Diners are invited to celebrate the 1-Year Anniversary of DeTAPAS Spanish Gastrobar on the weekend of January 14th and enjoy a complimentary glass of Cava.
Last January Westport’s international food scene diversified even more when DeTAPAS Spanish Gastrobar opened its doors. Restauranteur Carlos Pla, a native of Barcelona, gave up a long and successful career in finance to fulfill his dream of opening a restaurant. Pla is excited to introduce Americans to the culture and flavors of his country and to clear up the common misconception that Spanish food and Latin food are one and the same as they are vastly different. Pla does this by sharing the recipes, stories and flavors that are prevalent in the European country that leads the world’s Michelin starred restaurants just behind France, Japan, and Italy (and ranked just ahead of the United States.)
Pla introduces diners to the inimitable flavors and recipes from Spain by introducing tapas, main dishes and paellas as served in his native country which is quite different from what most Americans are accustomed to. In so doing he offers a bit of an education and shares many stories surrounding his food and drink – he only serves Spanish wines and Cava – and his guests are grateful for these experiences.
Inside the restaurant, the vibe is quintessentially and distinctly European. The design is as deliberate as the cuisine. The large mural that runs the length of the restaurant, with its bright, boldly-colored tiles imported from Spain along with the clean lines and streamlined interior pull you out of Westport and right into a busy little gastropub in the heart of the urban Spanish city. Regulars will notice an addition – a new bar was built over the holiday and a television was added for those who want to cheer on their favorite (Spanish) sports teams!
Eager to share his culture he has introduced a monthly and always sold-out Flamenco Night, a Jamon Jamon Iberico and Wine Tasting, and many more events are planned for the upcoming year including a Happy Sangria Hour, and cooking classes to name just a couple.
About Carlos Pla, Restauranteur
Pla moved to Greenwich by way of Ireland, and Miami. Whenever he traveled, which he has done extensively, he would seek out Spanish restaurants. With the exception of New York City, his search would always come up short or he would be disappointed with what he found. Realizing that he needed to gain some hands-on experience he found himself with the opportunity to manage Mercado Little Spain, owned by the esteemed Michelin Star Chef, José Andres. When the pandemic hit shuttering the restaurant industry, Pla began catering anniversaries, birthdays, and all sorts of other celebrations bringing his equipment to people’s backyards. Word spread quickly and soon his tapas and paellas were in great demand. As the restaurants opened up again Pla jumped at the opportunity and found the perfect spot in the heart of Westport. This is his first restaurant and Pla has plans to open more locations in the next few years.
If you have entered into 2023 wondering what you can do to better your health then you are not alone. Better health and looking after yourself are one of the most popular new year’s resolutions that people make at the start of the year. These tend not to last very long as people are not sure how to go about sticking to them. If this is something you struggle with then you may want to check out the article below. Here you will find many tips and tricks on how you can maintain your health in 2023.
Diet
One of the most important things to be mindful of when it comes to your health is what you are eating. You don’t necessarily have to be on a strict diet, just eat the right things and enjoy junk food in moderation. If you monitor what you eat then you will notice a huge difference in your overall health. The problem with indulging in too many unhealthy foods is that you will be prone to develop weight-related conditions such as diabetes, and heart disease and you could be at a higher risk of strokes.
Exercise
Next, you need to make sure that you are exercising regularly. You don’t need to complete a lot of exercises to gain the benefits that it provides. Forty-five minutes of core exercise workouts every couple of days will ensure that you see the results that you are looking for here. Exercise is a great way to ensure that you can effectively eliminate issues with stress and it may even help keep your body young according to the latest research. If you are not sure where, to begin with, your exercise strategy, explore YouTube or options such as Apple fitness. There are some great choices here that will put you on the right path.
Water
When it comes to your health you have to remember to drink enough water. Your body is made up of around 60% water, this is regularly lost during the day. You lose water through the natural processes of breathing, sweating, and peeing. If you don’t replace this lost water then you are putting yourself at risk of dehydration. You don’t want to experience this as it can make you disorientated, confused, and give you a major headache. If you struggle to drink water there are tasty drops you can get to make it bearable. These usually contain benefits to your health as well such as added vitamins and nutrients.
