Your band of mercenaries has made it to the far north, a small outpost called Frosthaven in the Frozen Wastes. What adventures await you here?
Frosthaven is a legacy-style cooperative game for 1 to 4 players, ages 14 and up, and is the sequel to Gloomhaven. The play time varies by scenario, roughly 2 hours per session but this can be affected by the number of players, the complexity of the particular scenario, and some other factors. Frosthaven was originally funded through Kickstarter in 2020, delivered to backers in late 2022 and early 2023, and is now available to purchase from Cephalofair Games, with a price tag of $250 (or more, if you want to bundle some of the extras with it). Or if you don’t mind waiting a bit longer, you can pledge $180 for the second printing of Frosthaven through the current Backerkit campaign. Frosthaven is a standalone game and you don’t need to play Gloomhaven first, though it uses a lot of the same rules, with a few new additions.
Frosthaven was designed by Isaac Childres and published by Cephalofair Games, with artwork by Francesca Baerald, David Demaret, Alexandr Elichev, and Josh T. McDowell. There’s also a host of additional names in the rulebook for developers, scenario writers, graphic design, and more—too many for me to list here.
The term “legacy game” has been around for over a decade now (starting with Risk Legacy) but I find it’s still helpful to clarify what I mean, especially if you haven’t played one yet. Legacy games are games in which you will make permanent changes to the game as you play, often as a result of decisions you make over the course of the game. Nowadays, this can include writing on or adding stickers to game components, tearing up cards, scratching off some coating to reveal hidden information, and more. In most cases, legacy games are also campaign games, which means you’re intended to play through some number of sessions before you “complete” the game—at which point the particular state of your copy of the game is the “legacy” that you and your fellow players have created, potentially unique from any other copy that has been played.
There are a lot of components in Frosthaven that are revealed as you reach certain parts of the story, stickers that are added to the map, and so on, and the element of surprise as you open an envelope or lift a flap is part of the appeal. Because of that, it’s hard to talk in detail about the game, especially the components themselves, without giving a few spoilers. That said, I’ll try to keep significant spoilers to a minimum and only share what’s really necessary for explanation—primarily I’ll show photos from the first scenario so that they’re things you’d see very early on.
Because of the hidden/unknown components, I’ll list the “known” contents of the box but will leave out some of the details. When you first open the huge box, you’ll find a big stack of cardboard to punch out, and underneath that are a few plastic trays of cards, envelopes, boxes, books, and some other materials. There’s a handy sheet that tells you how to get things sorted to some extent, though there are some things that you’ll need to further organize yourself.
Here’s what comes in the box:
First up, there are a lot of map tiles—these have notches and knobs on the edges so that they can attach to each other, jigsaw-style, and each tile is double-sided so you get different artwork for the background. They’re labeled with numbers and letters, so all of the tiles of the same shape share a number. There isn’t an organizer for these included in the base box, so they just get piled on top of the trays.
The photo above shows the plastic trays: the two on the left nest into each other (with lids); the top one includes all the various status token and damage tokens, and the larger tray has all of the overlay tiles for terrain, doors, special locations, and so on.
The tray on the top left has most of the cards: lots of event cards, battle modifier cards, and item cards. Most of these have little divider cards to separate the available and unavailable cards, but the way they’re designed is that “Available” is printed on one side and “Unavailable” is printed on the other, so you need to be careful which side you’re looking at. This tray also included all of the cards for the enemies (in that empty well on the right), but the way the game has you organize them (see below), this well ends up empty. One thing that disappointed me about the divider cards is that the tabs stick up over the height of the trays—and for storage, you’ll pile the books and tiles on top of them, which means the tabs get squashed. There was an article about how they hired a submarine engineer to get everything to fit into the box—and it’s an impressive feat, for sure, but a lot of it feels like it fits when it’s new, but isn’t designed for good storage once everything is punched out and in use.
The large tray on the bottom is intended to be left at the bottom of the box. It has the health/XP dials, large enemy cards, building cards, a bunch of sealed envelopes, and then lots of boxes. The smaller boxes along the right are miniatures for all of the player characters, and the flat boxes are the other components for each of the character classes.
Each class has its own set of components so they vary a bit, but the photo above shows is a sample. The Banner Spear is one of the starting classes (and the one I started with). Each box has a player board, a pad of character sheets, a deck of action cards and a deck of modifier cards, an initiative token, and potentially some other tokens. The Banner Spear has a lot of abilities that summon allies or banners, but some characters have none or have other types of tokens. The character itself has a corresponding miniature, but there are also cardboard tokens for each character in case you prefer to use those instead.
The bulk of the cardboard punchouts are the enemies. There are over 40 monsters, demons, guards, machines, and creatures, and there are 6 to 10 copies of most of them aside from the bosses. If you have Gloomhaven, you’ll notice that there are quite a few that you’ve seen before. Each enemy has the standee tokens, an initiative banner, and a small deck of action cards, and the setup sheet tells you to bag these up (with the included plastic baggies) and then, well, pile them all into the box, on top of the stacks of map tiles. While this does get everything to fit in the box, it’s a pretty poor system, particularly when you’re looking for specific enemies for a scenario setup. I ended up labeling all the bags with a marker and lining them up in a shoebox in alphabetical order.
There’s a large board that serves as a map—it has the Northern Coast on the top half, and then a close-up of the Frosthaven outpost on the bottom. You get a pad of campaign sheets, a few sticker sheets (which you aren’t supposed to examine too closely), an alchemy chart, a few books, and scenario flowcharts, plus a little sealed puzzle book.
In case you’re already familiar with Gloomhaven, the rules and sections that are new to Frosthaven are highlighted so you can quickly skim to find the new material. This time, in addition to the scenario book, there’s also a section book. In Gloomhaven, I noted that although you weren’t supposed to know what was on the other side of a door until you open it, it was easy to glance at the setup map and see what was coming. Now, the scenario setup shows you the whole map layout but only includes monsters in the rooms you can see at the start of a scenario, with instructions to look up a particular page in the section book when you open a door (or other events trigger). The section book is also where you’ll find timed events or sometimes the results of decisions you make.
The scenario flowcharts are large sheets that show how one scenario leads into the next. Some are linear paths, and other times there are branching paths that you’ll take depending on the outcome of a scenario. There are scenarios that will unlock after a certain amount of time has passed, and there are others that you can’t play until you’ve made enough progress in the puzzle book.
As you unlock scenarios, you open the flap on the flowchart, which reveals a sticker to put onto the board. The location coordinates are listed on the board, though it would have been nice to have it printed on the margin of the sticker too. The board itself just has the numbered circles, and when you place a sticker it will add the scenario title, as well as some more illustrations about that scenario. There will even be times when you place stickers on top of other stickers. Some stickers overlap the sections of the board that fold, and those stickers are cut into two pieces, but I’ve found that the cuts don’t always line up exactly right.
The Outpost section of the board starts with a few buildings, but the walls are incomplete and most of the outpost consists of empty lots. As you play through the campaign and build up the prosperity level of the outpost, you’ll be able to level up existing buildings and build new ones, giving you access to stronger abilities. The building stickers stack as you level them up, and it’s fun to see the little details that are added as each one is improved.
Since the core of the gameplay in Frosthaven is the same as Gloomhaven, I don’t want to get too bogged down in the mechanics here. You can read my review of Gloomhaven for a more detailed breakdown, and I’ll mostly highlight the differences here.
A quick sketch of the gameplay: each scenario has its own setup map, enemies, and various terrain features placed on the map according to the scenario book, and some have special rules as well. Each player has a hand of action cards that each have a top action and a bottom action—typically attack on the top and movement on the bottom, but this can vary greatly from character to character. On your turn, you choose two cards from your hand to play—this will determine both the initiative order for the players and give you the options for your turn. Each monster type on the board will also flip a card from their individual decks, which will determine their initiative and dictate their behavior.
When it’s your turn, you choose one of your cards to use the top action, and the other card uses the bottom action, moving around the map and (usually) attacking the enemies. Some cards—usually the more powerful actions—will be “lost” after you use them, meaning they’re unavailable for the rest of the scenario, but otherwise they go into a discard pile. If you run out of cards in your hand, you’ll have to rest to get the cards back from your discard, but you also lose a card when you rest—that means you have a limited number of turns before you have no more cards available and are exhausted, out of the scenario.
You also have a limited amount of health, which ticks down when you take damage—and, of course, if you run out of health, you’re exhausted for that scenario. You’re also allowed to lose cards to prevent damage, but that runs you out of cards sooner, so you need to maintain a careful balance between losing health and losing cards. Each scenario has its own objectives (defeat all enemies, last a set number of rounds, destroy a particular object) and loss conditions.
In each scenario, you’ll also have a battle goal—this will earn you checkmarks toward perks if you complete them, and they’re a bit like achievements: have more or less loot, kill a certain number of enemies, always move at the top speed, that sort of thing. Gloomhaven came with 24 battle goals; Frosthaven has more than double that. Perks will usually let you adjust your battle modifier deck or unlock a few other abilities.
As you earn XP, you’ll get to level up your character, which increases their starting health, gives you a perk, and lets you add a new card to your deck. (However, your hand size does not increase, so that means you’re swapping out a card for a more powerful card.) Each player has a secret personal challenge that serves as a long-term goal—if you complete the challenge, then your character retires and you start a new character.
Some of the changes are mostly variety: a few new conditions, terrain types, and a new way to gain loot that uses a deck of cards tied to the scenario itself. There are also some changes to the way line-of-sight is calculated and a few new types of actions.
One change is that the events now have seasons. Usually, at the start of each scenario, you’ll draw a road event, a bit of story that gives you some options, and then you flip the card to see the result of your choice. Now, you’ll draw either a winter road event or a summer road event, depending on the season according to your campaign sheet calendar.
The biggest change, though, is the Outpost phase. After most scenarios, your party returns to the Frosthaven Outpost. Each time this happens, you first mark off the next box in the calendar—some of these have section numbers pre-printed on them, and sometimes there will be section numbers that you’ve been instructed to add based on events or scenarios. When you reach one of these, you read that section of the book and resolve the outcome.
Then, you draw an Outpost event card (again, based on the season). Like the road events, these have a bit of story and some options to choose from, but they’re usually a different type of event that has some effect on the outpost rather than the scenario you’re about to play. They also include attacks on your outpost, which can damage or wreck your buildings, and these are resolved with a town guard deck that is similar to your character’s battle modifier deck.
Each building in your outpost has a corresponding card, and you’ll have an opportunity to use them after resolving the event. For instance, you may be able to buy resources, train soldiers, or brew potions. If a building is damaged or wrecked, you have to pay resources to repair them, and you lose their effects until they’re repaired. Upgrading a building will require you to be at a particular prosperity level, and you’re generally limited to building or upgrading one thing each Outpost phase.
Your campaign sheet also tracks things like your morale (which can be spent for repairs or extra building), your soldiers (used to boost defense during an attack), and shared resources. Just like your character can earn perks to tweak your battle modifier deck, the town guard also has perks to modify the town guard deck—though my party hasn’t gotten to that stage yet! There’s also a section at the bottom of the sheet to record when a character retires—by fulfilling their personal quest.
The Outpost phase is also when you’ll be able to craft items, buy items, brew potions, and level up characters when applicable.
Frosthaven is GeekDad Approved!
When I wrote up Gloomhaven several years ago, I was still in the middle of another campaign game so it was hard to set up a regular group to play it, and I’ll admit that I did not manage to make it very far, though I still have plans to get back to it eventually if I find the right group for it. This time around, though, I’m playing Frosthaven with two friends who did complete Gloomhaven themselves, and their enthusiasm and consistency mean we’ve already gotten further into the campaign than I did before. We’ve logged 20 sessions so far as of this writing, and I’ve even managed to retire my first character.
What I said about Gloomhaven still holds true for Frosthaven, but more so. It’s even more expensive and even bigger (both in box size and in scope). There are 137 scenarios on the flowchart, and while you won’t play all of them because some branches force you to choose one path or another, you’ll still have plenty to do. Each session takes our 3-player group between 2 and 4 hours to complete depending on the complexity, so even playing weekly I imagine this will take over a year to complete, possibly close to two. Even so, whenever we finish a scenario we’re usually itching to play more, and if I didn’t have so many other games in my queue (and, you know, other friends I also want to play games with) it would be tempting to play Frosthaven multiple times a week instead.
I think one of the key things that sets Frosthaven apart from other dungeon crawlers I’ve played is the way the cards function—picking two cards to set your initiative, and then getting to decide how to use those two cards once your turn actually comes up, gives you a couple of challenging choices while retaining some flexibility. The battle modifier cards, used instead of rolling dice, are another interesting feature. You always have the possibility of a critical fail or a critical hit in the deck, but you can modify a lot of the in-between using your perks, so you can tweak the deck to fit your play style.
I also like the way that characters retire and change out over the course of the campaign. Some quests take longer than others, but it also keeps things fresh for the players. As you play, you unlock new classes to try out, but even if you go back and play one of the previous classes, you could choose different action cards when you level up—and that’s not even considering the way you can modify the cards themselves with enhancements.
The game’s difficulty level feels nicely tuned. The scenario’s level is based on the individual levels of the characters, and that affects the monster levels, how much damage traps do, how much gold or XP you earn, and so on. We’ve found that in most scenarios we’re just eking out a victory (or just barely losing), which keeps it thrilling. There have been several times that we thought we weren’t going to make it, but then managed to scrape by, and that’s such a satisfying feeling (and keeps you coming back for more).
The Outpost is a nice addition in Frosthaven—it gives you a feeling of leveling up as a party. Will you build up your walls to add to the defense? Or maybe a boat or a sled so you can access some hard-to-reach scenarios? Or upgrade your Alchemist so you can start brewing more powerful potions? The calendar events are also a nice touch, and I always enjoy it when we’re instructed to write a number a few weeks in the future. What will it be—did our plans work out or will things come back to bite us?
If you like a bit more immersion (or if you don’t like reading out loud yourself), I highly recommend the Forteller narration app ($17.99). The app includes all of the scenarios and sections, as well as the event cards. It’s not just a narrator reading the text—there are voice actors with different accents, atmospheric background noise, and other sound effects. It really adds to the setting, and the app is fairly easy to use. You can hear the prologue above to get a sense of it.
For the gameplay, I also recommend using the free Xhaven Assistant app (iOS and Android). You can connect multiple devices so each person uses their own, or you can share a device. It automatically pulls up the monsters and loot deck based on the scenario, and once you’ve put in your characters and levels, it adjusts the difficulty level. You enter your initiative numbers into the app and hit “draw,” and it draws all of the monster cards and arranges everyone in order, so you don’t have to manually draw (and shuffle) all of the monster action cards and mess with the initiative banners. The app will also track things like the elements, your health and XP, and loot that you’ve collected, and has little pop-up messages for scenario rules like when more enemies are supposed to spawn. We use a combination of the app and the physical tokens, but it speeds up some of the setup and upkeep for the game.
Frosthaven is best suited for a group that can be consistent… and that plays well together. If you find yourselves constantly arguing any time you play a cooperative game, this may cause a little too much friction! (Though given the game’s theme, that might be appropriate behavior for a group of mercenaries.) If you’re able to get together with the same group regularly, there’s an amazing world to explore together.
Currently, Cephalofair Games is running a Backerkit campaign called “Gloomhaven Grand Festival,” which includes a host of related products: Gloomhaven second edition, the Gloomhaven Role-Playing Game, Frosthaven second printing, and various minis sets for Gloomhaven and Frosthaven. It’s a chance to get things at a slightly reduced price compared to retail, and there are lots of livestreams featuring gameplay and interviews in case you want to learn more.
To pick up a copy of Frosthaven, you can visit the Cephalofair website, or check out the “Gloomhaven Grand Festival” Backerkit campaign!
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If you’ve ever found yourself rummaging through a mountain of mismatched food storage containers, you’ll agree that Tupperware sets are like the socks of the kitchen. You somehow always have too many and yet never any perfect pairs. And instead of going MIA in the dryer, they disappear into the depths of your corner cabinets. We’re happy to let you know that your days spent searching for elusive plastic lids are over. Here, pro organizers and interior designers share their best Tupperware storage ideas to manage the mayhem for good.
Nothing beats the satisfaction of having four or five separate sets neatly stacked inside of each other in size order. You keep your cupboards looking decluttered without having to compromise on the amount of Tupperware you have. —Laura Price, founder, The Home Organisation
Since these are typically everyday items, we recommend storing them in easy-to-access lower cabinets. There’s nothing worse than having to rifle overhead for what you need or risk a waterfall of containers falling on your head. If you’re storing in a drawer, use little boxes or drawer dividers to separate your lids and bases. If you’re using shelves, consider installing a glider insert so you don’t have to dig in the back. —Jennifer Verruto, founder and CEO, Blythe Interiors
The golden rule of storing Tupperware is to never put a container back in the cupboard without a top on it. It’s nature’s great mystery as to how they manage to lose their lids, but they do. A lot. Store them as a complete set so you never have to worry about mismatched pieces clogging up your cupboards. —Laura Price
One of the easiest ways to keep containers organized is to store them stacked in a drawer or cabinet with the lids on, but if you don’t have the room to stack, nest the containers inside one another, and line up the corresponding lids right next to the bottoms. If you’re really tight on space, I recommend getting a nesting set with lids like this. —Amy Berryhill, founder, Spiffy Chicks
Store smaller pieces, particularly sauce and dressing containers, in a small basket at the front [of the cabinet]. This way you never run the risk of losing the little ones in the abyss of the cupboard. —Laura Price
Inevitably, a lid will get separated from its bottom, but that doesn’t mean you have to toss it! Tupperware bases become great bath toys, craft storage, or under-the-counter toiletry organizers. One of our favorite uses for extra lids is as furniture movers. Place them underneath the legs of something that needs to be moved to prevent scratching your floors. —Jennifer Verruto
The post 6 Clever Tupperware Storage Ideas to Keep Your Cabinets in Check appeared first on domino.
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Since so much of today’s communication happens online, it makes sense that we tend to cherish handwritten or handcrafted items—especially when they’re from the people closest to us. The problem? Over the years, sentimental cards and letters can pile up, leaving you more overwhelmed than appreciated. Finding an effective way to store cards is essential.
If you’re not quite sure what to do with old cards and letters, you’re in luck! There are many great opportunities to display, repurpose, and store your favorite notes. Whether you’re looking for creative ways to display love letters, wondering what to do with old birthday cards or anything in between, we’ll walk you through your options.
The first step is simple: sorting through your cards to decide which category each note falls into. Take some time to review your stack, and make one pile for your favorites to display. Then, make another for any that can be repurposed and a third for any you want to keep stored away.
Once that’s done, start exploring the creative organizing tips below!
via Care2
Framing your favorite cards is a tried-and-true solution. Think of it as a longer-term alternative to setting your cards on a bookshelf or pinning them to the fridge. Framing gives your cards a more permanent home, and they’ll look more like intentional décor than a sweet afterthought.
Take inspiration from an art gallery by giving each letter or card its own frame, then hang those frames on one wall for a dramatic impact. Or, if you have keepsakes you want to display with the card, consider putting those items in a shadow box and hanging that on the wall.
How should you decide which cards to display? Experts say it depends on the contents of the note. The more personal and intimate the card, the more likely it should be kept private. “Obviously, a very old love letter from an ex should not be framed, but one from your current partner could be framed and put somewhere discreet where only you might see it,” recommends Apartment Therapy writer Laure Joliet. “It’s a nice way to bring the personal into your home and to help tell the story of your relationship.”
Another option is turning sentimental cards into a scrapbook or special album. Professional organizer Nancy McGivney recommends cards and letters be treated like kids’ artwork. “Keep only the best. Then make a holiday album you store with the seasonal decor to remember great holidays past,” she adds.
With some chipboard, a hole punch, and some rings, you can create an album of cards to flip through anytime. Or, if you want a more secure option, a binder with plastic sleeve inserts also works well.
If you’re hoping for a more creative, dynamic display, choose a few of your favorite cards and arrange them on a photo mat so the images you like the best are highlighted. Use craft glue to secure the cards to the mat, and flip the mat over when it’s dry. Cut away the excess using a razor blade, then insert the mat around a related photo. When you’re done, you’ll have a themed frame that tells a deeper story than the photo itself.
Another way to store cards is to use them as decór inside mason jars. This craft is so easy, you’ll wonder why you didn’t think of it yourself!
Just slide your favorite cards into mason jars, wrap them around the interior surface, then put the lid on. Finish it off with some ribbon or seasonal greenery. When you’re done, you’ll have the perfect tabletop display to set up in your home. Mommy Kat and Kids have the full tutorial, which you can modify with the seasons to keep sentimental cards on display year-round.
Some cards feel like they have sentimental value, but they don’t quite make the cut for display or storage. Whether the card itself just isn’t your style, the message was sweet but nothing special, or you just have too many cards for a particular occasion (or from a particular person), repurposing is a great way to keep the special meaning without keeping the clutter. Here are a few repurposing options to consider.
If you’re like most people, you can never have enough magnets. Luckily, custom magnets are easy to create, and greeting cards make the perfect material.
Start by cutting out your favorite images or notes and glue them to a magnet sheet, then cut the magnet sheet to size. That’s it! Using this technique, you can easily display your special items on your refrigerator for everyone to see.
If any of your cards are for specific holidays, you can also use this process to create themed magnets that make up a set. Motherhood on a Dime used this technique to create a nativity scene for her kids, but you can easily modify the steps in this tutorial and apply it to any cards you might have at home.
via Penina Finger, CC
For those cards that you’re just not sure what to do with, cut out the images and turn them into cute gift tags. It’s a win-win: you’ll always have gift tags when you need them, and your cards get a second life alongside someone else’s gift.
When you look closely at a card, you can find all sorts of shapes that will make great tags. Cut out common images like hearts, stars, cakes, flowers, and other common graphics, and you’ll probably end up with tags for a variety of holidays and occasions.
When you find an image you like, just cut it out and punch a small hole in your tag. Then, string some twine or ribbon through the hole. When you’re done, store your tags in an envelope in the same place as the rest of your gift-wrapping supplies so you can easily find them when you need them.
Many people hang on to items because they fear how the giver might feel if they don’t hold on to them. If you’ve ever thought, “My grandmother would be devastated if I got rid of that!” this one’s for you.
We don’t often consider giving cards back to the sender, but it’s a fun option that also becomes a nostalgic gift. If you want to go this route, just package up all the cards and notes you have from each person, and send them back with a quick note of your own.
The Art of Simple writer Katie Clemons recalls when someone sent a package like this to her grandmother. “It was filled with about 24 letters and Christmas cards that she had written to her closest college friend over the years! Getting those letters back was like receiving a time capsule. It was the first time we got to learn about my dad’s first Christmas.”
Your cards can create a similar feel-good moment for the original sender, so don’t be afraid to send your cards back if they’ve already served their purpose in your home.
Using a circle punch and some twine, you can create your own garland out of notes and cards that you have around your house. Take each circle, fold it in half, and then glue the right sides together. Bobbi Lewin uses five circles to create this design, but you can use however many you want. Let them dry, punch a hole in the center, and then string twine through each one. This is an especially fun way to repurpose holiday cards as a heartfelt holiday decoration!
Another simple way to repurpose your sentimental notes and cards is to create your own postcards. If the inside of the card’s front cover is blank, cut off the front of the card for your new “postcard.”
You can store or display the note that was inside the card, or you can toss it in the recycling bin. Then, using a corner shaper that you can find at your local craft store, round out the corners so they’re nice and smooth. Add a note, an address, and a stamp, and you’re done! Just drop it in the mail like a regular postcard whenever it’s convenient.
via Sarah Parrott, CC
Make a simple bottle of wine even more special by adding your own personalized gift tag. Start by cutting a piece of cardstock into a 3-inch by 7-inch rectangle. Then, use scissors to score the card about 2.5 inches from the top (where you’ll fold it) and use a 1.25-inch hole punch to create a hole large enough for the neck of the bottle. Once your cardstock is cut and ready to go, cut a section of your greeting card to your desired size. Secure the card to the cardstock, then hang the tag on the bottle when the glue is dry. This is a great trick to make a last-minute wine gift feel more thoughtful and put together.
At the end of the day, most people will have some cards that are too special to keep but too personal to display. That’s where effective greeting card storage comes in. For those cards that don’t fall into the other categories, here are a few simple storage options.
If you’re nervous about losing the physical copies of your old notes and greeting cards—or you just won’t interact with them that way—moving your cards to a digital space is a worthwhile project.
You can scan all of your sentimental cards into your computer or find a company that will scan them for you. If you have cards that are three-dimensional or have a look that scanning can’t capture, set up a light box and take photos of your cards. When you’re done, you can transfer all your images into a digital scrapbook.
“Digital Scrapbooking is simply creating a scrapbook layout on the computer. You use paper and elements that are created digitally using graphic design software,” Michele McGraw writes on Scraps of my Geek Life. “There are many different programs available starting from $29 to over $500. If you are just starting out, I recommend you start with a dedicated scrapbooking program because the software will come with some digital kits to give you a head start.”
Storing the actual item is a little more sensitive because cards, letters, and ink can deteriorate over time. “If you would like to store some items in a box, make sure it is waterproof, sealed, and limited in size,” recommends Claire Kurtz. “In order to not grow beyond the chosen size box, maintain a strategy of removing one item before adding a new one.” Make sure to store this box in a climate-controlled storage unit to ensure your valuables won’t be damaged by heat, cold, or moisture.
Finally, if you decide you don’t need to store your sentimental cards (or you’re wondering what to do with old sympathy cards), consider donating them to the Recycled Cards Program offered through St. Jude’s Ranch for Children. They turn your used cards into new all-occasion and holiday cards. The cards they create are then sold, and that money helps support their programs for homeless, neglected, or abused children, young adults, and families.
“The program is beneficial to everyone – customers receive fun, “green” holiday or other occasion cards they can feel good sending to their friends and loved ones,” according to St. Jude’s, “and the children at St. Jude’s Ranch receive payment for their work and learn basic job skills and the importance of recycling.”
Many people struggle with how to store cards and letters, so if you don’t have a system in place, you’re not alone! But when it comes to sentimental items, it’s worth the effort to handle them with care. Take the time to display, repurpose, and store each card and letter to ensure they will last a lifetime. One day, you’ll be glad you did!
Updated on 2/3/16 & 6/27/23 from an article originally published on 5/9/14.
This post How to Display, Repurpose, and Store Sentimental Cards appeared first on Life Storage Blog.
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I love using these pocket organizers for so many things besides just shoes! They work great for organizing in small spaces and are perfect for craft and office supplies, baby outfits, games, or even snacks!
Keep sandals, shoes, slippers, and more up off the floor and neatly stored with this over-the-door hanging shoe organizer. Get this Amazon Basics 20 Large Pocket Over-the-Door Hanging Shoe Organizer, Grayish Tan for only $9.39!
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]]>We've put together activities, snacks and a shopping list to make coordinating this creative and low-key birthday party easy. It's suitable for any season as it can be hosted indoors or outside. I think it's perfect for kids ages 3 and up. This is a party you can pull together in a short amount of time and on a low budget.
We hung a multi-colored miniature triangle bunting and kept the table clear so that guests had room to create. The color-drop magazine organizer held plain pieces of paper and a small colored mason jar (found at the dollar store!) kept different sized paint brushes at the ready. The sweet art print from Lucy Darling gave the room some color and was a fun surprise for guests to take home at the end of the party.
You can set up some inspiration around the room like:
This shopping list can be found at craft supply stores or online. I'm putting in shopping links to make life easier. Where you see Amazon links, know that they are affiliate links.
Each place setting had a clipboard with plain paper, a frame with the guest's name inside, a jar of water, paint brushes, a q-tip, and water colors. The frame is made of basal wood and can be painted, too!
In the center of the table we put a tray filled with paint brushes, oversized q-tips, a mason jar filled with water, paint brush markers, and some extra water colors. By giving the party guests options, inspiration can strike in many forms!
For snacks, we filled pop corn boxes with colored gold fish. We made pigs in a blanket and filled a bowl with the extras. Something really fun is to create a rainbow treat box. First, you need an oversized pill box. Snip off the tops with the days of the week to create the container. Here are some ideas for the coordinating foods.
As favors, guests receive the framed art, the set of paints, and colorful treats. We hope you liked our ideas for a water color-themed party.
Be sure to follow our Kids Birthday Party board on Pinterest for more party inspiration.
Disclosure: We were not compensated for this post.
]]>The Closets Symposium will educate designers, fabricators, retailers, and installers on the most current design, marketing, and business topics relevant to industry professionals seeking to profit from this growing and exciting market niche.
The symposium will occur in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The full-day agenda includes:
How to Use Social Media Influencers | 9:05–9:55 am
Strategies on how to use social media influencers to build your brand.
