woman in black hoodie on the beach

Black Hoodies: What are the Best Brands?

The hoodie was “born” in 1919. Not to a cool cat who has inimitable style or someone whose flair for fashion was ahead of its time. The hoodie, much like the quintessential jeans, started out as a utilitarian part of a sweatshirt. It was designed to protect laborers and athletes from the elements.

Today, however, this utilitarian feature has become stylish and something of a symbol, especially black hoodies.

The Black Hoodie and What it Means

skater doing trick in black hoodie
Photo by Zac Ong on Unsplash

How did the hoodie go from practical wear to streetwear? You can thank high school for that switch. When athletes began lending their hooded sweatshirts to their girlfriends, suddenly the sweater usually worn on the sidelines became fashionable style beyond the football field or track.

The rise of urban and skater culture turned this high school piece of stylish sweater into a valuable prop for concealing one’s identity. A black hoodie is particularly helpful for graffiti artists to duck the authorities while they work on a wall or skaters from being identified when they crash someone’s backyard. But a black hooded pullover doesn’t just provide a low profile for illicit activities; the material and construction also protects the person, in style, during winter.

As gangsta rap came to the fore, with rappers and groups donning pared-down outfits to match the gritty undertone of the genre. Although mainstream fashion has used sweater hoodies in black and more, the police still associate the fashion piece exclusively to criminal behavior. Anyone walking the streets at night in a black hoodie becomes a suspect.

And so the storied hoodie now finds its place in a kind of resistance. Celebrities, athletes, musicians and activists have worn black hoodies to symbolize their support for people who have been persecuted and, in tragic cases, killed for “acting suspicious” in their black sweatshirt hoodies.

What are the Most Popular Hoodies?

man in nike black hoodie leaning on bar
Photo by Joes Valentine on Unsplash

Small wonder then that this seemingly casual, protective top has become a stylish piece in anyone’s wardrobe. And any brand that offers it is likely to see sales soar.

But which are the most popular hoodies?

According to Ranker.com, Nike holds the top spot as the most popular brand for hoodies. The mega sports brand is followed by Adidas, Champion, Vans and Supreme. Clearly, most people use sweatshirt hoodies for sports activities. Some may wear it while running, others may put on after a boxing training.

Other brands in the Ranker list are posh designers, like Gucci and Emporio Armani and edgy brands, like Obey and Deathwish Inc. Skater brands, such as Enjoi and Plan B also make the list for most popular providers of hoodies.

Which Brand Makes the Best Hoodies?

Whether it’s a black hoodie you want, the best brand doesn’t have to come with a high street price tag. Although it wouldn’t hurt your wardrobe to have one dressy black hoodie for clubbing if you enjoy a lot of night outs.

But if your main concerns revolve around everyday errands, running around the park, heading to the gym for weights or yoga, and just keeping cozy on those chilly days, these black brand hoodies should meet your demands.

Champion Pullover Hoodie

The all-around black hoodie every man and woman may want to have in their closet. Pull it over a pair of jeans or pajamas and you’re good to go for a fuss-free day around the house. Or a quick grocery run.

Nike Sportswear Black Hoodie

There’s a reason people go to Nike for sportswear. The black brand hoodie is a classic, blending cotton and poly, letting you get your workout done in fashion.

Carhartt Defender Hoodie

For those who do a lot of outdoor work, Carhartt’s Defender big black hoodie is a must. It’s perfect for heavy-duty work in cold weather. And it’s about $89 on Amazon.

Uniqlo Cotton Hoodie

The Uniqlo black hoodie combines cotton and poly, like Nike and Carhartt. It’s designed with a classic French terry hoodie with a V patch.

Adidas Essential Hoodie

The Essential Hoodies from Adidas features several different styles. If you’re not a fan of the pullover, the brand has full-zip hoodies. For softer feel, try out the French terry hoodies. A fleece black hoodie can go for a low of $50.

Everlane Track Hoodie

If you’re looking for 100 percent organic cotton, black sweatshirt hoodie to run in, Everlane’s hoodie works just fine. It’s custom-developed French terry construction provides a luxurious feel without the posh price at under a hundred.

Hanes Ecosmart Hoodie

Hanes’ hoodie is made from 5 percent polyester that comes from recycled plastic bottles. It’s about $30.

Horizon Studios Travel Hoodie

Finally, if you can spare the cash, spring for the Horizon Studios black hoodie. It’s designed for travelers who can splurge on a pullover with a hood that’s got a cushioning and a fold out mask. The temperature-regulating fabric is also made from organic material: coffee charcoal and jade. Not only that, this black hoodie also fights odor and overheating. With all of these features, expect to pay close to two hundred.

