Adorable Holiday Clothing with #CastawayNantucket @CastawayACK

November 3, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Do you love to wear festive clothing? If you follow me on any social media channel at all, then you know I do. I really, really do. It’s madness, according to my teenagers- but I love it. We recently discovered Castaway Nantucket, which has not only fun holiday items (think Christmas, Hanukkah, Halloween, etc) but also great year round items. Summer or shore dreaming with lobster prints, margaritas or wine- so many things to choose from. And super cute- tiny little embroidered prints, nothing too big or flashy.

holiday prints

Did you know that more than 52% of Americans put off their holiday shopping to the last minute? With all the delays expected this year, you should consider jumping on it, even if you typically fall into that category. As you start to shop for those on your list, or you are picking out your own holiday ensemble, look no further than Castaway Nantucket.
Castaway Nantucket features hundreds of styles for men and women, and even has matching (and adorable) styles for families. From seersucker to madras, to gingham and plaid, Castaway Nantucket offers beautifully crafted, elevated styles for every member of the family.
holiday clothing
Fashion is a personal choice, but there are some outfit staples that we can all agree look good on everyone- and make great gifts. For a classic, fresh look for men, women and kids, look no further than Castaway Nantucket for you and every fashion lover on your list. (And how cute would a Holiday card be this year in these? Everyone in matching gear that they actually liked!)
cute pants
About Castaway Nantucket 
For four generations, the Bridier family has run the Murray’s Toggery Shop on Nantucket. Brothers Matt and Andrew worked countless summers, vacations, and weekends at Murray’s honing their skills and learning the haberdasher trade, going on to start Castaway Nantucket in 2005. Castaway Nantucket features truly-preserved American style for men and women buoyed by tradition, quality, and the ideals of life by the sea. Castaway Nantucket features hundreds of men’s and ladies fashion staples and accessories to complete a refined look for any style.
Filed Under: clothes and shoes, Holiday Gift Guide, review Tagged With: ,

Got Mask-ne? Check These Out #ClothMasks

November 3, 2021 by 1 Comment

If you are like us, you have tried a thousand masks out over this past pandemic-era. Not all masks are created equal, so here is a little round up of some of our favorites.

cloth masks

Ollie Belle’s new Phyto Anti-Acne Mask is made up of a proprietary fabric blend that has been proven to kill 99% of bacteria! Using multifunctional, antibacterial technology, Ollie Belle’s face mask includes a zirconium-silver compound, embedded in the fiber. These silver fragments work to release positive ions that attach to the negative ions in bacteria, ultimately preventing the growth of bacteria and blemishes.

But wait, there’s more. Check out these additional points on why you should recommend Ollie Belle to your audience of skincare lovers:

Odor fighting properties
    • Ability to fight viruses and airborne pathogens
    • Lightweight, breathable, soft fabric keeps the skin dry and free from synthetic fibers that cause acne
    • 99% UV protection
    • Quick-drying: 90% faster drying time than polyester & cotton
      ​What is Phytoncide? 
      ​Phytoncide is the main mascne protecting factor in Ollie Belle’s face mask. Phytoncide is a substance emitted by plants and trees (think of it as tea tree oil!) Phytoncides are naturally produced to help plants and trees to protect themselves from harmful insects and germs. In this case, it is being used to protect us against face bacteria caused by the wearing of face masks.

cloth masks

If you want reusable gloves in addition to masking, or are annoyed that you can’t properly use your fingers with gloves on- try these out-

 GHLUV is very innovative personal protection accessory  launched in late Spring 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic.  GHLUV was featured in Forbes.com and CBS news as one of the most creative innovations that have been developed to fight the spread of Covid-19 and has proven to be a valuable gear to offer extra protection in everyday life with comfort and style.

Ghluv can be worn on the wrist and easily be pulled down on the hand to avoid direct contact with high-touch surfaces when opening doors, pushing buttons and shopping carts. It is treated with the Swiss antimicrobial technology  HeiQ V-Block NPJ03 to prevent most microbes from being spread upon contact and to minimize the potential transmission of bacteria from textiles.  Ghluv is reusable and can be washed up to 30 times maintaining 99.9% of its antimicrobial properties. This offers a more sustainable option compared to one-use latex gloves in everyday life.

The Ghluv collection features matching ear loop mask with the same antimicrobial treatment now also available in kids sizes.

Pretty interesting, yeah? We loved both these masks, they are lightweight and easy to breathe through, and don’t make you sweat to death while you are wearing them like some do. They also don’t ride up constantly, covering your eyes and driving you mad, or droop down and end up on your chin every time you speak.

