Comfort is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing furniture. If your furniture is not comfortable, you will not be able to enjoy it as much as you should. Comfortable furniture can make all the difference, especially if you spend a lot of time sitting or lounging. When choosing furniture, make sure to try it out before making a purchase. Sit on the sofa, lie on the bed, and check the ergonomics of chairs. Don't compromise on comfort, even if you are on a tight budget.
Another important factor to consider when choosing furniture is functionality. Your furniture should serve its purpose and be functional. Think about how you will use the furniture and choose pieces that meet your needs. For example, if you have a small living room, consider a sofa bed that can double up as a sleeping area for guests. If you have a lot of clothes, a wardrobe with ample storage space will be more practical than a small closet.
The style of your furniture can make or break the overall look of your home. It is essential to choose pieces that match your personal style and complement the existing decor of your home. If you prefer a modern look, go for furniture with clean lines and minimalist designs. If you prefer a more traditional look, choose furniture with ornate details and intricate designs. Remember, your furniture should reflect your personality and style.
Choosing the right furniture for your home is an important decision that should not be taken lightly. Consider comfort, functionality, and style when making your choices. Investing in quality furniture that meets your needs and matches your style will be worth it in the long run. With these tips in mind, you can create a comfortable and functional home that reflects your unique personality.
]]>They say tequila won't fix all your problems, but we think it's worth a shot. This blue agave juice has a way of warming your soul and swaying your heart into a rhythm of happiness. You may never get tired of the savory bottoms up, but for National Tequila Day on July 24th, you might want to get a little inventive with your drinks. If you think salt and lime is bom, you need to try an orange slice with your tequila shots. Don't let this be a shock, as the Tequila Sunrise, Sunset, and Screwdriver create wonderful agave juice concoctions. But we're setting aside these common bar pleasures to share the most popular tequila cocktail of Mexico. No, it is not the margarita. Contrary to what most Americans think is the favorite South of the Border drink, the Paloma is the common tequila-based cocktail in Mexico. For a truly traditional cóctel de México throw together this summer drink.
Prep time 10 minutes
Makes 1 serving
Optional Substitutes/Add-Ons:
Besides the basic #liquorandlime, you'll find citrus fruits give tequila a more palatable taste. The acidic fruits stimulate other taste receptors in your mouth that cut through the alcohol for a smoother feel. Tequila is a relatively strong liquor with an alcohol concentration anywhere between 35% to 55% ABV. However, with aging, the flavors from the organic chemical compounds become less complex. Tequila Blanco or Plata (also known as "Silver") is aged less than two months and holds a harsher and bold taste. Reposado (from the Latin word meaning "to pause,") is aged between two months to a year in oak barrels. Añejo means "aged" or "vintage," which is matured between one to three years in oak barrels. As the distilled agave sits in the casks the tequila absorbs the characters of the wood, mellowing out the alcohol for a subtler taste. We recommend using clear tequila for your mixed drinks as the sharp flavor can still be identified when enjoying. If you're sticking to shots and want to avoid the agave profiles as much as possible, then aim for golden. Just remember, "Arriba, abajo, al centro, pa'dentro!" For my English-speakers, just raise your shots up, down, to the center, and inside they go!
Fun Facts:
It's summer, and the heat has people second-guessing their decision to live in the calid corners of the earth. Herds of humans seek pools, lakes, rivers, and beaches for survival; the watering holes and oases of the civilized mammals during sweltering summers. This rising temperature reveals one commonality between the boujee and the broke; a desire for a revitalizing experience away from reality. With the discovery of the refreshing Piña Colada, everyone can get through the dread that triple-digits instills. The tropical fruit drink is a golden elixir of life. We're not exaggerating here, the fruit ingredient is an energizing source. Pineapple is abundant with Manganese, which is a co-factor in boosting the creation of enzymes responsible for producing energy within the body. It's also full of tryptophan, the amino acid your body uses to produce serotonin. So if you're looking for a summer filled with a euphoric sense of freedom, try this frothy pineapple cocktail.
Prep time 5 minutes
Makes 2 serving
Elevate your summer staycation with this spirited drink! Although there is still much debate and uncertainty on who the true creator of the Piña Colada is, it is safe to say the drink evokes the tropical dream. For this reason, it has been declared the National Drink of Puerto Rico. The chilled concoction combines Caribbean aromas, refreshing notes, and crashing waves, all in one golden glass. Kick back from a weeklong workload and find a pleasant place poolside, lakeside, riverside, or beachside...Heck! Hit all the -sides this summer and take a mental #TropicsTrip. Being boujee on a budget has never been easier. Let Rupert Holmes' "Escape" soothe you into paradise with, "If you like Piña Coladas and getting caught in the rain..."
]]>Linemen have the dangerous job of working on power lines to keep the current flowing to our homes and businesses all day long. You may see power line workers fixing lines on poles as you commute to work, but most people don't realize they also run the risk underground (Yes! Right under our feet). And they typically start or end their day at dawn and dusk, because despite the amount of daylight in a workweek, society's need for 24/7 generated power must be maintained at all hours of the day. With demand for electricity contributing to the electric power industry's worth of over $400 billion per year in the U.S. alone, it's no surprise why linemen are advised to be on-call for unexpected outages. Some contracts with large demands will require high labor and urgent deadlines, forcing crews to be on the clock for 24 consecutive hours. This work schedule is a heavy load to carry, especially when called away from their families. And with an intense four-year training program as an apprentice before becoming a journeyman, these workers exemplify expertise in the field.
(Image Credit: Journeyman Lineman, Elijah Goforth)
The need for such labor goes as far back as 1840 when the telegraph was introduced. Fifty years after the onset of the utility industry, labor organizations formed to advocate for the safety of these workers. Today this support is strong under the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Still, the trade doesn't go without fatal risk. According to National Traumatic Occupational Fatalities (NTOF), the average annual fatality rate for power line workers is around 56 deaths per 100,000 employees.
Dealing with high voltage wires at great heights is a risky occupation. One of the most famous photographs of the 1960s is the "Kiss of Life." It captured a moment when J.D. Thompson gave mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to Randall G. Champion, who hung unconscious on a utility pole after receiving an electric shock from a hot wire. This photo is representative of the strength that the brotherhood carries.
This dedication to the brotherhood is a reflection of diligent work that benefits the community. But beyond delivering power locally, linemen are also called to action in times of disaster. When Hurricane Sandy hit in 2012, significant damage was caused to the energy grid creating widespread power outages in multiple states. Electric substations were knocked offline when flooded by rising seas. As a result, power was not able to reach local distribution lines. What's more, the high winds took down power lines. Gas stations lost power (preventing citizens from pumping gas) and millions of residents lost power to their homes. Through the Mutual Assistance Network established among the utility industry, tens of thousands of linemen responded to the storm. This voluntary partnership of electric companies from across the country increased the workforce to help speed up power restoration. Without power, facilities critical to public health such as hospitals, police and fire stations, water reclamation plants, and communication systems can't operate. As a result of their commitment to humanity, Congress passed a bill designating April 18th as National Lineman Appreciation Day. It acknowledges the trade as a service that quite literally empowers the building of our world's infrastructure; setting the foundation to facilitate a functional society.
If a contracted crew comes through for you in your home or at work send the power company a letter or email thanking them for their service. You can get the name of the foreman or one of the crewmen. If you know a lineman, post on social media with #thankalineman to encourage others to acknowledge the important job that they have. You can also donate to non-profits that assist injured linemen and their families. These are just some ways to show a great deal of respect to the people who've helped us power through difficult times. Try to remember, the fact that you've been able to work from home during COVID or read this blog on your device right now is reason enough to be thankful for the infrastructure linemen maintain.
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Beer dates as far back as the time of Ancient Mesopotamia. But the pursuit of hoppiness took place in the 13th Century. It is believed that Germans perfected the process of flavoring beer with hops. The female plant flowers to reveal hop cones that contain oil resins which hold preservative properties and give beer its aroma and bitterness. The operation likely originated in the Bohemian region, making its way through present-day Holland where hops were cultivated and introduced to the Maidstone area of Kent England by the Dutch-speaking Flemish region of Belgium. Though this beverage has been shared and enjoyed throughout history, we did see restrictions made by governing forces.
As we all know, the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1919 began the Prohibition period, with the Volstead Act in January 1920 enforcing every tavern, bar, and saloon in the United States to close. Though the ban on all intoxicating liquors, including beer, suppressed an indulgent society, this was a time of lucrative underground speakeasies. The Roaring Twenties played its part as the decade of change with a surging economy creating an era of mass consumerism and flouted Prohibition laws. Still, the four-year Great Depression hit the end of the decade with no mercy. So it's no surprise that following its end, April 7th, 1933 marks a time of celebration. This is the day the Cullen-Harrison Act went into effect. It allowed the purchase of low-alcohol content beer and wine. President FDR and Congress signed this interim solution to carry Americans into the ratification of the 21st Amendment which would end the Prohibition.
Beers Day on April 7th is a time to kick back, relax, and reconnect with friends. Have a good time and make memories over servings of beer--on the house! (Or more accurately, "at the house" since your preferred bars with craft beer may not be open right now.) This doesn't have to be a total beer-buzz-kill, as the money you won't spend on ride-hailing and bartender tips will add more beer for the belly! So, reclaim your 6pm-7pm Hoppy Hour and take back a cold one.
If you've been curious to try something different here are some features to know:
Pale Lager
Blonde Ale
Pale Ale/IPA
Amber Ale
Red Ale
Brown Ale
Porter
Stout
National Doctors' Day is different around the world, with some celebrating in October, December, or February. The U.S. however, will celebrate on March 30th, a fitting time to celebrate the efforts of our Doctors that have undertaken a huge responsibility within the last year. They have always sacrificed their time and energy to ensure that the world is taken care of. But in the wake of Covid-19, doctors stepped up to the challenge to advance the medical field exponentially. The following are their findings so far.
