December 2018 - Town of Broadalbin

Tips for Outfitting Your Home Office

December 27, 2018 by Gianni Moretti

It is no longer news that the work environment is shifting. The traditional office arrangement is no longer the standard, and many companies have adjusted to different employee needs throughout recent years.

As more and more people work from home, carving a niche in your place for a home office becomes a valuable undertaking. Here are some tips on how to create one on a budget.

Grab some bargains

Start by checking out available used office furniture to see if you can get something you like — for a fraction of its original price! Used furniture from offices are typically high quality and have little wear and tear and usually for a more than reasonable cost.

If you want quality furniture without the expense, then this is definitely the first place to look, especially if you’re looking for an office table. It is also good to buy a chaise lounge sofa for sale as it looks stunning.

Invest in a good chair

When it comes to your office chair, however, it’s usually better to spend more for something of good quality. Do remember that you will be spending most of your time sitting in it, so it’s best to invest.

Even if you buy used furniture, make sure that the office chair is reupholstered so that it offers you excellent comfort and support while you work.

Try a standing table

Try looking for a table that can also be converted into a standing workstation. Studies show that sitting down for long periods of time can cause a host of health problems for individuals. Standing up every few minutes or so can help with your blood circulation and, in turn, minimize downtime.

Look for natural light

It’s usually best to work when there’s sufficient natural light that spurs you on to continue. It’s not only good for productivity but also for your health. Therefore, being close to a window would be ideal.

Note that some people like to have an open view in front of them to keep them motivated. Others like to face a wall to avoid distractions. If you like to psych yourself up, you can try putting a mirror in front of you, so the image of your working helps boost your energy.

Think of ergonomics

Lastly, keep ergonomics in mind. Simply put, arrange your tools in such a way that it becomes significantly easy to reach for different items, thereby using up as little time as possible.

Studies show that keeping clutter to a minimum and developing a system for your desk can help you in terms of efficiency and productivity. You could also make use of labels and a colour-coded system to keep your things organized and thus easy to access.

If you’re the type of person that constantly want change, you could make adjustments to your home office as the need arises. Keep in mind that the goal is to create a setup that allows you to be productive. Try the tips above, and watch your productivity increase!

Essential Steps for Preparing a Special Anniversary Date at Home

December 21, 2018 by TownOfBroadalbin

Are you about to celebrate an anniversary where you feel that you won’t be able to make the proper arrangements for a holiday or restaurant reservation on time? What if you suddenly run out of ideas or inspiration to actually plan out an anniversary date, and you need to come up with one really fast? When you still want to make this anniversary extra special but for some reason or another you can’t take your spouse out, then it’s time to consider celebrating your union at home. Here are a few quick suggestions to start you off:

Mark the Date

Setting the date is partly a matter of managing time and finding the right time for it. However, if you really can’t find a way to celebrate it on the day itself due to your schedules and important activities, then simply do so before or after it. What matters is that you remember it, greet your partner with a kiss, hug, and small gift, along with the announcement that you’ve set your special date on another day due to scheduling issues.

Fix the House

You don’t have to go with anything flashy when it comes to decorations, but you can start by cleaning your house, or at the very least, the areas where you plan to spend your anniversary. If you can afford to hire cleaners, then do so and make sure that they finish before the actual special day arrives. Add a few decorations such as curtains, rugs, and centerpieces. On the day itself, add the extras, such as scented candles and flower petals, preferably an hour before your partner arrives. The best thing about all these preparations is that you can keep some of the changes in place even after your anniversary.

Offer Your Cooking

Nothing beats like offering a dish that you have made yourself on this special day. You’ll never run out of possible choices as there are many dishes that you can make hours or even a few days in advance. You can also look up videos online for dishes that need little cooking or supervision—that is if you’re short on time. For those who aren’t confident with their cooking skills, ask a friend to help you out in the kitchen, but make sure that they mostly supervise and guide you and not do everything on your behalf.

Choose Your Gift

This can make or break the occasion, so you need to find a gift that will both be practical and pleasing to her. Though you may not have the budget for a new luxury watch or exclusive jewelry, you can still find less expensive but quality choices such as signature skincare or beauty products. The Korean COSRX skincare is a very good example of these kinds of gifts since COSRX offers popular, high-end, and effective products.

Just because you can’t manage a date in a posh restaurant doesn’t mean that your anniversary is going to lack romance and intimacy. Sometimes you just need the right kind of creativity, resourcefulness, and sincerity to make these special occasions work. May the best of luck go to you and your spouse as you surprise her with a happy wedding anniversary celebration at home.

