August 8, 2017

Tips to Maximize a Small Space from Vant Wall Panels

Whether you are downsizing into retirement or simply want to live in the midst of the excitement of a big city, urban living tends to mean more excitement and less square footage. In order to maximize your available space, so that even a small condo looks spacious and comfortable, there are certain design and decorating rules that you should follow:
Design in any small space
The key to designing in a small space is to make sure that the furniture and decor fit the room. While you may love your large L shaped sofa and matching lounge chair, it’s not going to fit in 400 square feet without your guests tumbling over the end of it!
With less space, you have to be more creative. Sofa beds, instead of couches, turn into instant guest quarters. Nesting side tables instead of a big coffee table turn into instant extra space for putting down a martini. Benches with storage inside them do double duty as extra seating and a great way to hide a little clutter.
Avoid clutter
Clutter only serves to make a small space look even smaller! Avoid it at all costs by making sure that everything in your home has its own home and don’t let piles of things drag in entryways or on chairs.
Storage benches, as mentioned in the previous point, are ideal in this capacity, as are storage baskets, hanging hooks and so on. Maximize any available dead space—under the stairs, for example—by turning it into usable storage space.
If there’s a way to get something off of flat surfaces, do it. Example? Knife blocks take up a lot of space on a countertop. But if you have the extra wall space in your kitchen, put up magnets and ‘hang’ your knives. Easy to reach and they are off the flat surface!
Make good use of light and mirrors
If you have a lot of natural light coming into your space, leverage it by using delicate, flowing window treatments and strategically positioned mirrors. These reflect the light and give the impression of a larger space, tricking the eye into thinking there is more depth than there actually is. Place a mirror next to a window or directly across from it to create the effect you want!
Keep prints to a minimum and offset them with solids drawn from the same palette
If you have a thing for wild and colorful prints, just keep in mind that too much of even a good thing can simply be too much. The ideal design, if you are going to use prints in your upholstery or throw cushions, is to keep some continuity in your color scheme and pick up a shade of your print in a wall accent, like the elegant and simple textures of Vänt Wall Panels. The colors will blend together without being overwhelming to the eye.
Don’t overdo the tchotkes
A smaller space tends to favor a more minimalist design, so having all of your collectible figurines on display on the shelves, side and console tables will bring the room in rather than opening it up. You can still have some of your collection out, but maybe pare it down to a select few.
Specifics for a small living room
Avoid darker shades of paint on the walls. You can definitely do an accent wall in a bolder color, but all four walls in navy blue will be oppressive. The same is true for ceiling colors: keep it light relative to the wall color, to give the impression of openness; even if the ceilings are low, it won’t feel dark and small. One great tip is to match your wall color to the larger pieces of furniture in the room; that way, the latter blend in more and seem smaller as a result.
For flooring, you should also keep it relatively neutral, with splashes of color in throw rugs, for example. And when it comes to furnishings, materials like glass and metal, which reflect light and feel more airy, give a great sense of space than dark, heavy wood pieces.
If you want to avoid heavy bookshelves, try floating shelves, anchored to the wall. They are a talking point for guests and a lot of fun to decorate with.
Rules for a tiny bedroom
You can, once again, use color to give a sense of space: keep it light or neutral on the walls and the ceiling!
To furnish a small bedroom, the key is to avoid pieces that are too large and cumbersome. Skip the full head and foot board and add instead Vänt Wall Panels, at the head. They are easy to install, look wonderful and take little space! Plus they can add a pop of color that breaks up the neutral wall a little, making a visual focal point that delights.
If you don’t need two bedside tables, don’t use two. Balance isn’t all it’s cracked up to be! Instead, install lighting on the wall for reading and keep a basket handy for books!
Streamline your linens so that colors and textures are uniform. You don’t want a red bedspread with orange pillows and faux fur throws, all mixed together, in a tiny space! It’s just too much for the eye to take in!
Ideas for a small kitchen
If you don’t have eat in space, don’t try and create it! A formal dining room or breakfast nook is a nice to have but if space doesn’t allow, try using stools at the breakfast bar or island to make best use of that area. If you still want a table and chairs, round tables conserve a little more space and visually seem to fit better.
Don’t forget to minimize kitchen clutter, which can close in that space quickly. If you have tools and small appliances that you don’t use all the time, find somewhere to store them out of site. Less is more in the small kitchen setup.

 Maximize a tiny bathroom

 While it might seem odd to add more to a small bathroom, storage is at the heart of keeping it a usable space, even if two people are in there getting ready in the morning! Decorative shelves and hooks for everything from bathrobes to towels, with soap and candles above, keep your necessities in reach and out of the way, at the same time.