All in all, I’d say both these brands are winners- perfect for stocking stuffers and little gifts for anyone you know that has being driven a little mask-crazy, haha. Listen, we may not love them, but they are required for many places and for the current “new normal” of things such as travelling and going to theater, etc. Make the best of it with masks you won’t hate. They also wash really easily and dry quickly- I’d only line dry, though, on a personal preference.

Filed Under: review Tagged With: , , ,

Easy Office Holiday Decorating Ideas – Marchpower and Areker Lights

November 3, 2021 by Leave a Comment

If you want to inject some fun and holiday festive feeling into your office space, and make those long work hours just a little bit more enjoyable, utilize these excellent design tips and class up your office space in a jiffy. Whether you’re working in a home office or go to an office building across town, there are simple fixes to help you improve your work space and make the long days go by quickly. Like anything, your output will always depend on the tools you have in place. 

decorate for christmas holidays

Close up of decorated christmas tree in office with business people working in background. Xmas celebration in corporate office. Detail of christmas balls and lights with working office.

  1. Give Yourself Some Motivation

Make yourself more motivated with some well-placed inspirational quotes or photos that will give you an extra kick in the pants when your productivity is dipping. Find an image online of a quote you adore, or a place you’re working to visit, and make it your background image. You’ll see it every time you fire the computer up and receive that extra ounce of motivation with no effort at all.

  1. Bring In Some Nature

Plants are an excellent way to class up your office. They breathe a bit of life back into the often sterile office space, they improve air quality, supposedly can decrease stress, and make the humidity level rise to a healthier standard. Whether it’s a small succulent on your desk or a leafy green wonder in the corner of your office, incorporating plants into your design will do more than you think.

holiday lights

  1. Extra Lighting for the Holidays

We all know that office lighting is the worst, so adding some holiday lights and layers of brightness to your desk space for a better vibe all around. Making your eyes strain all day long is terrible for your eyesight, so brighten up your space for both productivity and mood purposes. What’s more uplifting than Christmas Lights? New LED strawberry bulb colored or or white Christmas lights that you can string along the walls for an ethereal glow, your peepers will appreciate the extra illumination. The colorful or white twinkle options from Marchpower on amazon are so easy to use- since they wrap back up so neat and fast, they won’t tangle or make life messy for next year’s use, either. My son loves the strawberry bulb option so much, we got some for home use- they will be great for the buses outside the house this season. 

christmas lights

  1. Clean up the Clutter

Clutter leads to a disorganized mind, and that’s the opposite of what your desk should be. Keep your items organized and keep your computer on top of a clean surface. Cleanliness and organization will help you remain focused and on task, and will look better should your boss or supervisor happen to walk by and check in on you. A clean and clutter-free desk looks more professional, it will help your company’s image, and a deep cleaning once a week can keep you protected from those year-round germs.

  1. Get Modern

It’s easy to find office gadgets and décor with clean, modern lines. Any of the trendy products will impress your colleagues and higher ups, and you’ll get tons of practical use out of them at the same time. Whether it’s thought-provoking artwork that lines your walls to impress clients, or amazing glass sculptures you’ll love showing off, you’ll find one-of-a-kind pieces in no time.

  1. The Power of Scent

Scent is one of the most powerful triggers of emotion, so make sure your office space smells calming and is beneficial for your productivity. Whether it’s a plug-in that you place in the wall, or a car freshener that you place in a drawer for a burst of good smells whenever it’s opened, you’ll be amazed at the effect scent can have on your day. It will also help you avoid the lingering stench of coworker’s lunches, and make your desk space one that colleagues and supervisors love to visit. You can easily throw some laundry sheets into your desk, or keep a small pillow perfumed with your favorite scent nearby for a mid-day sniffing pick-me-up.

  1. Surround Yourself with Memories

In the midst of a hard day we can all use a little pick me up. Help yourself recall fun times by placing pictures of smiling family and friends around your desk. Create a calendar on a photo site, and use each month to display some of your favorite photos. You’ll find it hard not to smile when you look up and see your little one or husband smiling back at you.

  1. Stay Healthy

Sitting at a desk hour after hour can have some serious health consequences and as we know, healthy employees are better workers, meaning your productivity will skyrocket if you keep your body in top condition. One way to do this at the office is to use a different type of desk or chair. A standing desk will help you fight the negative effects of sitting up to eight hours a day, or a core building office chair will help keep your stomach tight and toned throughout the day, improving your posture at the same time.

