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Have you decided that a weekend excursion is exactly what you need to relax, unwind, get out of the house and have a little fun? Weekend getaways are the perfect way to enjoy a mini-vacation when you either can’t take time off work, or you simply don’t want to be away that long. Instead, you can get that quick little break from the daily grind coming back refreshed and ready to take on the work week. 

While you’re most likely caught up in the excitement of planning your weekend excursion and start looking for Cupertino apartments for rent, there are a few tips to keep in mind that will help you to stay safe so you can make the best of your time. So let’s jump right in.

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Choose Reputable Accommodations

One of the first tips is to make sure you’re choosing accommodations at an establishment that has a solid reputation and reviews you can take a look at in advance. Sure, it’s nice to help out that starter bed and breakfast, but unless you can find information from previous guests, you really won’t know what you’re in for until you arrive. 

Some of the key things to look for in your accommodations besides online reviews are a set rate, the amenities you would want and expect, a prime location that is close to the activities you want to do, and depending on the style of weekend excursion you want, either a smaller property with an intimate vibe or something large with plenty of on-site activities.

Rent a Car in the Destination

Rather than have to rely on public transportation, cabs, or rideshares in a city/town you are unfamiliar with, why not rent your own car for getting around? You can even ask for something with GPS built in to ensure that directions aren’t an issue. Granted, renting a car can get pricey, but you can always stretch your travel budget by watching for deals, discounts, and promotions. Car rental companies are notorious for these types of incentives.

Always Be Aware of Your Surroundings

When you’re on vacation, it’s easy to get caught up in the scenery and sights around you, but you still want to be very aware of your surroundings. As the experts say, you want to keep your guard up at all times, so no-one can sneak up on you. It’s the same practice you would use at home; unfortunately, it often falls to the side when on vacation, thanks to all the distractions.

Think Twice About Public Wi-Fi

If you had been planning to use public Wi-Fi for checking any important information or data, it’s time to think again. You never know when the network could be hacked and put into jeopardy all your sensitive and private information.

Make Two Copies of Your Passport

This tip should be done before you leave so you can in fact leave one copy at home with a family member or close friend, the other copy can be kept on you while touring around during the day, and the original should remained locked up in the safe in your hotel room.

Leave Your Itinerary at Home with Someone

It’s also a very smart plan to get into the habit of leaving your travel itinerary with someone at home, whether that be a family member or close friend. This will allow people to reach you if there is an emergency, and it also means people know where you are and when you should be home.

A Few Tips is All It Takes

At the end of the day, it just takes a few small and simple tips to help keep you safe while on a weekend excursion, ensuring that the trip is a huge success.

Launching the SDG programme, former UN Secretary-General Ban-Ki Moon encouraged young people to take action: “Be a global citizen. Act with passion and compassion. Help us make this world safer and more sustainable today and for the generations that will follow us.” BE OPEN strongly believes in the creative potential of younger people and their ability to look at the world with fresh eyes and to come up with ideas no one has found before.

BE OPEN’s latest competition DESIGN TO NURTURE THE PLANET aimed to bring the talent and creativity of the global community to focus on SDG2: Zero Hunger. Under the umbrella of zero hunger, SDG2 is not only about ending hunger, but also achieving food security and improved nutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture. The competition called for innovative solutions that can contribute to how we transform our food systems to end food insecurity and create better conditions for an equitable and environmentally prosperous world.

The objective of the competition is to recognize and promote top design projects developed by the younger creative generation that are able to tackle the tasks set by the United Nations’ SDG Programme; to produce new ideas with the potential for true impact.

In addition to the First, Second and Third Prizes of €5,000, €3,000 and €2,000 accordingly, allocated by the expert jury, the competition offers two more prizes: the Public Vote prize and the Founder’s Choice Prize.

The public vote was held online on the competition website and helped select the awardee of the Public Vote Prize of €2,000 out of 50 short-listed candidates with highest scores from the jury. We congratulate Karl Balevsky from Sofia, Bulgaria; Karl submitted his project DropCrop that received more than 5,600 likes from the voters.

In order to accumulate water for agricultural purposes in arid areas, the DropCrop system uses the simplest act of nature – the difference between night and day temperatures that is generally quite significant in arid areas. The condensation within a household, prompted by our everyday activities, may be enough to support cultivating greens in an efficient greenhouse designed by Asian traditional examples and technologies. The system allows collecting condensation drops on natural surfaces and channel them through pipes into the greenhouse, providing additional watering.

