Under the Radar Brands You Need to Hear About
Nowadays during the pandemic, it is more important than ever to support smaller fashion brands and sites. In many countries, department stores, big businesses and corporations have gained financial support and have a steady stream of customers that may not be buying as much now but they will again, but many small businesses are still struggling to stay afloat and still in business. These smaller fashion brands and sites are the exact parts of the fashion world that add a newness to it and a bit of exclusivity, so here are a few fashion brands you may not have heard of but should get to know.
Under the radar fashion brands
While not exactly a brand, Mirta is a marketplace that sells accessories and bags from small leather artisans around Italy. You can find beautiful Italian crossbody bags, top handle bags, briefcases and more. There are options for men and women, and you can find high-quality accessories and shoes in addition to handbags. For those high-quality pieces that are 100% Made in Italy, Mirta is the place to shop and add some serious style to your wardrobe.
Jessica K, founded by Lebanese designer Jessica Khoueiri-Achkar, offers fresh and modern fashion for women that mixes masculine with feminine. The brand is Beirut-based that according to its website, ‘boasts a collection of confident, feminine and refined silhouettes that scream urban elegance, with a touch of Rock n’ Roll. Beirut just suffered a significant explosion at its port, with over 6,000 injured and over 100 dead. On top of the coronavirus pandemic, this is a time where supporting a Beirut-based brand and small company is especially important.
BITE studios is a Stockholm and London-based label that is focused on sustainability. You’ll find streamlined and modern pieces made from organic silk, cotton, and wool that focus on detail, quality and sustainability. If you want to support an international eco-conscious brand and really be intentional with the clothes that you are purchasing, or even just be intentional about making an eco-conscious effort, this is a great brand to know.
Looking for new swimwear? Oséree is an Italian swimwear brand founded by Isabella Cavalli and Jannine Vinci that celebrates tradition with a modern approach. The brand’s signature pieces are the Lumière One-Piece Lurex Swimsuit and sparkly two-piece. This isn’t just any swimwear, but luxury swimwear that is minimal yet exquisite, inspired by Parisian style and elegance.
It is worth curating these pieces to discover something new! Whether you shop by style, brand, or a mix of both, there are many small brands out there to get to know. Especially as most of these brands listed here are international, you can also add a taste of European flare to your wardrobe.
Image source: Pexels
So you have decided to get pregnant. It’s a big decision for people to make. Your body will be carrying a baby around for nearly nine months, so preparing your body for that task will undoubtedly help you on the journey.
Multivitamins
Having a baby grow in your belly can use up a lot of nutrients from your body, so taking a multivitamin will give you a much-needed boost.
Opt for ones that companies have designed for those who want to get pregnant. Try out a few options, so you get the one that is right for you.
Folic Acid
This additional vitamin, which is often recommended for women wanting to conceive, will be of benefit. The folic acid tablets help prevent neural tube defects during the early days of your pregnancy. You can purchase these over the counter. Your doctor may continue to prescribe them only at a higher dosage if needed during the rest of your pregnancy.
Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy well-balanced diet is essential during this time. Limit the amount of fast food or processed foods and instead increase your salad, green leafy vegetables and drink plenty of water. Increasing your fiber intake will also be of benefit.
Exercise
Taking regular exercise will be of benefit to you and your baby. It doesn’t have to be high-intensity aerobics. It can be a 30-minute brisk walk. Doing this at least 30 minutes each day will stand you in good stead when it comes to carrying your baby during the last trimester, especially.
Health Check Up
Visit your doctor to get a full check up. This is particularly important if you are undergoing IVF treatment. As well as understanding how IVF works and opting for somewhere with top IVF success rates, you will want to get your body ready for the process. To understand the IVF process in more detail, the information here will be of use to you.
Limit your Stress
Stress can have such a negative impact on the body.
Practice meditation, go for a walk, take some deep breaths, or do anything else that you enjoy. This will ensure you keep your stress levels at a minimum. Another idea is to try yoga. As well as destressing your body, it will help strengthen and stretch your body, improving it for your pregnancy.
Sleep Well
With a new baby, sleep will be hard to come by. Get as much rest and sleep as you can during the pregnancy. You don’t have to stick to a particular routine; sleep and rest when you can. You can read up on 3 truths about parenting a new born to help you during that stage.
Reach your Health Weight
Being a healthy weight will help you carry your baby without much stress. A healthy weight is one where you are comfortable rather than looking at scales.
