Author: Igor

  • Things to Do in Tallin

    If you’re looking to visit an old Medieval city with a historic appeal but equipped with modern amenities, Tallinn would be the perfect city to visit. It’s one of Europe’s hidden gems, home to UNESCO-listed Old Town, centuries-old architecture, and pretty cobblestone streets. Below, let’s find out some of the best things to do in Tallinn.

    Photo via Unsplash

    Experience Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform

     

    The Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform is one of Tallinn’s best viewpoints and is where you can admire the city’s most picturesque views. It’s in Toompea Hill, which you can get to by climbing through narrow cobblestone streets.

    The Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform is on a terrace area offering stunning views of Tallinn. You’ll see the city’s signature red roofs, high-rise buildings, and the hustle and bustle, with the Gulf of Finland in the backdrop. There are also cafes in the area, where you can enjoy refreshments before going downhill.

    Learn the History of Toompea Castle

     

    Another attraction you’ll find in Toompea Hill is the Toompea Castle, a medieval castle recognised for its pastel pink walls. Nowadays, it is home to the Estonian parliament, commemorating Estonia’s independence, with a flag-raising ceremony taking place in the tower every morning. It’s worth taking the free guided tour of the castle, where you can explore the interiors of the beautiful rosy building and learn about its colourful history.

    Visit the Old Town

     

    Encompassing endless historical treasures, Tallinn’s Old Town is a joy to walk around. As one of the best-preserved town centres in the world, it features charming cobblestone streets lined with lively cafes and centuries-old architecture.

    When going around the Old Town, there are opportunities to partake in Estonia small group tours which will help guide you around the top sights. Alternatively, head down towards a circular stone with a compass, giving you a unique vantage point to admire the five historic churches around the city. Make your way inside the Town Hall and admire the stunning Gothic arches and magnificent works of art.

    Relax at the Port of Tallinn

     

    After going around the city, head to the Port of Tallinn, where you can relax while surrounded by picturesque ocean views. You will find outdoor cafes where you can order a cup of coffee as you enjoy people-watching. The port is also home to souvenir shops and some restaurants. You will also find a craft market nearby selling arts and crafts and local produce. If you have enough time, consider taking a boat tour from the port.

    See the Architecture at Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

     

    The Aleksander Nevski Katedraali is one of Tallinn’s most fascinating buildings and will remind you of Russia’s St. Petersburg. The cathedral, which you’ll find right across Toompea Castle, features a Russian Orthodox Style, complete with bulbous onion domes and an ornate white and brown facade.

    The Alexander Nevski Cathedral also houses eleven bells, including the largest bell in Tallinn, weighing a whopping 15 tons! It rings throughout the day, and you’ll hear its sounds all over the city. Despite its magnificence, many Estonians are not pleased with the cathedral since they consider it an oppressive symbol from Russia.

  • Celebrating Thanksgiving in New York

    Whether you’re American as Apple Pie (or should that be Pumpkin Pie) or hail from another corner of the world entirely, a travel experience you won’t want to miss is celebrating Thanksgiving in New York. The good news is you can find the ultimate guide to ‘Turkey Day’ in the Big Apple below. 

    What And When Is Thanksgiving?

    A secular and public holiday, the first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621 and included both settler pilgrims and native Americans sharing food and resources. Thanksgiving marks the start of the holiday season in the US and is closely followed by Christmas and New Year. This year (2023) Thanksgiving will fall on November 23rd. This is because it always occurs on the fourth Thursday in November.

    Thanksgiving Food

    One of the best ways of celebrating Thanksgiving is to indulge in some delicious seasonal food. Traditionally, Thanksgiving feasts include roast turkey, sweet potatoes (yams), gravy, and ham, as well as mashed potatoes and dinner rolls. For dessert, you can expect pumpkin pie which is made with a sweet pastry case and then filled with mashed pumpkin seasoned with cinnamon, ginger, and other delicious spices.

    While Thanksgiving is a secular holiday, it is traditional to say grace before the meal as well as go around the table stating what you are thankful for. Guests are often asked to start this tradition, but don’t worry if you’ve never done it before as you can get some prayers to say grace for Thanksgiving ideas by clicking the link. After all, it’s always better to be prepared for these things when it comes to cultural traditions in another place. 

    There are plenty of great restaurants where you can get a Thanksgiving meal in New York too, including Benoit, Carbone, Cote, and Dirty French. However, it’s a good idea to remember that tables get booked up well in advance of the day, and you will pay a premium because of the holiday. 