As a response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the medical field turned to the transfusion of convalescent plasma as a potential treatment. For over a century, passive antibody transfer has been used to treat respiratory infections: influenza in 1918 was met with this therapeutic approach. The emergency response to treat patients with Covid-19 became a retrospective study through a national registry. This streamlined data-collection system was monitored by an institutional review board, though limitations did arise from the program design. Nonetheless, researchers concluded that the transfusion of convalescent plasma with higher levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in infected patients was associated with a lower risk of death than the transfusion of plasma with low antibodies.
As of January, a report in Brazil emerged with information suggesting selection pressure on SARS-CoV-2 during convalescent plasma therapy might be associated with the emergence of viral variants, in which spike mutations occurred in the receptor-binding domain (RBD). This viral evolution may favor reinfections. The first case in Brazil, presenting the E484K spike mutation was associated with escape from neutralizing convalescent plasma antibodies. As a result of these variants evading immune defenses, new antibody therapies and vaccines may be needed. However, the urgency to uptake comprehensive prevention measures to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission should not rely on vaccinations alone. It's still important to follow preemptive actions such as wearing a mask and social distancing.
Two developed vaccines are Pfizer and BioNTech's BNT162b2 and Moderna's mRNA-1273. Research reveals the Pfizer vaccine has an efficacy of 95% in people over the age of 16 while the Moderna vaccine is 94.1% effective in people over the age of 18. Pfizer is administered in two doses of 30 micrograms 21 days apart and Moderna delivers two doses of 100 micrograms 28 days apart. Both come with possible systemic side effects such as headache, fatigue, and muscle pain. The question remains whether the neutralization against the viral mutations will decline with the vaccine as was shown in convalescent plasma treatments. There is also no evidence to show these vaccines protect against asymptomatic infection and transmission to unvaccinated people.
Still, this dedication to research and effort to ensure the safety and health of humanity is deserving of a thank you on National Doctors' Day. You have time within the next month to show your appreciation to your doctor. Though scheduling your annual physical during this time may be a little difficult to accommodate, you can still show up for your doctor in other ways. Practice a healthy lifestyle by hydrating, eating nutritious meals, exercising, and getting plenty of sleep. Doctors find pleasure in alleviating your problems, but they also like to see their patients healthy, now more than ever. But, if you require in-person visits with the doctor, this is the perfect time to offer a gift. It will be a wonderful surprise for these care providers to receive a bit of care in return. Prescribe your doctor hydration with a reusable water bottle, get them a gift card to a shoe store (because doctors are on their feet for long periods of the day), or purchase facemasks on this site. For every purchase of any item on our site, we donate masks to Pomona Valley Hospital.
If you want to go above and beyond for National Doctors' Day, nominate a doctor you know for an award. As a patient or family member of a patient, you can nominate your doctor for their excellence as a clinician. Or perhaps the doctor you know volunteers in a community organization offering relief to underserved populations (there are awards for such aid). There are also awards in educational services for students that want to nominate their instructors and mentors.
(Disclaimer: The purpose of this excerpt is to share information, and in no way constitutes facts that should influence your health decisions. The materials linked here are based on research available at the time of this publication and may be subject to change. These public health studies are open access for your discretion.)
]]>Laughter has a positive psychological and physiological effect. First, it enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air while also stimulating your lungs, heart, and muscles. Likewise, this act of joy manipulates the regulation of neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, and hormones. In a roundabout way, these physical and chemical actions work with one another to improve blood pressure and ultimately create a feeling of solace.
To understand how it works as a form of therapeutic alleviation, let's start with the immediate changes we can identify. As we laugh, our core or abdominal muscles flex. This small burst of energy acts as an anatomic trigger. An exuberant laugh fires up and then cools down your physical stress response by increasing then decrease your heart rate and blood pressure. This stimulation of circulation soothes muscle tension, leaving a feeling of relaxation that can be enjoyed for up to 45 minutes after. As the amount of oxygen in your blood increase, your vascular function improves. (Enhanced cardiac health will decrease the risk of heart attacks.)
Negative thoughts manifest into chemical reactions that can weaken your immune system. By contrast, positive thoughts induced by laughing can strengthen immunity. Neuropeptides that regulate anxiety and emotional behaviors release into the forebrain limbic and brain stem areas. One such neuropeptide, endorphins, neutralizes stress hormones resulting in lower blood pressure and trigger an analgesic effect. Stress hormones, such as cortisol and epinephrine, decrease while immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies increase, which improves your resistance to diseases. Laughter also activates dopamine and serotonin, the neurotransmitter and hormone associated with pleasure and mood.
There is a clear link between laughter and mental health. Because it targets the brain regions that regulate emotion, shared laughter is a catalyst for closer connections. You'll notice that most laughter doesn't come from simply hearing a joke, rather it's most enjoyed when spending time with family and friends. This process of engagement rebalances the nervous system and gives your stress response a break.
The aforementioned bond is particularly beneficial today. With the pandemic still affecting the world, we are neglecting a palliative remedy to ongoing stresses. Which, in turn, only adds to the psychological unrest of society's governing politics. Laughter helps by shifting perspective, allowing us to step away from hysteria and see conditions more clearly. This renewed realistic viewpoint places our circumstances in a less threatening light. It's a way of creating a psychological distance that helps us avoid feeling overwhelmed to better diffuse conflict.
An example of this might be waking up on your birthday during the COVID pandemic and leaving for work that morning, only to find a parking citation on your car windshield. It's easy to let a ticket disappoint you, but you can also choose to turn a situation into an opportunity for humor. Instead of determining that it's going to be a lousy day, you might find it more beneficial to laugh it off and say, "Would you look at that? The police department decided to give me a gift three hours into my birthday to start my morning. Awesome, I can't wait to see where this day goes!"
Speaking of life's absurdities, spend some time chatting with fun people in your life. Call up that friend that finds the humor in everyday events. Their playful point of view should spark a laugh, or at the very least, a smile. You can even strike up a conversation with, "What's the funniest thing that happened to you today (this week, in your life)?" or try, "Have you heard of Laughter Yoga?" (Yes, Laughter Yoga is a thing that people do).
Create opportunities to Laugh:
Red wines are dry in profile, which means they contain no more than 0.2% unfermented sugar. Fermentation is the process by which sugar is transformed into alcohol. In other words, grape juice interacts with yeast to become wine. The following are different types of red wine:
Medium to deep purple
Medium
Medium-Full (think milk: light is skim, medium is whole, and full is cream)
59-65 degrees Fahrenheit (When sitting in an average house temperature of 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit, leave the bottle in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before serving)
Merlot from Napa & Sonoma (California) is fruity and toasty. You'll find black cherry and plum flavors with blackberry and chocolate aromas. When aged in oak, it's layered with notes of clove, vanilla, and cedar.
Saint-Emilion (Bordeaux, France) produces Merlot with earth elements such as vegetal (bell pepper, green bean, under ripped fruits) and tobacco leaf.
Deep ruby
Medium
Medium-Full (whole-cream)
59-64 degrees Fahrenheit
Red Zin is fruity and spicy, though it can also carry earthy notes. You may find blackberry flavor with tobacco or turned soil aromas.
Red Zin from Lodi (CA) is fruity and spicy with plum, fruit jam, licorice, and black pepper elements.
Puglia (Italy) produces Red Zin with fruity, spicy, and floral touches of black cherry flavor and leather with violet aroma.
Pale to medium ruby/garnet
Medium-High
Light-Medium (skim-whole)
55-60 degrees Fahrenheit
Cherry is the flavor profile and aromatic component of this light and fruity bouquet. Though Pinot Noir also contains a toasty and earthy touch.
The American Viticultural Area of Sonoma County produces Pinot Noir with notes of raspberry, vanilla, and tree bark.
Pinot Noir from Central Otago (New Zealand) holds hints of allspice and fresh soil aromas.
For Pinot Noir that has elements of strawberry, toasted oak, and forest floor look for wines from Cote D'or (Burgundy, France).
Deep ruby
Medium-High
Medium-Full (wholesome-creamy)
55-65 degrees Fahrenheit
Cabernet Sauvignon is fruity, spicy, woody, vegetal, and floral.
Left-Bank (Bordeaux, France) produces Cabernet Sauvignon with black currant (Cassis) and green pepper flavors with black olive and charred oak aroma.
For Cabernet Sauvignon with notes of blackberry, plum, licorice, and tobacco look for wines from Stellenbosch (South Africa).
Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa has a black cherry flavor with clove, cedar or cigar box, and violet elements.
Medium to deep purple
Medium
Medium-Full
60-65 degrees Fahrenheit
Malbec from Mendoza (Argentina) is a black cherry flavor and carries aromas of plum, cocoa, and violet.
For Malbec with hints of cassis, smoke, leather, and forest floor look for wine from Cahors (France).
You'll also find fruity, toasty, floral, and earthy elements with touches of blackberry, blueberry, tobacco, licorice, and green stem elements in some Malbecs.
Deep purple
Medium-High
Medium-Full
59-64 degrees Fahrenheit
Northern Rhone (France) produces Syrah with notes of cherry, raspberry, white pepper, and cured meat.
Shiraz from Barossa (Australia) is a plum flavor that holds hints of sweet spice, and licorice.
If you're looking for Syrah with blackberry and pepper flavor with elements of smoked meat, violet, and mint look for wine from Walla Walla (Washington).
You'll find other Syrah have touches of dried herbs and black olives.
All red wines are fruity, but some offer spicy, toasty, floral, earthy, woody, vegetal, and herbaceous components. The bouquet gives each wine quality of its own. These mixtures allow you to determine what makes a good impression on your palate. When selecting wines be aware of these characteristics. Get familiar with the locations of production and perhaps the time of harvest as this can affect alcohol levels. Ripe and unripe grapes will alter the flavor profiles.
