself that you're not alone in seeking sanity and a life you love! goodthings.com | 4 | 843 | lifestyle |
With all the shopping, cooking and entertaining that goes hand in hand with the holiday season, it can be hard to find time to relax and unwind. We've got five surefire tips to help you zap holiday stress and ring in a healthy, happy new year. Go holiday shopping -- for yourself You've made your list, checked it twice -- but somehow, you still forgot to jot your own name down. After a full week of holiday shopping for friends, in-laws and everyone in between, it doesn't make you any less generous to take a moment to nab yourself a little something. You know, that one thing you really want, but you're pretty sure no one got the hint about? Channel your giving spirit and go for it! Hey, what better time to make an impulse purchase than holiday deal time? Sign up for a holiday fitness promotion Gyms, yoga studios and other fitness facilities capitalize on those inevitable weight-loss resolutions to get people to sign up for classes and memberships during the holiday season -- and they offer some of their best deals of the year. Take them up on it! Then schedule one, two, three -- however many sessions you can reasonably squeeze in per week. Now, working out is an official part of your calendar. ("Nope, can't make the holiday brunch this weekend. I'm signed up for Zumba at 1.") You'll be fighting off those holiday pounds before they even have a chance to sneak on -- and you're releasing feel-good hormones that will carry you through the mayhem (and beyond). Say "No, thank you" to at least one holiday (so-called) obligation Are you one of those people who's easily guilt-tripped into attending each and every holiday soiree you're invited to? Think of it this way: Is there any other time of year when you'd allow every single weekend -- and some weeknights -- to be monopolized by social events? (I know, we should all have such problems.) Give yourself a break: You're not a bad friend/coworker/neighbor if you miss a holiday party (or maybe two) without a good excuse (if you feel that bad, arrange to have a gift sent over). Between the traveling, the late nights and all that eggnog, you can only take so much before that first cold of the season takes hold. Better safe than sorry. Gift wrapping: Turn a chore into some treasured alone time Forget the clumsy, desperate, paper-wadding attempt to get all your gifts wrapped and ribboned and stuffed under the tree at the eleventh hour. ("Did somebody see my scissors?!") Instead, treat gift wrapping as a time for you -- and just you. Whip out a wine glass, break open that bottle of red that's been tempting you all week and blast some music that'll make you dance your way through a mountain of boxes and frustratingly misshapen containers that would otherwise drive you up the wall. Taking a cooking class -- all by yourself Hey, you have to cook for 5 to 10 people this holiday, don't you? Sign up for a fancy cooking class and consider it a "work-related expense." There's no one in this equation who doesn't stand to benefit from your proactive measure. Your guests get a confident hostess who can bring some impressively delectable dishes to the holiday table. And you get a day to yourself to do something you probably wouldn't ordinarily do. Plus, you get to do it guilt-free because, after all, you're taking this class so you can make other people happy. See? You're such a giver! | 4 | 844 | lifestyle |
Get your entire house in order with these simple tricks (bonus: every idea on our list is cheap and easy to do!). Hang up your handbags Save floor space in your closet by installing zigzag hooks they re more visually interesting than a standard wall hook How to do it: Install zigzag hooks on the inside of your closet. Collect handbags and totes that are taking up too much shelf space and hang them up. Expert tip: These hooks work well in bathrooms, too. Just place them on the back of your bathroom door and use for wet towels. Use sock organizers for ties and belts Sure, sock organizers are useful for keeping your drawers in tip-top shape -- But they also work just as well for ties and belts too. How to do it: Purchase an inexpensive organizers (like this one from The Container Store) and fill with belts, ties and any other accessories without a proper home. Expert tip: Since these organizers are so slim, they slide well under beds and fit perfectly into drawers. Tidy up your nightstand with clear drawers Keep your nightstand (or vanity) tidy by organizing perfume, watches and other accessories in simple clear trays! How to do it: Put a shallow tray on your nightstand to corral your watch, books and water glass. Expert tip: Hop on this season s color (or should we say transparent?) trend and opt for clear trays over opaque ones. Hide laundry room clutter No cabinets in your laundry? Hide messy shelves stocked with cleaning supplies behind bamboo blinds. How to do it: Organize your dryer sheets, detergents and stain remover in baskets; arrange on the shelf space you have in your laundry room. Install bamboo blinds to quickly disguise clutter. Expert tip: Hide piles of dirty laundry in bamboo hampers rather than the plastic variety. It s a chic, easy way to disguise unclean clothes. Store towels on a wine rack A trusty wine rack is a great kitchen accessory but it s just as impressive when it s stocked with towels on your bathroom floor. How to do it: Think double duty and add a wooden wine rack to any open floor space in your bathroom. Instead of folding your towels, roll them and stuff into the wine rack s open squares. Expert tip: Keep your favorite bottle of bubble bath (or the occasional loofah) on hand by storing them alongside the towels. Keep your chargers together Hate searching for chargers only to find them in a tangled mess? Keeping them all in one place ensures you ll always find what you re looking for. How to do it: Designate a drawer or small basket that s used specifically for phone/camera chargers. That way, you won t spend time searching high and low when you re short on battery. Expert tip: Utilize leftover twist-ties from loaves of bread and use them to keep chargers coiled tightly. | 4 | 845 | lifestyle |
More from Redbook 9 Ultimate Family Road Trips 10 Signs You Have Mom ADD Recipes That the Busy Mom Needs The Best Rainy-Day Activities for Kids Sweetest Sentiments from Kids Books The Dinner That Helps You Burn Fat Since my husband and I share a studio apartment, which, given its size, would be more fitting for two toddlers to cohabitate in, we've had to resort to the basic rules of communication and playing nice in order to survive. Luckily, we're both exemplary students. 1. Share your crayons You might not be keen on giving up that perfect shade of burnt orange, but if you want to take any colors from his box, it's critical that you compromise on the canvas of your relationship, that is. As you get older, sharing craft supplies morphs into giving your time, closet space, and energy. 2. Put your toys away Also, your dirty socks, dishes, and anything you can trip over on the way to the bathroom. Not participating in cleanup could result in a well-justified temper tantrum. You'll quickly learn that life is easier if you just find the nearest hamper. 3. Say you're sorry Though they sometimes have to be told they did something wrong, children are programmed to apologize upon discovering that they've hurt someone's feelings. As adults, we tend to be a little more stubborn. Follow your smart kids' lead and admit your occasional faults without being prompted by your husband. 4. Don't talk to strangers Or, when you're married, hot single adults. 5. Forgive and forget Toddlers can be quite fickle. One second you're the peanut butter to your son's jelly, and the next, he's far more interested in poking at your iPad. So you take it away, he starts crying, and moments later, he's over it. We could learn a lot from that kind of resilience. Dwelling on the small stuff, like your spouse not texting you when he knew he was going to be working late, isn't healthy. You have to trust that he won't do it again and, like a big kid, move on. 6. Be honest Children, much like drunken adults, are good at saying what's on their minds. Sometimes it's important to have a slight filter if you know your husband put effort into dressing up for date night, tell him he looks handsome without pointing out that his slacks are saggy but in general, be open and tell your spouse what you feel and need. Kids have no problem letting you know when they're dying for an ice pop. Spill it, even when your yearnings can't be sated with sweet treat. More from Redbook: 9 Types of Moms You See on Facebook | 4 | 846 | lifestyle |
For the sake of your union, there are some things even your bestie doesn't need to know. You Think Your Spouse Is Being a Jerk (Again!) It feels good to vent to friends when your husband is driving you crazy. And a little complaining is fine, but once you convince friends that your husband is a jerk, they're not going to forget it. You may make up or get over your "fight du jour," but your friend may not be able to quite so easily. The Amount of Money You or Your Spouse Makes Couples already compete: Whose house is bigger? Who drives the better car? If you spill the beans about your or your spouse's salary, friends may categorize you unfairly. You wouldn't want friends to write off your issues as unimportant because they believe you make too much money to have real problems -- or treat you with an air of superiority because they make more than you (although the best kinds of friends would do neither -- consciously, anyway). Maintain the balance in your friendship by keeping all financial discussions private. Which of Your Friends Your Partner Dislikes Don't let marriage get in the way of a good friendship. If a close friend turns your husband off (or vice versa), don't tell her or him. In fact, don't even tell your other friends -- especially if the affected pal didn't really do anything to deserve a bad rap. TMI About Your Sex Life A friend once told me that her husband called his penis "the trunk." I had trouble looking him in the eye for months afterward. It can be thrilling to compare notes with friends about your sex lives. But there are certain details it's best to leave out -- like your partner's sexual fetishes, the size (and unofficial moniker) of his penis and any other tidbits you wouldn't want people to whisper about behind your back. The Amount of Your Debt Nearly every married couple has some debt, but how much or how little says a lot about your financial stability as a couple. Friends may feel resentful if you brag about how little debt you and your husband have accumulated over the years. If you complain that you have too much debt, friends may not invite you to their summer house because they feel guilty that they're doing better. Don't give friends a reason to judge you. Who You'd Sleep With in Your Circle of Friends Married couples sometimes joke about whose wife or husband they'd want to sleep with. I've had friends tell me they've fantasized about another friend's husband. It's normal to have fantasies...but dangerous to share them. A friend with loose lips could blow your cover -- and that could lead to all sorts of awkwardness. Don't share this one with anyone besides your hubby (and honestly, you might not even want to tell him). | 4 | 847 | lifestyle |
Before you take the plunge, you might want to know what you're getting into. Whether you want to marry your partner (or just have a wedding) Go ahead, roll your eyes. But then heed my wisdom. When you re at that age where one proposal leads to the next and to the next, as your single friends start dropping like dominos, it s easy to get caught up in the engagement hoopla. But before you get in line, make sure you re not just reacting to the pressure. Marriage isn t like moving to Brooklyn. You don t cross the bridge just because you re the only ones without a brownstone. Unlike most other major life milestones you ve met so far, everybody reaches this one at different times. And hitting the I m ready to settle down and get married stage doesn t necessarily just happen as soon as you find the one. Fact is, being ready for marriage is as much about you as it is about the other person. Just don t be in a rush to get there -- after marriage, there are fewer and fewer can t-wait-to-get-there milestones ahead. How to live together (without killing each other) Here s the thing: Sharing a space is tough, especially if you re accustomed to living alone. And sharing a space with someone from the opposite sex? Way different than splitting a converted one-bedroom apartment with a roommate to save on rent. It s one thing to have a roommate borrow your clothes and return them stained and wrinkled (you can ditch her if you get sick of it) -- but that guy that accidentally always leaves the toilet seat up? He s not just going to move out because you re sick of falling into the toilet in the middle of the night. So it s good to know how to work out these little squabbles before you actually get married (you ll have much tougher issues down the line, believe us). Each other's financial status From divvying up the rent to fighting over the cost of cable, learning how to share expenses early on will make it easier to deal with the bigger ones that come up once you re married -- mortgages, college tuition, caring for an elderly parent. While you may get a tax break for being an official Mr. and Mrs., you won t get a break on your student debts. It s important to know the state of each other s finances -- the good, the bad and the ugly -- before you marry into a mountain of debt. Where you both stand on kids I know -- let's work on the ring before starting on babies, okay? But a big part of marriage is kids -- whether or not you want to have them, how many you want to have, how you want to raise them. You don't have to agree on the timeline or the number of kiddos you want now, but you do need to be on the same page as to whether or not you want to start a family. How to stand up to prying parents (and friends) Getting engaged sets off a tidal wave of annoying/invasive/none-of-my-beeswax-but-I m-gonna-ask-anyway questions. Questions that getting married barely begins to answer. It goes something like this: When s he going to propose? Why did he wait so long to propose? Can I see the ring? When s the wedding? Where s the honeymoon? And once the wedding is over, you will hardly be able to sip a Bloody at your goodbye brunch before someone asks when the babies are coming. Who you are Knowing who you are (and what you want out of life) before getting married is how you avoid a midlife crisis that results in affairs, motorcycles and unfortunate piercings. Compromise sucks Call me selfish. Call me immature. Call me heartless. But come on -- agreeing to do what someone else wants (and not what you want) at least 50 percent of the time and being legally bound to split the last cookie and share your bed isn't the part of marriage people look forward to. Compromise is a necessary evil, but embracing it is the key to enjoying the other upsides of marriage, like having someone to cuddle up with every night and knowing there's someone out there who will love you even though you're still afraid of the dark and occasionally fart in your sleep. | 4 | 848 | lifestyle |
We're not suggesting you upstage the bride, but you're going to look pretty incredible. {none} Daytime wedding If you carry more weight on your bottom half, a one-shoulder neckline balances everything out. Julie dress, $380; Shoshanna. {none} Daytime wedding Want to look curvier? A good peplum like this one creates an hourglass shape. Aleisha jersey peplum sheath, $118; Donna Morgan. {none} Daytime wedding A sheath dress with a high neckline flatters a petite frame and the floral pattern is fun, not overwhelming. Boat-neck printed dress, $99.90; Zara. {none} Daytime wedding Since its high waist hits at the slimmest point on your body, this striped number is perfect for balancing out pear shapes. Jessica Simpson sleeveless striped cotton-blend dress, $98; Macy's. {none} Daytime wedding No matter how short you are, a high waist makes legs look miles long. THML Clothing embroidered cutout dress, $98; Piperlime. {none} Evening wedding A wide V-neck creates the illusion of an hourglass shape, while dark navy elongates your entire frame. Jori ruffles fitted dress, $158; Maggy London. {none} Evening wedding Surprise! This maxi looks modest from the front but showcases a toned back with its low, open cut. Gia sleeveless high-low hem dress, $298; BCBGMaxazria. {none} Evening wedding A unique neckline is the easiest way to show off your amazing arms. Cynthia Steffe cutout yoke sheath dress, $248; Nordstrom. {none} Evening wedding Allover lace feels classic and because it's an extra layer of fabric, it blurs out any imperfections. Fitted lace dress, $188; Vince Camuto. {none} Evening wedding A modern deconstructed peplum on a simple strapless dress helps create curves where you don't have them. Maggee dress, $248; Trina Turk. {none} Outdoor wedding A high neckline and cap sleeves keep you covered for a conservative ceremony, but they're balanced out by a short hemline that shows off your legs. Cap-sleeve fit-and-flare dress, $69.95; The Limited. {none} Outdoor wedding This dress is roomier through the middle, making it super-comfortable (and hello, cake!), while the bright floral pattern keeps things playful. Budding beauty cutout dress, $24.80; Forever 21. {none} Outdoor wedding An empire waist draws the eye up and away from your belly, while ruching on the bust makes small boobs look bigger. Draped neckline gown, $130; Mango. {none} Outdoor wedding The waist on this dress hits right at your smallest point, which balances out wider hips. Plus, you can customize it to your exact measurements for the perfect fit. Brooklyn dress, $59.95; eShakti. {none} Outdoor wedding Show off arms and shoulders with thin straps the look is balanced out with a long skirt. Bonus: Pockets mean you can leave your purse at home. 424 Fifth V-neck maxi dress, $160; Lord and Taylor. {none} Nontraditional wedding An interesting neck detail like this triangle cutout puts the focus on your collarbone and shoulders. Solar spells dress, $168; French Connection. {none} Nontraditional wedding This V-neck accentuates a large bust, showing just enough skin without being too revealing. Tiered ponte fit-and-flare dress, $130; Banana Republic. {none} Nontraditional wedding Strategic colorblocking is the fastest way to slim your entire body. Colorblock lace inset sheath dress, $118; Eloquii. {none} Nontraditional wedding Ruching across the body hides imperfections, but you'd never know it the fabric clings in all the right places, so the overall effect is still sexy. Sleeveless wrap dress, $98; Karen Kane. {none} Nontraditional wedding An allover print is the prettiest way to slim your whole body. Abigail dress, $148; Boden. | 4 | 849 | lifestyle |
The trick is heading to popular winter destinations in warm-weather months. These four are just as fun and cheap! during the summer. And it's not too late to get yourself there. Fort Lauderdale, FL Don't worry partying college kids are a thing of the past. Fort Lauderdale is now a beachy haven of summer deals for the rest of us.Bing: Fun things to do in FloridaFrom May through September, more than 30 attractions (including Butterfly World and Everglades tours) offer two-for-one deals. You can also flag down the Fort Lauderdale Sun Trolley for a free tour of the city, or join a complimentary paddle-boarding lesson on Saturday mornings at Deerfield Beach, a hidden gem near a walkway lined with shops and restaurants. Don't miss the opportunity to observe threatened sea turtles nesting on area beaches more than 150,000 inches-long hatchlings will make their way into the ocean from March to October. Moonlight turtle walks are $8 at the Anne Kolb Nature Center; pre-registration is required.Fort Lauderdale isn't just known for its great beaches. It's also home to a widespread canal system perfect for boating adventures or sightseeing. You can stay in a one-bedroom apartment (with a kitchen and sofa bed) along one of the canals for around $139 per night; look for the owner-operated Superior Small Lodging hotels.-- By Lisa Tucker McElroy Charlottesville, VA History lovers and quaint-town aficionados, this is your trip! You can splurge on a visit to Thomas Jefferson's home, Monticello ($24 for adults), or soak up the atmosphere of his hometown on the cheap with a free history tour of the beautiful University of Virginia or a walking tour of downtown ($5 with the local historical society). The university's McCormick Observatory also holds public nights when visitors can see the stars through telescopes usually reserved for astronomers. Downtown on the pedestrian mall, there's free music on summer Friday nights, and plenty of shops and restaurants you won't find anywhere else. Nearby, grab a Southern dinner at Belmont Bar-B-Que; for $11.50, two can share a bucket (literally) of pulled pork, coleslaw, potatoes, and baked beans.Since Charlottesville is historic and charming, your lodging should be too. The Boar's Head fits the bill with antique furnishings and a goose pond. The 175-room inn offers summer stays starting at $160 per night (when booking, use the code SUMMER). Vieques, Puerto Rico Want to feel like a world traveler but just can't face posing for a new passport photo? Vieques is a tiny, laid-back island just off Puerto Rico's mainland, with white-sand beaches and wild horses. You won't believe you're still in the United States. The Malecón, as the oceanfront main drag is known, is full of open-air shops, bars, and restaurants. Street vendors sell delicious pinchos (marinated chicken or pork skewers) for a dollar or two apiece.Choose a moonless night to book an Island Adventures tour, where you'll kayak and swim in the world's brightest bioluminescent bay. The motion of the boat or your body makes the plankton in the water light up and twinkle. Magical. At $40 per adult, it's the only activity you'll spend serious money on.You can take a puddle-jumper flight from the main island, but savvy travelers take a $2.25 ferry, and rent a condo in a small guesthouse like Casa de Tortuga, where a two-bedroom, one-bath unit costs about $1,000 per week. Winter Park, Colorado Ski bunnies may think it's off-season in this charming resort town two hours from Denver, but true outdoors-lovers know better. Hike the low-key Ute Trail through pine tree forests and open spaces with great mountain views, or rent a bike ($23 per day at Epic Mountain Sports) to explore the 6.3-mile Fraser River Trail. For free outdoor entertainment, there are festivals all summer long. In June, you can't go wrong with the fourth annual Winter Park Chocolate Festival; July brings a wine, art, and cheese festival. And on summer Friday nights, catch a free outdoor movie.You can also pay a worth-it $49 for an Adventure Day Pass at Winter Park Resort; it includes unlimited use of a half-mile-long alpine slide, a climbing wall, a zip line, and more. If you're still up for activities after the sun goes down, stop by the Foundry, a movie theater bowling alley that serves gourmet pizza ($8 for a pie for two).Winter Park Resort's lodging starts at $91 per room. You can also spread out at the Vintage Hotel, where a one-bedroom suite with two bathrooms and a kitchenette goes for about $204 per night. | 4 | 850 | lifestyle |
Aries You approach motherhood just like you do everything else head-on. But even though you're confident and sometimes a bit diva-like fellow Aries Kourtney Kardashian and Victoria Beckham definitely are your fourth house of motherhood is in Cancer, meaning you've got plenty of maternal instinct and nurturing qualities. You naturally put your needs first, which makes motherhood a big adjustment. However, it's also helpful for teaching your kids independence and self-sufficiency. "You may be better at the playing the stereotypical 'dad' role…and you may be the tough disciplinarian," write the AstroTwins. "Even if you still play the stereotypical 'mom' role, your strength and boundless energy still permeate your every move." Love this? Follow us on Twitter. Taurus You're old-fashioned and rigid in some ways, but down-to-earth and chill in others what the AstroTwins call the "original 'mullet mama' business in the front, party in the back." You're all about making a good impression, teaching your kids good manners, respect, and dedication, but it's okay to take a break from performing for others. Your children will no doubt embarrass you aplenty, and in doing so, they're teaching you a lesson: Appearances aren't everything. Love this? Follow us on Twitter. Gemini Until you had kids, you were free-spirited, bohemian, and always kept everyone guessing. That part of you still exists, but motherhood has pushed it aside. Thanks to a Virgo-ruled fourth house, you're a sterner, more regimented, and highly organized mom who naturally gravitates toward attachment parenting. Since it's difficult for you to focus 100 percent of your attention on your family you tend to have a lot of balls in the air it may make sense to follow in Angelina and Heidi's footsteps to create a big family that's a posse all on its own. Love this? Follow us on Twitter. Cancer The AstroTwins call Cancers "the zodiac's mother superior" Gisele's glam breast-feeding moment was very much true to the sign. Your maternal instructs are hard-wired, and in your quest to nurture everyone and everything, you can be overprotective to a fault. And while you want to create the perfect home for your family, sometimes second-guessing your every move, it's important to be more authoritative than you naturally are. Your kids will have greater respect for you and still want to be your best friend. Love this? Follow us on Twitter. Leo Creative, dramatic, and extremely hands-on, it's no wonder you share a sign with awesome performers Halle Berry and Jennifer Lopez. "Forget about chasing after your kids; they probably have a harder time keeping up with you!" write the AstroTwins. Although you're lots of fun, amidst all the cuddles and coddling you also have moments when you try to micromanage your kids. It's important to remember to let them go out and develop on their own, too. Love this? Follow us on Twitter. Virgo A mix of uptight and free-spirited, you often closely manage and get overly neurotic about every little detail. Motherhood plays into your natural quest for order just think about how carefully Rachel Zoe and Beyoncé must work to do so many things but it can also make you overly judgmental of yourself, your fellow moms, and your kids. You're a great mom, so work to ditch that needless insecurity that's not doing you or your family any favors. Love this? Follow us on Twitter. Libra You've spent most of your life seeking balance hence those swinging scales and motherhood is just the thing to help you find your center. You live for your kids, which helps them feel secure and loved, so long as you know when it's time to loosen the cord. Your exacting standards (think about the ship Gwyneth Paltrow runs) can be hard to live up to, but behind them is the fear that you're ultimately not type A enough. Letting go of that and embracing your natural knack for relationship building is what will really make you happy. Love this? Follow us on Twitter. Scorpio Hey, hot mama! You're equal parts quirky, controlling, inspiring, intimidating, fiercely protective, and, yes, sexy, just like momager Kris Jenner and anti-vaccine crusader Jenny McCarthy. Sure, you present a tough exterior, but with your family, you're intensely loyal and compassionate. "The Scorpio mama is a force of nature, but she's got her children's backs," write the AstroTwins. Love this? Follow us on Twitter. Sagittarius For the zodiac's freest spirit, Sagittarius, parenting is a major adjustment, even more so because you so cherish your independence. However, since you understand the childish mind-set, you tend to treat your kids more like equals, which creates a unique bond between you. Your daredevil, spontaneous nature has its pros and cons it's great fun, but can make the planning and structure necessary for managing a family difficult to get right. Keep treating motherhood like an adventure, using your innate sense of humor to get through the tough stuff. Love this? Follow us on Twitter. Capricorn Traditional and conventional, you're not afraid to set healthy limits. And since Capricorn is the zodiac's "father" sign, you may find yourself acting more like a stereotypical disciplinarian dad than a mom who wants to be best friends with her kids. Like Michelle Obama and Kate Middleton, you're beautiful on the surface but also incredibly strong, never shrinking from your duties. For you, the big challenge is living in the present, realizing that those obligations will still be there tomorrow, but you'll miss your children's major milestones if you look away for too long. Love this? Follow us on Twitter. Aquarius Eclectic hardly begins to describe you. "You're affectionate yet aloof, stern yet spontaneous, the world's mellowest control freak," write the AstroTwins. Organized chaos is your specialty, meaning that your family life never becomes boring. You might be surprised by the depth of emotion motherhood has brought to your normally intimacy-fearing self and you have your fourth house of motherhood, governed by traditional Taurus, to thank for that. Be careful not to lose site of your true edgy self or you may build up resentment or trigger an identity crisis. Love this? Follow us on Twitter. Pisces Drew Barrymore and Jennifer Love Hewitt are typical Pisces moms, meaning they're seductive sirens and earth mothers rolled into one. Empathetic, spiritual, and sensitive, you keep your family in a cozy but luxurious bubble. Like your sign symbol, which shows fish swimming in opposite directions, you sometimes contradict yourself, acting totally together one minute and becoming a wreck the next. To keep an even keel, you need to take well-deserved breaks they'll help you be a better mom. Love this? Follow us on Twitter. | 4 | 851 | lifestyle |