 Maximize your mirrors for that eye trick effect of creating space where there is none. Ditch the tiny medicine cabinet in favor of as large a piece that can fit over your sink. Mirrored accents and backsplashes can help with a similar effect.

 Finally, if your shower has a rod and curtain, hang it as high as you can: this gives the illusion of higher ceilings and greater space. The curtain should be a simple print so as not to be overwhelming; in fact, all your colors should be from the same palette for that reason.

 With all of these tips, you can take your small urban space and turn it into a cool loft minimalist oasis, with ease; a space you and your family, friends and guests can enjoy for years to come.

 Bee Heinemann is the Marketing Director and Interior Decorating Expert at Vänt Wall Panels. Vänt Wall Panels completely transform a room in just minutes. Inspired spaces make for inspired living. It’s the most innovative, cost and user-friendly wall décor system ever created. They’re perfect for every room in the house from the kitchen and bedroom to the living room and office. Learn more at https://www.vantpanels.com/.

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August 8, 2017

How to Treat Dogs Suffering from Arthritis

Arthritis affects many dogs as they get older and it is a painful condition that can get in the way of their mobility and the quality of their daily life. But, if your dog has been diagnosed with arthritis, you should not lose hope. There are steps that you can take to treat your dog with medications that your vet can provide and with natural supplements that you can provide at home. Check out a few of the tips below to help treat your dog if he suffers from arthritis.

Try a Cannabinoid Supplement

Canna-Pet is a pet supplement that is produced with natural plant ingredients. This supplement is veterinarian recommended and, even though it contains cannabinoids, it will not have any psychoactive effect on your pet. Instead, Canna-Pet can help with treating a variety of conditions, including arthritis, joint problems, and mobility issues. Administer this product according to its label instructions and rest assured that it is safe to use alongside medications and other supplements, as well as special diets.

Give Your Pet Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Two popular supplements for both people and pets who have joint issues like arthritis are glucosamine and chondroitin. These can support healthy functioning of the joints and they might even be able to improve your pet’s mobility when they are taken consistently enough and at the right dosage. Many pet supplements on the market that are designed to help relieve conditions such as arthritis will contain these two ingredients, so they are surprisingly easy to find.

Take Your Pet to Get Acupuncture

Acupuncture treatments are used on humans for a variety of reasons, but did you know that your dog could also receive acupuncture treatments? Just be sure to take your pet to an acupuncturist who specializes in working with animals. You may be surprised by how effective this relaxing and natural treatment really is, as your dog might start feeling relief from pain, and he may also enjoy greater mobility as a result.

Supplement Your Pet’s Diet with Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acid supplements for pets are readily available and they could be helpful in allowing your pet to age gracefully. They can also help your dog if he suffers from arthritic inflammation and pain. Basically, adding some additional fish oil to your dog’s diet may help him feel better and move around more easily.

Prescription Medications

Dogs who have been diagnosed with arthritis might also be candidates for a variety of prescription medications that can help to reduce pain and inflammation. Your veterinarian will be able to determine which prescriptions would work best for your pet, and which ones would be the safest options to try.

Remember, if you are planning on adding any supplements to your pet’s diet for any reason, including to treat arthritis, you should always consult with your veterinarian first to be sure you are doing the right thing, especially if your pet is currently on medications for pain and stiffness.

 

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August 4, 2017

Historical Highlights of Elizabeth Arden

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July 30, 2017

Brooke Burke Wears Billy T!

Los Angeles, CA – July 25, 2017 – Brooke Burke was photographed wearing Billy T yesterday in Malibu! The TV personality looked summer ready wearing her Off The Shoulder Denim Dress for a day at the beach ($49.97; www.billytshop.com).

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July 28, 2017

The Perfect Blowout in honor of National Blowout Day!

With National Blowout Day right around the corner, there is no need to rush to the salon this weekend, because Kattia Solano of Butterfly Studio Salon, offers a few tips to give you the perfect blowout!

With National Blowout Day right around the corner, there is no need to rush to the salon this weekend, because Kattia Solano of Butterfly Studio Salon, offers a few tips to give you the perfect blowout!

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July 25, 2017

3 Surprising Things No One Tells You About Menopause

Hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, bad mood and fatigue, these are the menopausal symptoms every woman approaching midlife hears about the most. But menopause can cause a whole host of unpleasant effects and many women never make the connection between their symptoms and menopause. Here are three surprisingly common problems that menopause can bring into your life.

