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Daily Archives: June 5, 2023

Please Join Me for A Fashion Show… A Night of Chic-Cycling

GALLERY NITE OUT presents A Night of Chic-Cycling by Andrew Yu

Are you free on June 23rd? Let’s go to a Chic-Cycling Fashion Show by my good friend Andrew Yu. I promise you will have a fun night filled with Talent, Fashion, and Fun Surprises.

The tickets are going fast…so to reserve yours, click HERE!!!

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High fashion and eco-consciousness come together for a night of “chic-cycling” at ArtsWestchester. Andrew Yu and The Community Center of Northern Westchester are leveraging the art of fashion to raise awareness around waste reduction and build connections across media and culture. This special evening will feature the run-way-ready creations of 10 talented rising designers who won in a competitive face-off in the Upcycling Fashion Show at Katonah Art Museum in May. Local designer Andrew Yu is mentoring all the designers, helping them create show-stopping works of wearable art created from recycled materials and discarded clothing.

Fashion is a language of expression that transcends culture, gender, race, and economic diversity. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit ArtsWestchester and the Community Center of Northern Westchester.

Light refreshments will be provided.

For more about the Community Center of Northern Westchester and their work in the community: https://communitycenternw.org/

This special night at @artswestchester – part of its Gallery Nite Out series (#GalleryNiteOut) – is hosted by local designer Andrew Yu @49AndrewYu, who was recently featured in WWD Cover, New York Times and Sunday Styles, along with co-hosts Melissa Tomlin of @914PopUps and local Influencer Nicole Steinthal of @nslifestyleblog. Be sure to follow all on social media to stay updated on upcoming Westchester events.

What to Expect During the Au Pair Placement Process – A Step-By-Step Guide

Show that you’re excited and interested in learning about the family and their lifestyle. Au pairs and host families are looking for more than just a babysitter or nanny; they’re interested in a cultural exchange.

Make your guides more accessible and understandable by incorporating visuals, screenshots, and GIFs. This will help readers execute each step more easily.

Fill Out an Application.

If you’re considering hiring an au pair, finding the right agency for your needs is essential. Some agencies have more experience than others and are better suited to helping families find the perfect match. Au Pair in America, for example, has been placing au pairs since 1989. It offers a user-friendly database with a searchable filter that makes it easy to locate candidates by everything from childcare experience to personality traits. Another agency, Expert Au Pair, offers a three-prong approach to matching au pairs with families. Families can browse the database, get assistance from a placement representative, and “reserve” up to three au pairs for a 72-hour exclusive interview. This way, families don’t have to worry about competing with other families to secure their favorite candidates.

Once you’ve chosen an agency, it’s time to complete your application. Most agencies use extensive application forms, interviews, and psychometric tests to ensure that au pairs are prepared for their host family responsibilities and can contribute to the program’s success. Some even require that applicants have a valid driver’s license, depending on their country of origin and driving history. It’s essential to ask the right questions in your interview to ensure that you and your candidate are on the same page about the expectations of your relationship.

Meet with a Placement Coordinator.

During the interview, both parties will get to know each other better. You can ask questions about the au pair’s family, friends, hobbies, and career plans. You can also discuss important issues such as pocket money, holidays, and working hours. In addition, you can discuss your expectations in the home, and if your au pair drive, talk about the car insurance arrangements.

It is best to meet in person, but a video call also works if you can’t. It is essential to determine if the personalities click. If the interview goes well, it will be easy to get along, and you may even feel a connection. However, only string someone along if it is the right match. This will only cause you and them stress.

Au Pair International has been around for a long time and offers competitive pricing (program fees are about $10,000, including formal training, transportation, and car insurance services). Their experienced team knows how to match au pairs with families. Their local representatives are available for support at all times. They serve a limited number of families at a time, which allows them to get to know each family well. Their smaller size as a business also means that the staff is more accessible and friendly. They are dedicated to ensuring that both au pairs and host families are happy.

Meet your Au Pair

You will meet her on a live video call once you find the au pair that meets your family’s needs. This is usually the time to discuss household responsibilities, rules, and other details that must be agreed upon.

During this interview, showing interest and excitement for the position is essential. This will help put the au pair at ease and let her see you’re also excited about having her in your home!

Asking lots of questions is also very helpful. For example, ask about the children she will be caring for, their ages, and what activities they enjoy. You can also ask if the au pair has any experience in this field or if she’s ever worked with kids before.

You should also discuss your expectations, how long she wishes to stay with you, and her goals for the au pair year. A clear understanding of each other is the best way to make the partnership work!

This is also the time to discuss unforeseen situations and how they would be handled. For instance, what if the children become sick, and you need her to stay home? Or what if you move house and she doesn’t feel comfortable with the new location? Having this discussion with your au pair early on can prevent future problems from arising.

Sign a Contract

Setting up a live video chat or phone call is essential once you have narrowed your list of potential au pairs. This is the best way to check whether you and the family click. Make sure to ask the family questions and let them know what your expectations are. For example, clarify the exact working hours and how many holidays they can take. It would help if you also discussed what tasks you expect from the au pair and when they should perform them. Specifying how much pocket money the au pair will receive once room and board are considered is also essential. Finally, you should agree on who will organize and pay for the language course.