The Top 3 Gifts Your Man Would Love

December 20, 2018 by Gianni Moretti

You’re probably already planning what present you will give to the man in your life since the holidays are nearing. Shopping for men could be challenging, however, especially if your boyfriend or husband isn’t sure what he wants.

Here are three gift ideas that can narrow down your search in finding the right present for your man.

1. Elevate Your Partner’s Styling Game

Buy your partner pieces that will enhance or complement his wardrobe. Start with the essentials that men should always have in their wardrobe.

You can get him T-shirts in neutral colors, such as white, black, gray, and navy. These colors are easy to style, so your partner would have an easier time pairing them. You might even be able to get shirts that come in a unisex fit, as found on shopfrancesboutique.com, giving you the option to borrow the top.

Button-down shirts are also a nice option because they are versatile. Your beloved man can wear it to work or when he takes you out on a date. He can pair it with a good pair of chinos or blue jeans, which never go out of style.

When it comes to accessories, a watch is a timeless gift for men. There are several things you need to consider when buying a watch. One, the brand he prefers. Two, the features he will need (e.g., water-resistant, stainless steel strap, and long battery life). And three, the type of watch he wants, sports watch versus a dress watch.

2. His Skin Needs Care, Too

Most men don’t pay attention to their grooming habits as much as women do. This gift-giving season, it’s your chance to help your partner care for his skin. Consider giving him grooming products so he can look and smell better during the holidays and into the next year.

You can buy him a cleanser that clears and refreshes his face and body. You may add a skin moisturizer, as well. Choose products specifically designed for men.

Help him manage his facial hair by buying a set of shaving tools. This may include a high-quality razor, shaving cream, and aftershave, among others.

3. Spoil Him with Cool Gadgets

If you’re willing to spend more for your partner, there are plenty of electronic devices that your partner would love. For example, get a voice-controlled gadget built with features that can help make your partner’s daily tasks easier.

There are also gadgets that fit men who are always on-the-go. You can buy a pair of wireless charging pad so that he can charge his mobile phone anywhere. Wireless headphones are also popular these days because they allow users to listen to music comfortably, whether they’re in the gym or at the office.

Waterproof action cameras can be an amazing gift, too, particularly if both of you love to go on adventure trips. Invest in a camera that can withstand water, snow, and mud.

Christmas is a wonderful opportunity to show your appreciation for the man in your life. So show him some love with a gift that suits his personality and his lifestyle.

Wedding Rings: Tips on Choose One with Your Partner

December 19, 2018 by Gianni Moretti

One of the most important aspects of a wedding is the wedding band. No, not the wedding performers — the rings. The joy in finding something that will signify your love for each other forever is something that most couples look forward to.

But, despite the initial excitement, a lot of people will come to realize that choosing a wedding ring is not really as easy as choosing something out of a catalog. Feeling lost? You are not alone.

That is why this guide is here to help you choose wedding rings in DC. Symbolize your love for each other perfectly. Tiny Jewel Box tells us more.

1. Have a reasonable budget

Wedding rings can be affordable or can be really expensive depending on different factors. Thus, before shopping for one, it is best to set aside a reasonable budget and stick to it. Doing some research beforehand regarding the market prices will be helpful.

2. Shop with your spouse-to-be

The experience of shopping for a wedding band together is an activity that most couples enjoy doing. Some people get a wedding ring only to go home and disappoint their partner over a wedding ring they feel does not represent their relationship as well as their individualities.

Not only is it a good bonding experience, but it is also a way to get to know your other half, and to make sure that you both get what you want.

3. Know what you want

Speaking of getting what you want, it pays to have an idea of what to look for in a ring. It need not be matching as some couples nowadays opt to wear something of their personal liking. A quick visit to inspiration sites such as Pinterest on the internet will be helpful.

4. Decide between custom and pre-made

Some couples opt for ready-made rings, while others want something uniquely theirs and would prefer customized wedding bands. Having jewelry made specifically for you is very special, but getting rings that are already pre-made will save you lots of time and money.

So, your choice between the two options depends on your budget, how much time you have, and whether or not you have found a pre-made pair of rings that is already perfect in every way. Talk with your jeweler about your choice to know what to expect from it.

5. Choose the materials wisely

The materials used in the rings will affect how beautiful they are and how long they will last without damages, such as fading or scratches. This factor will also determine the specific look of the ring. A quick choice between gold, silver, and rose gold can make a lot of difference in your ring’s outcome.

Now that you know the basics of shopping for a wedding ring, finding one can be easier, and not to mention, more memorable for the both of you. Planning a wedding can be very stressful, but you only get to do this once for the first time, so make sure you enjoy every moment, too.