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With a new year comes reflection. Although many want to forget the catastrophe that occurred in 2020, it's good to take note of your appreciation for the small things we saw. As we hunkered down at home, we relied heavily on virtual calls and delivery services. February 4th is National Thank A Mail Carrier Day, and it's due time to show our couriers that they play a huge role in helping our lives continue to move forward. They were pressed with high demands as a result of the COVID pandemic, and it only seems right to give gratitude to them.
This is the perfect opportunity to share long-lasting-life-lessons for children. In a constantly advancing world technology has changed the way kids are growing up. Privileges are not so easily acknowledged by these new generations. So, get your child involved by encouraging them to create a gift (draw a picture or write a letter) for the household's mail carrier. It may be helpful to share some fun facts about the history of couriers:
If you don't have kids, you can still thank a mail carrier. Leave a thoughtful gift in the mailbox or outside your front door for your courier to find. Bake a batch of cookies; maybe create a selection so your mail carrier can choose chocolate chip or sugar cookies (try to avoid nuts, as it's a common allergen). If that's outside your ability, you can simply put out some yummy store-bought snacks. Remember to leave a kind note so they know you left a special gift just for them!
Depending on your comfort, you may want to offer a warm drink to your courier since it's the winter season. It will be helpful to know the estimated time when your mail carrier usually stops by so you can be ready with a to-go-cup of coffee or hot chocolate in hand. Or perhaps you can simply leave a coffee shop gift card with a note of warm wishes. This may be easier for both of you. You won't have to worry about missing their arrival and they could choose when they want to grab a coffee in between deliveries.
One small act of kindness is all it takes to spark someone's day. In this new year, we will continue to appreciate one another in order to restore humanity in our world. We hope these tiny tokens on how to thank a mail carrier inspire smiles throughout the neighborhood. Share how you showed your gratitude on your social media so your community is encouraged to stay connected with one another. Like your next-door-neighbor, the courier is a part of your residential life. Let's be more mindful of how we treat the folks that live among us.
]]>If you are looking for a traditional hot chocolate to warm up the soul this holiday, try this recipe. Champurrado is a classic Mexican Christmas Hot Cocoa. Its wonderful swirls of chocolate and cinnamon will bring delight to any Hot Chocolate Bar.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Ready in 25 minutes
Makes 5 servings
TIP: Enjoy with your favorite pan dulce (Mexican Sweet Bread)
Champurrado is chocolate-based atole. This warm and thick Mexican drink comes from the masa-based beverage, atol de elote which originated in Mesoamerica. The word "atole" is derived from Nahuatl, the still-living Aztec language. Champurrado is served during Las Posadas, "The Inns," a Navidad celebration brought by the Spanish. The festival commemorates the journey that Joseph and Mary made from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a safe refuge for the birth of baby Jesus.
]]>During this time, being enclosed in the home with the entire family increases CO2 build up in the house. High levels will displace oxygen, causing health problems. Any measurement over 1000 ppm (parts per million) indicates a problem with fresh air circulation in the building. This low air quality causes drowsiness, headaches, sleepiness, loss of attention, increased heart rate, and slight nausea. To counter this stagnant, stale, and stuffy air, use living plants that naturally purify the atmosphere. Evade low concentration in the home office while embellishing the room.
Consider plant placement in every room in the house. A Dracaena Trifasciata (Snake Plant) or Rubber Tree suit an entrance with their tall stature creating a welcoming presence and are easy maintenance. The Dracaena prefers indirect sunlight while the Rubber Tree sits well in bright light. The Snake Plant removes benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene. These plants are beautiful next to an entryway bench, but be forewarned that they are not pet friendly.
You can avail pure air in the bedroom as well. Rest easy with the Peace Lily, as it produces oxygen at night that most flora produce during the day. This plant is better for the experienced plant lover (Green Thumbs) as it doesn't take well to over-watering. The perfect amount of moisture, sunlight, and shade will lead to a good night's rest for you. The Peace Lily is a flowering plant, so if you are prone to pollen allergies, then a small Snake Plant (or Mother-in-Law's Tongue) is a good substitute atop your nightstand, as it too is nocturnal. The Mother-in-Law's Tongue is easier maintenance as it's known to survive drought better than over-watering, making it perfect for newbies (or Black Thumbs). Keep in mind these are not pet-friendly plants.
Another great place for plants is the bathroom! Yes, you read that right, the bathroom. If you want to purify this area, then try English Ivy. This perennial vine reduces airborne fecal particles and combats mold levels. Place the foliage on a cart to create a relaxing ambiance while enjoying wine in a warm bath. The ideal home spa is a toxic-free environment where you can exfoliate your face. Another great thing about this plant location is that you can easily water during your routine shower. Also, try to allow the English Ivy to see at least four hours of direct sunlight each day. (Not pet-friendly)
Now, if you would like pet-friendly plants around your home, the Spider Plant and the Bird's Nest Fern are great alternatives. The Spider Plant thrives well in a bright space with indirect sunlight, so place it in a room with large windows (but away from the windowsills). Bird's Nest Ferns flourish in humid environments making the bathroom an ideal place. They need indirect sunlight, so make sure it has a window.
With natural foliage, you can enrich the aesthetic and atmosphere of your home. NASA's study, Interior Landscape Plants for Indoor Air Pollution Abatement, reveals the effectiveness of plants on air quality. These plants reduce the amount of benzene by over 79 percent: Dracaena Marginata, Peace Lily, and English Ivy. With such impurities (VOCs) exposed by building materials, products (household cleaners/personal care), and home activities, it is best practice to filter the atmosphere indoors with natural combatants.
Updating the home with live foliage can have a positive effect on families today. As the air in the shared space undergoes purification, plants are allowed the room to breathe life into our environment. With quality air, balance is restored. While we continue to live out each day with our loved ones, we will be able to enjoy the pleasures of energy, clarity, concentration, tranquility, and stability.
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Another way to capture natural allure is with curvaceous pieces. Soft silhouettes are subconsciously suggestive of rivers, lakes, and ponds. The Crystal Falls Traditional Style Glass Coffee Table is a perfect example of this. The unexpected sinuous design is a gentle addition to a space. Liven your guest bedroom sitting area by partnering the armchairs with this coffee table. It will give your visitors a private place to sit in comfort with an early morning coffee or late night tea while the rest of the house is resting. You may want to set up an occasional table tray to excite your guests for the holiday or celebration that they are attending.
As for common room décor, stay focused on natural colors such as blue and green. In combination with the warm wood tones, blue and green hues are earthy expressions. Blue is a peaceful color, whether light or dark. It brightens our days and soothes our nights, so that we may dream all day long. Green is easily seen outdoors and in today's interiors. Plants play a huge role in any style of interior design. Particularly with contemporary décor, flora is essential. You can display these colors on the Lyss Cottage Style 5-Tier Corner Ladder Display Shelf. This piece is perfect for offering a bedside bookcase with a space-conscious design. The open and airy frame clears the atmosphere and lends books for your guests to read themselves into a quiet slumber.
These basic tips for creating a welcoming and serene contemporary guest bedroom will have friends and family feeling better than any hotel can ever achieve. Being the best host is extremely rewarding. It's more than offering a roof to sleep under. It's providing a loving and caring place where people feel grateful to spend time. Every detail of effort counts. If you gained the inspiration you needed but want more on color choice, check out our earlier blog Painting a New Decade: 2020 Color Trends. Also, look out for upcoming blogs as we will be discussing Plant Aesthetic in the Home.
Schools are back in session, but this new-school-year transition is the hardest among students. As a parent of small children, it's not easy to see them struggle educationally let alone emotionally during this time. The traditional excitement of a fresh start in a higher grade level has been squandered under the foot of COVID-19. The result: discouraged young students. For kindergartners, the experience of the first day of school has been robbed from their eager little fingers. As the uncertainty of reintegration plans linger in the season to come, parents will see a dwindling engagement in their elementary-aged children.
But hope is never lost! It takes a dedicated parent to create a learning environment at home where a child can continue to grow and develop. Your home is the new school and you ultimately decide what kind of classroom ambiance your child will work in. Set the tone right! Help counter your child's heartbreak over social separation by redirecting their mindset on positive aspects, such as redecorating to adjust to the current conditions. Encouraging your child to recognize this time as an opportunity to take on a creative project will give them an optimistic attitude. Children love being given control because so much of their lives hold protective barriers that apply limitations.
When they see Distance Learning as their work and home as the stage for their "big-kid responsibility," they will begin to see the importance and seriousness of the new expectations. Enforce structure by co-creating a work station in your home for your child. This may be in their bedroom, your home office, or in the living room. Some children find working in their own space rewarding while others prefer to imitate parent work ethics. Learn what your child favors.
We have a selection of fun kids desks that you can choose from. The Enrique Yellow Bus Inspired Workstation is the perfect start to recreating the traditional school experience. The yellow frame showcases the familiar "SCHOOL BUS" decal and features life-like wheels at the base. Colors have been known to be associated with triggering emotions. Yellow is a warm color that radiates energy. Much like the natural physical health benefits of sunlight, yellow psychologically revitalizes children. An open top shelf can hold school supplies such as Mason jars filled with pencils, erasers, and colors. Its desktop is built for online learning as it provides USB and power outlet access, so laptops and tablets never lose charge in the middle of a class. Included with the desk is a stool seat that easily tucks underneath to conserve floor space during breaks.
With the Beastie Contemporary Upholstered Youth Folding Chair your child will look forward to reading assignments. This adorable floor seat transforms from a lovable character to a cozy foam chair (And don't worry about any snack crumbs during lounging, because the microfiber and polyester blend cover is removable for an easy wash). Having a designated reading nook separate from a desk gives children flexibility. When different seating options are presented in the learning environment at home, children don't feel as restricted and confined. This freedom allows them to develop a desire to take on tasks. Apply this same approach when monitoring their time in front of their online class. Some children may need a parental watch, while others are stimulated and engage more when no one is hovering around. Be aware of your child's learning needs.