Make your bond unbreakable (and please your partner!) with these no-fail relationship rules. Unplug Resist the temptation to Instagram those adorable petit fours. Cute as they may be, it's important to focus on your partner 100 percent -- especially on date night. This goes for checking texts from friends and work emails, even if you're just lounging around watching "Scandal." Admit it: It's not the end of the world if you go incognito for a few hours. In fact, staying glued to your phone might hurt a relationship. According to a recent Journal of Social and Personal Relationships study, just having the phone out can negatively impact your personal connection. Hang out with friends Remember how much fun you had with your girlfriends before the ring? Having a hubby shouldn t change that. So go ahead and make it to happy hour or book a spa day to catch up on the latest gossip, seek advice or dish on new purchases chances are, your guy just doesn t care about that awesome J.Crew sale. And when he s out with his buds, let him be. No need to text him every five minutes. Listen actively Next time your partner starts to vent about his arrogant boss, don t say, I know what you mean, and automatically go on a rampage about all the petty requests from your own manager. Instead, give him your undivided attention. Don t rattle off a list of solutions either. Sometimes a sincere uh huh is all he needs to hear. Respect the in-laws You might want to harp on your in-laws annoying habits, but that s not going to make your life any easier. When you got married, you pretty much agreed to seeing your spouse s family on a fairly regular basis. So, if your mother-in-law constantly offers cooking tips, don t look at it as a snarky insult, but as an opportunity to improve your casserole. Keep in mind: These are the people who made your husband into the man you chose to marry they do some things right, after all. Treat your in-laws as you d like to be treated. Take care of your health Yes, you did promise to take care of each other "in sickness and in health," but isn't it so much better to enjoy the golden years, instead of paying off hospital bills? Heart disease, diabetes and arthritis are some of the most common (and preventable!) health problems in the US. Perhaps it's time to sub your Netflix habit with some 5K training. Be nice Whether you've been married for a year or 10, your spouse wants to be appreciated. Make sure to always say "please" and "thank you," especially for those mundane tasks like getting the mail or picking up takeout. A compliment, no matter how small, is always sweet. Talk about money Spend a little, spend a lot just don't keep mum about your expenses. Even if you have separate bank accounts, you still live under one roof, so it's crucial to talk about your financial goals, whether it's a kitchen renovation or dinner out. If you're not on the same page, you're adding unnecessary tension to your relationship. Embrace your partner's interests For him, shopping may be just as excruciating as watching college basketball for you. While you don't have to do everything together, participating in your partner's hobbies shows that you care. Stop procrastinating Postponing errands only causes nagging that leads to being annoyed and having a short fuse, which then turns into an argument that shouldn't have started in the first place. Just do it and everyone is happy. Apologize, sincerely Fights and fits are going to happen know when to admit that you're wrong. No one is right all the time, so owning up to your mistakes implies respect for your partner. It's a sure way to move on, instead of returning to the same argument over and over again. Bonus: The makeup sex is bound to be great. Respect 'me' time You need to keep growing, even if you're part of a couple. Spending time alone recharges your batteries, so to speak. A few hours at Starbucks (or on Pinterest) will give you time to think or harbor new interests, i.e. more things to discuss at dinnertime. You'll see that the adage "absence makes the heart grow fonder" is right on. Nix the sweatpants Save the sportswear for the gym and pajamas for bed. A ring on your finger is not a free pass to Sloppyville. Letting yourself go pretty much says you no longer care about wooing your spouse. No one says you have to hire a stylist or spend hours getting dolled up, but looking neat and presentable will hold his interest. Share the spotlight Love the limelight? Don't let it overshadow your spouse. If you're constantly in "look at me!" mode, you partner might feel unimportant and neglected. Focus on the "we" when you go to parties, and be sure to include him in conversations. Still craving attention? Sign in to Facebook and count the "likes" on your latest selfie. Avoid a rut A lifetime together is a long time, so keep it interesting. Think spontaneity. While a last-minute trip to Australia will certainly shake things up, small gestures can go a long way. Pick up his favorite Ben & Jerry's ice cream flavor (and eat it together for dinner!). Your relationship won't plateau if you keep surprising each other. Have his back Bashing your baby is a faux pas on so many levels. Even if you joke about his love handles on the couch, poking fun in public is a bit like betrayal. And don't let anyone talk smack about the hubs. He'll be happy to know that if he falls, you'll be right there to catch him, not cut the rope. Kiss 'hello' & 'good bye' Actions speak louder than words. Small tokens of affection are subtle-yet-powerful reminders of your love for each other. Go ahead, give him a peck, cuddle on the couch and spoon in bed. We guarantee you'll get that warm-and-fuzzy feeling every time. Pick up the slack It goes without saying that you should both help out around the house. While you might have specific tasks making dinner, getting the oil changed mix it up once in a while. If your spouse is working later than usual, don't wait for him to cook dinner; try a new recipe (ordering takeout counts too). Laundry piling up? Start sorting whites and colors. Hint: Completing early morning chores, like walking the dog, guarantees a gold star. Communicate honestly Little white lies are not as harmless as they appear. Instead of creating some convoluted story, just admit that you forgot to pick up milk at the story. Fibbing is cowardly and says you can't own up to your mistakes. On the other hand, honesty reiterates that we're all human and make mistakes, solidifying a communication pathway for more serious discussions. Grow together Try something new together, especially if it's a little intimidating. By being each other's cheerleaders in a novel experience, you will build a stronger bond. The energy from an exhilarating trip (say, skydiving in Hawaii) will bring you just as close as venturing out on a culinary adventure. Stay true to yourself You are who you are, and you don't need to change for your spouse. Feeling uncomfortable in your own skin sends a negative vibe and is likely to cause tension or awkwardness. You don't have to be twins in every thought and emotion having a different perspective sometimes is a good approach to keeping away from extremes. | 4 | 852 | lifestyle |
Certain kitchen tools are so useful they're practically life-changing. Then there are those gadgets that waste space like that fortune cookie maker and soda caddy you saw the last time you were watching infomercials on TV at 4 a.m. Fortune Cookie Maker Fortunes aren't actually included with this fortune cookie cutter -- so why would we waste $30 on this thing?!More from The Nest: 36 diy decorating ideas worth doing By Nevin Martell Epic Pizza Cutter This cutter promises to create equally sized pizza slices -- but is anyone that worried about making sure every slice of their pie is exactly the same? If you actually spend $130 on this thing you should be embarrassed. Miniature Egg Mold Down to your last three hard-boiled quail eggs and feeling festive? Imprint silly animal faces on them! Oh, wait, never mind, because that situation never happens. Making this gadget both silly and useless. Soda Caddy For those times when you feel like you can't actually lift that 2-liter bottle of soda on your own -- which will never happen, so you don't need this! Butter Dispenser The manufacturers of this butter dispenser boast that it can turn a single stick of butter into a 10-foot-long ribbon -- which would only be useful if you were the Jolly Green Giant trying to butter up a massive ear of corn. Hot Dog Dicer Worried about choking on your hot dog? Instead of wasting $13 on this tool to cut it into tiny pieces, just use a knife from your silverware drawer. Fat Magnet This tool supposedly sucks up the fat and grease floating on top. We say save the $10 and just use paper towels and napkins instead. | 4 | 853 | lifestyle |
Skip the discount aisle, flashy trends and impulse buys - no more wasteful shopping! It's time to define your style and invest in these stylish pieces that will last. The essential dining table The black finish on this 19th-century cottage-style table gives this piece a modern touch. And it'll grow with your family - expanding to seat up to six. Avalon 45" Black Extension Dining Table, $499, CrateandBarrel.com Your favorite chair The streamlined, classic design of this mid-century modern chair mixes with other styles like traditional or eclectic - a bonus if your tastes change later on. Plus it's super-durable, so with the proper care, it'll last for years to come. Cole Chair, $749, RoomandBoard.com Original artwork The easiest way to create a unique decor style is by hanging original art that you love. Plus, by buying original artwork, you're supporting the arts community. And you never know, you could discover the next Picasso - and cash in big time down the line. Midas I by Autumn Rose, $150, UGallery.com A durable knife Toss your old knives and invest in this one. The chef's knife is the all-purpose tool in the kitchen that everyone should own, and this one has a sweet deal - a lifetime warranty! Victorinox Swiss Army Chef's Knives, from $110 each, SurLaTable.com Unbreakable dinnerware Tired of breaking dishes and ending up with a mismatched set? This line is virtually indestructible (break- and chip-resistant), making it perfect for everyday use. Corelle Square Simple Lines 18-Piece Set, $68, ShopWorldKitchen.com Indestructible blender A shatter-resistant pitcher and a relentless motor make this appliance stand out from the rest. This blender will survive plenty of kitchen mishaps. KitchenAid KSB560ACS Blender, Architect 5 Speed, $140, Macys.com A well-made rug Persian/Turkish/Oriental: Any way you slice it, it's a handcrafted design staple. Plus, they actually look better after some wear and tear. Sarouk, from $599, ABCCarpet.com A heavy-duty dutch oven Because it retains heat really well and cooks evenly on any stove top (even induction stoves), this pot makes cooking easy. Use it to braise meats and vegetables, make stews and even create desserts! Le Creuset Classic Round Dutch Oven, 3 1/2-Quart, $195, Williams-Sonoma.com A timeless headboard This sleek, modern headboard will give your bedroom a polished look. Plus, the solid wood legs and durable jute fabric mean it will last a long time. Nailhead Upholstered Headboard, from $349, WestElm.com A classic lamp Keep lighting simple and traditional with this versatile table lamp. It looks great in a pair on a console table or tucked in a corner for reading light. A custom lamp like this (usually only done by decorators) now only takes a few clicks of a mouse, and in two weeks, it'll be on your doorstep. Tresana Lamp (as shown), $699, Mottega.com | 4 | 854 | lifestyle |
Everybody loves a parade (especially Santa, who manages to frequent quite a few of them)! Here, a selection of the world's most wow-factor Christmas-themed parades and pageants. Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade Walt Disney World; Select dates in November and December Part of "Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party," this one-of-a-kind-Disney production of a parade, set in Disney's Magic Kingdom, will feature 170 costumed performers (including Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and more of the Disney gang, along with marching "toy soldiers" and, of course, Santa), 15 floats, and more unexpected extras, such as a half-dozen ponies (to pull around Cinderella's coach, naturally). Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade Calistoga, California; December 7 Trade in elaborate big city parade hoopla for quirky small town charm at Calistoga's 18th Annual Lighted Tractor Parade. Tucked into the heart of Napa Valley, this Christmas parade celebrates the area's agricultural heritage with a procession of decorated and illuminated tractors, antique trucks, and other assorted farm equipment, down Calistoga's main street. Krampus and Perchten Procession Graz, Austria; December 1 If Santa was to have a nemesis, he might just find one in Graz, Austria, where a traditional parade unites the Christian figure of Saint Nicholas (who rewards good children) with his pagan demon/beast antithesis "Krampus" (who instead punishes bad ones). The unusual yet spectacular parade features some 400 costumed participants, including St. Nicholas, Perchten (a pagan goddess), and Krampus figures the latter, donning grotesque-looking demonic masks. Winterfest Boat Parade Fort Lauderdale; December 14 Swap out floats for boats, and sweaters for bikini weather at the 42nd annual Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade. Drawing more than a million spectators, the festive parade of some hundred decorated and illuminated boats and yachts follows a 12-mile-long route along Florida's Intracoastal Waterway; plus, it features a light show right on the water. Pase Del Nino Cuenca, Ecuador; December 24 On Christmas Eve, hordes of religious pilgrims and festive revelers descend upon Cuenca, Ecuador, for one of South America's most colorful Christmas celebrations. The full-day procession, uniting Christian and indigenous traditions, comes marked by musicians and street performers, wildly embellished floats, and elaborately costumed children and biblical characters, who all parade through colonial Cuenca to venerate a statue of the infant Jesus. Hollywood Christmas Parade Hollywood; December 1 Perhaps the only Christmas parade where Santa isn't necessarily the biggest star, Hollywood's annual version features a blockbuster lineup of parade participants this year. Expect special guest appearances by Stevie Wonder, LeAnn Rimes, William Shatner, and more, to be intermingled with marching bands, equestrian groups, and giant balloons, plus, a special parade grand marshal: legendary astronaut Buzz Aldrin. Farmers Santa Parade Auckland, New Zealand; November 24 For 80 years, Auckland's Farmers Santa Parade has marked the start of the season's special joy for Kiwi children, heralding the onset of Christmastime with an appearance by jolly old St. Nick himself. Expect plenty of marching bands, balloons, floats, and some 4,000 participants to spread out the pageantry over nearly a mile-and-a-half of parade route. | 4 | 855 | lifestyle |
Built from plastic bottles, sloped on the side of a mountain, and dripping with origami ornaments -- these quirky Christmas trees are anything but ordinary. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil The view of Rio de Janeiro's harbor alone is usually enough to draw in a crowd, but during the holiday season it's the 280-foot-tall floating tree that commands attention. The tree -- as tall as a 28-story building -- floats in the middle of the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. During a light show, the tree's design changes to represent the four seasons: Simulated falling leaves signify autumn, stark white stands in for winter, flowers illuminate for spring, and bright yellow portrays a sunny summer day. Sao Paulo, Brazil It's hard to ignore this 190-foot-tall tree in Sao Paulo's Ibirapuero Park: A total of 500 bulbs and 12,000 feet of LED lighting give the holiday icon a futuristic glow. Mount Inginio, Italy Nearly 3,000 lights are strung together to form a Christmas tree shape on the slopes of Mount Ingino, just outside of Gubbio, Italy. The giant tannenbaum measures nearly 2,130 feet tall. Kaunas, Lithuania This tree may be green, but it's no ordinary spruce. The tree in Kaunas, Lithuania, is made of more than 40,000 recycled plastic bottles. Venice, Italy No surprise here: Venice is home to the largest glass Christmas tree in the world. Internationally renowned glassblower Simone Cenedese, known for his Murano glass sculptures and installations, designed the 24-foot-tall tree with 1,000 multicolored tubes. Lisbon, Portugal In lieu of decorations this 90-foot-tall techie tree (Europe's tallest five years running) uses real-time video projections of passersby and images of bells and angels. American Museum of Natural History, New York City What this 13-foot-tall tree lacks in stature it makes up for in history (the tradition goes back more than 30 years) and workmanship: Preparation starts in July, when volunteers begin folding the 500-plus origami ornaments into shapes inspired by present and past exhibits. | 4 | 856 | lifestyle |
Tool academy The kitchen is often the heart of the home, but for small-homeowners and apartment dwellers, it can also become the bane of your existence when space is at a premium. To maximize every inch of precious countertop, check out these 12 essential items that will make your life in the kitchen less cluttered. For cooks with truly limited space, this multipurpose utensil is a dream come true. This set includes a funnel, lemon juicer, spice grater, egg masher, cheese grater, lid grip for loosening stubborn jar tops, egg separator and a 1 1/4 measuring cup. ABOUT: All-in-one kitchen tool set, $40, Bin Akebono, MoMAStore.org Knife skills When a traditional knife block takes up too much of your counter space, consider a rack that mounts to the wall. We particularly like this sleek walnut wood design. ABOUT: Walnut knife rack, from $88, PureHome.com Multiple choice A perfect housewarming gift, this all-inclusive nested set includes large and small nonslip mixing bowls, a colander, stainless-steel sieve/strainer and five measuring cups. ABOUT: Nest 9, $50, Bill Holding and Ben Cox, MoMAStore.org Grate expectations A grater is an indispensible chef's tool, and this ingenious model folds flat when not in use, so it can be easily stored in a drawer. We also consider this a two-in-one gadget, thanks to its handy mandolin side. ABOUT: Fold-flat box grater, $45, Goodwin Hartsthorn, MoMAStore.org Bowled over This colander not only collapses to save space, it does double-duty as a steamer. And you couldn't ask for better, bolder colors in the kitchen. ABOUT: Collapsible colander, $60, Rösle, SurLaTable.com Spin cycle A salad spinner is an invaluable kitchen aid, but it's bulky shape takes up precious cabinet space. This inventive spinner collapses to slide easily into a drawer, and the bowl also can be removed and used as a colander. ABOUT: Collapsible salad spinner, $18, Target.com Play it cool No matter how much counter space you have, you can never find enough room when it comes to preparing for a large party or your annual cookie swap. This gadget gives you plenty of rack space, and can be used for anything from homemade pasta to bread. We also love that it collapses for easy storage when not in use. ABOUT: Adjustable cooling rack, $20, Linden Sweden, Amazon.com Cardinal tools Say good-bye to messy, cluttered drawers and lost utensils with this nesting set that includes a slotted spatula, spaghetti server, slotted spoon, solid spoon and ladle. ABOUT: Nest utensils, $25, JosephJoseph.com Small wonder This compact, portable tool includes three surfaces for grating anything: superfine for citrus zest and spices, coarse for vegetables and soft cheeses and starburst for hard cheeses and chocolate. ABOUT: Three-in-one pocket grater, $10, Cuisipro, SurLaTable.com Low profile If even your stovetop space is at a premium, consider a collapsible kettle. This silicone and stainless steel jug is also great for traveling or camping, but it's such a great color that you might want to leave it out on display. ABOUT: Collapsible teakettle, $30, Better Houseware, Amazon.com Cut it out Each of these colored boards has a tab to designate it for different types of food, but best of all, they all slide right into their stylish and sleek storage case when not in use. ABOUT: Index advance chopping board set, $65, JosephJoseph.com | 4 | 857 | lifestyle |
With some creativity, you can have a beautifully organized home without spending extra money on store-bought gear. Trunk Think twice before you ditch that trunk -- it can double as a coffee table and as storage for blankets in warmer months, says Becker.More from The Nest: 8 easy diy renovations Drum Shade Got an old drum shade pendant that you no longer use? "Strip it down to its bare frame and turn it into a piece of art," says Becker. In this photo, a shade was remade into a hanging artwork that's now the focal point of a living room.More from The Nest: Easy ways to save $1,000 Frame Hang jewelry in pretty old frames, suggests Kristin Grove of SimplyGrove.com. That way your necklaces won't get tangled in a heap on your dresser, and you'll always know where to find them.More from The Nest: 6 sexy bedroom decor secrets Old Pillows Here's another great end table idea. If you purchased a new sofa and now you have a bunch of extra (sturdy) pillows lying around, stack them up and top with a tray for a DIY end table. {none} | 4 | 858 | lifestyle |
These are the loving messages you won't find in a drugstore aisle, courtesy of Aaron Traister. They'll make you laugh, and appreciate Hallmark. {none} For the mom that does everything {none} For the mom who is also the reigning nurse of the home {none} For the mom with a honey-do list {none} For the mom who would really like a better gift {none} For the mom who didn't ask for new lingerie {none} For the mom who might appreciate a song | 4 | 859 | lifestyle |
