VISA for Europe??? Our luxury travel advisor Carrie Mandala has some news for us…
By now you have probably heard that starting in January 2024 U.S Passport holders will need to obtain travel authorization to enter the European Union.
The European Union has implemented a new security program, European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), that requires U.S. passport holders to obtain a visa prior to travel. This is similar to the visa European tourists are required to get when traveling to the U.S.
What does this all mean…
You will now need to apply online for a visa through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) website https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias/what-etias_en
ETIAS is not a visa in the traditional sense. It is an online application that most applicants will receive approval within minutes, but some could take up to 14 days and additional information may be requested. All communication is through email. If you are denied you will be emailed the reasoning and there is an appeal process.
The visa will cost about $8.00 and will be good for multiple entries for up to three years or until a passport expires, whichever comes first. It allows you to spend up to 90 days within 180-day period. All travelers will be required to have an ETIAS. It is linked to your passport and both documents will be needed to gain entry into a country whether coming by land, sea or air.
Once you receive your ETIAS travel authorization you should double-check that all information listed is correct as any mistakes may prevent entry. They encourage you to apply on the earlier side to ensure there is no disruption to your travel plans.https://elmrocktravel.com/
At the end of the day for most people, it is one more thing to add to the TO DO list.
PASSPORT BACKLOG – It’s Real
International travel has surged and the demand for passports is at an all-time high. Unfortunately, this is taking a toll on the processing time. Passports are taking up to four months to receive and have some travelers in a panic.
Here are some tips to hopefully keep you out of the chaos:
- Your passport must be valid 6 months after your trip return date
- You are eligible to renew your passport starting 1 year prior to your expiration date. I would suggest if you do not have pending international travel to go ahead and start the process then.
- Always opt for the expedited service.
- If you are 2-3 weeks out from your trip – start contacting your local state representative for assistance. They have been very helpful for many in getting their passports back in the nick of time.
- They say that emergency appointments will be given 2 weeks prior to travel – you must have proof of international travel – the problem is appointments are hard to get due to the demand and some travelers have had to travel domestically to get one.
- When in doubt working with a passport company from the start can be helpful. They do charge additional fees.
Bottomline check your passports now, set an alarm on your calendar and RENEW early.
Getting started with homemade pottery can be an uphill task if you have never done it. But there is no need to get worried because there is a lot of information to help you achieve your dreams of crafting amazing clay items for your home. Pottery offers an exceptional opportunity to use your hands and creativity to make a variety of items for your home such as plates, platters, cups and mugs, soup bowls, vases, and more.
Whether you are looking for a creative outlet, a soothing hobby, or a chance to produce lovely and useful items for your home, you need to have the basic homemade pottery tools and equipment to get started. Thereafter, you can start your project. Let’s dive into the insights you need to begin.
What Is Home-Made Pottery?
Homemade pottery is a satisfying and eye-catching art that involves making clay items at home with basic tools. As mentioned, there are many items you can make, but you need to be prepared for this.
Crafting homemade pottery is one of the compelling hobbies or interests that many people enjoy. If you are one of them, then you are in the right place. You can visit Supper Club and keep reading to discover more.
Basic Tools for Home-Made Pottery
You will need certain tools to create beautiful pottery yourself at home.
· Clay and glazes – Clay is the soul of pottery, and choosing the right type such as earthenware, ceramic, porcelain, and stoneware is crucial. Glazes highlight the aesthetically appealing characteristics of the clay you select.
· Potter’s wheel – The potter’s wheel makes the magic happen. It spins the clay as you form it into the desired shape.
· Rolling surface and pins – A rolling surface and pin are indispensable for items that require flat clay and precision in your creative process.
· Cutting and shaping tools – Tools such as a clay knife, needles, wires, and other shaping tools help you to make precise shapes and etch intricate details into your designs.
· Brushes and sponges – Brushes and sponges serve as your artistic tools, allowing you to apply glazes and underglazes and create captivating textures.
· Kiln – The kiln is where your pottery undergoes a breathtaking transformation of hardening into durable ceramics through firing.
How to Get Started with Home-Made Pottery
Your homemade pottery journey is an exciting adventure waiting to unfold. Now that you know all the basic tools that you need, you can try ideas displayed on reputable homemade pottery websites and social media accounts to get amazing ideas. You can also use tutorials on video streaming and sharing platforms for helpful guides and steps to make homemade pottery.