Supplements
It’s difficult to ensure that you get everything that you need in your diet. That’s why you might want to consider exploring using supplements. With supplements you can fill in the gaps in your fitness and wellness strategy, ensuring that your body gets everything that it needs. Supplements can also be useful if you want to make sure that you are able to train other aspects of your body such as your mind. However, you do need to make sure that you are checking which supplements you are using and choosing products that deliver the best benefits.
Check-Ups
When you are called into the doctor’s for a check it is best you attend. The doctors can check for things that you wouldn’t ordinarily notice yourself. This can be anything from a lack of iron in your bloodstream to more serious illnesses. As you age you will be called for various tests for common cancers including breast and bowel. It may not be pleasant but it is better to be tested for these and to catch them early.
As well as the usual check-ups it is essential you attend your optician and dentist appointments as well. Keeping your eyes and teeth in good health will give you the boost you may be needing. If you are looking for a dentist then try and do your research for the best dentist online.
Sleep Well
As an adult you may have heard that you need between six and eight hours of sleep each night, this has recently changed to need between seven and nine hours. The reason sleep is so important is that your body is busy healing and improving as you sleep. It isn’t just about the quantity of sleep you are getting, it is also about the quality. If you are getting around seven hours but this is continuously disturbed throughout the night then you will be feeling exhausted the following day. You should try and find the reasons for your disturbed sleep, it may be down to your mattress being old and lumpy. Your mattress should be changed every eight to ten years so you can continue getting a great night’s sleep.
Socialize
You may not want to go out with your friends or meet up with your family all the time, but this is incredibly good for your mental health. Socializing has been known to cut your risk of developing cognitive issues such as dementia by half. Meeting up with your friends just twice a week is all you need. This could be going out to lunch or dinner, anything you guys like to do is better than nothing at all. So next time your friends invite you out and you are in two minds, take the bull by the horns and head out the door.
Get Into A Routine
It’s important to get into a routine if you can. The right routine will mean that you feel as though you have a purpose throughout the day and ensure that you stay motivated as well as productive. If you are worried that you are falling out of a healthy routine, then you might want to consider using a tracking application. The right tracking app will help ensure that you can easily monitor your progress and ensure that you are staying on the right path in the long term. Sleep times are particularly important here. With the right sleeping pattern, you can make sure that you have enough energy to get through the day. If you aren’t getting enough sleep, you’ll soon find that it takes a toll on your life.
Seek Help
If you are struggling with your health, then it’s important to seek help. This could be either a physical or mental issue that you are dealing with. For instance, you might find that you have low levels of energy or that you struggle to get out of bed in the morning. If that’s the case, then you need to make sure that you think about seeking out a professional. Counseling could be a great option here and will guarantee that you no longer feel as though you are fighting this issue alone.
Avoid Stress
Stress can have a serious impact on your health. It can impact you mentally and physically over time. That’s why you need to make sure that you are finding ways to avoid stressful situations taking over your life. There are lots of options to explore here. For instance, you might want to think about meditating. Meditating is a great way to learn how to clear your mind on a daily basis.
Dodge Bad Habits
Next, you should make sure that you are eliminating as many bad habits as you can from your life. Bad habits come in a variety of different forms. That’s why you need to make sure that you are thinking specifically about the habits that are impacting who you are and how you feel. For instance, this could be something like smoking. Smoking is a threat to your health. However, it’s important to be aware that it’s not the only bad habit that could be dangerous. Even sitting down for long periods without any form of physical exercise could be damaging. That’s why you need to make sure that you are standing up regularly. Sit-stand desks are great for this if you are stuck behind a desk for most of the workday. You might want to try cutting out a bad habit as part of a New Year’s resolution and move forward from there.