Although sitting in front of a lesson is a part of educating a child, it's just as important for children to get up and move! A mother, Sheila Goforth, illuminates on the topic. In her experience of homeschooling all eight of her kids in the span of 19 years, she has tried it all. What Sheila has found is that kinesthetic learning and lots of breaks offers a comfortable education. Her observations of learning needs took creative turns, "We had a mini trampoline (rebounder) in the room." Staying seated for long periods has been proven to be physically damaging to the body in an average adult. Now imagine the effects on a growing child. There is a reason schools have designated breaks for students. The constant feeding of information is wasted when we don't give students mental breaks (a teacher's digression during a lesson) and physical breaks. Kids especially need lots of physical breaks to exert energy that would otherwise distract them with discomfort when trying to stay still in their seats. During designated breaks encourage activities like taking a walk outside. The fresh air and natural light offer additional benefits in combination with the blood circulation that comes with walking. If you have a yard, spend quality time playing sports with your child. Or just have a mid-day dance party in the living room! Whatever you do, try to encourage activities away from screens to give your children's eyes a rest.
As with anything, organization is a huge determining factor in success here. Lucky for you we have a simple storage solution! The Jodi Modern Design Black Stack-able Bookcase is a modular design best suited for children's rooms. Three stack-able units create a versatile shelf. Each compartment can stand side by side against a wall to create easy access for small children. Low shelves are ideal for teaching children that there is a proper place for materials. Dedicate one case to art supplies, one to books, and another to puzzles. Space beneath each of these leaves room for other large items. As your child grows older, the stands can interlock on one another saving more floor space and making it an investment with long-term benefits.
Not only will building an area bring excitement to your child with the current school conditions, it will also give a sense of ownership to their work. Customizing the space to their specific interests will ignite a passion for everything they do in that learning environment at home. Newfound care will develop not only for their set-up but for the activities they conduct in that place.
The Bohemian style has been a trailblazing trend in interior home decorating. With the comfort that warm wood brings into a space, it's not hard to see why such decor would be welcome in the house. Combining mixed wood tones with colorful accents is quite a spectacle. The playful expression is liberating and welcoming to any and all. If you're looking to create a freeing atmosphere with natural ambiance in your living room the bohemian style is the design to follow. Its use of multi-color elements makes mixing different furniture pieces simple, allowing for little effort on your part.
Start the foundation by setting a carpet with tasseled ends. Look for any one of these patterns:
Center the Valdera Transitional Slatted Brown Cherry Coffee Table on top. Partner this table with Valdera Transitional Slatted Brown Cherry End Tables for a complete look. The rustic wood grain detail and the faded rainbow slatted bottom shelves are the perfect merging for Boho style. The distressed wood evokes a natural simplicity while the muted colors express subtle creativity seen in the eccentric art of Bohemian style home decor. A plank-style design humbles the space for a more down-to-earth feel.
You can carry over this slatted look with the Della Classic Louver Style Shoe Cabinet if your entrance hall leads directly into the living room. The classic oak storage is something you might see in your room at a resort, so its role in your home will definitely send off a travelers comfort. Similarly, the Amias Natural Toned Sofa Table uses its bowed legs to uphold an exotic allure. The plank-style tabletop and bottom shelf give us plenty of bold Bohemian. Here you can surround family and friend photos with colorful succulents:
These mellow colors pop out against the natural tones of other Boho style decor items. These other items such as wicker, macrame, and string lights give a space a sense of peace and relaxation that the Bohemian style aims to achieve. Our Harmony Transitional 70-inch Distressed Walnut TV Stand does just this. A bamboo webbing accents the rustic piece for a calming touch that mixes well with a handmade macrame wall decoration and any other rattan wicker items. The Lockett Vintage Walnut Accent Chest completes the look with its mixture of wood drawer fronts and a collection of various drawer pulls.
Mixing different finishes gives the space an eclectic look that is most desirable in Bohemian style interiors. This approach imparts the appearance of a traveled resident. With touches of color sporadically placed in unexpected corners, the room comes to life. It's the serendipitous ambiance that you're after when developing a Bohemian atmosphere. Allow yourself to see potential in what others might deem too far fetched for the comfort of the eye. Broaden your scope and find a world of possibilities in your own home. All it takes is the willingness to be set free from conforming ideas.
]]>The outbreak of COVID-19 has made telework a privilege accessible to more U.S. workers. Around 23.7% of Americans now work from home, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Though employers benefit from the reduction in overhead expenses and employees gain flexibility, the impact on productivity is a concern. Dr. Timothy Golden, an industrial/organizational (I/O) psychologist, stressed that employees need the physical and psychological division between work-family domains. These two boundaries are naturally created in a traditional office setting. But, as teleworkers operate from a home, the distinction becomes clouded. Personal obligations can easily overflow into work hours and more often, professional obligations extend beyond the typical workday. This disconnect tests the remote worker's autonomy. To combat this, employers are responsible for creating an organization with strategic project management, while employees are accountable for staying professionally engaged. The best way to do this is to place oneself in a healthy and comfortable work environment. To manifest productivity you must first promote focus and lucidity. Designing the right home office space is crucial here. A balance between ergonomics and aesthetics will produce a stable work environment for optimal performance.
Before engaging with the psychological benefits of aesthetics, let's begin with the importance of ergonomics. Poorly designed computer work stations lead to long-term health problems; back, neck, shoulder, and nerve pains, as well as headaches. A proper work set up will eliminate discomfort, leading to positive work results. The Clancene Contemporary White Office Chair is an excellent example of the type of chair you want to look for. A base with five caster wheels ensures stability while offering easy mobility. When adjusting the height of your seat aim for a 90-degree angle at the knees, which should also be level with your hips. This initiates the hamstrings to hold parallel to the ground which applies an even distribution of weight, with just the right amount of pressure between the knee and pelvic joints to avoid a reduction in blood circulation. This swivel office chair has a built-in lumbar support that customizes to your body for personalized posture adjustment. The backrest also reclines to a fixed angle, so you can shift between the classic 90-degree posture and the reclined posture. Tilting the backrest between 110-120-degrees significantly reduces spinal disk pressure. To top it off, this office chair offers an adjustable headrest!
Match this modern office chair with the sleek white Elona High Gloss Convertible Office desk. A chic glass top on chrome bar supports is a clean look that sets up your office for a pure and clutter-free space. Its simple layout is ideal for the minimalist designed office. S-shaped shelving stylishly displays books at your side for convenient access when you need to reference back to something. Implement the Bolyne 2 Tone Open Back Black & White Display Case either directly behind the desk or across the room to ground aesthetic allure. The elevated black frame showcases more books and inspirational decore items among the alternating angled white dual-panel divides. To spark your drive display souvenirs from places you've already traveled to as well as pictures of family and friends. These act as reminders of where you get your strength and motivation of how far you've come. With the Stefano Modern And Contemporary Marble Console Table you'll have even more space to promote uplifting decor. Though the neutral color scheme of white, black, and silver dominate the room, you want to allow a touch of nature to balance the aura. An indoor table water-fountain relaxes on the faux marble effortlessly. The stone-like surface fuses well with a rock water fountain. This water feature improves air quality by releasing negative ions which significantly reduces particulate matter in the air. So you can breathe easy with an atmosphere clean and free of dust particles.
Inviting nature into the office makes a warm and welcoming environment. Partner this with a space to invite colleagues and clients to sit for a chat. Though you may not have your office open to visitors just yet, creating a seating area now will give your office a completely professional look. Not to mention it opens more opportunities to incorporate natural features. The Waring Mid-century Modern Black Futon flanked by two Megren Modern Distressed Grey Accent Chairs forms the perfect seating arrangement around the Rosaline Contemporary Chrome Coffee Table. Center a Pothos plant, peace Lily, or Chrysanthemums on the glass top to not only produce a visual stimulus for guests but to boost your productivity. There are scientific benefits to using plants as decor in your office. They naturally purify the air quality in enclosed environments. With building materials off-gassing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and our natural production of carbon dioxide (CO2) we deprive ourselves of oxygen when working indoors which impairs our cognitive abilities. Eliminating toxins while generating the proper ventilation of oxygen (O2) will reenergize the body for peak performance.
A wonderful fusion of ergonomics and aesthetics creates the ideal home office. A selective design will garner positive results in your work. Physical comfort must be addressed even in an office. From blood circulation and muscle to O2 levels and lungs, our environment has an impact on the body and its functions. Improper setup and neglect of air quality will cause inefficient work. Being mindful of your elements will inversely increase your capacity to fulfill tasks and achieve goals. Preparing your office is like nourishing the body to execute a quality job. The caliber will depend on how much care you put into space you decide to work in. Though the ultimate success comes when, after years of office life, your body does not fail you, there is also satisfaction in seeing the immediate progression of your prowess. It will reveal the true value of your abilities. Sure, you can work anywhere to produce mediocre work and face health issues. But elevating the agents of your surroundings transcends the bar and adds longevity to your well-being.
]]>This wicker weaved synthetic rattan is made with a polyurethane resin that gives the rattan its UV and water resilience. The aluminum frame is also impervious to water damage. These materials ensure bacteria and rot do not degrade your outdoor furniture. Both color options offer a removable foam-filled seat cushion with a grey welted trim for ultimate comfort. The polyester fabric upholstery of the seat and pillow back is yet another material that is UV and water-resistant.
These egg-shaped chairs partner with round tables. Their 5mm tempered glass tabletop inserts offer a sturdy place to set glasses of sweet tea and lemonade as you dry off from a day of swimming in the pool. The circular design of the garden furniture is a contemporary style that is trailblazing the summer scene this year. Adorn the seating arrangement with palm trees and rubber trees for an all-out island experience. Bamboo tiki torches will bring the scene to life as the sunset sleeps into the horizon.
However you decide to transform your backyard, remember to award yourself with a tranquil setting. After all, this is a place that should bring you peace and comfort. You deserve to enjoy a serene space of safety away from your weighted day. The home doesn't stop at the walls of your house. It flows into the yard and fills your soul with the abundant jubilee. Now, more than ever is the time to experience the true comfort of a home. When the world seems to be turning itself into chaos, your home is the place to find solace.