We're spotlighting a few of our favorite nature-centric, eco-friendly hotels, resorts, and camps around the world. TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK, Chile, Argentina The Ecocamp of Torres del Paine National Park features 24 geodesic domes that run entirely on hydro and solar power. The camp is nestled in the mountains at the very tip of Chilean Patagonia, where guests can spend days hiking or boating past calving glaciers. CLAYOQUOT WILDERNESS RESORT, Vancouver Island, Canada Nature lovers will find heaven in this camp of 24 pristine white tents hidden deep in the forest, where black bears tussle in the woods just outside. After days filled with horseback riding, deep-sea fishing, whale watching, and rock climbing, guests will fall fast asleep by candlelight on (surprisingly comfy) rough-hewn log beds. SAL SALIS NINGALOO REEF, Exmouth, Australia This eco-rigorous camp's small size and green protocols (solar power, composting toilets, easily dismantled pole-mounted dwellings) mean minimal impact on the pristine stretch of Australian coastline on which it's nestled. Erected a few hundred feet from the shore, the camp is specially situated for nature and water sports-lovers. Just yards offshore, snorkelers and divers revel in the reef, which teems with sea turtles, manta rays, reef sharks, and migrating humpback whales and whale sharks. DORADO BEACH, A RITZ-CARLTON RESERVE, Dorado, Puerto Rico Though it certainly boasts its creature comforts, the Dorado Beach Hotel boasts an 11-mile nature trail, and is built to LEED standards, with a solar facility in the works. The hotel also eschews plastic bottles (Not surprising the Ritz-Carlton chain was recognized as a World Saver winner last year for reducing its carbon footprint). Spend your days sunning on pristine Dorado Beach, or hiking through the El Yunque National Rainforest. WOLGAN VALLEY RESORT AND SPA, Wolgan Valley, Australia This gorgeous property, on an old cattle ranch with a 180-year-old renovated farmhouse, is set between two national parks. Not a single tree was destroyed during construction, and building efforts relied heavily on local and recycled materials. When you're watching wallabies hop across the fields at sunset while sipping a glass of Aussie shiraz on a private veranda, it's easy to forget that this luxurious resort is also entirely carbon neutral and sustainable to boot. CALISTOGA RANCH, NAPA VALLEY, California The ranch's cedar-shingle guest lodges built near lakes and streams and under trees merge indoor and outdoor spaces and feature fireplaces and outdoor showers. And despite its acres of lush greenery, the ranch has no need for lawn mowers: Instead, three Babydoll Southdown sheep take over the job of orchard and vineyard maintenance. On top of that, their manure helps fertilize the soil, and they cost about half the price to keep around than fossil-fueled tractors and weed whackers. Plus, they're just so cute. AUBERGE DU SOLEIL, Napa Valley, California California Garbage is probably one of the last things you think about at a luxury resort like Auberge du Soleil. But this five-time Gold List property is all about it: Since 2010, it's been collecting its compostable food products for the Upper Valley Disposal and Recycling Program, which then processes and shares the rich compost with area vineyards, farms, and resorts (including the Auberge itself) for use in landscaping and gardening. Trash aside, the Auberge offers tons of incredible outdoor activities hikes, hot air ballooning, and bikes for rent. TREEHOTEL, Harads, Sweden This architectural treehouse resort features sustainable design to boot: Hydroelectric power, LED lights, toilets that odorlessly combust or freeze waste, and more. Because of this, the resort was awarded Sweden's most prestigious travel award, the Grand Tourism Prize. Outdoorsy types will find no shortage of invigorating activities, from hiking and horseback riding to dog sledding and kayaking. MASHPI LODGE, Ecuador In a highly biodiverse Andean rain and cloud forest in northwest Ecuador, the Mashpi Lodge has outdone every old-guard, eco-conscious hotel. The hotel created a 42,000-acre protected area and employs an on-site biologist who spent two years there before the hotel was even built. It even built its own hydroelectric plant that's waste-free and silent, and uses a stream eliminating the need for a landscape-changing dam. | 2 | 860 | travel |
Thinking about going from a party of two to a party of three? Well, don't worry your life won't end when you have a baby. As a mother of two young kids, I can tell you that you will sleep again, you will have sex again and you will go out with friends, read non-parenting books and hit the gym. But ... there are some things you should probably get checked off your life list before kids because your days may seem hectic, but just wait until you have a baby on board. By Erin Zammet-Ruddy Stop being so self-righteous. When you see a mom or dad struggling with a tantrum-throwing kid in the airport or at the drugstore, don't roll your eyes and think, My kid would never do that. Because he will. I guarantee it. Go on a wine-tasting tour There's nothing fun for a kid about sitting still and being quiet while you sip something they can't. And those little wine crackers only entertain them for so long (believe me, I've tried). Go skydiving/bungee jumping/swimming with sharks … or whatever other crazy, life-risking thing you've got on your bucket list.These activities are frowned upon when you've got little ones at home who kind of depend on your not being injured. Or dead. So file under "before baby". Hit the hot bars and restaurants you haven't been to yet. Sure, you'll get out to eat when you have kids. But when there's a sitter on the clock, you're more likely to pick a place you know will get you in and out, and not, say, that new pop-up restaurant 45 minutes away where they cook everything with a single match. Appreciate the bathroom alone. This one bears repeating. Seriously. Revel in the aloneness. Take a road trip. Anywhere. Together or solo, it doesn't matter just relish in the complete silence or blast whatever kid-unfriendly music you like. Stop only when you want to or you need to, and enjoy the freedom. The car will never be the same post-baby. Be spontaneous. If someone says, "Let's do ____." Do ____. Because you can. Spend an entire day in bed together watching movies. You will likely never do this once you have kids unless A) you have the flu, in which case, not so enjoyable, or B) your kid has the flu, in which case said movies will likely feature talking rodents. Again, not so enjoyable.Video: How to Make More Time for Your Family> Have boozy lunches with friends. You'll probably try this once you have kids, and it will seem great … until you get home and realize you still have to parent and bedtime isn't for another five hours. D'oh! Feed your minimalist side. Get a white chair/couch/rug/anything else you wouldn't want stained. Leave your wineglass or coffee cup on it and watch it not get knocked over. Enjoy it while you can, because once there's a little one tottering around, you can kiss it good-bye! Have morning sex. And doors-open sex. And not-in-the-bedroom sex. And loud sex. Sure, you'll still have sex post-kids. But most of these particular sex flavors will go off the menu when the little ones arrive, so partake while you can.Video: Answering Your Kid's 'Birds and Bees' Questions> Be the last ones to leave the party. No matter what you say now, as a couple with kids, you'll be calling it a night long before your baby-free friends. (Trust me, you won't have it in you, and even if you do, people will talk.) That means missing out on those crazy-fun hours when all the really fun nonsense happens, also known as the stuff you reminisce about once you have kids.Video: A Babysitter is a Click Away> Fly first class. Everyone deserves to board the plane first (without a stroller, car seat and screaming kid), eat warm nuts and drink free beverages at least once in their life. And even if you can afford it, it's just wrong to fly first class with a tot (people don't spend all the extra cash to listen to crying babies the whole time). Promise you won't be those parents! Wear silk, cashmere and dry-clean-only clothing. … as much as you possibly can, while you still can.Kids can get their gunk on you without even making contact. It's one of their many superpowers. Take a career risk. Go for the promotion, the career change or any other work-related risk that will feel too risky once there are dependents involved. You have the rest of your life to worry about income, stability and paying for diapers and college. Take advantage of this time to pursue your passions or figure out whatever the hell it is you want to do.Erin Zammett Ruddy is a full-time freelance writer (her work has appeared in Glamour, Playboy, Real Simple, Redbook and Parenting), mother of two, and living proof that you can still have plenty of fun once you have kids. Video: How to Respond When You Embarrass Your Kid> | 4 | 861 | lifestyle |
"Sometimes, when we're at home together, he'll just casually walk past me and whisper, 'Nothing, nothing, nothing...' in my ear. Get it? Sweet nothings. Cheesy? Yes. Love it? Also yes." -- Brenda M. "I actually love it when my husband busts the old-school move of ordering for me when we're out at a restaurant -- but only if he's confirmed my choice before doing so!" -- Crystal C. More from The Nest: 5 secrets husbands keep from their wives "Every time I have to take a road trip, he makes me a mixed CD. It might seem dorky, but I love getting it. To me, it's SO romantic." -- Ashleigh H. "I love when he has dinner ready and a bottle of wine waiting on the table for me when I come in the door from work. I'm hot for role reversal, what can I say?" -- Liv C. "My guy cleans my car out. The first time he did it, I'll admit, I was a little creeped out. But now I actually find it romantic." -- Tracy F. More from The Nest: 100+ great date night ideas "Even though we live in NYC where fancy brands rule, my husband always remembers that it's the big, heart-shaped box of Russell Stover chocolates from the drugstore that makes me swoon." -- Jean P. "My husband doesn't do traditionally romantic things -- but, he does do stupid things really well. He likes to sing me little songs all the time. Such as, 'Debbie, you are my wife, and you're so pretty, and I love you...because you're the best.' Granted, he sings a very similar song to our overweight cat, but I'm still charmed." -- Deborah L. "I secretly love when my guy gives me one of those horrid, oversize, battery-operated cards that sings." -- Courtney M. More from The Nest: 30+ easy chicken recipes 5 ways orgasms will save your life 6 sexy bedroom decor secrets 7 ways to wow on your anniversary 8 things you can't do once you have a baby | 4 | 862 | lifestyle |
1. Shape up brows. The simple act of filling in sparse bits and tweezing strays around your arch is like a mini eye lift, making you automatically look more awake. 2. Take down puffiness. Pop a metal teaspoon in the freezer, then use the back of it to give swollen areas a light massage. And wait until the puffiness goes down before applying moisturizer, which can plump skin back up. 3. No makeup on crow's-feet! Sparkly shadow is like a zoom lens on fine lines, and foundation can settle into them. The one exception? Primer, which will blur and fill in crinkles. 4. Disguise under-eye bags. Taupe eyeshadow grazed right underneath lower lashes helps hide puffiness by making that area recede. (Darker skin tones should use a richer brown shadow.) 5. Conceal dark circles. You can magically erase them with the right concealer. Pick a creamy formula slightly lighter than your skin tone. One with a peachy hue will neutralize blue circles, while a pink-y shade cancels out brown ones. 6. Last but not least… Pick the right eye cream. There's one for every issue under the sun (and around your eyes). If puffiness is your problem, try a cream with caffeine or vitamin K, which help flush out fluids. To combat circles, a cream with caffeine (again!) constricts the blood vessels that make them flare up. A formula with vitamin C or arbutin can help fade brown spots. To soften crow's-feet, look for retinol to boost collagen and antioxidants to prevent further damage. | 4 | 863 | lifestyle |
Skipping family dinner and talking about money in front of your kids are nothing to feel guilty about, says Bruce Feiler, author of The Secrets of Happy Families. Let's move on from these supposed mommy-musts. Parents should devise punishments You're the adult, and you're in-charge, but that doesn't mean that families should be dictatorships. "There's abundant research that shows nothing is run top-down anymore not companies, not sport teams, nothing," says Feiler. When children pick their own rewards and punishments, they learn to take ownership over their actions, which is ultimately what you, the parent, want. Feiler's family holds a weekly meeting at which they vote on a few things to work on during the week ahead. Recently, they decided that everyone should get a reward for not yelling more minutes of iPad time and a punishment for not listening less iPad time. "Our kids are actually stricter than we are, and that's a common thing," he says. "We're dialing them back because they're so happy to be the disciplinarians." To teach a lesson, take something away When your son doesn't come home in time for dinner, or your daughter refuses to clean up her toys, you may be inclined to withhold dessert or confiscate those playthings. But, you'll likely have better luck assuming the kids will do the right thing. "People hate loss more than they desire gain," says Feiler. Hand over $10 for your son to spend at the movies, but tell him that if he doesn't make curfew, he must return the money. It sends a message of trust, and makes kids want to be responsible. Families should eat dinner together every night Everything you've heard is true: having dinner as a family is great. However, with extracurriculars, work schedules, and the slew of demands we face, it's also unrealistic to assume everyone will magically appear at the table at 7 o'clock each night. "There's only 10 minutes of productive time in any family meal," explains Feller. "You can take that 10 minutes any time." You can just as easily get the benefits of family togetherness at breakfast or at bedtime. What's important is what you talk about, so ask your kids to teach you a new word every day and do the same for them, or tell them stories of their extended family, which will help them better handle their own setbacks. Allowance should be tied to responsibilities or chores There's a downside to the policy that so long as your children keep their rooms clean, they earn $15 in spending money per week. "They only do it for the money as opposed to because we're a family, and there are certain things that need to get done around here the table needs to be set, the laundry needs to be folded, the bed needs to be made," says Feiler. Tying financial rewards to basic responsibilities means that money is constantly on people's minds, and there's evidence this makes them more selfish. Instead, hand over a crisp bill, and give your children the freedom to make mistakes. "It's much better to let them drive into the ditch with a $6 allowance than $60,000 in loans," says Feiler. Don't talk about money in front of the kids There's no need to sound the alarm, but if times are tight, keeping it a secret from your children may not be your best bet. "Eighty percent of people have never had a conversation about finances with their parents," says Feiler, who spoke with Warren Buffet's banker on his quest for family financial wisdom. Children don't learn about how money is made, what it's spent on, and where to invest it at school, from their friends, or via religious institutions, meaning that if you don't start those conversations, no one will. Stay out of fights between siblings The last thing you want to do is referee a fight about who gets to go on the computer first, but doing so may be in everyone's best interest. "I thought I was being smart letting my twin daughters work things out, but until a certain age, they don't really have the skills to do that," says Feiler. Start by separating dueling siblings, and give them some time to cool down. Then, ask everyone you, your husband, and each child to come up with three alternatives, and discuss the options. "This breaks the dynamic so it's not either-or," says Feiler. Have the sex talk Instead, have a series of conversations, no matter how uncomfortable it makes you. According to the American Pediatric Association, parents should start speaking with their children when they're as young as 18 months by using proper names for body parts. As kids grow up, avoid statements like, "to date my daughter, you'll have to get past my shotgun," which stigmatize sexuality. "It's much easier to be in a flow of conversations with an eight-year-old than a 13-year-old, at which point they're in puberty, and parents are the last people they want to hear it from," says Feiler. Stand above children when disciplining them When you're looking to get across the message that what they've done is very wrong, you likely stand over your kids, perhaps even wagging a finger. Instead, have a seat in an upright chair with a cushion as a less rigid position will actually make you and the situation less tense. "You don't want to be in the power position," says Feiler. "You want to be on equal planes. Everyone will be more accommodating." | 4 | 864 | lifestyle |
You ve only been married for a few years isn t it too soon for you and your partner to wear matching tracksuits? The short answer: yes. Here are nine signs that you re acting like an old married couple. You think sleep is sexier than...sex. Sleep is a magical thing, but those marathon snooze sessions shouldn t take priority over sex. Making love releases the hormone oxytocin, which promotes feelings of closeness; having sex regularly can help you and your partner feel more connected. Get it? You head to Costco for date night. A trip to pick up a 48-pack of toilet paper together isn't exactly a romantic outing, just like crossing items off your to-do list doesn t equal quality time together. Make your next date night count by doing something fun together, like uncorking a bottle of wine in the park or going to a movie that you ve both been dying to see. You start texting your mom -- in the middle of your partner's story. It may feel like there s nothing new to learn about each other, but chances are you ve both changed since you first met, especially if you ve been together for several years. Rediscover each other by asking questions ( What do you think about X? ) and sharing new experiences, like an African safari or a sake-making class. You treat him (or her) like your own personal barista. You know that fresh pot of coffee that your partner brews for you every morning, even though he (or she) drinks tea? It s to make you happy, so take the time to show your gratitude. Something as simple as saying thank you will help keep that spark alive (especially if you throw in a kiss). You order pizza in every Friday night. Certain habits are comfortable and reassuring. But changing things up from time to time is the key to keeping your relationship exciting. Bust out of that rut by dining out in different neighborhoods on date night, or trying a new cuisine together. You go to the bathroom with the door open. A little secrecy is important -- especially during those moments that shouldn't be shared with anyone else, like when you're going to the bathroom or plucking your eyebrows. There is such a thing as TMI, even in a long-term relationship. You spend dinner dreaming about your next vacay -- with your friends. It's great that you can sit together side-by-side without saying a word -- it shows you're comfortable together. But you shouldn't get into the habit of sitting in silence. Talk with your partner (and really listen) without distractions every day. Make certain topics, like housework, bills and kids, off-limits. You wear granny panties. You're not living in a nursing home, so why would you wear giant, diaper-like underwear? There's no need to be a vixen all the time, but wearing sexy panties will make you feel good and give your sex life a boost. So, go on -- invest in a few special pieces that you'll both love. You just feel...blah. It's normal to feel bored in your relationship once in a while, but you shouldn't feel uninspired all the time. If you do feel blah, make sure that the issue isn't that you're bored in your own life. The first step to having a passionate relationship is to unleash your own passions. Reconnect with a hobby that excites you, and you'll bring that energy into your marriage. | 4 | 865 | lifestyle |
The advice: Make your intimate life a priority What it means: If sex isn't at the top of your list, it will never happen (and we're guessing it's not happening since you're reading this). So move it up a few notches -- like before that "True Blood" finale you DVRed, not after. Why it works: "Sex reaffirms your bond," explains Kimberly Dawn Neumann, a relationship coach and coauthor of "Sex Comes First: 15 Ways to Help Your Relationship -- Without Leaving Your Bedroom". BING: MARRIAGE TIPS The advice: Fight fair What it means: Put an end to name-calling and personal attacks ( You always do X! ). It takes work, especially if you re used to fighting dirty, but the payoff is worth it. Why it works: You re taking aim at the problem, not each other, says Laurie Puhn, mediator and author of Fight Less, Love More, which makes it easier to work together to find a solution. The advice: Never go to bed angry What it means: Nobody expects you to be up until 4 a.m. solving an argument, but you should at least agree on a time when you can both sit down and work through an issue, Puhn notes. Why it works: There s less time for anger and resentment to build up, she explains. And by getting into the habit of talking through arguments when you re both feeling calm, you re building up your problem-solving skills (which are essential to every happy marriage). The advice: Agree on how to manage your money -- and stick with your plan What it means: Don t avoid the money issue -- discuss it! Decide whether you want to create a joint account, maintain separate accounts or have both separate and joint accounts. Map out what you need to devote to bills and other household expenses, as well as how the rest of your income will be spent. Why it works: By having a clear financial plan that you re both comfortable with, you re eliminating a source of conflict that can unravel even rock-solid marriages. You re also preparing for the future by creating a way to meet your financial goals, like buying a home, says economist Brett Graff. The advice: Start a family when -- and only if -- you and your partner want to What it means: Tune out your parents (and everyone else) who has an opinion on this one, Gould says. Having children will change your lives completely, and it s a decision that only you and your partner can make. Why it works: By focusing on what s best for you, you re helping to ensure that you and your partner are making a decision that you ll be happy with in the long run. The advice: Never leave the house without giving each other a kiss What it means: Show each other affection every day, no matter what. Why it works: Coming up with a consistent time each day to demonstrate your love helps show that you don t take each other for granted, Neuman says. The advice: Always sleep in the same bed! vs. It's okay to sleep separately What it means: Sleep wherever (and however) you and your partner sleep best. If you sleep well together, share the same bed; if your sleeping styles are dramatically different, sleep apart (in fact, 23 percent of married couples sleep separately, according to the National Sleep Foundation). Why it works: Being well-rested will help keep you happy and healthy -- both essentials for a blissful marriage. It's fine for your sweet dreams to happen in different corners of your house, Neumann adds. Just be sure to make time to cuddle, talk and have sex. | 4 | 866 | lifestyle |
Poisoned candy, black cats, the "unlucky" number 13 -- we debunk some legendary superstitions that make your skin crawl. Myth No .1: A broken mirror equals bad luck Break a mirror and you'll have seven years' bad luck. Well, that's what they say anyway. This myth is derived from an idea that our ancestors had: The image in a mirror was your actual soul, and if a mirror was shattered, it meant your soul had gone astray. The only way to set it straight? Bury the pieces of broken glass. Hey, believe what you will, but we see a broken mirror as a great excuse to hit up IKEA. Score! Myth No. 2: People hand out poisoned (or otherwise tampered with) candy Every year, parents worry about their children's well-being when they go out to trick or treat. We get it: You're a parent; you have to worry! But maybe this will make you relax just a bit: There have only been two confirmed cases of children being killed by poisoned Halloween candy, and in both cases, they were killed intentionally by one of their parents. With those two exceptions, no child has been killed or seriously injured thanks to Halloween candy. Breathe. Eat Snickers. Repeat. Myth No. 3: The number 13 is unlucky Could a number get a worse rep than 13? Doubtful. Hell, they even skip it as an official floor in many buildings, going straight from 12 to 14. But this number is just that -- a number. There's a lot of speculation as to why 13 has been deemed unlucky, including the idea that there were 13 witches in a coven, but rest assured -- it's perfectly fine to leave your house on the 13th. Even on a Friday. Myth No. 4: A black cat crossing your path means bad things to come If a black cat crosses your path, well -- you're screwed. This myth originates from the idea that witches used to keep these creatures as companions and that some could even change themselves into cats. All of this is completely bogus, of course, and in some countries and cultures (the UK, Japan and Scotland, for example), a black cat actually has a positive connotation: foreshadowing good things to come. Myth No. 5: Halloween is the devil's holiday Halloween is actually derived from Celtic and Druid ritual, which is separate from Christianity -- meaning "Satan" isn't even a factor. Scholars attribute this myth to Christian fundamentalists who thought that the dark imagery associated with Halloween made it evil and the work of the devil. In all actuality, the original Halloween celebrations were dedicated to positivity, like celebrating the harvest. | 4 | 867 | lifestyle |
Giving your home an eco-friendly spring-cleaning might seem like a challenge at first; you care about the environment and keeping your family healthy, but you also want clean laundry, shiny dishes and a spotless kitchen. To help you achieve all that, we've rounded up 10 of the most effective products that get their cleaning power from natural, nontoxic and biodegradable ingredients. Simply Spotless New York This collection of luxurious and naturally derived home-care products includes a wood cleaner, fabric cleaner, glass and surface cleaner and even a hand cleaner. These four products can tackle every mess in your home without unnecessary residue, overwhelming scents or harsh chemicals, and as a bonus they leave a naturally fresh orchid-based scent. Fresh Wave Rather than masking bad smells, Fresh Wave products use the power of nature and molecular science to eliminate organic and inorganic odors.With products ranging from a home spray, vacuum pearls and laundry detergent, this innovative line can keep everything from your kitchen counter to your sheets clean. Eco Me With a huge range of products including dish soap, floor cleaner, laundry detergent, granite and marble cleaner, wood polish and toilet bowl cleaner, Eco Me can tackle any mess you can dish up, while scents like herbal mint, lemon fresh and citrus berry will keep you coming back for more. And it offers DIY kits, so you can make your own natural products at home just by mixing ingredients like vinegar, olive oil and baking soda with Eco Me's essential oils. The Laundress Doing the laundry was never considered an elegant task until now. Each of the Laundress's products, including a delicate spray, a wool and cashmere shampoo and a denim wash, are specially designed to treat individual fabrics with natural, nontoxic ingredients. Prior to founding the company, the principles polished their business skills at posh fashion houses Ralph Lauren, Chanel and Brooks Brothers. Suffice to say you can trust them with your clothes, but they also offer a complete line of home-cleaning products that are just as luxurious. The Honest Company In an effort to provide what it describes as not only effective, but also unquestionably safe, eco-friendly, beautiful, convenient and affordable products, the Honest Company was born. This uber-family-friendly brand's products, such as laundry detergent, dishwasher gel, dish soap and multipurpose surface spray can power through any household mess. Another great perk is their "bundle" system, which allows you to customize a set of products that will be automatically shipped to you every month. Charlie's Soap What started as a small-town shop is now a world-class business, but Charlie's Soap's mission is still the same: to provide natural and mineral-based cleansers that offer superior cleaning and safety. Try its laundry liquid, laundry powder, kitchen and bath cleanser and surface spray for a high-performance clean that's safe, all-natural and nontoxic. Eco Nuts For a completely different, completely natural technique, drop a few of these nuts (actually dried berries from a Himalayan tree) into your wash. They produce a naturally occurring soap, which gently cleans your clothes, and are reusable for multiple washes. You can also keep the rest of your home spotless with products including a surface cleaner, with a formula based on soap berries and other botanical extracts. It works on practically any surface, including tile, metal, stone, porcelain enamel and chrome. Better Life Developed by two dads, one of whom is a chemist, this line delivers powerful products with brightly colored packaging and tongue-in-cheek names like "What-EVER" all-purpose cleaner, "I Can See Clearly WOW" glass cleaner and "Take It For Granite" stone surface cleaner. Better Life's products are plant derived, cruelty-, fragrance-, sulfate- and petroleum-free, and its whimsical packaging will lighten the mood no matter what household chore you're tackling. Murchison-Hume Created by a husband-and-wife team after their youngest son developed allergies to common household cleaners, Murchison-Hume's products, including an all-surface spray, floor cleaner, glass polish and upholstery cleaner, are made from biodegradable and natural ingredients. And with undeniably stylish packaging, these cleaners not only make your home look great, they look great in your home. | 4 | 868 | lifestyle |