Presenters:
Carlissa Montoya, CM Closet Design: Carlissa Montoya is the spirit and expertise behind CM Closet Design. In 2020, Montoya launched, with her husband, EncoreGarage San Antonio. EncoreGarage San Antonio specializes in transforming residential garages into clean, organized, and functional spaces. Services include premium Polyurea floor coatings, Garage-Grade cabinetry, and innovative organizer systems. Montoya is a member of the Association of Closet & Storage Professionals (ACSP) Executive Board and is in-coming president.
Allanna Bell, Optimization Dolls: For 20 years Allanna Bell worked in retail management as a visual and store development manager. She worked as a project manager in high volume store openings for some of the top retailers using space optimizations as a planning tool to successfully place thousands of garments and accessories. This gave her the organizational skills and experience to strategically plan a functional space and ensure the success of any project. Bell launched Optimization Dolls in 2016 as a closet organization company and in 2020, Optimization Dolls became a full-service custom storage company.
Telling Your Brand Story | 10:00-10:50 am
Learn how to craft compelling stories to build awareness and attract customers.
Presenter:
Kelly Victor-Burke, Burke Architectural Millwork/Bespoke Closets & Organized Spaces: Since founding Burke Architectural Millwork in 2016 with her husband Barry, an experienced craftsman, Kelly Victor-Burke has spearheaded a team of business owners, educational partners and industry organizations in the creation and approval of the first Department of Labor registered apprenticeship in woodworking: Woodwork Manufacturing Specialist. Victor-Burke also debuted Bespoke Closets and Organized Spaces, a custom closet line with “panache,” this year.
How to Elevate Closet Design | 11:00 am–11:50 pm
Enhance designs using techniques, textures, colors, materials and more.
Presenter:
Katherin Lawry, Haven Closet Interiors: Katherin Lawry is a dynamic luxury closet designer with a natural flair for creativity and a wealth of experience in the field of closet design. With a background in retail merchandising and a degree from the prestigious Interior Designer’s Institute in Newport Beach, she has established herself as a leading figure in the industry.
Budgeting versus Forecasting | 1:05-1:55 pm
Learn to balance expenses with sales expectations to maximize profits.
Presenter:
Tim Coleman, SCE Unlimited Chicago: Tim Coleman founded his closet organization company in 1988 and ran his business for nearly 30 years. He sold his successful company in 2017 and was asked by that buyer to stay on to run the closet division, which he did for three years. In October of 2020, Coleman took the helm at SCE Unlimited in the Chicagoland area, which is owned by Installed Building Products, a publicly traded $2.5 billion company. SCE offers both Wire & Solid Systems from melamine to veneered wood, Shower Doors & Mirrors, and Bathroom hardware.
Material Trends | 2:00–2:50 pm
Presenter:
Christina Relyea, JB Cutting: Christina Relyea has over 20 years of experience at JB Cutting, Inc., a nationally preferred cabinet door, drawer, and wood component manufacturer. Relyea is passionate about examining what finishes sell in which marketplace and where to find the complementary products to make for a seamless experience for her customers. She enjoys serving two industry associations, ACSP (Association of Closet and Storage Professionals) as President, and AWFS (Association of Woodworking and Furnishing Suppliers).
Lighting Innovations | 3:00– 4:00 pm
Learn more about the latest innovations and how to apply the technology.
Panelists:
Richie DeMarco, Richelieu Hardware: Richie Demarco is Director of the US Market Development Closet Segment at Richelieu and has spent over 18 years in closets and home storage industry helping closet companies succeed. He is also a past president of ACSP.
Chris Heronemus, Rev-A-Shelf: Chris Heronemus graduated from the University of Arizona in 2009 with a degree in Education and joined Rev-a-Shelf as Western Territory Manager in 2017. With a background in Education and leadership, his career expands into several industries, including corporate training and sales. He may have been new to sales, but not the industry, as Mr. Heronemus’s father has been woodworking for over 25 years and is one of his biggest inspirations. Passionate about helping his clients specify innovative cabinet organization and LED lighting accessories, Heronemus is always amazed to see how his customers react Rev-A-Shelf’s new product releases designed to meet their needs.
Keith Clark, Hardware Resources: Keith Clark is the National Sales Specialist for Task Lighting, covering both the Kitchen-Bath-Closet and Electrical Channels. He formerly served as Task Lighting’s Product Manager for 4.5 years after its acquisition by Hardware Resources in 2018.
Scott Begin, Business Development - Closet and Home Organization, Hafele America: Scott Begin’s background includes more than 21 years in manufacturing and development, including thirteen years in the Custom Closet business before accepting a position with Häfele America Co. Over his 23 years with Häfele, Scott has held several positions, including Sales, Specification, Sales Manager, and Regional Sales Director. “Lighting and illuminating spaces have been a passion of mine from day one. During my career with Häfele, I have collaborated with hundreds of designers incorporating light into their spectacular projects. Light is the perfect complement and enhancement to every beautiful design.” Scott still enjoys practicing design skills by remodeling closets, kitchens, and bathrooms and restoring vintage homes.
Registration for the Closets Symposium includes admission to lunch, the Woodworking Network Leadership Reception after the last session, and AWFS Fair exhibit hall registration. To register for the symposium, first register for the AWFS Fair and then click on the link to "Add Symposia." See you there.
]]>Summer toy clutter getting out of control? Need to organize craft supplies, toys, games or more? This organizer shelf is awesome! How about this deal? This is a really great price!
Head on over to Walmart and grab the Cambridge Collection Kids Toy Storage Organizer with 12 Plastic Bins for just $37.97!
Be sure to select free in-store pickup to avoid shipping fees. Otherwise orders of $35 or more will ship free. The new Walmart+ membership would be a good idea to try, there is a 15-day free trial available!
]]>In 2019, workers at Anchor Brewing Company went public with a drive to unionize the storied San Francisco institution. I covered it at a couple different points, and one of the things that stuck out was how much the workers flat-out cared about the iconic steam-beer producer and its Bay Area history. “The reason I took this job is because I love Anchor Brewery,” one worker, a part-time tour guide, told me when I asked why he was supporting the organizing effort. Safeguarding Anchor’s San Francisco identity within the portfolio of the Japanese brewing conglomerate Sapporo, which acquired the company in 2017, was “almost 100%” of his motivation for going union.
Any labor organizer worth their picket will tell you that unions are no silver bullet antidote to corporate power — they just give workers a seat at the table, a chance at making their collective voice heard. The boss is still the boss, in other words. So despite winning their union election in 2019 and ratifying their first contract in 2020, Anchor Brewing Union workers still found themselves blindsided last week when their bosses told them that Sapporo USA was planning to discontinue Anchor’s historic Christmas ale and scale back distribution of the rest of its portfolio from 50 states down to just its home market in California. And they were pissed.
“Sapporo has made rookie mistakes left and right, they have destroyed what this brand was,” says one current Anchor employee, who requested anonymity to speak with Hop Take due to concerns over possible retaliation from the company. “Upper management ran this company not understanding how craft brewing works in America.” Now, the venerable brand — which has survived two World Wars, a handful of owners and name changes, and innumerable minor calamities since its founding in 1896 — faces a potentially existential threat. And workers past and present say the call is coming from inside the house.
A representative for Anchor and Sapporo USA, Sam Singer, declined to address specific critiques about the brand’s management by Sapporo’s U.S. subsidiary, Sapporo USA, or make an executive of either firm available for an interview. In response to detailed emailed questions, he provided only a brief statement citing “challenging economic realities,” inflation, and downward industry trends as factors in the firms’ recent decisions.
There’s no doubt it’s a difficult moment for craft breweries, particularly American heritage breweries like Anchor. But killing Our Special Ale — the official name of the holiday release generations of drinkers know simply as Anchor Christmas Ale — is especially flummoxing. The beer has been produced annually since its introduction by the godfather of craft beer, Fritz Maytag, in 1975. It definitely takes more legwork to produce than “regular” Anchor beers, like developing a slightly new recipe every year, commissioning a new, hand-drawn label, and bottling some of it in holiday-party-ready magnums. But the uniqueness, the tradition, the toil — that’s all part of the point. “There is a lot of love and effort put into the process,” the current Anchor worker tells me. “What a major corporation sees as cost cutting, a lot of us see it as killing one of our most cherished traditions. It’s as if they don’t care.”
“Those seem like cover-your-ass excuses,” agrees Brace Belden, a former Anchor worker who left the brewery in 2020 and now co-hosts the popular leftist podcast, TrueAnon, referring to the companies’ cited reasons of time-intensivity and cost for discontinuing the holiday beer. (Singer says it will be produced in limited quantities this year for Anchor’s taproom, but tells SFGate “it’s unlikely that it will come back” in bottles.) The Christmas ale was never easy to make, he says, “but somehow, the brewery was able to manage this for decades before Sapporo USA.” It’s hard to imagine Our Special Ale was losing so much money each year that it was putting Anchor in the red on its own. And even if it was a moderate loss-leader, pulling it — canceling Christmas, so to speak — vaporizes nearly half a century of goodwill and nostalgia that ain’t never coming back.
Absent a detailed accounting from the companies, we’ll never know for sure. But for the sake of argument, let’s say Our Special Ale has been losing enough money to pose a serious threat to Anchor’s solvency. That just begs another question: How?! No limited release should be able to burn enough resources to destabilize a brewery with a year-round portfolio and a national footprint. But it’s true Anchor’s portfolio has struggled mightily in recent years. Analysis of Circana chain-retail scan data by Kate Bernot for Good Beer Hunting shows that the brewery’s off-premise sales have averaged a 15 percent decline annually since 2015. (NB: That doesn’t include draft, where Anchor has traditionally been stronger. But still.)
Supporting a national sales operation is expensive — much more so than sourcing spruce tips and a new illustration for a small seasonal release. So the logic of retrenching Anchor as a Golden State-only brand is slightly easier to grasp. There are examples of successful, long-running craft breweries that kept their distribution footprint small and focused on deepening local penetration (the New Glarus Doctrine, as it were), or right-sized their approach after going wide and wound up better for it (Allagash comes to mind here.) That makes it slightly more palatable, too. The current Anchor worker eyes the pullback with “an ounce of optimism,” tough pill to swallow though it is. “We used to be in every bar in SF. We’ve since lost that dominance. If staying regional helps us out to get back into every bar, we’re down for it.”
Whether Anchor can reestablish itself as a California-only specialty brand, with out-of-state drinkers thirsting for Anchor Steam the way they currently do for, say, Spotted Cow, turns on how well the company pitches its liquid wares to ombibulous drinkers with more options than ever. Put another way, it’s a challenge that the brewery workers themselves can’t solve; finding new niches for old brands calls for ace marketing attuned to both Anchor’s centuries-spanning legacy and the contemporary drinking zeitgeist.
Sapporo USA’s controversial 2021 rebrand of Anchor is not confidence-inspiring on this front. “That was a major flop and we all know it,” says the current Anchor worker. “Just another mistake[n] corporation thinking they can wipe away history.” Now, with the brand’s singular old-school aesthetic supplanted by a bolder, more generic scheme that makes Anchor’s beers look like so many other breweries’, Sapporo USA is pivoting the brand back to the market where its legacy carries the most weight. Cruel irony, that. “If they’re focusing on the [California] market they shouldn’t have broken with over a century of tradition and tried to homogenize the beer with their generic rebrand,” says Belden, adding that Anchor Steam, in its new yellow-and-blue cladding, looks like Twisted Tea. (I tend to agree.) “I’m no businessman but that seems like Marketing 101.”
What the future holds for San Francisco’s 127 year-old brewery will depend in part on how serious Sapporo USA is about making this homecoming successful. With the 2022 acquisition of San Diego’s much-bigger Stone Brewing Company, and a surging portfolio of non-craft brands, the conglomerate’s continued investment in Anchor is not certain. But the workers still have a seat at the table — and having ratified their second collective bargaining agreement on Tuesday, more time to focus on steering the ship, too. “[B]ased on all the news that’s come out in the last few days we’ve got a long year ahead of us,” Anchor Brewing Union posted to Instagram earlier this week, as votes were being cast. “Let’s get this done and show them why not to mess with union workers.”
Molson Coors: huge! North America: even huger! And yet I can’t help but wonder where the hell the macrobrewer beverage company went so wrong that it had to take a $845 million partial goodwill impairment charge on its North American business earlier this year when reporting its overall 2022 performance to shareholders. And the company isn’t saying, either: Kate Bernot (who earns double-mention in this week’s column, she’s just that good!) asked the firm whether any of that staggering write-down had to do with its middling Tenth and Blake craft portfolio, and received nary a detail in response. Wait… are founder sell-backs the new impairment charges? Asking for Constellation Brands. And Anheuser-Busch InBev, too. Let me know!
Tilray, the cannabis conglomerate that owns SweetWater and Montauk (among others), is launching a non-weed lager under its Canadian weed brand name… For the first time ever, Modelo Especial outsold Bud Light (in dollars, not volume) (not including draft) (for one four-week period)… An alcoholic, bottled version of Mexico’s beloved tepache is now available in these United States… New Jersey’s lawmakers and brewers guild inch forward on efforts to reform the state’s arcane taproom restrictions…
The Garden State tie-up between Cape May and Flying Fish is dunzo after a due-diligence period… New Belgium Brewery’s super-successful, six-years-running CEO is stepping down…
Illinois becomes the latest state to make a move against soft-to-hard crossover brands… Before Bang Energy’s bankruptcy auction Friday, its former CEO is trying to gain access to its “data room”…
The article At Anchor Brewing, Christmas Is Canceled and the Future’s in Flux appeared first on VinePair.
]]>Although all dads are different, some tell-tale signs or typical ‘dad’ things that they do make it apparent that this man knows how to change diapers (or has done it at least once). One could call it a stereotype, but we prefer to refer to it as the reality of being a dad. And if we think of a typical one, there’s quite a selection of gifts for men we believe he would appreciate receiving this Father’s Day.
Whether Dad is into fishing, fixing stuff around the house, playing sports, chilling in the garage, or his man cave with a cold one, something from our selection of the best Father’s Day gifts might just hit the spot for him.
Below, we’ve compiled an array of Father’s Day gifts 2023 edition that might be what Dad has always wanted but never got around to purchasing. We made sure to include a variety of men’s gifts to accommodate dads with different likes and preferences and include both budget-friendly and more upscale options.
Hence, fingers crossed, you will find a Father’s Day gift that checks all the required boxes! And once the gift is all sorted, you may start thinking of Father’s Day activities to make the occasion even more special!
A more pricey gift for a dad that will last him a long (and scrumptious) time.
The motto of this pizza oven-making brand is that everybody deserves great pizza. And this pizza oven has been designed with that sole purpose in mind (the hefty price explains it). So let Dad level up his pizza game and become a true pizzaiolo! He'll never want to order from Domino's again, especially when he can make pizza in less than the delivery time.
Image credits: amazon.com
An exquisite gift for a true gentleman.
Tough and durable, this wood beard comb (also great for mustache and head hair) comes with a brown or black case and a gift box, making it the ideal gift for Dad on Father's Day. Give it to a striking Viking in your life, and watch him light up with gratitude!
Image credits: amazon.com
Gift for a music-loving dad.
If Dad loves listening to the radio or has a new favorite podcast, make Dad’s shower time more enjoyable by getting him a SoundBot SB510 Bluetooth Shower Speaker. He can answer the phone through it too! For the price of less than 20 bucks, it doesn’t get better than this.
Image credits: amazon.com
A practical gift to keep Dad warm!
If Dad is an eager camper or enjoys spending time by the fire, you can't go wrong with getting him a smokeless fire pit. This portable fire pit can be used in various settings, such as a beach, patio picnic, backyard, or campground. It also doesn't require propane, kerosene, or other gases and can be loaded with wood pellets, small logs, or lava rocks. Give Dad the gift of comfort, relaxation, and many warm conversations with family and friends.
Image credits: amazon.com
A luxury gift for a polished man in your life.
This beautiful whiskey set that comes in a rustic wooden crate includes a glass decanter, 2 swirl lowball glasses, 9 chilling stones, and 2 heavy stone coasters. Present this gift to a loved novice or seasoned whiskey connoisseur who also happens to be your dad!
Image credits: amazon.com
Gift for a dad who needs more spice in his life.
If you need a gift for your hot-sauce-loving dad, look no further than the hottest hot sauce kit on Amazon! Using the kit, he can make his own unique spicy sauce and have an enjoyable and motivating experience while doing so.
Image credits: amazon.com
For a whiskey connoisseur.
This luxury set comes with 4 reusable chill whisky stones, a crystal decanter, 2 world map etched glasses, and ice tongs. If Dad is a whisky lover, a gift doesn’t get better than this.
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For a dad who complains about his feet hurting.
If Dad often complains about foot pain, he needs this massager. According to Amazon reviews, it not only removes soreness but also helps with foot mobility!
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A gift for an active dad.
Massage guns are the latest FAD in fitness. If Dad is into an active lifestyle or regularly participates in sports, a massage gun could be the perfect gift for him. All it takes is a short 30-second sweep over his shoulders to release tension and stress after a long day or to activate the body before a workout. For a price of less than two physical therapy sessions, it's a worthy investment that Dad will benefit from every day.
Image credits: amazon.com
Gift for a problem-solving dad.
Geekey multi-tool features more than 16 functions, each providing a range of possible applications in one keychain-sized tool. This handy little tool combines pretty much all tools Dad might need when faced with daily challenges. Hence, this is the perfect Father's Day gift for a dad of all trades who wants to be prepared for anything life throws at him!
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Father's Day gift inspired by Jeffrey "The Dude" Lebowski.
Make Dad feel snug as a bug in a rug with a terry cloth bathrobe made of 100% cotton. The bathrobe is also very absorbent, making it great to throw on after a shower, pool, or sauna. Also has pockets!
Image credits: amazon.com
Ideal Father's Day gift for an outdoorsy dad.
Dads and camping chairs go together like wine and cheese. Built to last, Coleman portable camping chair is sturdy yet very comfy, thanks to a fully cushioned seat and back for added support. Yet, what might be the best part about it is a built-in cooler that can keep up to 4 cans ready at Dad's disposal!
Image credits: amazon.com
Perfect gift for a dad who never misses a grill party.
The portable CUBE grill is explicitly made for cooking your favorite grilled foods away from home with little hassle. The tiny charcoal grill is ideal for tailgating parties, parks, beaches, campgrounds, and other outdoor areas with access to a hard surface. This is ideal for Dad if he wouldn't mind eating grilled food for every meal!
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For a dad who cares about his looks.
Treat Dad to a new trimming kit if he needs one because we all know too well he will never get around to getting a new one himself. “The old one does the job just fine,” he would say. This one has 37k+ 5-star ratings on Amazon, so it must be a good pick!
Image credits: amazon.com
For a dad who can turn any occasion into play time.
This table tennis set comes with two premium paddles, 3-star balls, a retractable net, and a travel bag to bring pleasure wherever you go. Whether for Dad to enjoy with his friends or family, this set guarantees a good time!
Image credits: amazon.com
For a dad who needs his full night's Zzzs.
Being The World's Greatest Dad requires a lot of energy. Help him restore that energy by assuring he is well-rested every night.
Image credits: amazon.com
Gift for a prepper dad.
In horror movies, it's always the Dad who has been preparing for the sh*t to hit the fan all along. Help Dad prepare for the zombie apocalypse by getting him a multi-functional emergency radio!
Image credits: amazon.com
Image credits: amazon.com
Image credits: amazon.com
Father's Day gift for a dad who is on the move a lot.
If Dad is a bit of a neat freak, Osprey Packing Cube Set could be a great addition to his life. Also, considering how much space they can save, Dad would be glad to fit all his belongings in just one bag when traveling!
Image credits: amazon.com
Gift for a dad who wants to try something new.
Whether Dad is new to smoking food or looking for a simpler solution, this electric smoker will make creating delectable smoked food so much easier. Dad and everyone who gets to try the delicious smoked goods that come out from this one will be overjoyed!
Image credits: amazon.com
Gift for a dad who likes a cold one.
Dad will be thrilled to have these at summer backyard barbecues, tailgates, and anywhere he needs to keep beer ice cold on sunny summer days!
Image credits: amazon.com
Father's Day gift for a dad who needs to upgrade his wallet.
With the move to a more cashless society, this is a great way to store & hold enough cards for everyday use. This minimalist wallet will give Dad easier access to his cards and also has built-in RFID data protection to prevent wireless theft.
Image credits: amazon.com
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Image credits: amazon.com
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Gift for a wine connoisseur.
Much like beer is much better served cold, so is white wine. Hence, if Dad is more of a wine guy, this will keep him and his wine cool in the summer!
Image credits: amazon.com
Image credits: amazon.com
For a dad who is also a certified gym rat.
If Dad is a gym rat and likes to keep himself physically active, you can't go wrong with gifting him the gold dust of bodybuilders. However, for a more affordable option that still matches the theme, you can get him a keychain that doubles as a mini supplement container!
Image credits: amazon.com
Image credits: amazon.com
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For a dad who prefers his spice rubs homemade.
Wait a damn minute, almost $250 for a pepper grinder? Yes sir. However, this one was not built to be cheap, but to be the best kitchen gadget ever. Buyers on Amazon are raving about it. This is a dream gadget for Dad if he likes to make his own BBQ spice rub.
Image credits: amazon.com
For a dad who owns way too many gadgets.
This is perfect for a dad who keeps forgetting to charge his electronic devices the night before or puts just one on to charge and forgets about the rest. This wireless charger station can simultaneously charge his phone, smartwatch, and AirPods! So no need to purchase separate cords or wait for devices to fully charge separately.
Image credits: amazon.com
Image credits: amazon.com
Image credits: amazon.com
Gift for a dad who always finds time to play.
For a dad who loves spending time with his kids, you can't go wrong with this fun yard game which can be played with the whole family. Even better if Dad is into arts and crafts since the set can be customized by painting it!
Image credits: amazon.com
Gift for a dad who forgets to chillax every once in a while.
If Dad has been whining about his back recently, he’ll appreciate the heated massage cushion, which he can secure on any chair.
Image credits: amazon.com
Gift for a dad who always has his nose stuck in a book.
It fits in a pocket, is portable, and can fit more books than any home library. If Dad is into books and reading, a Father’s Day gift doesn’t get better than this!
Image credits: amazon.com
For an aspiring pro golf player of the family.
This 14-sensor kit will help Dad improve his golfing skills by tracking the distance of his strokes and analyzing each swing. Dad will know just what areas of the game he needs to work on!
Image credits: amazon.com
Image credits: amazon.com
For an active dad.
Fitbit does a similar job to the Apple Watch and tracks different fitness and health metrics; however, it’s not as accurate and convenient. Still, if Dad doesn’t need the many extra features of the Apple Watch, Fitbit is an excellent alternative with more budget-friendly options.
Image credits: amazon.com
Gift for a dad wanting to try something new.
Fermented foods are great for improving digestion and boosting the immune system. Hence, if Dad has been wanting to try something new, both hobby- and health-wise, this fermentation tool set is the ideal introduction to home fermenting. Even if Dad is a seasoned pro, he will enjoy this bundle nonetheless!
Image credits: amazon.com
Image credits: amazon.com
Image credits: amazon.com
For a future brewery owner.
With the independence, experience, and enjoyment of brewing beer, this craft beer kit turns beer drinkers into beer brewers! If Dad likes his Bud, he probably wouldn’t mind learning the craft of beer making, too!
Image credits: amazon.com
Image credits: amazon.com
For a pasta-loving dad.
If Dad is a pasta kinda guy, this pasta machine will surely mac him smile!
Image credits: amazon.com
For a dad who needs no germs in his life.
An ideal gift for the germaphobe of the family. We can’t attest to if or how well it kills germs or viruses—but if the science behind it is good and it does what it says it does, it’s a germaphobe’s dream!
Image credits: amazon.com
For a sentimental dad.
If Dad played this game as a kid, he would be thrilled to receive it for Father’s Day. This will definitely make the family’s game nights more exciting for him.
Image credits: amazon.com
Gift for a dad who wants to brush up on his bartending skills.
If Dad likes his Old Fashioned, a Whiskey Sour, or Negroni prepared and served a particular way, he will definitely have a lovely time trying to mix his own concoctions at home.
Image credits: amazon.com
For a very practical dad.
Ideal for the beach, travel, camping, swimming, backpacking, and the gym, Dad will get plenty of use from it.
Image credits: amazon.com
Gift for a dad who always has his nose stuck in his emails.
If Dad travels with work a lot and has to send many emails while on the go, he will find this folding Bluetooth keyboard super handy. Also, it's compatible with most smartphones!
Image credits: amazon.com
Image credits: amazon.com
Image credits: amazon.com
Gift for a dad who has everything apart from a baseball cap.
Would this Father's Day gift idea list be complete if we didn't include a baseball cap? It's a foolproof gift, whether to wear on the weekends while watching the kids play soccer or go fishing.
Image credits: amazon.com
Image credits: amazon.com
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Image credits: amazon.com
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Gift for a dad who likes to measure his health in numbers.
If Dad is into tech and keeping himself active, he would love receiving this gadget that not only displays the time but also serves as a health and fitness tracker. It might be a bit of a steep learning curve, but it’s well worth it.
Image credits: amazon.com
Image credits: amazon.com
For a handyman dad.
The epitome of a “Dad gift” includes a drill, a selection of drill bits and screw-driving bits, pliers, hex wrenches, a tape measure, a level, a hammer, a screwdriver, a battery, a battery charger, and a bag—pretty much all Dad needs to tackle any project around the house.
Image credits: amazon.com
For a dad who wants to capture every moment.
If Dad isn't yet entirely comfortable with DSLRs yet loves snapping pics, and is somewhat of a shutterbug, get him what he might be already familiar with—a Polaroid camera!
Image credits: amazon.com
Gift for a dad who likes to keep his garage space organized.
A fantastic Father's Day gift idea for a dad who's also an avid cyclist or outdoor enthusiast! Although the entire family benefits from this one, as this rack can fit 6 bikes in total, Dad will be particularly pleased about having more floor space in the garage.
Image credits: amazon.com
Gift for a dad who likes to keep everything in one place.
This little gadget fits pretty much all Dad’s electronics needs—he can make video calls on it, look up calendars and reminders, check the news or traffic updates, and obviously, stream his favorite TV shows and movies!
Image credits: amazon.com
For a tea connoisseur kinda dad.
Although it’s a kitchen appliance that can be shared by the whole family, Dad, being very peculiar with his tea or coffee, will be delighted to upgrade his old kettle for a new one!
Image credits: amazon.com
Father's Day gift for a dad who needs a break from vacuuming.
A robot vacuum, although pricey, is a very thoughtful gift. It shows your intention to help out Dad with household chores and make things easier for him. Also, with 12k plus 5-star ratings on Amazon, hard to go wrong with this one.
Image credits: amazon.com
For a cheese and wine aficionado.
If Dad likes to gather his friends and family around for a luncheon or cheese and wine night, this set will have him looking forward to planning even more of those!
Image credits: amazon.com
Image credits: amazon.com
Image credits: amazon.com
Image credits: amazon.com
Gift for a coffee-loving dad.
If Dad is a coffee enthusiast and likes his coffee oozing with flavor, a pour-over coffee maker might be exactly what he was missing in his life. You may also want to get him light or medium roast beans to complete the gift!
Image credits: amazon.com
Image credits: amazon.com
Image credits: amazon.com
Image credits: amazon.com
Image credits: amazon.com
Gift for a dad who needs constant life updates from his kids.
With this smart picture frame, you can send photos and video clips directly to Dad’s office, bedroom, living room, or whichever room he decides to display the frame in. This is an ideal Father’s Day gift to keep him updated with your life or have him relive sweet old memories!
Image credits: amazon.com
For a dad who likes his classics.
Levi's 501 will forever be a dad-approved pair of pants. Durable denim, the iconic straight fit, and the signature button fly—the jeans are classics for a reason.
Image credits: amazon.com
For a dad who likes to eat more than he likes to cook.
An ideal Father's Day gift for a dad who enjoys cooking and eating delicious food but would prefer spending more time with family and the kids rather than pots and pans.
Image credits: amazon.com
Gift for a dad who has a hard time waking up in the morning.
The aggressive sound of an alarm clock puts the sleeper into an “alarmed” mode, releasing a big rush of stress hormones which is not ideal for starting the day. Help make Dad’s mornings a little more pleasant with this alarm clock which uses natural light to wake the sleeper up.
Image credits: amazon.com
For a dad who owns way too many tools but must keep every single one.
Save Dad’s nerves by getting him a tool storage that allows him to see exactly where all his tools are!
Image credits: amazon.com
For a dad who's into gourmet cooking.
This is a book Dad will immediately want to purchase after watching Rick Martinez on YouTube. Besides the mouth-watering recipes, it's a piece of art full of beautiful pictures and interesting stories. This cookbook is a feast for the eyes and, most importantly, the taste buds!
Image credits: amazon.com
For a dad who's always thirsty.
