Inspire Yourself Using Different Platforms

First and foremost, you have to educate yourself with the latest wall craze to know what’s trending these days. For that, you can shift your focus to social media applications, like Pinterest and Instagram. The images uploaded by users on these social platforms can inspire you. You might not even have to turn elsewhere for any further guidance to know which colors should be on your interior walls.

Use the Color Theory to Your Advantage

You should also be aware of the interior designer’s no-fail color theory before opting for any wall paint. The idea of a color wheel is relatively simple. To select the different hues in one color for your room, you must look for shades assembled into one category. For example, when it comes to green, you will see lime, olive, emerald, teal, and hunter green in the same attribute. Implementing these different hues in one room will create a tranquilizing effect, especially in bedrooms. However, if you’re searching for contrasting colors that complement each other, you might want to look on the opposite ends of the color wheel. For instance, a shade of violet will look phenomenal with a shade of amber when you want a pop of colors in any given room.

Use One Statement Piece to Bring Everything Together

We wouldn’t tell you to choose all your furniture and decor items before assessing your wall paint options, since that might be going a bit over the top. However, we would still recommend you opt for one statement piece before thinking about painting any room so that you have a sound starting point. For example, several interior designers use large wall arts, mostly abstract, to inspire themselves. Others focus upon major upholsteries, such as central rugs. Once they have an item with a range of colors to choose from, they can select the warm and cool hues accordingly to set up the rest of the room, including painting the interior walls.

Understand the Whites

Whites also have an astounding range, from stark white with no undertone to warm whites with undertones of yellow, brown, and pink or cool whites with gray, blue, purple, and green.
You need to realize which white to opt for in different settings. For example, if your sole purpose is to make a room look airy and spacious, choosing a stark white for the interior paint color will be your best bet. Cool whites can also help make a room feel more open if you don’t have a lot of natural light filtering inside the room. Contrarily, if you want your space to envelop you in coziness, it’s best to opt for the warmer whites.

Make Your Small Rooms Feel Cozy

In spite of what many people assume, you don’t always have to make your small rooms look airy and spacious with white paint and mirrors. Instead, you can achieve a more sensual effect by opting to paint one of the walls with a warm color, like amber, adding a much-needed oomph into the room. The remaining walls can either be a shade of light gray or a hue of white. You can implement this idea when you have a small room like a library, study, office, or a foyer in your house that needs a major aesthetic do-over.

Don’t Stick to Painting All Walls with One Paint

Many people make the mistake of choosing one paint and doing their whole room with that. Instead, as we advised in the last point, you can always single out one wall to add a touch of intimacy in a room. Plus, you can even opt for patterned wall paint to create a modest expression. Either way, that particular wall can be astoundingly optimized by adding eccentric family photo collage frames or hanging metal or wooden plaques exhibiting paintings or inspirational quotes.

Note: It’s best not to paint all walls in one room with different colors, since that only creates an unnecessarily uncanny look that you wouldn’t appreciate later.

Treat the Ceiling as the Fourth Wall

Moreover, you must not forget to treat your ceiling like a wall as well. For example, if you’re choosing to paint the four walls with a particular color, say blue, you can paint the ceiling with a stark white to pronounce the wall colors. On the other hand, suppose you’re shading your interior walls with any shade of white. In that case, you can integrate some personality into your room by coloring your ceiling with a warm shade, using surrounding paintings or upholstery as an inspiration.

Add Consistency to All Rooms

Consistency is of crucial importance when choosing interior paint colors for your walls. Let’s suppose you opt for the technique mentioned in point number six (Don’t Stick to Painting All Walls with One Paint). By opting to paint one wall in each room with a different shade, you can give each room a distinct aura. However, to ensure consistency in your house and bring everything together, you must keep the color utilized on the remaining three walls similar for all rooms.

Consistency is of crucial importance when choosing interior paint colors for your walls. Let’s suppose you opt for the technique mentioned in point number six (Don’t Stick to Painting All Walls with One Paint). By opting to paint one wall in each room with a different shade, you can give each room a distinct aura. However, to ensure consistency in your house and bring everything together, you must keep the color utilized on the remaining three walls similar for all rooms.

The post How to Choose Interior Paint Colors appeared first on Koshka.

Having your own ice cream maker at home can be a great way to make healthier ice cream desserts and also allow you to tailor your ingredients for allergies. In either case, you can always tweak the ice cream recipes to your liking when pulling everything together in an ice cream maker to give yourself a treat.

However, choosing an ice cream maker can indeed be a troubling task when you’ve never used such accessories at home. Therefore, to make things easier for you, we’ve pulled together this 7-step guide on how to choose the best ice cream maker!

Step 1 – Choose the Right Type of Ice Cream Maker

There are several ice cream maker variants available in the market these days. You can refer to the following section to ensure you get one that matches your preferences:

Traditional “Ice and Salt” Ice Cream Makers
The traditional ice cream maker has an ice and salt mechanism to maintain a constant cold temperature in the bucket. These machines allow you to do a hands-on job by engaging in the process from the start to the end. This is especially fun when you have kids around since it may push them to participate in the summer as a family. However, it’s best to remember that it takes approximately twenty to thirty minutes of constant cranking to produce a fresh batch of ice cream through these ice and salt machines.

Gel Canister Ice Cream Makers
These machines have gel containers that you need to pre-freeze for about twenty-four hours. The containers consist of a cooling substance that helps make the ice cream-making process faster and easier. However, it’s only suitable for occasional use since you would have to refreeze the gel container for making a second batch of fresh ice cream.