Make a stellar first impression with these surprisingly simple solutions. Patterned walls Bold, graphic wallpaper is a quick way to add major wow factor to your entryway. Paper just one wall to keep costs down, and then select a coordinating paint color for the other walls in the space. Graham & Brown is a great source of affordable, modern geometric wallpapers. Invent an instant office If you re blessed with a spacious entryway, don t let the area go to waste! A table and chair can turn even the smallest corner into a home office space. A model with drop leaves, like the one shown here, takes up almost no space folded down when not in use. Make a memorable memo board A pretty corkboard placed in an entryway is the perfect spot to pin favorite photos and documents you want to keep in sight (like concert tickets or your gym s class schedule). To create your own, first paint a vintage frame in a bold hue. Then, have a piece of 1/8-inch MDF cut to the size of the frame s opening and cover the MDF with a layer of cork. Secure the cork-covered MDF into the frame with a heavy-duty staple gun or lightweight nails. Set Up Storage Solutions For a major storage overhaul, consider adding a storage bench and wall-mounted cubbies in your entry. While these pieces can be pricey, they're much cheaper than installing custom built-ins -- and you can take them with you when you move! For similar pieces to the ones shown here, check out Pottery Barn's Samantha collection, $99 to $399 PotteryBarn.com. Fix finishing touches A few simple switches can pretty up your space in a hurry. Replace your standard light fixture with a feminine, shell model; reupholster a storage bench cushion in a fresh fabric; hang a mirror on the wall; and add a small seagrass mat underfoot. Get the look with West Elm's Small Round Capiz Pendant, $129, WestElm.com. Chalk it up Turn your entryway into a giant calendar that you can update in an instant. Coat one wall with blackboard paint, like Benjamin Moore's Studio Finishes Chalkboard (307) paint (BenjaminMoore.com). When fully dry, draw on a chalk grid to create your personal calendar. Use stylish space savers If you're short on space, make use of your entryway's square footage. Place a pair of storage ottomans under a console table: You can fill them with less-frequently used items like board games or DVDs and pull them out into your living room when you need extra seating. Here, a porcelain greyhound is also positioned to greet guests at the door with a stylish stance. Display away Don't save all your wall art for the living room: Treat your home's entrance like a gallery space. To get the clustered look just right, trace each frame onto paper, cut them out and arrange the rectangles of paper with tape before hammering any holes in your wall. There's no need for matching frames -- in fact, the more mismatched they are, the better! Go graphic Even the tiniest entryway can express your style. Here, a vintage coat hook rack and a blue-and-white stripe runner add a punch of personality to a minuscule entrance. To add pattern underfoot, try a similar striped rug from Madeline Weinrib's cotton Versa collection (MadelineWeinrib.com). Wall clocks Pretty and practical, a wall of clocks lets you know what time it is when you're headed out the door and creates a visually appealing display. Here, a retro-styled kitchen clock mingles with an iconic Nelson Ball clock and a mod, starburst model. Try this in your own home, and we bet you'll never be late again! | 4 | 869 | lifestyle |
A style of your own is no laughing matter - after all, it's what makes a house your home. That's why we're taking a look at seven rooms that are full of personality, color and ingenuity. It's no joke that these interiors are high on design, a little outrageous and wonderfully unique. The mod squad When you hear of the town Shelter Island, New York, we re guessing you think of sea-salt-washed shingle siding and cool oceanic hues, not in-your-face glammed-up retro. But, the bungalow of Jonathan Adler and Simon Doonan shakes up what an East Coast beach retreat looks like, with low-profile seating, rich browns and yellows offset with metallics and stone sculptures for a look that is 70s cool. Pop rock Packing a punch of hot, pale and purple-hued pinks in every which way, this Manhattan penthouse isn t afraid of expression. From graphic floral print wallpaper to fluffy poufs and unexpected pop art, this room is all personality and keeps its design DNA together by sticking to one, albeit bold, color palette. Give a hand While sleek and simple in design, this curvaceous home in Mexico City takes a risk by combining unique retro décor elements with one-of-a-kind architecture for a home that s like no other. Style squad An interior space should be a reflection of your personality, and the ultra-chic and glam living room of Song of Style's Aimee Song is just that. Bold and eclectic with a mix of fabrics, colors and eras, the leopard rug and cobalt couch-clad room is one to gush over. Pink palace Kept soft and simple, this pale pink room parlays a youthful vibe that's contemporary and forward thinking at its core. Sleeping with Pollock Is there a bed in there? Going for just plain daring, this New York bedroom, designed by Doug Meyer, is a wild ride that sets the stage for what we think are even wilder dreams! Moody blues Just like entering a world of deep-sea diving, this cerulean blue room, found in Marrakech, Morocco, keeps its cool with accents of red and pale green, showing that allover color is a splendid statement that works. | 4 | 870 | lifestyle |
With so many choices this season, check out these 12 items babies and toddlers will love. Ages 12 months and up George Giraffe RockerWhen baby sits on George and rocks, he automatically starts to sing. And he's not just a rocker he's a matching game. Feed George the right piece of stuffed food and he'll recognize it! $140, US.MamasandPapas.comMore from The Bump: Holiday shop with baby (without losing your mind)-- Leah Rocketto Ages newborn to 1 year Bamboo Zoo Monkey Soft ShakerThis adorable rattle is also a huggable (and chewable) friend for baby. The best part? This monkey is made from earth-friendly -- and baby-safe -- materials: The outer body is pesticide-free bamboo and inner stuffing is made of natural corn, which has no petroleum or plastic. And when this little guy gets loved so much he gets dirty, you can throw him in the washing machine (you're welcome). $13, DandelionforBaby.comMore from The Bump: Wacky baby products that work Ages newborn and up Reversible PlayMATThis sturdy, easy-to-store play mat has different designs on each side -- both great for tummy time. Choose from City/ABC, City/Farm or City/Ocean for a safe space for baby to pay. And you won't have to donate this one to Goodwill when baby gets older. It will become a floor mat for imaginary play with toy cars, animals or people. Got to love toys with longevity! $35, PrinceLionheart.comMore from The Bump: Gifts to make moms ' lives easier Ages newborn and up Bear BlanketThis bear just might be in the running to become baby's favorite lovey. Not only does it have soft fabric and an adorable face, but also, it was designed for teething babies to gnaw on. $15, DandelionforBaby.comMore from The Bump: Gifts parents HATE when you give their kids Ages 6 months and up DiscoverySounds Alarm ClockIt's part toy, part teaching mechanism. Kids love the silly sounds and bright lights, while they learn numbers and the concept of time (in three different languages!). $10, LittleTikes.com Ages 6 months and up Live & Learn Love to Play PuppyHere's a popular choice: This dog isn't just for cuddling. It teaches baby about numbers, letters, colors and body parts through touch and sound. It also plays some cute songs sure to make baby smile. $23, Fisher-Price.com Ages 9 months and up Little Tikes 3-in-1 Smart TrikeIf your toddler isn't so keen on his stroller anymore, you might want to switch to this trike, which you push and steer. When he gets older (say, around age 3), convert it to a full-functioning tricycle he'll ride all by himself. $100, Diapers.com Ages 12 months and up Treetop Friends Busy Bead TreeHow much did you love playing with bead toys when you were a kid? Get baby in on the fun with this woodland-themed version of the classic toy. Bonus: As baby flips, slips and slides his wooden friends along the track, he'll be developing coordination and dexterity. $25, Skiphop.com Ages newborn and up Libro Coco Cat Multi-Sensory Activity BookThis cute and colorful book is perfect for babies in the grabby phase. The touch-and-feel pages and squeeze-activated sounds (it meows!) aren't just fun for baby but also encourage visual and auditory development. $23, KushiesOnline.com Ages 18 months and up LEGO DUPLO Creative SorterIf your childhood was anything like ours, you know you can't go wrong with LEGOs. And these big blocks are suitable for an older toddler. This set lets your tot build (with your help, of course) an elephant, a giraffe and a parrot. As a second activity (and to help with cleanup), place the sorting plates over the container and have him put the blocks into the correctly shaped slot. $20, WalMart.com Ages 2 and up Playskool Elmo's Find & Learn Alphabet BlocksWhat toddler doesn't love Elmo? And who better to motivate your child to learn? When she places a lettered block in Elmo's lap, Elmo will pronounce it. He also sings the alphabet song and will quiz your tot. $25, ToysRUs.com Ages 2 and up Green Toys Build-a-BouquetCan you believe this eco-friendly toy is made from recycled milk jugs? Your toddler will love sorting the colorful pieces to create her own garden. $28, GreenToys.com {none} | 4 | 871 | lifestyle |
From leftover paint to your keys, we'll show you little tricks to keep your odds and ends neat 'n' tidy. Use boxes for photo storage Store your memories in style by organizing photos within individual boxes. They hold more memories than standard photo albums do, and the boxes stack easily for storage!More from The Nest:8 hints he wishes you were more adventurous in bedHow to do it: Pick up as many boxes as you need to accommodate your growing photo collection. We love the fun colors and prints found at Organize.com Expert tip: Color code your boxes and label them appropriately, so you don t have to peek inside to see what specifically they store. Store bulk items in glass jars Ditch cardboard packaging for bulk items. Instead, store em in simple glass containers with labels for a tidier, more organized pantry.How to do it: This one is so easy! Simply gather all of the items that you buy in bulk pasta, light bulbs, cotton balls etc. and store in sturdy glass containers Expert tip: If glass containers aren t an option, plastic jars work just as efficiently. Store plastic grocery bags in tissue boxes Every time you re-stock your fridge, you re faced with a messy heap of empty plastic grocery bags. Instead of letting them pile up under the kitchen sink, tuck them into empty tissue boxes. How to do it: -Instead of recycling that empty tissue box, save it. -Roll up empty plastic bags and store them in tissue boxes. -Reuse shopping bags as trash bags. Store earrings in contact lens cases Contact lens cases are great for keeping small earrings together when you re traveling.How to do it: -Take an empty contact lens case and clean by rinsing each side with warm water -Store delicate earrings in each side of the case to prevent tangling. Expert tip: Don t wear contacts? Empty pill cases work just as well! Keep your chargers together Hate searching for chargers only to find them in a tangled mess? Keeping them all in one place ensures you ll always find what you re looking for.How to do it: -Designate a drawer or small basket that s used specifically for phone/camera chargers. That way, you won t spend time searching high and low when you re short on battery. Expert tip: Utilize leftover twist-ties from loaves of bread and use them to keep chargers coiled tightly. Use sock organizers for ties and belts Sure, sock organizers are useful for keeping your drawers in tip-top shape. But they also work just as well for ties and belts too!How to do it: -Purchase an inexpensive organizers (like this one from The Container Store) and fill with belts, ties and any other accessories without a proper home. Expert tip: Since these organizers are so slim, they slide well under beds and fit perfectly into drawers. Store random stuff in a shoe organizer Short on storage space? Hang a shoe organizer on the inside of your closet door for utilitarian gear, like tape, power cords and spray bottles. How to do it: -Hang a shoe organizer on the back of any door that s easily accessible in case of an emergency. -Fill pockets with supplies that you may need on a whim such as candles, tape, flashlights, a first-aid kit or spare keys. Expert tip: Shoe organizers with clear pockets ensure that you ll always find what you need. Plus, clear plastic is easy to wipe clean if things get messy. Make a special spot for your keys Always losing your keys? Put a tray near your front door that serves as a holding spot for your keys, sunglasses and coins. How to do it: -Find a shallow dish or tray that matches the décor of your entryway. -Place within reach of the front door and pile with pens, keys, coins, etc. Expert tip: Stack two similar trays on top of one another (as seen in the picture above) to create a one-of-a-kind piece that s unique and functional. | 4 | 872 | lifestyle |
In a quest to give his kids a better explanation than, "that's what grandma told me," Ken Jennings, author of Because I Said So!, uncovered the truth. When you open the oven, all the heat goes out Mommy dearest always warned you about these things, and now, you find yourself repeating the maybe not-so-true sayings. At age seven, there's nothing worse than waiting for the cookies to be ready. Thus comes the kitchen version of "are we there yet," prompting moms everywhere to claim checking the chocolate delights will only make them take longer. Yes, when an oven is left open for one minute, about one-quarter of the heat escapes, but it returns in less than that time because warmth radiates from the walls of the oven. No matter what you say or do, it'll be ten to 12 minutes until sweets-time. Follow us on Facebook. Sugar makes you hyper As a parent, it's difficult to admit that your kid's behavior was out-of-control even though you know it happens to everyone. "It's more flattering to someone's parenting to say, 'you gave them too much sugar!'" explains Jennings. "The occasions where kids are more likely to be eating sugary treats are chaotic events where they're running around anyway." No studies have linked sugar consumption to hyperactivity in children, meaning it's probably jumping on the trampoline with all of her friends that got your daughter amped up, not the slice of birthday cake she ate afterwards. Follow us on Facebook. Coffee will stunt your growth This six-feet-tall writer is living proof of the falsity of the claim that java will leave you short of your maximum height. The myth probably began because smoking does indeed stunt growth, and in all the discussions of harmful substances, caffeine mistakenly fell into the same category. In fact, caffeine is used medicinally to treat premature infants. "My kids are crazy enough without a caffeine jolt, but you can't say it has long-term effects on growth," says Jennings. Follow us on Facebook. If you crack your knuckles, you'll get arthritis No, you don't want to see your son show you how his thumb can make a cool popping sound for the fifth time today. Neither did your mother, which is why she likely scared you into stopping by claiming you'd develop arthritis if you didn't cut it out. It seems like a plausible health excuse, but since the noise is just fluid bubbles popping in the joints, it's been proven to have no long-term effects. Follow us on Facebook. Don't swim for an hour after lunch "I'm sure if you tried to eat a big Thanksgiving dinner and then swim the English Channel, you might cramp up," says Jennings. But, that's true of any exercise, and there's certainly nothing special about either water or the one-hour mark that makes it okay to start jumping off the high-dive. In fact, long-distance swimmers tread water and eat in order to stay hydrated and fueled. So, if your daughter's all excited to show you her underwater handstand after a PBJ, don't fret. Follow us on Facebook. Follow the five-second rule Even if that double-fudge brownie looks delicious, as soon as it comes into contact with contamination, it's done. There's nothing special about five seconds that suddenly makes the germs cling on. However, studies have found that it's incredibly difficult to make food unsafe by simply dropping it on the floor. "They'd have to coat the floor in e-coli," says Jennings. "While it's impolite to eat off of the floor, it's not something for parents to freak out about." In other words, there's no real need to give up that scrumptious dessert -- especially if you're the one who dropped it while hunting for a midnight snack. Follow us on Facebook. Put on a hat or you'll freeze to death No doubt, wearing a hat will warm you up, but so will a jacket, gloves, and a scarf. "If we said 'my feet are cold,' my mom said, 'put on a hat,'" says Jennings. Sure, you lose heat through your head, but it happens at the same rate as any other part of your body. If your ears are tingling, it's time for a topper. But if the biting cold is affecting your hands, a beanie won't do you much good. Follow us on Facebook. Let that cut air out so it heals "Moms love scabs," jokes Jennings. But since the 1960s, doctors have known that wounds heal more quickly when they remain moist, not get crusty. Dab Vaseline or ointment on a cut, and cover it with a Band-Aid at all times. Yes, even overnight. Follow us on Facebook. Don't sit so close to the TV Whereas you may ban your kids from perching directly in front of the screen and send them to couch for fear of eyestrain, your parents likely had a different reason for insisting you keep your distance from the set. In the late 1960s, a number of televisions were recalled for emitting x-rays. But, this was more than 40 years ago, and so far as eyestrain, a short break from staring should cure any headaches or blurry vision. If your son wants to observe Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles from only a few feet away, there's no reason not to let him. Follow us on Facebook. Shaving makes hair grow back thicker Middle school may be the only time in a girl's life that she's excited to do this beauty chore, so allow her to have her fun. Although hairs may appear coarser after shaving, the reality is that the end of the hair is merely blunter because longer hairs taper more than shorter ones. The hair follicle, which is set below the skin, has no idea it's being trimmed, and cannot respond by multiplying. Follow us on Facebook. Sip soda to settle your stomach The idea that bubbles whether from ginger ale or soda will help an upset tummy is age-old, but quite the opposite is true. Since soda adds bloat and is often sugary, it's likely to make you feel worse, not better. Studies have shown that ginger fights nausea in chemotherapy patients, but the amount in a can or glass of ginger ale is too small to have a similar effect on a flu-ridden child. However, it's vital to stay hydrated when sick, and water's the best bet for the job. Follow us on Facebook. | 4 | 873 | lifestyle |
Father's Day edition: Very manly options to prevent last-minute what-do-I-get-him panic. Darts This dartboard is too good-looking to hide away in a man cave. Flechette darts game, $39.99; cb2.com. Outdoorsman books Any outdoorsman needs these books, and they look like heirlooms on your shelf. Audubon Field Guide Series Collector's Set, $98; bestmadeco.com. Lantern A mod-color kerosene lamp is perfect for both a blackout and entertaining on the deck. German kerosene lantern, $39.95; store.kaufmann-mercantile.com. Flask This rugged flask comes with a leather strap and a custom monogram. Hip flask, $29; bushsmarts.com. Whiskey Keep it classy and sip this while watching Anchorman. Again. Ron Burgundy Great Odin's Raven Whiskey, $25; rivieraimports.com for stores. Bookcase He'll get extra storage out of this mini shelf without a docking fee. 3-foot rowboat bookcase, $98; jmgillespiecom.etsy.com. Cards for a cause Cards to make poker night more meaningful: For each deck sold, a donation is made to help support injured service members. Bicycle Wounded Warrior Deck, $3.99; shopbicyclecards.com. Toolbox Doesn't Mr. Fix-It deserve a pro-grade tool case? Craftsman 3-drawer metal portable chest, $59.99; sears.com. Light-up football He can pretend he's Peyton Manning long after sundown with a light-up football. Magma light-up football, $29.95; rebootsports.com. A great card You're never too old to let your dad know you're his little one. Father's Day giraffes card, $4.50; jfalkner.com. Alarm clock Bring a bit of sleek design to his side of the bed. Flip alarm clock, $55; lexonusa.com. Headphones Dad can answer the phone and flip through his playlist with these super-techy headphones. Boom headphones, $40; coloud.com. Pickles No manwich is complete without a pickle, and these beat store-bought by a mile. Green Hollow Preserves pickles, $13.50; mouth.com (15% off storewide with code REDBOOK15). Lamp Instant cool for his reading corner. Mudhut turned floor lamp, $79.99; target.com. Captain's chair A handsome chair in which to manage serious business (fantasy football…). Captain's chair, $89.88; walmart.com. | 4 | 874 | lifestyle |
Know one of these couples? Their relationship seems rock solid, they've lived together forever (and might even jointly own the place), but they're still not engaged. You might think it's NBD to ask your friend about their plans, but we've got three words for you: Don't go there. The topic of marriage can be a conversational minefield, so before you go detonating a trigger, check out our cheat sheet on what not to say. So when are you getting married? Way to put someone on the spot! What if they haven't had that conversation yet, or if one of them is having doubts? Their timeline is nobody's business but their own. If you're a close friend, we get that you're just excited for her, but try to hold your tongue when it happens, we guarantee you'll be first in line to know. You're headed to Maui next week? I bet you'll come back with some bling! With a romantic vacation looming, they're probably getting plenty of engagement pressure from their anxious families. You don't need to add to that chorus. Instead, keep your interrogation light and fun and ask about the beaches or how many Mai Tais they're planning to drink. Can you believe [insert mutual friend's name] got engaged before you?! No, she probably can't! Especially if your friend has been waiting for a ring herself. But she doesn't need you to rub it in her face. Plus, just because your pal isn't planning a wedding of her own yet, doesn't mean she can't still be a happy, supportive friend to someone who is. And you're kind of implying that she can't here. It must be hard, but your time will come. Hello?! Maybe it's not hard! Maybe she's completely content with the way things are. Condescending or pitying comments like this one have no place between friends. So unless she's specifically stated otherwise or asks for your feedback, why not assume the best that she's happy with her relationship. Have you considered an ultimatum? A little pressure never hurt anyone. Red alert! You're entering some dangerous territory here trying to fix someone else's situation for them and getting too involved in their personal affairs. Your best bet: avoid offering advice unless she specifically asks for it, and even then, tread lightly. Life will be so great once you're really committed. This is probably one of the most hurtful things you can say to someone in a serious, long-term relationship. Hinting that they're less devoted to each other or not as fulfilled as people who are married is pretty insulting. Either zip your lips or focus on how great her life is already. Don't you want a family? What if you can't get pregnant when the time comes? The subject of fertility is a fragile one. If she's like many women between the ages of 25 and 45, she's already spent a considerable amount of time thinking about her biological clock and doesn't need you ticking away in her ear too. Oh, and newsflash: last we checked, you don't need to be married to have a baby. Do you think if you two hadn't moved in together so quickly you'd be engaged by now? You know that old-school line that gossipy great-aunts love to drop: "Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?" Well, this is the modern day variation of that. Recognize that your friend is an adult and stop second-guessing her decisions. Now that you've finished grad school/gotten your dream job/turned 30, the ring must be next, right? It's true that some couples wait for certain milestones before moving forward with marriage, but others might be holding off for reasons they're keeping private. Wish them well and let them savor the moment without pressuring them about the next step. But think of the tax breaks! Yes, people actually say this. Please don't be one of them. Even though it's (hopefully!) supposed to be a joke it's a pretty bad one, because a sweeter IRS refund is probably the worst motivation we can think of for popping the question. | 4 | 875 | lifestyle |