This hefty hydrator can hold 35 ounces of Dad's favorite cold drink! It perfectly fits in the cup holder of the car and, more importantly, fits in the cup holder of the chair at the baseball park. A fantastic way to keep Dad hydrated throughout the summer!
Image credits: amazon.com
For an adventurous dad.
Although this one is pricey, it’s a worthy investment that Dad would get plenty of use from. Equipped with GoPro HERO9, Dad can capture some of the fondest memories and moments that will last a lifetime, be it a family trip to the great outdoors or a beach vacation with some snorkeling fun!
Image credits: amazon.com
For a dad who values every little moment.
Once completed, this Father’s Day gift will become a priceless treasure and unique memento of Dad’s most precious memories, stories, and life lessons that may be enjoyed by current and future generations.
Image credits: amazon.com
For a dad who wants to carry his most precious memories in his pockets.
For a dad who loves capturing treasured memories and keeping them close by: With the help of this little printer gadget, Dad can print digital photos (which also double as stickers!) measuring 2x3” straight from his smartphone.
Image credits: amazon.com
For a dad who keeps forgetting stuff at home.
Memory worsens throughout the years, and this thoughtful leather wallet tray can help remind Dad to pick up his basic necessities before leaving for the day.
Image credits: amazon.com
Whoa, that's it! If you have made it to the end, we would love to know whether you've found what you were looking for! If not, we hope you at least gained some insights into what your dad might enjoy receiving on this special occasion. Also, if you are looking for more ways to get into that Father's Day spirit, we invite you to check out some of the funniest dad jokes and dad puns we've gathered from the web!
]]>Unlocking this puzzle is crucial for success, as discerning what resonates with flea market shoppers can dramatically impact your bottom line. Keep reading as we illuminate the landscape of profitable items and the wisdom required to effectively tap into this bustling marketplace.
This isn’t just a tale of flea market transactions but a blueprint for success within the kaleidoscope of unique selling venues.
Small business owners and entrepreneurial vendors understand that success often hinges on having the right product at the right place and time. But when it comes to flea markets — bustling epicenters of old and new, rare and common, trendy and nostalgic — discerning the “right” product can be challenging.
Understanding what to sell at flea markets is the first step in refining your inventory selection strategy and boosting your small business’s potential. Flea markets aren’t your typical retail venue. They cater to a diverse audience, from treasure hunters to budget-conscious shoppers and everyone in between. This unique shopping experience demands a different breed of merchandise.
Knowing the best things to sell at flea markets is crucial for small business owners and vendors. This knowledge optimizes your profits and builds rapport with customers who come to trust your booth as a reliable source of sought-after goods. It can be the difference between stagnant inventory and sell-out success.
As we step into the flea market landscape, it’s essential to grasp the diversity inherent in this marketplace. Flea markets are as varied as the goods they peddle, ranging from small, local roadside setups to vast, citywide affairs that draw international vendors and thousands of visitors.
Some flea markets specialize, targeting antique enthusiasts, tech gadget geeks or green-thumbed plant lovers. Others embrace a broader spectrum, offering a potpourri of items that cater to a wide array of tastes and interests.
The location, size, specialty, and the local population’s demographics can significantly influence a flea market’s nature and vendors’ success. Likewise, trends and seasonality play crucial roles. Holiday-themed items might fly off the shelves in November, while gardening tools might be the hot ticket in early spring.
Understanding these different aspects of the flea market landscape can help vendors tailor their offerings and marketing strategies, leading to improved sales and customer engagement. Grasping these nuances is key to navigating the vibrant, ever-changing tapestry that is the local flea market.
Now that we’ve navigated the flea market landscape let’s dive into the heart of the matter — what to sell at flea markets. Let our carefully curated list guide you to identify items that attract shoppers, stimulate sales and boost your flea market business success.
Item Category | Popularity Factors | Sourcing Suggestions | Selling Tips |
---|---|---|---|
Vintage Clothing | Unique styles, sustainable appeal | Thrift shops, estate sales | Highlight era, maintain good condition |
Handmade Crafts | Creativity, craftsmanship | Craft fairs, self-made | Reflect time and materials in pricing |
Antiques and Collectibles | Rarity, history | Estate sales, online auctions | Research descriptions, consider rarity in pricing |
Furniture and Home Décor | Vintage charm, budget appeal | Estate sales, auctions | Showcase appeal, price based on condition |
Vinyl Records and CDs | Tangible media appeal | Yard sales, personal collections | Group by genre or artist, price competitively |
Costume Jewelry | Affordability, variety | Estate sales, personal collections | Create eye-catching displays, price reasonably |
Handcrafted Soaps and Candles | Artisanal appeal | Homemade, locally sourced | Beautiful packaging, offer samples |
Artwork and Prints | Local support, unique décor | Local artists, self-made | Creative display, offer a range of prices |
Children's Toys and Games | Family appeal | Yard sales, clearance aisles | Clean and organize well, meet safety standards |
Electronic Gadgets and Accessories | Tech-savvy appeal | Personal upgrades, liquidation sales | Test items, offer short-term guarantee |
Books and Comic Books | Wide appeal, nostalgia | Personal libraries, thrift stores | Organize well, consider bulk pricing |
Plants and Gardening Supplies | Seasonal appeal | Local nurseries, self-grown | Healthy presentation, offer care tips |
Sports Memorabilia | Sports enthusiasm | Estate sales, online auctions | Price based on rarity and condition |
Kitchenware and Small Appliances | Budget-friendly, practicality | Estate sales, thrift stores | Clean thoroughly, test appliances |
Tools and Hardware | DIY appeal, bargain hunting | Personal upgrades, clearance sales | Ensure functionality, price based on condition |
Pet Supplies | Pet owner appeal | Lightly used items, pet store overstock | Clean, safe and well-displayed |
Seasonal Items and Decorations | Festive appeal | Clearance sales, personal inventory | Time sales correctly, competitive pricing |
DIY Kits and Hobby Supplies | Crafters, hobbyists appeal | Craft store overstocks, personal excess | Organize neatly, reasonable pricing |
Gourmet Food Items and Local Produce | Food lover, health-conscious appeal | Local farms, self-made | Follow health regulations, offer samples |
Health and Wellness Products | Health-conscious appeal | Overstock sales, homemade items | Attractive display, provide product information |
Vintage clothing attracts a wide array of shoppers, from fashion enthusiasts to bargain hunters. Its popularity stems from its unique, hard-to-find styles and sustainable appeal. To maximize sales, source items in good condition from thrift shops or estate sales. Present them neatly and consider using signage to highlight the era each piece represents.
Handmade crafts offer a personal, one-of-a-kind shopping experience. From knit scarves to woodwork, these items appeal to shoppers who value creativity and craftsmanship. Attend craft fairs for sourcing inspiration and price your items reasonably to reflect the time and materials invested.
These items draw in hobbyists, historians, and those searching for a unique find. Antiques and collectibles can range from rare coins to vintage postcards. Estate sales, online auctions and private collectors are excellent sources. Pricing should consider rarity and condition, and well-researched descriptions can help attract knowledgeable buyers.
Furniture and home décor items are perennial flea market favorites, especially those with a unique or vintage charm. Often sourced from estate sales, auctions, or personal renovations, these items appeal to home enthusiasts on a budget. Pricing should reflect item condition and market demand while appealing displays can help customers envision these pieces in their homes.
Despite the digital age, vinyl records and CDs continue to draw music lovers who appreciate tangible media. Yard sales, thrift stores, or personal collections are good sourcing options. Group items by genre or artist for easy browsing and price competitively to encourage impulse purchases.
Costume jewelry offers affordability and variety, appealing to fashionistas of all ages. Source from estate sales, clearance sales, or even your unused collection. Eye-catching displays and reasonable pricing, often based on the piece’s uniqueness and condition, are key to attracting customers.
These items cater to shoppers who love artisanal, personal care items. Homemade or locally sourced, these soaps and candles can appeal with their unique scents and aesthetic appeal. Beautiful packaging, detailed product information and offering samples can boost sales.
Local artwork and prints cater to customers seeking to support local artists or those looking for unique home décor. Collaborate with local artists to source or print your own designs. Displaying artwork creatively and offering a range of price points can attract a wider customer base.
Children’s toys and games can be a hit, especially with families. From lightly-used toys to classic board games, source from yard sales or clearance aisles. Clean and organize items well, ensure safety standards are met and price them competitively for quick turnover.
These items attract a tech-savvy crowd, from used cell phones to quirky tech accessories. Sources can include personal upgrades or liquidation sales. Be sure to test items beforehand, price competitively and offer a short-term guarantee if possible.
Books and comic books cater to readers of all ages and interests. They can be sourced from personal libraries, library sales or thrift stores. Organize by genre, author or series and consider a bulk pricing strategy to encourage higher sales volumes.
Plants and gardening supplies are popular, especially in spring and summer. Partner with local nurseries or grow your own for supply. Presenting plants healthily and attractively, alongside expert care tips, can entice green thumbs.
Sports memorabilia, from vintage baseball cards to autographed items, appeal to sports enthusiasts. Source items from estate sales, online auctions or personal collections. Pricing should reflect rarity and condition.
Gently used kitchenware and small appliances appeal to budget-conscious shoppers or those setting up a new home. Source from estate sales, thrift stores or personal upgrades. Clean thoroughly, test appliances and price competitively for quick sales.
These items attract DIY enthusiasts and bargain hunters, from power tools to handy garden implements. Source from personal upgrades, clearance sales or liquidation lots. Ensure items are clean, functional and priced based on condition and new retail prices.
Pet supplies appeal to pet owners looking for a deal. There’s a broad sourcing avenue, from lightly used items to overstock from pet stores. Ensure items are clean, safe and well-displayed to attract pet owners.
Seasonal items and decorations cater to the festive crowd. Whether it’s Christmas ornaments or Halloween costumes, source from clearance sales or personal inventory. Be sure to time your sales correctly and price items competitively.
DIY kits and hobby supplies attract crafters and hobbyists. Source from craft store overstocks or personal excess. Organize items neatly, price reasonably and consider demonstrating some kits to pique interest.
These items draw food lovers and health-conscious shoppers. Source from local farms or create your own specialty food items. Follow health and safety regulations, offer samples if possible and price competitively.
Health and wellness products, from essential oils to yoga mats, cater to health-conscious shoppers. Source from overstock sales or consider offering your homemade items. Display them attractively, provide product information and consider offering mini-wellness workshops to attract customers.
Venturing into the dynamic world of flea markets as a vendor requires strategic planning, attention to detail, and customer-centric practices. From eye-catching booth setups to effective pricing strategies, your success hinges on your ability to entice customers and provide a shopping experience that’s memorable, engaging, and fruitful.
Consider the following essential tips that can help small businesses make their mark at flea markets:
Understanding your audience is a vital factor in becoming a successful flea market vendor. Shoppers at these vibrant marketplaces come with diverse preferences, budgets and shopping behaviors. By delving into these nuances, you can tailor your product selection, booth presentation and customer interaction strategies to best cater to your target customers.
The following are some key tips to help you tune into your audience and enhance their flea market shopping experience:
Boosting sales at flea markets isn’t just about having the right products; it’s also about honing your selling skills. Effectively communicating with your customers, building a strong rapport with them and offering memorable shopping experiences significantly can enhance your sales performance.
The following actionable strategies can help you master the art of flea market selling:
In the bustling and diverse flea market industry, staying competitive requires more than just offering popular products at appealing prices. It requires carving out a unique space for your flea market business, staying abreast of industry trends, and continuously innovating and improving your offerings. Below are a few strategies that can help you navigate flea market sales and competition effectively.
While a vast array of products can thrive in the dynamic environment of a flea market, some items might be more trouble than they’re worth for vendors. Navigating what not to sell at flea markets is as important as knowing what sells. Overly large or heavy items, for instance, can be burdensome to transport and set up, and they may discourage buyers who weren’t prepared for heavy lifting.
Perishable goods with a short shelf life pose another challenge. While fresh produce or homemade treats can be popular, they also come with the risk of spoiling if not sold swiftly, leading to potential losses.
Most importantly, selling counterfeit or knock-off items is a clear no-go. Not only does this erode trust with customers, but it can also land you in legal trouble, as selling counterfeit goods is illegal.
Finally, any items that are in poor condition or broken are unlikely to attract buyers. As a vendor, it’s crucial to ensure that every item you sell is in good, functional condition, offering real value to your customers. By steering clear of these less suitable items, you can maintain a high-quality offering that keeps customers coming back for more.
The best-selling items at flea markets often include vintage clothing, handmade crafts, antiques, furniture, vinyl records and costume jewelry, as well as artisanal items like soaps and candles. Electronic gadgets, children’s toys, books, gardening supplies, sports memorabilia and kitchenware also tend to sell at flea markets. Seasonal decorations, DIY supplies, gourmet food, and health and wellness products likewise are popular. However, what sells best can vary by flea market and its specific clientele.
Selling at flea markets can indeed be profitable, especially for those who source their products wisely and cater effectively to their market’s clientele. Success hinges on various factors, including the quality and demand of the items sold, effective pricing, booth presentation, customer service and understanding market trends. However, like any business, it requires strategic planning, time, effort and sometimes trial-and-error to achieve consistent profitability.
Pricing items at a flea market requires a balance between generating profit and attracting buyers. Consider factors like the cost of obtaining the item, its condition and demand. Research what similar items are selling for at the market. Pricing should be competitive yet fair. Also, be open to negotiating – haggling is a common practice at flea markets and having a little wiggle room in your pricing can help facilitate sales.
The need for permits or licenses to sell at flea markets can vary by location and the nature of goods sold. Generally, flea market vendors may need a business license, sales tax permit or even special permits for selling certain items like food. Some flea markets require vendors to carry their own liability insurance. It’s crucial to check with local city, county and state regulations, as well as flea market management, to ensure compliance.
Attracting more customers to your flea market booth can be achieved through several strategies. An appealing, well-organized booth setup can draw attention. Offering a unique, quality product range and competitive pricing can entice customers. Engage with customers by being friendly and helpful. Plus, staying informed about flea market selling trends and customer preferences can help tailor your offerings. Don’t forget that rotating your stock regularly can keep your booth fresh and interesting for repeat customers.
Social media can be a powerful tool to promote your flea market business. You can showcase your items, share photos of your booth, post about upcoming flea market dates and engage with customers. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest are especially effective for visually-oriented businesses. Don’t forget to use relevant hashtags and interact with your followers. You can also leverage paid advertising options on these platforms for greater reach.
Finding and participating in a local flea market can start with a simple internet search for flea markets in your area. Check the markets’ official websites or social media for vendor application details. Local city or chamber of commerce websites can also list upcoming flea markets. Once you’ve found a market, contact the organizer for information on booth rental, regulations and any necessary permits. Don’t forget to visit the market first to understand its vibe and clientele.
Image: Envato Elements
This article, "What Sells at Flea Markets: 20 Profitable Items" was first published on Small Business Trends
]]>Michaels has one of our favorite organizing products… and it’s on sale! 😱
Through June 18th or while supplies last, hurry over to Michaels where these Simply Tidy 16-Case Photo and Craft Keepers in Rainbow, Mint or Clear are on sale for just $12.59 each (regularly $41.99).
Note that this is part of the Lowest Price of the Season Sale so we may not see these marked down this low again for a while.
Lina loves this organizer case as you can see from the video above!
These storage boxes are perfect for organizing classroom or craft supplies, small toys, photos, card games, seed packets and SO much more! Lina has even used hers to store cosmetics. SO smart!
👇 Not quite sure what you’d use one to store? Be sure to take some time to read through the helpful reader comments below. 👇
Hip readers love these too…
I use these to hold 4×6 photos we’ve printed year to year. I’m working on a second set now but I basically have written a year on each small photo box and then the photos go from random boxes of Shutterfly 4×6 photo holders into these containers. – Hip2Save reader JayRay
We use these at our preschool for busy boxes. They are perfect for that! – Hip2Save reader Hannah
My daughter has TONS of Shopkins and Barbie things that end up all over the place. We gave her a small storage box to use and it worked out well but not enough room for everything. This looks perfect, I’m getting one of these for her to have some more storage! – Hip2Save reader Princess’Mom
We use these for Lego pieces (color coordinating the pieces in each container). That way you can rebuild various sets easily. We don’t have room for a ton of builds, so being organized when taking apart the Lego set is key! Another idea is for a medicine box (various meds, bandages, antiseptic wipes, etc) or even a utility box (holding various things like batteries, command hooks, tape, screws/nails, etc). – Hip2Save reader, Sheri
I use these for storing math manipulatives and cards. I homeschool and it’s so nice to have a grab and go box for math. It keeps my perfectionist heart happy too. – Hip2Save reader, Jessica
These work great for storing garden seeds since it keeps them nice and dry – Hip2Save reader, Sonya
I personally use these Photo and Craft Keepers to store all of our card games and smaller games that came in bulky boxes. It saves me a ton of space and offers better protection for our games than the flimsy paper boxes that card games usually come in. Plus, I just love all the bright colors! They have also come in handy during vacations as an easy way to transport some of our favorite games to play during downtimes! – Hip2Save reader, Stacey
The storage possibilities are really endless with these handy cases, and we love that they come with a handle for easy carrying and a snap-tight buckle that keeps contents secure.
Head here for even more organizing tips and tricks!
Michaels
Score free shipping with $49+ purchase or choose free curbside pick up if available near you; otherwise, pay $6.95 flat-rate shipping.
!doctype>]]>DIY home projects ideas aren’t as intimidating as you’d think they are and I’ve got this round up to prove it! Below are a number of things you can do, ranging from small crafts to total room makeover. Did I mention that I’ve organized the projects by room to make it easier for you too? Don't forget to bookmark this page for future use!
One of the beauties of platform beds is how you can customize them according to the height you want. There are loads of styles available — even ones that allow for extra storage. Check out this article for a range of DIY platform beds you can choose from.
Who knew making such a chic looking headboard would be this easy? This only means one thing, it's time to make your old furniture look brand new with these projects.
Need a new place to hide your diary and your embarrassing photos? Look no further. I’ve got a list of secret hiding places you can DIY for your room.
Make a fabulous room accent this weekend with the help of some dream catcher tutorials! Legend has it that dream catchers help ensure you're blessed with a good dream as you sleep. I'll let you be the judge of this one!
Drink wine like nobody’s business? Collect your leftover corks and turn them into a work of art! Here are more wall decor ideas for your room.
Little touches of Disney will make any room feel more magical! Pick a fairy tale and look at what you can DIY. Here are our room ideas for Disney fans.
There's no need to be envious of all the cute bedrooms you see on Tumblr and Pinterest. These DIY Tumblr ideas are easy to do and they make any room look Instagram worthy in an instant. It won't be long until you're making your very own room tour video to show off your crafts.
A mirrored dresser is trendy, functional, and adds a lot of fun to a room. A word of caution, make sure to use gloves and be careful when handling the broken glass. You wouldn't want to cut yourself with this DIY project!
Prevent stuffiness by hanging these plants inside the room. Not only will you improve your green thumb and have something pretty to look at, but you'll also get fresh oxygen produced by the plants. Win win!
Sometimes even the smallest DIY upgrades can make a big difference in the look and feel of the room. Case in point are these drawer pulls. These ones are made out of leather but if you'd like, you can choose to use your favorite fabric as well.
Add a rustic feel to your living room with these candle holders. You can opt to use them as a centerpiece or place them in different areas of your home. I can already imagine how cozy and relaxing the ambiance will be when all the tea lights are lit up.
An ottoman is a great way to add extra storage space without anybody noticing. Want to make your own this month? Here are some DIY ottoman projects to choose from!
Don’t these stacked shelves look absolutely chic? The best part about DIYing this project is you’re in charge of the shapes you want to create and build.
Love Crate and Barrel but not comfortable shelling out too much cash? Try these Crate and Barrel hacks that will give you more bang for your buck!
This dual purpose coffee table both acts as a table and as a storage compartment. The best part is, it's a DIY project waiting to happen — perfect for the times when you don't have much money to burn.
These dollar store crafts are addicting! It's such a joy and a comfort knowing most of the items needed for a DIY project can be found in a dollar store haul. It's DIY made even cheaper!
Who says you need to fork over loads of dollar bills to have a unique chandelier everyone will be talking about? This mason jar chandelier will cost you a fraction of the price and will only take you on a trip to home depot.
Put your extra mason jars to good use! They're excellent as containers for cotton balls, makeup brushes, and even your toothbrush. Here are a couple more DIY storage ideas just for you!
Sometimes a quick change of tiles is what can turn a bathroom from drab to fab. Here are our bathroom tile ideas for less!
Bring a little extra character to your bathroom with this recycled glass bottle. Your choice of bottle will speak loads about you!
This owl basket was such a hoot to make! ????
17 Crochet Patterns for Beginners: https://t.co/3XIJkmScYf
Our IG: https://t.co/NmUza6zJPi pic.twitter.com/TQxd0gdlGg
— DIY Projects (@DIYProjectsCom) February 5, 2017
Repurpose baskets to help store extra towels and toilet paper. Want more upcycling projects? Check out this article of bathroom decorating ideas on a budget!
Ever wanted your bathroom to look and feel like the ones at high end spas? Well then, I've got just the thing for you! This smooth stone mat looks so chic, you wouldn't think this was an easy DIY project! By the way, if you place this near your front door, you can take off your shoes and let them rest on the mat. That way, you won't have to worry about dirt spreading all over the house. Trust me, it will make such a big difference!
A tight kitchen space shouldn’t stop you from having a pantry of your own! I've figured out a way to make a pull out pantry shelf that will fit even the tightest corners. It might have taken some elbow grease but the extra storage space was well worth it.
If you’ve got a knack for color, then this DIY should be right up your alley. You can even go the extra mile by painting on a different colored stripe for each utensil. Raring to get started? Here’s a guide to making your own painted utensils.
Put your favorite kitchen pieces on display with the help of a repurposed wooden crate. Who knew you could use it as an organizer, right?
Keep your drinks nice and cold on summer days with a drink koozie you can make from scratch! I’ve got loads of DIY koozies for you to choose from!
If you thought the glass bottle turned soap dispenser idea was cool, you’ll love this one! It makes for a great conversation starter and you’ll never run out of glasses at your next party!
There are two types of people: those who love coasters and those who forget to use them. Regardless of which category you’re in, I’m sure these mini pallet coasters will give a rustic charm to your space!
Turn away from chemical disinfectants and use an agent with ingredients you can find in your very own kitchen. These DIY natural cleaning products are not only environmental and pet friendly, but they're budget friendly as well.
I’m an absolute sucker for lights so I’m a personal fan of this project! Make your own wine bottle lights with this tutorial.
Dreamt of having charming touches in your house? All you need is a bit of wood and you’re all set! Read this for some reclaimed wood craft ideas.
Who says mason jars were only created to hold vibrant colored smoothies? I’ve got loads of ideas for you to choose from, like this herb garden where you can grow your favorite rosemary and basil.
Tiki torches are the perfect accent to any luau. Pair it with some pretty cocktails, tropical food, and hula skirts and you’ve one rocking party waiting to happen!
A fire pit is a great way to keep warm during the cold months. There are many different ways to DIY a fire pit. The usual ones include stone and brick, but did you know you could make one using an old washing machine's drum too?
Kids will love this garden decor DIY! I bet they'd even give you a hand if you gave them a heads up on what you'd be making. Have the little ones design their very own garden guard to keep the bugs and weeds away!
Enjoy fresh flowers, fruits, and vegetables in the comfort of your very own greenhouse garden. Since you'll be growing them yourself, you'll get to make sure that your produce stays away from any harmful pesticides most supermarket bought vegetables (including fruits) is exposed to.
These rainbow roses are such a sight to behold. Who knew all it took were food dye and an overnight's wait to get these gorgeous flowers?
For more home projects ideas on what you can do, watch this video from Rachel Talbott!
I sure hope these DIY home projects ideas have shown you it shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg to give your home a little makeover. Sometimes all it takes is a little ingenuity, a bit of arm grease, and a couple of DIY articles to turn your living space into an enviable home.
Which room are you going to start first? Share what DIY home project idea you'll be working on in the comments below!
Feeling confined with your limited apartment space? Here are some space saving ideas for studio apartments!
Stay connected with us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram!
Feature image from Food52
]]>Editors note: Some comments were edited for length and clarity.
When the Writers Guild of America went on strike on Tuesday, May 2nd, authors were right there with them. Some joined the picket lines as card-carrying Guild members; some put projects they’d had in development with major studios on indefinite hold; some jumped into their group chat to make sure they were doing all they could to hold the line. Some, even, turned to their own organizing spaces to consider how to be in deeper solidarity with their fellow workers.
Because that’s the thing: writers are workers, whether they’re collaborating on a TV show in a writers room, trucking away at a novel alone in their home office, or hopping on a Google Doc (hi!) to report on both. So if anyone outside the WGA is going to understand why it matters to stand in solidarity with screenwriters as they strike not just for better working conditions, but for the very existence of writing as a real career, it’s other writers.
“I’ve seen a lot of solidarity from fiction writers, prose writers, with the WGA,” says author Steph Cha, who’s been a Guild member since 2019 (the same year her most recent novel, Your House Will Pay, came out). “And I think part of that is it feels like the same battle—where the work that we do, because it is also an art form and it is also personally satisfying, gets treated like it’s not work. I love writing TV, but it’s very much a job. Yes, it’s a craft. Yes, it’s a passion. But it is also work, and I think it’s valuable to have that work protected.”
“I’ve always been really interested in how people not get screwed while trying to write,” says Maureen Johnson, an author (most recently of Nine Liars fame) who’s not in the WGA but was in the middle of talks on a new Hollywood project when the strike hit. “It’s a business in which it’s very easy to just be crushed. You’re always one week away from disaster. I have some projects that are in development, and I have asked that everything stop until the strike is over. Unions work best when everyone chips in—you know, the power of collective action. We’re all writers. It’s not a deep read.”
Writers are workers, whether they’re collaborating on a TV show in a writers room, trucking away at a novel alone in their home office, or hopping on a Google Doc.Ilana Masad, whose debut novel, All My Mother’s Lovers, came out in 2020, and who’s a member-organizer with the Freelance Solidarity Project (the digital media division of the National Writers Union—where, full disclosure, I’m also an organizer), is on the same page. “As someone who is organizing and working with FSP, I’m just pleased to see that writers’ work is being discussed as something of value in the WGA strike, and that it’s something people are getting behind,” she says. “In terms of how it’s affecting me? You know, I didn’t get my John Oliver this week or last week because of the writers strike. But that is a very small price to pay for helping to be in solidarity with [other] writers.”
This isn’t to say that it’s emotionally easy—or even logistically straightforward—for an author to be in solidarity with their fellow writers. Because while the Guild’s Strike Rules are crystal clear about not just what it means to cross the picket line during the strike (i.e., writing, selling or developing literary material for, taking meetings with, or applying to internships or fellowships at any struck studios), but also what the consequences are for any writer found to have done so (eternal banishment from Guild membership), the writing industry itself is full of gray areas.
“I was in a lot of text groups with, like, Sam Irby and Carmen Machado [both Guild members] just trying to ask each other what we thought was right,” says author Sarah Rose Etter, whose debut novel, Ripe, is due to hit shelves on July 11th. “I have not spoken to one writer who is not in full support. One novelist, one person, no one.”
The challenge, then, has been understanding the rules around how to be in support. “Suddenly it became if I take this phone call, is it crossing a picket line? If I respond to this email, is it crossing the picket line? So for like three days, it was a wild ride of non-stop texting, reaching out to the WGA trying to figure out what am I allowed to do. And it finally got to a point where I saw a tweet that was like, instead of looking for loopholes, why don’t you just… not? And it was such a relief to just be like, you know what? Cancel the meetings! I support what they’re doing.”
One person who both Cha and Etter turned to when the strike started was Amelia Gray, a novelist and WGA member who both writers named as a particularly inspiring colleague and union member to lean on these past few weeks. (And whose ability to down the writer-on-strike power meal of two hard boiled eggs and a cup of coffee immediately before our call was inspiring to me personally.) Gray, who’s not a strike captain this time around but has been in negotiation years past when strikes were narrowly averted, is particularly good at bridging the gap between the rules and the spirit of the strike.
“The goal is to make the strike quick, and the best way to do that is to limit the availability of materials,” she says. “And so to me, the difficult question that I think writers on the other side of the WGA are facing is, okay, I have a piece of IP, I’ve been working on it for years, I am motivated to sell it, [but] that runs counter to what the strike is about. The big idea is that nobody is offering up material to be sold, and nobody is taking those meetings, and that’s where the collective [power] comes in.”
That said, Gray stresses that writing at home, for yourself, isn’t crossing the picket line—a sentiment that’s reflected in the official Strike FAQ (and by fellow Guild members). “I don’t think that anybody can stop you, or should stop you, from writing alone in your room,” she says. “That’s the beautiful thing about writing: you can continue to generate and create ideas and thoughts and to work because your work is your own. I think that’s actually the backbone of the action, is that your work is valuable, and it’s yours.”