Frozen Bowl Ice Cream Makers
Like a gel canister, you have to pre-freeze a bowl in this type of ice cream maker as well. However, the difference is that you can accomplish that task in around eight to twenty-four hours, which gives you some wiggle room because of the comparatively quick freezing process. Since most of these machines come with an extra freezing container, you can put that in the freezer at all times to ensure you can cook up some ice cream without waiting for the bowl to freeze at the eleventh hour.

Compressor Ice Cream Makers
Compressor ice cream makers are equipped with a built-in electric refrigerator so you don’t require any prepping time before assembling all the ice cream ingredients to make continuous batches. In short, the inclusion of a refrigerator eliminates the delay you experience with frozen bowl or gel canister ice cream makers. However, these machines are also more expensive than any other ice cream maker.

Ice Cream Balls
Ice cream balls are an ideal option for you if you’re looking for a fun way to make ice creams on your camping trips or picnics. These are small globe-like devices with a screw top on both ends. You can put all your ingredients together in the ball and roll it continuously in a “passing ball” match until the ice cream forms. Simply put, it’s a less messy and more fun way to enjoy your frozen desserts outside.

Step 2 – Consider Materials

For the most part, opting for a plastic body ice cream maker is not a wise decision since it can easily break and deteriorate as time passes. On the contrary, aluminum is usually a good material because it keeps the ice cream cold throughout the composition. Moreover, it holds moisture better.

Plus, it’s best to choose an ice cream maker with a glass lid so you can see what’s happening inside at all times, knowing the precise time when your ice cream is ready.

Step 3 – Give a Thought to Frequency of Use

If you’re getting an ice cream maker for rare occasions, you may opt for any model, even investing in one that doesn’t operate on an extra powerful machine. However, if it’s the other way around, you should get an accessory that can prepare large batches of ice cream without any mechanical hassle throughout the summers. Not to mention, some ice cream makers can be put in the dishwasher safely after disassembling. Therefore, you don’t have to wash the machine every other day yourself.

Step 4 – Think About Production Capacity

On average, most ice cream makers can produce around a liter and a half of ice cream in a single batch. However, you can explore your options to see each model’s production capacity when you’re looking for something more small or large-scale.

Step 5 – Realize Your Budget When Pondering the Freezing Attributes

We would all love to choose an ice cream maker with a self-freezing attribute at a price that falls within your budget. That’s because non-freezing models are way more inexpensive than self-freezing ones in addition to being less bulky. Not to mention, self-freezing models also cost more because of their greater electricity consumption.

Step 6 – Pay Attention to Available Storage Space

Some ice cream makers are as compact as the size of a kettle. On the other hand, some models can be as space-consuming as a food processor. Therefore, you shouldn’t forget to ensure you have enough space on your counter or in a cupboard before choosing a model. This way, you don’t have to struggle with storage afterward.

Step 7 – Don’t Forget the Noise Factor

Lastly, while we all love making homemade ice cream, the processing noise can be an annoying factor. Therefore, irrespective of the ice cream maker type you opt for, don’t agree upon a model that exceeds sixty-five to seventy dB noise level. Ultimately, it’s always a wise decision to read as many reviews as you can online before opting for any accessory. We hope this 7-step guide helps you choose the best ice cream maker for your household!

The post Tips for Choosing an Ice Cream Maker appeared first on Koshka.

St. Lucia Day

December 13th marks the day that Swedes honor a saint from the third century. She was Italian and a martyr. But on this day, young Swedish ladies don long white robes, the bravest a crown of candles, and wake their relatives bearing a tray of pastries. There is even a special bun made with saffron called Lucia Cats just for this celebration. It is believed that St. Lucia represents light in the darkness, and well, in Scandinavia, winters are long and it often appears that the sun is visiting the other side of the planet.

St. Nicolas Day

This saint’s birthday is marked on December 6th. He was the role model for the non-religious jolly old elf and was known for giving all his possessions and even his food to help others. Something to think about as we tear into our presents, and feast on multi-courses of rich food and drink.

Christmas

In many European countries, this holiday is considered sacred and/or a time to give thanks for nature’s bounty. In the Ukraine, for example, Christmas Eve is marked with the ‘Holy Supper’. Instead of stockings, houses are decked with sheaves of wheat. The holiday commences when the first star in the sky is sighted.

Kwanzaa

This holiday was created in the 1960s by a California college professor to honor centuries of African traditions and to bring African-Americans together as a community. Celebrated largely in the United States, the name means “First Fruits” and honors the ideals at the core of life- family and unity. Again, light plays a dominant role in the celebration as a candle holder known as a ‘kinara’.

Mardi Gras

In many countries, this day as well as New Year’s Eve, mark time to reflect and ask departed ancestors for guidance and assistance. For the Japanese, it is the most important holiday of the year. At midnight shrines and temples are visited. Many homes strike a ceremonial bell 108 times to represent the negative behaviors believed to be at the root of all evil and misery.

In Ecuador, a straw effigy representing the old year is burned along with his ‘will’ drawn up by each family. The will lists their faults and weaknesses. As the figure burns, it is hoped that their negative behaviors will be destroyed as well.

Mardi Gras

The date varies by year, is celebrated with new clothes, and a lantern parade headed by a silk dragon who represents strength. Firecrackers are thrown at the dragon to keep him from falling asleep. Sounds like fun!

Other Asian traditions include praying to departed loved ones asking them for guidance and wish-fulfillment. Intentions are placed inside a paper horse which is burned so its smoke will convey each message to the intended relative.

Mardi Gras

Marks the day in January that Balthasar, Melchior, and Gaspar AKA the ‘three wise men’ first saw the infant Jesus. The French celebrate with King Cake, Puerto Rican children awake expecting to find a treat under their beds, and in Spain, it is the day their Christmas is celebrated. The only question this author has is how, in the first century BC, did travelers from India, Arabia, and Persia learn about the coming birth and decide to make a pilgrimage?