    Thanksgiving Entertainments

    Everyone gets the day off for Thanksgiving so it follows that there are plenty of fun things arranged for that day too.

    Thanksgiving Dinner and Football 

    Whether you go out to a restaurant for Thanksgiving dinner, or join a local family, watching the big football game always held on Thanksgiving afternoon is a must! Although if you’re really not a football person you can hold out for the National Dog Show which is on TV right after.

    A Walk in Central Park

    With the leaves on the trees turning brown and falling to the ground, and the slight chill of approaching winter in the air, a walk around that world-famous New York location Central Park is the perfect after-dinner activity on Thanksgiving Day. Just don’t forget your gloves and scarf as it can get quite chilly in November! 

    Hit the Black Friday Sales

    Black Friday technically falls the day after thanksgiving. Head to bigger department stores and que outside for the limited bargains, or browse some of the more avant garde locals for something more vintage. 

    Macy’s Day Parade


     Alternatively, if you are looking for something more lively then head down to the center of town to catch the world-famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! Expect huge floats, upbeat music, epic inflatables, and massive crowds! You can also see the balloons up close if you head to the Upper West Side next to Central Park on the evening before Thanksgiving as this is when they are prepared for the parade. 

     

     

  • aesthetic/theories magazine

    aesthetic/theories magazine

    Now in its second volume, aesthetic/theories is a biannual print publication focused on featuring artists, designers, intellectuals, and institutions that reflect and shape our cultural and creative patterns. We caught up with its editor, Samine Joudat, to discover more about how the magazine started, the influence of Los Angeles and what we can find in volume 2.

    www.aesthetic-theories.com

    Samine Joudat’s portrait by Bailey Warhol.

    What made you start aesthetic/theories and how did you put together the team behind the publication?

    It started from a point that was the convergence of a few different factors. The idea had been in my head for a long time. Not necessarily that of a publication, but an idea that, in some form or another, would be investigating humanity on a broad scale and linking together big fields that people often treat in silos. Photography, art, philosophy, architecture, design, and even technology and sport are often just different frames of reference expressing similar ideas or solving similar problems at their core. I’ve always been interested in philosophy and theoretical ideas of how humanity takes in experiences and conjures meaning out of them. Hence the name, which is a play on Theodor Adorno’s ‘Aesthetic Theory’, in which he traced the influence of art, music, and aesthetics on culture, and vice versa.

    Timing is the other factor. The impetus to give this thing actual life was me recovering from a serious leg injury that required 9 months of rehab. It changed the trajectory of what I was set on doing following graduate school – working in advertising in New York. My brief experience with the advertising world and the big advertising players was that, here is a field filled with a lot of really cool and bright people, who are being swallowed by their organizations’ antiquated natures. It was like: ‘we want you to be out of the box, but, like, not too out of the box. In fact, can you fit in this oval right here?’

    So, aesthetic/theories was at once both a curiosity to pursue while I was bedridden and, in my own way, a ‘fuck you’ to the advertising industry.

    The team came together very organically; it’s a fluid collection of my friends and my girlfriend, to whom I owe a lot of gratitude for pushing me to pursue this and supporting me throughout. We’re close and all collaborate really well and share complementary creative vibes, so it’s felt like a very natural process. My father and uncle, immigrants from Iran, have also been immensely supportive. Beyond the core team though, there has been so much ideation and collaboration and help from different people that I’ve come to know over the years or have just recently met. People who immediately support my vision for a/t and want to help and support what it stands for. So much so that it’s gotten me thinking of far-fetched ideas like a completely open-sourced magazine with as much of a democratic structure as possible.

    ‘Print magazine as blockchain’.

    Can you tell us about what we can find in volume 2?

    Volume 002 was about taking the broader ideas behind the birth of the magazine, as stated above, and narrowing them. It is, editorially, about exploring the inherent tensions between ‘art’ and ‘creativity’ and ‘profit’. We wanted to explore artists, designers, intellectuals, and institutions that are expressing their creative ethos authentically and resisting the tides of commercialization.

    You’re based in Los Angeles and the city is present in several articles in this volume, can you tell us about how it influences the publication?