If this all feels more than a bit existential, that’s because it is: in its official strike announcement, the WGA underscored that between the increasing gigification of screenwriting and the looming labor threat posed by advancements in generative AI technology, this is a fight for the very existence of screenwriting as a viable, stable career. The potential outcome of which is harrowing.
“One of the reasons I do screenwriting, and that I think a lot of fiction writers turn to screenwriting, is that it’s one of the only forms of writing that is a steady living,” explains Cha, whose first big TV project, a spy drama called Butterfly, was officially ordered to series by Amazon Prime Video on May 23rd, and is now on hold until the strike is over. “It feels destabilizing to me, both as a TV writer [and] also as a novelist, to have that under threat. It feels very existentially threatening to every form of writing to have the most lucrative and most widely recognized form of it become so tenuous.”
That said, when there are already so few paths to having a stable career as a writer, the prospect of losing this one has also proved to be galvanizing.
“It’s funny,” says Gray, “I was picketing with a friend of mine, and she said, If you’re not having an existential crisis right now, you’re doing it wrong. And there is some of that! But I simultaneously feel the most solidarity I’ve ever felt with my fellow WGA writers and workers. It’s so refreshing to come together and pick our heads up and realize that we all have a lot of the same worries and concerns and fears and thoughts about the future. The antidote to that kind of existential fear is pretty well cured when I go on a walk with a thousand people who feel the same way.”
Novelist Emily St. John Mandel agrees. “I’ve been going to the picket lines as often as I can,” she tells me by email, “and I’ve been struck by the camaraderie and resolve I’ve seen there. None of this is easy. Like everyone, I want the strike to end tomorrow so I can go back to doing the work I love. At the same time, my experience of the picket lines has been that it’s actually inspiring to be surrounded by so many people who care so deeply. These are not people who are going to give up.”
That inspiration extends to the potential knock-on effects this strike might have on other sectors of creative labor. Every author I spoke with is optimistic about what other unions might feel inspired to take on in the wake of the WGA strike, from developing better defenses against the encroachment of generative AI to potentially joining strike forces with SAG-AFTRA later this summer to, even, organizing writers and other non-unionized creative workers beyond the WGA.
When there are already so few paths to having a stable career as a writer, the prospect of losing this one has also proved to be galvanizing.“I feel like we have so forgotten the power of organized labor,” says Johnson. “You know, when I was a kid, like around my neighborhood, it was considered sort of a dirty thing. And then my mother got into a union—she was a school nurse—and she was like, Oh, it’s an amazing experience. But I never grew up in a place where we were educated about the power of unions.”
“My first job ever was a union job,” says Cha. “It was at a public library. And I was only vaguely aware of what that meant. But I do know I worked there for a year when I was in high school, and I got like three raises without doing anything, so it was like, Oh, this is cool! I’m not an organizer, but I do think a lot of unions exist to take an atomized population and give them a shape, and I could see that being very useful for novelists. I don’t know that we have the bargaining power that screenwriters do, but then again, we face a lot of the same problems. I would vote to unionize, if that were a thing we could do.”
Masad, who’s already organizing writers beyond the WGA, agrees. “I think we’re in a time where unions are becoming a goal for people, which is very encouraging to me,” she says. “The fact that there was so much author support for the HarperCollins union strike, and all of those meme accounts [XOXOpublishinggg, Publishers Brunch] that started as literary memes are now pro-union memes. There’s just more of a public sense of solidarity these days.”
In the end, it was this bubbling sense of solidarity that each author kept coming back to.
“I do think there’s something much bigger at stake for anything that involves the written word,” says Etter, explaining why it needs to be solidarity all the way down. “And it sucks in some ways: I’ve been waiting my whole life to sell movie rights for a novel, and I finally got to the point of like, I have the agent, and I have the material. We put it out on submission the week before the strike, I suddenly started getting interest, and then it stopped cold. And so both things are true: it breaks your heart, but you know you’re doing the right thing. I can be a baby for two days about the fact that I have to put my plans on hold, but the big picture is this is the right thing to do long term.”
For the authors out on the picket line, that solidarity is everything.
“I can’t go up against Ted Sarandos [alone],” says Gray. “But when I’m out [picketing] in front of Netflix, I feel like I have a louder voice, because there’s a thousand people out there. I’ve been really heartened this [contract] cycle to feel the solidarity. It just feels very good.”
_______________________________
Picket schedules and locations can be found here, and the social media toolkit is here. To support non-Guild workers impacted by the strike, donate to the Entertainment Community Fund here.
]]>For many years I thought that Hello Kitty was Sanrio, and Sanrio was Hello Kitty. I was a huge fan of Miss Kitty when I was younger, and just assumed that Sanrio was a brand with one character. For a long time!
UNTIL I learned about two other members of the team, the Little Twin Stars (Kiki and Lala). With their cute little faces and good energy, I was hooked. I had to have everything with the Twin Stars on it.
Fast forward to life as a teenager.
I went to high school in Louisville, KY and we had a Sanrio Surprises store at one of our local malls. The stuff was SO cute that I spent quite a bit of my babysitting money on trinkets (I didn’t need).
I completely fell in love with Sanrio, and all the characters! I still have some of the goodies I bought from back in that time, now 30 years ago. It’s so nostalgic for me!
My niece and I have been doing a lot of perler beads lately, and you may have seen our Hello Kitty perler beads. We also did a Hello Kitty organizer and door hanger.
They were so fun that we decided to continue and make a bunch of Sanrio perler beads. I introduced her to all the characters that were my favorites when I was young.
If you’re not familiar or need a refresher, here are the Sanrio characters we have perler bead patterns for below:
I can’t wait for you to check out the Sanrio perler bead patterns below.
Perler beads are recommended for ages six and up, so this is a very fun craft to try with your elementary age kids. All children seem to love perler beads (also known as hama beads, fuse beads, or melty beads). But don’t be shy – adults love them too!
Before we get into the summer perler bead ideas, I want to review a few basics of using fuse beads to make sure you get the best results. If you don’t want the tips, scroll down to the bottom to get the patterns and tutorial.
Remember that the overall goal is to melt the beads together on both sides while still leaving the holes open. Here’s how you achieve success (using a rainbow pattern as an example).
Place ironing paper or parchment paper over the beads on the pegboard. Be gentle so you don’t disturb the beads underneath.
Heat your iron to the medium setting (no steam). In a circular motion, begin to iron the project. Don’t press down too hard with the iron. Use small circles and keep the iron moving.
When ironed properly, the beads will still have an open center. Check and make sure your edges are melted. Let the design cool on the pegboard.
Note: BE CAREFUL about lifting up the paper while you’re ironing! If you want to check, carefully peel back paper around the edge of your design and see if all the beads are melted.
If you lift the paper up quickly and there are a lot of unmelted beads, they will easily fall off or go flying and you may be forced to start over. Sometimes the edges need more time so when you check, just check the edges and peel paper back slowly.
Another Note: some beads melt faster than others (clear melts faster than white, for example). So some holes might be larger than others. It’s okay! That’s part of the look of the project.
Remove the bead design from the pegboard. Flip it over to the non-melted side and repeat the fusing process.
Let cool completely and remove the paper again (which is reusable). Some people pull the paper off after they iron the first side, but I just wait until the end and peel off both pieces. It’s up to you!
Now that you’ve had a refresher on how to melt the beads, you can get the patterns! Keep on reading.
Make sure to check out these notes:
Mini Sanrio Characters
You’ll get a bunch of tiny characters including the Little Twin Stars, Pompompurin, Badtz-Maru, Keroppi, Pochacco, Kuromi, My Melody, Tuxedo Sam, Hello Kitty, and Cinnamaroll. These make great keychains, backpack charms, and other small trinkets.
Hello Kitty Head in Front of a Pink Heart
This pattern uses 152 black, 110 pink, 40 red, 303 white, and 3 yellow beads.
My Melody Head
This pattern uses 59 black, 89 pink, 52 white, and 5 yellow beads.
Kuromi Head
This pattern uses 95 black, 75 dark gray, 13 cotton candy, and 40 white beads.
Hello Kitty Standing with Blue Overalls, Yellow Shirt, and a Red Bow
This pattern uses 188 black, 51 red, 270 white, 14 yellow, 11 denim blue, and 58 navy beads.
Cinnamaroll Holding a Heart
This pattern uses 132 sky, 60 toothpaste, 152 white, and 24 blush beads.
Happy Pompompurin
This pattern uses 130 brown, 17 gingerbread, 278 pastel yellow, and 8 blush beads.
Hello Kitty Seated with Turquoise Overalls and a Bow
Uses 63 parrot green, 83 black, 67 light green, 200 white, 20 gray, and 2 yellow beads.
Mini Little Twin Stars
These patterns use 78 yellow, 43 turquoise, 79 pink, 48 sand, 4 gingerbread, and 34 white beads.
Excited Pochacco
The pattern on the left uses 122 black, 169 white, and 21 red beads. The pattern on the right uses 115 black, 167 white, and 26 bright green beads.
Badtz-Maru Head
This pattern uses 336 black, 60 white, and 13 yellow beads.
Hello Kitty Sitting with Pink Overalls and a Red Bow
This classic kitty uses 167 black, 51 red, 321 white, 6 yellow, and 22 pink beads.
Keroppi Head
This pattern uses 136 black, 136 white, 217 kiwi lime, and 24 pink beads.
Medium Gudetama
This pattern uses 115 black, 43 light gray, 21 gray, 68 cheddar, and 60 white beads.
Hello Kitty Toaster
This pattern uses 19 light brown, 41 sand, 45 black, 81 white, 80 flamingo, 8 sky, 6 gray, and 1 yellow bead.
Hello Kitty Blue Bandaid
This pattern uses 114 pastel blue, 146 robin’s egg, 20 light blue, 33 white, 7 cotton candy, 2 black, and 1 yellow bead.
Winking My Melody
This pattern uses 184 black, 254 pink, 34 sky, 139 white, and 2 yellow beads.
Hello Kitty Angel with a Blue Dress and Bow
This pattern uses 198 black, 302 white, 84 blue, and 2 yellow beads.
Tuxedo Sam
This pattern uses 165 dark gray, 89 white, 17 red, 221 pastel blue, and 37 yellow beads.
Sitting Chococat
This pattern uses 568 black, 32 cream, 72 white, 10 clear (to hold the whiskers), 3 gingerbread, and 9 cobalt beads.
Happy Hangyodon
This pattern uses 64 black, 27 turquoise, 106 robin’s egg, 40 white, 32 pink, and 13 magenta beads.
Kiki and Lala with a Star
This pattern uses 56 yellow, 160 pastel yellow, 76 pink, 60 turquoise, 14 flamingo, 8 toothpaste, 54 sand, 4 light brown, and 38 white beads.
Sitting Kuromi
This pattern uses 309 black, 30 pink, and 137 white beads.
Standing Cinnamaroll
This pattern uses 174 sky, 293 white, 58 toothpaste, and 6 blush beads.
My Melody with a Strawberry
This pattern uses 155 black, 172 pink, 95 white, 1 yellow, 8 kiwi lime, 14 red, and 4 pastel yellow beads.
Standing Pompompurin
This pattern uses 125 brown, 20 gingerbread, and 378 pastel yellow beads.
Walking Badtz-Maru
This pattern uses 575 black, 184 white, and 69 yellow beads.
Walking Keroppi
This pattern uses 220 black, 228 white, 246 prickly pear, 32 pink, and 44 red beads.
Little Twin Stars Riding a Horse
This pattern uses 244 tan, 95 toothpaste, 45 light lavender, 120 blush or light pink, 203 cream, 46 sand, 12 mint, 66 white, and 63 pastel yellow beads.
Lala and Kiki
Lala uses 171 black, 238 pink, 19 yellow, 70 peach, 83 pink, and 1 light gray bead. Kiki uses 173 black, 110 yellow, 169 pastel blue, 38 flesh, 40 white, and 14 pink beads.
Hello Kitty and a Large Polka Dot Bow
This pattern uses 59 parrot green, 265 black, 347 light green, 474 white, and 6 yellow beads.
Large Gudetamas
These patterns use 306 black, 369 cheddar, 434 white, 19 butterscotch, and 74 light gray beads.
If you enjoyed these Sanrio perler bead patterns, let me know in the comments! I’d also love for you to check out these other ideas:
The post Sanrio Perler Beads (30+ Free Patterns!) appeared first on DIY Candy.
]]>Can you reuse press on nails? Learn more about fake nails and if these nails can be reused again once you remove them.
Using fake nails is just one way you can save money on your manicures. Visiting the nail salon every week can get expensive.
And, often a fake nail looks just as nice as gel nails. You need to make sure you use high quality press on nails and remove fake nails carefully so you don’t damage them.
If you want good quality press on nails, I recommend these. I often apply my nail wraps over them and have no issues with them adhering properly the next time.
This product was presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
They last up to two weeks with proper care.
Can be customized with different nail shapes and lengths.
You can choose from a variety of styles, colors, and glitters.
Personalize your nails for your favorite holiday or special occasion.
They are more affordable than a salon manicure.
This product was presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
Yes, you can potentially reuse old press on nails if you take good care of them. It’s important to properly remove fake nails so they don’t get damaged or lose their shape.
You will also need to remove built up glue and left over gunk from your press on nails completely. Gently pull it off or use isopropyl alcohol on a cotton ball.
If you plan to reuse the nails, make sure to store them in a safe place between uses.
The key to successfully removing press on nails without ruining them is to use the right technique and products. Start by soaking your nails in warm soapy water for a few minutes. This will help loosen the adhesive.
Then, use a cuticle stick or orange stick to gently lift the nail from the cuticle line. If you find there’s still some adhesive residue, use a cotton pad soaked with polish remover or rubbing alcohol to remove it. Finally, file any rough edges using a coarse-grit emery board.
Yes, you can use isopropyl alcohol to safely remove nail glue from your press-on nails. It’s a good idea to keep some on hand when you’re using fake nails.
Just make sure to never soak your nails in it for more than a few seconds. This could dry out and damage the nails.
This product was presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
No, press on nails should not damage your natural nails as long as you use them correctly and don’t leave them on for too long. However, if you don’t remove the nails properly or wear them for extended periods of time, there is a risk of damage to your real nails.
To minimize this risk make sure you follow the removal instructions carefully and replace your press on nails as necessary.
Use cuticle oil or olive oil on your nails in between uses to keep your nail healthy.
The best way to remove press on nail glue so that you can reuse the nails is to soak them in warm soapy water for a few minutes. This should help loosen the adhesive from the acrylic nails.
Then, use a cuticle pusher or orange stick to gently lift the nail from the cuticle line. If there’s still some adhesive residue, use a cotton pad soaked with nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol.
Finally, file any rough edges using a coarse-grit emery board.
Once all the glue is removed, you can store the nails in a safe place until you’re ready to use them again.
If the glue on your press on nails has dried up, you can try soaking them in warm water for a few minutes before gently lifting them off with a cuticle pusher or orange stick.
You may need to use a cotton pad soaked with nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol to remove any remaining residue.
Don’t use too much force or you will damage them.
You can change your press on nails as often as you like. However, it’s important to make sure that you’re taking good care of them and removing them properly so they don’t get damaged or lose their shape.
If you plan to reuse press on nails, make sure to store them in a safe place between uses. It’s also a good idea to replace them every couple of weeks, as the adhesive may become less effective over time.
In between uses, use cuticle oil on your natural nail to keep them healthy.
This product was presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
To keep your press on nails looking great, it’s important to take good care of them. Here are some tips:
I recommend you find a good nail storage container. You can add each nail to it’s own container. This will prevent your press on nails from being damaged between uses.
So, can you reuse press on nails? Yes, you can use press on nails more than once if you are careful.
When you are wearing press on nails, it is important to keep your natural nails protected and healthy. To prevent damage, make sure that you take off the press ons correctly and replace them every couple of weeks.
In between uses, use cuticle oil oil to moisturize your nails and keep them healthy. You can also use a nail buffer to gently shape your natural nails and remove any ridges.
By taking proper care of your press on nails and using high quality products, you can keep them looking beautiful for many manicures.
Remember to take a break from using false nails. Your natural nails will be healthier this way. Be sure to apply a high quality cuticle oil to your real nail between uses.
The post Can You Reuse Press on Nails? appeared first on The Socialite's Closet.
]]>I used to be content with just buying whatever is available in stores– from accessories and clothes to lotion and lamps. I wouldn’t even bother thinking how something could look much better, be more useful, or cost less! Until one day I discovered that I have the ability to make stuff myself, and life has never been better! I no longer have to be stressed about the limited choices, the long lines, the tight budget, or that one thing we all have that keeps having to be fixed! DIY projects changed my life and it can do the same for you! Let’s get started!
Decorating your walls with something as simple as yarn will yield beautiful results! The only requirement is knowing what to do with your yarn (and some embroidery hoops)—and the possibilities are endless! Just look at these yarn wall hanging ideas!
Accessorizing can sometimes be kind of expensive. And since they’re the last thing we think about after we’ve nailed our outfit, we seldom have the willingness to spend for them. But with these super easy DIY accessories, you won’t have to! Saving money is one of the best benefits of DIY projects. Check out this great DIY bracelet kit that's free!
Many of us prefer social media, but if you ask me, nothing beats a good old-fashioned journal. Here, thoughts, memories, and emotions will be retained and re-read forever. Plus, you can always fashion them to reflect who you really are, and these DIY journal ideas are here to help.
There’s something so beautiful and poetic about dreamcatchers. I’m sure all of us want to aspire to a life where only good things and good dreams are present. So, why not try making these easy bohemian gypsy dreamcatchers? You’ll definitely sleep safe and sound tonight.
Check out my favorite DIY dreamcatcher kit here.
Easy DIY projects, in addition to being fulfilling, can be quite profitable too! And because these DIY projects are easy, not much time has to be invested for you to make a sum you’ll be happy with. Take your pick from these easy crafts!
The home is where we spend most of our lives. Our homes are a witness to every moment no matter how mundane or special. So it’s only right that we treat it with utmost care and make sure it’s always well-maintained and beautiful! Be the best homeowner you can be with these quick and easy DIY home projects! In need of supplies? We know just the place.
Quality time with the kids doesn’t have to involve money spent in theme parks and ice cream parlors. Making something with your kids will be more meaningful to them. It’s something that they can take with them and always remember even when they’re old. For your next bonding session, see this list of easy DIY projects you can make with your kids. Low on craft supplies? Check out what Michaels has to offer.
Washi tape has been a celebrated stationery item since it came out in 2015. And I can see why! So many different things take on a whole new fabulous look when given the washi tape makeover. Start using them on your stuff today! Here I’ve got about a hundred ways you can use them!
There is no age limit to becoming a DIY projects expert! Your little ones can start taking after your interest for DIY projects even in their teens! Be their mentor and partner as you make these cool DIY projects for teen girls!
They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend. But I say, my best friends are DIY projects that can get me close to looking like I can afford diamonds! And I’ve found my friends for life! They’re all gathered here in a list of cool and easy DIY jewelry ideas.
Making candles are usually the go-to DIY project of people who want to experience making things themselves. They are easy to make and very useful. Plus, who doesn’t want to savor her achievement while basking in the aroma of burning scented wax? Here I’ve got a twist on the classic candle-making project. It’s more fun with a funfetti candle! Learning how to make your own candles is pretty easy, too.
If you can’t decide whether you want to start being a DIY expert or a gardening expert, then worry no more! Get the best of both worlds with this DIY fairy garden! It’s beautiful and always a delight to look at. It easily improves the appeal and ambience of your home.
Many types of wax have been used to make many different types of candles, but these color block crayon candles are my favorite! DIY projects are all about taking something so simple and turning it into something so beautiful and useful it surprises everyone, even you! This DIY project is the perfect fun start for beginners!
Sometimes, there are things which are already good on their own that all they need is just a little color. But of course, adding color is an important process as well. For this simple yet extremely significant activity, you’ll need the excellent guidance of these simple hand-painted DIY projects!
Well, we’ve created wall art with yarn. Why not make some more with fabric? Like I said, DIY projects are about creativity, expression, and innovation! This easy guide to making your own fabric wall will have you feeling like an expert in no time!
I think of my corkboard as the journal or diary of my room. And so, aside from holding some of my most meaningful mementos, they also have to reflect my personality! I’m sure you feel the same way so here’s how you can create your own stylish corkboard!
Even pipe cleaners will be turned into beautiful DIY projects! Nothing will be left unused! These cool DIY crafts out of pipe cleaners prove just how much innovation and joy DIY projects offer.
A simple colorful loom bracelet is perfect for embarking on the DIY journey with a friend. It could serve as your reminder that you're both committed to making beautiful things which are most of the time for yourself but sometimes for each other.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, then procuring the materials for this super easy DIY shouldn’t be a problem. Who knew something that’s taken for granted can be turned into rustic coasters? Check out this DIY guide to find out how!
There are many things to consider in creating the perfect ambiance for your home—the look, the feel, the aroma, and, many people forget, the sound! Wind Chimes are perfect for completing the aesthetic of your home! Make your favorite among these DIY wind chimes!
DIY makeup recipes are perfect for a beginner! Before spending too much money on big cosmetic brands, you might want to try the makeup recipes on this list first. Who knows, you might not need to buy makeup anymore!
All that playing around with makeup will eventually lead to make-up stuff piling up. Make yourself a handy DIY make-up brush organizer to make sure you know where everything is! Or if you're short on time, check out these makeup organizers from Bed, Bath & Beyond.
Chapped lips aren’t just common during cold months. They are an innocuous condition that nonetheless has to be taken care of! So, make your own lip scrub and never worry about having to face people with dry lips!
Some of us want our food done in a really specific way. Often, to get it right, you have to do it yourself. So walk the extra mile and make the ingredients yourself too! This is much easier than it sounds! This guide will help you make your own vinegar.
Here’s a list of DIY projects you can make with your little girls! Bonding moments are always more precious when everyone’s contributing and doing something she will be proud of. Let them choose their favorite from the list!
A lot of people think sewing is a hard and intricate process. Easy DIY projects are to change that! These sewing projects will show you that, yes, it’s possible to sew something in less than five minutes! And you’ll be using whatever you make for as long as you want. Definitely worth it.
Are you having a cozy and lazy Sunday? Be sure to follow us on Instagram >> https://t.co/NmUza6zJPi pic.twitter.com/wMPw5QJR2q
— DIY Projects (@DIYProjectsCom) January 8, 2017
If you’ve got a little one, you know how expensive it can be just having to buy food and supplements. Sometimes, it can be so expensive that even throwing our food jars break your heart a little. Well, worry no more because this list of clever uses for baby food jars will save you from your maternal woes!
Mason jars have been around for a while and they are well-loved for their versatility and style. A mason jar oil lamp adds to the list of things you can do with a mason jar. It’s easy and really worthwhile!
Availing props for a photo booth takes extra cash, time, and energy! They’re so easy to make you can make them yourselves! Try one or all of the cool DIY photo booth props on this list!
DIY projects don’t always have to go too far. Sometimes all anything needs is a little touch-up. There’s nothing easier or simpler than this DIY prism mason jar candle! Your novice self will instantly be happy! Replenish your mason jar set here.
There are many ways to say I love you and there are also just as many to make flowers! Real fragrant flowers are nice but something made with your own hands can be just as special. Plus, you won’t have to worry about watering them!
Teens grow up so fast, they outgrow the clothes you buy them in a month or two! So to save some money, here are easy DIY sewing projects you can give to teens as gifts! They’ll surely appreciate how unique it is!
A monthly subscription doesn’t seem a lot but after renewing it for years, you don’t even notice the stack of magazines taking up space in your home! No need to throw them all out! Here are easy DIY projects for your old magazines!
Just like your magazines, empty medicine bottles after months or years of buying them lie around the house without you noticing it! There are many different ways to re-use them and this list will show you the best and most exciting ones!
Everyday products eventually take up the most space in our trash. And everyone knows our planet doesn’t need more of that. So, in your own little way, as a budding DIY craftsman, you can help make this planet greener! These DIY projects for cereal boxes are easy and environment-friendly!
It can be frustrating to keep going to stores for years and not finding a product that suits you. Our skin is as unique as our DNA and so not everyone can find products which have good and lasting effects. But finally, you can make your own lotion! DIY projects truly are our savior!
After all that crafting, you deserve a nice relaxing bath! This is your reward for opening yourself to a whole new adventure with DIY projects! And nothing will remind you of your fulfillment in the most soothing way than making your own bath bomb!
Watch this video from Mist8k for more DIY projects:
The best part about being a novice when it comes to DIY projects is finding the joy and fulfillment in making things yourself. With every small step, you are reminded of the value of hard work and dedication! In fact, even when you become an expert, you’ll always remember what made you fall in love with DIY projects. It’s the passion for things that are original and sublime. These easy DIY projects aren’t just easy or simple. They are doors that lead to a more meaningful understanding of yourself.
Which of these DIY projects is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!
Low on crafting, building, or any other DIY tools/supplies? Our partners below have you covered:
Looking for more DIY projects? Check out these 25 DIY Gifts You Can Make in Under an Hour!
Stay connected with me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram!
featured image via Travelletes
]]>Beat the heat and take the kiddos to the movies this summer, without breaking the bank! The 2021 Regal Summer Movie Express is a real deal, at just $1 for admission to select family-friendly films.
Here’s how it works: Each week, two movies are offered at the $1 price. Showtime is 10:00 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Both movies run both days, so you have a choice. You could also see both films over two days.
In the past, these morning showings could get crowded (or even sell out), so get there early to get your ticket.
The $1 movie series takes place over 10 weeks.
The list of participating theaters in our area has NOT yet been released.
For reference, the list from 2019 included:
This is a master schedule provided by Regal Cinemas. Individual theaters may occasionally vary in the films they show on a particular day.