Mardi Gras

Revelry’s last hurrah before the solemn Lenten season is celebrated in diverse ways around the globe. The American tradition in New Orleans that includes floats decked with celebrants throwing bead necklaces in celebration of Fat Tuesday, a Lenten precursor. Brazil’s Carnivale is an explosion of bright costumes, parades, and loud music. Then there’s England, where some villages note this event by holding a race where the women of the town run a distance while continuously flipping a pancake. No butter. No maple syrup. For real.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this glimpse of how other global citizens celebrate the same holidays we do. Why not incorporate some ideas and cross-generate some new traditions into your family’s holiday gathering? It could be as simple as adding saffron to your stuffing recipe or in lieu of greeting cards sending a list of customized well-wishes or the coming year to everyone on your list. Whatever you decide, make sure you and yours have as joyous a time as possible, each and every winter season!

The post Winter Holidays Around the World appeared first on Koshka.

Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que

This famous barbecue joint was started by Jeffy and Joy Stehney in a local gas station. After many years of competing in barbeque contests, they took their love of barbecue competitions and their award-winning recipes and created Joe’s BBQ. Joe’s is a favorite of locals as well as tourists and they expanded to include two additional locations.Their world championship famous barbeque is now being shipped all over the country. When visiting Joe’s be sure to order the Z-Man and ask for extra seasoning on your fries.

Smokin Guns Bar-B-Que

Phil and Linda Hopkins pride themselves on down-home service along with an award-winning barbecue. They have been creating and perfecting their barbecue since 1997 and have regularly won national competitions for their beef brisket, pork, and ribs. Their love for BBQ can be seen in every plate they serve in their local Kansas City eatery.

LC’s Bar-B-Que

You don’t want to miss this gem when trying out all that Kansas City has to offer in terms of BBQ. LC’s is ranked in the top 50 best bar-b-que places in America by Travioso. Conveniently located to Kansas City’s sports stadiums it makes them a great option for tailgating. Their simple no-frills approach to dining and bar-b-que keeps customers coming back for more. The dining area at LC’s is small but LC’s is rich in Kansas City Bar-B-Q history. Make sure to try the burnt ends, notably the best that Kansas City has to offer.

RJ’s Bob-Be-Que-Shack

For a different approach to bar-b-que, check out RJ’s. Their unique menu items including Bison Empanadas and Lamb ribs have become favorites of both the locals and visiting patrons. RJ’s was featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. This local eatery also offers country-style breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays.

Char Bar Smoked Meats and Amusements

This local favorite offers the best of both worlds, amazing barbeque food and fun outdoor activities. Along with their fun outdoor dog friendly environment with backyard swings, bocce ball, corn hole, ping pong and other outdoor activities they also have one of the largest beer gardens in the KC area. Char Bar’s menu offers something for everyone from sandwiches to trays of their famous BBQ meats. The holy trinity tray is a favorite with ribs, black angus brisket and burnt ends served with your choice of side, toast and pickles.

Rosendale Barbecue

A Kansas City Institution for over 80 years, Rosendale Barbecue is one the oldest major barbecue restaurants in Kansas City. This long-time barbeque staple of KC started as a hot dog and beer stand and later expanded to bbq to help survive the great depression. However it turned into the American dream for the Rieke family. Rosendale’s has been family owned since its inception back in 1934. Come enjoy a no-frills down home dining experience.

Burnt End BBQ

Named after the fatty ends of the brisket that was made famous in Kansas City. Burnt End BBQ offers a casual, award winning barbeque experience at an affordable price. They serve generous portions of beef, steak, pork and chicken. However when visiting, be sure to order Smokey’s famous signature bowls. You can’t go wrong with the popular Burnt End Bowl.

Smokehouse Barbecue

Another family owned and operated restaurant that has been serving Kansas City residents since 1987. They offer fall off the bone tender meats and famous sides including their notorious smokey and sweet baked beans and freshly made coleslaw. Smokehouse offers three different locations in the Kansas City area offering an impeccable dining experience at each location.

Q39

For a hip, open space restaurant, check out Q39. Designed for a comfortable and inviting dining experience with a state of the art open kitchen. This open design is where you can see the Q39 team dishing out favorite dishes including the insanely popular burnt end burger. Q39 offers two convenient locations in the Kansas City Area that are a mix between fine dining and and your old greasehouse bbq joints. They put a modern twist on a Kansas City staple.

Zarda Hickory Pit BBQ

While known for their amazing baked beans that keep customers coming back again and again, Zarda’s also offers amazing bbq ribs, brisket and turkey with a barbeque flavor that is not too sweet and not too spicy. This family owned and operated restaurant has been serving up local favorites since 1979. Founded by the three Zarda brothers whose work ethic and perfectionism has helped grow this small family business into one of the best Bar-B-Q restaurants in Kansas City.

No matter if you are a local Kansas City resident or coming to visit the town for all the amazing things the city has to offer in dining, sports, shopping and more. Make sure sampling a few of these Kansas City gems is on our list of things to do. You will not be disappointed in the mouth watering barbeque offered from each. Kansas City barbeque is some of the best the country has to offer and should be at the top of your to-do list.

The post 10 Kansas City Barbeque Places To Visit appeared first on Koshka.

Plain White and Black Tees

White and black never go out of fashion, and neither do plain tees in these colors. You can get black and white tees with catchy captions and edgy graphics. However, those shirts are perhaps not meant for the next fashion cycle and may not stand the test of time. All-white and all-black tees never go out of style and are great for pairing with a great pair of jeans or even with slacks; this is true and will remain so whether it is 2010, 2020, 2030, maybe even beyond. Plain black and white tees also are great to layer with slightly oversized unbuttoned shirts for a less casual look. Lastly, white and black t-shirts are perfect unisex apparel and are a closet staple for both men and women.