Remember To Breathe
Finally, you need to make sure that you do remember to breathe. While this might seem obvious, it’s a step that many people completely overlook when they are dealing with their health. You need to ensure that you are breathing deeply to ensure that your body is getting the right level of oxygen it needs on a daily basis. If you are struggling to regulate your breathing or you feel as though you are constantly short of breath, then it’s a smart choice to try yoga. This is a great way to learn how to effectively regulate your breathing and gain the benefits that this will provide.
We hope this article gave you some inspiration on how you can enter the new year with great health. Remember, it isn’t just about your physical health, your mental health is also important. Forgetting about this could result in you struggling with your mental health and you needing to discover new ways to cope with this.
I have had many requests lately for some of the most popular items during the past few weeks. With holiday shopping in full gear, I kept a list of the items that were trending for self-purchases, just in time to share it with you today. Since the arrival of the new year, I have been asked for dress recommendations and makeup recommendations and of course the unending search for the perfect black pants. Here is a round-up of some of my favorite things this week. Click on the links below to purchase or for more information!
This H&M dress is so amazing. I love the color.
I am obsessed with this incredible clutch.
I have had my eye on this Marni bag forever!!! How cute would it look with the H&M dress above?
If you are looking for a fabulous moisturizer, this is it!!!
Love love the idea of a velvet flat!!!
What a beautiful pair of plaid shoes. Such a great wardrobe staple!
Platform sandals are all the rage now…
I just saw this pretty suit at J Crew and fell in love!!
I have been in love with these earrings forever and now they are on major sale.
Sometimes, you need to have a change. Life becomes monotonous, the way you are doing things every single day becomes boring, and you just feel like changing something about yourself to liven things up a little and make yourself feel transformed. Unfortunately, we are not caterpillars and therefore we do not transform into butterflies. We do not change our skin, and we can change our outfits but that’s about it. However, we can change your hair. We can do things that make our appearance look different, better, louder, and more subtle, the choices are all yours.
Choosing to have warm undertone hair colors threaded through your hair can make you feel ready for summer even when you’re in the midst of winter. Choosing to go with bright and bold colors that are fluorescent can make you feel wild and wicked. If you’re contemplating whether or not to have your hair dyed, because you are worried about your age or how it may look, or how it can go down with the rest of the world, take a look at our reasons just to say yes.
- You want to cover your gray hair. It’s the first reason that people choose to dye their hair, and it’s the most popular reason. You might be in your 20s or 30s or even your 40s. I’m not comfortable with seeing gray hair come through at the root. Coloring your hair can help you to look youthful and maintain a glow that you haven’t had for a long time. If you’re not looking to change your whole appearance, a stylist can actually just color the gray or the white strands that can be seen. You only have to ask.
- You’re looking to compliment your features. If your natural hair color doesn’t compliment your skin tone, you might want to make a change just for that reason. Colored hair can help to make your skin look brighter, and it can also help some of your features to pop. For example, a rich chocolate brunette color on your hair can really make blue eyes pop in comparison to red which can make your skin feel washed out. If you have dark brown eyes, a caramel or light blonde can make them stand out more than ever.
- It could strengthen your hair. If your hair is looking a little lackluster, then speaking to a stylist about dying it can really help add extra hair which makes it stronger. This can also help to protect your hair from environmental factors like dirt and dust. If you’re dealing with temperature changes or excessive heat, your hair will feel more protected with a layer of dye.
- You just want to keep up with some trends. Trends are changing all the time and with colored hair, you could recreate some of the looks that you’ve seen in magazines or on the runway. If you’re looking to keep up with the style setters and the trendsetters, dying your hair can make a big difference. you could talk in your head during the winter months and then choose to lighten it in the summertime. Dye is also an effective way to play up your natural color, and you can use warm undertones to boost a blonde color or you can use lighter colors to highlight brown.
- You want to add a little volume to your hair. If your hair is thin or fine, you might find that coloring it can add somebody to it. It can also add that extra coating we talked about earlier on which can make it appear thicker and more voluminous. If you’d like added strength but you’re not keen on the idea of permanent color, there are semi-permanent colors optional out there for you and this will help you to give your hair that volume and strength you are looking for without a permanent fix.