Regular Bad Hair Days

Menopause can really do a number on your self-esteem. As if hot flashes, mood swings, and weight gain weren’t enough to contend with, you’ll also have to spend more time taking care of your hair if you don’t want to lose your lustrous locks.

Many women find that their hair becomes dry and brittle once menopause hits, prompting a search for gentle, natural hair care products that can address the damage.

For some women though, menopause delivers an even harsher blow, causing hair to thin and to fall out. A truly devastating development.

Thankfully, there’s no need to accept what nature throws at you and settle for a head of wispy hair because today’s new generation of hair regrowth products can safely restore your hair to its former glory.

New Allergies

Hormonal changes can alter the way that your immune system works, causing your body to react to allergens that haven’t ever troubled you before.

For most women, these allergic reactions are mild, confined to itchy eyes, skin rashes, and bouts of sneezing, but for some women, the allergy triggers more serious effects like wheezing, swelling, and dizziness.

Mild allergies can be managed with over-the-counter allergy medications like Benadryl, but you should seek your doctor’s advice if your allergies are more severe.

A Racing Heartbeat

An irregular heartbeat is another common problem that can flare up unexpectedly, and if you aren’t prepared for it, having your heart suddenly change its rhythm is a very frightening experience.

Your fluctuating hormones can cause your nervous system to send erratic electrical signals to your heart, resulting in a very rapid heartbeat.

At this stage of your life, you could find that alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods trigger these bouts whereas these things weren’t at all problematic before. Keeping a food and drink diary will enable you to spot any links between your diet and pounding heart, and allow you to make the necessary changes to help prevent future episodes.Deep breathing exercises, It’s a Glam Thing, Pro Avice

Deep breathing exercises and meditation techniques can make it easier to get through episodes of rapid heartbeat and prevent your panic response making things worse.

Schedule an appointment with your doctor to rule out more serious causes. Rapid heartbeat accompanied by pain or shortness of breath should always be treated as an emergency.

Menopause and the peri menopause that precedes it can cause hormonal changes and unwelcome symptoms for a good ten years of a woman’s life.  But menopause doesn’t have to be a long, drawn out nightmare. Knowing what to expect and being able to recognize the symptoms for what they truly are will allow you take prompt action and get your menopause under control.

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July 25, 2017

Make a Splash at the Beach This Summer – Seven Cosmetic Procedures That Will Get You Swimsuit Ready

 

Swimsuit season can be a reason to show off the body in an itsy bitsy bikini or grab the terrycloth cover-up.  Suddenly, those spider veins, bulges and sagging body parts that have been hiding under layers of winter clothes are on full display.

The impulse is to jump start a diet and exercise plan.  The reality, however, is no Pilates class or low carb diet can fix Aunt Ellen’s saddlebags or your mother’s size A cup breasts.  Genetics and age-related hormonal changes will always be at work.

Thanks to advances in cosmetic surgery there are plenty of procedures that can enhance your appearance.  Here, just in time for summer, are seven of the most popular, some of which are so minimally invasive you can hit the beach within a few days of being treated.  

The Lunchtime Quickie

If you’re close to your ideal body weight but fighting fat on your thighs, tummy, flanks, bra roll or arms, Coolsculpting is an option.  This FDA approved technology safety and effectively freezes fat to improve the contour of those nasty bumps and bulges that are resistant to exercise and diet.  Within four to 12 weeks after the treatment, the body eliminates the crystallized frozen cells, giving patients visible and long-lasting results.

“Because Coolsculpting only takes a couple hours, this is one of the procedures patients can do on their lunch hour and then head back to work,” says Dr. George Bitar, an award-winning plastic surgeon based in Northern Virginia who has performed more than 10,000 cosmetic surgeries.   

For stubborn fat, a more aggressive approach would be liposuction. The results are immediate and allow for better contouring.  Doctors can even use the liposuction for abdominal etching, creating a perfectly natural looking six-pack abs in roughly an hour.

Get a Smooth Tummy and Defined Arms

With significant weight loss, pregnancy and aging it’s not uncommon to have loose skin.  “A tummy tuck, which takes roughly two to three hours, will tighten the abdominal muscles to create that firm, sleek stomach, and waistline.”, says Dr. Larry Lickstein, a Harvard-educated, board certified plastic surgeon at the Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute in Northern Virginia.  For that hanging skin that looks like “bat wings,” an arm lift is often advised.  It involves removing excess skin and residual fat to create a firmer arm.  It can even be combined with liposuction for a more defined look.