Blazers

Blazers strike a perfect balance between formal and casual clothing while providing the stylish look you want in your outfit. This piece of clothing can also be worn by both men and women and offers a great look if you wear the right cut. Even though black blazers are considered ageless, you can also pick gray, light blue, and earthy colors to make it work with more contrasts and looks. You can also go with pastel shades and make it a match with a light blue pair of jeans. Choose an oversized blazer for a great layering option. Pair it with your favorite pants or skirts for a quick go-to outfit.

Ballerina Flats

Long ago, stylish women’s shoes had to have high heels to look the part. The style icon Audrey Hepburn broke that convention by sporting ballerina or ballet flats on various occasions with all sorts of dresses. It has been more than 50 years since Audrey introduced this trend. However, it is still as fresh as day one and will continue to be for many years.
Ballet flats in classic shades like nudes, earthy, navy, and black tones are made for all seasons and occasions. They are extremely comfortable to wear and come as a blessing for your heels and arches when you have to walk a lot. Then, you can also wear them with any dress of your choice— from denim to chinos and trousers to bodycon and A-line skirts.

White Button-Down Shirt

No wardrobe is complete without the classic white button-down shirt. This staple is a versatile option that has evolved from the men’s wardrobe only to now being worn by men and women alike. Another reason why they are a hit is because of their countless styling options. You can wear them in various combinations of casual and semi-formal styling. For weekend getaways and beach trips, you can combine them with denim or a trendy pair of shorts along with sneakers. You can also create a casual-formal look by wearing them with trousers and chinos along with loafers and oxfords.

Breton Shirts

A style hailing from Northern France, Breton stripes have been all the rage in crew neck and long-sleeve tees for many decades. Usually, these shirts are made of hard-wearing cotton and feature dark stripes on a white base. Men and women can wear them with light denim pants and sneakers to create a perfect unisex uber cool look.

Double Denim

People would avoid wearing denim on denim for the longest time because it could break the look and might not provide the contrast you look between a pair of pants and a shirt. This misconception regarding double denim styling has been smashed down in the last couple of years. Today, denim-on-denim has become one of the most popular fashion trends. You get a lot of room of styling and customization when it comes to double denim. You can go with a light blue jacket and dark blue jeans or vice versa. You can also break out of the conventional mold of blue shades and experiment with white and black denim pants. Besides jackets, you can try the look with button-down denim shirts as well. You can also carry the double denim look with sneakers, loafers, ballet flats, and even oxfords. For all these reasons, the newfound love for double denim styling is here to stay.

Slip-on Sneakers

Slip-on sneakers are another fashion item that has been around for a while and is here to stay for long. Both men and women love the laid backness, and low-maintenance of these shoes that are free from laces and all you need to do is slip your feet into them. These shoes come in many shades including earthy shades However, white slip-on sneakers make them perfect to go with all sorts of outfits. Whether it’s digital prints or classical polka dots, you can complete all your trendy looks with a pair of slip-on sneakers.

Trench Coats

When class, sophistication, style, and timelessness combine, they make a trench coat. Trench coats look the part for both men and women for any engagements, especially when the air is a little too nippy. It is an ideal option for those in-between seasons. If you don’t want sweaters to be the outermost layer of your clothing in winter, you can go with a classic trench coat. Trench coats also make incredible pedestrian apparel, especially when there is too much wind or a rain forecast.

Some fashion trends last for only one season, and some continue to rule for years and even decades. Keeping these items in your closet will keep your wardrobe up-to-date year after year. These items have been part of chic styling for seasons after seasons, and we don’t see a reason that this will change in the coming years.

The post Popular and Future-Proof Fashion Items to Have in Your Closet appeared first on Koshka.

Dollar Store Best Buys

1. Home and Food Storage Containers/Vases
   No point in buying those shrink-wrapped name brand (starts with a ‘G’) containers at the supermarket or big box stores. Dollar stores have the same quality often from the same brands alongside their loss leaders. How? Colors and styles are discontinued. They still hold the same amount of leftovers, socks, sweaters, etc. Also, save money on decor using cut flowers from your garden arranged in ceramic and glass vases from the dollar store. At these prices, you can donate rather than store out of season thereby saving cabinet space as well!
2. Glasses and Dishes
   Open anyone’s kitchen cabinets and chances are you’ll find earthenware dishes. The dollar stores have them, usually for a couple of dollars at most for a dinner plate. A member of our team was astonished to find mugs with barnyard animals on them that were exact duplicates of her wedding china from a 5th Avenue label! It’s a fact: drinking glasses break. They also chip, become scratched, and foggy after many trips through the dishwasher. Drinking glasses are not forever. Why pay more for them?
3. Reading Glasses
   With age comes farsightedness, and a need for reading glasses. Why spend hundreds to have lenses ground when these are essentially a generic product? Many dollar stores offer readers in fashion frames in a wide range of corrective optics from 1.0+ up to 5.0+. Stock up and have a pair stashed in every room in your home as well as in your desk drawer!
4. Greeting Cards, Party Supplies, Seasonal Decor
   Every time you open an invitation to a wedding, party, birth announcement, you probably wonder where you have that leftover ribbon, tape, and wrapping paper stashed. No one likes to buy these items and keeping them on hand is a nuisance. Jackpot! Make the dollar store your destination for these items. You’ll find appropriate cards for almost any occasion, great gift wrap, ribbons, labels, tape and more. Festive party themes and all the fixin’s, but the draw here is helium-filled mylar balloons that will stay aloft for weeks, even months! Seasonal decor such as wreaths, table toppers, and you name it, the dollar store is where you’ll likely find it- for way less!
5. Coffee Filters
   In our office as well as our homes, coffee is religion. The price of filters at the supermarket can raise eyebrows, but you cannot make your favorite brew without them! Just remember to double line your receptacle- at these prices, you can afford to!