It makes you feel good. If you want to dye your hair you should go ahead and do it, and why not? It reflects your personality and your mood and it can really revitalize the way that you feel about yourself. Sometimes dying your hair is a good way to express a change, and usually, you’d find a lot of women tend to dye their hair after a breakup or a relationship or a job breakdown. They want to shake things up and feel different about themselves so changing color can really help. It can showcase your individuality into the world, and that can make you feel better about yourself if that’s the case, then more power to you.
Retirement is a significant milestone in life but can also be a difficult transition for your parents. They may feel anxious about the changes in their lives, such as a decreased income and more free time. It is a big adjustment, and they will likely need support to help them get through the change. If you are unsure how to help your parents navigate retirement lifestyles, this guide can help.
Help them create a routine.
For many people, retirement is a time when they have the freedom to develop new habits and routines. This can be an excellent opportunity to try new things, such as taking up a new hobby. Change can be difficult, especially if they have lived their life in the same way for a long time. It can be a massive adjustment. Work with them to find out what they want to do and motivate them to get out of bed each day.
Be there for emotional support.
It’s essential to offer your parents emotional support as they adjust to retirement. Listen to them talk about their fears and concerns. Tell them you are there for them whenever they feel uncertain or anxious about their future. Let them know that there is nothing to worry about and that you are there for them to help them navigate their new lives.
Talk through their living options.
Retirement may bring up the question of where your parents will live. They may be considering moving to a new city or moving in with a family member. They may want to downsize their home, look at retirement communities, or move to memory care apartments if they have been diagnosed with a health condition affecting their memory or ability to live independently. You can help your parents explore their options by being a sounding board for their thoughts and feelings.
Be a constant presence in their lives.
Retirement can be a significant change, but your parents may not have many people around them who they can rely on. You can help to fill this role as a constant presence in their lives. Visit them often, and let them know you are there for them whenever they need anything. You can also help them stay connected with other family members so they don’t feel isolated. If they live far away from other family members, you can help them stay connected to their family members via phone or video chat. You can also help them by setting up a computer so they can connect with other family members online.
Help them stay connected, social, and active with others.
Retirement can be a very isolating time. You can Help them find clubs and activities that they enjoy to make new friends. If your parents are very shy, you can help them find low-key activities they can participate in. Community clubs, volunteer opportunities, or other low-key activities can be great ways for your parents to meet new people and build new social connections. Retiring may mean that your parents have more time to volunteer. You can help them to find a volunteer opportunity that is right for them. It can be an excellent way to meet new people and feel like they are contributing to the world around them. It can also be a great way to stay active, which can help them avoid feeling bored and lonely.
Conclusion
Many people look forward to retirement as they get older; however, it can be a considerable transition once the time arrives. These tips can help you to support your parents once they reach this stage in their lives.
There are many old decor trends that have fallen out of style over the years. However, some of them have seen a resurgence. It’s impressive to see such a homage to the past while retaining the intricacies and convenience of modern design, as even top-of-the-line hotels and luxury rental apartments are leveraging this beautiful aesthetic. Below are just some of the vintage decor trends that have made a comeback.
Wood panels
Back in the 60s and 70s, almost every home had a wood-paneled wall somewhere. However, this love for wood panels started to fade in the 80s.
It’s only in recent years that wood paneling has started to make a big comeback. Wood paneling can provide some natural texture to a room, while also providing insulation, making it charming and practical.
There are some rules for successfully using wood panels. Firstly, try to stick to a single accent wall – wood on multiple walls can be texture overkill. It’s also safer to stick to lighter tones of wood, as darker tones of wood can still run the risk of looking dated. https://www.stikwood.com/blog/59-wood-accent-wall-ideas offers some great wood accent wall ideas.
Floral wallpaper
Floral wallpaper has seen many revivals throughout history. Intricate floral designs were a symbol of luxury in the 1800s, while brighter more straightforward prints became popular during the ‘flower power’ era of the 60s.