Once you are ready, just prepare your working surface in an area such as a garage, kitchen, or unused room in your house to get started. Many people create pottery as a hobby during their free time such as evenings after work and weekends.
Conclusion
When crafting homemade pottery, you should not be afraid of making mistakes as a beginner because this is how you learn. After reading the insights we have shared, you will have an easy time getting started with your projects. With time, you will perfect the art and make impressive pottery that you can even sell in your town and online.
Your bathroom serves as a sanctuary for personal care, relaxation, and overall well-being. Consequently, striking the right balance between functionality and aesthetic appeal becomes imperative. Rest assured, if you find yourself disillusioned with an outdated bathroom but are uncertain about how to proceed or feel overwhelmed by the notion of renovation. With a few uncomplicated adjustments, enhancing any bathroom without incurring excessive costs is entirely feasible.
Bathroom remodels can be costly, with an average renovation costing up to $30,000. Nevertheless, the actual expenses may vary depending on the geographical location and specific project requirements. For instance, a bathroom remodel in Central Valley, CA, can range from approximately $7,800 to $45,900, underscoring the importance of prudent decision-making when embarking on such endeavors.
However, there exist viable methods to achieve impressive and transformative before-and-after results budget-friendly and expeditiously. Below are a few easy and practical ways to update your bathroom and bestow upon it a renewed allure:
- Make The Tub the Center of Attention
Transform your bathroom by making the tub the centerpiece, thus creating an impressive and captivating focal point. You can achieve this striking effect effortlessly by repositioning the tub away from the wall. Whether you incorporate an elegant clawfoot tub or an awe-inspiring whirlpool tub, it will give your bathroom a luxurious spa-like ambiance. It is essential to consider that freestanding tubs necessitate a bit more drain and tub filler space, making them particularly well-suited for larger bathrooms where their grandeur can truly shine.
If your bathroom currently lacks a tub, you may explore the option of engaging a reputable Replacement Tub Company close to your location. Searching online with the keywords “Replacement Tub Company near me” can facilitate finding a suitable provider to meet your specific requirements. For instance, Delerio Construction stands out as one of the most trusted tub replacement companies in Central Valley, California.
- Decorative Paint for The Walls
Applying a fresh coat of paint to the walls of your bathroom can significantly enhance its appearance, imbuing it with a sense of cleanliness and novelty. Opting for shades of white, ivory, or cream proves advantageous, as these hues effectively reflect natural light, which is particularly beneficial for your morning mirror routine. For a subtle touch of color that complements your complexion, a soft pink hue can provide a flattering flush without additional blush application.
It is essential to exercise caution when considering bold and vibrant wall colors, as they may result in unflattering reflections on the skin. For instance, blues can accentuate undereye circles or draw attention to blemishes through contrast, while green tones can impart a sickly pallor. To maintain a pleasing aesthetic for yourself and potential buyers, opting for light and neutral color schemes is prudent.
To ensure the longevity of the paintwork, seek out popular mold-resistant paints and primers available at your local home improvement store. Utilizing a primer is essential to prevent peeling and enhance adhesion. By bonding and sealing the paint to the wall, the primer effectively impedes moisture from permeating and causing separation between the painted surface and the wall, contributing to a more durable and visually appealing outcome.
- Change The Hardware
Opting to switch out the hardware presents a cost-effective and practical approach to updating your bathroom when replacing the vanity and cabinets proves unfeasible. Before embarking on your search for new handles and knobs, measuring the dimensions of the existing hardware is advisable. This precautionary step allows for identifying handles of similar lengths, thus avoiding the need for drilling new holes and filling in the old ones. For removable knobs, assessing the underlying area is recommended to ascertain any discoloration. In this regard, seeking replacements that adequately cover the same area becomes essential.
- Change The Lighting Fixtures
Consider adjusting the light fixtures in your bathroom to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing illumination. Observe whether the lights positioned above your vanity mirror and shower emit unflattering orange or blue hues. A straightforward remedy entails replacing the existing light bulbs with ones that offer a more suitable color temperature and are compatible with the appropriate wattage.
