Office Living : Trend Setting

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tinadh — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Stay-cations

How to be a tourist in your home town

When taking a trip out-of-town is out of the question, consider taking a stay-cation! Stay-cations are just like vacations, but they let you stay close to home. Not only is a stay-cation a great way to enjoy the fun things to do in your own neighborhood, it’s also a great way to save money, too.

Before you start your stay-cation, though, make sure you plan to treat it like a real vacation. Set specific days aside just as you would for a vacation away from home. Resist calling your office, checking e-mail or listening to voicemail messages. Get as many household chores done before your stay-cation, too. Your stay-cation should be all about relaxing and enjoying your time away from your normal schedule.

Got some ideas for fun things to do? Great! For other ideas, try one of these:

Visit local farmers markets or orchards. Take advantage of the fresh seasonal produce they have to offer.
Check out your local library. Catch up on some reading or see what programs the library has to offer.
Take a tour of a museum, zoo, amusement park, or historic site.
Go to a local sporting event, or plan a day of games at the park and bring a picnic lunch.
Relax by a pool – yours, a neighbor’s, or a community pool. Don’t let storms get in the way of swimming - visit an indoor water park!
Plan a block party, cocktail party or BBQ with your neighbors.
Rent movies or see a matinee – every day!
Try a meal at a new restaurant. Make sure you order an appetizer and a dessert, too!
Hire a maid to clean your house while you lounge.
Plan a mini trip. Stay at a hotel overnight and take advantage of room service.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure you enjoy it to the fullest. It’s a vacation! What are some stay-cation ideas you have?

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tinadh — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 05:16:00 GMT

Crocs – Yes or No?

Imagine this scenario: It's a Sunday afternoon and you're just coming in from gardening, wearing your Crocs. You decide to quickly run to the grocery store. Do you change your shoes or leave on your Crocs? I mean, they're just so easy to wear and super comfortable…and it'll only be a few minutes.

No! The answer is no. You remove the Crocs and put on any other shoe. Flip flops? Awesome. UGG boots? Yes, great. Jelly shoes? Okay, sure. But the Crocs should stay in the privacy of your home.

Let me tell you a little something about America's beloved Crocs shoes. They are boating shoes that were made to be worn outdoors and on boats. Then, I don't know, one day some boater went into Macy's after a sweaty day at sea to buy a pair of Dockers, and every woman dropped her giant sunglasses and exclaimed, "What are those things on your feet? I must have them!" I think that's how it happened.

Crocs are everywhere and on everyone. People now wear them to errands and parties, make their kids wear them, and even wear them to the gym and work. People, that is too far! Yes, I understand Crocs shoes are comfortable and light – like walking on rubber clouds, maybe. And, okay, maybe if you are a nurse – especially a nurse on a boat – and spend hours every day on your feet, I can admit that Crocs might be more comfortable… but enough is enough.

What started as a simple awkward-looking rubber clog has somehow morphed into a whole line of Crocs footwear. There are Crocs for every occasion – sandal Crocs, boot Crocs and even high-heeled Crocs. What? I wasn't aware we needed high-heeled Crocs. My mistake.

There's no stopping it now, of course – the Crocs have already been made and sold. But we can try to avoid future Crocs-like fads by keeping the occasion-specific footwear occasion specific. So, let's keep the snowshoes in the snow.

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tinadh — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 05:15:00 GMT

Etsy.com

It's the biggest, coolest craft fair you wish your neighborhood had – Etsy.com, the place to "Buy, Sell, and Live Homemade." It's like an artisan’s Amazon.com, where buyers can find anything and everything handmade, and sellers can share their art with a global audience.

With a mission to re-focus on the handmade craftsmanship of people versus machine, Etsy is bringing back that old-time feel of the marketplace, where people made a living with their hands and their craft, and sold directly to the public. But, aside from the idealism of living homemade, Etsy is just plain cool.