    LA, like any great city in our world, embodies and reflects so much of our species – both in its good and bad. What people probably misunderstand about LA, is that it is a city both ethereal and gritty. Not just one or the other. It is a place that promotes endless aspiration alongside terrible but also beautiful urban realities. A lot of cities embody this trait, but LA’s ecology is so diverse, its geography so large, that it creates this on a huge scale – a vast expanse through which you can literally drive for hours for inspiration. Through the sheer scale of skyscrapers in downtown, to the creative hub of the arts district, to the surreal hills and palm trees of Hollywood, to the beaches of Santa Monica and Malibu, to the decrepit poverty of the marginalized, interspersed wherever they haven’t been pushed out yet. There is a lot of fascinating history here and a rapidly burgeoning creative scene that I think will soon rival New York’s best, if it doesn’t already.

    I should also mention that David Lynch’s Mulholland Drive had a big influence on the style and design of volume 002.

    What do you hope people experience when they read aesthetic/theories?

    I hope they think a little bit deeper about the things, people, and rituals they interact with every day and that they appreciate the role of beauty alongside function.

    How do you see aesthetic/theories evolving in the next volumes? Are you planning to experiment with the content and format of the publication?

    I can only speak about the short-term, and I’m really excited about volume 003. I can say that it will be centered around the ideas of ‘complexity theory’ – which is a field dedicated to exploring the rules governing dynamic systems, from architecture to ecosystems to social media and beyond. Like the idea behind aesthetic/theories, it is a very multidisciplinary field that attempts to find the common links present in seemingly disparate phenomena, in hopes of progressing humanity past its most challenging obstacles. The creative possibilities of an issue focusing on complexity theory are wild, so I’m really looking forward to it.

    We do have some cool ideas in the works behind experimenting with both content and format. Stay tuned. But we are dedicated to keeping the core idea of aesthetic/theories as a print publication, forever and always.

    What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced since starting aesthetic/theories? What have you learnt?

    Lots of challenges. All sorts. I’m stressed thinking about them right now haha. Most have to do with the logistical and financial trappings of a creative start-up. But the biggest one of them all, I have ultimately learned, is strategic. In an ideal world, how big does aesthetic/theories scale if it resonates in the hands and eyes of its customer? I’ll keep you posted when we figure it out 😉

    The beginning of the 2010s saw a boom in independent publishing but it seems like it has slowed down over the past couple of years. What are your thoughts on the current state of independent publications?

    It’s tough for me to answer that because we have just recently entered into it, and so it feels like it’s not slowing down at all, with all the publications and events that seem to be popping up. There are extremely bright and talented people creating some incredible works that express incredible ideas right now in independent publishing. So there is no dearth of supply. The real question is the demand, and I think that is also the most interesting aspect. In terms of scale, no print publication will be able to rival digital anymore (probably). But there is a real opportunity to connect with young audiences that are being cluster-bombed with fleeting digital information, all the time. I am one of them. It’s really refreshing, in your downtime, to be able to actually pick up a beautifully designed object and read really good, relevant content inside. It’s something I think young people are hungry for and digital can’t provide.

     

  • 6 Tips to Organize a New Home as You Unpack

    So you’ve finally managed to pack up and move to a new home. It’s a commendable achievement, but there’s still a lot of work ahead! The unpacking phase might not be as urgent and stressful as packing, but it’s still a challenge. 

    Feeling overwhelmed at the sight of all those boxes? Instead of looking at this task as a burden, think of it as the perfect opportunity to organize! This is where you can start organizing your new home, making each living space more efficient and convenient. With a little more effort now, you can look forward to a functional, orderly home that’s easy to live in. 

    Let’s now look at some steps that can help you achieve this goal: 

    Image Source

    1. Have a System in Place

    Before you start opening those boxes, think about the best system for this task. The tips below might help you unpack in an orderly fashion: 

    • Your packing should have been according to room or the usage of the items; read each label and look inside before emptying anything out.
    • Take each box to the relevant room or area of your new home.
    • Time yourself; take scheduled breaks or have a set time for resting.
    • Before packing in the first place, make an inventory list or plan to get one from the moving company; keep checking this list to ensure that everything arrives safely.

    What if you packed in a hurry?

    At times, you don’t have the time or energy to sort out everything before packing. Worry not; there’s still a way to organize your unpacking!

    If everything is mixed up inside the boxes, get some large empty containers first (one for each room). Place them around the box you’re going to unpack. 

    As you remove an item, place it inside the relevant container. This way, you don’t have to keep rushing into another room and turning yourself out. Once the box is empty and the containers are full, you can move the items to their rightful place. 

    2. Unpack Necessities First

    This is another step that starts in the packing phase. Before setting off for your new destination, it’s highly recommended that you pack an essential box for the journey. This box (or any other container) will contain the necessities that you need to get through the day. Toothbrushes, a change of clothes, medicines, snacks… the list goes on. This box should be the first one you unpack after the journey. 