Whether it's your first date or your fiftieth, these outdoor, budget-friendly dates will get you off the couch and into each other's arms. 1. Take Your Own Walking Tour Group tours of local historical hot spots are certainly informative, but when you're part of an organized trip, popping into a cute cafe you spot is out of the question. Instead, grab your walking shoes and download a free audio tour for your iPod (try AudioSnacks.com). You'll still get to take in all the sites and take a coffee break when you need one. 2. Watch a Movie Under the Stars Dinner and a movie is fine, but watching a flick outdoors really sets the scene for old-fashioned romance. If there is no drive-in near you, check your local paper to see if your town is holding any screenings at a nearby park. Or, opt for a DIY version: Invest in a projector (like a cell-phone sized version from Optoma), hang a white sheet in your backyard, and pop some popcorn! 3. Make S'mores! You don't have to be a fan of the Great Outdoors to take advantage of the sweetest sandwich known to man. Instead of building a campfire, break out a hibachi and make your own gooey snacks. Then the two of you can snuggle while you indulge. 4. Walk Dogs at an Animal Shelter Treat yourself to some puppy love by cuddling up with some cute dogs at an animal shelter. Volunteering combined with some brisk exercise is a sure way to get the endorphins flowing and will give you an instant conversation topic. 5. Pick Fresh Fruit Visit a local orchard or farm and pick your own produce. You'll feel connected to nature … and each other. 6. Play Bocce Challenge your date to some friendly competition. Bocce is a great game for beginners and can be played on grass or on sand at the beach. For rules, check out Bocce.org/rules.htm. 7. Go Dancing Outdoors! Even if your moves haven't progressed much since prom, there's nothing like swaying under the stars. Check your local paper or dance school to find an outdoor concert venue that also has a dance floor. 8. Ride Bikes Embrace you inner child and take your 10-speeds for a spin. Then spring for ice cream after working up a sweat, you definitely deserve it. 9. Rent a Convertible Take a joyride. Rent a car, put the top down, and blast some tunes. You don't even need to have a destination in mind, just flip a coin and head in any direction. Take turns behind the wheel no backseat drivers allowed! 10. Visit a Vineyard Find a local vineyard for a tasting. Be sure to sneak away for a stroll on the lovely grounds (if it's allowed!). | 4 | 876 | lifestyle |
Dropbox announced a slew of updates that offer more control over shared work files and new tools for app developers. The changes allow for more fine-tuned access control over who can view or edit documents, and for how long, as well as improved search and new APIs, so app makers can interact with shared Dropbox For Business docs. These are welcome changes for the 80,000 paying companies on Dropbox's client list. And they may help quell critics who have been complaining about Dropbox's lack of attention to security and administration. Locking Down The Box Last April, Dropbox rattled the business cloud-storage world when it expanded its popular personal service into the work world . It made sense on the surface. Individuals were using its online file storage in their personal lives. In the era of "bring your own device" to work, of course they'd want to use it in their jobs too. Since then, the outstanding issue for Dropbox has been security. Critics pointed out that sensitive business information is not the same as cat photos or dinner recipes. Sharing has to be locked down and managed better at work. The system also needs to be simple and easy to use, as otherwise employees will ignore or bypass it. The company finally answered that call today, announcing view-only permissions that let users determine who can view or edit files within the shared folders they created. They can also set passwords and expiration dates on shared links. These changes should please IT managers and bosses, while full-text search should make the whole workforce happy. Now workers can search keywords contained in documents, not just file names. See also: Dropbox Gets Down To Business Today, Dropbox also announces new tools for app makers: APIs for Shared Folders and Document Previews , so outside developers can build Dropbox for Business functionality into their apps, or enable document previewing through these apps. With this, the company could be tipping its hand about turning its work-oriented cloud service into an actual enterprise platform. Timing Is Everything The new changes follow others introduced this year, including Project Harmony , its new collaboration with Microsoft Office. But, since its debut last year, the elephant in the room has been security. Why Dropbox took so long to bolster that isn't clear. The company says it has been working on these features for 16 months in total. That's a pretty lengthy development cycle. See also: Amazon Courts Companies With New Work Storage Service The timing is interesting particularly since it slides in just before the beginning of the last quarter of the financial year, and the company is reportedly hoping to go public sometime this year . So it's no shock if the company seems gung ho about courting customers even harder now. So far, Dropbox has attracted 80,000 paying businesses, which seems like an okay start. But it's a drop in the bucket compared to its consumer cloud-storage service, which is 300 million users strong. Its client list also accounts for a mere sliver of the millions of U.S. companies that do business today. Whether these changes will be enough to attract more customers will be up to the companies to decide. But at least admins can preview some of these features by joining the early access program . Feature image by Adriana Lee for ReadWrite; screenshot courtesy of Dropbox. | 4 | 877 | lifestyle |
Journalist Mark Ellwood has spent his almost entire life in search of a good deal, from the half-priced 45s he'd track down as a kid growing up in suburban London to a pair of discount boat shoes he recently sussed out in New York's normally spendy Soho. His accumulated knowledge of the deal informed his new book, Bargain Fever: How to Shop in a Discounted World, which touches in part on the travel industry, a realm Ellwood says was one of the first to embrace discounts a way to drive demand. The trick for consumers, Ellwood says, is discerning the difference between a cheap price and a good deal. Here are his tips for making sure you end up with the later: What's your new book about, and should we be afraid of the title Bargain Fever? Even folks who don't want to pay a lot for their trip don't necessarily want a "bargain" vacation, right? There's a big difference between something that's merely cheap and a true bargain. The former suggest low quality and cost while the latter connotes great value, whatever the price. $500 per night at a hotel isn't cheap, but it could be a bargain (say, for a suite overlooking the Grand Canal in Venice with a private terrace). The crux of my book isn't that we should all be scrimping and plumping for the cheapest option every time. It's that we should never pay full price for anything, ever again, including airline tickets and hotel rooms. How has the travel industry played a part in what you call our new "discounted world," where shoppers and companies alike are engaged in a constant back-and-forth over price? The travel industry was the canary in the discount coalmine. For decades, it's been tackling the issue around bargains and discounts that every other sector is facing now for the first time. Until the mid 1970s, fare prices were centrally fixed and companies competed to differentiate on service. Once those rates were unfettered, it was a price war like Gettysburg at 10,000 feet. As for hotel rates, they started yo-yoing when online travel booking made the process so transparent in the 1990s. This shift means operations are devilishly difficult for carriers and hoteliers, but has radically cut costs for travelers. There's never been a better time to travel. Are group buying sites like Groupon a good value for travelers? Some people say it's too hard to separate the wheat from the chaff with these deals, particularly when it comes to travel. How can travelers make sure they're making the most of group buying sites? The best approach to such sites: avoid them. Groupon et al, whether flash sale or bulk-buying set-ups, have a whiff of desperation about them now, and few high end properties would willingly participate. It's far better to negotiate directly with a hotel, for example: just call up and ask for the BAR, or Best Available Rate. It is the lowest price that a given room can be sold at any time via conventional channels. Then ask if any additional sweeteners can be thrown in with your reservation, gratis parking, perhaps. It's amazing how flexible hotels can be with a little charm and gentle pushiness. What are other web resources for getting real travel values, and how can consumers discern the difference between a real deal and a cheap price? I rely almost exclusively on two sites for my travel deals. Firstly, Tingo.com, a clever money-back portal for hotels. It works so works simply: if anyone, anywhere books that same room for the same night for a cheaper price, the difference is automatically refunded. It's the best price guarantee. Secondly, for air tickets, I monitor Airfarewatchdog.com. It's the best place to find airline deals, because unlike other deals sites, it doesn't rely on automated searches. Rather, it has a team of real human beings manually checking prices on airline sites all day, every day, so they unearth "hidden" bargain fares. Create an alert for your favorite routes, and the site will alert you as soon as your route goes on sale. Why is it that airline prices vary so widely, even for seats on the same flight? And what's the best way to ensure you're getting, if not a fire-sale price, a good deal on your tickets? Ninety-two percent of passengers on any flight have paid some kind of discounted price. This is thanks to computer modeling: it's a complicated algorithm that oversees flight pricing, rather than a human being. It relies on several factors to generate a ticket price, often including the traveler's history. Indeed, this is why some airlines have been gotcha'd offering what's euphemistically known as customized pricing, where the fact that a travel has been less price conscious in the past allows them to eke out extra revenue by charging more. It's also the reason you should always book a flight using an incognito browser window, without logging into any frequent flyer program, so no history, cookie or otherwise, can be factored into the price you're offered. Book that way, then return to the site and add any frequent flyer number once the seat is confirmed. Hotels have gone above and beyond with hidden extras, Wi-Fi charges, "resort fees," and other nickel-and-diming. Is there a way consumers can find 1) a good price right up front or 2) avoid these charges? Join every single frequent stay program for every hotel chain: there will likely be offers tailormade solely to those potential loyalists (see how Kimpton provides free Wi-Fi to members of its InTouch program, which is also free to join) Another option: Costco and other big box retailers sell hotel gift cards at a discount from time to time Hyatt, for example, has done it in the past. $100 vouchers will be offered for $80-85, which is an instant 15-20 percent saving on your next stay. Do last-minute hotel booking sites offer a new model for squeezing value out of hotels, or are these apps and deal sites just a fad that the industry has yet to catch up to and leverage for profit? Last minute hotel-booking sites can be overwhelming, as there's seemingly an inventory dump at the eleventh hour that can be confusing and frustrating for a traveler. However, HotelTonight is a standout to me. It's app-only and flawless to use: HotelTonight down the selection of hotels to a rarefied and verified roster of three star and higher hotels, with deep discounted prices that won't condemn you to a shoebox-sized room on a low floor. For example, I use it every time I travel to Los Angeles, and I've landed rooms at my favorite spot, the Palihotel, for just over $100 that was almost half price. Even better, first time bookings earn a $25 discount. | 4 | 878 | lifestyle |
These instant DIY home projects ingeniously take your home from meh to marvelous. Turn a bottle into a lamp in minutes All you've gotta do is put a cork in it. This adjustable socket (inset) knows how to show an empty jug the light.(Cork jug kit, $18.40 for 1 1/4" diam.; lampshop.com. Bottle used as lamp, $30; 7 1/2"W x 13 1/2"H; homedecorators.com. Drum shade, $54; 17" diam.; potterybarn.com) Change the look of your cabinets in less than an hour Updating your cabinetry can be as effortless as smoothing on contact paper. Panyl, a line of durable PVC-based adhesive sheets, comes in a wide variety of solid colors, wood grains, and patterns. And the decision needn't be final: The product peels right off should you change your mind.(From $4.50 per square foot; four-square-foot minimum; $6 extra per piece for custom sizes; panyl.com) Create a new headboard, no nails required Put down that hammer. These ultra-thin strips of reclaimed barn wood boast a super-sticky backing that allows you to cover an entire wall without using a single nail. The stuff doesn't budge, so for a less-permanent project, follow our lead and face a piece of precut plywood.(From $160 for 20 square feet; stikwood.com) Swap out chair legs in seconds Originally intended for Ikea furniture, these screw-on legs (inset) in several shades and shapes are available with a universal fitting plate that adapts them for nearly any brand.($88 for set of four; prettypegs.com. Chair, $99; ikea.com) Dress up furniture in a day You'd never guess this heirloom-worthy chest of drawers had such humble beginnings. Credit the transformation to O'verlays' fanciful fretwork. Adhere it with a heavy-duty glue, like Liquid Nails, then paint.(Fretwork, from $9.50 for 10"W x 6"L; myoverlays.com. Liquid Nails, $2.52 for 10 oz.; lowes.com. Chalk Paint in Cream, $37.95 per quart; anniesloan.com for stores. For similar dresser outfitted with O'verlays, $895; 44"W x 34"H x 20"D; kingstonkrafts.etsy.com) Add instant pattern to a plain pillow You'll only need a minute. These moth and bandage patches (inset) are meant to mend holes. But when it's this simple to iron on irony, we say no pillow's perfect.($14 for set of three; stellaneptune.com. Pillow cover, $34; 20" square; westelm.com) Add privacy to your windows in minutes Designers at Trove borrowed nature-inspired prints from the company's gorgeous wallpaper line for a new collection of window film. A cinch to apply, the coverings let light in while still affording privacy.(From $7.25 per square foot; four-square-foot minimum; troveline.com) | 4 | 879 | lifestyle |
These deck-the-halls house tours are sure to spark holiday cheer. An Arizona Christmas Subdued gift wrap, like simple stamped Kraft paper, helps bring Christmas charm to major league baseball player Bill Mueller's Arizona home. A colorful Christmas with Eddie Ross From their New England home, see how design gurus Eddie Ross and Jaithan Kochar rewrite the rules of holiday decorating and go all out for the season. Christmas cabin Inveterate collector Travis Robeson fills his Tennessee cabin with simple and rustic decorations, like burlap ribbon and carved-wood cookie molds. White farmhouse Christmas Crisp white decorating, cherished antiques, and holiday greenery transform this century-old Oregon farmhouse into a perfectly pulled-together home. A folk-art holiday A mountain home in Vermont uses small, subtle touches to decorate for Christmas. A dash of fake snow, for example, and a pair of plastic reindeer turn a year-round display into a winter wonderland. Christmas with the Beekman boys During Christmas, Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell of the Beekman Boys fill their old farm with merry vintage decorations, poinsettias, and colorful ornaments. A classic Christmas For proof that a minimalist palette can be surprisingly merry, get an eyeful of Lisa and Dan Tiemann's Chicago, Illinois, home a testament to the power of a "less is more" approach (even at the holidays). Pattern play With a vibrant mix of prints and colors, Glenn Holley's Virginia home feels festive year-round. A sweet home Alabama Christmas Get a dose of holiday cheer in Alabama! Billy Reid's home is a mix of vintage and new, to create his own version of laid-back Southern style. Holiday décor in a Connecticut home In their Brookfield, Connecticut, home, Frank and Andra Mollica deck the halls in high, yet handcrafted, style, creating newspaper birds and personalized tags that decorate their dining room tree. A Sweedish Christmas Interior designer Edie van Breems welcomes the spirit of Christmas past, celebrating the season and her Scandinavian heritage with time-honored decorations, food, and traditions. Let it shine At his Ohio farmhouse, Kevin Reiner mingles fragrant evergreens with glittering vintage ornaments for a display that definitely dazzles. Blue & white holiday house In this 1890s New York City brownstone, buttery whites and robin's-egg blue are sparked with silver and gold for a romantic Christmas. Holiday cheer in the kitchen A suburban Chicago family brings the festivities of Christmas into their kitchen their favorite room at home. Christmas cottage In the Hill Country of central Texas, a couple celebrates Christmas in their cozy cottage. Here, centuries-past treasures and cherished traditions mingle with the new, capturing warm holiday memories. A Colonial Christmas When their 1777 Connecticut home is filled with the scent of pine boughs and baking, Leslie and Steven Powell know it's the holidays. A designer Christmas With the quiet shimmer of glass and candlelight, interior designer Rollande Vachon suits her holiday decor to the classic simplicity of her Montreal home. "The colors I live with year-round white with a dash of lilac, plum, and silver are really elegant at Christmastime," she says. A New England cottage at Christmas The rebirth of this 1815 Cape-style cottage was nothing less than arduous. Yet, decorating its interiors came easily to a consummate collector and his partner. Come the holidays, all that's required are a few natural touches including fruit, boughs, ribbons, and blossoms. Yuletide reverie With garlands, family traditions, and loads of good cheer, this New York home hosts a real country Christmas. | 4 | 880 | lifestyle |
More from DETAILS: 5 Must-Have Waterproof Devices 7 Trends You'll Be Wearing This Fall The 34 Visionaries Who Are Rebuilding Our Future The Phone-Controlled Home Makes Life Easier Fashion Forward Suits With Timeless Appeal 5 Weird Signs You're Vitamin Deficient 1. For Outdoorsmen: Sony Xperia Z This phone's waterproof glass fiber case lets you shoot in the rain and up to three feet of water. Plus, it's the only camera phone that takes video in HDR mode for those hard-to-capture campfire scenes. Starting at $100 (with contract); sonymobile.com 2. For Gadget Lovers: Samsung Galaxy S4 Have fun with this phone's built-in software tricks: Erase unwanted people from your photos, use the Dual Shot mode to place yourself in a picture with your friends and even control the camera with your voice. Starting at $200 (with contract); samsung.com 3. For Social Networkers: iPhone 5 Apple's iOS7 offers a smarter-looking interface, eight new Instagram-style filters, and an AirDrop function that lets you transfer pics and video via a phone-to-phone Wi-Fi connection. Starting at $200 (with contract); apple.com 4. For Moviemakers: HTC One Never leave the director's chair with the One, which automatically records a three-second video in burst mode. Select the best stills to create a slide show with the intuitive editor then choose your own soundtrack. Starting at $200 (with contract); htc.com 5. For Photographers: Nokia Lumia 1020 You can finally ditch that point-and-shoot, thanks to a whopping 41-megapixel sensor four times as large as on most other phones. This means you can zoom in on a photo without losing a hint of sharpness. Starting at $300 (with contract); nokia.com • • • Three New Ways To Recharge 1. The svelte Mophie Juice Pack Helium ( $80; mophie.com ) will give your iPhone 5 an 80 percent power boost. 2. When you're on the road, take the Bolt ( $60; fluxmob.com ), a compact USB plug that also holds two full charges. 3. Away from an outlet, the Ventev Powercell 3000 backup battery ( $50; ventev.com ) will supply up to an extra 10 hours of power. • • • The Endorsement: A Pocket-sized Photo Printer Wirelessly beam your vacation shots and selfies to the palm-size LG Pocket Photo, a printer that's compact and light enough to travel with you no ink cartridges, no paper tray and delivers a 2-by-3-inch picture with rich colors in less than a minute. $160; lg.com | 4 | 881 | lifestyle |
As a child, there were few things I loved more than shoes and my trusty overalls. From flip-flops to tennis shoes to t-straps, I thought those beat-up dungarees paired perfectly with everything! Since I was living in Tennessee at the time, barefoot probably would've been the most appropriate option but that early exposure to shoes and fashion clearly impacted my life in a major way. As kids, was there anything better than a good pair of jellies or platform sneakers? Nothing can top the shoes of our youth! Love the classic Salt Water sandal? This updated, modern version is just as comfy as when you were a tot! And the thick soles ensure that they'll last all summer long even on NYC streets. sandals, $85, topshop.com Reserved only for special occasions which meant everything from church to dress-up, if your childhood was anything like mine a fun metallic strappy sandal with a slight heel was a must-have! heels, $84.66, asos.com I don't know a single person who didn't own a pair (or four) of Keds. They were such a throw-on-and-go staple so why should we ditch them now? From sundresses to cutoffs, these are perfect for pairing with all your summer staples. champion originals, $45, keds.com Woven leather flats were what the cools kids wore instead of penny loafers. And with a slight heel and firmer construction, these are a stellar stand-in for your favorite ballet flats! flats, $188, thefryecompany.com Sure, Birkenstocks have never really gone out of style, but there has definitely been an ebb and flow in their popularity. And while we've never totally ditched the trend, we're currently opting for colorful, funky prints over the classics because that's totally what we would've done as kids! sandals, $120, birkenstockusa.com The Chuck Taylor Classic never went out of style for us, but if you haven't slipped on a pair in the past five years, it's time to change that! Whether you're looking for shoes to match a floral dress or a moto jacket, you really can't go wrong with Chuck. We've even heard of some super-cool brides wearing them at their weddings! chuck taylors, $55, converse.com For those of us who great up in the '80s and '90s, few shoes are as ingrained in our memory as the jelly sandal. If you didn't own a pair of jellies back in the day, you really can't understand the happiness their blindingly fluorescent hues gave us. Don't miss your chance to improve your summer mood with these they come in a variety of colors! sandals, $18.81, asos.com I've been afraid to wear loafers for years. Years back, they were forced upon me literally, while I was kicking and screaming but these are game changers. From the slight heel to the black crackle print, I'm sold. The cute little tassels just make them even better! So don't fear the loafers they no longer carry those parent-teacher conference connotations. loafers, $145, jeffrey campbell, nastygal.com Similar to the light-up tennis shoes we all loved as kids, these are actually a bit more high-tech. With the push of a button, you can not only turn the lights on and off, but also select between three settings! Whether you're dancing or running, wearing these will make anything so much more fun. tennis shoes, $165, evolved-footwear.com So these are a bit more high school-era for most of us, but who didn't stomp literally, those boots were heavy around the halls in a beat-up pair of Docs? Over the years, they've become the go-to shoe for a number of different crews punk rockers, emo kids and now hipsters but they're too good to pass up. In classic black, they're the best all-weather shoes out there but we love them just as much in a fun print! boots, $130, drmartens.com From the chunky heel to the familiar penny loafer shape, we sported a '90s version of these on the regular. You know the shoes we're talking about I think the Spice Girls even wore them! But this updated version is much sleeker and doesn't have that clownish rounded toe. loafer, $109.95, stevemadden.com Platform sneakers. Just saying those words out loud brings up a lot of memories, from the thick white soles that always got dirty to the teeter-tottering required to keep from falling while wearing them. Nonetheless, we soldiered through and wore these to everything from gym class to our first dates. tennis shoes, $87.06, jeffrey campbell, farfetch.com | 4 | 882 | lifestyle |