Moreover, the current fixture casts undesirable shadows that detract from the overall ambiance. In that case, it may be prudent to contemplate replacing it with a new fixture that complements or aligns with the existing hardware. By making thoughtful choices in light fixture selection, you can effectively enhance the visual harmony within your bathroom, augmenting its appeal and creating a more inviting atmosphere.
- Add Additional Storage
Implementing additional storage solutions can prove highly advantageous if your bathroom has overcrowded toiletries spilling out of the medicine cabinet or toilet paper being inadequately stored in plain view. By incorporating stylish and well-designed storage options, the overall ambiance and functionality of the bathroom can be significantly improved.
In generously proportioned bathrooms, a freestanding cabinet proves an excellent choice, offering ample space to discreetly house toilet paper, hair styling tools, and fresh towels. Conversely, for smaller bathrooms, a slim rolling storage cart is a practical solution to accommodate spare bottles of shampoo and bars of soap, efficiently utilizing the available space. The strategic allocation of storage facilities ensures that all items find an organized and designated place, promoting an uncluttered appearance and maintaining clear countertops for a visually appealing and harmonious environment.
- Install Wainscoting and Beadboard
Elevate the visual appeal of your bathroom by introducing beadboard or wainscoting to its walls. Embrace the opportunity to add dimension and texture to the space, enhancing its overall ambiance. The installation process of beadboard or wainscoting is expeditious and straightforward, provided you possess the appropriate tools and materials.
To streamline the task and save time, consider opting for readily prepared beadboard paneling or peel-and-stick wainscoting, as they offer convenient and efficient solutions for achieving the desired aesthetic outcome.
Wrapping Up
With the help of the above-mentioned creative solutions and simple adjustments to your bathroom, you can enhance its functionality and aesthetics.
Approaching each step with careful consideration, creativity, and attention to detail is essential. By doing so, one can transform this pivotal space into a haven of rejuvenation and relaxation, where both functionality and beauty coalesce harmoniously, leaving a lasting and positive impression on those who experience it.
Every day, we make countless choices and navigate through diverse surroundings, often unaware of how these factors influence our physical and mental health.
Our environment significantly shapes our health outcomes, from the air we breathe to the food we eat. Whether you reside in a bustling city, a serene suburb, or amidst nature’s embrace, understanding the effects of environmental factors on your body and mind is crucial.
Equally influential is our lifestyle – our daily habits, exercise routines, stress management techniques, and sleep patterns. Each lifestyle choice we make can either nourish or challenge our health.
Today, we will learn the latest research, expert insights, and practical tips to uncover how your environment and lifestyle intersect to impact your health.
Role of Functional Medicine and Impact of Environment and Lifestyle on Our Health
Functional medicine emphasizes understanding how our environment and lifestyle choices impact our health. For instance, exposure to environmental toxins, such as air pollution and chemicals in everyday products, can contribute to various health conditions over time. Likewise, the foods we consume, physical activity levels, and stress management practices significantly shape our health outcomes.
As you explore the impact of environment and lifestyle on health, you may wonder how functional medicine can play a crucial role in personalized healthcare in Atlanta.
As a vibrant and diverse city, Atlanta offers a unique set of environmental factors and lifestyle challenges that can influence our well-being. In this bustling metropolis, residents face various health concerns, including exposure to urban pollutants, busy work schedules, and various dietary options. Understanding how these factors intertwine and affect our overall health and quality of life is essential.
This is where Atlanta functional medicine comes into play. Functional medicine practitioners in Atlanta are well-versed in assessing the intricate connections between an individual’s lifestyle, environment, and health outcomes. By considering Atlanta’s environment’s specific challenges and opportunities, they can create tailored healthcare approaches that address each patient’s unique needs.
6 Ways Your Environment and Lifestyle Can Impact Your Health
Our environment and lifestyle choices can have a profound effect on our health. Let’s examine six key areas where these factors come into play and see how they can affect our overall well-being.
- Air Quality and Respiratory Health
The quality of the air we breathe plays a vital role in maintaining respiratory health. Exposure to airborne pollutants and toxins can lead to respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis. According to reputable sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO), air quality is getting terrible day by day and causes millions of premature deaths worldwide.
Proactive measures are needed to improve indoor and outdoor air quality. Ensuring good ventilation in indoor areas, using air purifiers, avoiding smoking, and reducing harmful chemicals can help create a healthier environment.