Founded in 2005 by three guys (Rob Kalin, Chris Maguire and Haim Schoppik) with a vision of a different kind of economy, Etsy has since become a community marketplace of more than 100,000 online shops all over the world. These shops sell anything you can imagine – and even things you can't – from jewelry, clothing, pottery, paper goods and furniture, to even wedding bouquets. The selling policy is strict – if it's not made by the seller themselves, it's not allowed on Etsy. Crafting supplies and vintage items, however, are also allowed, in support of the handmade and recycling revolution.

For a buyer, Etsy is the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind items – items that are made, it seems, just for you. In this unique marketplace, buyers can put a face to their purchases. They have direct communication with both the maker and the seller – because it's the same person. Each item sold has a story, unlike the anonymous mass-produced items that line store shelves today. And, they're reasonably priced and shipped to your door.

If you're looking for something specific and totally custom made, you can post a request on Etsy's "Alchemy" forum. Then, sellers bid on the item to make it.

It's a whole community – an entire world of incredibly talented, eclectic artists – right in your browser and ready to sell directly to you. Let the handmade movement march on.

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tinadh — Fri, 01 May 2009 05:16:00 GMT

Die-hard fans

Basketballs, hockey sticks, baseball bats and gloves, golf clubs, and football helmets aren’t just for the sports arena anymore. People have started bringing their love of the game to other aspects of their lives – but have they gone too far? Here’s a selection of five cases, from the more typical to the extreme, where sports themes have taken over.

Interior Design

Sports fans can now show pride for their favorite team throughout their home. Many home improvement stores now carry sports-themed paint so customers can cover their walls in the same colors their favorite teams wear. Professional baseball and football teams, college and university teams, NASCAR drivers, Major League Soccer, U.S. Olympic team, and the Federation of Mexican Fútbol are just some of the color themes that can be brought home with fans.

Baby Showers

If celebrities do it, it must be okay, right? Charlie and Brooke Sheen had a sports-themed baby shower, and if you want one too, Web sites like www.baby-gifts-gift-baskets.com have all the supplies you need from invitations to thank-you notes.

Wedding Bands and Dresses

Wedding rings, a symbol of your love for and commitment to your spouse, are now also a symbol of love for a favorite sport. Wedding bands, like those found at www.aisledash.com, come shaped with miniature football threads, golf ball indents, tire treads, baseball stitching and soccer ball patterns. Women can also show their sports team pride in their wedding dress, too. Showing team colors and an insignia on a wedding dress has become a trend for die-hard fans.

Caskets and Burial Options

Some fans have even made plans to show their team spirit for all of eternity. A company called Eternal Image has signed an agreement with a selection of Major League Baseball teams to design caskets and urns with team colors and insignias. Other sports teams will have their colors and insignia shown on caskets and urns in the future with Eternal Image.

Name Changes

Pittsburgh’s Mayor, Luke Ravenstahl, did what he could to help the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Baltimore Ravens and move on to Super Bowl XLIII – he changed his name. He removed the word “Raven” from his last name and added the word “Steeler,” making his name Luke Steelerstahl.

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tinadh — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 06:14:00 GMT

Wardrobe Staples

Fashion can be wildly confusing. Everyone has their own opinion, personality and style, so finding a compromise can be difficult. Fashion magazines and television programs are no help—they’re filled with costume fashion that the average person could never wear or afford. Luckily, no matter who you are, there are some basic staples that every woman should have in her closet.

Jeans

You can't go anywhere without seeing someone in jeans, and as more companies change to a casual dress code, jeans are becoming commonplace in the office too. In most offices, tattered and torn jeans are frowned upon, so it's a good idea to invest in higher-quality brands. Spending a little more upfront will provide you with a pair of jeans that will last longer and save you money in the long run.

Little black dress

Every woman should have a little black dress in her closet. Since little-black-dress occasions are few, when shopping for the perfect dress look for a simple design that won’t soon go out of style. The little black dress is also a good wardrobe splurge. If you want your dress to last longer than one wedding or office party, go for a higher-quality dress. It will hold up better while it’s on as well as when it’s hanging in the closet.

Plain camisoles

Camisoles are a good example of clothing that should be found at a low price. In most cases, a very small portion of a camisole is usually seen, so it doesn't experience much wear and tear. Colorful camisoles also add a bit of flair to a simple sweater or shirt. When you get these at bargain prices you can buy one in every color to match your wardrobe!