Most au pairs are nervous at the interview, but it is essential to put them at ease. Start the discussion by complimenting them on their profile and asking about their experience. It is a good idea to make the conversation as natural as possible and use simple English words, especially if your candidate’s English could be better.

Once the interview has been concluded, you should send your chosen candidate a contract that includes all the points discussed during the consultation (pocket money, duties, hours, etc.). This contract should be signed by both parties and kept in a safe place for future reference.

Elevate Your Bathroom: Inspiring Ideas and Expert Tips for Stunning Upgrades

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Whether starting a long and busy day or unwinding after a tiring day at work, your bathroom should have a pleasant and inviting ambiance to relax and practice self-care. 

Between overflowing and cramped cabinets, countertops, and ancient fixtures, your bathroom can feel uninviting and dull – something must be done to change that. 

Changing your bathroom’s vibe is easier than you think. You do not have to worry about spending beyond your wallet’s means or wait weeks for a gut-wrenching renovation. With some creativity and planning, you can change the ambiance of your bathroom and make it more inviting. 

This article will highlight ways to elevate your bathroom with inspiring ideas and updates. 

Update vs. Remodel

First, it is vital to understand the difference between the two terms. A bathroom remodel is often a larger project demanding more money and time than a simple update. It also requires the services of professionals to conduct renovation according to local building codes. 

This may include installing a new ventilation system, installing glass panels, adding a stand-alone bathtub, or replacing the shower or tub. All these ideas require skill and expertise; you should research before deciding how to go about these projects. 

It is best to hire professionals to guarantee durability and satisfying results. Before hiring anyone, simply look up bathtub replacement experts near me on any popular search engine for quotes and other information regarding your project. 

In contrast, a bathroom update features a set of budget-friendly and speedy ideas which you can do to help improve your bathroom’s existing features. This includes adding a fresh coat of paint, switching fixtures and hardware, and opting for a new shower curtain. 

These updates are ideal for busy homeowners or those on a budget who prefer to retain their bathroom’s current layout. 

Now that you know the difference between the two, you can decide what change you want for your bathroom.

  1. Adding a fresh coat of Paint

Adding some new paint can transform your bathroom completely, making it look clean and elegant. The safest, most reliable option is white, cream, or ivory because these colors are light and reflect natural light well. 

On the other hand, opting for dark and bold colors is risky because such colors can make any room appear small and cramped. 

Moreover, when opting for paint, search for mold-resistant varieties at your local home improvement store. Consider using a good-quality primer to prevent the paint from peeling. A primer will seal the paint to the wall, stopping moisture from seeping through and creating unsightly separations between the two.

  1. Wainscoting

You can use empty bathroom walls to add sophistication and dimension to elevate the space. Consider wainscoting or bead board on the walls around the lower half of the room. 

Doing so is easy and quick, provided you use the right tools and materials. You can also opt for an already-made beadboard paneling and save time.

  1. Redoing the Flooring

Natural stone is a favorite for bathroom surfaces because it adds a touch of elegance and sophistication. Additionally, natural stones last longer in wet environments, provided you use the best sealant, making them a perfect choice for bathrooms. 

You can also consider using tile instead of stone. Subway tiles are a classic option, or you can select something more luxurious and upscale, like Zellige.  

Tiny tiles like penny and hex are also affordable to add to your bathroom’s surfaces. They have circulated in the market for over 100 years after their creation, and you can get these for around $5 a square foot from local hardware stores. 

Considering the affordability and durability of these tiles in a wet environment, they are a suitable alternative to more expensive materials like natural stone.

Finally, before you redo the flooring, ensure whatever material you use is slip-proof, especially if you have children using the same bathroom. Using anti-slip material will prevent injuries and provide a better grip when you come out of the shower area. 

  1. Adding a shower curtain

You can also transform how your bathroom looks by changing your shower curtain. Similar to the effect of a large painting, a shower curtain brings brightness, texture, and pattern to your bathroom. 

If you want your bathroom to feel light and soothing, choose a white shower curtain with a subtle texture or print. You can also try a transparent curtain if your bathroom has no window. 

If you wish to install a cloth curtain, pair it with a mildew-resistant vinyl liner which guarantees easier cleaning. To complete your bathroom upgrade, consider changing other worn-out and moldy fabrics, such as mats and towels.

  1. Installing Reusable containers

Reusable containers are environmentally friendly and upgrade your bathroom’s ambiance. Instead of keeping cotton swabs and other such products in their drab store-bought packaging, you can put them in reusable containers. 

You can also style reusable containers by wrapping them up in bamboo or painting them a certain color to match your bathroom’s theme. Doing so will help you recycle plastic and cardboard packaging simultaneously.

When choosing reusable containers, consider the material and the size. If you use containers that are too big, they will make the bathroom look congested, but if you use smaller containers, you can not only place them at different corners of the bathroom but also make the bathroom feel more spacious. 

Conclusion

Depending on the current state of your bathroom and the amount of money and time you are willing to spend, you can decide which aspects of the bathroom you’d like to change. 

From simple DIY tips to projects requiring professional expertise, your bathroom’s outlook can change from a dull, boring space to a relaxing and inviting one. 

We hope you learned something from this article. If you think we missed something, please tell us in the comments below.