- Nutrition and Its Effects on Overall Well-being
Nutrition plays a vital role in our overall well-being. A balanced diet rich in nutrients is essential for good health and prevention of chronic diseases. On the other hand, poor nutrition can lead to health problems, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and a compromised immune system.
Incorporating healthy food choices into our lifestyle can have a substantial positive impact on our well-being. Choosing whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains provides essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Proper nutrients support our immune system, increase energy levels, improve mental clarity, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Making the right choices is critical to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and achieving overall well-being.
- Physical Activity and Its Influence on Fitness
Regular exercise and physical activities play a vital role in improving our health. Any physical activity can improve muscle mass, enhances cardiovascular health, and improves flexibility and endurance. On the other hand, a sedentary way of life can contribute to different health risks, including obesity, coronary heart disease, and diabetes.
Incorporating physical activity into our daily routines is fundamental to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It is advised to at least do a moderate intensity, 150 minutes of aerobic exercise or 75 minutes workout consistently every week, along with muscle-strengthening exercises twice per week. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking, or cycling can help you stay fit and healthy.
- Sleep Patterns and Mental Health
Good sleep plays a vital role in achieving good mental health. Sleep is a recovery process that allows the brain to regulate emotions and repair the body. Excessive screen time, irregular sleep patterns, and high-stress levels can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to insomnia and other sleep disorders.
Establishing proper sleep habits is essential for a good night’s rest. It includes maintaining a consistent bedtime routine, creating a quiet environment, and avoiding stimulating activities before bedtime. By prioritizing and practicing good sleep, we can support our mental health, improve cognitive function, and wake up refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead.
- Stress Management and its Impact on Health
Chronic strain can take a toll on our health, contributing to quite several bodily and mental health issues. From cardiovascular problems and weakened immune systems to tension and depression, stress significantly impacts our overall well-being.
Effective stress management techniques play a vital role in maintaining our health. Meditation, playing sports, spending time in nature, painting, etc., can help alleviate stress.
- Environmental Toxicity and Detoxification
Exposure to environmental toxins poses potential health risks. Toxins can gather in our bodies over time, impacting various organs. The body has natural detoxification mechanisms, such as liver function and sweating, that help remove these toxins.
Using natural cleansers, drinking filtered water, and eating organic foods can support overall health by reducing toxins. Also, keeping the body’s natural detoxification processes through a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and taking essential supplements can help detoxify and promote well-being.
Final words
Our environment and lifestyle choices have a profound impact on our health. From air quality and nutrition to physical activities, sleep styles, and stress management, every aspect of our daily lives influences our health. By recognizing the profound impact of our surroundings and habits, we empower ourselves to make positive changes that can lead to better health outcomes.
We have our September show, The Cottage! This star-studded cast directed by Jason Alexander will keep you laughing throughout the entire play. We have reserved Mezzanine seats on Tuesday, September 12th at 7:00 pm for $125. Email me to reserve your seat!!!
Eric McCormack, Laura Bell Bundy, Lilli Cooper, Nehal Joshi, Alex Moffat, and Dana Steingold star in The Cottage, a side-splitting new comedy.
The Cottage is a hilarious new farce by Sandy Rustin. Set in the English countryside in 1923, this tale of sex, betrayal, and love unfolds when Sylvia decides to expose her affair to both her husband and to her lover’s wife. The true meaning of fate, identity, and marriage are called into question as a surprising and hilarious web of secrets unravels in this ridiculous – potentially murderous – romantic comedy.
Broadway welcomes an uproarious new American comedy this summer when Jason Alexander directs Eric McCormack (Will & Grace), Laura Bell Bundy (Legally Blonde – The Musical), Lilli Cooper (Tootsie, SpongeBob SquarePants), Nehal Joshi (School of Rock, The Phantom of the Opera), Alex Moffat (Saturday Night Live on NBC), and Dana Steingold (Beetlejuice – The Musical) in The Cottage by Sandy Rustin.
Giving your house a whole new look is not the only aspect of home improvement. If you are a homeowner, focusing on your home fixtures and replacing them for the better can increase your house’s value and make it a much more comfortable living space.