]]>A house and car are the largest investments you will make, and furnishing that home is the third-largest expense. With any property, it's important to care and maintain quality. For this reason, we would like to share how to sustain the excellent condition of your home furniture through adequate cleaning.
Marble is prized for its intricate vein-like fissures naturally formed through the combination of heat and pressure. This impression moves a room but is also a porous surface susceptible to etching and staining. Proper maintenance will make the natural stone more stain resistant. Leather similarly takes pride in offering a durable yet unique upholstery. The natural variations in color and grain pattern are beautiful imperfections that pique the interest of many homeowners. It's important, when cleaning hide, to avoid dehydrating the leather, as it can crack and lead to faster wear and tear. Wood is also permeable and is easily stained with white haze when moisture is trapped in the finish by way of cold and hot cups and plates that sit on the surface. Oxidation also affects metal with rust. Though seemingly strong and durable, different materials and surfaces require particular cleaning treatments that are simple, yet crucial to ensuring long-lasting use of your furniture.
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As we cross into the third month of quarantine we mustn’t lose sight of what we have been working so hard to maintain, humanity. We hear the anthem ring everywhere we look, “Stay Home, Save Lives.” Though we are urged to be patient, it’s not in our human nature to be stagnant. We have a desire to contribute to our civilization in any way possible. Even when waiting in this isolation, we can be active as a society. Obliging to the needs of the community lends a reward for everyone, especially in a time when hope seems out of reach. 24/7 Shop at Home has seen a lack of assistance in the L.A. County region.
Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center is met with limitations during the epidemic. In collaboration with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Pomona Valley Hospital is working to extend COVID-19 testing. Though widespread requests continue, Pomona Valley has met its capacity and is unable to conduct its drive-through testing. What’s more, the American College of Surgeons has recommended all hospitals postpone elective procedures. The delay of elective surgeries that pose no risk to patients helps in the protection of patients and staff alike. Preserving critical resources such as hospital beds and personal protective equipment is a safeguard against the effects of COVID-19.
With the LA County region posing a high risk due to its dense population, 24/7 Shop at Home feels it’s necessary to take action in uniting as a community to stop the spread. We have taken on a charitable venture to donate masks to Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center with every purchase on our site. The KN95 masks are manufactured in the U.S. by a California-based organization specializing in personal-care products. The high-quality five-layer masks offer adequate protection. Unlike cloth masks that may have an appealing allure, KN95 masks filter non-oil-based particles such as bioaerosols (e.g. viruses).
The custom-fit KN95 mask captured 95 percent of tiny particles, whereas cotton masks only capture 28 percent. A KN95 mask’s melted-blown non-woven electrostatic material protects against particles as small as 0.007 microns, which is 10 times smaller than virions, or coronavirus particles. The care taken in producing effective masks is important to us, as we don’t want our healthcare professionals to be placed at higher risk than they already are. If we can play our part in providing more personal protective equipment to medical workers then we can assist in expediting the process of returning to the pleasures of our world.
This process of waiting has been humbling and eyeopening. Let’s show our continued appreciation to the warriors on the front lines tending to the sick. Risking not only their lives but putting their families under the test of strength. They are sacrificing time with their loved ones and some are even deprived of affection as they distance themselves to protect children and elder family members. No longer will we take for granted the privileges of this world. It’s all too clear that the most valuable thing we have is one another.
]]>In this new day and age, many people have aspirations to become their own boss. To decide their own schedule and work from anywhere. This population of entrepreneurs is made up of people who are either eager to travel or want more time to spend with family. Fortunately for this community, technology has made the dream possible.
What’s more, interesting is that this has sparked a movement, with 70 percent of people around the globe teleworking at least once per week. This is mostly a result of expanding requests by employees, however, it has opened a door and enlightened employers. Companies are now finding that remote teams reduce overhead as a result of not having to pay for office space or supplies. Although there are benefits to this new lifestyle, there are also risks.
As we move into an era of freelancing it’s important to look at how our “work-from-home” lives are affecting our sleep habits. This in-home career is actually, quite demanding, posing a threat to sleep.
In one scenario, you might find the freedom to chose your hours of work too liberating. With no clock-in schedule, you’re likely to sleep in a tad longer and shut the computer off while there’s still daylight. Some might excuse their delay to deadlines as a reasonable sacrifice to fulfill non-work related duties. This tendency only adds tension in the time one has to complete work.
In another case, the competitive freelance market could cause you to agree to impossible deadlines in order to keep clients content. A company is more likely to pay a freelancer who can get the job done in less time because it saves them money (that is if the freelancer works on an hourly rate). Nonetheless, a company never wants to sit on a project for too long. Losing a client due to inefficiency is a danger for freelancers who rely on regular clients.
As a freelancer, you are on a constant job search because short-term projects have a high turnover. This is one reason so many traveling freelancers take work wherever they go. In fact, 81 percent of freelancers work while on vacation. Their phones close by on a nightstand, laptops persistently searching for Wi-Fi, and gears continuously turning in the brain while tucked in bed. The combination of all-nighters to complete projects and perpetual brainstorming results in robbed sleep.
With this deprived sleep comes mediocre work. So, of course, you grind longer hours to make up for your lack of efficiency, but then you only bankrupt your sleep. Still, the drive to make this lifestyle work will ignite this question: how can you prevent this vicious cycle? Stop wishing for change and start initiating it.
Follow these rest habits:
Falling asleep on the couch while you work is actually harmful, as sofas are not made to lay on for long periods of time. They do not offer the proper support for your back. In fact, a couch cushion can place too much pressure on your spine, thus potentially causing damage to neck muscles. In the corporate workforce, damaged nerves in the neck and shoulders is a physical risk. Even sitting for long hours over the course of many years is debilitating.
Avoid sleep deprivation by designating a sleep space away from your workspace, such as these beds:
In some countries, entire towns will shut down for a couple of hours after lunch to digest meals and relax. This is a past-time for Italians, as far back as the Ancient Romans. These cultures go as far as sending students home to eat lunch and rest before returning to evening classes. However, according to the CDC, one-third of Americans are not getting sufficient rest. As children, we were encouraged to nap. Caregivers and parents were given a break from our wild chaos, but we also got the energy and strength needed for healthy growth. Ironically, in adulthood, we are overcome with nostalgia for the days when we were awarded for such leisure.
The saying, “Time is Money” couldn’t be truer. Sleep deprivation costs the U.S. economy $411 billion a year. Each employer loses about $2,280 annually for every employee lacking sleep. How so? There are costs we don’t even realize are indirectly related to sleep deprivation.
Napping can change the game. Just 20 minutes of sleep can increase awareness and alertness. This boost in energy will lead to a more productive day with higher quality work. Reports from a NASA study revealed that military pilots and astronauts with 40 minutes of rest increased alertness 100 percent which improved their performance by 34%. For this reason, NASA provides sleeping pods for their employees. When you are at rest, your blood pressure decreases and your heart-rate is regulated. This cardiovascular recovery is ideal after experiencing mental stressors. Hence, a nap at work could benefit more than pushing through fatigue.
It’s important to know your nap type because incorrect or poorly timed naps can ruin your sleep schedule and lead to insomnia. The best way to find the nap that’s right for you is to test nap styles off the clock at home. Here’s a breakdown of nap lengths:
Time |
Result |
20-30min |
Resets your mind and gives a boost of energy |
60-75 min |
Long enough to enter REM and wake in the middle of a dream; ideal for boosting creativity, motivation, or inspiration. |
90 min |
Completes an entire sleep cycle; you’ll hit deep sleep and feel restored when you wake at the lightest end of the cycle. |
Other five specialized nap styles:
Nap Style |
Benefits |
Power nap |
A 20-30min nap between 1-3 PM can get you through the rest of the workday |
Coffee nap |
Drink one cup of coffee in one sitting and immediately nap for 20min. In the time you have slept the caffeine will enter your bloodstream. When you wake the caffeine will kick in and you’ll feel well-rested. |
New Mom |
Avoid “taking advantage” of the time when your baby is down. Instead, rest along with your child so you are better equipped to take on the midnight hunger cries. |
Athletes |
Athletes can benefit from napping before a sporting event. It clears the mind and boosts energy. If the event is less than two hours away and your feeling sleepy, take a 15-20min nap. If it’s over three hours away take a 60-90min nap. |
Pre-Game |
We suggest an energy-saving pregame nap. Plan a 90min snooze before going out for a late night. |
Economists found that people who get enough sleep could increase their earning potential by up to 4.5 percent. Sleep is a win-win for employers and employees. Start making money moves today! Bring a pillow from home to lay your head down more comfortably at your desk. For more discrete sleep put a sleep-mask on and use a travel-sized neck-pillow in your car. Alternately, take a nap in the breakroom at the time when it’s least likely to be used. Whatever you do, try to get some rest. You owe it to yourself to be the best version of you.
]]>Perhaps this information flew over your head and you are still wondering what a pangolin is. For the sake of your curiosity, let’s look at this animal and the challenges it faces today. No, this is not a species from the penguin family and it’s not a puffin. Pangolins, the world’s most trafficked mammals, are scaly anteaters. There are eight pangolin species, found across Sub-Saharan Africa and tropical Asia, that are at risk of extinction.
These mammals are killed for their lamina, which are composed of keratin. Their scales are ground into powder or paste as, scientifically unproven, remedies. To prevent another animal from the risk of extinction, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) banned the commercial trade of pangolins. The largest confiscation of pangolin scales occurred in 2017. An estimated 13.1 tons of African pangolin scales (that’s roughly 20,000 pangolins!) were transported to China. What’s more, pangolin fetus, believed to be a male enhancement, are eaten in soup. This is done to demonstrate social status among the wealthy. It’s astonishing that a pangolin’s armor can protect it from a pack of lionesses but against a human it is cleaved.