Talk to your doctor and get advice if you feel you would like to drop a few pounds before pregnancy.
There is so much to think about when you want to have a baby.
However, with a little planning ahead, you will be in the right place both mentally and physically to have a healthy pregnancy.
Ever since I got my Coastal Cast Iron pan..I have wanted to cook everything in it! I read that it is also the best pan to cook sweets in, especially Cobblers and cornbreads. Supposedly, the favor is much better in skillet. This peach cobbler recipe popped into my inbox this week and it seemed like the perfect thing for my first Cast Iron baking project. I am planning my cobbler to be the perfect finale for a Labor Day Lobster Bake…..To get your own Costal Cast Iron pan and 10% off click HERE.
Peach Cobbler in a Cast Iron Skillet
Adapted from SuccessfulHomemakers.com
Ingredients
- 2 cups sliced peaches
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- Pre-heat oven to 375*F.
- Places sliced peaches in a large bowl. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of sugar and flour. Stir to coat peaches and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, 3/4 cup sugar, baking powder, salt, and milk, set aside.
- Over low heat, melt butter in a cast iron skillet.
- Pour the batter over the melted butter – Do not stir into the butter.
- Pour the peaches over the batter – again, do not stir.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until crust is light brown and puffy.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream.
Of all the things that can influence our appearance, none are quite as important as our smile. It’s the foundation of our style! If you have an excellent smile, then you’ll want to work to ensure that it stays that way. A lot of people take their picture-perfect smile for granted, incorrectly believing that it’ll be with them forever. But this is not guaranteed. If you want your smile to look as beautiful in 30 years as it does today, then take a read of our tips below.
Say Goodbye To Sugary Drinks
If there’s one thing that will compromise the quality of your teeth, it’s sugary drinks. Indeed, one of the main reasons why so many adults have teeth problems is because of the number of sugary drinks they drank when they were younger. Drink manufacturers are pretty good at selling the taste of their products, not so good at explaining what’s inside the drink, and how bad it is for you. If plain old water doesn’t do it for you, then look at other options. Even adding some lemon or cucumber to water can make it taste much better, and it’ll be good for you.
Nail Your Dental Routine
Did you know that one hundred years ago, only ten percent of the population brushed their teeth on a regular basis? It sounds crazy, but it’s true. It’s not that today’s society is completely flawless, however. Many of our dental routines can be described as ‘basic.’ It’s not enough to just stick a toothbrush in your mouth; you have to know how to brush effectively. You’ll also want to learn how to use dental floss properly, and invest in high-quality mouthwash (low-quality options can cause more problems than they solve).
Handling Problems Early On
Even if you are practicing good dental hygiene, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to avoid dental problems forever. Sometimes, you’re just unlucky. Having dental problems aren’t anything to worry about on their own. What’s important is that you take care of them as early as possible. Treating an abscessed tooth is a straightforward process, but if it’s left too late — or you don’t receive any treatment whatsoever — then you could experience serious health side-effects. As well as handling problems when they arise, you’ll also want to simply take a proactive approach when it comes to your dental health. That means regular trips to the dentist!
For the (Wannabe) Sports Stars
If you’re an active person who loves the rough and ready lifestyle, then you’ll want to take extra care of your teeth. Trauma is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. If you’re engaging in forceful sports, then consider wearing a mouthguard in order to protect your teeth. If your tooth does happen to be knocked out, then put it in a glass of milk, and head to the dentist straight away. It’s possible that they’ll be able to reattach it. If not, you’ll need to work with a dentist that specializes in cosmetic dentistry.
Additionally, gum health is fairly important too. Don’t hesitate to get a consultation to discuss gum surgery with the pediatric dentist Modesto.
I have had it on my list to write the post on one of my favorite local stores, The Navy Lobster in Greenwich, Ct for so long. This little gem is right off the Post Rd and it is filled to the brim with treasures. Mary Beth, the owner, curates her charming space with unique finds from all over the globe. From soaps and candles from Positano to southern embroidered cocktail napkins. If you are searching for the perfect hostess or birthday gift, Mary Beth has you covered. After just one visit you will quickly see why it is a go-to in Greenwich and the surrounding areas.
Here is Mary Beth’s version of the back to school bag. Her pouches are fabulous for cosmetics, pencil and pens, and even masks. The block print masks are soo great too and made of the softest, thinnest breathable cotton!!!