Founder of BE OPEN, international philanthropist and businesswoman Elena Baturina expressed her highest regard for the winning submission: “To make a positive change a part of our daily lives, it is important to keep it simple, affordable and sustainable. Such little shifts to sustainable future are no less important than national programmes, that is why we are committed to promoting design-thinking and younger generations of creatives, to reveal and celebrate all the creative potential that they have to offer to solve the sustainable development issues globally and locally.”

BE OPEN and the partners of the competition are deeply thankful to all the participants and voters, who have dedicated their time and creativity to this competition, making the issue of food insecurity as well as possible design-driven solutions more visible and therefore more likely to be adopted to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

This is year three of BE OPEN’s involvement with running competition programmes that collect ideas and projects to advance the United Nations’ Sustainable Goals (SDG). Previous programmes held in partnership with Cumulus International Association of Universities and Colleges of Art, Design and Media focused on SDG11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

Unless you are extremely rich, the bathroom is probably one of the smallest rooms in the house. It is one of the reasons why some homeowners do not pay much attention to making it look cozy and comfortable. Contrary to what most people believe, the bathroom should also feel and look as relaxing as any other room. However, if you have a small space, how can you do it?

In this article, we will give you some tips on how to make your bathrooms look more decorative and homey. Let’s take a look at each of them.

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How to decorate small bathrooms?

If you think that the bathroom should only look simple and straightforward, then you’re wrong. There are different ways to make it look more elegant and stylish. It’s not just for you to have a relaxing experience when using it but also for when people come and visit. Here are some of the things that you can do to liven up your small bathroom.

1. Consider using empty spaces

The bathroom is filled with empty spaces. These are the countertops and walls that often look useless to some people. However, did you know that you can use these spaces as a storage area? For instance, you can have an over the toilet space saver such as shelves and cabinets. It can be installed right above your toilet and you can use it as additional storage for towels, shampoos, and other bathroom products. Aside from this, you can also use the space under your sink to store cleaning items for the bathroom. These spaces are already occupying space so might as well use them for something helpful.

2.Use shower curtains instead

One of the biggest mistakes of many homeowners is installing doors for the shower and bath area. While it is really necessary to keep these areas private, a door may look suffocating for a small bathroom. If you want to have a partition, you can use a shower curtain instead. In that way, you can set it aside when the area is not in use which can make the room a little bigger.

3. Pick a minimalist color

It’s common knowledge in interior decorating that lighter colors are best for small areas. It’s the same for your bathroom. If you want it to look more pleasing to the eyes, it’s best if you will pick minimalist colors on the wall and the rest of the furniture inside. Of course, you can still pick printed and colorful designs for as long as it’s not too flashy that will give an impression that it’s eating up the spaces in the room.

4. Mix different materials

Some people think that bathrooms should only be filled with ceramics and tiles. This is another mistake in interior decorating. To make your bathroom look fresh and relaxing, it’s best to mix different materials for your furniture inside. Just make sure that you are going to use something susceptible to water exposure. After all, it’s the bathroom.

5. Tidy up your bathroom products

Just like any part of the house, cluttered and untidy shelves are displeasing to the eyes. This is especially the case for small spaces. As often as you can, make sure that all your bathroom products are tightly organized. It’s best to throw away those that you don’t need. In that way, you won’t have too many hair products that don’t have a purpose in being in your bathroom.

6. Cabinets can be helpful

If you want to keep your small bathroom organized, the best way is to use cabinets. Some people prefer to use shelves, but it’s not always the best choice because it requires a lot of time organizing it. If you have cabinets, it’s easy to hide some items that do not look great for display. You can only use shelves if you happen to have designer bathroom products that can also act as an art piece. Otherwise, keep it in a cabinet.

7. Keep the shower design minimal

If you already have a small bathroom, there’s no reason to put so much decor or design in the shower area. As much as possible, only keep items in the shower that you will use. If you want to decorate, use something that you can stick on walls such as wallpapers, etc. In that way, it will not look too much inside the bathroom.

8. Hang everything you can

For small spaces, it’s basic knowledge to use the walls as a storage element. If you want to maximize the space in the bathroom, you can use the walls to hang some of the common items you use inside. You can also use small shelves to store minimal items such as tissues, hand lotions, etc.

9. Store guest towels properly

If you are one of those people who always have towels for your guest, make sure that it is kept in the cabinet. It will not just keep those towels clean, but it’s also a good idea to organize them neatly. Hanging unused towels can look tacky and dirty. If you want to perceive it as a clean towel, it’s best to use cabinets.

10. Mirrors can make a huge difference

One of the best ways to have an illusion of a huge space is by using mirrors. It’s normal for bathrooms to have pillows but it’s best to use bigger mirrors to have a bigger reflection of the area. If you want to be a little creative, you can have mirrors on all the walls of your bathroom.