Filed Under: Holiday Gift Guide, review Tagged With: , , , ,

Bathorium’s Little Charlie Bubble Bath Milk

November 3, 2021 by 1 Comment

Babies and kids spend a ton of time in the bath, but unfortunately these experiences aren’t always as beneficial as they should be – as many bath products are typically formulated with parfums, toxins, and harmful surfactants that aren’t safe for their sensitive skin.

It doesn’t have to be like that- there are so many products to choose from that don’t use harmful ingredients or harm to the environment, nor will they bother your baby’s sensitive skin. I know I prefer products that are better for us and for the environment, and I try very hard to use them as much as possible. We try really hard not to buy toxic items, and with your skin being your largest organ, what you put ON yourself is as important as what you put IN yourself, which I think is often forgotten.

baby bath

Check out Bathorium’s Little Charlie Bubble Bath Milk, which offers the massive bubbles and fun scents that your child knows and loves – but is made with clean, good-for-you ingredients like plant milks and light essential oils for a bathing experience you can feel good about. This bubble bath will nourish skin and provide no harsh drying effects, making it a safe choice for even the most sensitive bathers.

Notable Ingredients:

  • Organic Coconut Pulp CO2: Natural soft scent and packed with skin-nourishing and soothing properties
  • Coco Betaine: This gentle surfactant helps create rich, foamy bubbles with none of the harsh drying effects
  • Organic Benzoin Resinoid: Powerful natural healing agent that reduces inflammation and helps protect your skin barrier

$15 on Bathorium.com & The Detox Market

They smell really nice, and do create a nice sudsy bubble as well- which is of course fun for the smaller kids (and the kid in everyone). When looking for new bath items to try, consider Little Charlie Bubble Bath, and see what you think. Enjoy!

Filed Under: baby, review

Flight Cancellations and Updates- be on the lookout

November 3, 2021 by Leave a Comment
If you are anything like me, you are glad that travel has resumed (even if you are trying to be really, really careful about going out and about again). Like so many other things, it may have “resumed” but a lot has changed. Along with about a zillion new or different rules and regulations (most are no big deal, just require some advanced knowledge. So be sure to check your airline’s requirements before you go, as well as that of any other travel info, such as accommodations) there have been other issues that have cropped up, such as staff shortages. Add that to regular air travel delights such as TSA making life interesting, and weather related fun and games, and I’d say it can be a challenge to fly- to put it mildly.
Have you had cancelled plans? I know I have. As well as new routes, new layovers, long lay overs, and more. Here is some current info about some of the most popular airlines in the USA, shared via “The Navigator”.
American Airlines canceled thousands of flights this weekend
American Airlines canceled more than 1,500 flights over the weekend and delayed over 1,000 others. The airline cited a combination of weather – high winds, specifically – and staffing shortages as the reason for the widespread disruptions.
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/10/30/american-airlines-cancels-hundreds-of-weekend-flights.html
 
These issues come just a few weeks after Southwest had to cancel nearly 2,000 flights in one weekend for virtually the same combination of reasons. So what gives?
https://www.businessinsider.com/why-my-southwest-flight-was-canceled-bad-weather-in-florida-2021-10
 
As air travel has resumed, airlines continue to struggle with cancelations for a variety of factors, though one of the most impactful is staffing shortages. Most airlines significantly reduced their staff during the pandemic in order to stay afloat and are now having a difficult time dealing with setbacks as they rapidly try to bring on new hires.
 
With the holiday travel season on the horizon, we’ll be watching this situation closely. In the meantime, be sure to know when you’re entitled to a refund from your airline.
https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/refunds
 
I am sharing this information via “The Navigator”. 
Filed Under: traveling Tagged With: , ,

National Mezcal Day- and a recipe #honestoliveoil #capatriti  #oliveoil  

November 3, 2021 by 1 Comment
Did you know that October 21 is National Mezcal Day? That’s right, every year. Little did we know!  This is a great recipe using OLIVE OIL of all things! @capatritioliveoil is a EVOO with a full body and amazing taste, and the mezcal is an artisanal brand created by renowned Mexican actor and producer Luis Gerardo Méndez. Amazing together.

mezcal drink recipe

Ingredients:
1.5 oz Mezcal Ojo de Tigre
8-10 Mint Leaves
1 oz Simple Syrup
2 Dashes Lemon Bitters
3 Drops Olive Oil
Method: Place all ingredients except olive oil in a shaker with plenty of ice and give it a good shake. Serve in a cold coupe glass and use a fine strainer to catch stray pieces of leaves. Finish with 3 drops of olive oil on top and decorate with a mint leaf.

Filed Under: food Tagged With: , ,

Should Your Child Be Taking STEM Classes?