    There might also be other essential boxes that you won’t need on the journey. These should have items that one needs to run a household for a few days. If you haven’t taken this step while packing, try searching for certain items and setting them up first. Examples may include: 

    • Basic toiletries
    • Phone chargers
    • Laptop chargers
    •  Important paperwork 
    • Books
    • Items for food prep

    If you feel like something is missing, consider some of these first things to buy when moving into a new home. 

    3. Set up the Kitchen

    If you’ve learned how to pack kitchen items properly, the next step will be quite easy. Labeled boxes will help you locate the items. Before unpacking, however, take a round of the new kitchen and decide what goes where. When you have designated drawers, it’s much easier to set the items there directly from the box. If you don’t make these decisions beforehand, the cutlery and other stuff might just pile up on the kitchen table. 

    Here are a few more steps that can come in handy: 

    • Try lining the kitchen cabinets and cupboards.
    • Start by unpacking the essentials that will make life more manageable.
    • If you don’t have time, leave the small organizational tasks (such as organizing the spices alphabetically) for a later day.

    4. Work on the Bedrooms

    The bedrooms are also important spaces. These are the areas where everyone can rest and personalize according to their tastes. After setting up the kitchen, it’s usually best to tackle the bedrooms. Here are some steps to keep in mind: 

    • Assemble the beds
    • Unpack the bed linens, if not all of them, then at least enough for a single night.
    • Decide the placement of the furniture before moving anything in
    • Look inside the closets and determine how to fit all your belongings inside
    • If you plan to have organizing units and shelves, install these before setting your stuff inside

    5. The Bathrooms Come Next

    Since bathrooms should be pretty much functional the moment you step in the door. The basic toiletries may already be out during the essential packing. Now, it’s time to focus on organizing the bathrooms so that they can provide comfort and hygiene in your routine. Here are a few ways to go about it: 

    • Unpack your towels, soaps, and other bathroom-related items.
    • Deep-clean the bathroom before setting up your things inside.
    • Stock the linen closet with extra towels, washcloths, etc.

    6. Assembling and Arranging

    You’ve already assembled and set up the beds in the bedroom. Now is the time to arrange the rest of the furniture in your new home. The tips below can help in streamlining this process: 

    • Try to get some floor plan sketches of the new place before you pack; if your future is too big, you may have to get new pieces
    • The floor plan will also provide insight into the best furniture arrangement for the bedrooms, dining room, living room, porch, etc. 
    • If you have furniture that needs mechanical assembly, put them together after finalizing the setup in each room. Otherwise, you may have to disable the pieces again when they don’t fit in a certain spot.

    Conclusion

    Instead of making unpacking a chore, make it an organizational mission! The steps above will hopefully streamline your unpacking process and make it easier. The best part is that you’ll get to enjoy your new home more quickly. With the home organized and under control, the whole family will be able to start settling into their new lifestyle. Why not open up the first box and start right away?

  • 8 Tips for A More Futuristic Home In 2023

    In 2023, homes are getting smarter with new features thanks to technology. Modern homes are all about adding conveniences, making life simpler, and being ready for the future. As more homes get these updates, they fit into today’s world better. Moreover, modernizing your home can be very profitable in a thriving real estate market such as that of Long Island. 

    According to Redfin, Long Island has experienced a 3.2% hike in the median sale price of homes since last year. Factor in its climate, which sees varying seasons, and there’s an undeniable need for homes that can adapt to both hot summers and cold winters. 

    However, with the support of local services and resources, Long Island homeowners can prepare their abodes ready to take on anything. Creating a futuristic home isn’t about incorporating technology but ensuring that your home remains timeless.

    In this article, we’ll highlight some ways to make sure your home can stand the test of time. 

    Image Source

    Update Your Bathroom Spaces

    Bathrooms, once mere necessities, have transformed into places of relaxation and technology. Simple changes, such as neutral palettes and minimalist fixtures, can elevate a bathroom, making it feel elegant. One noteworthy trend is the introduction of smart faucets and stone showers. Beyond their modern appearance, they’re pivotal for conserving water, striking a balance between style and eco-responsibility.

    An efficient water flow and the prevention of leaks are paramount to ensure the bathroom’s longevity and functionality. Residents of Long Island especially need to ensure water conservation and minimum usage since utility costs are extremely high, and with cold winters and, at times, scorching summers, water bills can drain your savings. 