Simple skirt

No matter what your shape, size or height, every woman should have a skirt in her wardrobe. Skirts do wonders with little effort and can dress up an outfit for the office to a casual night out with friends. You can get away with not spending a lot on a skirt if you won’t wear it very often. But, if skirts are a big part of your daily wardrobe, like jeans, you should spend a little more to get a higher quality, longer lasting construction.

Dress pants

Even if your office has gone completely casual, don't give away all your dress pants. Sometimes it's easy to forget that there are times when you might need them. Whether you wear dress pants all the time or occasionally, you might want to spend a little more for an improved look and fit. If they don't fit just right, you can spend a little more to have them tailored.

Cardigan

A cardigan is a must-have for those who work in an office. The temperature is always fluctuating, so be prepared. Unless you plan to take your cardigan home every night, go with a classic color and style—something that can be worn with everything. Actually, leaving a cardigan at the office is always best for those inevitable, unpredictable temperature changes.

What are your wardrobe staples?

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tinadh — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 06:22:00 GMT

The rise of car sharing

The concept of car sharing is not new. In fact, many families across the nation practice it every day. But what about sharing a car (or cars) with complete strangers? Thanks to new technology, companies – most notably zipcar^® – are beginning to find success in providing car-sharing services in urban areas and college campuses across the country.

The key to the successful implementation of this idea is the keycard technology. Companies like zipcar^® and I-GO (a Chicago-based non-profit company) equip their cars to be locked and unlocked via a box located on the windshield. A member simply needs to reserve a car, go to its location and unlock the car using their membership card.

Inside they’ll find an actual key to start the car. Zipcar^® requires the user to lock and unlock the car every time they leave it using their membership card, while I-GO members use the actual key and only use their membership card again to lock the car when they are finished using it.

With zipcar^®, users search online for nearby available cars then make a reservation for a few hours or the entire day. Rates are generally around $10 an hour and $70 for an entire day. There is an annual membership fee that starts at $50.

For those who do not have enough use of a car to rationalize buying one, this service is a great solution for the times when they do need the use of a car.

For more information, visit:

https://www.zipcar.com/

http://www.igocars.org/

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tinadh — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 06:22:00 GMT

Anti-aging skin care –
How well does it work?

A Fountain of Youth has yet to be found, but until then there are skincare companies that believe they can help. While getting a facelift or skin injections may be the first choice for some people, others may want to take a less invasive route to looking younger. For those afraid of going under the knife or getting frequent injections, anti-aging skincare creams may look quite appealing. But the question is, do anti-aging skincare products really work?

The answer is simple. You can’t expect the exact results of a facelift with the use of anti-aging creams, but you can minimize the signs of aging. Ingredients found in many products are collagen-boosting peptides. The more collagen in your skin, the plumper it looks, thus decreasing wrinkles. The peptides in many products help to boost the production of collagen in skin.

There are additional benefits to skincare creams. Anti-aging skincare products can make the skin look and feel better because many of them contain other ingredients that do things like exfoliate and hydrate the skin. Vitamins and minerals found in many of the products also help to prevent signs of aging.

The key to using anti-aging skincare creams is to keep using them. While facelifts and skin injections are more permanent, creams can lose their effect if they aren’t used regularly. It’s also never too early to start thinking about skincare since what you do early in life can reflect in your skin later. Sunscreen and drinking water are important for skin health and can also prevent the signs of aging.

So, do some research and consider your budget. The price varies between different creams, but most products have similar ingredients. Try different products and see which you like best for your skin.

What anti-aging secrets do you find work the best?

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tinadh — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 06:22:00 GMT

Deck out your pet!

Pets don’t know how good they have it. These days loving pet owners have lots of options for spoiling their pets with accessories. While cost may be an important factor pet owners consider, there are other factors that can play a part in purchasing pet accessories. Is the product environmentally friendly? Do the proceeds from purchasing the product go to a charity organization? Is the product outrageous and perfect for little (or big) Fido or Fluffy? Take these options into consideration when purchasing your next pet accessory, either in a store or on the Internet.