... And mom makes four Name: Kate Meacham Age: 35 Location: St. Louis Family info: Husband Mark, 36; son Logan, 2; mother Janet Williams, 61 Occupation: Resident physician Spouse's occupation: CEO and mechanical engineer Taking stock: I spent my 20s working toward becoming a doctor who also does clinical research, and both my husband and I always planned to work full-time. Before Logan was born, Mark and I figured that we'd hire a nanny, but after a week of seeing the way my mom cared for him she had this gentle way of holding him sideways that always calmed him down we started to wonder whether she should move in. My mom had always been great at running a household, but I was skeptical: Would I get frustrated if she tried to mother me ? We agreed to try it for one year and then reevaluate. This isn't working: The most challenging part of the living situation was figuring out when and how to create boundaries and maintain privacy. I would also get frustrated when I'd come home after work and she'd do the typical mother hen thing, asking me a million questions, like, "I noticed that you joined a gym does that mean you're starting a new workout regimen?" And we bickered over what to make for dinner she thinks a meal isn't a meal without meat, but we're okay going vegetarian sometimes. The new normal: One day when I found out that she got up to care for Logan in the middle of the night so I could sleep, it finally dawned on me that my mom was doing these things out of love and I'm so grateful I get this second chance to have a close relationship with her. I called on some advice that was given to me by a colleague who had raised her son as a single mother. She said that as long as you're creative and flexible, you can always make it work. When something isn't working with my mom as the caretaker, I use my professional training as a doctor to analyze the problem and then work with her to come up with a fix. Through persistence, we've agreed upon household rules, such as no surprise visits to our bedroom after 8 p.m. To counter dinner battles, we've created a family cookbook with meals everyone likes. And instead of asking me a million questions when I walk in the door, my mom gives me a half hour to decompress. In the end, the fixes worked out we've all settled in nicely. Mom even sends me daily anecdotes, pictures, and videos of Logan while I'm at work . It's great to have someone else taking care of him who I know is as crazy about him as I am. A bad time to get laid off Name: Erin Meijer Age: 30 Location: Huntington, NY Family info: Husband DJ, 29; son Benjamin, 17 months Occupation: Social media manager for a global asset management company Spouse's occupation: Stay-at-home dad, part-time youth soccer coach Taking stock: When DJ and I found out we were pregnant, we decided he would stay home, since his job required a lot of travel and mine could more easily float us financially. We figured that we were set, but nine weeks into my maternity leave, I was laid off. When I broke the news to my husband, I was post-partum, hormonal, and crying so hysterically that he thought that someone had died. I was stressed about how we'd make ends meet, since we were in the middle of a terrible recession and I knew that finding a new job wouldn't be easy. I was also so exhausted from being up all night with Benjamin that I didn't have the mental energy to update my résumé and network, yet without my salary, we couldn't cover our expenses. This isn't working: After about four months, I did land a new job, but it requires me to commute 1 hour and 45 minutes each way to and from Manhattan. Moving closer to the city isn't an option since it would be more expensive (plus we'd lose money if we sold our house now), and we don't want to move away from my mom, who lives in our town and helps in a pinch. In the end, we decided that readjusting our financial expectations would be the only way to make it work. I began clipping coupons, bringing my coffee to work, and cutting back on buying new shoes. And we refinanced our mortgage at a lower interest rate, which ended up saving us over $500 a month. Though initially I was worried we'd feel too crunched financially, these tweaks have given us the breathing room that we so desperately desired. The new normal: The only downside to all of this is that it's a struggle for us to make enough time for each other, but we make it a priority and do things that are totally free. For example, we love taking trips to the park, walking on the beach, and walking around our neighborhood. We even make time for a date night once a week while Grandma watches Ben right now that involves playing co-ed beach volleyball together. I am grateful for the bond that my husband is forging with our son, and know that he is teaching our son how to be as good of a man as he is. Parenting in shifts Name: Melanie Butterworth Age: 30 Location: Chicopee, MA Family info: Husband James, 34; Harper and James, 10-month-old twins Occupation: Bartender Spouse's occupation: Supervisor at a residential home for troubled teens Taking stock: I initially didn't think I was going to go back to work for a long time after having my twins. My husband's nighttime job provides frequent overtime, so it was financially possible, and we share a two-family house with my parents, who had offered to help whenever we needed them. I thought the plan was great, but was surprised when I developed post-partum depression after the babies were born. This isn't working: Taking care of twins was more than a full-time job, and I was exhausted, cranky, and missing adult interaction. During the first three months, one of them was up at every single point throughout the night, so I barely slept. I was breast-feeding constantly. I also felt confined to the house, in general, because they hated being in their car seats and strollers, so whenever I'd try to drive them somewhere, like the mall, they'd cry hysterically. And then I'd start crying, because I felt so helpless. I would stay home in my pajamas with no makeup on all day and feel sorry for myself. After those difficult three months, I realized that I wanted to go back to work two afternoons a week simply to get out of the house and have some time to myself for a few hours. The new normal: Even though we're sort of trading shifts, our schedule means that we don't have to put the babies in daycare and I actually get to see James a lot. I took Zoloft for a few months, which helped a bit with my post-partum depression. I also found a mommy playgroup in my area when the twins were about seven months old that has completely changed my life. Getting out of the house and talking with other women, along with meeting new baby friends for the twins, has made a world of difference. Both James and I were pretty fit before the twins came, so we made an effort to get back to the gym after the babies were about six months old. That has helped immensely with both our physical and emotional well-being. Raising twins is still a daily challenge and poor James keeps such odd hours that he gets only about three full nights of sleep and they're expensive. The other day I was shopping and really wanted to buy a pair of headphones, but I held back because money is tight. But we take pleasure in the little things, like the fact that our babies now sleep through the night and can smile, laugh, and cuddle with us feeling the love come back from them is so rewarding. Bullying hit close to home Name: Kimberly Galberaith Age: 45 Location: Teaneck, NJ Family info: Partner Jodi Capeless, 47; daughter Grace, 9; son Jack, 7 Occupation: COO of Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, a nonprofit Partner's occupation: Stay-at-home mom Taking stock: Jodi and I have been together for 22 years we had a civil union on our 16 th anniversary, and are now waiting for New Jersey to legalize gay marriage. We had always wanted to be parents, and eventually decided to adopt kids. But life hasn't always been easy for them, since they're adopted, biracial (they have Caucasian moms and African-American dads), and have gay parents. This isn't working: There have been some moments that have been pretty heartbreaking. Once when Grace was 5, a kid on the playground said to her, "I don't want to play with you because you have brown skin." She let the comment roll off her back, but I had to have a chat with the child's father, who made the girl apologize. I was shocked that in this day and age there is still prejudice. Another time, in second grade, a girl asked Grace, "How come you have two moms? It's weird." Grace replied, "Actually, it's really cool, and I know you're just jealous because my family is unique." The new normal : When Jodi and I found out about this, our hearts skipped a beat, but we took that moment to tell our kids, "You guys are so lucky, because it's not just the two of us that love you, but also your birth families." It was all we could really think to say given that something similar is more likely than not to happen again. Luckily, Grace has turned out to be a tough kid with a thick skin. We live in a socially liberal location in fact, we call our neighborhood the "gayborhood" because we know 12 couples in this area that are gay, half of whom also have kids. Our families don't live nearby (my relatives are in Florida and Jodi's are in Massachusetts), so our friends have become our family. We babysit for each other, and none of the adults judge us, which is a good reminder for our kids that things do get better. Jodi was even PTA president at the kids' preschool. We love to do weird, random, fun things together as a family. We go to Renaissance festivals. We ride scooters. We have our own personal Thanksgiving Day parade around the gayborhood the four of us will dress up in crazy costumes (ball gowns, turkey hats, etc.) and march around with balloons. We think it's important to have a sense of humor and teach our kids not to take themselves too seriously. BING: SECRETS TO A HAPPY MARRIAGE | 4 | 883 | lifestyle |
You want to see your friends at a place where you can let loose with all the favorite women in your life, but not compete behind a velvet rope or scream over the music. These awesome places all around the country hit that perfect mix of chic-cool-fun. Watch the club from above Two words: Vegas, baby! Marquee inside The Cosmopolitan may be a go-to clubbing spot on the famous Las Vegas strip, but check out Holsteins for a bird's eye view of all the action and hotties! on the dance floor. You can chill out with your girls in the glass-walled lounge of this new organic burger joint that overlooks the famous night club, sipping spiked milkshakes, without ever actually having to fight your way through the sweaty masses. Ask the bartender to blend you up a Drunken Monkey (Reese's, banana, malt, and Frangelico) to kick off the night on a sweet note. Get your groove on You may think Atlantic City is nothing more than Bingo and boardwalk, but America's Playground has enough martinis and Manolos to cash in as a top ladies night spot. No matter how you throw the dice, your odds of encountering cosmos and celebrities are as high as finding saltwater taffy and slots, thanks to a boom in chic hotels, luxurious spas, high-end shopping, and upscale restaurants. Start the party at the Borgata Hotel & Casino Spa. You'll find high-stakes games in the Poker Room, world-class dining such as Bobby Flay Steak, and nonstop nightlife at the multi-level mega-club, MIXX. With its loungey ambience and sunken dance floor, the newly renovated mur.mur, also in the Borgata, has attracted big-name stars such as Joe Jonas, Gwen Stefani, Paris Hilton, and Kanye West. Get your foodie fix Not in the mood to bump and grind all night at a club? Make your next GNO a foodie experience by hitting up San Diego's Searsucker in the Gaslamp District. Top Chef finalist and The Taste judge Brian Malarkey gives cooking demos to entertain diners in the warehouse-like space. Ask the mixologists to shake you up a signature cocktail such as the Peter Rabbit (Pimm's #1, bruised basil, pressed lemon, pickled carrot), or keep it classy and order a bottle of champagne for the table. Like no library you've ever seen You'll be hard-pressed to pick from the killer list of cocktails at NoMad's Library Bar in NYC, where the exotic menu of spirits delivers everything from the light The Bamboo is refreshing with its mix of East India Solera Sherry and Angostura Bitters to the serious The Brown Sugar's smoky blend of Venezuelan rum, rye whiskey and mole rum will have you feeling it after just one. The centrally located hotel is named for the newly coined neighborhood "North of Madison Square Park," and makes for a great place to start your night and devise your plan of attack. Though, thanks to a cozy, club-like like ambiance and the many attractive international types you'll find hanging out at the bar, you may just decide to keep the party going 'til night's end. Enjoy the show Up your typical happy hour's entertainment factor by hitting up the Musiquarian Lounge inside one of Seattle's hottest GNO spots, The Triple Door. The lounge, named for its 1,900-gallon aquarium, has no cover charge, offers cheap eats $2-to-$8 appetizer specials like duck sliders $3 well and draft specials, and regularly showcases singer-songwriters with live performances Wednesday through Sunday. Keep the party going by heading to the main stage for more live music in this historic theater-turned burlesque house-turned music and dinner venue. You can order up a specialty hand-crafted cocktail such as a cracked coconut martini or lychee cooler settle into a plush, half-moon booth with your girls, and never be more than 35 paces away from the stage. Try some star gazing Celeb spottings are also de rigueur at Martorano, the rowdy Italian-American restaurant/party scene with locations in both Fort Lauderdale, FL and Las Vegas. Grab your girls to sample the famous Eggplant Stack; sip a Simply Red Martini (vodka muddled with fresh strawberries, basil, and simple syrup holy yum!); and rock out on the dance floor to the beats of nightly live DJ sets. You just might bump up next to the likes of Ryan Lochte, Cee Lo, Lorraine Bracco, and Mo'Nique making your GNO go down in Facebook history. Gather a gaggle of your girls Totally opposite from the NoMad, the scene at Pod 39's Play Room Bar seems less like the traditional old-school New York club and more like a trip to Pee Wee's Playhouse. It's the perfect place to bring a large group thanks to communal tables and a 25-foot butcher block bar you'll probably add to your crew as the night goes on, especially if you strike up a game at one of the ping pong tables. Ask one of the friendly bar man to make a Tequila cocktail there are loads to choose from and when the need for munchies strikes, grab a Korean BBQ taco at hotspot Salvation Taco. You may decide to make it the place to rest your head, too rooms start at a very budget-friendly $169 a night, a low price point for NYC. Hit the beach scene Bar hopping with a big group can be a real pain, but The James Royal Palm hotel in South Beach makes planning any girls night out a no-brainer. That means you can focus on what really matters: Having a blast. Sometimes the most fun part of an evening is getting all decked out with your friends, so try hitting up the beach-front retreat's Renew the spa for manis, pedis, and blowouts. You can chill out together on the ocean-front spa deck before heading upstairs to the Florida Cookery, filled with long tables that are excellent for big groups, and serving up traditional food with a local twist, such as Lychee Roasted Quail and Mango Pie. Then hang out in the lobby bar before stepping up to the velvet rope outside of SL Miami and living it up with bottle service. Experience the Wild West Park City, UT may be best known for its après ski culture, fresh powder, and the Sundance Film Festival, but it's also becoming a year-round hotspot for sampling locally made spirits. In 2007, the town's High West Distillery, which is modeled after an Old West saloon, became Utah's first legal distillery since 1870. Located right at the base of Town Lift, it's also the world's only ski-in gastro-distillery. All the action is located in the kitschy bar downstairs originally a livery stable that housed the horses pulling ore carts from the mines where your group can pair flights of home-brewed whiskey or rye with small plates, such as the Utah Ballard Farms Pulled Pork or Whiskey Cider Braised Short Rib. | 4 | 884 | lifestyle |
Take your entryway from utilitarian to uplifting with colorful home accents, decor, and paint. You'll love a bright welcome, and so will your family, dinner guests even the UPS guy. Create some drama "An entrance sets the tone for the rest of your house," says designer Charlotte Moss, so she likes to cover the walls with art and hang a pretty light fixture. She also loves "a chair to make guests feel welcome, and a table for keys and flowers. If space is tight, pick furniture with slim lines. You don't want obstacles!" For a wash of teal: Try Benjamin Moore s Clearspring Green, $36.99 a gallon, or Sherwin-Williams s Rivulet, $35.60 a gallon. For narrow spaces, pick a matte finish. Mix things up "My yellow door brings sunshine into my house year-round," says designer Charlotte Hedeman Gueniau. Also upbeat: the mismatched pair of patterned rugs. It can be tricky (and expensive) to find a rug custom-fit to your space, but a couple of smaller rugs does the job. For a yellow door: We like Valspar s Golden Delight, $31 a gallon, or Pratt & Lambert s Barleycorn, $22.99 a gallon. A high-gloss finish is rich and easy to clean. Try a bench In photographer Sarah Yates's home, the front door opens directly into her living room, "so I used a bench to carve out the space and make it feel more like an entryway. It's a landing spot for our stuff, and also a place for our favorite accents the ampersand and print were gifts from cherished friends." Punch things up with orange Use Behr s Atomic Tangerine, $32.98 a gallon, or Ace Paint s Crushed Orange, $17.99 a gallon. White accents work best with a color this bright. Colorful coatrack Coats go here. With a rack this bright, your family has no excuse for dropping them wherever. Hall tree, $79.99; bellacor.com. Playful umbrella holder Corral soggy umbrellas before they drip all over your floor. Umbrella stand, $79.95; zgallerie.com. Chevron storage Throw stuff in a bin! This chevron one is also great to look at. 20-inch canvas bin, $90; seejanework.com (20% off with code rbook20). Seeing red Have a seat. This bench is less than 17 inches wide, so it's great for a tight hallway. Sigurd bench, $79.99; ikea.com. Lighten up Create ambiance with a hanging lamp. The iridescent tiles on this one cast a soft glow. Mosaic glass pendant, $99; westelm.com. Colorful accents Pretty plus useful: A mirror lets you do a last-minute spot check and is so lovely on the wall. Mirror, $95.52; wayfair.com. Antique chic This small, antique-style table is the ideal spot for keys. Accordion side table, $74; urbanoutfitters.com. Floral flair A tall porcelain umbrella stand is a sturdy and gorgeous doorstop. Umbrella stand, $89; orientalfurniture.com. Cottage simplicity High-traffic areas need a rug that will last, like this indoor-outdoor option. Kitchen sink 3x5-foot rug, $88; dashandalbert.com. Farmhouse fab Put baskets under the bench for extra storage. Boraam farmhouse wooden bench, $72.36; wayfair.com. Must-have mailbox Even your junk mail deserves a cute home. Envelope mailbox, $49; potterybarn.com. All-in-one shelving Use a one-stop shelving unit for hats, coats, and bags. Prepac shelf, $92.98; hayneedle.com. | 4 | 885 | lifestyle |
Lighting with an antique feel In describing her style, Rachel Ashwell has said, "Think Marie Antoinette in jeans and a cowboy hat." This lamp? Nailed it. Leera Antique Mercury Glass Table Lamp Base, $99 ($59 for shade), Pottery Barn. Wonderful in white Shabby chic is all about practical pretty things, and nothing illustrates that better than a slipcovered chair. The look is lovely, and easy cleanup means it stays that way. Slip Side Chair with White Slipcover, $199, Crate and Barrel. Romantic flair This pitcher's hand-pressed pattern was first introduced a century ago. Use it to bring some history and, you know, some lemonade to your table. Inverted Thistle Rose Pitcher, $54.95, Fishs Eddy. Beautiful bedding If you stumbled into an underground dowager-hipster quilting bee hey, it could happen these are the gorgeous projects you'd find. Ruffled Circles Quilt + Shams, $24.99-$169, West Elm. It's all in the details Place this pretty little box beside a votive candle on a table, then wait for a guest to stroll by and marvel at how even the wee details at your place are just right. Bumble Bee Matchbook, $5, High Street Market. Elegant, yet simple A crisp, simple window treatment with an embroidered hem borrowed from a ball gown is his-and-hers decorating at its best. Simply Shabby Chic Embroidered Batiste Balloon Shade, $29.99, Target. Floral fascination Steer traditional pastel décor in a modern-eclectic direction by adding a vivid hue or two. Kantha Floor Cushion, $98, Jayson Home. Crisp and clean placemats Placemats go from simple to rich with tone-on-tone floral boutis, a French style of quilting. Fancy? Yes. Fussy? Pas du tout. Vine Floral Boutis Place Mats, $59.95 for a set of 4, Williams-Sonoma. Shabby-chic style The fashion equivalent of Rachel Ashwell's chic practicality: comfortable, beautiful summer wedges in classic floral fabrics. Plus proceeds of each sale benefit homeless families, and for every pair purchased, a pair of shoes is given to a child in need. TOMS x Shabby Chic Strappy Wedges, $75, TOMS. A touch of lace The extravagant lace on these sheets and pillowcases could've come from a vintage linen chest, but the ultra-comfortable sateen finish is thoroughly 2013. Wamsutta 400 Thread Count Lace Hem Sheet Set, $34.99-$59.99, Bed Bath & Beyond. Cloudy cool The billowing clouds on this ceramic stool put a dreamy spin on traditional floral patterns, making the piece perfect for a serene bedroom. Cloud Stool, $149.95, Z Gallerie. Kitchen must-have Pattern-mixing is all over fashion blogs; why not bring it to your kitchen? Tucking a luxe toile pitcher in with other blue-and-white crockery will highlight its details. Toile Blue Floral Pitcher 7", $26.95, Fishs Eddy. Cast-iron design This cast-iron hook is perfect for a seaside summer cottage and sturdy enough for a heavy winter coat. White Rope Wall Hook, $38, High Street Market. | 4 | 886 | lifestyle |
From silk flowers as ornaments to feathers in a garland, these decorating ideas are creative, unexpected, and sure to wow. Create a vignette A wintry art piece can set the tone for a cozy holiday house such as this one in this Adirondacks house designed by Mimi McMakin of Kemble Interiors. For their first party, Mimi and Leigh McMakin painted the dining room in blackboard paint and asked friends to draw on the walls. They've since redecorated but couldn't part with this wintry pastel chalk piece by Kimberly Cutter and Naj Wikoff. The birch-bark animals are from the Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain Lake, New York. Forget the pinecones & berries Instead of lining the banister of this Greenwich Village apartment with garlands of pinecones and berries, Robert Rufino used paper to decorate. "These paper wedding bells take it to another level," he says. They're light, airy, and joyous and completely uplifting in an almost childlike way. Green would have been too heavy, so I went with red and white." Rufino attached the bells to fishing line and kept adding to create a garland. Add unexpected ornaments Try skipping basic ornaments such as glass balls or lights, and instead, add your own personal touches. For this tree in a New York apartment designed by Todd Klein, floral designer Katsuya Nishimori interwove silk flowers with the homeowner's collection of silk pincushions. Try an unexpected hue Holiday hues don't have to be red, green, or gold. Amethyst vases, decanters, and two hefty hurricanes from William Yeoward Crystal set up a striking color scheme and complement a garland made of two kinds of arborvitae. Spheres from Areo and white bronze Robert andirons from Lyle and Umbach create a shimmering still life in the nonworking fireplace. Mirror from Carvers' Guild. Hang a wreath in a window Wreaths aren't just for front doors. Designer Libby Moulton hung one in a window with pretty ribbon for a simple and elegant look for a Manhattan apartment. Curtains are lined with Chelsea Editions sage check. The chair is covered in a Rogers & Goffigon brown-and-cream stripe. | 4 | 887 | lifestyle |
Browse them every day, then pick one of these eternally gorgeous celebrity haircuts and head to your stylist. Just like that, you'll be out of your hair rut for good. Jessica Simpson Jessica Simpson's classic bob (circa 2005) is a winner for curly or straight textures. Ask for longer, chin-length pieces in front. Halle Berry Add sophisticated spunk to cropped hair like Halle Berry's with spiky bits that you can shape with pomade. Jennifer Aniston Her length may have changed through the years, but Jennifer Aniston has always had angled layers that give her fine hair structure. Mia Farrow Mia Farrow's pixie set the standard. The secret for keeping it ladylike? It's not too cropped around the ears. Connie Britton Connie Britton does mermaid waves right, with cascading pieces of varying length that complement her thick texture. Drew Barrymore Drew Barrymore's low-key 2009 "lob" (that's hairstylist-speak for long bob) works for straight or wavy hair thanks to the choppy ends. Goldie Hawn Goldie Hawn's shaggy bangs of 1992 blend into the rest of her style, framing her ageless she's 47 here! face. Nicole Kidman Grow out fine curls and add light layers to make them feel lush and full, like Nicole Kidman did in 1990. Solange Knowles Go natural: Solange Knowles shows how a parted Afro that's longer on top can make the classic feel new again. Salma Hayek Take a cue from Salma Hayek's beachy waves: Tell your stylist to snip into your ends, which makes them lighter. Carey Mulligan For a gamine look, keep your bangs and top layers long and sweetly tousled, like Carey Mulligan did in 2010. So chic. Anjelica Houston Make fine hair move with wispy, flirty pieces that curl out. Anjelica Houston's 1976 'do is foxy and timeless. Zoe Saldana Shoulder-skimming curls like the ones on Zoe Saldana rely on a few soft layers around the face. Isabella Rossellini Kick up the drama of your bob by making it shorter in the back. We love Isabella Rossellini's famous style from 1991. Joan Chen The best crop for thick, wavy hair: Joan Chen's early '90s cut is boyish, but her texture makes it look so feminine. Sandra Bullock Sandra Bullock's 2006 cut proves less is more. Light layers and a deep side part look amazing on straight hair. Viola Davis Don't fear the great chop. Viola Davis's version in 2012 drew attention to her eyes and megawatt smile. Sally Field Sally, we really like it! '80s-era Fields got the most out of her waves with a layered, chin-length bob. Courteney Cox Who needs The Rachel when we have The Monica? Courteney Cox's piece-y cut added instant body to her fine hair. Thandie Newton Give your curls some bounce like Thandie Newton's (here in 2004) with a few layers at the ends of your hair. Meg Ryan Meg Ryan's defining 1998 shag works on wavy and straight hair. Best of all? It requires minimal styling time. Dorothy Dandridge Showcase soft texture with Dorothy Dandridge's 1958 formula: baby bangs and lots of layering throughout. Emma Stone Strong, side-swept bangs like Emma Stone's turn collarbone-length hair into a polished look. This works on everyone. Kerry Washington Give thick hair a sexy shape with heavy, eyebrow-grazing bangs. Kerry Washington, you're gorgeous! Cybill Shepherd Thin strands appear thick when they're all one length. Cybill Shepherd nailed that effortless beauty thing in 1972. Sharon Stone Make short look soft with length in the back and choppy layers on top, like Sharon Stone had in 2007. Linda Evangelista Linda Evangelista's 1989 cut is a smart choice for a short-hair novice her long bangs give the illusion of length. Carolyn Bessette Kennedy Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's is a classic example of the long, simple cut. With a side part, it slims your face. Karlie Kloss Breathe new life into fine hair with a chin-length bob and short, swept-aside bangs. Isn't model Karlie Kloss so cute? Jada Pinkett Smith Got long, mega-curly hair? Opt for a blunt cut to weigh it down and control it, like Jada Pinkett Smith did in 2011. Whitney Houston A great bob for coarse hair: Take a cue from '90s-era Whitney Houston and go longer in the back than on the sides. | 4 | 888 | lifestyle |