    To guarantee a bathroom not only looks state-of-the-art but also operates flawlessly, look for a reputable Long Island plumbing company that can effortlessly mesh innovative designs with impeccable plumbing foundations. 

    Maximize Natural Light

    Large windows in homes have become a trend in recent years. The main reason for this? The undeniable benefits of natural light. Admitting plenty of sunlight not only adds to the beauty of your interior design but also provides health benefits for the residents. Studies have shown that sunlit environments can have positive effects on mood and performance. 

    In addition, there is a practical aspect to this design choice: energy conservation. With more sunlight coming in, there is no need for artificial lighting during the day, saving energy costs. Bay or custom windows are the top suggestions for homeowners considering this addition. 

    Adopt Eco-friendly Exteriors

    The exterior of a home is usually the first impression. Traditional finishes give way to modern styles, even though they are not timeless. One such trend is Scandinavian-inspired wood coverings, which offer aesthetic appeal and durability. This modern approach greatly improves the home’s curb appeal. 

    In the property market, exterior design can have a positive effect on pricing. With contemporary finishes, homeowners can expect greater appeal from potential buyers or admirers, building on the value of staying up-to-date.

    Experience Comfort with Underfloor Heating

    Gone are the days when large, obtrusive radiators took up wall space in homes. Underfloor heating offers a modern solution that provides warmth without compromising the room’s aesthetics. For homes that value clean, seamless designs, complementary features like an aluminium recessed floor door can provide discreet access to underfloor systems without disrupting the visual flow. One primary advantage of underfloor heating systems is their discreet nature. They remain hidden, allowing homeowners more flexibility in room design.

    Plus, they spread warmth evenly throughout the room, eliminating the cold spots often found with traditional radiators. Efficient underfloor systems can lead to energy savings in the long run, making them both a stylish and practical choice for modern homeowners in Long Island

    Illuminate with LED Solutions

    Traditional CFL bulbs have had their time. The future of home lighting is LED. They illuminate a room the moment you flick the switch. Moreover, they consume significantly less energy compared to their older counterparts, making them a preferred choice for environmentally conscious homeowners. 

    LED lights have another advantage: their longevity. They last much longer than CFLs, meaning you won’t have to replace them as frequently. This blend of energy efficiency, instant brightness, and durability makes LED solutions an essential choice for modern homes.

    Command with Smart Home Tech

    With the smart homes of 2023, homeowners now expect more than just a comfortable abode; They want complete control of their living spaces. With the ability to remotely control heating, lighting, and even appliances, homeowners can change their environment miles away.

    The convenience doesn’t end there. The integration of smart speakers and other voice-controlled devices allows users to manage their homes with simple verbal instructions. So, whether it’s adjusting the room temperature or dimming the lights on movie night, a simple voice command is all that’s needed.

    Beyond convenience, there’s a growing emphasis on integrating technology in a way that complements how and where people live. Homes in the Southwest often embrace open spaces, natural textures, and a strong connection to the outdoors. These tailored AV systems for Southwest living take the elements into account, offering discreet installations and durable equipment suited for both indoor comfort and outdoor entertaining. It’s a thoughtful blend of performance and style that aligns with the region’s unique lifestyle.

    Maximize Space with Innovative Solutions

    Every homeowner, at some point, faces the challenge of limited space. However, with a touch of creativity, one can not only manage but also expand their usable space. One key approach is to invest in furniture that doubles up as storage, ensuring no inch is wasted. 

    Another transformative strategy involves mounting utilities like TVs or bookshelves on walls, freeing up significant floor space. 

    Play with Light and Bright Interiors

    A simple way to transform your living space is by selecting the right color tones and surfaces. Pale tones, like whites and soft pastels, can make rooms appear larger and more open. They evoke a sense of calm and are perfect for creating a serene atmosphere. Coupled with reflective surfaces, such as mirrors or glossy furniture finishes, the light in the room gets amplified. 

    These surfaces capture and spread natural daylight or artificial lighting, boosting the overall brightness of the space. So, without adding more fixtures or making significant changes, homeowners can effectively make their interiors look more spacious and well-lit by opting for pale tones and reflective finishes.

    Conclusion 

    The journey to crafting the home of the future in 2023 contains a mixture of style, functionality, and durability. You don’t necessarily have to transform the entire place into a smart home with technology at every corner. It’s about ensuring your home resonates with the needs of buyers in your city or neighborhood. Every change, big or small, is important. So, take that first step, rely on local knowledge, and watch the spaces slowly evolve into an ideal portrait of modern life.