Skin and Premature Aging: You Might Be the Culprit

December 19, 2018 by Gianni Moretti

While there are many positive things that go along with getting older, the way your skin is starting to look or change may not be one of them. This is especially true if you notice some premature signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, and sunspots.

The natural process of aging, however, is not the only thing to blame. You may not realize it, but your daily habits and lifestyle may be the reason you are aging faster than you expect. Here are some of the culprits and a few tips on how you can reverse the process.

You don’t get enough sleep

This doesn’t just result in dark bags and circles under the eyes. Sleep deprivation, according to studies, can also lead to poor collagen formation, which ages the skin. It can also raise your cortisol levels and affect your skin’s moisture levels, making it dull and less youthful. Make it habit to sleep at least seven hours each night.

You don’t use eye or wrinkle cream

Aging tends to be more noticeable around the eyes. This only makes it important to keep this area moisturized with eye or wrinkle cream. Be sure to look for products with retinol, Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and neuropeptides. You may also want to do your homework to find the best wrinkle cream and moisturizers in the market.

You skip wearing sunscreen

Sunlight exposure is one of the main causes of premature lines and wrinkles on the face. Do take note that UV rays are still present on cloudy and rainy days, and can damage your skin. Be sure to stay out of the sun and slather on sunscreen every time you go out. Be sure to look for a broad-spectrum product or those with an SPF of at least 30.

You sleep on your stomach

This sleeping position can get your face smashed into the pillow. This can then speed up aging and cause the wrinkles to become etched in your skin. It may also cause the fluids to accumulate in your eyes, resulting in puffiness. Sleeping on your back can help you avoid wrinkles, as well as investing in a satin pillowcase.

You wear a lot of makeup

Excess makeup, particularly oil-based ones, can wreck your skin by clogging your pores. Some of these products may also contain irritating chemicals and alcohol that can dry your skin and remove its natural oils. This can then lead to blemished skin, as well as premature lines and wrinkles. Here are a few tips on keeping your makeup simple and natural. The more simple and natural our makeup is, the less problem we will have with our ageing skin.

Take note of these habits and stop aging your skin too quickly. It is better that our skin does not age quickly or else we may look much more older than what are age is. It is also a good idea to invest in creams, moisturizers, and other skincare products that can help fight aging.

How Should You Choose an Engagement Ring?

December 19, 2018 by TownOfBroadalbin

Getting married is a unique experience. This special event brings families and friends together, as well as bind two souls as one. It is so special that couples spend a significant amount of money for it. The money goes to a variety of expenses, including wedding preparations, catering, wedding dress, venue, and of course, engagement ring and wedding bands.

While most people were willing to splurge on engagement rings before, many couples are becoming more practical these days. When choosing the perfect engagement ring, more people are no longer keen on spending a fortune on their preferred option, especially the millennials. They tend to allot the money on the venue, food, and other important things related to their relationship goals or wedding plan. Some couples just put the extra amount on their joint savings account.

But why do they choose to avoid spending a huge amount on an engagement ring? Student loans probably drive them to keep their spending within budget. A survey somehow reflected this, as most of the respondents believe that you shouldn’t spend more than $3,000 on an engagement ring. Every couple wanting to get married someday should adopt this good practice.

Popular Options

If you plan to buy a diamond ring, AAA Jewelers notes that you should at least be familiar with the four Cs: cut, clarity, carat weight, and color. A stone with a high color and cut, and a lower clarity will cost less, so consider this when you have a limited budget.

It will likely take you at least two weeks before the ring is finished, depending on the level of craftsmanship that you prefer for the item. Whether you plan to buy custom jewelry in Utah or in another state, make sure you have insurance for it. Those who plan to buy diamond rings should also consider an inspection report from a third-party group, such as the American Gem Society. It may cost you extra, but that’s a better alternative to buying a fake or substandard piece.

Popular Days

The day and time of your proposal should also be a factor for the price of an engagement ring. An analysis showed that the days between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day are the most popular time to pop the question.

Since more people want to be engaged during this period, you should expect prices to be higher. Even if you find discounted offers, you may need to wait for a longer time before the ring becomes available due to a bigger number of orders. If you want to save money, you can propose on other regular days or season. The secret is to make the ordinary day extraordinary. Your creativity and imagination are the limits.

A proposal need not be too flashy and costly. Sincerity, love, and passion are more important than the price of the ring. Set the right budget for an engagement ring and this will make it easier for you to choose since determining how much you’re willing to spend will let you narrow down the options.