Both wallpaper and floral designs started to be viewed as tacky in the 80s. However, many homes have been starting to embrace floral wallpaper again in recent decades. When applied correctly, it can bring a cheery burst of color and texture to a room.
As with wood panels, it’s best to use floral wallpaper on a single accent wall rather than covering an entire room. It’s important to also choose floral wallpaper designs that feel modern. This guide offers some great tips on how to use floral wallpaper in 2023.
Framed mirrors
Frameless mirrors can often have a more subtle and cleaner look. This has led many homes to abandon traditional ‘French mirrors’ with frames. However, these mirrors can still have their place in modern homes.
Framed mirrors are great statement items for spicing up bare walls. They can add character to an overly minimal bathroom or they can stop a TV dominating a living room when placed opposite the screen. Choose an antique mirror for a piece of history, or choose a modern mirror to keep things contemporary.
Edison bulbs
Thomas Edison invented the incandescent lightbulb back in 1879. Since its invention, light bulbs have gotten a lot smaller and more compact. However, large light bulbs have become stylish again in recent years.
Such bulbs are typically hung from the ceiling without a lampshade. A popular decor trend is to hang multiple Edison bulbs from a beam above a kitchen island or dining table. You can buy modern Edison-style bulbs that use LED light instead of incandescent light. These are much more energy-efficient, while still possessing that vintage look.
Brass faucets
Brass-finished plumbing has gone in and out of style over the years. As this post explores, they’re currently seeing a resurgence.
Brass faucets go really well with farmhouse decor in a kitchen as do farmhouse sinks. They can also add a vintage feel to a bathroom when paired with bold tiles. They’re a fun alternative to chrome steel taps.
Freestanding tubs
Freestanding tubs have also become a lot more popular in recent years. Modeled off of old Victorian tubs, these tubs allow you to hang your arms out of both sides, giving you more elbow room to relax. Unlike traditional tubs, however, they are plumbed in just like a modern bath.
The drawback of freestanding tubs is that they can cost a lot of money to install and require a lot more space than a tub attached to the wall. Most homeowners typically have to carry out a bathroom extension or conversion in order to accommodate these tubs. Fortunately, they can add a lot of value.
Colored kitchen cabinets
Brightly colored kitchen cabinets haven’t been in since the 50s and 60s, however, this is a trend that has gradually been creeping back in. More people are starting to see neutral colors as boring and are opting for bolder colors like orange-red, navy blue, or mint green. This post offers more inspiration when it comes to kitchen cabinet colors.
Because the kitchen is a room of activity, it is much easier to get away with these bold and energetic colors within this room. However, it’s important to keep cabinets regularly repainted – colored cabinets will quickly look dated once the colors start to fade.
Walk-in pantry cupboards
More people are moving away from processed foods and are finding the time to make meals from scratch again. This had led to walk-in pantry cupboards coming back into demand, giving eager home cooks a place to store greater amounts of ingredients
Adding a walk-in pantry typically requires extending the kitchen. Like installing a freestanding tub, it can be quite an expensive home improvement because of this. In some cases, it may be possible to sacrifice cabinets in favor of a walk-in pantry cupboard.
Mason jars
Mason jars were once a common way to store food ingredients before plastic packaging became popular. In the last decade, they’ve started to see a resurgence as a response to a growing number of people trying to shop plastic free.
Mason jars are inexpensive and easy to clean. They’re also great for keeping pests out. These could be great containers for storing food in your walk-in pantry.
Shag rugs
Finally, it’s worth noting that shag rugs have also made a comeback. These deep-pile rugs were popular in the 70s but started to be viewed as dated in the 80s. Since then, short-pile rugs have been favored – however, shag rugs have started to be more widely adopted in recent years.
Shag rugs can provide superior comfort and are excellent for placing beside a bed or under a desk for sinking one’s toes into. They’re best avoided in mess-prone areas such as under dining tables or in kids’ bedrooms as they are not easy to clean.