You can check the Summer Movie Express film schedule for each theater online.
|
All Day | $23.00
All Day | FREE | Multiple Locations
FREE | The Rectory (Downtown Norcross)
10:00 am to 11:00 am | Mason Mill Park
11:00 am to 5:00 pm | FREE | Uptown (formerly Lindbergh City Center)
12:00 pm to 1:30 pm | FREE | Downtown Atlanta
12:00 pm to 2:00 pm | FREE | Midtown MARTA Station
12:00 pm to 5:00 pm | FREE | Atlanta Contemporary (west midtown)
4:00 pm to 9:00 pm | $0-15.00 | Underground Atlanta
5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | East Point Commons
5:00 pm to 10:00 pm | Discounted | Jim R. Miller Park (Marietta)
6:00 pm to 7:00 pm | FREE | Avalon – The Plaza
6:00 pm to 7:00 pm | FREE | Colony Square
6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Blackburn Park (Brookhaven)
All Day | FREE | Multiple Locations
FREE | The Rectory (Downtown Norcross)
11:00 am to 5:00 pm | FREE | Uptown (formerly Lindbergh City Center)
12:00 pm to 8:00 pm | FREE | Atlanta Contemporary (west midtown)
3:00 pm to 11:00 pm | Multiple Locations
5:00 pm to 6:30 pm | FREE | The Works (westside Atlanta)
5:00 pm to 8:00 pm | FREE | Brook Run Park (Dunwoody)
5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Downtown Alpharetta business district
5:00 pm to 10:00 pm | Discounted | Jim R. Miller Park (Marietta)
6:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Pullman Yards
6:30 pm | FREE | Gate City Brewing Company (Roswell)
7:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Best End Brewing
7:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | The Works (westside Atlanta)
8:00 pm | FREE | 10th Street Park (Midtown ATL)
9:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Fernbank Science Center & Planetarium / Observatory
All Day | FREE
All Day | $12.00
All Day | FREE | Multiple Locations
FREE | The Rectory (Downtown Norcross)
Participating Wendy’s locations
11:00 am to 5:00 pm | FREE | Uptown (formerly Lindbergh City Center)
12:00 pm to 5:00 pm | FREE | Atlanta Contemporary (west midtown)
5:00 pm to 10:00 pm | Discounted | Jim R. Miller Park (Marietta)
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm | FREE
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm | FREE | Colony Square
6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Duluth Town Green
6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Halcyon (Alpharetta)
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Main St in Stone Mountain’s business district
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Town Center Park (Suwanee)
7:30 pm to 9:30 pm | FREE | Thrasher Park (Norcross)
7:30 pm to 9:30 pm | FREE | City Green Park (Sandy Springs)
9:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Fernbank Science Center & Planetarium / Observatory
All Day | FREE | Multiple Locations
All Day | FREE | Multiple Locations
FREE | The Rectory (Downtown Norcross)
Participating Wendy’s locations
9:00 am to 2:00 pm | FREE | Marietta Square
10:00 am to 11:00 am | FREE | Woodruff Park
10:00 am to 5:00 pm | FREE | Wills Park (Alpharetta)
10:00 am to 10:00 pm | Discounted | Jim R. Miller Park (Marietta)
10:30 am to 6:00 pm | Discounted
11:00 am to 4:00 pm | $10.00-15.00 | Creekwater Alpaca Farm (Snellville)
11:00 am to 5:00 pm | FREE | Uptown (formerly Lindbergh City Center)
12:00 pm to 5:00 pm | FREE | Atlanta Contemporary (west midtown)
12:00 pm to 11:00 pm | FREE | Piedmont Park
4:00 pm to 7:00 pm | FREE | The Works (westside Atlanta)
6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Halcyon (Alpharetta)
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Peachtree Corners Town Green
All Day | FREE
All Day | FREE | Multiple Locations
FREE | The Rectory (Downtown Norcross)
Participating Wendy’s locations
10:00 am to 5:00 pm | FREE | Wills Park (Alpharetta)
10:30 am to 6:00 pm | Discounted
11:00 am to 4:00 pm | $10.00-15.00 | Creekwater Alpaca Farm (Snellville)
11:00 am to 5:00 pm | FREE | Uptown (formerly Lindbergh City Center)
12:00 pm to 4:00 pm | FREE | Atlanta Contemporary (west midtown)
12:00 pm to 10:00 pm | Discounted | Jim R. Miller Park (Marietta)
12:00 pm to 11:00 pm | FREE | Piedmont Park
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm | FREE | Colony Square
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm | FREE | The Works (westside Atlanta)
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm | FREE
All Day | $18.00
All Day | FREE | Multiple Locations
FREE | The Rectory (Downtown Norcross)
Participating Wendy’s locations
10:00 am to 10:00 pm | Discounted | Jim R. Miller Park (Marietta)
11:00 am to 5:00 pm | FREE | Uptown (formerly Lindbergh City Center)
12:00 pm to 11:00 pm | FREE | Piedmont Park
6:30 pm to 7:30 pm | FREE | The Battery
7:30 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Brooke Street Park (Alpharetta)
All Day | FREE | Multiple Locations
FREE | The Rectory (Downtown Norcross)
Participating Wendy’s locations
11:00 am to 5:00 pm | FREE | Uptown (formerly Lindbergh City Center)
12:00 pm to 5:00 pm | FREE | Atlanta Contemporary (west midtown)
3:00 pm to 11:00 pm
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm | FREE | Colony Square
5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Taylor-Brawner Park
5:00 pm to 10:00 pm | Discounted
6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Legacy Park (Decatur)
7:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Wild Heaven Beer (West End location)
All Day | Discounted
All Day | $23.00
All Day | FREE | Multiple Locations
FREE | The Rectory (Downtown Norcross)
Participating Wendy’s locations
10:00 am to 11:00 am | Mason Mill Park
11:00 am to 5:00 pm | FREE | Uptown (formerly Lindbergh City Center)
12:00 pm to 1:30 pm | FREE | Downtown Atlanta
12:00 pm to 2:00 pm | FREE | Midtown MARTA Station
12:00 pm to 5:00 pm | FREE | Atlanta Contemporary (west midtown)
4:00 pm to 9:00 pm | $0-15.00 | Underground Atlanta
6:00 pm to 7:00 pm | FREE | Avalon – The Plaza
6:00 pm to 7:00 pm | FREE | Colony Square
All Day | FREE | Multiple Locations
Participating Wendy’s locations
11:00 am to 5:00 pm | FREE | Uptown (formerly Lindbergh City Center)
12:00 pm to 8:00 pm | FREE | Atlanta Contemporary (west midtown)
3:00 pm to 11:00 pm | Multiple Locations
5:00 pm to 6:30 pm | FREE | The Works (westside Atlanta)
5:00 pm to 8:00 pm | FREE | Brook Run Park (Dunwoody)
6:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Pullman Yards
6:30 pm | FREE | Gate City Brewing Company (Roswell)
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Colony Square
7:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Best End Brewing
7:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | The Works (westside Atlanta)
9:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Fernbank Science Center & Planetarium / Observatory
All Day | FREE
All Day | $12.00
All Day | FREE | Multiple Locations
11:00 am to 5:00 pm | FREE | Uptown (formerly Lindbergh City Center)
12:00 pm to 5:00 pm | FREE | Atlanta Contemporary (west midtown)
5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Marietta Square
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm | FREE
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm | FREE | Colony Square
6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Duluth Town Green
6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Downtown Canton
6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Downtown Kennesaw
6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Halcyon (Alpharetta)
6:00 pm | FREE | Newtown Park (Johns Creek)
6:30 pm | FREE | Church Street greenspace (Tucker)
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Main St in Stone Mountain’s business district
7:00 pm | FREE | Newtown Park (Johns Creek)
8:00 pm | FREE | Pernoshal Park (Dunwoody)
9:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Fernbank Science Center & Planetarium / Observatory
All Day | FREE | High Museum of Art
All Day | FREE | Atlanta History Center
All Day | FREE | Multiple Locations
FREE | Tellus Science Museum (Cartersville)
9:00 am to 2:00 pm | FREE | Marietta Square
10:00 am to 11:00 am | FREE | Woodruff Park
10:00 am to 5:00 pm | FREE | Center for Civil and Human Rights
10:30 am to 6:00 pm | Discounted
11:00 am to 12:00 pm | FREE | Dunwoody Nature Center
11:00 am to 4:00 pm | $10.00-15.00 | Creekwater Alpaca Farm (Snellville)
11:00 am to 5:00 pm | FREE | Uptown (formerly Lindbergh City Center)
12:00 pm to 5:00 pm | FREE | Atlanta Contemporary (west midtown)
4:00 pm to 7:00 pm | FREE | The Works (westside Atlanta)
6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Halcyon (Alpharetta)
6:00 pm to 9:30 pm | FREE | Swift-Cantrell Park (Kennesaw)
6:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Lindbergh City Center
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Peachtree Corners Town Green
All Day | FREE | High Museum of Art
All Day | FREE | Atlanta History Center
All Day | FREE
All Day | FREE | Multiple Locations
FREE | Tellus Science Museum (Cartersville)
8:00 am to 11:00 am | FREE | Town Center at Cobb (Kennesaw)
10:30 am to 6:00 pm | Discounted
11:00 am to 4:00 pm | $10.00-15.00 | Creekwater Alpaca Farm (Snellville)
11:00 am to 5:00 pm | FREE | Uptown (formerly Lindbergh City Center)
12:00 pm to 4:00 pm | FREE | Atlanta Contemporary (west midtown)
12:00 pm to 5:00 pm | FREE | Center for Civil and Human Rights
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm | FREE | Colony Square
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm | FREE | The Works (westside Atlanta)
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm | FREE | Woodlands Garden (Decatur)
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Heritage Green in Sandy Springs
7:00 pm to 11:00 pm | FREE | Park Tavern
All Day | $18.00
All Day | FREE | Multiple Locations
11:00 am to 5:00 pm | FREE | Uptown (formerly Lindbergh City Center)
6:30 pm to 7:30 pm | FREE | The Battery
7:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Multiple Locations
7:30 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Avalon
All Day | FREE | Multiple Locations
10:00 am to 12:00 pm | FREE | Avalon – The Plaza
11:00 am to 5:00 pm | FREE | Uptown (formerly Lindbergh City Center)
12:00 pm to 5:00 pm | FREE | Atlanta Contemporary (west midtown)
3:00 pm to 11:00 pm
5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Taylor-Brawner Park
5:00 pm to 10:00 pm | Discounted
7:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Wild Heaven Beer (West End location)
All Day | $23.00
All Day | FREE | Multiple Locations
10:00 am to 11:00 am | Mason Mill Park
11:00 am to 5:00 pm | FREE | Uptown (formerly Lindbergh City Center)
12:00 pm to 1:30 pm | FREE | Downtown Atlanta
12:00 pm to 5:00 pm | FREE | Atlanta Contemporary (west midtown)
4:00 pm to 9:00 pm | $0-15.00 | Underground Atlanta
6:00 pm to 7:00 pm | FREE | Avalon – The Plaza
6:00 pm to 7:00 pm | FREE | Colony Square
All Day | FREE | Multiple Locations
11:00 am to 5:00 pm | FREE | Uptown (formerly Lindbergh City Center)
12:00 pm to 8:00 pm | FREE | Atlanta Contemporary (west midtown)
3:00 pm to 11:00 pm | Multiple Locations
5:00 pm to 6:30 pm | FREE | The Works (westside Atlanta)
5:00 pm to 8:00 pm | FREE | Brook Run Park (Dunwoody)
6:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Pullman Yards
6:30 pm | FREE | Gate City Brewing Company (Roswell)
7:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Best End Brewing
7:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | The Works (westside Atlanta)
9:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Fernbank Science Center & Planetarium / Observatory
All Day | FREE
All Day | $12.00
All Day | FREE | Multiple Locations
11:00 am to 5:00 pm | FREE | Uptown (formerly Lindbergh City Center)
12:00 pm to 5:00 pm | FREE | Atlanta Contemporary (west midtown)
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm | FREE
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm | FREE | Colony Square
6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Duluth Town Green
6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Halcyon (Alpharetta)
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Main St in Stone Mountain’s business district
9:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Fernbank Science Center & Planetarium / Observatory
All Day | FREE | Multiple Locations
Brooke Street Park (Alpharetta)
9:00 am to 2:00 pm | FREE | Marietta Square
10:00 am to 11:00 am | FREE | Woodruff Park
11:00 am to 3:00 pm | FREE | Main Street in downtown Tucker
11:00 am to 4:00 pm | $10.00-15.00 | Creekwater Alpaca Farm (Snellville)
11:00 am to 5:00 pm | FREE | Uptown (formerly Lindbergh City Center)
12:00 pm to 5:00 pm | FREE | Atlanta Contemporary (west midtown)
4:00 pm to 7:00 pm | FREE | The Works (westside Atlanta)
6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Halcyon (Alpharetta)
6:30 pm to 9:30 pm | FREE | Peachtree Corners Town Green
6:30 pm to 9:30 pm | FREE | Lilburn City Park
All Day | FREE
All Day | FREE | Multiple Locations
11:00 am to 4:00 pm | $10.00-15.00 | Creekwater Alpaca Farm (Snellville)
11:00 am to 5:00 pm | FREE | Uptown (formerly Lindbergh City Center)
12:00 pm to 12:00 am | FREE | High Museum of Art
12:00 pm to 4:00 pm | FREE | Atlanta Contemporary (west midtown)
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm | FREE | Colony Square
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm | FREE | The Works (westside Atlanta)
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm | FREE | Woodlands Garden (Decatur)
5:00 pm to 8:00 pm | FREE | Avondale Estates Town Green
7:00 pm to 11:00 pm | FREE | Park Tavern
All Day | $18.00
All Day | FREE | Multiple Locations
Charles Wadsworth Auditorium (Newnan)
11:00 am to 5:00 pm | FREE | Uptown (formerly Lindbergh City Center)
1:30 pm | FREE | Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center
6:30 pm to 7:30 pm | FREE | The Battery
6:30 pm | FREE | Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center
All Day | FREE | Multiple Locations
Charles Wadsworth Auditorium (Newnan)
11:00 am to 5:00 pm | FREE | Uptown (formerly Lindbergh City Center)
12:00 pm to 5:00 pm | FREE | Atlanta Contemporary (west midtown)
3:00 pm to 11:00 pm
5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Taylor-Brawner Park
5:00 pm to 10:00 pm | Discounted
6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Lilburn City Park
7:00 pm to 10:00 pm | FREE | Wild Heaven Beer (West End location)
The post SAVED from 2019 $1 Regal summer movie express appeared first on Atlanta on the Cheap.
]]>Showed up late for a job interview? That's a bad first impression. Eat a clove of garlic and forget to brush your teeth before a first date? Also a bad first impression.
[TAG0]It turns out that the "make a good first impression" principle holds true not only in face-to-face encounters but in email interactions as well. The outcome of giving a good impression in emails goes a long way to connect with potential business contacts or customer
When you send a welcome email to a new blog reader, newsletter subscriber, or customer, you're making a first impression on behalf of your brand. To help ensure you're making the best first impression possible, we've rounded up some examples of standout welcome emails from brands big and small.
Pro Tip: Use HubSpot's free email marketing software to easily create a high-quality welcome email sequence like the ones featured below.
Each example below showcases different tactics and strategies for engaging new email subscribers. Let's dive in.
One factor that really impacts the customer onboarding process is the welcome email. While there’s no one-size-fits-all format, there are several key components that can help your email stand out from the crowd and connect with your intended audience. These include:
Making sure recipients actually open your emails is the first step in making a good impression. Subject lines are critical, so opt for short and straight to the point subjects that state clearly what you’re sending, who it’s from, and why it matters to potential customers.
While the main purpose of welcome emails is to introduce your brand, it’s also critical to add value by providing the next steps for interested customers. A good place to start is by offering links to the great content on your website that will give your customers more context if they're curious about what you do and how you do it.
Personalization can help your welcome emails stand out from the pack. Customized introductory offers on products are something consumers often want. If you base these offers on the information they’ve provided or data available to the public through social platforms, welcome emails can help drive ongoing interest.
It’s also important to offer a clear way out if users aren’t interested. Make sure all your welcome emails contain "unsubscribe" options that allow customers to select how much (or how little) contact they want from you going forward. If there’s one thing that sours a budding business relationship, it’s the incessant emails that aren’t easy to stop. Always give customers a way to opt out.
So what does a great welcome email look like? We’ve collected some standout welcome message series examples that include confirmation messages, thank you emails, and offer templates to help you with your customer onboarding process from start to finish — and make a great impression along the way.
Sometimes the tiniest of elements in a welcome email can speak volumes about a brand. And when it comes to Food52's welcome email, the preview text at the top of the email, "We brought snacks," definitely accomplishes this.
Also known as a pre-header or snippet text, the preview text is the copy that gets pulled in from the body of an email and displayed next to (or beneath) the subject line in someone's inbox. So when you see Food52's welcome email in your inbox, you get a taste of their brand's personality before you even open it.
Food52's welcome email also does a good job of building trust by putting a face (make that two faces) to their name. As soon as you open the email, you see a photograph and message from the company's founders.
From the subject line, down to the conversational tone in the email body, the image of a welcome email above keeps it friendly and simple, so the focus stays on the introductory video inside.
Monday.com is a task management tool for teams and businesses, and the welcome email you get when you sign up makes you feel like a CEO, because Roy Man is speaking directly to you. The email even personalizes the opening greeting by using the recipient's first name, and this is well known for increasing email click-through rates (especially if the name is in the subject line).
The more you can make your email sound like a one-on-one conversation between you and your subscriber, the better. If you have just so many details that you need to inform your new customer about, follow Monday.com's lead and embed them on a video, rather than spelling them all out on the email itself.
Let's face it, the internet-using public is constantly bombarded with prompts to sign up for and subscribe to all sorts of email communications. So as a brand, when someone takes the time to sift through all the chaos to intentionally sign up for your email communications, it's a big deal.
To acknowledge how grateful they are to the folks who actually take their time to subscribe, Kate Spade uses a simple but effective tactic with their welcome emails. They say "Thank You" in big, bold lettering. By placing that "Thank You" note on an envelope, Kate Spade recreates the feeling of receiving an actual thank you letter via mail. (The 15% off discount code doesn't hurt either.)
If there's an ideal "attitude" that welcome emails should give off, Lyft has it. The company's simple but vibrant welcome email focuses entirely on the look and feel of the app, delivering a design that's as warm and smooth as the lifts that Lyft wants to give you.
At the same time, the email's branded pink call-to-action draws your eyes toward the center of the page to "Take a Ride", an inviting language that doesn't make you feel pressured as a new user.
The Munk Pank's welcome email is the story of why the company was founded. This is a healthy snack store founded by a husband and wife. In their welcome email, they mention that they started the company because they never seemed to find nutritious snacks to keep them energized and on the go.
This is an excellent version of a welcome email because they let their customers know they can relate to the problems they're facing and they've been there. This helps in building trust and relatability; it also gives customers a peek into what they should expect from their products.
The email ends by sharing the company’s mission to help them live a healthy lifestyle. This welcome email lets subscribers know that they're joining a tribe that is concerned about their healthy eating and lifestyle; a mission that goes beyond snacks.
Who Gives a Crap is an organization that sells organic toilet paper, and they're passionate about it. Their welcome email is equally fun and informative. They state all the reasons why you should opt for organic and eco-friendly products. Then, they sweeten the pot (pun intended) by noting that they donate 50% of their profits to global sanitation projects.
The email reminds the buyer that they still get the toilet paper at the same price they do in the supermarket. They also have a compelling call to action in their welcome email that offers 10% off of their products for people who subscribe to their email list. The company added its "Shop Now" button for convenience, so if readers are convinced to buy, they can do so in one click.
SAXX Underwear specializes in men's underwear, and their welcome email is very catchy and creative. Their subject line "Welcome to you and your balls" is just a taste of how they use a humorous and relatable tone to connect with their audience.
Their welcome email is visual, too. They demonstrate their comfort guarantee with images of models wearing their boxers.
The welcome email also gives a 10% off code for first-time buyers and directs them to their store. Besides the offer, they present their refund policy boldly to offer reassurance for prospects who may be unsure. These gestures help to build trust with their new subscribers and encourage them to buy from them.
What really stands out in the SAXX Underwear welcome email is the tone of the copy and the careful yet bold and catchy choice of words.
When you sign up for InVision's free prototyping app, the welcome email makes it very clear what your next step should be.
To guide people on how to use InVision’s app, the company’s welcome email doesn't simply list out what you need to do to get started. Instead, it shows you what you need to do with a series of quick videos. Given the visual, interactive nature of the product, this makes a lot of sense.
No fancy design work. No videos. No photos. The welcome email Drift sends out after signing up for their newsletter is a lesson in minimalism.
The email opens with a bit of candid commentary on the email itself. "Most people have really long welcome email sequences after you get on their email list," Dave from Drift writes, before continuing: "Good news: we aren't most people." What follows is simply a bulleted list of the company's most popular blog posts. And the only mention of the product comes in a brief postscript at the very end.
If you're trying to craft a welcome email that's non-interruptive, and laser-focused on adding value instead of fluff, this is a great example to follow.
Inbound attracts business professionals from all over the world. So, it’s fitting that its event confirmation email is simple and easy to follow, with useful links for event information, help, and accessibility.
Keep scrolling and you’ll see even more useful additions, like:
This all-in-one approach to event welcomes makes sure that even if people who wish to attend only see one email, that email will include everything they need.
Nonprofit marketing can be a challenge, but this email sheds light on endless possibilities. In this welcome email, donors to Creative Capital get a healthy dose of inspiration.
The email begins with a striking GIF that combines the work of supported artists with bright thank you messages. It continues with a poetic message about the types of artists the org supports. This is a chance to inspire every donor. It reminds them who their donation is supporting and why that action has massive value.
Frequent shoppers can end up in more loyalty programs than they can count, so it’s important for these welcome emails to stand out and show off a big offer.
From the start, this email focuses on concrete rewards. Then, it gives a clear explanation of Baltic Born’s reward system. It continues with a button that compels the recipient to get more points.
And the monochromatic design is attractive, but not distracting or overwhelming, making it easy to read on mobile devices.
While many subscribers click submit to solve a problem, positivity is key in a welcome email. This org supports women on their path to wage equality. It could be tempting for this email to start with emotionally-charged language or statistics that show how big a problem the gender pay gap is.
Instead, PepTalkHer shows its understanding of its target audience. This email centers on the support, value, and overall awesomeness of this community. It also adds useful links to social media and website channels. This helps jump start each signup’s journey.
As generative AI runs to the forefront of email marketing strategy, personalization is more important than ever before.
This email grabs subscribers with a personalized offer. The customer experience begins with a well-designed online quiz. Then, the results of that quiz are woven into a useful and personal email that includes size and product recommendations, along with a discount offer.
The writing style of this email is personal too, with a signoff that sounds both supportive and genuine.
There’s nothing quite like a personal welcome email to make an impression on new subscribers. It’s said that good writing is good thinking, and this welcome email is a great example of that idea. This message reads authentic, kind, and curious. It uses direct language, easy-to-read paragraphs, and simple calls-to-action. This shows every subscriber what they’re getting into with their subscription and leaves them excited for more.
Powerful graphics are another way to make a strong first impression. After signing up for skincare brand Oui the People’s mailing list, the welcome email that hits your inbox makes a gorgeous visual statement that shows the brand’s vision and personality. Then, it uses bold type to make a compelling offer.
The copy that follows not only matches but amplifies the vibe of the opening image. "Together, we’re going against the grain of traditional beauty to create (damned good) products that feel like they were designed just for you and all of your glorious complexity. Life-changing, not you-changing." The one-two punch of graphics, CTA, and copy makes it tough not to engage with this welcome.
Need a little help in getting your welcome email efforts off the ground? We’ve got you covered with free welcome message templates to streamline the connection process.
Each template shows a different way you can welcome your customers. These examples make it simple to send a welcome email to meet your customer's needs at their current spot in the customer journey.
An About Us welcome email introduces new subscribers to your company with a firsthand story. It gives you a chance to share who you are, what you do, and what you stand for. This helps you develop a relationship with your subscriber, which can help them feel more invested in your brand.
It's also a chance to set expectations about the content or benefits you offer to your subscribers.
Hey [First name],
Welcome to [Brand name]. We're thrilled to have you join us on our mission to [insert company mission or vision].
We started [Brand name] to solve [insert the problem your product or service solves] because [creation story for your founder(s)]. We want to inspire people to [insert big-picture product impact].
We are constantly refining our product to live up to our vision.
We believe that [our product] will make a difference for you too, and we can't wait to hear your story. Please feel free to reply to this email and tell us about you and what you hope to achieve.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. We look forward to hearing your story.
Looking forward to hearing more,
[Signature]
Product story emails showcase your product or service and give you a chance to educate and inspire with your welcome. A product story welcome email doesn't just have to be about how you created your product. It can tell stories about:
This welcome email can help you expand brand awareness as well as improve customer engagement and conversions.
Hi [First name],
Thank you for choosing [product or service]. We're delighted to share [product].
At [Brand name], we understand that [problem that the product solves] is a challenge. That's why we [share how your product is made, the materials you use, or features]. With our product, you'll get [insert the benefits of the product and how it can solve the problem the customer is facing].
Thank you for joining the [Brand name] community. We're here to help. And if you have any questions or feedback, contact X at [email, social media, or phone number].
p.s. [add a short personalized note for postscript].
With gratitude,
[Signature]
Video welcomes are a quick and powerful way to connect with new customers, subscribers, or employees. You can feature the people, culture, or messaging that represent your brand in your video. Videos are also a great way to share:
Video welcome emails can help your business stand out from companies sending text-only email communication. They're also a quick way to grab attention as you begin your relationship with a new contact.
Welcome to [Brand name], [first name of your subscriber].
We're excited to share this video message [insert link to the video]. It will tell you a little bit about [content of your video].
Watching this quick video is just the first step toward reaching your goal of [desired outcomes for contact]. Our team is always here to offer you the guidance and resources you need.
Thank you for being a part of the [Brand name] community.
[Signature]
Free gifts and welcome offers give new subscribers and customers a tempting reason to re-engage with your brand. They're useful for creating urgency. These welcome emails are also a great way to highlight personalized offers for the latest addition to your email list.
A free offer or exclusive gift can improve customer retention and loyalty, as well as build anticipation for future offers.
Hey [First name] —
Welcome to [Brand name]!
As the latest (and greatest) addition to our community, we'd like to give you a free [insert gift item]. It's our way of saying thank you for choosing us for your [product type] needs.
To claim your [offer], just add the promo code FREEGIFT at checkout and your gift will be on the way to you soon.
If you have any questions or feedback until then, please get in touch at [contact information]. We're always here to help.
All best,
[Signature or Brand name]
An event signup welcome email is key to the event registration process. This one piece of communication:
This type of welcome email is also a first step to connecting with a customer. It builds trust and shows how they can benefit from further engagement.
Hi [Attendee name],
Thank you for registering for [Event name]. We can't wait for you to join us during this important event.
This email includes your registration confirmation, event location, date, and more.
This session will include [featured panels, speakers, sessions]. We've also organized [meeting rooms, mixers] for networking opportunities and connecting with your peers. You'll also have the chance to see [special events, attendee-only exclusives].
Note: You'll need your confirmation code or badge to enter the event, and we've attached a PDF with other helpful tips.
If you have any questions about your registration, contact [Event organizer] or respond to this email.
Thank you again for registering for [Event name]. We can't wait to see you there!
Best regards,
[Signature]
Confirmation emails can sometimes feel cold or impersonal, so this is another email where it's vital to add some welcome. A confirmation email assures your subscriber or buyer that they've successfully completed signup. It's also a chance to share useful information to make them feel more comfortable about what comes next.
For example, you might want to add order details, shipping, or the day of the week your newsletter comes out. Personalizing this welcome email can go a long way to building trust with your subscribers.
Hi [First name],
Thank you for your [subscription] to [Newsletter or Brand name]!
There's just one more step to complete the process and join [Brand name's] community of [term that describes your customers, such as business owners, rock stars, nature, lovers]. Click the link below to confirm your subscription.
With that one click, you'll be the first to know the latest updates, products, and resources from us. You'll also have access to quality content and support.
Thank you again for subscribing. We can't wait to share and learn with you.
[Signature]
Your welcome email for a free trial is important because it sets the tone for your relationship with each customer. It's a chance to say thank you, offer extra help, and set expectations for your product.
This first email is also a chance to show users how to make the most of your product and point out features and benefits they might miss on their own.
This welcome email has a specific goal — to turn that free trial into a paying customer. With that in mind, it's important to strike a balance. This email should point out tips, features, and details, but not overwhelm with too much information.
Hi [First name]!
Thank you for signing up for your free trial of [product or Company name]. We can't wait for you to try out our [product].
With your free trial, you'll have access to [popular features] so you can test what works for you. To make the most of your free trial, [outline first step], then [list two or three potential use cases].
If you're looking for support or instructions, check out [links to support, help, and social media resources]. You can also take a quick look at the product video below for a quick walk-through.
We'll be in touch with next steps for your trial soon. Until then, thank you again for choosing [product or brand name]!
Hoping this is helpful,
[Signature]
Thank You welcome emails lead with gratitude to your subscribers and customers. Whether they're signing up for your newsletter, RSVPing for an event, or making a purchase, this welcome email leads with the positive.
Hi [First name],
Thank you for choosing [Brand name]. We're so happy you decided to [join, subscribe, complete a purchase].
Giving you a great experience is our top priority — and on that note, we want to make sure you know that our [Customer loyalty team, customer support team, social media community] is here with news, offers, and more just for you.
Again, thank you for choosing [Brand name]. We look forward to offering you quality products and winning service for many years to come.
All best,
[Signature]
Your new customer welcome email often marks the beginning of the customer relationship. This email usually contains a lot of information. It might include order confirmation, product information, helpful tips, or a review request.
At the same time, it needs to set a tone that emphasizes the character and value of your brand and products. So, it needs to be welcoming, engaging, and encouraging.
Hi [Customer],
This is really exciting: Welcome (officially) to [your product or service here]. We’re so lucky to have you.
[I/we] are here to help make sure you get the results you expect from [your product or service here], so don’t hesitate to reach out with questions. [I’d/we’d] love to hear from you.
To help you get started, [I/we] recommend checking out these resources:
If you need support, you can reply to this email or give us a call at [555-555-5555]. [I/we] can talk you through the details and information you need to get started.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
[Your company/name]
Discount codes make great welcome emails. This is because they lead with something your subscriber wants. It encourages a purchase, but this email is also a chance to show appreciation, develop brand awareness, or boost new products.
To make the most of this type of welcome email, think about limited-time or occasion-specific offers. This adds urgency and gives you a chance to quickly boost your customer relationship.
[First name],
You don't have to wait to experience [popular products]. As a welcome to our community, we're offering you a special discount.
To use your discount, just enter the code WELCOME10 when you check out. You can use this code to purchase [specific products or special promotion].
One more thing: Be sure to take advantage of this offer before [expiration date].
If you need any help or guidance using your discount code, just get in touch with [support team information.]
Thank you!
[Signature]
Some customers will get more than one welcome email from you, so it's important to make your welcome email specific. One example — your customer loyalty program. When someone signs up to be an affiliate or joins an incentive program for your brand, they need a different kind of welcome.
As you draft this email, focus on personalized connection. Whether you're offering thanks for their support, sharing sneak peeks, or giving exclusive offers, each customer needs to feel special.
Use surveys, interactive features, and integrations to collect feedback from current customers. Then, once your subscribers become loyal customers, you can use these tools to make your loyalty welcome email super personal.
Hey [First name],
Welcome to [Brand loyalty program]! You've joined an exclusive group of customers who make our brand and products better, and we are so excited you're here.
Customer loyalty at [Brand name] means [outline top loyalty program benefits]. It's a personal thank you for choosing our products.
Your membership also includes these perks:
[Benefit 1]
[Benefit 2]
[Benefit 3]
To make the most of your benefits, [share first steps to activate membership].