Replacing your windows can go a long way in improving your home by increasing efficiency, functionality, and aesthetics. With new windows, you can make your house look lovelier while maintaining a comfortable indoor climate, which is especially handy if you live in a city on the West Coast. Towns like Riverside, CA, experience hot and arid summers, typical of California, accompanied by occasional winds. According to the US Census Bureau, 68.1% of homeowners in Riverside reside in their own houses; hence, they could consider replacing their windows for a better home experience.
If you are thinking of replacing your windows, here are some benefits that may help solidify your decision:
1. Increase curb appeal
An obvious one, yes, but perhaps the truest of all: new windows will make your house look better. Windows may function to let you see outside or inside the house, but they are also decorative elements. New windows that match the aesthetic of your house design will significantly add to both the interior and exterior aesthetic of your house, increasing the curb appeal.
While choosing a good-looking window may sound easy to your ears, it rarely is. You will have to choose from different materials, designs, and colors before you can settle on a decision. And while you are at it, you will have to ensure your chosen windows align with your home’s aesthetic. Making all these considerations alone can be confusing, hence why you should have professionals on your side. If you wish to replace the windows of your Riverside home, contact a Riverside window replacement company and get help from professionals. With a streamlined replacement process, your house will look better than ever.
2. Increase home value
Replacing windows comes with a cost, but it promises you a return too. Strategic home improvement projects increase the house’s ROI – it is a given. If you plan to put your house on the market in the near future, replace your windows to quote a better price. Homebuyers look at the condition and age of all home fixtures, windows included. Windows close to needing replacement may deter buyers’ decision and push the house down their favorable list.
To get the best ROI, go with vinyl or wood windows, the materials of which will last a long time and still be stylish enough to boost your house look.
3. Better safety
If you have broken windows, they are more than just a functionality concern. Windows that won’t open or close easily may threaten your and your family’s safety. In case of fire emergencies, you need working windows for a quick escape route.
Furthermore, your new windows can have new locks and sensors that help protect you. New, better, and up-to-date locks on your windows will decrease the chance of breaking in or forced entry, giving you peace of mind above added security.
4. Save energy
New windows come better prepared to regulate your home’s temperature, which means energy efficiency. In cold winters, they can keep the gusts of cool air out; in hot summers, they can protect you from the incoming heat. With less pressure on your heaters and air conditioners to manage your house’s environment, you can save on energy costs. The domino effect with this one is strong: less consumption will lower pressure on your equipment, reduce the need for maintenance, lengthen its life, and reduce your electricity bills.
5. Reduce noise
Who wants the annoying noises of the hustle and bustle of the city infiltrating their homes? Nobody. Noise pollution is distracting, frustrating, and can affect a human’s health. Luckily for you, alongside saving energy, new insulated windows help reduce the noise from outside. Be it construction noises, the relentless honking of cars in traffic, or the loud music you can’t get your neighbors to turn down, replacing your windows can help dampen the sounds.
A peaceful and quiet house is always the dream, and new windows can help you enjoy the calm of your home.
6. Low maintenance
If you are tired of scrubbing your old windows every day or refinishing them time and time again, you need new windows that require barely any maintenance. New windows are so easy to clean that it won’t even feel like a chore. With features like between-the-glass blinds and tilt-in windows in new windows, you can clean them without much hassle. The blinds inside the window panes make dusting very convenient, while the tilt-in windows can help you clean the outside frames without stepping out.
Furthermore, since the windows already come with integrated blinds and shades, you won’t need to trouble yourself with window coverings. No window coverings mean one less item to worry about cleaning or keeping your kids and pets away from.
7. Less dust and allergens
For all those with dust allergies, you already know how annoying it can be to keep the dust outside your house. Not only do the convenient features in new windows make them low-maintenance, but they also keep your house dust free. The built-in blinds and shades in your windows will prevent the dust from infiltrating indoors and help you or your family avoid allergic reactions.
Conclusion
True, new windows help give your house a new look. But as you can see, it offers numerous other benefits that go beyond aesthetics. If your current windows are struggling from the tests of time, now is the time to replace them. Look for new window models with modern, energy-efficient features to add value to your home in more ways than one. And while you are at it, always seek professional advice from experienced window installers for the best windows to install in your home. They can help you reach the right decisions considering the outdoor conditions and your house’s design.