Most pet stores welcome you, and your pet, to peruse the aisles of pet products. Having your pet with you sometimes makes shopping easier. You can try collars on your cat or dog, let your pet choose a new toy, or you can just show off your animal friend. While this may sound fun, there are definitely options to shop for pet products from the comfort of your home, with your pet on your lap or at your feet.

Web sites like www.greenhome.com make sure pets can “go green,” too. Dog beds made of 100% cotton, colored with low-impact dyes and stuffed with organic materials are safe for the environment and pets. You can also find hemp dog collars on this Web site, and according to the product description, hemp is much stronger than cotton and is resistant to tears, soiling, shrinkage and deterioration. Also, according to the description, hemp doesn’t need any dangerous pesticides during cultivation, and it actually helps the soil. Food and water bowls made from recycled plastic bottles, and biodegradable pet waste bags are eco-friendly accessories to consider. While safe for the environment, however, these products require more green from your wallet than ordinary products.

Some sites like www.jaxandbones.com offer products that benefit animal organizations. Good Karma Toys^® are made of rope, and the proceeds go to The Rescue Train Organization. This group rescues animals and gives the animals to good homes.

Sites like www.uptownpaws.com have outrageous pet accessories that show how much pet owners love to spoil their furry friends. Pet strollers, apparel and costumes are just the beginning! You can also find an Ultrasonic Outdoor Cat Deterrent, a cat toilet-training kit, and a Cat Sitter DVD. This continuous DVD consists of objects floating around the TV screen for cats to watch and swat, occupying their time while their owners are at work.

While pets don’t always appreciate added benefits of eco-friendly, charitable or outrageous accessories, their owners may think otherwise.

What are your favorite pet accessories?

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tinadh — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 05:20:00 GMT

What is the neti pot?

It may look like a gravy boat, but you won’t see this during your Thanksgiving feast! The neti pot, a type of nasal irrigation system, is sweeping the nation. It was recently featured on the Oprah Winfrey show, and its popularity seemed to take off from there. So what is the big deal about this funny little pot and how do you use it?

The neti pot is a container used to rinse the nasal cavity. It can be used to treat colds, sinus problems and allergies. According to the Himalayan Institute, the neti pot naturally cleanses, refreshes and protects the nasal passages, one of our body’s first lines of defense against illness. It gently washes away excess mucous, bacteria, pollen, allergens and viruses from the sinuses.

This may seem like just a new health craze, but the neti pot has been around for many years. According to the article, Neti pot for sinus health, the practice of nasal cleansing—known as Neti—has been used in India for thousands of years.

A neti pot can be found at most health food stores and drug stores with prices ranging from $12-$30. Got a cold or pesky sinus pressure? Why not give neti pot a try?

Instructions for neti pot use:

Make sure your neti pot is clean. Rinse out the pot with water and dish detergent and clean thoroughly.
Prepare the saline solution with lukewarm water and fill the neti pot.
Tilt your head to the side.
Insert spout of neti pot gently into the raised nostril creating a seal between the neti pot and the nostril. If it drains out of your mouth, lower you forehead.
Raise the neti pot slowly to develop a steady flow of saline solution. through the upper nostril and out the lower.
During the process do not hold your breath. Breathe through your mouth.
When you’re done, exhale firmly several times to clear the nasal passages.
Reverse the tilt of your head and repeat the process on the other side.

Have you tried the neti pot? How did it work for you?

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tinadh — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 05:10:00 GMT

Put Your Best Foot Forward

It’s understandable to spend a fortune on shoes with 565 platinum-set Kwiat diamonds, including 55 carats of clear diamonds and a 5-carat stone, like those designed by Stuart Weitzman for singer Alison Kraus for the 2004 Oscars ceremony. But really, what makes shoes designed for every day wear cost upwards of $500?

Expensive materials play a major role in a shoe’s cost. The best leather, wood, jewels and feathers are pricy, and other rare materials increase the value. The best leather comes from Italy, and some feathers are only available from archives of designer workshops. The price reflects this rarity since some of the shoes could be considered museum worthy.