I am such a fan of blue and white accessories. I love that monkey candleholder and those vases…….
Here is the place to go for a book bag….one is prettier than the other…
All of the french soaps are sooo amazing….
These “Art Of” book make great gifts and I love that tissue box holder, so cute in a college dorm room!!!!
Navy Lobster has a never ending selection of cute note pads and cards…
The Bill Cunningham book is high on my list and I love these petit appetizer dishes..so chic!!!
Love the throws too…..
The selection of cocktail napkins and guest towels is also huge…
Not to get too political!!!!!
Love these napkins and hand towels!
One of the most exciting things in life is buying a home, whether it be your fist home, or your dream house. You start to imagine furnishing and accessorising every room of the house, and then you spot the price of a cushion and you realise that you will have to change your expectations when it comes to the big shopping trip.
Once you’ve finalised your mortgage or rental agreement, your next steps include furnishing the house you’ve just moved into. The process is a big one, but it doesn’t have to be stressful, not if you plan properly. The internet will give you article after article on how to furnish your house with Feng Shui in mind and it’ll tell you how to balance colours and lights. When it comes down to it, though, you need to consider your budget. You can read all the articles in the world, but your budget is what will determine how you can furnish your house. So, with this in mind, let’s check out what steps you can take to furnish your house on a budget.
Know What You Want
When you walked through the house for the first time, you likely visualised exactly what colour scheme you wanted. You could even picture the appliances and the sofas, beds and bedside tables. It comes to life in your head, so make a list based on what you need from room to room. Once you do this, you can write down the smaller items, too, from lamps and bedding to rubbish bins and cushions. You have to make these lists so that you know what to look for when you are actually shopping, and then you can fit it all to your budget.
Get What You Need First
On those lists you just wrote, put stars next to the things that you absolutely need in the house. Everyone has those dreamy ideas of what to have in their homes, but you really don’t need eleven billion throw pillows – those are wants. The things you need are the big ticket items, such as your bed, your sofa and your refrigerator. You may even decide you need a freezer separate to the kitchen. Once you budget for the things that you need, you can see what you have left for the things that you want.
Plan The Actual Budget
You could be saving for a long time to get what you want for your house, but you need to know what the actual budget will be for your house before you go shopping. You can window shop online and compare the things that you need over several stores if you are looking to find good deals. You can even get great options from NetVoucherCodes.co.uk and find some discounts and vouchers to make your furniture shopping experience a pleasant one. Either way, you have to know what your budget for furniture will be so that you can stick as closely to it as possible when you’re buying. To that end, it’s a good idea to try to avoid getting credit or store cards for furniture. If your monthly budget isn’t particularly high, the last thing that you want to do is add to it and have to pay more.
Be Smart With Furnishing
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to put something in front of every wall in the rooms of each house. Go through your priority furniture list and start buying the things that you need. When the budget starts to run out, save for the next room or the next furniture piece. Continue on from there and start with ONLY the things that you need.
Watch The Sales Cycles
Every single store goes through cycles of putting items up for sale or adding discounts to things that they sell. End of summer, Christmas, Black Friday – you name it, there’s a sale for it. If you aim to buy much of your furniture through the sales, you can save yourself a lot of money along the way. You could even look at buying last season’s models in the sales, which will make your money go further.
Go For Second-Hand
Facebook Marketplace is an invaluable resource when you are furnishing a house for the first time. You can find some gems on there, as well as those in car boot sales and antique stores. Thrift stores and flea markets both offer tons of items at cut-down prices, and these can either be excellent options for your house, or they’ll tide you over temporarily while you save for the better options.
Choose Quality
Don’t let your choices for the houses be overtaken with quantity over quality. Yes, you can fill a room really cheaply, but you can fill a room with quality furniture and take your time instead. Quality furniture will last you for years, but too much cheap furniture will just rinse your budget and break down early. Don’t worry about buying end tables that are expensive, either, not when you can use the cash on a high quality mattress. You spend more of your life in your bed than you do resting a coffee on an end table!
Filling up your first home with new furniture takes some time, but embrace it! Take your time and get it right, and you can avoid sacrificing your dream furnished house. You should feel settled and you don’t have to get into debt to do it. If you take a targeted approach with furnishing your home, you can ensure that you have the perfect house for you. It will never be the perfect house for those in interior design, but it will be the perfect house for you and that’s what counts. Choose your budget and live to it carefully – it will make all the difference in the future.