The pangolin population further declines with habitat loss and slow reproduction─ a pangolin has a birth rate of one baby per year. If the species continues to dwindle, African and Asian communities will experience economic disaster. This endangered species is essential to the ecological system, as they eat termites. Without their role, the buildings in the local communities will, quite literally, fall.
These animals are victims of the same world wide criminal network that poaches elephants and rhinos. Thankfully, CITE’s treaty established the confiscation and rescue of pangolins to protect their population. Conservation programs, such as the one in Cuc Phuong National Park, work to return the animals to the wild. But this isn’t the only animal whose offspring are in danger.
The semi-desert of northern Nambia is the black rhinos’ last known habitat. Fewer than 5,000 live in Africa, classifying them as a critically endangered species. They have faced the human threat of poaching, but their living conditions are doubly challenged. The rhino’s habitat is undergoing severe drought. Although they can go 3 or more days without water, a lack of hydration will starve a calf because the cow won’t produce enough milk for feeding.
A conservation organization, Save the Rhino Trust, has managed to monitor the Nambia reserve to prevent the illegal hunting that has devastated rhino populations in, neighboring, South Africa. These conservation organizations finance their effort through contributions from tourists and locals who visit the camps. This system of community gives collective ownership in our planet's future.
If this hasn’t inspired a desire to play a part in caring for the planet, perhaps we should look at another endangered animal. In India’s Ranthambore National Park lives the Bengal Tiger, a wild cat limited by human demand. The danger of poaching has been alleviated with camera traps monitoring criminal activity on the reserve. However, as communities grow and forest cover is lost to climate change, the tigers are limited to the territory they can roam. It is the intrusive human activity that brings about wandering tigers in Indian towns.
The World Wildlife Fund is working in accommodating the two populations to coexist. By reducing citizen’s forest dependency the migrating paths of the tigers are preserved. The initiative encourages farmers to plant fodder for livestock close to their home instead of making them graze in the forest. This has dual benefits. See, the forest serves both species in that it is the last resource for establishing a sustainable water supply.
Though changes have been made to secure habitats for both humans and tigers, one challenge remains in the land; drought. The forest cover is the only hope to restore the soil’s fertility. For this reason, the forest department has shown financial support in planting nurseries to restore the lost vegetation. These steps towards reviving habitats are essential not only for wildlife, but for the entire ecosystem.
(If you are a parent, get your children involved and show the importance of our planet’s life systems. Exemplify how to prepare earth’s future for abundant growth.)
Post your appreciation on social media with the following hashtags:
#WorldWildlifeDay
#PeopleAndPlanet
#DoOneThingToday
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Everyone needs a good bed for a good night’s sleep--there’s no way around that. One of the things that can help with that quest for some well-deserved slumber is a strong, sturdy, and comfortable bed. That’s when the Elkton Oak Storage Bed comes into play. This traditional antique style designed bed carries a bit of rustic flair with its smooth oak finish. The bed comes in a very spacious Eastern King; perfect for the little ones that might’ve been spooked by the stormy weather. This bed also has great storage space to hold those extra blankets whenever the cold air decides to strike hard.
The wintertime is the perfect excuse to stay inside and keep dry from the wet weather. You’re more than likely to find yourself in front of the TV to find something to keep you entertained during the storm. This Multi-Storage Medium TV Stand is the perfect addition to your entertaining needs. Great and roomy to place a 60-inch to 72-inch television. The chich flat panel doors open up for plenty of space to store electronics and the rear wire access is the added bonus everyone needs. The fine warm wood grain details make this piece a serious eye-catcher in any home. Don’t worry about those hard to reach cleaning spots underneath this TV stand. The raised feet of this rustic style furniture has got you covered.
A good sofa can sometimes double up as a back-up bed for you or your guests. This sofa will have space and the ideal comfort level to make that happen. The plush padded cushion with nubuck fabric is soft and will help keep you warm on those cold winter nights. The size of the couch allows enough room to snuggle up with your loved ones and still has plenty of room to stretch. If the seating cushions weren’t enough, the armrests are padded to the gills for the perfect impromptu nap session. The bold contrasting welt trims stand out and will bring the spotlight to this latest addition to your living space. This stylish contemporary sofa will never go out of style and is a perfect match for any season of the year. Solid, classy, and cozy. All the right reasons to bring this sofa home.
]]>It’s time for the ladies, those single or in a relationship, to celebrate their gals! Let’s show our appreciation of one another with a fun and empowering day. We can all agree that a girls night out is one of the things we always look forward to. Luckily, Galentine’s day gives us the excuse to get the girls together. You don’t have to make it a late night in the city. If you aren’t working on February 13th you can make daytime plans. Galentine’s day is a date reserved to nurture our friendships. Don’t already have an annual girls reunion? Then here are some fabulous traditions to start.
You can make the date extra special by sending out cute store bought or handmade invitations. If you’re on a budget simply send an electronic invitation. You can still make it official by customizing a free digital card on Evite.com. When hosting Galentine’s at your house encourage the girls to bring their favorite board games and card games they have at their homes. This way you have a diverse selection of bonding games. And you didn’t even have to buy any at Target (Just saved you from that trap again, you’re welcome!).
Decorating your place for the big event can be made simple. Find an empty wall in your home to place a DIY photo booth. Hang a light pink and gold foil fringe backdrop, and voila! You got yourself a selfie station. But you don’t need to stop there. Blow up a mix of white, pink, and champagne balloons to float all over. If you want a truly glamorous set up, display one of our rose gold serving carts or coffee tables:
Delaney Rose Gold Swivel Table Wine Rack Serving Cart
Torri Contemporary Tinted Glass Rose Gold Mobile Serving Cart
Adana Contemporary Tinted Glass 2-Tier Rose Gold Serving Cart
Curtsinger Glam Rose Gold Coffee Table
Carrah Contemporary 2-Tier Round Accent Table
Stella Modern Round Table Top Accent Table
Arrange an array of sweet and salty snacks on any of these serving surfaces. Stick with red, pink, and purple colors. Present the classic white chocolate covered strawberries and chocolate candies. But don’t be afraid to get creative and go all out. You can unveil these colors with cookies, cupcakes, donuts, and even a blueberry crumb bar! Make purple drizzled popcorn and marshmallow rice treats. Berry flavored gummies and candy can sit next to spicy red chips. You also have Vanilla and strawberry wafers or pocky sticks. Go all out!
For the sophisticated ladies, set up a Bubbly Bar. Who says mimosa’s are only for brunch? Give your girls an all access pass to midnight mimosas. Make it colorful with Cranapple, Pineapple, Peach, and Orange juice. Keep it lively with strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries as flute glass garnishings. Speaking of, there’s a brilliant surprise to go along with this. Dazzle your gals with personalized flute glasses. Order the champagne glasses online (i.e. Etsy). The individualized glasses with the names, or nicknames, of your besties will ensure no one mixes up their drinks. This is ideal for those who can’t make brunch earlier in the day. If you are fortunate enough to enjoy a brunch, by all means reserve a table at a restaurant and enjoy the sunshine, darlings.
It’s important to brighten your day with relaxation. We highly suggested that your next girl’s trip be at a resort if you haven’t already gone. Or you can pamper yourselves at home; create a face mask and movie night. Detox all that negative energy as you clear out those clogged pores with an exfoliation and clay mask. Then, let a moisturizing sheet mask cool you off while you lounge and watch a movie with your girls.
Another way to spend the night is with karaoke or a paint sesh. The artistic souls always love an excuse to pour out their creative talent. The best thing about karaoke or paint sessions is that anyone can participate. You don’t need to be a singer or a painter. Every human has the ability to tap into their imagination. In fact it's salubrious to express yourself through art, especially alongside your lifetime therapists.
As we are still in winter, you may come to find the snow capped mountains where you live have not melted away yet. If this is the case, plan a skiing or snowboarding trip with the gals. This is a healthy way to spend time with your active girl friends. Not all Galentine’s have to be intimate, they can be adventurous too.
Don’t think we forgot about the busy females hustling around the world. The long distance besties deserve a celebration of their own. Take time on Galentine’s to call or video chat with your girl killing it in another state or country. It’s so essential that we remind our female friends how much they are valued, woman to woman.
Happy Galentine’s Day, Loves!
]]>Sina Contemporary Paneled Wooden Sleigh Bed is crafted from solid wood for optimal durability and stability.
Above everything, quality is the biggest motivation when purchasing furniture. You want your living room, dining room, and bedroom fitted with durable pieces the same way you want your clothing to last after hundreds of washes. Taking into consideration the sturdiness and wear-resistance of a framework’s materials is sensible. Though the price for high end furniture doesn’t compare to short-lived furniture, it’s ultimately a wise long-term investment. You are not only receiving a bed, drawer, or chest, you are getting the opportunity to pass down a bedroom set to further generations. Now, this type of wealth isn’t about abundance, it is about quality. There’s an appeal to antiquated pieces because they carry meaningful value. You also won’t find yourself constantly throwing out worn tables and chairs. That’s not only cutting into your finances, it’s also contributing to the unnecessary waste in dumpsites.
As we begin to become more conscious, there seems to be a shift into eco-friendly furniture. Some wood frameworks come from sustainable plantations. Harvesting this local timber reduces deforestation, protecting endangered trees. Manufacturing processes with low chemical levels also offer environmentally safe and waste-free products, such as bonded leather recliners.
With the appreciation of the ecosystem, homes are welcoming the environment indoors. There are many ways to accomplish the natural look. To start at the base, let’s simply explore colors. Keep in mind colors apply to more than just the walls and furniture; we are talking about decor accents and doors as well! Think earthy. Warm reds, ochur (or burnt orange), nutmeg brown, caramel, cinnamon, hunter green, and deep blues. These all evoke nature and its ability to create a tranquil habitat.
You can still have your white marble and white upholstery, but accent the base color with primary colors in muted tones. That can be as simple as inviting nature in, as we discussed earlier. Botanicals are key to tying in the nature theme. They bring life to a setting, not just through color but through its shape. These curves are replacing sharp angles. Soft corners, round legs, and curved backs reunite us to the calm feeling that nature stimulates.