For Good Measure

6. Hair Accessories
   Scrunchies, ponytail holders, barrettes. You can never have enough of them and they break as quickly as they go out of style. But there’s no need for hair supplies to become a line item on your monthly budget if you shop the dollar store for these items. You’ll also find that combs and hairbrushes are value-priced as well.

Dollar Store No-Nos

1. Medications/Personal Care Products/Makeup
   While is it a temptation to buy small packs of pain relievers to keep in the glove compartment or your desk, many of these name brands are near their due dates. Personal care products, such as deodorants, may be names that you recognize as well but contain little of the actual product. Be sure to check the number of ounces- sometimes what looks like a value, is just packaged in a smaller size that will be used up quickly. Other issues include products that have been reformulated due to complaints about allergic reactions. Don’t become a test case or a lab rat!
2. Canned Goods/Pet Foods/Candy/Vitamins
   If buying canned goods and candy at any store, but especially at dollar stores, check the expiration dates. Do not buy pet food at these outlets since most of it has been made for sale at stores offering lower price points. This means kibble will be high in fat and suspect ingredients. The foods will have been formulated in factories that rent their equipment to other firms for mass production so it could be contaminated with whatever preceded the packaging on the conveyors, etc.
3. Batteries/Tools/Electrical Cord
   Even if you spot name brand batteries, do not buy them. These may have been unloaded from first-run stores rather than for them to take a hit for old, unsold merchandise, or products that have not been stored correctly. The result is batteries that do not hold a charge. Cheap tools will not last. Period. If you need a set of screwdrivers for a one-off simple project, fine, but toss them out afterward. Never buy any electrical cords from the dollar store. These are likely not regulation compliant. Do not make your home or office a safety hazard.
4. Toys
   Most toys available at the dollar stores have been made in foreign countries and do not meet the most basic U.S. safety standards. Many are made from toxic materials- if ingested can cause serious health issues. Also small parts pose a choking hazard. Buy your kids a balloon instead!
5. Technology: Headphones, Earbuds, USB Chargers/HDMI Cables
   No, you cannot get away with cheaping-out on your children by buying headphones at the
   dollar store. Spring for their Beats at the big-box electronics stores or online. Remember, these are the folks that will someday be selecting your assisted living facility. Treat them right! Ditto all technology. The reason is simple, cut-rate pricing means sub-par quality. Do not buy tech components at the dollar store. No Bueno.

Extra:

6. Office Supplies
   You know how you feel when you open a new pen or highlighter? Or write a note on an
   adhesive pad? Start penning entries in a new notebook? Or grab a fresh pair of scissors?
   That good feeling will be quickly gone when your pen runs out of ink the first week, your notes will not stick to any surface, your lined pad’s pages are translucent, and the scissor blades dull. These office products may look the same as the name brands but the quality is not optimal. Spring for the good stuff.

At the dollar store, it is not always true that you get what you pay for. Some great buys are to be had. Again, the caution, if it looks too good to be true, just walk away! There will be another potential bargain waiting for you in the next aisle!

The post Top 5 Items to Buy in a Dollar Store (And Top 5 to Avoid!) appeared first on Koshka.

This article covers corporate and office attire. For those who work in construction and outdoor trades such as landscaping, pest control, and even window washing, we’ll give you sound wardrobing advice in our next update. We’ll address your specific needs relative to fit, fabric, environment, and audience. Next time!

The concept of ‘dressing for success‘ is far from new. Yet many office workers do not know how to begin. Just like your career, start at the bottom and work up. Shoes, women should stick to low heels in neutral colors. Men, two pairs, one black, one brown. One laced, one slip-on. Your choice. Women can get more variation from separates- that means skirts, pants, blouses, and tops. If dresses and jackets are your preference, know that your outfits will be more limited.

As for fabrics, knits are more wrinkle-resistant, which is something to consider if you commute by bus or rail. Poly blends wear well; sadly, moths like to eat wool and silk so limit items in these fibers. Banish acrylic. It is a cheap fiber that does not wear well. Hint: bigger ticket items such as rain and winter coats should be in neutrals. Add pops of color with scarves, gloves, a handbag, and footwear. For men, different color shirts, and ties, even pocket scarves can vary your workday wardrobe. As for color- select two to four colors and only buy those colors. This way you can pull an outfit together quickly as everything will ‘go’ with everything else. Here’s a quick rundown:

Women

Skirts: 4-5 options in the pencil style or modified a-line. Pencil skirts say “I mean business”. Keep the boho looks for when you’re home, not to make an office appearance even on casual Friday.

Pants: 2-3 pairs of dress pants. Cuffs to fall at the midway point of shoes. Buy neutral colors.

Dresses: 2-3 per season. Sleeveless or ¾ sleeve sheaths either below knee or midi-length can be paired with jackets, blazers, or a cascading cardigan. Solids offer more styling options than prints, while knits are easier to keep fresh and wrinkle-free.

Tops/Sweaters: 3-5 tops including tunics. A white button-down, wrinkle-free, shirt is essential. Stick to solids, then consider only classic prints such as dots, pinstripes, and paisleys. Better to err on the side of conservative than to appear too gaudy. Remember you’re there to establish yourself through your work first. Creative industries such as ad agencies may have a more flexible dress code, but get the lay of the land first.