November 3, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Researchers and educators have agreed that literacy experience needs to get noticed early in children’s language development. For over 30 years, educators have tried to foster the children’s literacy skills through the strong movement that got established. It has resulted in the availability of information targeted to parents who mentor them by giving their children the best. They help play word games, repeat nursery rhymes, sing songs, read books, and notice the child’s handwriting.

The aspect has proved to be very important, and many have proposed to continue giving literacy skills to our children. Through this learning and reading, it has been a major success in life and schools.

Early literacy skills have promoted the system which forms the basic, most important part of the success of our children’s academics. Our children’s early childhood forms the starting point of STEM, making them curious to explore a lot in their environment and world.

One parent’s role model, Sundar Pichai, was encouraged and motivated to study STEM and it made him who he is today. Growing up in Madurai, a city in the south of India, he got nurtured towards technology. It got this father listening to what he had to do to solve problems in electrical engineering. Sundar Pichai had displayed exceptional memory of recalling numbers dialed each day on his rotary phone.

He ventured into technology, and currently, he serves as the CEO of Google. Today, Sundar Pichai net worth amounts to 13.8 million dollars with over 4832 shares in the alphabet stock.

The government has helped ensure the children know what they get good at, thus improving their career later. They have also made children interested in politics through their curiosity after making them much emphatic. Moreover, the government has had an influence on making the parents realize their children need to get their skills directed to their future careers.

Parents and teachers need to watch closely and see what motivates a child. This can help them detect what they are capable of, thus detecting their interests in the skills. But, unfortunately, the educators and parents sometimes tend to underestimate the skills and miss the children’s talents. Parents and educators need to look at the following to learn if their children’s skills direct them to STEM.

  • Children get to notice things all around them. They start getting into an environment where they notice the changes in seasons, plants, and even how the wind keeps on moving. Once the educators and parents start observing kids, they tend to get more observant, especially when they seem to get thinking about what is going on in nature. They get advised to encourage them, get into their conversation, and help them understand the language and all the observations. For any science, making observations creates a critical part and ensures the data gathered from the hypothesis
  • Encourage children at the table to describe all the things they see and get involved. Once the parents and educators start to notice, the children can describe the features and attributes of what they see and form the basis of a child’s interest in science. It makes them form the language of STEM, which builds a lot of confidence in science, thus encouraging them to study
  • Children should be asked “what” and “why” questions. It makes them think harder and figure out how things work and what will happen. It helps the children get a confident answer and makes them interested in discussing more of their interests
  • Children might be interested in counting things. They start by counting everything they see, such as pennies or cars on the road. They even tend to count the leaves on a tree. A parent will know their kids have an interest in mathematics
  • Children thinking about space tend to show more interest in sciences. They should be encouraged to study STEM. In addition, children interested in space need to get a lot of encouragement as this will help them take difficult classes as they try to make rocket science their career
Filed Under: education Tagged With: ,

10 Steps To Design The Backyard Of Your Dreams

November 3, 2021 by 1 Comment

dirt

If you’re lucky enough to have an outdoor space you’ll want to make the most of it. The key to creating a beautiful backyard is about planning your design, and learning a few new skills. To design the backyard of your dreams these ten steps are just what you need.

1 . Make a plan

If you’re looking to redesign your space the first step is to create a plan. Drawing up a design plan can help you to figure out various elements, including:

  • Which style are you looking to create? For example, minimal and neat, or quirky and wild?
  • Which color schemes would you like to focus on? There are lots of ways to create a color scheme, whether it’s planting flowers or using accessories.
  • Are you looking to make any adjustments to your lawn? For instance, creating a shaped lawn.
  • How will you separate your backyard into different areas? or get rid of landscape debris? 
  • Set yourself a budget 

    When you’re designing a backyard it’s a good idea to create a budget first. Laying out a budget can help you to figure out what you need to buy, and split your spending into categories. A budget can stop you from overspending and even make savings on the supplies you need. If you’re looking to improve your yard without spending too much money you should check out affordable backyard design ideas.

    If you’re keen to get creative you might try making a few garden decor objects yourself? Alternatively you could also try buying a few second-hand items to help you save money.

     

    1. Hiring a professional gardener

     

    When you’re improving your outdoor space you’ll need to decide if you’d like to hire a professional gardener, or whether you’d like to do the work yourself. The decision will probably depend on how complex your backyard design is, and how strong your gardening skills are.

    If you’re keen to design a shaped lawn you’ll probably need to hire a landscape gardener to do this for you. If you’re laying down decking or paving you might be able to do this yourself, (however it’s important to level the ground first).