Ultimately people want to be comfortable in their homes. For this reason, we will see more intimate settings and social spaces within houses. Home bars, garden rooms, and coffee stations are already growing in popularity. What will you do with your space?
]]>Behr shares the color trends for 2020, all of which are inspired by natural elements. With technology continuing to reveal our influence on the earth’s health, we are taking considerable measures to protect it. In doing so we also become more appreciative of our planet. For this reason, the trending colors are stimulated by sky, earth, water, and plant life. Of the colors selected, one stands out among the rest, “Back to Nature”. The desert green hue earns its title with the popularity of the succulent. This color makes the outside graciously available indoors. By balancing the two opposing worlds, “Back to Nature” aims to invite a calm atmosphere into your home.
Meisel Contemporary 2-Piece Tufted Linen Daybed with Twin Trundle Set
Sherwin-Williams also names their color of the year, “Naval”, as a calming stimulant. The reassuring color is inspired by the tranquility of the sea. Your eyes can almost hear the waves dancing beneath the moonlight. It’s also no surprise that this deep blue combines boldly with gold metallic accents. We see the attraction of these colors on the shores, where the water meets golden sand. The timeless color reminds us of the harmony that nature creates. A peaceful relationship is one that can be emulated in your own home. Sherwin-Williams gives an exemplary “Naval” kitchen cabinetry spotlighted with gold.
Rosador Modern Rose Gold Leg Bentwood Chair
Aniah Scoop Frame Flannelette Chair & Ottoman
Tallulha Contemporary LED Tufted Flannelette Bed
Mateo Transitional Single Drawer Youth Nightstand
The primary color seems to be making quite an impression on many color experts, including PPG paints. The company has deemed “Chinese Porcelain” as the blend of calmness in a restless society consumed by technology. At the speed that we’re going it’s no wonder why people are keen on slowing down to take in life. Blues, like “Chinese Porcelain”, offer an escape into nature's serenity. PPG suggests combining the spirited color with metallic finishes such as copper. The color combo, like that of "Naval" and gold, reveals a relationship between blue and, complimentary, dusty sand tones.
Prismo Transitional Youth Bed w/ Trundle
This color harmony agrees with, yet another paint expert, Pantone. The company, founder of the “Color of the Year '' tradition, has determined “Classic Blue '' to be 2020’s focal point for the color forecast. Blue is a confident color that has pushed out gray. “Classic Blue” is the sky at dusk, when the world is at the end of their sleep cycle. It’s the anchoring foundation of your day. The air is clear of the hustle and bustle; boundless. This freedom gives way to your thoughts which breath cool reflections. In those moments, the singing stars fade into the light of the rising sun. But the melody of meditation carries you through the day until twilight is painted across the sky.
With our lives becoming increasingly distracted by technology and obligations to make the next dollar, we lose sight of the opportunities to illuminate our souls. Fortunately, nature has provided the colors to rejuvenate us. This year let shades of green, yellow-undertones, and bold blues restore your living space.
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The Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Mural is in Washington D.C.’s National Library of Congress. Don Miller’s magnum opus documents Dr. King’s life and work. The iconic Civil Rights piece was unveiled on January 15, 1986, the first observance of MLK’s birthday as a national holiday.
MLK’s Civil Rights Movement is captured in a moving panel with historical figures. MLK Jr.’s family including his grandmother and siblings belonged to the Ebenezer Baptist Church where his father, Reverend Martin Luther King, Sr. was a pastor. Before his calling to pastor Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, MLK Jr. attended Morehouse College at 15 years old to receive a B.A. in Sociology. There, MLK was spiritually mentored by the Reverend Benjamin E. Mays and inspired by Gandhi.
Reverend Ralph D. Abernathy was Reverend MLK, Jr.’s right hand man. The two ministers were triggered by Rosa Park’s arrest on the Cleveland Ave bus and organized the Montgomery boycott. Rev. Abernathy stayed by Dr. King’s side; together they were arrested 17 times and united they established the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).
Andrew Young and Dorothy Cotton were also close confidantes to Rev. MLK, Jr. SCLC’s Executive Director, Andrew Young helped draw up the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Dorothy Cotton directed the workshops to educate and encourage citizens in registering to vote.
Also featured in the mural is Rev. Wyatt Tee Walker. Before resigning as the first Executive Director of SCLC, Rev. Walker circulated the “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” Another prominent activist in the movement was Rev. C.T. Vivian who worked on the executive staff to get the Civil Bill and Voting Rights Act passed.
Now, Rev. MLK, Jr. saw the injustice against colored folk and wanted a safer country for everyone including his wife and four children. Protesters were jailed and hosed down. But perhaps the most heartbreaking casualties were the four girls murdered in the 16th Street Baptist Church Bombing in Birmingham, Alabama: (from left to right, and top to bottom) Addie Mae Collins (14), Denise McNair (11), Carole Robertson (14), and Cynthia Wesley (14).
Rev. MLK, Jr. 's work accomplished so much, from the SCLC’s Operation Breadbasket to the fight for voter registration. He kept his beliefs in nonviolence. At the Anti-war conference he voiced his opposition to the Vietnam War with anxiety and sorrow. His feats were awarded with the Nobel Peace Prize of 1964.
That summer, the movement endured more fatalities. A trio of civil rights activists had been investigating the burning of Mt. Zion Church. The three young men, Michael Schwener, James Chaney, and Andrew Goodman were murdered. They were not the first victims. Many civil rights workers were killed at the hands of the Ku Klux Klan and even some law officers. Local authorities and all-white juries failed and refused to convict attackers. But the federal government made moves in the first successful prosecution of a civil rights case in Mississippi. Dr. King commended the FBI for its arrests in connection with the slayings.
Rev. MLK, Jr.’s voice spoke to the hearts of many people who endured injustice. In his “I Have a Dream” speech at the Lincoln memorial he humbled himself, confessing that he was not certain that he would live to see the day that everyone would be treated equal. But it was certain that he would not give up the fight. And he took this to his grave. The Memphis Sanitation workers’ strike was the last march that led to Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination.
His effort to dedicate his life in the service of humanity is shown appreciation in Washington D.C. 's Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. Here, the statue of Rev. MLK, Jr. carved into a stone cut out of a boulder represents his quoted words, “Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope.” Dr. King refers to the biblical metaphor known as Samuel’s Ebenezer. He not only studied and shared his faith, he demonstrated it with every step he took. He knew that the measure of a man was where he stood in times of difficulty. For Dr. King, this was firm in the belief that violence begets violence and only light can drive out darkness.
This message that love is the answer to our problems is still an inspiration decades after Rev. MLK’s death. Soon to come is the MLK and Coretta Scott King Memorial on Boston Common. “The Embrace” is going to be a mirror-finished bronze sculpture of intertwined arms. It’s inspired by the iconic photograph of the two Kings embracing after MLK received the Nobel Peace Prize. The photo captures the support that Coretta had for her husband. It is a fact that she carried his legacy days after his death in a final march in Memphis which gave victory to the Sanitation workers. But, Coretta was much more than Dr. King’s wife.
Before meeting Martin, Coretta advocated for World Peace overseas. The artwork is representative of the core message from both Kings. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. preached on the value of love. So, by focusing on that single gesture of love the sculpture aims to shift attention from the heroic figure to the source of strength, love itself.
The abstract art is designed to encourage viewers to see the action, rather than the person. The artist, Hank Willis Thomas states, ‘ “The Embrace” is overwhelmingly simple and accessible: it is about what we share, not what sets us apart.” Spectators will be given the opportunity to reflect on their roles in society when looking at the mirror-finished embrace. The construction will be completed between March and September of this year.
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Are you ready for the Super Bowl? Better yet, are you hosting a watch party at your house? Be prepared to cater for the big event. If your sofa’s cushions have gone flat, you may want to upgrade to the ultimate Super Bowl seats. Huddle around the 70-inch flat screen with the Nano Transitional Double Stitched Black Leatherette Recliner Sectional. It comes equipped with cup holders and a storage compartment so you can hide that horn when your team wins.
Don’t make the mistake of ordering pizza on Super Bowl Sunday. You think you’ll be saving yourself time, but on game day deliveries can take over an hour to arrive. Be prepared when hosting your watch party and do some grocery shopping early (let’s say at least two days ahead). You want to avoid all those people going in for last minute chips, soda, and ice on Sunday.
Now, you can order a large sub sandwich in advance from a popular deli. You can get those healthy turkey and strawberry cream cheese wraps. Or you can even grill ribs. But nothing tastes better than easy to make home cooked bites. Here are some mouth watering crowd pleasers you can make in your kitchen. (Note: these are not full recipes)
Every football game needs some BBQ, but not everyone wants to be in charge of standing by the grill constantly basting ribs. Pulled Pork is a great alternative. Season pork loins with salt, pepper, some paprika, then throw them into the crockpot with onions. Top with your favorite BBQ sauce and set the cooker on high. Spend the next five to six hours setting up the rest of the party. When it’s time, shred the pork with two forks.
(For a touch more slice a hawaiian rolls pack through the middle. Spread the pulled pork over the bottom buns. Sprinkle a layer of French’s Crispy Onions and place provolone cheese slices before topping with the buns. Glaze the sandwiches with melted butter and bake for 15 minutes at 350℉.)
This dish combines cream cheese, cheddar cheese, shredded chicken, and buffalo sauce to make a protein packed chip dip or sandwich meat. As the ingredients melt together in the crockpot for four hours you can prep other dishes. The chicken mix can be sandwiched between buttered dinner rolls and mozzarella layers for cheesy baked bites. Just add 15 minutes in the oven at 350℉.
With this dish you have the opportunity to make your famous Mac n’ Cheese with a twist! So whisk away at that butter, flour, milk, and shredded cheese mix. Only this time cool the macaroni in the refrigerator for one hour before combing with the cheese. Then form the macaroni and cheese balls on a tray and freeze for another hour. Using an egg wash coat the balls and roll them in bread crumbs. Fry in a skillet, deep fryer, or that new air fryer you just got!