Jackets: 2-3 Fitted suit jackets and a blazer. One must be black. Avoid too trendy wide lapels, etc. These choices can span three seasons and are classic.

Coats: A long coat, a car coat, and a raincoat. Consider a ‘winter’ coat with a zip-out liner to serve double duty as a raincoat when it’s warmer. Again, select a balmacaan or classic trench. Here’s lookin’ at you kid!

Handbag: Totes or leather designer backpacks will hold everything you need including your mobile devices with ease.

Hats: Not currently popular and could obscure vision on crowded sidewalks. For winter, consider ski headbands and wrapped earmuffs with Bluetooth compatibility.

Men

Suits: In a traditional office, there’s no getting around it. Men need suits in navy, black, and gray. No, resist the urge to mix and match. Wear gray trousers with a matching jacket…etc.

Fitted sport jacket and or blazer: Ideal for business events. It can be worn with suit pants or designer chinos as required.

Jeans: 1-2 pairs. Dark denim, the length is slightly longer than suit pants. No rips, tears, fading, or bleach, please. Ideal for creative environments and casual Fridays.

Shirts: 5 minimum. Colors should range from white through pastel blue to black if in creative. Opt for wrinkle-free if you do not send yours out to the cleaners.

Sweaters and Tops: Have 3-5 options. Opt for designer label polos. As for sweaters, if you loved a good shetland in college, you’ll love owning the same style in cashmere.

Ties and Pocket Squares: 3-4 ties, 2-3 squares. Adds polish and professionalism to your appearance. For ties, buy rep silk stripes and solids in neutrals to match your suits- navy and gray. Dots and discreet paisleys are also classic options. If you wear a pocket square wear a solid color tie to avoid a clash of patterns.

Brands

Get to know these icons and see which is the best fit for your work environment: Burberry, Coach, Jones New York, Michael Kors, Talbots, Ralph Lauren, Florsheim, J. Crew, Kate Spade, Tory Burch, Hugo Boss, Dooney & Bourke, Nicole Miller, Stuart Weitzman, and Vince Camuto.

TIP: Shop where the store offers in-house tailoring, or find one near you. No point in wearing ill-fitting investment clothing.

If you are still paying off grad-school, balancing car loans, Johnny’s braces, and a mortgage, there’s no need to despair. You can still have a great working wardrobe. There are several options. Online resale stores such as ThredUp carefully curate submissions and accept only the cream which is then competitively priced. Example: this author just scored a $1,500 Fleurette coat new with tags for only $88! That is not the norm, but there are true bargains to be had as well as solid quality for your spend. There are also numerous online businesses that offer style quizzes, send apparel based upon your answers- just pay for what you select, and return the rest.

One caveat: building your new corporate image is not an excuse for maxing out your credit cards. It is not necessary to buy a Rolex, those Manolos, a Hermes bag, or Louis Vuitton briefcase. Your new position is not a dress rehearsal. You’re expected to shine straight out of the elevator and have been prepping your day on your laptop on your commute. Overdoing it with extravagant daywear calls undesirable attention to your appearance instead of your work ethic. Besides, dressing better than your bosses makes your decisions questionable and you expendable. Congrats on your new position, now get shopping!

The post How to Build a Wardrobe that Works appeared first on Koshka.

The Mouse

Anyone with children has been nagged since they could speak about the need to visit Mickey and the gang. What better time than at the holidays. Expensive? Yes. But, worth it? Absolutely. There is so much to see, do, and experience at the various parks that comprise the Disney enterprise, that no one can possibly visit them all. Some are one-time events, others are on a rotating schedule. Be sure to check to avoid disappointment.

Here are some highlights:

• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: held at the Magic Kingdom this event will be the one the kids remember.
• Sunset Seasons Greetings Projection Show: Imagine giant snowflakes falling against the castle to cheery holiday music while you watch wearing shorts and flip flops. Mouse-eared headgear optional.
• Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Fireworks Spectacular. Because fireworks!
• Lifesize Gingerbread House and Carousel Display at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Beach Club. What a lot of ingenuity, an aromatic spice, and gigantic baking pans can do!
• Epcot: For insight on holiday traditions in different countries around the world.

Taos, New Mexico

Not to favor those on the East Coast, but for families who definitely want to escape urban living, we present Taos, NM. It is small, remote, and relaxing. Nestled 70 miles north of Santa Fe, this small town has Southwestern flair. Its historic downtown features quaint adobe buildings decorated with ‘snow’ for the holidays, comfortable accommodations, fine and family dining destinations, and out of the ordinary events including bonfires to illuminate special holiday performances by traditional Aztec dancers. And not a jolly old elf in sight!
Frankenmuth, Michigan (Bronner’s)/Santa Claus, Indiana

Maybe on your way to another holiday destination, your family will appreciate a visit to Bronner’s, billed as the world’s largest Christmas store. With an inventory of tens of thousands of different items, such as holiday trees, lighting, decorations, trimmings etc. This is no small enterprise. In fact, Bronner’s spans about two stadiums in size and is open daily, every day, including Christmas. In addition to secular merchandise, there is a focus on religious holiday items as well. The store is so big, it rates its own restaurant. You will need a break. It is wonderful, but can truly provide retail overload.

Santa Claus, Indiana is an ideal day trip if you’re spending the holidays with relatives in the MidWest. This town has something to offer everyone who is young at heart. It is truly Christmas here 24/7/365, even when the temps soar into the 80s. During the actual holiday season, the town hosts one of the best light displays in all the land. The rest of the year, stay at Santa’s Lodge, watch elves make presents and polish the sleigh, view the 22-foot tall statue of the man himself, and enjoy a day at an amusement park with an eponymous name and theme. Plan to pass through Frankenmuth, MI to round out your visit.