You schedule time with your husband, kids, and friends, but sometimes you need to pencil in a little me-time, too. Make it fun with these solo adventures. Finally complete a Pinterest project If you're a typical pinner, you probably spend hours saving images of beautifully prepared vegetables and DIY furniture makeover projects, but never seem to have the time to actually test out one of the ideas. Instead of you taking yourself out, send your husband off with the kids, gather your art materials or cake frosting tools, and have a crafternoon. Then, enjoy the fruits of your labor by munching on a few of those homemade salted caramels, or hanging all your necklaces on your new picture frame-turned-jewelry organizer. Tap into your inner techie Does your toddler know how to work the iPad mini you received for Christmas better than you do? The Apple store offers free workshops that can teach you how to do anything better on your gadgets take photos, make movies, run your business. Sign up for some training at the closest store, spend an hour learning all the technological tricks and treats, and then come home and direct your kids in a new family movie. Get an education about the fun stuff Signing up for a class is a smart way to add purpose to me-time, and there are great deals to be scored on Groupon or other daily-deal sites. BYOB painting sessions, piano lessons, truffle-making classes you name it, there's a coupon for it. Say you always wanted to learn French. Sign up for a beginner's class every Thursday night, where you can practice your verb conjunction and vocabulary, and après class, stop to enjoy a croissant or a glass of Bordeaux because you have to indulge in the culture as well as know the words, right? Make your chores less cumbersome When you're swamped with work, kids' sporting events and to-dos, it can feel impossible to find any spare time to relax. But if you channel your inner Mary Poppins, you can make your errands into a playdate just for you. Forget the same old grocery chain you always run into, and head to the local farmer's market to leisurely shop for the week's produce while sipping a freshly squeezed juice. Or skip your 45 minutes on the gym's treadmill, and go for a scenic bike-ride instead. You're still completing your chores, but in ways that feels like celebrations instead of duties. Make the rounds Since you don't get to take yourself on a date every day, you might as well pack a lot of punch into the time you do get. Make a game-plan of at least three of your favorite activities or treats, allowing you to try a little bit of lots of things you love. Stop one, a scone and a latte at your favorite coffee house. Stop two, tacos from that food truck everyone is raving about. Stop three, a beer flight at the local microbrewery for a few mini-nightcaps. Stop four, total bliss. Keeping yourself on the move will make it seem like even more of an adventure, and getting to do so many of your favorite things will leave you feeling completely indulged. Start your morning right If you've never worked up the nerve to eat dinner alone at a restaurant, but occasionally crave a peaceful meal without squabbling kids and a picky husband, then make breakfast your most important and best meal of the day. Getting up early might be the last thing you want to do, but once you've dragged yourself out of bed and into the car, you'll appreciate an unusually calm, refreshing start to your day. And since breakfast doesn't tend to be a very social meal for most people, you won't feel even a little weird sitting in a diner booth alone, reading the morning paper and sipping bottomless coffee. In fact, you might start wishing you could do it every day. Tackle a challenge Not the type to train for a marathon or climb Mount Everest? Don't worry. You can still dare yourself to push your physical limits and have a ton of fun doing it by signing up for a Dirty Girl Women's Mud Run. These "adventure races" are actually obstacle courses with hilariously named events like "Utopian Tubes" and "PMS" (Pretty Muddy Stuff). They're non-competitive and therefore not scary if you're not much of an athlete and they raise money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. A fun challenge that benefits all women? Best date ever. Take a personal staycation Staycations vacations in your own town have become popular for couples and families seeking a break on a budget, but why not take a staycay-day for yourself? Block out a day or even just an afternoon and take advantage of a local attraction that you've never bothered to check out. Suburbanites can drive to the nearest city, but even the smallest towns have spots you might not know much about like a wacky little museum or a hidden park. You'll get to enjoy your own company, and you might discover a fun new place to share with your family or visitors on another day. Get blown away If you're craving some pampering, but a weekend at the spa just isn't in the credit cards, you can still get much-needed relaxation during an afternoon out. A mani-pedi and massage are classic options, but for a fun alternative, try a blowout. There's a reason no-cuts-just-style salons like Drybar and Rachel Zoe's DreamDry keep popping up in new places they're quick and affordable ways to have a moment of calmness to yourself, sipping champagne while someone washes your hair for a change. Plus, you leave with shiny locks that will make you feel like you're the star of a shampoo commercial for days to follow. Unplug for real Despite loving those tech products and internet obsessions we've already mentioned, the most invigorating way to spend time alone is to literally be solo, which means cutting yourself off from all of the busy clutter of the modern world. Take your dog on a hike, and leave your headphones at home so you can just listen to the sounds around you. Sit on your porch with a book, a cup of tea, and your cell phone turned off and we don't just mean on vibrate. By the time you've stopped feeling phantom vibrations you could swear are incoming text messages, you'll realize how much you needed a break to just hear yourself think. | 4 | 889 | lifestyle |
You know that stack of books you have piling up in the corner? It s time to get that mess (and all the rest) under control. Pick shelves that do double duty. Backless shelves are a great way to store books and decorative objects that match your living room décor. Plus, you can use them to break up one large living area into two different rooms -- an ideal way to maximize loft space. Photograph and frame your mementos. Snap pics of your drawings, ticket stubs and play bills, frame them and hang them on your walls (rather than letting them collect dust in your junk drawer). Store books in a fresh way. Instead of letting books pile up in the corner, set them up in stacks under your coffee table. How chic is that? Arrange your knickknacks on decorative trays. Showcase your quirky odds and ends on trays that you can quickly stash away when guests come over. Make a special spot for your keys. Use a pretty pedestal table as a holding spot for your keys, sunglasses and coins. Place it near your front door so it's in a convenient spot. Get creative with items you already own. Think twice before you get rid of that antique trunk -- it can serve as a coffee table and a place to store blankets. Arrange similar items together on your shelves. By organizing your books in a group alongside a cluster of teacups or old records, you'll manage to keep your stuff looking streamlined. Decorate with furniture that does double duty. Look for ottomans that open for extra storage space; you can kick your feet up and have a place to stash those extra throw pillows. Another great example? A bed frame that comes with shelving underneath. Set up a crafty place to store your remotes. Always losing your TV remote? Store it in a cool vase or container, so it's always in the same place when you want it. Hide clutter in buckets. Cut clutter by storing it in tin flower buckets arranged on shelves and end tables throughout your place. | 4 | 890 | lifestyle |
A wedding is an exceptionally special day. Sometimes, an opportune photo flub makes the occasion even more memorable. Here are 25 awesome wedding photo bombs. Puppy love We love that everyone in this photo is smiling including the pup. If dog is man's best friend, we're guessing this guy is an unofficial groomsman. You go, grandpa Someone sure is excited about this union. This slightly creepy photo bomb definitely deserves a place on the mantel. Pug hug Looks like these two pugs are really, really happy about the wedding. We love how no one in the photo seems to notice the lovefest. Photoshopped sloth A Redditor explained that she actually Photoshopped this sloth into the background of her mom's wedding photo. Hilariously enough, her mom didn't notice the photo bomb, and the picture was framed and hung in the hallway. Dog nap This tired little guy picked the perfect place to take a nap during the ceremony. Let's hope someone brought a lint roller. Holy meow-trimony We like to think that the bride and groom are actually the bombers in this adorable kitten's photo. Whale wedding This couple's special day was made even more perfect thanks to this 11-year-old beluga whale. The bride told Good Morning America that they used the photo as their Christmas card. Beach bomber Either this beach patron doesn't know he's walking into a photo session, or the best man is severely underdressed. Meddling meerkat Who would mind a cute photo bomb like this one? We're not sure if a meerkat appearance is good luck on your wedding day, but it's definitely adorable. Holy wedding! Why this wedding guest is dressed as Batman, we have no idea. But who cares it makes for one epic photo bomb. Good times Something tells us the wedding reception had an open bar. This photo bomber appears to be having a blast, but he could've picked a better time to show off his Spiderman impression. Wedding fight And this is what best men are for. Great photo bomb, and we can only hope this made it into the wedding album. Creepy guest This guest might not have made it as a bridesmaid, but she'll be darned if she's not included in the photo. Planking In a few years, everyone will have forgotten about that whole planking trend. And the bride and groom will have a fun time explaining this photo to their kids. Celebrity bomb As a photographer snapped this photo of a bride and groom kissing, actor-turned-pedestrian Zach Braff turned to face the camera. Braff is a notorious photo bomber, and he called this pic one of his best ever. Centaur bride Best inadvertent photo bomb of all time. We love the idea of horseback riding on your wedding day, but this photo is just unfortunate. Who invited Skeletor? This can't be good luck, right? Either the bride and groom picked an odd place for a photo op, or they're having one bizarre reception. Funny face This kid doesn't seem to think much about marriage, but his perfectly timed goof makes for an adorable photo bomb. Overexcited groomsman Let's hope this guy doesn't show up to the honeymoon. Props to this groomsman for a hilarious and perfectly timed photo bomb. We found Waldo Next time you're looking for him, remember Waldo loves weddings. We're not sure if this is a funny guest or a stranger who happens to enjoy dressing like Waldo. Either way, great photo bomb. Accidental photo bomb The look on this guest's face says it all. No one seems to notice him, but his down-the-aisle interruption is forever captured in this photo. Bunny-eared bliss Going with the classic rabbit ears, this five-year-old has some serious photo bombing skills. His proud mom called it "the best shot of their entire wedding." Great catch Only a man fishing in his underwear could distract you from a red wedding dress with vampire gloves. A perfect photo bomb Now here's a guy who knows how to photo bomb. He's got the timing down; his expression is perfect. Really, we couldn't ask for more. Simply moo-velous You'd think the photographer would've noticed this. We're not quite sure who's interrupting here the cows or the lovely couple. | 4 | 891 | lifestyle |
Crabs, lobsters and seahorses, oh my! Designers are giving us plenty of creative ideas for bringing the ocean home this summer -- and you don't have to live on the beach to make this trend work. Punch up your pad with these playful accessories. Sea-inspired décor picks These decorative objects make me think of the seashore without screaming beach house. Tray from The Supplemental, $40 Oscar de la Renta Shell Crab Condiment Server at Bloomingdale s, $165 Glass Sea Urchin Vase at Hattan Home, $13 Homart Porcelain Urchin Box from Zhush, $28 Crab & Lobster Matchbook from High Street Market, $5 Bone Crab Box from Furbish, $28 Sea-worthy kitchen accessories Not only do I love these sea-inspired kitchen accessories for myself, but they make the perfect summer hostess gift! Melamine Ikat Tray with Nautical Inserts from C. Wonder, $58 White Ceramic Crab Menu Tile from Classic Hostess, $25 Tommy Bahama Graphic Crab Kitchen Towel at Belk, $7 Seahorse Measuring Spoons at Anthropologie, $10 on sale Sea Urchin Condiment Bowls at Williams-Sonoma, $39 on sale for set of three Captain s Lager Glass Set at ModCloth, $22 for a set of four Arthur Court Lobster Bottle Opener at Dillards, $14 | 4 | 892 | lifestyle |
The a.m. can be chaotic for any number of reasons, and getting you and your family out the door is no easy task. Let these expert fixes for five real women's struggles guide you closer to pre-nine 'o-clock bliss. Cut out the breakfast bustle The problem: "My husband has to travel sometimes, and when he's not around to cook breakfast, our routine falls apart," says Cheri, 34, a mother of two. "I need to figure out how to make nutritious breakfasts quickly ones that I can take with me on the go." The solution: "Each Sunday, Cheri should use a loaf of whole-wheat bread to make 16 slices of French toast with nonfat milk, eggs, and cinnamon, and then freeze them in zipped plastic bags," says registered dietitian Joan Salge Blake. "The egg provides protein, the bread contains filling whole grains, and flavorful cinnamon cuts the need for sugary syrup overload. Each weekday morning, pop a couple of slices in the toaster to heat them. She could even use the French toast as a base for a peanut butter sandwich." Another option that contains whole grains and protein: Buy a week's worth of whole-wheat pitas and a bag of shredded, reduced-fat cheese. Each morning, put the cheese in the pita pocket and microwave it for a minute, and voilà instant grilled cheese. Remember, lunch foods can work well as breakfast fare, too. Get dressed faster The problem: "My big hurdle is putting together an outfit that works each morning," says Elizabeth, 44. "Sometimes my skirt isn't ironed, my shirt isn't clean, or I can't track down my rain boots. I know I should think about all of this the night before, but I get up so early that by the evening I'm exhausted!" The solution: Elizabeth should plan out a week's worth of outfits every weekend, says Susan Fox, a life coach with A.I.M. High Coaching. "Each Sunday, take a look at the five-day forecast, open your closet, and lay out five full outfits including shoes and accessories. If your bedroom is too crowded to lay out the outfits, use a guest room, the basement, or the attic. This way, you'll notice if any pieces of clothing are dirty or wrinkled in advance, so you can take the time to wash or iron whatever you need or choose a different outfit." The payoff: no-think weekday mornings where you can cruise on autopilot. Balance work and working out The problem: "At 8 a.m. I'm supposed to go to the gym, but by the time I get there, warm up, take a class, cool down, shower, and change clothes, I lose three hours," says Carrie, 38. "I'm tempted to skip the workout and get three more hours of work done I'm a food and health blogger and could work 24/7 if I didn't stop myself. But if I do that, I feel guilty for neglecting my physical health." The solution: "Like someone who feels compelled to eat an entire box of cookies or watch 12 consecutive episodes of Breaking Bad, Carrie has a compulsion to work," says Samantha Sutton, president of Handel Group Life Coaching in New York City. "It's time for her to take back some ownership and learn how to be more disciplined about finding a balance. For one thing, she can make the gym a phone-free zone. She can also limit her workout time more by say, going for a half-hour walk around the block instead of taking a spinning class, so she's giving up less work time but still being active. She might also try rewarding herself for each gym session clocked, whether that's with a piece of dark chocolate, a manicure, or lunch at her favorite café." Give up the helicopter parenting The problem: "It is really, really hard for my teen girls to get out of bed in the morning," says Nicole, 40. "When the girls get up late, it's difficult to stick to our schedule and get out the door on time." The solution: That's not really Nicole's problem, says Fox. The girls will soon be on their own in college, and will need to learn that their actions have consequences. "If I were Nicole, first I'd have a conversation and say, 'Going forward, I'm not going to scream my head off trying to wake you up. If you're going to be late for school, it will be your problem. I'm not doing this to punish you I'm doing this to teach you how to take responsibility for your actions.' If you try to force a teen to follow strict rules and treat her like a little kid, she may rebel, and you don't want to have to be micromanaging her nighttime schedule too. Instead of telling her daughters what they can and can't do, she should treat them like adults and ask them to come up with their own solution." Get up and out faster The problem: "My kids both wake up with no problem, but then they seem to dawdle and move in slow motion," says Lauren, 29, of her 2- and 4-year-olds. "When I tell my daughter to wash her hands, she pumps out soap from the dispenser 20 times. When I tell my son to get dressed, he gets fussy and refuses to wear shorts with buttons or socks with bumpy seams. I try to stress how we need to get to school on time, but it doesn't register." The solution: "Every mother I know says exactly what Lauren is saying: How does such a simple task take 20 minutes?" says Sutton. "Since Lauren's kids are so young, she can't really reason with them or let them take responsibility for their actions, so she needs to restructure her schedule to allow for more getting-ready time in the morning. For instance, she could try putting the kids to bed a half-hour earlier each evening and waking them up a half-hour earlier each morning." Another strategy is to take note of common problems and try to prevent them from happening in the first place, says Fox. For example, if Lauren's son is always fussy with clothes, it may be time to donate any shorts with buttons and any socks with bumpy seams to charity so he doesn't find them in his dresser and start crying. And if her daughter always becomes obsessed with the soap dispenser, give her bar soap only. | 4 | 893 | lifestyle |
Save these fun and sexy at-home ideas for a rainy night or any time you want a low-key (but still hot) night in. Play hooky Call in sick, rent a few romantic videos, and stay in bed all day long. The point here isn't to get it on. It's all about spending a whole day together without distractions. By The Nest Editors Take a bath Hot tubs are overrated! There's fun to be had in your very own bathroom. Rub-a-dub-dub, keep it sexy in the tub with bath salts, soaps, and a back-massaging loofah. Have a fiesta night Pretend you're south of the border and create your own happy hour. Make each other melt You can't get sexier than sharing strawberries (use chocolate-dipped ones -- they're an aphrodisiac) and champagne in bed. Steam up the kitchen Cook dinner together using erotic ingredients that stimulate the libido, like oysters, figs, and avocados (to name a few). Light candles and open a bottle of your favorite wine. Chances are you won't make it to dessert. Share a hot shower Who cares if you can only fit one person in there? Lather each other up with some vanilla bath gel and you won't mind being in such close quarters. Start a tradition While cooking together might be something you do every day, there's no reason it can't be special (think: French bistro night, or ragin' Cajun cuisine). Start the tradition now and it'll become your go-to sexy dinner on Saturday nights. Put on a show Buy three new lingerie outfits in totally different styles and use your shopping spree as an excuse for a predinner fashion show. Model each in a private performance and have your hubby pick his favorite for you to don after the meal. Get a rubdown Instead of booking a couples massage at a spa, set the mood at home with candles, scented oils, and your imagination. Play some 'truth or dare' Write out five dares -- anything from trying on a sexy outfit to a silly stunt -- on separate pieces of paper. Place them in a bowl. Now take turns asking each other naughty questions, such as, "What's the most unusual place you've ever wanted to have sex?" If you don't answer, dip into the pot and select a dare. | 4 | 894 | lifestyle |
They'd find few if any designer labels or logos only inconspicuous clothing that helps me blend in at my destination; if drab is what the locals wear, it's what I wear. They'd find no expensive jewelry or watches that could turn me into a target of petty thieves or customs officials. They'd spot few primary colors or patterned fabrics; most of my travel clothing is solid black, khaki, or white, so I can mix and match and thus pack light and avoid checking luggage. You can't be a slave to the fashionistas when you're a slave to the overhead storage bin. No way will I pay a fee to check baggage, or let a weighty carry-on slow me down. That's why the closest I'll ever get to a gorgeous leather duffel with gold buckles is the Gucci catalog. The style police will just have to cite me for the water-resistant ballistic nylon that covers my unchic and well-worn carry-on wheelie and my even more unchic combination pocketbook/laptop case/camera bag. As for what's inside the wheelie, forget bulky toiletry kits, designer jewelry cases, or padded lingerie pouches. Ziplocs are this girl's best friend. You'll find a bunch of these weightless, bulk-less, transparent, zip-top bags in my wheelie, holding everything from toiletries to extension cords to camera batteries. And, instead of some fancy garment holder, you'll find my business clothing and formalwear encased in plastic dry cleaner bags the best wrinkle preventers I know. My system may not be stylish, but it has stood the test of hundreds of thousands of air miles. Not only can I fit all my casual outdoor clothing, dress-up attire, and considerable electronic gear into one wheelie and one laptop bag, but I can find anything at a moment's notice and nothing gets wrinkled. For those of you who value utility over fashion, here is the unvarnished truth about what my wheelie looks like when you open it . . . and how yours can look that way too. 1. Use a carry-on with few structured compartments or other doodads. I'm all for manifold zippered pockets in a laptop bag, but I've found them along with internal straps, sleeves, hangers, and other organizers to be a drawback in a wheelie. Wide-open space lets you squeeze more in and weighs less. My 22-inch Travelpro Rollaboard which I have been forced to check only rarely, on certain flights between or within foreign countries has external expandable zippered compartments, and that's about it. In those outside pockets I place garments that I will need easy access to in transit typically my jacket, sweater (for warmth on the plane), and pashmina shawl (which doubles as an airplane blanket) and that I can throw on, should the bulging pocket ever cause the carry-on to exceed the allowed dimensions (not all airports, airlines, security stations, and gates use the same size restrictions or enforce them consistently). 2. Think of the zip-top bag as the Swiss Army Knife of your packing system. All of the stuff that other travelers place in the aforementioned internal compartments, I place in Ziploc bags. One holds my liquids, gels, and creams in containers of three ounces or less. Another holds dry toiletries, another my makeup, another electronic accessories (cables, chargers, anything I don't need at my fingertips in my handbag). I carry a couple of spare Ziplocs for use during the trip say, for holding a wet bathing suit. If I've made purchases and need to free up space in the wheelie, I'll roll up some wrinkle-free clothing (e.g., a wool sweater), stick it in a gallon-size Ziploc, squeeze out every bit of air, and like magic the sweater's size is halved. I even fill a sandwich-size Ziploc with stuff I may need during the flight (eyedrops, nasal spray, hand cream, lip balm, earplugs, eye mask, vitamin C my version of a business-class amenities kit) and place it inside the Ziploc that holds my three-ounce liquids, then remove it post-security and place it in my handbag for the flight. When I'm not on the road, the Ziplocs holding my travel-size toiletries sit at home in the closet. I never empty them; I just save them for the next trip. 3. Stick to neutral colors, and limit patterns as much as possible. The inside of your luggage should not look like a Jackson Pollock painting. I pack a lot of black (partly because you can't tell if it's dirty) and then add color or pattern in the form of an accessory such as a scarf or shawl a snazzy silk one in warm weather, a pashmina in cold. I'll keep it in my handbag and use it as needed throughout the day, depending on whether I'm in a poor area (in which case I take it off) or checking into a hotel (in which case I put it on). I can wear it on my head if it starts to rain or if I'm entering a mosque in the Middle East or a Catholic church in Ireland. 4. Pack old garments that you've been meaning to replace. I often pack clothes that I was about to throw out, then discard them (or give them to the needy) mid-trip, freeing up space for clothing I buy locally. 