Lower Your Shipping Costs in 3 Ways

December 18, 2018 by Gianni Moretti

Entrepreneurs are always finding ways to trim their shipping costs, which is one of the largest business expenses, notes a leading supplier of clear envelopes. One of the greatest drawbacks to online shopping is that someone has to cover the cost of transportation.

Major online retailers tend to offer free shipping on select items while charging low shipping costs on the rest. To this end, people tend to gravitate toward companies that offer low-cost or free shipping options. As a small retailer looking to break in the market, you need to find creative ways to get around this problem.

Refine your packing process

The size of your packing materials determines how much it costs to mail your products to your customers. Naturally, the larger the packaging, the more you’re likely to pay to ship them. Rethinking your packaging can help you cut down the weight and size of your packages.

For instance, you could consider using a poly mailer instead of boxes and save on costs. Poly mailers are lightweight, cheap, and perfect for shipping non-fragile items, such as apparels. If sending fragile items, opt for padded envelopes for they offer more protection from damage.

Trimming down the weight and size of packages lowers your costs, which can let you reduce your shipping charges or even ship items free of charge.

Build your shipping charges into the price

It’s only natural that you want to keep healthy profit margins when running a business. Otherwise, you’ll run into financial headwinds somewhere down the line. Offering free shipping on items is a popular way to attract customer, but that doesn’t mean that your profits have to take a hit.

In most cases, sellers build the cost of shipping into the prices, and then offer free shipping. The trick works because the customer is thrilled by the prospect of getting something for free or without additional costs.

However, you need to be careful when using this approach as you still need to price your products affordably to compete in the market. If your products fail to match the competition, you might have a dip in your sales.

Do your due diligence

There are many shipping options on the market, and you should find the one with the best service. Ideally, you’re looking for the mailing service with the most efficient service at the lowest possible cost. That would call you to do extensive research to establish a database.

Luckily, you don’t have to stick it out with one mailing service. Instead, you can maintain a roster of services and use the one with the lowest rates when shipping to a particular region. Again, you might consider shopping around for to get cheaper options.

The stiff competition in the retail space often causes businesses to resort to offering free shipping to grow sales. High shipping fees can hurt your sales and impact your bottom line. As such, you need to find creative ways to keep the costs low and affordable without your financials taking a hit.

Top Things to Remember When Choosing a Wedding Venue

December 12, 2018 by Gianni Moretti

Weddings are very special because they are intimate and romantic events. These bring two people together and bind them as one. The wedding day is the start of a new chapter in a couple’s lives. They will be sharing a house and living together to build a family. The event is special for the couple and their friends and family, which is why it’s important to plan it carefully.

Planning your own wedding can be a challenging task though, as you would need to think about many things, including the catering and food, the cake, decors, tables and chairs, sound system, and of course, the venue. Choosing the right venue is important to make sure everyone who’s attending your wedding ceremony and reception will be comfortable. Make sure the location is accessible and has sufficient parking spaces for the guests.

If you’re planning to tie the knot in Minnesota, you can find a variety of wedding venues that will suit your budget and personal preferences. Here are some of the things you need to remember when choosing an event center in Lowertown, St. Paul for your wedding reception:

The Area’s Capacity

Finish your guest list early and count all of the people that have already responded to your RSVP. Look for specific venues and locations that are big enough to handle the headcount, so you would not get into trouble during your wedding.

In addition, be sure to get a few extra seats so that when some people arrive unexpectedly, you can let them in. A contingency plan is a must during any type of event. You’ll never know what might happen, so it’s best to have a plan B.

Choose a Theme

Talk to your partner and discuss the theme that you want for your wedding. You can go for formal, boho, rustic, low-key, vintage, artistic, etc. Modern weddings are now usually held in barns, galleries, tents, and beaches, so you have the freedom to choose a theme that you and your partner will love. You should also choose between an indoor or outdoor wedding to find out which type of venue is appropriate. Once you have a theme, inform your wedding planner and the venue about it, so they can make the right preparations.

Ask About the Catering

Some venues do not allow couples to bring in their own caterers, which means you will have no choice but to hire their in-house caterer. If you are planning to bring your own caterer, then go ahead and ask about it firsthand. If they don’t allow it, then ask for their menu and see if they charge a cake-cutting fee for bringing your own wedding cake.

Arrange a food tasting session, so you and your partner can decide which food to serve during your wedding reception. This is important, especially if some of the guests you invited have personal, religious, or cultural preferences when it comes to food.

Talking to the owners and managers and looking around the area is key to ensuring a successful wedding reception and venue. Check the options you have and do not rush into things.