We also want to hear from you! Contact us with any questions or feedback — our team is always here to help.
Your first purchase, [name of first product purchase], set you on the path to becoming one of our most loyal customers. We can't wait to see what you'll do as part of our [Loyalty program] community.
Kind regards,
[Signature]
Each new donor has a major impact on your business's future. So, the way that you welcome each donor is a key part of their experience.
This welcome email is a chance to offer thanks, review your company's mission and vision, or ask for continued or deeper engagement. The donor welcome email is also a time to:
Dear [Donor name],
I'm writing to personally welcome you to [Nonprofit Organization name]. Thank you again for your generous donation.
Your contribution is making an immediate impact on our work to [revisit your mission and/or vision].
With your support, our team will continue to [outline important services and impact]. With continued work together, we can make a lasting difference.
We will stay in touch with updates and events at [Nonprofit Organization name]. We'll also share critical updates on how your contribution is improving [share recent data and statistics toward critical goals].
Thank you again for your donation, and for choosing to be a part of [Nonprofit Organization name]’s vision.
Best regards,
[Signature]
Now that you’ve seen some great examples of welcome emails and templates, let’s dig into the process of writing a great email and catching customer attention.
Research shows that while more than 90% of welcome emails are opened, just 23% of them are actually read. That means if your welcome email doesn't catch the eye of your new customer, they may not know you sent it at all.
The best tool you can leverage to increase email open rates is the subject line. A catchy and actionable subject line can draw customers in and make them curious about your content.
When writing subject lines, be sure to include what your email is promoting and how it will benefit your customer. Remember to be concise, because the reader can only see a sentence or two in the preview. A good rule of thumb is that your subject line should give enough information to pique the reader's interest, but not enough so that they need to open your email for the full details.
Although this may seem like an unnecessary step to take, it can actually offer some significant benefits.
The most obvious benefit is that it gives the customer some reassurance that they made the right decision signing up. It's never a bad thing to remind customers why they created an account with you, and it clarifies exactly what they can expect to achieve with your product or service.
This also gives you the opportunity to clearly explain any ancillary services or features that you offer that could create more stickiness with your business. This is especially true if you have a complex solution with unique features that customers might not know about.
Now that you've reminded them why they signed up, get them fully set up with your product or service. Usually, there are steps that users must take after signing up to get the most out of the platform. Examples include:
This is one of the most important steps to take in a welcome email, and there's a substantial and data-driven reason behind that. Former Facebook head of growth, Chamath Palihapitiya, discovered that if you can get a user to acquire seven friends within 10 days, they were much more likely to see Facebook's "core value" and become a returning active user. This is known as an "a-ha moment," in which the customer understands how they benefit from using your product or service.
The goal is to get the user to this aha moment as quickly as possible so your product sticks and the customer achieves success as soon as possible. This will produce a better overall customer experience and ultimately help your business grow.
To get this done, first identify your business's "core value" and the obstacles or prerequisites customers must complete to receive this value. Then you can use your welcome email to guide new customers through these tasks.
As mentioned in the previous step, you want the user to see the value immediately. But, customer success doesn't stop there. Depending on the nature and complexity of your product, customers may need more help. For example, customers might need guidance on troubleshooting, utilizing advanced features, or getting the most value out of your core features.
It's likely that you've already created help content addressing common questions from customers. Whether it's tutorial videos, an FAQ page, or helpful blog posts containing best practices, this help content is essential to customer success. Why not include it in your welcome email? This gives them the tools they need upfront without forcing them to search for the information after a problem arises.
The final step to setting your customers up for success is making sure that they know how to contact you. You can spend all the time in the world creating excellent help content, but you can't foresee every possible problem that will arise for your customers.
Even if you could, customers are only human, and not all of them will be willing to pore through your help resources to find the answer to their questions. So it's best to be forthright with customers on how they can get in touch with you for help.
Adding this contact information to your welcome email is a great way to lay the foundation of trust needed for building a relationship. It drives customer loyalty and reassures readers that you are available if they need you. Avoid sending customers on a treasure hunt just to find a way to ask you a simple question. This will lead to frustration and send them into the arms of your competitors.
You should wrap up your welcome email with a call-to-action that entices customers to begin the onboarding process. After you've demonstrated your company's values and explained how you're going to help them achieve their goals, customers will be eager to get started. So, make things easier for them by providing a button at the end of the email that triggers the first step in the onboarding process.
Here's one example of what this could look like.
Pro tip: To scale the process, you can use the steps above to create an AI prompt that will generate a first-draft welcome email in seconds.
Just plug your value props, next steps, and CTA into a tool like HubSpot’s Campaign Assistant to get started. You can even use the same prompts to create matching ad copy or landing page content. [TAG32]
Get Started with HubSpot's Campaign Assistant
Welcome emails aren't just for customers. The onboarding process has a huge impact on how the new employees feel about your company, so it's important to give it the time and energy it deserves.
One of the important parts of this process is the onboarding welcome email. It has to match the company’s tone and outline all the expectations you have for the new employee. If this is your first time writing an onboarding email, you’ll find the following steps helpful.
Here are the steps to follow when writing an onboarding email.
Before you start, it's important that you are aware of the content of an onboarding welcome email.
The contents are going to vary based on the conditions. For example, an email onboarding remote employees is completely different from an onboarding email for an employee who will work onsite.
For an onsite employee, the onboarding email should include:
For a remote employee, the content may include:
Again, you can change the content based on your company's needs.
The next thing you need to decide on is the tone you want to use in your onboarding email. Do you consider your company friendly, casual, or super formal? Whatever your answer is, it should reflect on the tone of the onboarding email. This gives the employee an idea of the kind of workplace environment they should expect. It also sets the tone for how your new employee is expected to use when representing your brand.
The next step is to draft your onboarding email. While the tone of your email might change to fit your needs, here is an example of a template you can use.
Dear [Employee's name],
We are very excited to welcome you to [company name]. Please remember to carry your ID to get easy access to our premises. We expect you to be in the office by [time], and our dress code is [formal/super casual].
At [company name], we pride ourselves on creating the best environment for our employees. As you'll see, our team has already prepared your workstation for you and set up your software to make your first day easy. You'll also be given access to your designated parking spot, a customized company bag, t-shirt, and mugs, among other goodies.
Our team has also planned all the details for your first week to ensure you settle easily. You'll receive a document with your schedule and agendas for your first week from HR when you arrive. Human Resources will also help you fill in the required paperwork and answer all your questions. After the meeting with HR, you'll be assigned a mentor who will show you the ropes of our company and how we get things done.
Our team is excited to meet you during the [planned event].
If you need any clarity before you arrive, please contact me by phone [phone number] or email. I'll be more than happy to help.
Welcome to the [company name], [employee name]. We are looking forward to working with you and watching you grow and soar to greater heights!
Warm Regards,
[Signature]
After writing your email, make sure you edit it to make sure you include all the necessary details. You can also use tools like Grammarly for any grammatical errors. You can also have a colleague double-check the email. Remember to attach any necessary documents, links, or images as supplemental information.
Lastly, send the email or schedule it so it’s received in a timely manner. For example, you want to avoid sending an onboarding welcome email on Sunday evening, which may give the wrong impression.
This will allow the new Employee to be psychologically prepared and find the necessary documents.
Bottom line? Whether it's in person, over the phone, or by email, first impressions matter. Your welcome email is often the first chance a prospective customer or contact has to see what your brand is all about and if you don’t stick the landing, they’ll likely go somewhere else.
Luckily, writing a great welcome email is simple. It’s not necessarily easy, but if you focus on what matters such as compelling subject lines, great content, personalized offers, and always, always a way to opt out, your first impression can help lay the groundwork for long-term relationships.
Editor's note: This post was originally published in April 2016 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.
]]>Whether managing the lights and darks, or compartmentalizing your drawers to separate paired items, or creating new storage items to help you with all your things, you can do easy bedroom organizing before the holiday starts to kick in. The holiday will keep you busy, so you better start adapting some bedroom organization ideas to make your life easier. Take it from me because I learned these things the hard way. Check out all the different ways you can organize efficiently. See the list below and tell me what works best for you!
This is so effective for small bedroom spaces because you're maximizing the space above and below your closet. It makes life easy by compelling you to sort out the lights and the darks, too! Though you can customize these containers according to your needs, like storing seasonal items apart from clothes.
Use some space that seems to be dead or awkward and turn it into something useful! This corner looks like you can't put anything in there but with the help of shelves, it turns out to be a storage space that can hold books, vases, and other items you wish to display. Take a look at your corners at home and see if you can apply this trick.
Who thought bins could look this chic and personalized? With the help of an upgrade and custom tags, these dollar-store bins can be your storage friend. Put your craft items, supplies, hair accessories or just about anything else in these storage bins, and you'll see some improvement in your bedroom organization.
Remember the items you have in your room that shouldn't really have a permanent space? Books from the library, gifts you have to give, seasonal clothes, and used things you want to donate? Store them like this, with correct labels. It's very efficient because you can organize them and at the same time, not forget what to do with them. You also know what is inside by writing it on the label area.
You take a look at your closet space and think it's full, but really, you just did not maximize the space. Avoid piling up your clothes and other items. Use racks to properly organize your closet, and have wires, hooks, or pins where you can hang your items. Also, place similar items together and put them in one place. Indeed, organizing makes life easier.
Take good care of your precious jewelry and accessories with this kind of storage. Hang those necklaces to avoid coiling, and for easy access too. Sort rings and other items in boxes. For your dangling earrings, hook them up on the board. This will eliminate the chance of losing a piece or two, or wasting time finding your accessories.
This type of shoe storage is a clever hack for those who want to gain the easiest access to their shoes. I can imagine having one in my room, and being able to plan my outfit already because I can see my shoes! Also, a lot of shoe storage idea often take more space than necessary. This might do the trick for your room.
Drawers are organizers in themselves but sometimes, it's not enough to just put your clothing items in there. When it involves so many pieces that are different from one another, it would be wise to have drawer organizers. This way your socks won't mix up with your scarves, hankies, or with your shoelaces.
Make your studio feel extra spacious with these helpful ideas https://t.co/YAZYD6Be33 pic.twitter.com/zrhYUO4EbU
— DIY Projects (@DIYProjectsCom) October 3, 2016
With proper organization, your bedroom can hold so many essential items. Take this area in the bedroom– it looks narrow but it has maximized as much space as possible. The shelves near the ceiling can store up your bags and other items.
Some bedrooms also hold mini offices, enough for your desk, computer, supplies and work documents. You can avoid the clutter by using drawers to organize most of your office items. This way you stay productive in the confines of your bedroom.
If a big table or desk can use up a large space in your bedroom, go for a smaller one. Don't worry about where to put your office supplies and papers. A pegboard can definitely help you with that. Use a pegboard and attach racks, rolls, hooks, and other things to hold your items. It would be a truly organized mini office inside your bedroom.
Yes, cake stands can hold other items too. Place the cake stand on your desk, side table or vanity table and place several items so you can easily locate them. Got plenty of perfume bottles? Place it there. Want to put all your makeup in one place? The cake stand would be the perfect spot.
Whether your bedroom is large or small these organizing ideas will keep everything in order, giving you relaxing place to rest in. The empty space under your bed can be used as a practical space with these under the bed drawers. Made by installing wheels to a wooden box, or you can repurpose old drawer from a chest.
Make use of headboard storage space by integrating shelving for everything from books and lamps to favorite framed photos. You can purchase shelved headboards, or build your own out of old drawers or pallets.
Save some space with a hanging laundry hamper hiding discreetly at the back of a door. It’s easy to create your own with fabric and an embroidery hoop.
Everyone needs to store trash somewhere. The only issue is that any trash bin will use at least a square foot of space. Until it doesn’t because you’re going to hide yours in a tilting cabinet. Not only will it keep your waste out of sight, but it’ll also double as a makeup counter or nightstand.
This guide doesn't get old, and you can use it especially on days when you feel like there's just so much going on in your closet. Once you free up your closet from the items you don't need, you'll be surprised at how much space you actually have. Make some important decisions, like keeping what you need and letting go of the items you no longer use. This infographic is helpful in making the right decision. So have fun decluttering and trace your path as you go!
Here is a video about more storage tips to add to your bedroom organization ideas from Better Homes and Gardens:
Create more space in your bedroom by simply organizing your space. You might be surprised at how much room there is left for the things that will come your way, especially this holiday season. Adapt these ideas to your room for more efficient storing.
Do you have other bedroom organization ideas, you want to share with us? Let us know in the comments section below.
Up Next: Closet Organizer Ideas | Chic Ideas In Organizing Bedroom Closets, Clothing and Accessories
Stay connected with us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram!
Editor’s Note – This post was originally published in December 2016 and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
]]>I love a good dollar store organizing hack, because I think about organization more in terms of function than form. I love the look of gorgeous, high-end organizing systems as much as the next gal, but I’d rather spend money on something fun than spend it on bins, baskets, and other organizing tools I can find at any dollar store.
Since most of us homemakers have a budget to consider, it’s important to remember that getting organized doesn’t have to cost a fortune! That was the motivation behind a roundup of dollar store organizing hacks I shared a few years back.
And since being budget-conscious never goes out of style, I thought it was high time to revisit the subject! :-) Here you’ll find another batch of organizing hacks centered around things you can find at your nearest dollar store. Let’s get started!
For even more organizing tips and tricks, be sure to check out my eBook Get It Together! You can buy it in my shop, or download it for free if you’re an OGT Plus member!
Need help keeping track of all your appointments and to-do lists? Dollar stores offer a surprising variety of calendars and planners!
Look for wall calendars, desk calendars, pocket-size calendars, and more. It’s a great way to keep yourself on track without emptying your wallet to do it!
Related: 7 Clever Hacks To Organize Your Kitchen On The Cheap
Use simple containers from the dollar store to help keep supplies organized in your home office or workspace. Cups and magazine organizers are perfect for pens, markers, and copy paper!
Keep track of your bills, contracts, and other important documents with portfolios, folders, and envelopes from the dollar store. I even found a binder of notecards with section dividers at my local dollar store that I’ve been using to keep recipes handy.
Related: How To Organize Paperwork: The One Simple System I Live By
These dollar store organizers were advertised as bins for picture books, but that’s certainly not the only way you could use them. I personally thought they would make a perfect solution for storing table linens like napkins, placemats, and tablecloths!
Small containers with locking lids are extremely versatile, and you can find them at many dollar stores! Use them while you travel to store bar soap, hair accessories, cotton swabs, and more.
Speaking of travel, I also found this handy pencil case that’s perfect for my makeup brushes. It protects them in transit and has the added benefit of being easy to clean!
Mesh baskets like this one are a mainstay at dollar stores, and there’s a million ways to use them at home. Try mounting one on a wall and hanging your earrings from it! You can also store things inside the basket, like bracelets and other accessories.
Related: 7 Things You Do That Are Ruining Your Jewelry
Coat closets aren’t always the most useful if you’re short on storage space. But with a trip to the dollar store and a little bit of creativity, you can make it a much more functional space!
One way to add more storage to a coat closet is to make your own hanging basket system. Just thread the handles of a few lightweight baskets over the hook of a hanger, then hang them from the bar in the closet.
Use your hanging baskets to store craft supplies, clothes, or anything else you want to keep organized!
Kids aren’t the only ones who can benefit from the wide variety of stickers that most dollar stores offer! You can use small, colored stickers to color code items around the house.
For instance, a few sheets of star-shaped stickers can help you color code your collection of herbs and spices! Use green for dried herbs, purple for chilis and spicy powders, yellow for baking spices, etc. A simple color coding system like this makes it easier to find what you’re looking for.
I found a bag of coin wrappers at the dollar store recently, and I’m kicking myself that I didn’t think of buying them there sooner! (I bought a package on Amazon recently for much more than a dollar and ended up with way too many of them!)
With a collection of coin wrappers at home, you can save the fees of going to a coin counting machine and keep that money in your pocket.
Related: 7 Useful Things You Can Do With Loose Change
The Dollar Store Hacks Series
Have you come across any great finds at the dollar store recently?
]]>We’re shining the spring sewing project spotlight on the NEW! June Tailor Quilt As You Go Projects with a QAG Designs Sewing Round Up! And we’ve put all Quilt As You Go Projects on SALE for 20% OFF now through Monday, May 8, in-store at The Nancy Zieman Sewing Studio and online at ShopNZP.com!
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Plan your visit! Make memories and create a new tradition while engaging in our annual SEW•QUILT•CREATE Weekend Events! Join our Daytime Seminars by Sewlebrity Presenters, unwind at our entertaining Evening Events, see new product demos by Brand Ambassadors, plus Prize Drawing Giveaways, and our Biggest Store SALE of the Year! Learn about our NEW! VIP Seminar Pass, view and/or print the 2023 Sew•Quilt•Create Weekend Event Brochure PDF, and Register Today at ShopNZP.com.
New Month–New Arrivals! Shop our Spring Sale: Week One and SAVE 20% Off June Tailor Quilt As You Go Projects, including over a dozen new designs at ShopNZP.com.
May Sewing Machine of the Month! SAVE 25% Off the bernette b33 Sewing Machine online at ShopNZP.com.
Happy Sewing!
Team Nancy Zieman
Nancy Zieman Productions. LLC.
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Highlights include a Bike Newport Full Moon Ride on Friday evening, Family fun at the Spring Festival at Rocky Point Park on Saturday, 3rd Annual May Day Market at Waterfire Arts Center all weekend, the PVD Rock & Roll Yard Sale on Saturday and a Sunday Funday at the Ocean Mist featuring the music of Crushed Velvet!
See below for RI Blogger’s complete list of this weekend’s events and beyond!
may, 2023
The post Your Weekend Events Guide From RI Blogger appeared first on Rhode Island Blog.
]]>A themed cruise is a special-interest sailing based around interests and hobbies such as food and wine, sports, dancing, crafting, popular films and TV shows, lifestyles and music.
Sometimes, the themed event takes over the entire ship. Other times, the theme cruise organizer has its group join a regular itinerary but offers special events exclusive to participants.
First-time theme cruisers are lured by the chance to meet or listen to their favorite celebrities or to improve their skills in a favorite pastime. However, they often discover that the best part of a themed cruise is immersion in a community of like-minded individuals.
Themed cruises foster a warm, friendly atmosphere onboard where the conversation is easy because you begin with an established connection. Days and nights of shared interests and experiences on board can lead to meaningful connections that can last a lifetime.
For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter.
What’s better than being surrounded by your people, partying the night away and then retiring to your own private cabin that’s just an elevator ride away? Not much — except perhaps encountering your celebrity crush at the ship’s buffet, attending a no-holds-barred Q&A with your favorite actors or musicians, or taking a small-group class with a rising star.
From a country music cruise to a crafting masterclass, these are some of the best themed cruises coming up in the next year.
Note: As standard on all big-ship cruises, fares for themed cruises include several complimentary dining options. Alcohol and soda will cost extra, with package deals available depending on the cruise line and the charter company. Tours and excursions in port cost extra as well. Pricing is based on two people sharing a cabin.
Cruise ship: Celebrity Summit.
Date: March 14-21, 2024.
Billed as “the greatest feel-good party at sea,” the ’70s Rock and Romance Cruise returns in 2024 with a star-studded lineup of the grooviest acts at sea.
You’ll find performances by famed music icons, including Foreigner, Randy Bachman of the Guess Who and Dave Mason. They’ll also host events and attend special meet-and-greets. The top-tier music acts join a long lineup that will include War, Don McLean, Melissa Manchester and many more rock ‘n’ roll icons.
Pack your best leather jackets and disco sequins for the cruise’s Saturday Night Fever and ’70s costume parties.
Book soon because this cruise is selling out quickly. Find pricing and reservations on the Rock & Romance website.
Cruise ship: Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam.
Date: Jan. 27-Feb.3, 2024.
People all over the ship, join hands! The Soul Train Cruise returns for its 11th sailing this January with more than 50 live performances from soul music legends.
This is your chance to join more than 2,000 soul music fans for a week filled with all the joy of those timeless tunes. This year’s artist roster features soul music legends and tribute acts, including Boyz II Men, The Temptations, En Vogue, WAR, Stephanie Mills and Tower of Power.
When you’re not boogying down on the dance floor, sign up for celebrity-hosted wine tastings, game shows and other activities. The cruise cabins are already sold out, but you can join the waitlist for the chance to sail on this hopping cruise.
Find pricing and booking information on the Soul Train Cruise website.
Cruise ship: Norwegian Pearl.
Date: Feb. 4-10, 2024.
Boot scoot your way to the middle of the ocean for the eighth Outlaw Country Cruise, along with some of country music’s greatest stars.
It’s a honky-tonk week at sea as Blackberry Smoke, Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Nikki Lane, Shinyribs, Kaitlin Butts, Drivin’ N Cryin’ and more join the ranks of musicians set to perform.
Expect plenty of hootin’ and hollerin’ during themed costume nights, meet-and-greets, game shows, a belly-flop competition and bingo games. The cruise is sold out, so join the waitlist for your chance to sail, or you’ll be left two-stepping shoreside.
Reserve your spot on the Outlaw Country Cruise website.
Cruise ship: Norwegian Pearl.
Date: March 1-8, 2024.
A listening experience at sea that offers remarkable proximity to some of the music industry’s most-respected acts, Cayamo returns for its 16th edition of a week-long music festival sailing the Caribbean.
This cruise features more than two dozen musical acts that span decades of genres and musical styles. The musical lineup for 2024 is set to include Lyle Lovett, The Mavericks, Billy Bragg, Shawn Colvin, Lucius, The Lone Bellow, KT Tunstall and many more.
Cayamo’s 2024 sailing is sold out. Join the waitlist for your chance to sail in 2024, along with your best chance at getting on the 2025 sailing. For pricing and waitlist information, visit the Cayamo website.
Cruise ship: Celebrity Summit.
Date: March 21-28, 2024.
Hippies have it good on the Flower Power Cruise as some of the greatest music legends of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s bring their groovy vibes to the sea.
Relive the glory days of peace, love and flowers in your hair on board this weeklong sailing.
The 2024 lineup includes The Rascals, Tommy James & The Shondells, John Kay of Steppenwolf, The Moody Blues’ John Lodge, The Four Tops and others from that era.
Tribute bands will also play all the hits.
The cruise is currently sold out. However, there is a waitlist you can join.
Discover more themed cruises: Music cruises to set sail on the high seas
Cruise ship: Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas.
Date: Feb. 22-29, 2024.
Sail long and prosper! Take the best of a sci-fi con, extend it for a week, add perfect tropical weather, and you have Star Trek: The Cruise VII.
Few franchises have fan bases as devoted as Star Trek’s, and all their love for the series floats this cruise. The voyage is an immersive getaway with an impressive roster of cast members and creatives who have been a part of Star Trek since its inception.
This year’s cruise welcomes fan favorites, including Levar Burton, Walter Koenig, Wil Wheaton, Denise Crosby, Anthony Rapp and Nana Visitor.
Join in the merry mayhem as these sci-fi legends offer dramatic performances, comedy shows, Q&As, screenings, interactive games and other events and activities that will make your days at sea fly by.
The upcoming cruise is selling out quickly, with limited availability. Beam on over to the Star Trek: The Cruise VII website for the latest pricing, availability and waitlists.
Cruise ship: Celebrity Ascent.
Date: Sept. 14-23, 2024.
Picture it: Sicily … 2024. That’s right! You’ll actually get to see Sophia Petrillo’s birthplace. Golden Fans at Sea is changing things up from its recurring Gulf of Mexico cruise with a new itinerary in 2024 that has a port stop in Sicily.
What can be better? You’ll cruise with hundreds of cheesecake-loving, caftan-draped Dorothys, Roses, Blanches and Sophias.
Not your grandmother’s cruise as much as it’s a cruise for those who love wise-cracking old broads, the Golden Fans at Sea is the ultimate getaway for the popular TV show’s dedicated fan base.
Highlights of the cruise aren’t released as of this writing. However, previous guests have included Stan Zimmerman, one of the creators and head writers of the series; Melinda McClanahan, Rue McClanahan’s sister; and Marsha Posner Williams, a producer of The Golden Girls, who has many stories to share about her time working on the show.
Pricing information and a booking form for the special September 2024 Sicily cruise are on the Golden Fans at Sea website.
Cruise ship: Norwegian Escape.
Date: March 2-9, 2024.
A vacation for goths by goths, the Gothic Cruise is the first and original gothic cruise with a history that dates back to its inaugural group sailing in 1989.
Delightfully macabre, the 2024 Gothic Cruise is not a full-ship charter but a specialty group on board. Seek out group members at special theme nights set for 2024, including a masquerade ball and a “Saints vs. Sinners” costume party.
Find pricing and book your cabin on the Gothic Cruise website.
Cruise ship: Regent’s Seven Seas Voyager.
Date: March 9-19, 2024.
If there ever were a place for bridge lovers to converge, why not on the decks of a cruise ship?
Find your people and then challenge them to a game of bridge as you glide from port to port. The bridge program on board is hosted by bridge experts Roberta Salob and Silvana Morici, with a mix of pair duplicate and Swiss team games.
This is not a full-ship charter, so you’ll find your group at the many bridge events planned throughout the cruise.
Find pricing and reserve your cabin on the Bridge Holidays website.
Cruise ship: Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam.
Date: March 9-16, 2024.
A gamer’s paradise in paradise, JoCo Cruise began in 2011 when singer/songwriter Jonathan Coulton’s songs about geek culture fostered a community of capital “N” Nerds.
Join more than 2,000 gamers on a vacation where nearly every tabletop game invented is available to play. You’ll have 24-hour access to a ton of games. Your daily planner will fill up quickly with the cruise’s many workshops, craft sessions, panel discussions and themed parties.
One of the most unique aspects of this themed sailing is the passenger-led “Shadow Cruise,” which allows the community to create and promote passenger-led workshops, training and special interest meet-ups.
You don’t need to roll dice or solve a puzzle to book your spot. Just head over to the JoCo Cruise website for pricing and availability.
Cruise ship: Multiple ships and itineraries.
Dates: Multiple dates available.
Dream Vacations hosts the Cruise & Crop crafting cruises, with more than two dozen craft-themed cruises set to sail across various cruise lines and ships in the next few years.
These experiences offer the chance for people from around the world to meet, swap ideas, share art and inspire creativity. Many of the sailings are themed around scrapbooking. However, you’ll find many shared artistic interests, including card making, quilting, knitting, jewelry and photography.
Find the complete list of sailings, featured crafts, pricing and reservation details on the Cruise & Crop website.
Cruise ship: Norwegian Pearl.
Date: Jan. 26-30, 2024.
Are you ready to rumble?! Rock ‘n’ roll and wrestling engulf Norwegian Pearl for four high-octane days of All Elite Wrestling matches, music concerts and many special events with your host, wrestler and musician Chris Jericho.
The ship’s 2024 lineup hasn’t been announced beyond special guest of honor, Paul Wight. However, expect many opportunities to engage with your favorite wrestlers, meet Chris Jericho and attend live podcast recordings.
The 2024 cruise is already sold out, with a waitlist available. Make sure to join the waitlist for the chance to join this sailing and to be among the first to know of future sailings. All the cruise details, including the waitlist signup, are on the Rock ‘N’ Wrestling Rager at Sea website.
Cruise ship: Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas.
Date: March 11-16, 2024.
It takes a special sports fanbase to inspire a cruise getaway, but Cleveland Browns fans have found their own.
The crowd at FirstEnergy Stadium takes to the open ocean for the first-ever, five-night Browns Fans Cruise. At least a dozen Browns legends will be on board, including Josh Cribbs, Ben Davis, Hanford Dixon, John Hughes, Reggie Langhorne, Kevin Mack, Eric Metcalf, Greg Pruitt, Frank Stams, Phil Taylor, Felix Wright and Dave Zastudil.
Revisit highlights from the team’s victories, prove your devotion to the team through trivia and games, and get autographs from your favorite players.
Find out how much it will cost to score a cabin on the Browns Fan Cruise website.
Related: Fumble! I accidentally booked an NFL cruise — for a team I don’t even like
Cruise ship: Multiple ships and itineraries.
Dates: Multiple dates.
A few select itineraries on Azamara were made with the adventure golfer in mind. The cruise line has partnered with PerryGolf for its specialty golf cruises that visit more than 80 courses worldwide each year.
It’s all about the convenience when you cruise on a golf-specific itinerary. PerryGolf handles your golf equipment and sets it up in advance so you can show up and tee off. Your green fees, cart fees and gratuities are covered, along with an on-course lunch and a round of drinks at the clubhouse after.
Back on the ship, you can trade tips and find your next golfing group at social gatherings of the golf enthusiasts on the ship.
Find sail dates and pricing on Azamara’s website.
The list of specialty cruises goes far beyond the ones mentioned above.