High-quality design and structure of the shoes also figure into the cost. Some designers use specific mechanics to construct the shape and height of the heel, the way the heel attaches to the shoe, and the shape of the arch. These mechanics are unique and increase the shoe’s quality and comfort. Overall, the more the shoe costs, the better the quality of constructing the shoe, which translates to comfort for the consumer.

High-quality men’s shoes are just as expensive as women’s shoes. According to Forbes.com, “expensive [men’s] shoes are made with the kind of craftsmanship and materials that allow them to age as well as that favorite Bordeaux.” High-end men’s shoes can be either handmade or ready-made. The best-quality handmade shoes are built around a form in the shape of the man’s foot, making the shoes unique to each man. These shoes are expensive, and take some time to make, but their quality is superior to those you can buy off of a store’s shelves.

You don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort, but you may sacrifice part of your budget. You really can walk a mile comfortably in pricy designer shoes, but would you really want to?

What’s the most you’ve ever paid for a pair of shoes?

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Katie — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Color Me Trendy

Before the winter snow had thawed, fashion designers decided the trends for this autumn. February’s New York Fashion Week showcased fabric colors and styles for our next season. Thanks to Pantone, Inc., the leading expert in color choice for fashion and home, we can keep up with the color trends. You can see the Pantone, Inc. color choices for fall 2008 online at www.pantone.com.

So what colors has Pantone, Inc. announced for fall? You can expect bright, cooler colors, with blue and purple leading the way. Pantone’s 2008 Color of the Year, Blue Iris, is the most popular color chosen by designers. Warm browns and cool grays will be mixed into the color palette, as well as variations of warm red, orange and yellow.

It’s easy to enjoy the color trends for fall, the season of change, and still keep a little change in your pocket. For the trendy, and budget-conscious, person, buy just one or two items for the new season. You can pair the items with things you already have to make the style your own. A sweater, jacket or shirt in the color palettte for fall works just as well as an entire wardrobe. Women can also try a new handbag or piece of jewelry to show they are keeping up with the latest style without going overboard.

To bring color and warmth into your home, try adding a few pillows or blankets in your favorite forecasted color. For the adventurous spirit, try painting that color on an accent wall. Find a color to work with the décor you already have, or start brand new.

As quickly as the seasons change, so do the fashion trends. Enjoy the current season’s color choices now, and look forward to a new selection next season as well!

What Pantone color combinations would you choose for your wardrobe or your home?

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admin — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 01:56:00 GMT

Stay cool, calm and collected in summer business attire

Choosing an outfit for work can sometimes be chore in itself, and the summer months don’t make dressing appropriately for the office any easier. Clothing for work should be both appropriate and comfortable, and sometimes finding that balance can be difficult.

Consider your office environment when you choose your outfit each day and think about the image you want to portray of yourself and your company. The best way to decide your summer wardrobe for work is to ask: would a manager wear this? If the answer is no, then the outfit should stay out of the workplace.

Examples of inappropriate business clothing would include halter and tube tops, midriff-bearing shirts, mini skirts, workout wear, bike shorts, cutoff shorts, swimsuits and beachwear. Wrinkled, stained and torn clothing can be included in this list as well. Noisy jewelry can be a distraction to those around you, so be aware of the jingle of earrings, bracelets or other accessories.

Appropriate clothing in cotton, lightweight wool and silk fabrics will help keep you cool during the workday. Choosing clothes in bright colors will also help you celebrate summer while at work. Clothes that are clean, in good condition and comfortable will keep your appearance professional. Women should consider blouses, shirts with short or cap sleeves, Capri pants and A-line skirts. Men should consider layering t-shirts under business shirts to absorb perspiration.

It’s also a good idea to think about the temperature inside your office. Dressing in layers can help you stay comfortable while moving from the warm outdoors to the air-conditioned indoors. If you know your office can be chilly, bring a sweater with you to work.

Summer can be a fun time to express your creative fashion side, but it is important to maintain your professionalism on the job. Remember, less is not more!

Do you have a favorite summer outfit? Tell us about it!