    1. Purchase gardening tools

     

    If you’re keen to improve your garden space what you’ll need are the right gardening tools. Basic gardening tools for beginners include pruning shears, gardening gloves, a hand trowel, a garden fork, loppers and a spade.

    Having the right gardening tools will help you to improve your gardening skills, and boost your confidence as a gardener. Once you start having fun with gardening, you’ll create the perfect space to relax and unwind.

     

    1. Create a vegetable garden

     

    Making your own vegetable garden has so many different benefits. When you create a vegetable garden you can grow yummy food, live sustainably and improve the look of your backyard. Getting started doesn’t have to be difficult; there are lots of vegetable garden tutorials that you can check out online.

    If you’d like a little more guidance try using apps like Gardroid, Vegetable Tree or Garden Answers, all of these have plenty of cool features and tips, to help you become a gardening pro.

    1. Attract wildlife 

     

    Creating a stunning garden space is about embracing the natural world, designing a space that’s thriving with life. If you want to make your backyard beautiful you’ll want to attract lots of wildlife. One of the best ways to do that is to choose the right plants and flowers. To fill your yard with butterflies, try planting flowers like sedum, lavender, buddleja or hebe. To attract bumble bees, plant sage, toadflax or snapdragon.

    If you want to bring frogs into your backyard you’ll want to add a pond and ensure that you avoid using pesticides. Frogs tend to avoid sunlight, as it can make them dehydrated, so it’s a good idea to build shady spots. Remember, while you’ll want to attract wildlife you’ll also want to keep pests away from your home. Chrysanthemums are the perfect flower to ward off pests, (so make sure that you plant plenty of these)!

     

    1. Create an outdoor living room 

     

    Every garden needs a relaxation space, creating a backyard oasis is all about designing a peaceful place. Over the last few years outdoor living rooms have become incredibly popular. Homeowners are purchasing plush garden sofas and rugs, which are very similar to indoor furniture. There are so many accessories you can use to enhance an outdoor living space. Try using cushions, throws, tablecloths, wall hangings or mirrors. Hang fairy lights or paint your fences in bright colors. 

    Designing an outdoor living room is all about finding your style. Many people design their outdoor space as a continuation of their indoor space. This means focusing on a similar style, color scheme and aesthetic. Of course there are no set rules, if you want to create a whole new look for your backyard, go right ahead.

     

    1. Try the permaculture approach 

     

    Wild gardens are back on trend, it’s all about letting your garden get a little ‘unkempt’, and creating a natural look. Permaculture gardening means improving the health of your garden with natural and sustainable practices. Permaculture gardening follows several different principles, a few of which include:

    1 . Learn from nature and take an ethical approach to gardening.

    1. Catch energy from the earth and use it, (for example growing your own food with help from the rain and sun).
    2. Ensure that you do not produce any waste.
    3. Any dead plants should be utilized as mulch to enrich the soil.
    4. Focus on plant diversity

     

    1. Smart garden features

     

    Looking to improve your garden with tech? There are many ways that you can create a smart garden. For example, you might consider investing in a robotic lawnmower, these do a great job of mowing the lawn, and can save you plenty of time! Other options include smart sprinkler systems, smart garden lights, or smart water features. If you’re a tech-nerd who wants to create a cool garden, these upgrades are certainly for you. As technology advances there are so many new ways to improve and enhance your outdoor space.

     

    1. Find inspiration 

     

    When you’re designing a new garden it’s a fab idea to collect plenty of sources of inspiration. Here are some great podcasts to make a start:

    1 . Roots & All: If you’re keen to make the most of your garden Roots & All has got plenty of tips. Here you can learn how to create a green garden, minimizing waste and saving resources. The podcast discusses plenty of different topics including , ‘Creating A Wild Garden’, and ‘New Nordic Gardens’.

    1. Gardening With The RHS: Throughout this podcast you’ll get plenty of seasonal advice, practical tips and inspiration. You’ll hear about scientific research, techniques and horticultural advice. There are lots of topics covered on the show including lawn care, flowers, vegetable growing, and gardening with children. 

     

    1. The Plotting Shed: This podcast is packed with plenty of awesome advice about gardening. If you want to design a gorgeous garden, but you’re not sure how this is the show you need. The plotting shed aims to make gardening fun and interesting, you’ll learn plenty of new things and boost your confidence in no time.

     

    Using these ten steps you’ll create the garden of your dreams. Designing the perfect garden can be a gradual process, and you may well need to hire professional gardeners. Creating your design is all about finding inspiration, and planning your key elements.

Filed Under: home Tagged With: ,