In addition to one-off sailings hosted by travel agencies and themed-cruise companies, you can also find lifestyle-themed cruises offered by charter companies multiple times a year. These include LGBTQ charter cruises; religious cruises for Jewish, Christian and Mormon travelers; and sex, swingers and nude cruises for adults.
Ultimately, no matter what floats your boat, you can probably find a cruise for it. Even if you’re not an avid cruiser, an itinerary themed around your interests is worthwhile for both a fun getaway and a chance to connect with your people.
Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:
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Reading up on Domino’s shopping guides is like having your own personal product concierge. We do the tedious part—deep-dive research, hands-on testing, and tapping experts for advice—so all you have to do is hit “add to cart.” That’s why we call them Simply the Best.
While the phrase storage bin might conjure visions of mysterious cardboard boxes or unlabeled oversize plastic containers, we’re here to tell you that storing items in a design-forward, practical, and functional vessel is very much a possibility. The best storage bins do it all: They protect your belongings and preserve their integrity, all while contributing to the style of your space.
Here at Domino, we love anything that multitasks—reducing physical and visual clutter. Whether you’re looking for the best way to hide (er, thoughtfully manage!) the chaos in your closet or the black hole beneath your bed, we’ve carefully culled options that roll, collapse, and carry in metal, handwoven abaca, and more.
Dimensions: 4 ¼-by-6 ¾-by-10 ½ inches (small) | Color: Varies | Material: Polypropylene | Stackable: Yes
What we like:
Worth noting:
Why we chose it: Tons of colors and a variety of sizes make this affordable collapsible bin one that we could imagine stacked in multiples or broken down and ready for an easy move.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect pastel or a brilliant bold, these crates from Hay, purveyor of Danish design, offer plenty in the way of flexibility and practicality. They are available in three sizes (small, medium, and large) to house your desktop accessories, bathroom toiletries, and more. They were specifically designed to be modular, so that the smaller sizes fit inside larger ones, enabling you to get down to the minutiae of organizing. Thanks to the perforations along the walls of the bins, they’re light and ventilated—and collapsible, to boot. The crates are stackable, so they work particularly great in multiples, allowing you to create the color combination (or rainbow!) of your dreams.
Dimensions: Varies | Color: White | Material: BPA-free plastic | Stackable: Yes
What we like:
Worth noting:
Why we chose it: Clean, and simple, the three different sizes (small, medium, large) of these bins makes it easy to say yes to a decluttered life.
If Scandi-clean is the look you’re going for, search no further than the Container Store’s bins and lids for all your organizational needs. With four sizes ranging from extra-small to large, they accommodate a number of items and can work as open containers or lidded ones that enable them to be stacked. But it’s really the thoughtful details we like: smooth-edged handles for easy holding, a clean white exterior made of 100% BPA-free plastic, and matching lids that double as a tray or can be used to keep dust out. And while they aren’t microwave-safe, they can be placed in the dishwasher and refrigerator, so they’re perfect for just about everywhere—bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, and beyond.
Dimensions: 13-by-13-by-13 inches | Color: Varies | Material: Steel | Stackable: Yes
What we like:
Worth noting:
Why we chose it: Stackable, lively, durable, and available in six cute colors—what’s not to love?
If you’re looking to contain a messy room with style and ease, your search is over. These painted steel bins are chock-full of smart details, from handles that flip in and out (for stacking) to an open front with a name tag or label slot. The bins are available in six colors—black, white, a lively yellow, an earthy green, pink, and a deep blue—but if you can’t decide on just one, we understand. Good news: The color palette works just as well when mixed and matched as when flying solo.
Dimensions: 9-by-6-by-14 inches | Color: White | Material: Wood and alloy steel | Stackable: No
What we like:
Worth noting:
Why we chose it: These bins are all about simple storage for items ready to be on display.
From the Japanese organizational gurus at Yamazaki comes the Home Storage Basket, aka the perfect pantry or hobby organizer. With an oversize, open-basket matrix and wood handles for easy transportation, it’s great for holding larger kitchen items like bags of snacks or produce, but it also works just as well for containing clothing, toys, or crafting supplies. Its painted steel construction feels strong and sturdy, with a durable powder-coated finish that gives it a glossy, lightly textured look. We can see these lined up neatly in a closet, filled to the brim with goodies that stay where they’re supposed to, though one Domino editor keeps hers permanently perched on top of the fridge to corral extra bags of coffee and ramen.
Dimensions: 19.5-by-12.5-by-9.5 inches (10 inches with lids) | Color: Gray | Material: Compressed felt | Stackable: Yes
What we like:
Worth noting:
Why we chose it: Soft, elegant, and made of recycled materials, these bins have won us over, whether they’re lidded or not.
Thoughtful proportions in storage bins go a long way, and Open Spaces hit the nail on the head with its large felt bins: The flexible and functional size fits everything from printer paper to toy trucks. They combine the best of a soft, cozy compressed felt with a wood lid for a nice balance between style and hygge that a messy toddler or a minimalist neat freak would intuitively find appealing. On top of it all, the bins are made from recycled plastic bottle fibers, reducing environmental impact while maximizing your organizational skills.
Dimensions: 10¼-by-13¾-by-6 inches | Color: Varies | Material: PET plastic (minimum 50% recycled) | Stackable: Yes
What we like:
Worth noting:
Why we chose it: A simple storage statement at a price that won’t break the bank.
Minimalist in both design and color selections, we love the discreetness of the Kuggis storage bin and its tiny—but effective and graphic—thumbhole. It’s particularly great for storing toiletries, as its sleek look keeps privacy intact. And rest assured: It fits perfectly with IKEA classics like Billy shelves and Besta storage units. While the color selection of white, dark turquoise, and light green might not be the neutrals we’d expect, we like the idea of making storage the pop of color or moment of fun in a closet or cabinet.
Dimensions: 14-by-14.5 inches + 3.5-inch handle (medium), 15-by-19 inches + 3.5-inch handle (large) | Color: Light abaca | Material: Locally sourced abaca bark | Stackable: No
What we like:
Worth noting:
Why we chose it: Handwoven in Indonesia, these baskets are a beautiful blend of functionality and artistry.
If you thought woven baskets were the vessel of choice only for knitting grandmas or old-school gift givers to fill with fruitcake, think again. The Citizenry’s Sundak baskets are unique and organic in form and color, with each one handwoven out of sustainably sourced abaca plants in Indonesia. The chunky weave means the baskets are surprisingly sturdy—think: hefty enough to hold several yoga mats and some weights—and two big handles make for easy transportation. Available in two sizes, they create a nice ensemble when paired together but work separately as well, bringing a bit of warmth to any nook or cranny in need of some storage.
Dimensions: 22-by-14-by-17 inches (low bin); 17-by-14-by-27.5 inches (tall hamper) | Color: White/gray or white/navy | Material: Plastic and rattan | Stackable: No
What we like:
Worth noting:
Why we chose it: Provides summery, beachy storage—on wheels.
The name really says it all: The Riviera rolling storage bin combines the classic beachy South of France vibes with the practicality of wheels. Full of personality and designed to coordinate with other pieces in Serena & Lily’s Riviera collection, these bins are available in two sizes: a lower, smaller one suitable for books, toys, and other medium-size items, and a larger, taller option that feels more like a traditional hamper in its proportions. But however you use these, we’re such big fans of S&L’s graphic woven pattern and rattan trim that we’d be hard-pressed to hide them away in a closet—and would end up keeping them on full display.
Dimensions: 27.8-by-16.1-by-10.5 inches (shallow bin) | Color: White | Material: Polypropelene | Stackable: Yes
What we like:
Worth noting:
Why we chose it: Outdoor-friendly, stackable bins that aren’t your basic Rubbermaids.
These corrugated containers by Japanese brand Like-it are the outdoor storage bins we’ve been waiting for. The watertight and airtight lids mean you can stack them outside or in a garage without worrying about mold or mildew, and you won’t be bothered by the sight of them since they aren’t tacky or cheap plastic. Choose between four chic colors when selecting the Shallow set, which ships with four matching mini bins that perfectly line up inside to keep your seasonal contents separated and organized, whether that’s Christmas ornaments and decorations or winter sweaters and clothes. Or opt for the deep box with an extra-heavy weight capacity of 220 pounds if you have quite a bit to put away, like leftover soil and other gardening tools. We love the side handles for easy gripping when it’s time to unpack.
Dimensions 32-by-22-by-9.5 inches | Color: Gray | Material: PET felt | Stackable: Yes
What we like:
Worth noting:
Why we chose it: Sculptural bins made from felt that are surprisingly sturdy.
Thuma’s minimalist frames are among our favorite platform beds, so it makes sense that the brand offers an equally modern storage bin. Made with PET felt created from recycled plastic bottles, it’ll slide out from underneath a small space with ease, even if your floor is carpeted. Plus the dark heather gray won’t distract your eye if you’d rather it disappear. Two will comfortably fit beneath a twin, up to four under a queen, and up to six with a king. The matching covers keep dust from collecting, especially if you’re storing seasonal sweaters or blankets, one reviewer notes. Though there aren’t any handles, the lipped edge offers a spot to grab onto for easy access.
Dimensions 17-by-11.8-by-9 inches | Color: Natural | Material: Water hyacinth | Stackable: No
What we like:
Worth noting:
Why we chose it: Ideal for kids’ toys, diapers, and books—plus they’re made from natural materials.
One major selling point of these wicker baskets? The flexible handles! They make moving kids’ toys, books, and diapers from room to room so simple. We recommend buying a few and placing them in a playroom, on a diaper caddy, or just having around in the living room to offer your child a spot to explore. That way, you aren’t schlepping everything around the house. Plus they’re woven from natural water hyacinth—if your baby or kiddo is interacting with the material, you know it’s eco-friendly and safe.
These multifunctional, powder-coated steel baskets from Neat Method come in six trendy colors, including this matte green spruce, and two sizes (a small 10-inch square and large 14-inch box that the brand estimates can hold about six bags of pasta). The perforated style keeps items obscured without completely hiding them from view. And we love that these come with felt pads that prevent the bottom from scratching cabinet shelves or floors and insertable dividers, but we wish the magnetic label holders did, too. As one past purchaser notes, a larger size would be handy. While other reviewers can’t get enough of them (one bought 40 for their mudroom, office, and pantry!), a few note theirs arrived a bit warped.
Design and aesthetics always play an important part in decision-making at Domino. In fact, when we vetted our selections for the best storage bins, those two factors were just as important as the practical side of things, like materials, dimensions, and functionality. And our experts, from organizational pros to interior designers, agree: It’s not form over function but instead form and function when it comes to this essential organizational tool.
When it comes to storage bins, the design encompasses a range of factors like color, material, and details. Lids, handles, openings, and even casters can really elevate the bin and make it something you’d want to display, not to mention carry or wheel from room to room. Not sure if you really need a lid? “If you’re placing items in a visible space like a bookshelf, you may like a lid so you don’t have to see the contents; who wants to look at office supplies or papers?” professional organizer Laura Cattano points out.
Storage bins can come in many different materials, including metal, plastic, and natural options like rattan and canvas. So how to know what will work best for you? Consider what you’re storing and any special requirements it might have. If you’re storing food, make sure the bin is food-safe, for example. On the other hand, “if you’re storing makeup or hair products, you’ll want a material that’s easy to clean like plastic. If you’re storing sweaters, you’ll want something smooth that won’t snag the fabric,” says Julianna Strickland, founder of Space Camp Organizing. At the same time, though, Strickland adds, “I personally don’t want to see a wall of plastic when I walk into a closet, so I always tend to lean toward bins made of natural materials like canvas, cotton rope, or wicker.”
If you’re looking to hide away the tiniest trinkets or the most oversize toys, fear not: There are storage bins big or small enough for all storing needs. Generally speaking, “a bin should be big enough to fit a category of item, but not so big that small pieces will fall to the bottom never to be found again (think about what might happen if you dumped Legos and doll clothes in a large cloth bin!),” says Lucy Milligan Wahl, founder of LMW Edits. But regardless of the size you’re looking for, “be sure to measure twice once you know where you’re putting a bin. Nothing is worse than getting something that’s an inch too big and doesn’t work for the space,” says Cattano.
Sometimes the biggest challenge isn’t what kind of storage bin you need but something even more basic: What exactly do you want to store? Some of the most common items that are stored are seasonal, like winter clothes and holiday decor, while others might be those used throughout the year such as toys or craft supplies. Consider what you’re storing and how often you’ll be lugging it out before you purchase.
Durability is intrinsically linked to materials and construction quality, so be sure to read the fine print. If the bin is made of metal, take a look at any coatings that are applied and examine the construction of the corners for unfinished edges. For fabric bins, materials that can withstand lots of use like leather, felt, or even a high-quality canvas is the way to go.
Some storage bins—particularly those without lids—are designed as individual vessels that are meant to be one-off, unique, and maybe even artfully arranged on a shelf. Others, though, are specifically created so that they work well in multiples, whether stacked vertically, nested inside one another, or just placed horizontally next to each other. If you’re having trouble figuring out whether you want to purchase multiples, consider what you’re going to be storing; if it’s of a similar size; and if it will be sitting in the same area or on the same shelf, suggests Cattano. If that’s the case, she recommends getting multiples of the same bin to reduce visual clutter.
Storage bins come in a range of sizes and shapes, but most frequently you’ll find bins that are circular or rectangular in shape. Sizes can range from small at about 5-by-3-by-2 inches (around the size of a box of pasta) to oversize, which can handle dozens of quarts (think: 26-by-16-by-14 inches). However, the more design-forward ones tend to be in the small to medium range, with the larger sizes featuring more practical motifs that you’d probably use to store stuff in the basement or attic, not keep out on display.
If you’re looking to move on from some old storage bins, consider relegating them to a secondary location in your house, like the garage, basement, or attic. And if that isn’t going to work for you, says Strickland, “your best bet is to give them to a friend or neighbor, or donate them to places that can always use clean bins in good shape.”
If you’re storing photographs, especially if they’re old or delicate, acid-free is the way to go. “This could mean sorting photos into large acid-free envelopes and then storing those envelopes in a plastic bin, or it could mean using photo boxes and forgoing the plastic bins altogether,” says Strickland. Caroline Solomon of Neatly Organizing recommends using archival storage boxes that are acid- and lignin-free, which will prevent the yellowing of photo materials. Plastic, she notes, will keep moisture and other insects and rodents at bay, but “it’s not the ideal choice for photo storage, as it’s unclear how plastic reacts with photos over time.” And you’ll want to think about where the bins are stored as well, since temperature can have an impact: “If they’re in a temperature-controlled setting, it’s not likely that the photos will be severely damaged in a plastic bin,” comments Strickland. On the other hand, if they’re being kept in a hot garage in Arizona, for example, “you definitely want to make sure your photos are stored properly in acid-free envelopes or boxes,” she adds.
Since pests are more interested in the goods inside a bin than the bin itself, “make sure your storage bin seals well, or that the contents are clean and free of items that might be appealing to pests,” says Wahl. Adding cedar blocks when storing fabrics will help keep out moths, and avoiding cardboard is a good idea as well because, as Wahl says, “creepy-crawlies love it!” When in doubt, “invest in the highest-quality bin you can afford,” whether that means airtight containers or adding cedar balls or disks to sweater bins, says Strickland.
Whether you’re looking to put away your winter apparel for the season or keep your crafting supplies neatly sorted and easily accessible, the best storage bins will not only keep your goodies clean, safe, and free from moisture or pests, they’ll add a little something to your abode—whether that’s a simple, minimalist shape or a bright pop of color. And our recommended choices have been thoroughly and thoughtfully vetted so that they fit just about any toy or tchotchke and work in just about any space, whether that’s corner, closet, or kitchen.
The post The 11 Best Storage Bins Will Have You Organized in No Time appeared first on domino.
]]>Participants play Dungeons and Dragons during an official attempt to break a Guinness World Record on Saturday at Provo Towne Centre.
Cassidy Wixom, KSL.com
Players of all ages donned their elf ears, capes and armor to roll the dice in their favor Saturday, as more than 1,000 sought to break the Guinness World Record for the largest Dungeons and Dragons game ever played.
And it was broken, but not without years of preparation.
"I've always wanted to host the biggest game of Dungeons and Dragons, but that was just kind of a silly dream," event organizer Andrew Ashby said.
Ashby's family started a game store business at the Provo Towne Centre called We Geek Together, which makes you feel like you just stepped foot into a medieval tavern or Renaissance fair. Mall officials told Ashby if he ever wanted to do a large event they could work with him — which made Ashby realize his dream from eight years ago could become a reality.
To achieve a Guinness World Record, Ashby learned he would need at least 500 people to play the game at the same time. He saved up a lot of money so he could host Dead Wars — the largest Dungeons and Dragons campaign. He had 200 tables and a max of seven people on each table — all for free.
Participants play Dungeons and Dragons during an official attempt to break a Guinness World Record on Saturday at Provo Towne Centre.
Cassidy Wixom, KSL.com
The official count of players ended up being 1,227 — more than enough to set a new Guinness World Record.
"It hasn't hit me, yet. So far, it's been a dream, an absolute dream," Ashby said. "The D&D community is very nerdy and very supportive."
There was very little advertising for Saturday's event — the majority of the people who came heard about it by word-of-mouth. Ashby said he couldn't have done it without all the support from participants.
"A world record here in Provo — it's the nerdiest world record ever!" Ashby said.
Each table had a dungeon master and represented an area of a battlefield. All the tables worked together to defeat the campaign's villain, Vecna, and his undead army.
Head dungeon master Dax Levine was in charge of connecting the stories of each table together into "one giant epic battle." Halfway through the game, he went on the stage to tell everyone Vecna had broken down the city's walls and was calling for the city to hand over their goddess.
Head dungeon master Dax Levine tells participants the villain Vecna has broken down the city’s walls during their Dungeons and Dragons campaign Saturday at Provo Towne Centre.
Cassidy Wixom, KSL.com
"The energy has been electric. People are shouting, people are cheering, people were booing me when I told them the wall fell. I love that!" Levine said.
Levine started Dungeon Master Direct in February 2020. He got so busy with the business during the pandemic that he quit his day job and is now a professional dungeon master full time. He said Dead Wars was especially fun for him, as everyone was playing in person, together, rather than online.
Janie Eastman was a live-action role player who acted as a general in the army. She said the organizers wanted to add some live-action role-play elements because it's a big deal in the Dungeons and Dragons community.
She and the other generals were dressed up and wandered between tables to act as moderators helping to keep things orderly and connected across the entire "battlefield."
"It's so fun that there's such an awesome Dungeons and Dragons community out here in Utah. I think it's a really fun way for people to connect," Eastman said. "It's been a big deal in my life to connect with so many other amazing people."
General Janie Eastman talks to Dungeons and Dragons players during an official attempt to break a Guinness World Record on Saturday at Provo Towne Centre.
Cassidy Wixom, KSL.com
Eastman said in the past few years, Dungeons and Dragons has become more accepted rather than being viewed as just a classic '80s movie nerd game.
Bryce Nelson was a dungeon master at one of the tables and said Saturday's event was quite entertaining.
"I really got taken away when I saw what the situation was," he said. "I rushed to a craft store and went all out buying supplies to build a really cool map, to make it as memorable as possible."
His wife and daughter helped him create the map, staying up until 2 a.m. Thursday gluing and painting.
His daughter joined him playing the game Saturday and Nelson said it was cool to be part of something "really big."
]]>Whether it’s the start of a new year, the start of a school year, or just a good old-fashioned spring cleaning, many of us have set lofty goals of getting more organized.
If you got revved up and ready to start attacking the clutter, you need to put some systems in place so that all that hard work doesn’t go right back to the initial chaos.
I am sharing some much-needed and uber-helpful simple home organization hacks that really work. Check out this quick guide to organizing ideas for busy moms, where you’ll find some amazing tried and true methods to organize every small space (and big one, too!) in your home.
I’ve divided this list of ideas into sections according to the area of the house to help you quickly find the tips and tricks that you need most.
These ideas aren’t limited to one area of the house but instead will help with organizing in general.
Labels are a simple and easy way to take the guesswork out of organizing because they let you (and the rest of the family) know exactly where your stuff belongs. That helps to get the entire family on the same page putting items away and (most importantly) finding them again later.
Using free printable labels is one of the simplest and most satisfying organizing ideas because it helps keep any area tidy!
Keeping a family organized and a household running smoothly aren’t simple tasks! A DIY command center is a centralized place to hold and display your family’s schedule, bills, and other kinds of information you need to access quickly in order to run your home.
Create a simple command center to keep everyone’s schedule organized.
Inexpensive cubicle storage units work great for keeping shoes nice and neat. This DIY shoe rack is economical, a breeze to set up, and works REALLY well for organizing kids’ shoes to keep the house neater and make shoes easier to find on the way out the door.
So many people try to tackle a whole house decluttering job all at once and bite off way more than they can chew. Then what happens? Most people think it’s too hard and give up. They don’t get to enjoy the fruits of their labor!
Decluttering in sections, as Living on a Dime describes, is a must to avoid burnout.
Summertime should be fun, relaxed, and filled with pool and beach time. Busy moms don’t need to spend all their time finding wet swimsuits strewn all over the floor or the counter. Plus, there are other supplies, such as goggles, sunscreen, and swim diapers, that you (and the kids) need to be able to easily grab and pack up.
Keep your beach gear organized to avoid wet floors throughout the house.
Try this simple method for organizing your movie collection and fit a lot of DVDs and Blu-Rays into a small organized space. If you have a lot of movies like we do, this method will free up a ton of storage space!
Bedrooms and bathrooms always seem to need some help in the decluttering department! Here are some tips and tricks that have worked wonders for us.
Closet space can be a premium, so make the most of it with these simple but effective tips from Two Twenty One. Who knew you could do so much with cubbies, hangers, and bins?
Opt for bins, with this easy under-bed storage method for putting away kids’ clothes, instead of a traditional dresser. It’ll save space in the bedroom (which is super helpful if kids share a room!) and leave extra floor space to store toys, books, or other items.
Declutter the bathroom countertops with this simple organizing solution for kids’ toothbrushes! Instead of trying to dedicate cups for each family member by the bathroom sink, clear off the counters and store things like toothbrushes in cups attached inside a cabinet door.
Get the most of your vertical space in your bathroom vanity by using storage containers & sliding baskets to store toiletries and toilet paper out of the way (and out of sight).
The kitchen is the heart of the home – and often the area that looks like a tornado hit it! Use these tips and tricks to keep it looking clean and clutter-free.
Stop wasting time by searching for recipes! Make your own recipe binders to organize all your favorite recipes so you can find what you need quickly.
If your drawers look more like junk drawers than the place where you can find eating or cooking utensils, use drawer organizers to make it easier to find what you need in a flash.
This is the perfect frugal solution to tidying up all those boxes of tea bags, which will work for just about any packet-type items in your pantry.
Instead of having loose jars of spices floating all around, organize them in a container with DIY labels on the top. Store in a cabinet, pantry, or drawer – no matter where you keep them, the labels will be visible.
Alternatively, you could use a countertop spice rack (or one mounted to the underside of your cabinets), and you’ll quickly be able to find the spices you need as you cook.
This section covers playrooms, homeschool areas, and more!
Are you overrun with homework and school papers? Try this simple method for organizing school papers – it’s worked well for me (with 4 kids) for a couple of years now.
If you love doing crafts with your kids but feel as though all the craft supplies are starting to take over the house, I figured out an easy way to contain them (but still have them accessible). Organize craft supplies using budget-friendly cube organizers, bins, and trays.
Homeschooling involves a lot of clutter! From papers to books, curriculum materials, and more, it used to fill our homeschool space with stuff. Then I devised this method using storage units, shelving, and bins to organize the homeschool area.
Are you tired of stepping on (or tripping over) toys? This system of organizing all of the toys is simple enough for young children to be able to use and a cinch to maintain!
If you want to step away from plastic bins and create effective storage that’s also stylish (on a budget), make your own baskets! Try this simple DIY idea and turn a cardboard box into a pretty basket!
If you’re anything like me, working from home with kids underfoot all day and managing a household usually involves the home office becoming a dumping ground for clutter.
Here are some easy ways to get it organized (and keep it that way):
I love utilizing shelves for storage, but I hate it when they look messy and disorganized. The idea to repurpose empty cereal boxes into organizers like One Good Thing by Jillee did is genius and effective!
There’s always an unending stream of paperwork coming into the house. End paperwork clutter for good with these 3 simple steps.
When you declutter your home, you’ll save time, money, and your sanity. But don’t feel like you have to do everything at once. Choose your biggest problem area and tackle that first, using some of these simple organization hacks as inspiration.
Once you figure out what works, maintaining your home will be much simpler!
The post Life-Changing Organization Hacks For Busy Moms appeared first on Living Well Mom.
]]>If you are serious about starting your own craft business, don’t stop at these 75 ideas, either. For beginners, you should check out our list of easy crafts to make for profit, and for Etsy specific top picks, our crafts for selling on Etsy. Want more cool ideas for crafts to make and sell? Our list of 75 top selling DIY crafts was so popular, we made another one for you guys here: 75 More Brilliant Crafts for Your Selling
Well, that depends on what the top sellers are for the season and the year of course, but also what you love to do. One of the great things about crafting to make some extra money is that you get to work while doing what you enjoy.
Check out the super popular list here of sewing crafts to sell and even things to sew and sell. Many of these cool DIY sewing ideas are made from fabric scraps, so they cost next to nothing to make. Gear up for top holiday craft sales with these 75 awesome DIY ideas to make and sell.
If you love painting and making art, we have an awesome list of cool painting ideas for canvases. We also have some cool tutorials for learning how to paint with waterccolors , acrylic painting tutorials and some crafty flower painting tutorials.
Check out the links below for full tutorials, but watch the video below to see all the cool craft ideas to make and sell in one place
This cute little picture frame is so simple, so elegant, but so rustic. Made from upcycled wood pallets, this frame has the look that is oh so popular right now. I can sell as many of these as I can make, too! Learn how to make these homemade frames in this easy to follow tutorial. Customize the frames with the paint colors of your choice, too! You can even add embellishment if you like to the upper and lower bars. So creative, a great DIY project to make to sell, and you will want to check out and try yourself. If you are looking for something easy and cheap to make and sell on Etsy or another online marketplace, this is one of my top picks. You can find reclaimed wood for free, and this distressed DIY farmhouse decor is about as popular as it gets, many of the Etsy sellers I saw who offered something similar were most often sold out. Cute for a gift idea, I highly recommend making these cute handmade picture frames to have on hand for Christmas holiday sales.
Learn how to make these fun and easy decoupage pots using only scrap fabric. Check out our latest video tutorial on Youtube to learn how. Perfect cheap idea to make and sell, but these cute and crafty pots also make super homemade gifts.
This rope bowl only looks expensive and hard to make. I was so surprised when I found out elegant DIY home decor like this could be made with only rope and a glue gun! Craft your bowls in minutes and you will have a ton of them to sell in no time. Try using different kinds of rope and jute when making them so you can offer your customers a variety of choices. These homemade bowls are perfect for holding fruit, yarn, napkins, home decor accessories, bread, and pretty much anything you like to put in them. This craft makes an awesome and cheap DIY gift, too. Super impressive gift idea, these DIY bowls are cute ideas to sell just about anywhere. One of the most popular items on Etsy is home decor, so we say try these out. Much faster to make than many DIY home decor items, these crafty bowls are quick, cheap and easy. What more could you ask for in crafts to sell and make money from? When it comes to DIY stuff, this handmade rope bowl is one of the best do it yourself projects around.
I saw these at a craft fair where a couple was selling them for $50 a piece. The cute colors and fun patterns just make you want to go touch them (and hopefully buy them and take them home) Check out the tutorial by Put and Pull to learn how to make these highly marketable pillows. This fun and easy no sew project is perfect for those who want to make pillows but can’t sew or lack a sewing machine.
My teenage daughter has an Etsy shop and this is one of her top sellers, plus it is one of her favorite things to make and sell online. Plus, you get to have an amazing collection of washi tape for the making of these cute little DIY coasters. These need to be packed well, but are super light and fit in small shipping envelopes, so they are definitely one of my top picks for things to sell on Etsy and Ebay. One of the cutest crafts ideas to make and sell ever! Cute and easy, everyone always comments on the adorable factor when they see these pallet coasters.
Whether you are just learning to sew or fancy yourself a pro seamstress, these cute little DIY triangle pouches make a cute stocking stuffer or DIY gift for the holidays, making this item a perfect craft to make and sell. People start shopping for the holidays much earlier than I realized, so I start making things like this in summer, and list them on Etsy by October for best sales results. If you have leftover fabric scraps laying around, the supplies for this are practically free. Pick up some inexpensive zippers in bulk and you will soon be in business with this best selling DIY idea.
If you can hammer nails and twist string, this just may be the project to add to your Etsy shop. Print your choice of graphics or use these for inspiration. String art is a super popular craft to sell right now, and no artistic talent is required to make it. Plus, it this craft idea is fun to make. Get creative with your colors and art on these. For wall art ideas to sell, look no further than these DIY string art crafts.