Las Vegas

If you like to roll the dice when selecting your holiday destination, consider Las Vegas Christmas Town. It is a seasonal attraction at the Wet ‘N Wild waterpark, to provide the locals with Christmas spirit, and visitors with a reminder of the blustery weather they escaped back home.

For a few short weeks, Christmas Town rivals Sin City in dazzle: the display features over 2 million lights. Attractions include Jingle Bell Sledding Hill, whose slope and snow are man-made but highly effective. Visit with Santa at his winter home, and ride several trains including the Polar Express, view the Merry Magic Tree, skate on an Olympic-size rink, and just enjoy each other.

Gotham

NYC to some, Manhattan or the Big Apple to others, when the chill hits the air, it is time to celebrate this unique locale with a regal name: Gotham. Family festivities include the lighting of the tree in Rockefeller Center, and absolute must: a stroll up and down 5th Avenue to view the festive holiday-themed window decorations (soon, in this internet age of online shopping to become a bygone memory). If the kids are young enough, treat them to a visit with Santa at Macy’s Herald Square. After all, they made a movie about it, people! Perhaps the best thing about spending the holidays in New York City, is that there is magic and wonder to be had whatever your activity. Taking in a show at Radio City, visiting the Natural History Museum, exploring the Central Park Zoo, all provide quality time for families to be together. Your holiday visit will be pricey (think Groupon), but your memories priceless!

If suddenly your plans to go to grandmas’ again this year look a tad bit pale, tell her to pack her bags and make this a multi-generational Holiday to remember in an exciting locale!

The post Top 5 Holiday Destinations for Families appeared first on Koshka.

Anyone who has ever lived in or has loved an older home knows that closets, prior to the late 1990s, have been on the small side. Also that in pre-war (that would be WII) dwellings, as this author can personally attest, closets are downright microscopic.The fact is, our foremothers made do. The majority of women did not work outside of the home, and left it only to walk to the market (i.e. the grocery or supermarket). They needed clothing for staying at home and keeping house (cleaning), a Sunday best outfit (singular) and rarely, a special occasion dress, usually in black. Our social scopes were not broad. We familied and we churched. This started to change in the 1950s when the building explosion spawned suburban tract subdivisions and neighborhoods began to socialize. Commerce boomed and this new-found middle class wealth was supported by women who furnished these homes and sparked increased demand for consumer products on all levels.

Enter the 1980s, when women as a whole began to work outside the home, although most of us remained the discretionary income. For this we required both transportation and more expansive wardrobing choices. It ushered in an era of plenty and with it elevated roles for women’s fashion in the concept to consumer models. For example, in the hands of a shrewd designer and marketer, Diane Von Furstenberg, the once lowly baggy dungaree became the form-fitted designer jean complete with embroidered pockets that accentuated the derriere. The price point for this phenom also jumped from under $20 to an exorbitant $200 back in the day when the average annual household income was about $17K! Other clothing items followed suit with financiers the world ‘round getting on board to satisfy the female consumer.

It did not take long for investors on Wall Street and elsewhere to recognize this new trend and to capitalize on it. Excess was encouraged; to quote Gordon Gecko, a fictional character from the popular 1980s film, Wall Street, “Greed is good.” Here is the current state of the fashion industry and where it is headed next:

In fashion, major design houses create lines of new clothing for every season. This provides temptation as well as an incentive to buy. While most of us do not wear designer clothing, the trickle down effect from the runway to the retail store means that these designs will be copied and translated into more affordable clothing for consumers. As a result, we buy more clothes. Lots of them. As previously mentioned, women play more roles today, have more interests, business, social, and recreational, outside the home than ever before. For this we need walk-in closets and more wardrobing choices.

Few realize, however, that the fashion industry has been male dominated for decades. Slowly, that is changing. Partly due to social media, women as cultural influencers is on the rise. We now live in a world where Tiger Woods struggles to regain his titles and earning power while Kylie Jenner, model and fashion designer under age 30, has become a billionaire. Yes: B. I. L. L. I. O. N. A. I. R. E. Gaining investment capital for woman-driven, concept-to-consumer goods has also increased markedly, and now big business wants in on the multi-billion dollar opportunities that female consumers represent. There is a simple message for undecided investors: “get on board or lose market share.”

Perhaps the biggest reason why women’s fashion continues to have currency and respect on the Dow Jones is the fact that it has sustained growth over the past 40 years. The U.S. apparel market projection for 2025 is $390 billion dollars. The in-store retail market value for apparel and footwear trails at $292 billion dollars, but is still a very healthy figure and a major contributor to the GNP.

Not to be a spoiler but the bubble has to burst at some point. This is partly because the boomer generation that initially fueled this industry has aged and most of us are retired or thinking about it. When we downsize our lives, our homes, our cars, we downsize our wardrobes also. There is less need for more clothing choices. Also, there is less need for more clothes for younger workers in certain professions. For example a large percentage of Millennials who either work in professions such as healthcare which requires them to wear uniforms, or in offices where the concept of casual Friday has spread to the entire workweek. Just about no one buys pantyhose anymore!

This is where investors have to become flexible and to follow the lifespan of the goods that are manufactured. Styles change, we find the handbag and shoes that we coveted are spending more time in the closet than on our bodies. The solution is resale. Even the luxury goods market, which has always been beyond the reach of most working women, has a silver lining. Online secondhand stores abound and just about anyone can afford to buy a gently used Hermes, Chloe, or Prada handbag for a fraction of its original worth.

