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.
Even though opening a store can be incredibly stressful, and often, somewhat frustrating, regardless of the industry in which your new business is based, if you are truly passionate about and dedicated to the products and/or services you will be providing, then success is certainly at your fingertips.
With this in mind, here are the top four tips for launching your own clothing boutique.
1. Buzz & Promotion
The first thing to know and to immediately start working on is that it is up to you to create as much excitement and ‘buzz’ around your new store as possible.
Even though social media is an inexpensive and effective way of informing other businesses and residents in your local area, you should also not abandon or forget the more traditional ways of advertisement. Put a commercial in your local newspaper, contact your area’s radio station, and even consider sending out a press release detailing your opening event.
2. Start as You Mean to Go On
The old cliché that you should always ‘start as you mean to go on’ is trite, but certainly accurate, especially when opening a store.
Sustainability, for example, is not only an ethical way to launch your business but also one which will endear you to nearby business owners and potential customers of your clothing store alike. Spend time researching sustainable supplies for your new boutique, such as recycled plastic hangers in bulk and reusable paper packaging. This is a great way to get started on the right foot.
Other fundamental elements regarding decking out your new clothing boutique include:
- Effective and on-brand signage
- Racks and shelves
- Mannequins
- A variety of different mirrors
- Cash register and associated technologies
3. Avoid Employing Your Friends
By all means, in terms of cleaning, designing, and decorating your new clothing boutique, the more hands on deck, the better, and it would be a lovely thing to include your cherished friends and family members in this part of the process.
However, when it comes to recruiting and hiring new staff (although in the early stages, it is best if you do most of the shifts yourself), it is a really bad idea to employ your friends. As well as upsetting the natural dynamic between the two of you, it could increase the risk of potential drama, make it hard to discipline, and you could be accused of favoritism from your other employees.
4. Stay True to Your Vision
Finally, and most importantly of all, this new boutique is your creation and your ‘baby’ and even though it would be daft not to do as much research as you can on other successful, small clothing boutiques, you should stick to your vision and do things your way.
If you ask for too much advice from close friends and your family, your vision can quickly become diluted and you may even find yourself conflicted on a topic or question to do with your business that you were previously certain of.
No matter how cold it might be outside, having a cozy home can make all your worries go away. But you know by now that achieving a cozy home is not always straightforward, especially if you have kids or pets that love making a mess whenever possible. This can make creating your dream home a little trickier, but it doesn’t need to be impossible.
So where do you start? If you want to transform your home and make it a welcoming and comfortable place for everyone, consider these ideas to achieve peak coziness.
Choose Warm Colors
Understanding the difference between warm and cold colors can make a huge difference within your home. The warm colors are the perfect way to enhance the coziness factor within your home, especially for south-facing windows that catch the light just right. Not only that, but these colors are much more welcoming. Guests and family members alike will feel more comfortable spending time in your living room or other shared space, which immediately gives off good vibes that make your home feel safe and cozy.
Use Wooden Pieces
Natural items are another excellent way to create a cozy atmosphere in your home, and wood is no different. Whether you pick untreated wooden tables or ornaments or opt for carefully constructed wooden furniture pieces, you can create the perfect cozy area. Even classic wooden flatpack furniture can still provide that vital connection to nature, so you can still get the benefits if you prefer a more minimalist style for your home.
Plenty Of Fabrics and Layers
Fabrics, textures, and layers are vital for creating a cozy environment for you and your family. Knitted blankets and felt slippers work together brilliantly and are perfect for movie nights or game nights with everyone huddled around the coffee table. These items are incredibly versatile, too. You can add and remove them whenever you need, so you can store them elsewhere when the temperature rises again.
Pillows and Blankets Galore
Likewise, plenty of pillows and blankets will work wonders for creating a cozy atmosphere. There are few better things than curling up on the sofa with a hot drink wrapped in a blanket and surrounded by soft cushions, and there’s no such thing as too many cushions, so you can buy as many as you like.
Combine Old With New
If you love to find a bargain at your favorite thrift store, you can make the most of your discoveries by combining old and new. While some people might feel like this can come across as disjointed or unfocused, doing it the right way can make a huge difference to your home. Of course, you’ll have a new TV and fancy devices that you can find in any home, but you can’t forget about how unique pieces, such as consoles, tables, or picture frames can make your space look more interesting. The combination of the past and present gives your home character, and that is one of the most welcoming things you can ask for.
Soft Lighting
No matter who you ask, they will tell you that the secretary to coziness is all about the lighting. But, you don’t need to wait until sunset to get the lighting just right in your home. Knowing how to hang fairy lights above the sofa, through the banister, or over the bookcase can immediately change the look and aura of the room. You don’t want to settle in with the bright ceiling light on all evening, so the soft fairy lights, lamps, or even candles can make you feel cozier. This can also make it easier to get to sleep, so it benefits your nighttime routine, too.
Family Portraits
You can think of all the cozy ideas possible but few things are cozier than being surrounded by photographs of those you love and cherish. Covering your walls or bare surfaces with family pictures, photographs of your friends, or anything that reminds you of the best times in your life can add a sense of personality to your home and give you something to look at if you’re feeling low.
Cozy
A cozy home is the perfect remedy to stress. It’s your chance to sink into the soft sofa, crank up the heating, relax with your favorite book, watch something on TV, or cuddle with your partner and pet. With these tips, you’ll find it easy to create a cozy atmosphere and have something to look forward to on those dark and chilly evenings.