Tips for Making the Most Out of Your Barn Wedding Reception

December 12, 2018 by Gianni Moretti

The reception is definitely one of the most important parts of a wedding. It brings the lovely couple together with both sides of the family, and it is also where loved ones give their speeches out to the newlyweds. If you are thinking of going rustic for your reception, here are some tips for making sure your barn wedding in Minnesota becomes a huge success.

Use the ceiling height to your advantage

Most barn wedding venues have a high ceiling height. Use this to your advantage by hanging beautiful crystal chandeliers or something that gives a similar effect. This will immediately give your reception a rustic yet elegant feel, and your pictures will surely look amazing!

Pair the stationery with your overall design

Set the tone right by keeping the stationery paired up with your wedding’s overall design and theme. If you are going for a rustic type of lighting and wall decor, then you should do the same with your invitations and other stationery materials. You can even ask the caterer to design the menu the way you would plan the whole place.

Hang some fabrics

Keep the setting rustic yet intimate by placing a couple of hanging fabrics in the background. White and sheer fabrics are mostly what people go for when it comes to weddings, as they immediately give out a comfortable vibe. If you are not sure how to design it yourself, ask for some help from your family, friends, or even from a professional wedding or event organizer.

Insect-proof the area

Insects can be unwanted guests at your wedding reception. Therefore, one thing you should not forget to do is place citronella candles around the barn to keep these pests away. You should also provide little bottles of bug sprays, particularly in the entrance area and the bathroom, so that your guests can stay safe from bug bites the whole night.

Prepare for the weather

You can never tell for sure what the weather is going to be on your big day. So, make sure to be prepared in case bad weather suddenly decides to make a visit. Have a backup plan. Set up tents in your venue. Provide heating or cooling systems, and make sure your guests stay comfortable.

Utilize the outdoor space for entertainment

Take advantage of the vast outdoor space by having live music and letting your guests dance their hearts out. This will not only make your reception more fun but also encourage guests to interact with each other. You can also facilitate some games children and adults alike can truly enjoy.

Always ask for your partner’s opinion when it comes to designing the wedding reception venue. This will help the event become even more successful, beautiful, and ultimately memorable. You can also consider hiring a professional event or wedding planner to make sure your big day will be a huge success and a big hit to the crowd. This is one of the biggest events in your lifetime, so make sure to plan it according to what will make you and your partner happy.

Ideas for Matching Your Headboard Style to the Bedroom’s Theme

December 11, 2018 by Gianni Moretti

You have different options for your bed’s headboard, but one of the best that you can pick is an upholstered headboard. This allows you to sit up comfortably in your bed and at the same time, lends a luxurious feel to your room.

When buying an upholstered headboard, you will have to evaluate two primary elements, namely fabric and style. While the fabric might be easy to pick, the style options available at mattress stores like 2 Brothers Mattress are vast. As such, it might be a challenge to select the ideal one for your bedroom space.

Here is a guide to help you match the choice of your headboard style to the overall theme of your bedroom.

Romantic Bedrooms

You can add a romantic look to your bedroom with a tall curved upholstered headboard. To add a luxurious feel to your romantic theme, opt for a headboard with rich jewel-toned satin or plush button-tufted white velvet. This will create a bedroom fit for a king and a queen.

Classic Bedrooms

A classic bedroom theme does not mean a boring one. You can make a classic theme stand out with an upholstered headboard with a corded border. Go for creamy white stripes mixed with navy, charcoal or black for a formal headboard look. The pinstripes will also create a casual overall appearance to your bedroom.

Eclectic Bedrooms

For the artistic people, an eclectic bedroom makes a perfect fit. Headboards in printed fabrics with minimal headboard padding are the best choice to set your wild side free. Tropical, vibrant colors are your best choice for the headboard.

Bold Bedrooms

If you are the type of person who likes to take risks in designing your space, why don’t you go for an ornamented headboard, complete with flashy fabric, bright colors and bold patterns? Make this stand up to the boldness of the rest of the room, but make sure to keep every little detail cohesive.

Luxurious Bedrooms

Go all the way in terms of luxury by choosing velvet as the material of your headboard and chocolate brown as the primary color. You can also add royal curtains behind it and then plush pillows and linens on your mattress to add an even more elegant feel to your bedroom space.

Monochromatic Bedrooms

If you like the interiors of your bedroom to look not too bold but at the same time, not boring, go for something in between. Make sure that the colors of your wall and headboard complement each other so that there will be not too much contrast but only subtle changes in the overall look of your space.

Your headboard covers the most substantial portion of your bedroom and can hence be used as the focal point of your bedroom’s theme. With a greatly designed headboard, you will get to not only make your bedroom more comfortable and cozy but also improve the overall aesthetics of the whole space. With this guide, you are in an excellent position to pick the best style for your headboard.