Now that big business has initiated a binge/purge cycle by American consumers, online thrift shops and venues where secondhand goods are offered such as ThredUp and eBay, do a brisk business. Wardrobe items that are being jettisoned are sold and these sites offer plentiful options to buy someone else’s used clothing, footwear, and luxury items as well. ThredUp’s creed is to ‘buy used’ and elaborates how this responsible choice benefits mankind from less waste clogging landfills, to the option to fill those walk-in closets! Whatever the category, generally a cycle of excess is followed by a period of readjustment.

Going forward more of us will embrace the credo, “Less is more.” Rather than maintain what is essentially a vault in our homes where we cache clothing, we’ll carefully curate and pare down our apparel choices to just what we really use and nothing more. The result will be clothing we wear more often and replace only as needed. By that time some big, woman-run business will have anticipated our needs and already fulfilled them.

Today’s fashion industry is flourishing because more influencers and decision-makers are women. If they are not at the helm then they represent in the boardroom. This shift towards females determining women’s fashion outcomes is an example of success breeding continued success. And that paradigm is fashion’s commercial future.

The post Top 5 Reasons Why Women’s Fashion is Big Business Today appeared first on Koshka.

The first consideration is who all is going. Is this a solo trip? Couples getaway? Or a family sojourn? Since there is a lot of ink that enables families to save, we’ll leave that segment alone. Another major consideration, is time off. You can get more bang for your buck and see more places if you break up your vacation time into extended weekends. Employers are also more amenable to granting time off if it is taken in bite-sized pieces and not a two-week stretch. This way your long-suffering co-workers do not have to try and fill in for you when you’re away. Also you do not run the risk of being discovered to be expendable.

If you have not been harboring a desire to see a particular place at a particular time (like Washington D.C. during the cherry blossom festival) then let your fingers do the walking on your computer keyboard and search for the top places to visit. Depending on your location and interests, compile a list. Next, whittle it down to a short list based on your next line of online inquiry: airline and hotel sites. Since I do not have the benefit of being you and do not know your interests, for example only, we’ll use mine.

Asheville

The time to find a real estate bargain in this hip Southern burb was the late 1980s. For the next twenty years this town was a thriving center for artists and free spirits. What has it become today? Only the biggest beer hall in the United States per capita with more breweries, brands of craft beers, and bars in which to enjoy a draft than anywhere else. And that interest draws a completely different crowd. Unique ABNB-type places to stay and eat make Asheville a mecca for all. Gift shops that feature locally sourced wares such as pottery, stained glass, mosaics, and handcrafted furniture tempt the walk-in trade. In addition to the commercial downtown, one can quickly escape for a hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains, consider a picnic. Forage online for discounted tickets to the area’s biggest attraction, Biltmore, or a ticket to this Vanderbilt mansion (the largest in the U.S.) will set you back over $60. Either way it is worth the spend.

Brooklyn/New York City

There is no chance that you will be able to take in all the sights and sounds of this region, so extend your stay, hop around to an assortment of B and Bs and.or short term rentals and make like a local. Whatever your focus, music, art, theatre, architecture, sports, it is all here and there is something to do 24/7/365. Did I forget food? OMG you will not know where to chow down next! For every 4-star restaurant you could not afford even if you could get in, there are legions of food trucks whose cuisine is just as magnificent and as varied. For this about to be former New Yorker, I know that it is when you are tired of New York and its environs that you are tired of life. So prepare to be exhausted when you leave. In a good way!

Seattle/Portland

Like Asheville, affordable housing went out with the 80s as the bumper sticker slogan, ‘“Don’t Californicate Washington/Oregon” began to proliferate. With its bustling seaside tourism (the fish market) and stellar coffee (Starbucks’ birthplace), Seattle is hard to beat. If you’re left of center, the offbeat charm of Portland will be more to your liking. Sweet toothed or not, a stop at VooDoo Donut with its unique fried offerings is an absolute must. Some folks have even taken their wedding vows there! Try the creme-filled maple bacon doughnut that originated on the premises. Nirvana on a plate!

Chicago

Think of Chicago as a smaller Manhattan minus Gotham’s elitism. People actually smile at you when you walk down the street. Crime is lower, too. Chi-town’s architecture is stunning, the winds off the lake-front bracing, the neighborhoods welcoming, and the food scene ever evolving. Not to be missed are the sweeping views of the skyline from a wide selection of dining establishments like Cindy’s or the Signature Room at the 95th (floor). There is art and culture here, too. Mass transit is decent, and with discounts, the grand hotels are more affordable. Just come.

Charleston

If you found New Orleans too raucous for your liking, come experience the bygone refinement and gentility that is Charleston. Much of the city’s pre-Civil war-era grandeur and charm has been preserved, as if in a time capsule. There is no sense of hustle in Charleston, it is as authentic as it ever was. Languid plantations with exquisite gardens, groves of towering swamp maples festooned with Spanish moss, art galleries, entertainment venues, and cultural centers- go explore! When the pace becomes too relaxed, get your blood going with some fishing, golf on a world-class course, or try a distillery tour, sing along at a piano bar, or join a pub crawl. All this, horse-drawn carriages, and Fort Sumter, too!

What to bring should not pose a problem. To pack for these quick getaways, just throw your weekend wardrobe into your suitcase. Don’t forget to pack any prescriptions- if you already use those daily pill packs then you’re set. Should you forget something major, remember that big box retailers will have everything you need from sunglasses,vitamins , flip flops, and swimsuits, so there’s no need to stress. If you have not been anywhere but your backyard in ages, even years, you owe it to yourself and to the economy to have some away time this year. Afterall, many of these urban areas derive a huge percentage of their revenue from the tourist economy. So do your part and get out there!

The post Top 5 Best Places to Visit in the U.S. on a Budget appeared first on Koshka.