5. Go light on items you plan to shop for during your trip. Whatever you hope to acquire a hat in Panama, ski socks in Austria don't bring them from home. The advantages of buying clothing during a trip are many: You gain insight into the destination when you shop like a local, you show respect for the culture and help sustain it when you buy and wear local garb, you can usually get inexpensive and comfortable outfits suited to the weather, and bargaining is made easier, since merchants will see your attire and assume you know what the price should be. 6. Pack toiletries that are not only travel-size but also multi-purpose. No need to carry little bottles of liquid detergent because you can buy tiny biodegradable soap sheets for doing laundry in the sink. You can also cut down on other liquids by packing moisturizer with SPF in it and travel-size packs of Neutrogena makeup-remover pads. My husband even uses the lather from Pert shampoo-plus-conditioner as his shaving cream. As for solids, I place non-prescription pills into one small container, consolidating a few Tylenol, Motrin, Sudafed, Imodium, vitamins, and anything else I need. Always leave prescription pills in their original bottles, though, in case the authorities question you about their provenance. 7. Remember to save those plastic bags from the dry cleaner. Garments come back from the cleaners on wire hangers, covered in plastic, and that's how they should go into your luggage, as long as each item is encased in its own plastic. (Wrinkles are caused when certain fabrics rub up against other fabrics; plastic significantly reduces that friction, as does tissue paper, which is why sticking tissue in the sleeves of folded garments also helps prevent wrinkles.) Hold all the hangers in one hand, then fold the layers two or three times, so that they lie flat atop everything else in your wheelie. (As the trip progresses and your garments get worn and no longer need to be kept wrinkle-free, throw out the hangers.) As for dress shirts, men should leave them in their dry-cleaning packaging (cardboard in the collar and all). 8. Wear your heaviest or bulkiest shoes to the airport so you needn't pack them. I usually wear my sturdy, super-comfortable walking shoes to the airport and pack no more than two pairs of footwear: either sneakers or sandals (depending on the trip) and a dressy pair. I stuff the packed shoes with socks or underwear and place them inside plastic grocery bags (they're cheaper than shoe bags and won't wrinkle fabrics they touch). 9. Fold clothing so as to avoid creases. At the bottom of my wheelie, below the layer of Ziploc bags and shoes, sit my casual clothes. To keep these from creasing, fold them in overlapping layers so that they cushion each other. For instance, lay the top half of a pair of pants along the bottom of the wheelie, with the bottom half draped over one side. Place the upper half of a sweater on top. Top with a pile of T-shirts. Then fold the bottom of the pants over the pile. Then fold the bottom of the sweater over the pants. Voilà: no creases. Whenever you're forced to fold a suit jacket or blazer say, to stuff into the overhead bin minimize wrinkles by turning it inside out first. Hold the jacket facing you, then turn the collar and lapel away from you and put your hands inside the shoulders. Turn the left shoulder inside out. Tuck the right shoulder inside the left. The lining should be facing out on both sides of the jacket. Fold it in half and place it at the top of your bag or slide it into the overhead bin above your wheelie. 10. On any vacation, you're likely to get wet, so take the right outerwear. Far preferable to a wool coat is a thin, hooded Gore-Tex jacket. It's waterproof, wrinkle-resistant, breathable, and great for a range of temperatures. It has multiple internal zippered pockets where you can put your wallet, passport, and other valuables, so that no pickpocket can get to them (making a neck pouch or fanny pack unnecessary for which the style police will thank me). It also means you needn't carry an umbrella, and it fits in your wheelie's outside pocket. 11. Carry two or three accessories that instantly dress you up and send a signal to airport and hotel employees that you're a professional. Gone are the days when you could finagle an airline upgrade by wearing a suit, but looking like a serious business traveler still pays off in any number of airport situations, and it can certainly get you upgraded at a hotel. I achieve this effect by wearing three items that weigh virtually nothing and take up no space: elegant pearl earrings, a matching necklace, and the aforementioned silk scarf. For my husband, the equivalent items are a Rolex, Mephisto shoes, and a Montblanc pen clipped to his shirt pocket. 12. Pack a thin, lightweight duffel bag. I always pack a LeSportsac nylon duffel in case I accumulate so many purchases that they can't all fit in my wheelie. In that case, for the flight home, the duffel becomes my carry-on and I check the sturdier wheelie. 13. Remember that the best status symbols of all are tiny and plastic. I won't leave home without my frequent-flier elite-status card, my hotel frequent-guest cards, and my fancy credit card that gives me airport lounge club membership and priority at check-in, in the security line, and at boarding. These cards do me more good in transit, I've found, than any designer ensemble I might wear. My credit card, a Continental Presidential Plus MasterCard, also waives checked-baggage fees on Continental flights for my whole family (up to two bags per person) when we travel together and have no choice but to check bags. Other airline-branded credit cards that let the cardholder and his or her companions check bags for free (one bag per person) on those carriers are the Continental OnePass Plus MasterCard and the Gold, Platinum, and Reserve Delta SkyMiles American Express cards. A family of four can save $200 per trip this way. | 2 | 895 | travel |
If you're torn between planning a beachy getaway or an urban escape this summer, good news! You don't have to choose; simply book a trip to one of these eight destinations, where you'll find both sandy beaches and plenty of city amenities. Cape Town, South Africa CLIFTON BEACHES Large granite boulders separate the four beaches numbered First through Fourth in Cape Town's affluent Clifton area, which is often referred to as "Cape Town's St. Tropez." Despite the typically chilly waters, which hover around 55 degrees, the beaches are frequently jam-packed, and each one has its own personality. First Beach is preferred by sporty types (including surfers and volleyball players); Second Beach is filled with students and twenty-somethings; Third Beach is popular with gay beach-goers; and Fourth Beach is the most family-friendly spot, with public restrooms, changing rooms, and refreshment stands. Miami Beach, FL MIAMI BEACH Miami Beach is known as one of the world's premier party spots, and with good reason. But there's more to this sexy city by the sea than scantly clad residents and late-night carousing past a string of seemingly impenetrable velvet ropes. During daylight hours, the action happens on the city's nine-plus miles of white sand beachfront, which encompass everything from a nature reserve to trendy South Beach. The neighborhood's famed Ocean Drive is the throughway that separates a wide swathe of sand from an always-happening sidewalk café and bar scene. Hong Kong, China SHEK O BEACH Though it's located just 10 miles from downtown Hong Kong and easily reachable via public transportation Shek O Beach remains one of the city's truly unspoiled places. Surrounded by picturesque cliffs (its name literally translates to "Rocky Bay"), the beach becomes a hub of activity from April through October, when locals and vacationers alike set up camp on the beach and keep the tables at the many nearby restaurants occupied. Queens, NY ROCKAWAY BEACH New York City may be better known for its concrete jungle properties, but it's also surrounded by water. Which means that it's surrounded by waterfront some of it in the form of real, live beaches. Despite being knocked down by Hurricane Sandy in 2012, Rockaway Beach in Queens, has been on the upswing for a few years now, with trendy restaurants, bars, and beach parties among the amenities drawing younger city denizens to the waterfront. But the 170-acre spot also offers entertainment for the whole family, with designated spots for swimming and sunning, fishing and volleyball-playing, and the city's only official surfing beach. Its boardwalk is currently being rebuilt, and should open sometime in the next few years. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil IPANEMA BEACH The beach scene is a bustling one year-round on the mile-long stretch of sea and sand that inspired one of the most famous bossa nova ditties of all time. The lively area is no doubt fueled by the parade of beautiful beachgoers; the majestic views of the Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers) mountains to the west; the nonstop hive of game-playing in the form of football, volleyball, and the hybrid footvolley; and the seemingly never-ending supply of beer and cachaça. Los Angeles, CA VENICE BEACH Though the three-mile stretch of sand is what gives this Los Angeles neighborhood its name, Venice Beach is a people-watcher's paradise. From musicians to mimes, the area surrounding the beach itself is packed with plenty to keep you entertained for hours on end, whether you prefer gawking at street performers, exploring one-of-a-kind shops and galleries, or relaxing at an eclectic cafe. No visit here is complete without a stop at Muscle Beach, where amateur and professional bodybuilders alike showcase their skills for a jaw-dropped public. Barcelona, Spain BARCELONETA BEACH Barcelona's beachgoers have the Olympic Committee to thank for this near-mile-long beach, which was transformed ahead of the 1992 Summer Games. Today, ocean views aren't the only Instagram-worthy sights; Peix, a Frank Gehry-designed golden fish sculpture, and Rebecca Horn's L'Estel Ferit, a three-tiered tower that pays tribute to the area's former life as a sailor village, also beg to be photographed. Visitors looking to experience the best of both worlds in Barcelona would be wise to stay at the W Barcelona, which is located on the beach but just 15 minutes from the city's center. Honolulu, HI WAIKIKI BEACH Hawaii has plenty of draws, but there's no doubt that its beaches are likely what keeps tourists coming back. And it's hardly surprising that four of the five top Hawaii hotels as chosen by our readers are located directly on one of the tropical paradise's most popular spots, Waikiki Beach. With its famed views of volcano/climbing hot spot Diamond Head, crystalline waters with temperatures in the high 70s, and prime surfing conditions, you're not likely to have the place to yourself. But with near-perfect conditions like this, who cares? | 4 | 896 | lifestyle |
Some say it's a small world. We beg to differ. Earth has so many wondrous places worth exploring, and most of us are lucky to see a handful of them. Here are 30 of the top trips of a lifetime. South African Safari Lions and tigers and, okay, maybe not bears. But imagine all the amazing wildlife you'd see while cruising a safari in South Africa. The country offers a handful of gorgeous national parks for exploring and lodging. China's Great Wall It's a voyage on many a bucket list, and with good reason. China's Great Wall isn't just an astounding feat of engineering, it's also a massive ancient relic. Scaling this world wonder is like taking a giant leap back in time. Easter Island If you've got a thing for legends, Easter Island is for you. The Polynesian island is one of the most remote inhabited places on earth. In all its untouched glory, it's home to the legendary moai. No one is quite sure how these giant statues moved across the island, but legend says a king called upon them to walk. The Amazonian Rainforest Imagine your plane landing in a neverending ocean of trees. A visit to the Amazon isn't for the timid (or anyone terrified of bugs), but for the explorers among us, try touching down in Manaus, Brazil. Or, for a more remote experience, Leticia, Colombia. A Cross-Country Road Trip in the USA We're all for a Kerouac-esque trip across America. From the Pacific Coast to the Grand Canyon to Niagara Falls, the United States has no shortage of beautiful landscapes. Bali, Indonesia A rich culture and gorgeous scenery make Bali a top trip of a lifetime. You can both explore and relax on its beautiful Indonesian beaches. For a true tropical experience, go snorkeling and take a bicycle tour of the island. Santorini, Greece Known for its iconic blue domed buildings, Santorini is the ultimate getaway vacation. Between views of the Aegean Sea and the laid-back Greek vibe, it's near impossible not to feel relaxed on this island. A view of the famous Oia sunset is an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime moment. The Falkland Islands Located between South America and Antarctica, the Falkland Islands are an archipelago with a population of 2,932. Its wildlife and environment make it an unforgettable experience. While it is a British Overseas Territory, the Falklands are mostly ruled by colonies of penguins. The Galápagos Islands Who wouldn't want to visit Darwin's living laboratory? Home to a number of unique and rare species, the Galápagos Islands are a choice destination for true explorers. Varanasi, India It's full of frenzy and not for the faint of heart, but Varanasi is unlike any other place on Earth. Located on the banks of the Ganges River in India, this city is famous for its ghats--steps leading to the river, where sometimes the dead are cremated. Nikko, Japan Tokyo is amazing, but for a true once-in-a-lifetime trip, try Nikko, Japan. The mountain city was built around two temples erected in the 8th century. A Japanese saying exists: "Never say 'kekko' until you've seen Nikko." In Japanese, kekko means satisfyingly beautiful. The Phi Phi Islands, Thailand Imagine the ultimate tropical paradise, and you have the Phi Phi Islands in Thailand. Its beaches and pristine waters are almost implausibly beautiful. If you're lucky enough to make the trek, you'll be forever impressed. Vaadhoo Island, Maldives It's stunning during the day, and at night, Vaadhoo Island becomes almost surreal. Glowing nighttime waves make it look as if stars have fallen from the sky into the sea. Phytoplankton are the cause of the phenomenon. Machu Picchu, Peru We couldn't put this list together without adding the extraordinary trek to Machu Picchu, Peru. Built in the 15th century, the inexplicable Inca site sits high in the Andes mountains. Petra, Jordan Its ancient history make Petra a city full of historic wonder. Petra's architecture is built right into the rocks, and the city has been inhabited since the early 3rd century, B.C. It's not surprising that Smithsonian named Petra one of "28 places to see before you die." The Grand Canyon CNN named it one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and it's right here in America's backyard. Because of its jaw-dropping views, some say a trip to the Grand Canyon feels like a trip to another planet. Socotra, Yemen Socotra is a strange and isolated archipelago of four islands. Its landscape looks oddly cartoonish, mostly due to its rare and bizarre dragon blood trees. Interestingly, a third of the island's plant life doesn't grow anywhere else. Alaska's Mendenhall Ice Caves Star Wars fans, ever wanted to visit the ice planet Hoth? Turns out, you can. Kind of. Juneau's Mendenhall Ice Caves are a remarkable natural phenomenon. Part of a large glacier, the caves sit atop a 1,000 year old frozen forest, whose trees peek above the ice. General Carrera Lake in Patagonia So many shades of blue exist in General Carrera Lake, shared by Argentina and Chile. Crystal-clear waters make this lake a sight to behold, but it's also famous for its Marble Cathedral, a cavernous, rocky landform that protrudes from the water. New Zealand's Glowworm Caves New Zealand itself is a trip of a lifetime, and one of the country's most interesting sights are the Glowworm Caves of Waitomo. Yes, thousands of tiny glow worms create a ceiling of lights inside the caves. Maunawili Falls Trail The 1.25-mile Maunawili Falls Trail starts among coffee and apple trees and leads to a long flight of stairs that decends upon a breathtaking waterfall and swimming hole. Local tour information warns hikers not to climb above the waterfall, where it is restricted watershed land.Be ready for beautiful views of the nearby mountains and Kailua in the distance. Cinque Terre, Italy Cinque Terre, meaning "five lands," is a region of five villages on the coast of the Italian Riviera. Talk about picturesque. Like something out of a fairy tale, Cinque Terre is colorful, both literally and figuratively speaking. Scotland's Fairy Pools Scotland's Fairy Pools are located on the Isle of Skye, a majestic land complete with mountains and castles. The Pools' clear blue waters and untouched landscape attract a fair share of lucky tourists. Venice, Italy There's only one problem with visiting Venice: you probably won't want to leave. Famous for its culture, architecture and, of course, its gondolas, Venice is a trip of a lifetime for many. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Yellowstone is America's first national park, and, of course, the home of Old Faithful. But there are plenty of other reasons to visit--primarily, the stunning natural landscape. Bora Bora, French Polynesia Um, hotels right over the water? We definitely approve. There's nothing wrong with a little indulgence, and if you're going to pamper yourself, beautiful Bora Bora is the place to do it. Namibia's Namib-Naukluft Park Unbelievably surreal, Namib-Naukluft Park in Namibia is not a place you're likely to forget. The Namib desert is the oldest in the world and home of the famed Sossusvlei sand dunes. Xi'an, China Xi'an is one of the oldest cities in China, and if you're lucky enough to go, you'll be exposed to over 3,000 years of history. The city is probably most famous for its terracotta army, located in Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum. Cordes-sur-Ciel, France Cordes-sur-Ciel, meaning Cordes "in the sky," is a quaint town in southern France. The top of the town often peeks out above the clouds. It seems almost untouched by time, and tourists are attracted to its history, which dates back to the 13th century. An Antarctic Cruise It's possible, but definitely not easy, to take a trip to Antarctica. Visiting the most untouched continent on earth, we can only imagine, is an unforgettable experience. Make sure to bring a coat. | 4 | 897 | lifestyle |
Don't have a lot of time for romance? You don't need a whole weekend to infuse the spark back into your relationship. Here are some quick and easy date ideas. Take a LOLCat-nap No time for a two-hour movie? No problem. Watch funny YouTube videos together instead. Find a meme that you both love whether it's wry celeb humor on Funny or Die, gassy babies, or men accidentally getting hit in the, well, you know taking a few minutes to laugh will release stress and increase those much-needed endorphins. Start a book club of two Reading the same lit will give you fresh topics to discuss during your cherished time together, instead of resorting to complaining about your job or venting about your mother. Can't agree on a novel? Sign up for the just-launched Oyster basically a Netflix for reading. For $9.95 per month you get unlimited eBook access, so you won't feel bad if you're bored of your pick by chapter two. Best of all, you don't need to leave your bed to browse. Put your love of food to good use Start pinning all of those decadently delicious-looking dessert recipes to your sweets board and share it with your hunky sous chef. Let him decide which one you'll both make, ask him to pick up the ingredients on the way home, and buy a bottle of port. Meet him in the kitchen wearing your cutest cupcake apron, and voilà: a happy ending to your day. Get thrifty You've got $5 and five minutes. Run around your local Dollar General like little kids and find the silliest gift for your cohort. Whoever picks the most original present wins. We'll let you decide on the prize. Plot a mini scavenger hunt "Any sort of game creates a challenge, challenges create competition, competition creates endorphins, and endorphins lead to romance," says Rachel DeAlto, author of "Flirt Fearlessly". "Leave clues in places your partner can easily get to, which eventually lead him to finding you in a sexy location." Even if that locale is in your laundry room, folding towels in your skivvies, the excitement of playing hide-and-seek will help make even the most humdrum details of your life feel exciting. Have a pick-me-up picnic "Even if it's just a glass of wine and some tasty cheeses in your yard, sharing a leisurely snack outdoors or on your carpet is a quick, easy way to unwind together," says Jessica Tom, community director of HowAboutWe, a site that connects singles based on date ideas and offers experiences for couples. Engage in friendly competition "My husband and I love to play online Scrabble or Words with Friends on our phones while we're at work," says new mom Jenn Quist, 41. Indulging in flirty competition during the day will keep you both engaged even when you're apart. Just don't let your boss catch you. Break a sweat Go for a brisk walk, maintaining a pace at which you're not too out of breath to make conversation, or stretch out those stiff limbs with a side-by-side mat workout. Disconnect from it all Put your phones on airplane mode, shut down your laptop and spend 15 minutes just talking or smooching, if you prefer with no distractions. The key here is to focus on positive things chat about an article you read, a news event or something you're looking forward to. No nagging or whining allowed. Sing it out "I have a weakness for show tunes," says Sarah Wexler, 34. "When my husband belts along to the guy parts of duets with me, it's such a fun escape while in the car on our way to do errands or pick up the kids. It's our own little mental vacation." Take down the fancy food factor Fine linens and an exhaustive wine list shouldn't dictate romance. Share a fast-casual dinner and save time for extracurricular activities at home. Or, order some takeout, dust off your wedding china, and have a snappy, low-cost, fancy-ish night in. Get all dolled up Mani-pedi dates aren't just for your gal pals. After all, his cuticles need some attention too. Book side-by-side pedicures and follow them up with a 10-minute massage. You'll get in some quality talk-time and feel resplendent afterward. Get camp-y with roasted marshmallows Grab the mini BBQ bucket and make a quick pair of s'mores al fresco. This is even more fun on chilly autumn nights when days of the BBQ are long gone, says relationship expert Rachel Khona. Strike a pose Instead of booking an expensive boudoir photo session with a stranger, take your own cheeky pics. Put on your skimpiest duds or wackiest old Halloween costumes, set your camera to self-timer, and say "Cheese!" Two apps, Camera Plus and Snapseed, have great editing tools, and you won't have to worry about your shots accidentally ending up on everyone's Instagram feeds. Host your own happy hour After a crazy day at the office or at home cleaning toddler spittle off your shirt, the idea of sidling up to a crowded bar may not sound too appealing. Luckily, all you need are two cocktail glasses, a private corner or outdoor area, and one of these recipes for some de-stressing alone-time with your man. Speak the languages of love Bueno! You can learn all of the romance languages at home for free with e-lessons on Open Culture, or with inexpensive audio tutorials like Pimsleur. Every time you practice together, put a dollar in your vacation savings fund, and once it and your linguistic stylings grow, you'll be ready to travel the world. Get cooking You don't need a three-hour course to sharpen your skills. DVR your favorite culinary show and team up to cook along with the tutorials, like the five-minute meal segments on The Chew. Now, what's for dinner? | 4 | 898 | lifestyle |
Today's short 'dos are more versatile than ever, from classic structured styles to tousled bed-head chops to trendy angled looks. And that means there's definitely one that will work for you. Reese Witherspoon "Reese has beautiful bone structure in her shoulders and collarbones, and hair that falls across that area is such a hot look this season," says Ouidad creative director Morgan Willhite. Plus, a longer cut can draw attention away from a heart-shaped face's narrower chin. Emma Roberts "Emma's good cut and deep side part give this look a straight but slightly rounded effect," says stylist John Barrett. The extra volume keeps this elongated bob from pulling her slim, oval face down too much. Leighton Meester While this slicked-back style works for both round and oval faces, if you want take attention off a wider forehead, add sideswept bangs. Michelle Williams "This cut is flirty, classic, and simply fits her personality," says Barrett of the star's rounded, grown-out pixie with a deep side part. Alex Wagner "Women with round faces may find that their best bob isn't too rounded and includes piece-y layers to add depth to the face," says Barrett. Ashanti "Ashanti's cut works for her because it adds length to her round face," says Barrett of the singer's long asymmetrical bob. "It makes her eyes and cheekbones pop." Savannah Guthrie Stick to a rounded bob with a little movement to add curves to the edges of a square face. "One length lying flat to the face cuts strong facial corners," says Willhite. Michelle Dockery A rounded bob with some bend in the ends flatters an oval face, though those with stronger jawlines may find a cut that hits at a chin adds too much width. Amber Riley Not sure about taking the short-hair plunge? That's where a shoulder-skimming grown-out bob comes in. Plus, the extra length weighs curly and textured hair down so ends don't get too poofy. Katharine McPhee "A textured wispy bob softens the fullness of Katharine's face," says Willhite of this look, which draws attention to a pretty collarbone. "And the broken bangs draping toward her eyes are youthful." Taylor Swift The singer's shorter chop freshens up her style. "A 1970s feathered bang gives this look a modern edge," says Willhite. While Swift's oval face works well with almost any cut, these bangs can also soften a wider forehead on heart- and square-shaped faces. Giuliana Rancic "A shoulder-length bob works wonders with a narrow jaw, allowing the hair to fill in the excess space," says Willhite of this below-the-chin bob with slight waves at the end. Tamara Taylor An asymmetrical bob manages to be both flirty and no-nonsense chic. "Bangs help soften Tamara's high forehead," says Willhite. "Cutting above the eyebrow is the perfect way to accentuate her sparkly eyes and prominent brows." Emma Stone A shaggy long bob plays up Emma's best features, says Willhite. "The combination of her wispy bangs and rich red root color makes her face sparkle and those eyes!" Ming-Na Wen Not ready to snip off your longer locks? Create a faux bob with this advice from Barrett: Use a one-inch curling iron to add spirals throughout hair. Then tuck small pieces under and loosely fasten near the nape with bobby pins until you've created a bob-like shape. | 4 | 899 | lifestyle |
Subsets and Splits