During the down time set up the house to serve your dishes and decorate. Leave your dining table as a place for guests to sit and eat between plays. If your kitchen counters don’t provide enough space, incorporate the Brenton Dark Espresso Buffet Server Cabinet. An open shelf below the tabletop is great for offering plates, napkins and utensils right where the food sits! You can store extra plates and supplies in the cabinets as well.
These are as fun to make as they are to eat. Season beef as you like with salt, pepper, garlic, onions, ect. Bake at 350℉ for 20 minutes. Cut an entire pack of Hawaiian bread in half and place the meat on the bottom buns (it’s much easier to pull apart later when you pre-cut the meat before placing on the buns). Add your favorite cheese and top buns before baking for an additional 20 minutes. For an even better display butter and sprinkle sesame seeds on the top buns.
The mature palet will appreciate a good popper. Jalapeño halves stuffed with shredded and cream cheese mix is a daring appetizer. But, we bet you’ve never had a stuffed shrimp bacon wrapped popper. The two proteins come together in a cheesy goodness that you’ll be proud to serve at the watch party. These jalapeño poppers bake at 350℉ for 30 minutes.
If you don’t already know how to make these, all you need is dough and links. The typical bite sized piglets are made from cocktail-size smoked link sausages. Using pre-made and pre-cut crescent rolls dough, split each triangle sheet lengthwise into three narrow triangles. Roll up the link starting from the wide end of the triangle towards the point. Bake at 375℉ for 11-14 minutes.
You can do a similar process for hot dogs, but you would skip cutting the crescent rolls. Maybe even add American cheese! Take a slice of cheese and cut it into 6 strips. Cut a long slit in the hot dogs and place 1-3 cheese strips in the dog before rolling up the dough. Bake the same with a minute more (12-15 minutes).
For those dips and finger foods everyone’s going to want to munch on in front of the TV, you can use the Shelley Vintage Walnut Finish Coffee Table. The rustic style table comes with caster wheels so you can easily share the dishes from one side of the living room to the other.
End the debate on where to buy the best guacamole by simply making it yourself. It only takes five ingredients to make the Mexican chip dip. Combine avocados, chopped tomatoes, cilantro, lime, and salt. Voila the dip is ready!
To make an unlimited amount of sweet munchie mix, pour melted white chocolate over chex rice cereal. In a large zip-lock bag add powdered sugar, chocolate chips, crushed oreos, and the coated cereal. Shake the bag to distribute the powder on the cereal and mix the oreo cookies chunks. Put a bowl of the mix out on the Shelley Vintage Walnut Finish Coffee Table and let guests dive in.
You don't have to go crazy finding creative ways to make fun football inspired treats. Simply bake up a batch of brownies! Make them as moist as you like. But before devouring them, set them aside to cool an hour and a half. Using a football-shaped cookie cutter make footballs and draw on laces with white pipe icing. It’s as easy as 1-2-3!
Impress the guys with these fun and tasty bites. You won’t be disappointed when after the game everyone is still raving about your expertise in the kitchen. Trust us when we say it’s worth planning ahead of the game. Try one or more of these ideas and let us know how your Super Bowl Food came out on top. If you added a special ingredient, we’d love to hear from you as well! ]]>
The Color Factory is “an interactive exhibit that celebrates the discovery, serendipity, and generosity of color” and has so far been brought to life in San Francisco and now has a home in New York and Houston. The current Color Factory locations have a set of installations from different artists but they both share the same goal: to celebrate color and creativity in ways that “invite curiosity, discovery, and play.”
Located in Southern California, this museum explores the 40,000 year-old history (the first known “selfies” date from about 40,000 years ago and are hand stencils that were discovered on a cave wall in Indonesia) and cultural impact of “selfies.” It was intended to be a short-lived pop-up, but it’s now open in Hollywood at some point. Tickets are at a cheap price and the VIP option allows you to skip the line at the entrance, enjoy the exhibition with professional guide-photographer and FREE selfie-stick rental, and get a special gift at the end your experience!
The ARTECHOUSE mission is “to inspire, educate, and empower the creation of new, experiential and exploratory art form, ARTECHOUSE connects the audience to the arts, and stimulates interest in the limitless possibilities of technology, science, and creativity.” Light, sound, and color combine to create this experimental installation. The museum is dedicated to presenting experiential and technology-driven works by artists who are forerunners of the new age in the arts and technology. The ARTECHOUSE is in Miami, Florida, Washington, DC and New York.
If you’re still in Southern California after taking a trip to the Museum of Selfies, there’s another stop you can make in Los Angele at the Museum of Illusion. The museum takes the art of selfies to a whole new level but making perspective landscapes that will put you in the middle of the action and screams comical participation. Not only that but this location also has an Upside Down House exhibit. Judging from the title, you can take a wild guess on what kind of pictures you’ll be taking once your there.
Located in Chicago, Illinois the wndr museum “is an ever-evolving immersive art and technology experience that is designed to ignite the curiosity that exists within and around each of us.” The layout is impressive with its cultural and artistic use of light, sounds, mirrors, and technology. The museum is home to Chicago’s first Infinity Mirror Room, done by iconic Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, and also holds the works of Barabara Kruger, Alex Israel, and a few others. Almost every corner comes a chance to be original, find something unexpected, ask questions, and engage.
These are just a few places to take some awesome selfies on Museum Selfie Day. Just remember to be respectful of your surroundings.
Myth: Trafficking involves moving, traveling, or transporting a person across state or national borders.
Reality: Victims can be recruited and trafficked within their own town.
Myth: Human trafficking only happens in underground or illegal industries.
Reality: Human trafficking has been reported in the following industries: restaurants, cleaning services, construction, factories and more.
Myth: Only females are victims of sex trafficking.
Reality: One study estimates that half of sex trafficking victims are actually male.
Around the world today, between 21 to 30 million people are enslaved by perpetrators:
It can happen to anyone, but the most vulnerable are:
These victims are targeted by a multi-billion dollar criminal industry to work under inhumane conditions. This enslavement is disguised by control tactics. Perpetrators will make promises to address the needs of their target.
The victims are then trapped by psychological trauma: conning, expert manipulation, misplaced loyalty, fear from threats and assaults, isolation, guilt, shame. For this reason, victims deny their identity as a slave and keep themselves from the help they desperately need. This modern slavery takes many forms, such as prostitution, armed forces recruitment, and the exploitation of migrant workers. The most common is prostitution, where 79 percent of survivors have come out of. The following are some examples of how human trafficking works:
According to UNICEF, 2 million cildren are victims of sex trade. The average age of a girl forced in the U.S. domestic sex slavery market is 13 years old. As a response, UNICEF works with communities to change norms and practices that increase children’s vulnerability to human trafficking. It encourages governments to set standards in dealing with child trafficking by developing responsible personnel with child friendly interviewing techniques. The professionals in need of this training include: social workers, health workers, police and border officials.
Above this, UNICEF and its partners negotiate with armed forces for the release of abducted children. These survivors are placed in transitory care and reunited with their family. To reintegrate into their communities UNICEF ensures all the proper support.
Polaris is another organization with initiatives to abolish human trafficking. It has created a global safety net by helping agencies develop cross-border collaborations to combat human trafficking operating internationally. Polaris also supports Federal and Legislative efforts that protect workers on temporary Visas.
The organization provides training techniques on how to identify human trafficking in businesses such as hotels. In fact, Polaris collaborates with hotels such as Wyndam and Marriott to provide shelter for victims.
As part of their effort to end human trafficking in illegal massage businesses, Polaris helps survivors find housing, counseling, medical care, legal advocacy, job training, interpretation, immigration relief, substance abuse recovery, food, and clothing assistance.
The organization is also a direct support system with safelines. The National Trafficking Hotline and the BeFree Textline connects U.S. victims and survivors to vetted services and support.
The FBI covers human trafficking cases under its Cries Against Children and Human Trafficking program. The Bureau investigates traffickers with the goal of rescuing victims from their environments. The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) is enforced to provide immigration relief to international victims with Continued Presence and the T Visa. These formalities give survivors temporary legal status during investigations. Under this same Act. the guilty party is required to pay restitution to the victims.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) also grants refuge under Continued Presence and authorizes foreign nationals to work in the States while complying as a witness during human trafficking investigations. ICE’s Blue campaign offers training to law enforcement for the detection of human trafficking.
As you can see, identifying human trafficking can be sticky, even for professionals. For this reason U.S. Homeland Security gives free online training for identifying human trafficking to anyone. Feel free to learn more and have a part in eradicating human trafficking.
You can also:
It’s National Trivia Day, let’s celebrate! Make it a game night at the house and spend some time with the family or invite friends for some fun competition. Here are some of the best trivia games to play, but first a few fun trivia of our own.
A children’s card game for 2-8 players ages 7+. It includes 30 cards, each with 3 easy and 3 hard questions. This game is sold in a variety of different topics.
A party board game for 2-6 players of a mature age. Players must race to answer the trivia questions first. There are more than 400 trivia cards with clues to answer the questions.
Its name says it all. This entertainment trivia game can be played with 2-6 people of any age. In addition to the trivia cards, there are special cards to engage players and create competition.
The trivia quiz game is fast-paced. Those 14+ can finish a single game in an average of 30 minutes. With this fast game-play and 1,400 questions, you can have up to 30 players!
2-6 players will be challenged by the trivia cards that are formatted in 4 categories:
Odd 1 Out
Teaser
Sequence
Wild Card
A strategic trivia game for 2-6 players ages 15+ will wage against their opponents while answering questions on the topic of:
Fashion
History
Pop Culture
Sports
Now that we’ve shown you some of the best trivia games, what kind of trivia will you be playing tonight? Is it going to be a classic family-friendly game or are you going to spice things up with special cards? Whatever you choose, make sure your living room is ready for some fun competition.
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