Dr. Larry Lickstein

Show Off Your Cleavage

Google trends report breast augmentation is highest between June and August.  For the procedure, the scar can be placed either in the under-arm (axillary), the crease under the breast, or at the lower border of the areola.

According to Dr. Bitar, who specializes in the auxiliary breast augmentation, there are many advantages to this approach.  “Muscle and breast tissue are not cut, there is also minimal bleeding, less scarring and a shorter recovery time with minimal complications,” he says.  “The milk ducts are not touched, so the risk of losing the ability to breast feed after a breast implant with this approach is negligible.”

Dr. Bitar

Look Good Coming and Going

Women now not only want to be fit and toned, but they want Kim Kardashian’s derriere.  The Brazilian butt lift is a relatively simple procedure where the fat is harvested from the belly and around the buttocks through liposuction and reinjected to create a heart or ideal round shape. The procedure yields natural results with minimal recovery time.

Wear Short Shorts with Style

Dread showing your legs?  There are vein treatments to fix those ugly blue and red veins that spread across your legs as you age.  Sclerotherapy, for example, involves injecting the veins with a saline solution.  The veins then scar and are reabsorbed into the body. In most cases, the treated veins will fade within a few weeks.

Finally, before you undergo any procedure, do your research.  Make sure the surgeon has done hundreds if not thousands of procedures and is affiliated with a good hospital. Also, think twice before traveling abroad for cheaper surgery.  As Dr. Bitar advises his patients, “Three things you don’t want to compromise on: your parachute, your scuba gear, and your plastic surgery!”

 

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July 24, 2017

Your New Favorite Skincare and Whole Health Products Are On Another Planet…Vanity Planet

PETA-certified beauty company makes it easier than ever to step up your beauty game without breaking the bank

LOS ANGELES, California – (July 18, 2017): There is nothing more exciting than trying a new beauty product – the thrill overtaking you as you unwrap the pristine packaging, your imagination running wild with the possibilities on your horizon if this product delivers on its promises. The trouble is, most products don’t. Afterward, all that you’re left with is a familiar feeling of frustration, and dreaded buyer’s remorse – all that money wasted, all those possibilities vanishing into thin air. There’s nothing worse!

Vanity Planet is done with the muss, fuss and failed promises, and they figure you’re done with it, too. So, they’re on a mission to end frustration, banish buyer’s remorse, and create an entirely new, hassle-free experience, designed around unleashing a “bold, more confident you.” On this Planet, you won’t find piles of empty promises, or products that cost you an arm and a leg but don’t deliver. This beauty company believes you shouldn’t have to spend your entire life savings – or rely on ingredients that are tested on who-knows-what – to look and feel like the glam fox you truly are.

Offering only PETA-certified, cruelty-free solutions for your skin, hair, health, and well-being, Vanity Planet provides everything you need to polish your inside and outside, because true beauty means tending to both. The best part? Nothing on Vanity Planet will break your bank: shop their best-selling face or body brushes that stimulate circulation and restore your natural glow, or grab an all-in-one makeup tool kit. Can’t decide what to get your bestie for her Birthday? Gift her body soaks and rare oil blends or a complete smile and nail care collection. There is seriously a gift for everyone on Vanity Planet!

Can’t decide which product is right for you? No sweat. Vanity Planet’s live chat support team is available 24/7 to customize your experience and provide one-on-one advice, giving you all the tools you need to feel confident about your purchase. Pair that with their simple online return process, and you’ll never again have to battle with buyer’s remorse. Discover the online experience that leaves shoppers “speechless,” and explore the company’s complete line of face and body brushes that buyers are calling “the best purchase” of the year. You’ll feel like you’re in another world!

About Vanity Planet: Not your average beauty company, Vanity Planet makes no apologies for their shameless focus on looking good. They believe that when you look good, you feel good and that you shouldn’t have to spend your entire paycheck in order to get your hands on top-notch, cruelty-free body and skin care. Their full line of products includes everything buyers need to feel fabulous from head to toe. From top-rated face and body brushes to essential makeup tools, mouth care, and nail treatments. Visit VanityPlanet.com to explore their full collection, and get social @VanityPlanetStore on Instagram.

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July 24, 2017

Joan Smalls Wears Bentahar!

Los Angeles, CA – July 24, 2017 – Joan Smalls wore Bentahar in an Instagram post earlier today!  The supermodel looked sultry as she posed in her Bentahar cropped hoodie (Price Available Upon Request, fayebentahar.com).

Photo Courtney of Instagram.

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July 24, 2017

Some Fun Facts on National Lipstick Day

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