11. Lighting should be a priority

Make sure to use warm and calm lights in the bathroom. If you have a small space, flashy lights can be a little overwhelming. It’s best to have yellow lights for a calming ambiance. You can also consider having windows in the bathroom to invite a little bit of natural light.

Key takeaway

No matter how big or small your bathroom is, it’s still necessary to give it a little style. After all, it is another part of the house where you can recharge yourself. With the tips mentioned above, you will surely have a more refreshing feeling after using the bathroom. Mix it up a little and be more creative in your own ways.

Want to have more home improvement ideas? Visit Storables.com today!

2020 was a year when we spent most of our time at home—decluttering our spaces, clearing out the basement, reorganizing the pantry, and everything in between. It was a time when we devoted most of our time and energy browsing through the Internet for inspiration to help clean our spaces and make them as personalized as they can be. 

Such renewed interest in home organizing has paved the way for various design trends that are influencing the way we decorate every room at home, including sleep spaces. While the emphasis on comfort and functionality at home remains, there are some wonderful bedroom design trends that you’ll want to embrace well into 2021 and beyond. Continue reading to discover more. 

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Texture on Texture 

Velvets, knitted blankets, and other plush fabrics are taking up spaces on accent chairs, armrests, and even bed frames. 2021 is all about layering with warm, toned textures as well as fascinating and clever bedroom storage ideas. Think of draping a chunky mustard yellow knitted blanket on your couch or accenting it with a beige fleece to match your overall neutral color palette. The key to riding this trend is to use at least two different textures to create an impact. When done right, this will make your home look warm and cozy. 

Multifunctional Accessories 

Multi-purpose furniture items can be considered both a need and a want, particularly these days as people continue to work remotely at home. From a shelf that converts into a table to a modular couch that can be broken into separate pieces for extra seating, furniture businesses are coming up with innovative ideas. These concepts answer the growing demands of consumers for accessories as they adjust to a new lifestyle at home. 

Aesthetic Storage 

The pandemic has changed global online shopping behaviors and the shift towards e-commerce is likely to stay for good. But, what about the stuff that we’re buying online? Besides home essentials, food supplies, and the occasional clothes and personal items that we purchase, consumers are also shopping for aesthetic storage solutions to keep these items without them cluttering our spaces. Some examples include floating shelves, rattan baskets, and other plastic storage boxes in neutral colorways or those with wooden accents. 

Bold, Functional Lighting 

Lighting solutions at home are no longer merely aesthetically appealing. They serve their purpose or two, as well, rendering them both an accent and a functional accessory. However, don’t be surprised if you’re seeing a resurgence of chandeliers, as they are by far the best for adding drama for their impressive look and scale. 

Earth Tones 

Decorating in earth tones is a classic that continues to persist well into 2021. But, this year, beiges, browns, and rust hues seem to have gone beyond textiles as they are now also being used on focal points like upholstered headboards and sofas. Some homeowners are also opting to pair these neutral colors with bolder, nature-inspired choices such as rich reds, oranges, and mustard yellows and the result is an equally classic and elegant scheme.

Wall Displays 

Specifically for bedrooms, homeowners these days are also adding interest to walls using handmade crafts like macrame wall hanging, woven plant hangers, and tapestries with interesting details and fabrics. Some others opt to use specialized paint finishes, such as those that recreate the look of an unfinished cement wall. Color-wise, we also see shades of refreshing green that reflect our newfound interest in plants and gardening. 

There’s little point in following the trend if your home looks cluttered and untidy. We have already dedicated most of our time and effort towards organizing our homes. You would want to keep or further improve the way your house looks today even as we slowly return to the new normal after the pandemic. If the above point isn’t any indication, investing in the right home storage solutions is key to keep your home tidy, even as we eventually return to schools and offices. This much is true in bedrooms where we spend most of our time at home. 

How to Organize Your Bedroom in 3 Easy Steps 

1. Declutter your closet 

Get into a Marie Kondo vibe and take a hard look at your closet. Consider getting rid of the clothes you have not worn in a year and more and organize what’s left by style, color, or activity. Box away seasonal items like winter coats and scarves to free up more space in your room. Think of repurposing older clothing items, too, like cropping an old sweatshirt, ironing a patch, or tie-dying a shirt. If you need some spring cleaning ideas, check this article at validpick.com.

2. Designate a space for work

If you have shifted to remote working or online schooling, you will have to clear some space for your working table to draw the line between work and rest. The key is to keep a clutter-free space to stay productive. You would also want to maximize your vertical space and keep only the essentials on your desk. 