Looking for easy things to make and sell? Bath bombs are super popular right now, thanks to stores like Lush that sell fabulous ones. Making homemade bath bombs may look tricky, but I promise you it is not. Mix, mold and package your goods, then sell them with cute wrapping and tags. I added essential oils to scent my bath bombs and some natural food safe dye I picked up at Whole Foods. The lavender colored bath bombs with a light purple hue are my best seller, but you can craft lots of cool combinations with this basic but versatile DIY bath bomb recipe.
The look of gold and all white decor is super popular right now, so when it come to items to sell, making those that follow a trend tend to always be top sellers. With Christmas coming up soon, DIY gifts are in high demand, or rather handmade gifts people can give when they don’t have the time to make anything themselves. Get busy crafting this creative office decor item for your Etsy shop. You can make them in white and gold or any colors you choose. Offering a desk set would be a great idea to increase sales. Don’t you think? Make some extra money for your holiday shopping with these creatively cool marbled pencil cups. One of my favorite Pinterest home decor crafts, you are sure to sell lots of these cool DIY desk accessories.
After my city passed an ordinance that bans plastic bags at grocery stores, I got crafty with my own shopping bags. After making several different kinds, I noticed people kept complimenting this one in particular, and for good reason. Look how cute it is just hanging on the door. Anything that doubles as a cute home decor accessory while still being functional makes me super happy. If you want something easy to make and sell, this craft is perfect. Cheap and doable even for the beginning DIYer, these colorful bags photograph well, are lightweight and easy to ship. You can package them in an envelope and don’t even need to deal with shipping boxes and odd weights, either.
If you love the rustic, farmhouse DIY look, which is a top seller right now, check out our list of country crafts to make and sell. On a tight budget? Forget spending tons of money on craft supplies, it simply is not necessary. No problem, the ideas on the DIY list are inexpensive and many of these cheap crafts to make and sell are dollar store crafts. This is one of my favorite easy craft ideas for gift giving, which makes it a perfect item to sell in your online shop.
This is one of the simplest things I’ve made to sell, but also one of the cutest, due to the limitless possibilities. Made from only a small piece of fabric, you can utilize those leftover fabric scraps for this DIY sunglass case. You can also use a solid color or a plain white to get super creative with paint or embroidery details. Embellish these with creative art and stitching or sew them from some pretty fabric scraps you’ve been holding onto but not sure what to do with. Inexpensive and quick to make, these custom bags for holding sunglasses are very popular with all ages, from teens to adults. Whip some up for your Etsy shop and start selling now before the Christmas sales rush. If you are looking for dollar store crafts ideas, these bags can almost always be picked up at Dollar Tree or easily ordered in bulk off of Amazon.
DIY wall art is always a top seller, whether you look on Etsy, on Ebay, craft fairs or pretty much anywhere. People love buying something that is clearly handmade, and decorating the walls with creative art is super popular. Try adding these cool DIY pallet signs to your shop and watch the sales numbers soar. Perfect for anyone with the trendy vintage, farmhouse decor, this lovely stenciled DIY pallet sign with an inspirational quote is sure to be a top selling craft item. Check out the complete step by step instructions on The Turquoise Home blog and be sure to check out all of the other cool crafts while there, I found lots of them I want to make next.
Learn how to make quick works of art, no artistic skills required. All you need is nail polish, water and a blank canvas. Check out the video to learn how to make some for yourself.
What better way to make crafts to sell than to need to drink wine first to be able to have supplies? Drink a few bottles and save the corks to make these practically free keychains. These could sell as stocking stuffers or cheap gift ideas, so be sure to have some on hand in your Etsy shop come Christmastime.
Turn a phone case into a work of art instantly with this easy and quick DIY idea. You will be amazed with the way these turn out! No artistic talent required, either.
Handmade gifts are top sellers year round, and these wood burned cutting boards make a nice Christmas gift idea or inexpensive craft that makes a wedding gift, anniversary present or something to give parents. Creative and artsy, this DIY idea is fun to make, too. One of the top sellers in an Etsy shop for years, my friend tipped me off to this cool craft idea to sell.
For inexpensive handmade items to make and sell on Etsy, Amazon, Ebay or at local craft fairs, we love mason jar crafts and so does everyone else. Mason jar gifts have been a top selling craft for years, and super popular best seller. With cheap supplies, these are a great thing to sell with high profit and high demand. My daughter has been making and selling these to make some extra money, so this is a top pick for fun teen crafts as well as items to crafts and sell for profit.
I just saw these for sale on Amazon’s new site, handmade. Beautiful scatter candles like this cast amazing shadows when lit. Make them with mason jars and glass stones from the dollar store. You will need some patience when it comes to letting the glue dry (don’t use a glue gun, as candles melt the glue right off!) but these can be made in all sorts of colors. I found blue, green, red, gold and clear glass rocks to try out. These photograph really well, which is super important when it comes to selling online. The colorful stones cast the most lovely shadows when the candlelight passes through them. Your Etsy shop needs these this holiday season. Try making your own DIY prism candle holder and see for yourself.
Farmhouse style crafts are popular, even for those without a farm house. Try making these DIYs to sell online, at craft fairs, in your Etsy shop or anywhere. These also make simple DIY Christmas gift ideas for friends and family. When I needed a DYI gift idea for my mom, I knew she needed one of these utensil boxes in her kitchen, and she loves it.
Stocking stuffers are popular items to make and sell, and come the holidays, you will see why if you start selling these cool and easy cereal box notepads. They hardly cost anything for supplies, and are super cute, colorful and easy to make. I made some of these for the kids, too. They can even help cut the boxes and of course, help eat the cereal.
The post 75 Crafts to Make and Sell For Profit | Top Selling DIY Ideas appeared first on DIY Joy.
]]>Shower rods, or tension rods, may not come to mind as a DIY tool, but you shouldn’t underestimate their power; there are few things that are more versatile than a shower rod. Not only can you use shower rods in multiply ways, but they are also cheap, install quickly, and are completely removable. There are some great ideas for using shower rods in those awkward, hard-to-fit areas where nothing else seems to work. In addition, they won’t damage walls, cabinets, or closets. Like most people, you probably only thought of using shower rods for their intended purpose, or perhaps for hanging curtains in a pinch, so most of these ideas you may never even thought to consider. Shower rods can do so much more than just hold up your shower curtain! You’ll be surprised at just how many interesting decor tricks and home hacks there are. Here’s 20 ways you never thought of using a shower rod.
We’ll start with the most obvious, which is using a shower rod as a window treatment. However, that is where the obvious ends. You don’t have to use it just as a make-shift curtain rod, although they are perfect for hanging or laying curtains when you don’t want to make holes in your walls or windows. If you want to completely black out your windows or keep curtains from moving, mount another shower rod at the bottom for holding curtains in place. This works best with the smaller shower rods atleast a half an inch in diameter. Remember, the pots, plants, dirt, and water will all combine for a fair amount of weight.
While we’re on the subject of windows, the next idea is a hanging herb garden. Hang a small shower rod mid-way in your window and hang small pots of your favorite herbs. If you have a tall window, you can layer rows. Not only will they provide you with fresh herbs, but they’re make your home smell scrumptious! If you don’t want to grow herbs, however, you can hang any type of plant that loves light. Vines are cool because you can wrap them around the rod at intervals, creating a jungle vibe.
Not only can under-sink storage get messy, but it’s also limited in space, especially in the kitchen if you add in water filtration and garbage disposal parts as well. It’s no wondered just a small space can turn into a cluttered mess in which you can never find what you’re looking for. Here’s a simple solution using a short tension rod: brace the rod across the top of the cabinet, just low enough for clearance. Now you can elevate cleaning supplies such as spray bottles, brushes, and rags. In addition, you’ll know have extra space below the hanging cleaning supplies for whatever can’t be hung like sponges, cans, or whatever you need to place there.
If you love shoes and are running out of room to store them, use a few shower curtain rods to get the high heels off the floor while making a display for them as well. This is a great trick for using inside your closet and you can hang any shoe with a heel big enough to hook over the rod. It not only looks great, but it also gets shoes off the floor, making much more room, and it makes so much easier to see what you have when it comes time to get dressed and choose a pair.
This idea seems to be quite popular and surely shows someone was “thinking outside the box”!. Give your pet some privacy by putting up a curtain around his/her litter box area. This will hide the litter box while also giving your little guy some privacy. Either under a shelf in the bathroom or remove a panel from a cabinet door and hang a tension rode with something to match the room it’s in or just something plain. Either way, you or your houseguests will never have to see the litter box again (except for changing it, of course!)
Don’t just consider where you can use a shower rod horizontally, but also vertically! Install one from floor to bottom of shelf, from a table top to the ceiling, or from counter to cabinet bottom. One clever idea is to spray paint the rod (this particular person used copper) and attach drilled plates for holding things. However, you can use any type of container, such as baskets, bowls, or whatever you decide to use. This shower rod idea can be used just about anywhere, such as showers, garages, and pantries. We like the idea of using it on cabinet tops for storing fruit and vegetables.
These adjustable bars are great for those who have lots of craft supplies. Use a shower rod to hang ribbon, tape, wrapping paper, and other such materials. You can also use a combination of a couple of tension rods, using one up high for holding ribbons and tape and one down lower (or two) for placing wrapping paper behind. Then you can place another one in front of the wrapping paper row for gift bags, cards, and tissue paper. This keeps everything nice and organized and craft supplies are where you can find them when you need them. This idea can be used for craft junkies as well as for gift wrapping stations!
Sinks which don’t have cabinets underneath can sometimes be unsightly to the eye, showing all that under-sink plumbing and whatnot. Using small tension rods will allow you to add a sink skirt that will not only cover the under parts of the sink, but also add some color and style to your kitchen or bathroom.
This can also be used on pretty tables used as desks to cover all the electrical cords. Just hang curtains on tension rods under the table between the legs. It adds a homey touch and you can use colors to match the room. This also works on antique desks and other types of tables and desks you may use for a work and computer area.
Another way to “skirt the issue” is by using a shower rod to hang a curtain over a doorway that has no door, making impromptu closet doors, or simply screening off an area you want to be private. It’s much cheaper than installing a door and there’s so many options for a tension rod DIY door.
We love this one! It’s so creative and makes cleaning up after bath time a breeze. Simply use a shower rod and rings for hanging small open-mesh or plastic bins or buckets. By placing them right on the side of the tub, it makes it easy for you (or your child) to clean up. You won’t be stepping around toys when it’s your turn and there’s always a place for them. This neat idea also keeps up the clutter, making your bathroom a lot neater. Once your child gets a bit older, you can get them to help put toys away as part of the end of bath time.
This is another favorite idea and, again, it’s just so creative. If you want an easy way to show off your photos and be able to switch them out easily whenever you want, all without taking up much needed desk room, simply use a painted tension rod to match your furniture or room. We like using brass paint for the old-timey look. Then add shower hooks with clips to the rod for pics to hang from and you’ve got an easy way of display pics that is also easily moved out of the way or switched out with newer pictures. In addition, the clips can also hold other types of mementos as well. (This idea is for desks with a top shelf, but you may be able to think of another way of using it.)
While we’re talking about desks, you may have an open desk that needs separators for folders or important papers you need to keep, such as the title to your car. Short, small tension rods are great for organizing your desk drawer by converting a regular drawer into file storage.
If your have found you’re having trouble making your pot lids, cookie sheets, and cutting boards fit in your cabinets or you simply just want to free up more space, using shower rods in order for these items to sit up vertically will do the trick. If it always seems like the cookie sheet you need is at the bottom of the stack, change the stack to vertical! Remove shelves and replace them with several tension rods from cabinet ceiling to floor and you now have several vertical storage cubicles for items such as cookie sheets and cutting boards.
Another way to use tension rods for making extra space is by mounting them on the inside of your cabinet doors for holding pot lids. Not only does this free up more space, but you’ll also never have to search for a particular lid again. You can also use them in cabinets for storing plastic lids as well.
Whether you want a custom bedskirt or a matching dust ruffle, using shower rods to hang them under your bed frame is both quick and easy. Furthermore, if you decide to use different colors, this is easier to change than those that go under your mattress. Simply hang a valance, either one you buy or one you make, for a makeshift bedskirt.
These are also perfect for both kids’ rooms and dorms. Use tension rods to hang curtains on a bunk bed or high lofted bed to hide whatever is behind it.
Another way of using tension rods for the bed is for hanging a canopy if you have a bed with high posts or frame. This makes a bed so cozy and gives it that cottage-style feel.
The way curtains can be used for open storage solutions, they can also be used the same way on bookshelves. Simply use a tension rod with your choice of fabric, either something fun or that matches your furniture. It’s quick and easy and makes a decorating statement while hiding clutter behind them. Bookcases are great, but sometimes they get too cluttered. This clever idea keeps clutter to a minimum while make a decorative statement everyone will notice.
This generally works better in children’s room where you can place a small dresser or shelf inside their closet and hang a shower rod from the side of the dresser to the opposite wall, making another place for hanging clothes. However, as children grow, there may not be enough room. However, there are other ways to used tension rods for making extra clothing storage. Use a standard shelf or chest and bracket both sides with rods against the opposites walls if you don’t mind having your clothes hanging opening. If you have an old bookcase with missing shelves, take the rest of the shelves out and replace with shower rod(s) and you have a makeshift closet.
A small shower rod mounted under a small art table or the kitchen table is perfect for holding a roll of art paper. When it’s time for painting or coloring, simply roll a piece of paper out and over the table. When it’s not in use, it stays hidden. This can give children (and adults) hours of entertainment. Keep a box of crayons, markers, and/or coloring pencils nearby so it’s always a handy distraction. If you have several children, mount one at each place seating or chair. Get the whole family in on it! This will give you the opportunity to spend time with your children while promoting their creativity.
If you don’t ever seem to have enough room for storing your jewelry, make more room by using tension rods. They’re perfect for hanging all kinds of jewelry on and you can paint them any color to match either your furniture or your bedding. In addition, this keeps all your necklaces and bracelets from becoming tangled. Plus, it allows you to easily find pieces instead of having to search several places when getting ready.
You can also use this idea for hanging scarves. We like to use several shower rods, one right under another, so we can loop the scarves back and forth to make a cool pattern when they’re not in use. Again, this keeps your scarves from getting lost; you can always find the one you’re looking for. It also helps to keep them in the best condition, preventing nicks and snags.
A tension rod can be the perfect way to show your holiday spirit or support your favorite team. Simply use a shower rod to hang holiday decoration in your window(s). You can take them down easily and change them whenever you want to. Celebrate each holiday with a unique window hanging like a Fourth of July bunting or a sports team’s flag. There’s no end to how this creative trick can be used!
If you don’t want your paper towels hanging out on your kitchen counter or on top of the fridge, store them in a cabinet using a small tension rod. This will help take up less counter space while keeping it easily accessible.
Another cool kitchen hack for tension rods is installing one in your spice cabinet for elevating smaller bottles and cans so you can see them better! It also takes advantage of vertical space that is often wasted in spice cabinets because they do tend to be small containers. Utilizing a shower rod in your spice cabinet will add space you can keep your flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and other like products in for baking and cooking, having them all in the same place.
Give your kitchen outdoor cafe charm by adding a tension rode out in front of your original curtain rod, about a foot or so down, the length is up to you, and then drape an old valance over the second rod, giving your kitchen a whole new look with an old timey outdoor cafe feel. It’s little things like this that can actually give your kitchen a new feel and look.
This tip may actually save your life! In the DIY community, wiping stain is one of the most common types of wood stain. It’s easy and quick and they have great results. However, they do result in a bunch of stained rags which need to be disposed of properly. These rags need to be spread out to dry because the heat which is generated as they dry can cause them to catch on fire. If they are in a wadded up mess with no way for the heat to escape, the heat continues to rise, trapping oxygen in the rags, and before you know it, the whole pile goes up in flames, possibly taking your home with them.
We don’t want that to happen, so we including this neat hack in our list. Simply used a few shower rods to hang stained rags on to dry adequately before disposing of them properly. Be safe!
There are plenty more shower and tension rods ideas, but we’ve definitely given you an idea of all the ways they can be used. Now you can come up with your own ways of using them, such as a portable drying rod for when you’re away from home and/or weather doesn’t permit hanging clothing outside to dry. There’s just so many ways to use these handy rods. Be sure to try out some of our ideas and see how easy it is.
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Whether you’re a studio dweller or have an open floor plan that’s suddenly feeling a little too open, carving out more privacy in your home doesn’t always have to mean building a wall. Sometimes it’s as easy as getting creative with the next best thing—a room divider.
Some solutions, like folding screens, barely take any effort to set up, while others, such as built-in bookcases and nonstructural walls, require a little more planning. All that to say, breaking up your space can be as involved as you want it to be. Try any of these shape-shifting hacks and you’ll be living large no matter what your layout looks like.
To make this English treehouse even more whimsical, Sophie Rowell of interior design practice Côte de Folk came up with the idea to enter the primary bedroom through colorful patchwork drapes. Rowell says the tentlike shape required a little math and a patient seamstress, but the drama leading up to the room is totally worth it.
In what looks like an artist’s loft, lawyer Jessica Wright’s Parisian-inspired space is separated by a 14-foot wall of glass and steel. The see-through partition splits the living and sleeping areas but still keeps everything feeling airy, while semisheer curtains offer just enough privacy when needed.
Deciding where to put a bed in a small studio is always tricky, but like most New Yorkers, Brett James found a way to make the most of his 442-square-foot space. A built-in headboard helped carve out the perfect hiding place for his bed, but a stand-alone option could also work for those who don’t play well with power tools.
In this Kansas City, Missouri, rental, designer Spencer Sight picked a ceiling-mounted bamboo hanging that looks like a more elevated version of the early-2000s beaded variety we all had in our bedrooms. It divvies up the dining area and kitchen without compromising the open airiness of the floor plan—truly the best of both worlds.
When your bedroom is also your living room, you have to use furniture to your advantage. That’s what Jen Levy did in her sunny 600-square-foot studio: A large cream-colored couch draws a clear line between the two.
Photographer Thayer Gowdy knew she wanted her refrigerator to have prime real estate in her open-concept Ojai, California, home. At the same time, she realized it wasn’t ideal to force guests to stare at the appliance’s back every time they lounged on the sofa. Her solution? An arched structure (dubbed the frigloo) that not only houses electrical and plumbing but also offers a place for her extensive record collection to shine on the other side, expertly breaking up the space. If you’re not up to the DIY task, consider placing an arched cabinet on the other side of your large appliances to ensure all eyesores are properly hidden.
When it comes to small spaces, natural light is key. That’s why Sara and Adam Gilmer wanted to protect the stream of sunlight emanating from their stairwell’s window while still sectioning off the neighboring breakfast nook for cozy family meals. They turned to a perforated metal screen that not only filters the rays but separates stair traffic from dinnertime.
In an effort to differentiate her living room from her kitchen, Mariah Burton used an abundance of breeze blocks, a see-through type of cinder block made popular in the ’50s and ’60s. She simply stacked them on top of one another, added a coat of sealant, and—voilà!—a room divider that casts gorgeous geometric shadows on the floors and walls when the light hits just right.
Graphic designer Timothy Goodman’s bookshelf checks off two boxes at once: It disguises part of the bed and offers a ton of storage. High-to-low pieces like this are key because they maintain an open and airy feel.
The quickest way to create a sense of separation is with furniture, specifically folding dividers. They can go anywhere (between a bed and a sofa, in front of a clothing rack, next to a dining table) and they’re easy to spice up. Sugar and Cloth transformed a simple one from IKEA with a few long strands of colorful yarn.
Since there was only one wall available for artwork in this 600-square-foot apartment, designer Charlotte Sylvain of Studio Fauve came up with an ingenious invention: a banquette–meets–media console with a remote-controlled lift that conceals (or reveals!) a flat-screen at the touch of a button. When left up, the TV separates the living and dining areas.
Designer Jess Blumberg delineates her sleeping space with decor, specifically a butterfly chair and a grouping of tall greenery, including a snake plant and palm tree. There’s always room for a mini jungle no matter how tight your quarters.
With just the flick of the wrist, this Hong Kong dining room can be made to feel like a private booth at a restaurant, thanks to two sliding glass and steel doors. But that’s not what has us most excited: The space also features a ceiling-mounted track for curtains, something any renter can emulate without sacrificing their entire security deposit.
DIY blogger Kirsten Diane didn’t craft this room divider for a studio apartment, but that doesn’t mean her minimalist bookshelf idea can’t be applied to one. If you see yourself in your place for a long while, consider investing in a more permanent partition that stretches from floor to ceiling.
While we appreciate that pass-throughs encourage connection when we’re cooking for friends, we don’t always want the lingering smells following us. An immediate fix: Hang some curtains cut to size (ombré optional). See you on the flip side.
“I’m all about using a bookshelf as a room divider,” says Domino’s style editor, Julia Stevens. “If you fill it up partially, you are still able to see the rest of the space and don’t run the risk of breaking your room up entirely as you might with a folding screen or wall. Alternatively, you can’t go wrong with a lengthy sofa. Want to add more height to your division? Place a slim console against the backside of the couch and style it with plants, books, and a cordless lamp.”
Whether you’re separating the living and sleeping spaces in a studio apartment or merely adding more privacy to an open-concept living-slash-dining room, you can make your own partition in a pinch. Laurence Leenaert, the artist and founder behind Moroccan brand LRNCE, mounted her handcrafted textiles to the ceiling with metal hooks, which, in the right space, would make for the perfect hanging room divider. But if you’re looking for something a bit sturdier, why not dream big and create a movable wall, like Anthony D’Argenzio did in his This Old Hudson rental residence. All you need is a ceiling track, iron hangers, vintage doors, and a bit of patience.
The post 15 Room Divider Ideas, Because Studio Life Is All About Personal Space appeared first on domino.
]]>This April, we’re looking ahead to a summer filled with wine-, beer-, and spirits-fueled travel featuring the world’s best drinking destinations. Discover more from VinePair’s Summer Travel Planning series here!
In 2023, attending a music festival is not a cheap endeavor. Even after you’ve forked over a small fortune for admission passes, booked cross-country flights, and secured in-demand hotel reservations, there are still a slew of inflated charges (parking, lockers, and the like) waiting for you once you actually hit the festival grounds. Possibly the heftiest? Booze.
While a drink or two isn’t an actual necessity, for some concertgoers, it’s key to rounding out the festival experience. Yes, you paid $20 for a mixed drink — but when is the next time you’re going to party in the Californian desert with your favorite artist? And while paying top dollar for some bottom-shelf liquor isn’t ideal ahead of a looming recession, U.S. consumers are clearly still willing to spend at in-person concerts. A recent survey by ticket platform Eventbrite found that 81 percent of over 4,400 respondents are looking forward to a music festival this year. And despite indications that 79 percent of survey respondents feel that inflation is only continuing into 2023, 70 percent indicated that they’ll spend equal or more on events this year.
The nation’s most buzzworthy festivals are also a boon for booze brands, too. They serve as key opportunities to gather crowds for discovery or a social media moment, making them the optimal events for brands to launch activations. Planning on hitting one (or more) of the biggest festivals of the year?
Keep reading to learn more about the boozy brands you’ll see and the amount of cash you’ll likely spend.
Coachella is arguably the most recognizable of U.S. music festivals. It’s also the most strict when it comes to booze, as visitors are only permitted to sip libations inside designated alcohol areas. Outside of beer gardens and cocktail pop-ups, alcoholic drinks will be confiscated. And if you’re planning on sneaking in your own hooch, be warned — festival security are aware of those tricks, too.
Details on this year’s drinks lineup just dropped online, and the list of drinks partners is extensive. Some 23 brands, pop-ups, and cocktail bars are showing up this year, including a presence from legendary NYC cocktail bars PDT and Attaboy. Online favorite Chamberlain Coffee is serving up its new RTD brews at the 12 Peaks VIP area, while The New Bar pop-up stands as the festival’s first mocktail bar. Heineken plans to offer its forthcoming low-calorie beer Heineken Silver to the public for the first time, and Aperol is planning a significant brand presence as well, including an Aperol Piazza — inspired by the iconic piazzas in Italy — a tram, photo dome, and more, according to an Aperol representative.
“Music has always been a key ingredient in the Aperol Spritz ritual since its inception in 1919, with Aperol’s founders, the Barbieri brothers, releasing an Aperol vinyl record in its earliest days,” the representative tells VinePair. “There are a lot of shared values between Aperol and music festivals — togetherness, living in the moment, creating fun memories, a life filled with travel, and, of course, a love of music.”
Based on 2022 menus, the Indio, Calif., event appears to top the festival charts for the most pricey drinks. Crowdsourced lists of previous years’ prices indicate that cocktails served on festival grounds might run you anywhere from $15 to $20, depending on the seller. Reddit users note that beer prices vary by brand and location, so if you’re strapped for cash, it’s worth shopping around before ordering booze. Expect bills in the double-digits for a simple lager, regardless of size: a 16-ounce glass of Heineken will set you back $15 at the event, according to a Heineken brand representative, while smaller pours fall in the $12 to $14 range. The brand’s zero-ABV beer will run you $10, and for those concert-goers hopping on the non-alcoholic trend, caffeinated drinks will still cost a pretty penny. Cold brews and coffees typically start at $10 on the grounds and attendees aren’t permitted to bring their own pick-me-ups.
This annual lineup hosted in Queens, New York, is known for its fabulous food lineup, which is nearly as flashy as its headlining acts. Last year, cocktails at the music festival retailed at a modest $14, according to Insider.
While pricing information for the 2023 festivities isn’t available yet, the boozy lineup of vendors has already dropped. Seven alcohol companies, including some Gov Ball veterans and newcomers, will be represented on this year’s booze menu according to organizer Chris Vinyard. Anheuser Busch will be offering Gov Ball Brews, a special festival-themed lineup of Bud Light, Stella Artois, and Bud Light Seltzers. You’ll have the option of supping on an Aperol Spritz ($18) at the brand’s pop-up, or choose Bacardi’s Gov Ball Punch instead, which blends coconut-flavored rum with passion fruit, lime, and club soda. D’USSÉ will also have a presence this year similar to last year’s pop-up. Tito’s Vodka is set to offer a sparkling lemonade on its cocktail menu, and Espolòn Tequila will bring a branded Margarita to festival-goers. On the wine front, Chateau Ste. Michelle will be headlining as the official wine sponsor of the weekend.
“We believe music, like wine, has the power to unite, create connections and shared experiences,” a Chateau Ste. Michelle brand representative tells VinePair. “We are excited to share our passion for wine and music and invite you to raise a glass to an epic music weekend.”
This Chicago festival offered 25 bars and four cocktail lounges across concert grounds in 2022, including pop-ups from Tito’s Vodka, Hendrick’s, and more. Brand activations — such as the Hendrick’s Gin’s boat-themed cocktail lounge — offered elevated craft cocktails to accompany the bumping music. This year, Lollapalooza’s partners include brands such as Cutwater Spirits, Hendrick’s Gin, Jack Daniel’s, and Bud Light.
If you’re set on sipping a spirits-based beverage, expect to pay upwards of $15 for those plastic-cup drinks. While prices vary from bar to bar, there’s a (nearly) zero percent chance of scoring any cocktails in the lower double-digits. In 2022, beer prices hovered around $10 to $12, making Lolla slightly more affordable than its Californian counterpart.
One budget-savvy Reddit user on the r/Lollapalooza thread goes above and beyond to help festival-goers save cash. Each year, they calculate the best bang for your buck among the booze tents by dividing the pre-tax price by alcohol content and ranking them by intoxication value. According to the insider’s methodology, Bud Light was the most cost-effective beer at the event, while Goose Island 312 landed on the more expensive end of the spectrum (and least advantageous, by ABV).
It’s been said that everything’s bigger in Texas — and that’s true of including drink bills, too. The annual Austin City Limits (ACL) festival, held over two weekends in October in Austin, offers a host of over 100 performances on nine stages in Zilker Park. While ACL organizers have yet to share 2023’s musician lineup (or drinks menu), last year’s prices offer a glimpse into what festival-goers might expect.
Coors Banquet ran drinkers around $11 in 2022, according to Eater, while standard hard seltzers were priced at $12. A handful of craft beers from local brewers such as Pinthouse Pizza and Independence Brewing Company landed in the $12 to $15 range, while wine cost up to a stiff $15 per pour. Texas-native sparkling water Waterloo offered cans of non-alcoholic bubbly water for $4 at festival bars.
Festival veterans on Reddit advise splitting a carafe of wine among friends — while the pitchers go for around $30 to $50, it’s a more affordable option when shared among a small group. It’s also worth noting that only beer, wine, and seltzers are offered in general-admission ticketed areas during the October festival; spirits-based mixed drinks are only available in VIP areas, as concertgoers share in a festival forum.
The article A Guide to Drinking at Four of the U.S’s Biggest Music Festivals appeared first on VinePair.
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