3. Clear the space for mental space 

Overall, your objective should be decluttering and rearranging your bedroom in a way that it would be less cramped and cluttered. There have been several articles online discussing the benefits that well-organized living spaces can offer, from keeping you productive to reducing stress levels, and everything in between. You may also want to have space for activities like movie nights or exercising at home. 

Takeaway 

These unusual times have allowed us to do the things we wouldn’t normally have time for, pre-pandemic—cleaning, organizing, and probably reflecting on our lifestyle and earthly possessions. By this time, we are probably already aware of the things that we need and have accepted to get rid of the clutter that we have held onto for years. These have allowed us to make room for the essentials, which may include items we never realized we needed until now.

Which home design trends have you followed this 2021? Did we miss out on anything? Let us know by leaving a comment below! 

 

We bet that you are looking forward to a romantic date with the person you like. Of course, along with your anticipation also comes the annoying nerves. These nerves can ruin everything when left unchecked. We do not want that, do we? It is why for your romantic night out, we will give you support by offering tips for keeping your cool and impressing your date. Especially this summer when there are lots of activities that you and your date can enjoy, we can give a few reminders on how to let this ship sail! If you are ready for a sweet summer, here are a few tips for an unforgettable date!

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1. Dress to express

We would be too naïve if we say that looks do not matter. Of course, it will matter on the first date. However, we agree that you do not need to be conventionally attractive on your date. The key here is to dress the way you want and be confident! Dress comfortably according to the occasion. Your date will sense how uneasy you are if you keep on tugging and squirming on the attire you tried hard to put together. You can even wear simple clothes with proper accessories and mixing and matching. If you have a wristwatch, great ones like Seiko or IWC Ingenieur, you can put your faith in them for your outfit to go well. Just remember to dress stylishly yet comfortably, so you can be yourself.

2. Keep calm

Since we mentioned a thing or two about being comfortable, the next point is specifically about it. When going out on a date, it is important to stay calm and just be yourself. We know that this is easier said than done. However, staying calm is key for you to connect with your date and convey what you want to express. It will keep you from talking less or even talking more.

3. Choose the perfect dating spot

When choosing the location for your date, the first thing that comes into your mind is impressing your date by bringing them to a fine, romantic restaurant where all of you should dress nicely, especially for a first date. Romantic as it may sound, you and your date might feel a bit stiff. In case you still do not know your common interests, choose a place where you can let loose and where both of you can be casual. You can try out the newest coffee shop in town or go and have drinks at a local bar. A dating spot that is just casual and free will allow the both of you to be more comfortable and therefore spark engaging conversations.

4. Prepare an activity

Aside from choosing a casual place for your first date, you can also go to a place where both of you can be engaged in a fun activity that you can enjoy. If you are the type who is not that chatty, this is your best bet to veer you and your date away from awkward silence and conversations. Go out for a particular activity like hiking, mountain climbing, ice skating, and more! This way, you do not need to sit down and talk. You can still enjoy it even when you are not talking and still have conversations here and there if you want. It can also be a great way to break the ice. It can also be a way for you to have something to talk about.

5. Know them well

When you are having conversations with your date, you can now ditch those cheesy pick-up lines, lousy jokes, and such. Most people do not dig those kinds of stuff, especially at first. When sparking a conversation, talk about things and topics that they enjoy. You do not even need to think that hard. You can even talk about current affairs or things that you know they are curious about. We know it might be hard at first to know which topic they are interested in. The key is to be sensitive and look out for breadcrumbs—meaning, things that they say that may serve as clues as to what they love.

6. Meet up in person as often as you can

Given the advancement of technology today, we cannot deny how dating seems easier. You can log into dating applications and interact with people you are attracted to or those you have “matched” with. However, even if you have met online or even if it is the easiest way to interact with someone you like, it is still best to go out of your way and try to meet the person you like as often as you can. Research says that people get attracted to one another according to geography. Meaning, they are attracted to people who are close with them or who are within their proximity more often.

By going out on dates or even just having quick lunches together in between work, you can build a rapport and can finally be more comfortable with each other.

7. Be sensitive about their personal space

If you want your date to be more comfortable with you, you need to stay away from them—yup, you heard that right. This only means that you do not need to be touchy with them yet. Save all your touchiness for next time, but for now, be sensitive about how close you are with them and if your gestures make them uneasy. For example, you do not need to wrap your arms around them when walking down the street. Courteous gestures will do, like offering your hand in case they need help. Respecting their personal space is also a gesture that you also respect them and their agency to take care of themselves.

8. Be honest about yourself

Here are just some of the things that can help you out on your date. The most important thing to remember is, to be honest about yourself and to be unafraid when expressing yourself. You will only enjoy your date if you immerse your real self, too, at the moment.