Is a Sweater and a Hoodie the Same Thing?

black man with glasses in black hoodie pullover
Photo by Ismael Paramo on Unsplash

A sweater and a hoodie are both reliable for keeping you warm when temperatures drop. But they are not the same thing. The most obvious difference is that a hoodie comes with a hood whereas a sweater doesn’t. So a hoodie can be a sweater but a sweater can’t be a hoodie.

But these tops also have other differences.

Sweater

  • It’s usually a pullover
  • It has different neckline options: crew, cowl, v-neck or turtleneck
  • Typically made from wool or wool blends

Hoodie

  • Usually from cotton and fleece
  • They have no waist
  • Design generally features kangaroo pockets

Choosing an All Black Hoodie

Whether you go with a casual, cheap black hoodie depends on what you’ll need it for. If you’re the athletic type, you may want to spend a bit more to get more use out of this hooded sweatshirt. And if you live in a cooler place, get black hoodies that will keep you as warm and all cozy as possible.

woman in black black and pants

Black Suit for Women: How to Wear It

Power dressing is a trend that has been around for decades. In turbulent times, what you wear becomes a statement; with suits, that typically means activism, liberation, equality.

According to a 2021 report, the global women’s suits market has reached $11.50 billion. Analysts expect this figure to rise at a compound annual growth rate of 4.8% from 2022 to 2028. As more women enter the fashion scene, demand for stylish and professional clothing that makes them feel confident and empowered grows.

The black suit is the epitome of power dressing. It’s sleek, it’s elegant and it makes a strong statement. But how can one wear a black suit without looking too corporate or somber?

Here are some style hacks to help you rock the black suit and make a powerful statement.

Are women’s suits still in style?

Women in suits are perhaps one of the most timeless fashion statements. Over the years, the suit style has evolved from boxy and masculine to more form-fitting and feminine. Today, the modern suit is no longer just for the boardroom; the fashion world has embraced it as a stylish and versatile piece that allows being dressed up or down.

The suit has become a staple in many women’s wardrobes, thanks to its popularity on the runway. With so many personalities donning the look, it’s no wonder the trend doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. And as long as women want to convey confidence, professionalism and style, the suit will always be around.

Is black suit good?

A black pantsuit is the ultimate clothing item that combines sophistication and authority. Because of its ability to make such a strong impression, it’s often seen as one of the most versatile pieces in a woman’s closet.

Aside from its ability to make heads turn, a black suit for women are also incredibly easy to style. Its neutral color goes with almost everything, making it the perfect base for any outfit. So it’s an essential piece for any woman who wants an effortless way to look put together.

Where can a woman wear a black suit?

woman-in-black-pantsuit
Photo by
Ivan Kazlouskij on Unsplash

There’s no definite answer when it comes to where a woman can wear a black pantsuit. The great thing about this clothing item is that it’s appropriate for various occasions.

Here are some examples of where black suits for women would be appropriate:

At Parties

Dressing up for a party can seem daunting, but if you have a black pantsuit in your wardrobe, you’re halfway there. Many women wear dresses to parties, but a suit is just as festive. With the right accessories and styling, a black suit can make you the life of the party.

A black suit can make you more daring than any little black dress. And since it’s a two-piece, you can show off as much or as little skin as you want. It’s a flattering and stylish option for women who want to exude confidence and power.

In the Office

Black suits for women are the ultimate workwear staple. It conveys a powerful tone, making it perfect for any corporate event. It’s also important to note that a black suit can be appropriate for job interviews. Whether working in a traditional or creative industry, a black suit can make anyone look intimidating and polished.

While a navy blue suit is the industry standard, a black one will make you stand out from the sea of navy suits. It shows that you’re willing to be different and have a strong sense of style.

On Dates

A black skirt suit set is a perfect outfit for any woman who wants to make a strong first impression. Whether going on a first date or meeting your partner’s parents, a black suit will show you’re willing to put your best foot forward.

It’s also a good idea to wear a black skirt suit set on a date if you’re not sure what the dress code is. In general, it’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed. And since a black suit is so versatile, you can always take it off or style it down if necessary.

At Any Time

When it comes to everyday styling, a black suit is always a good idea. It’s the perfect clothing item when you want to look well-suited but don’t have the time or energy to put together an entire outfit. Whether running errands or going to lunch with friends, a black suit will make you look like you made an effort. It’s an easy way to look presentable without trying too hard.

How should a woman wear a black suit casually?

woman wearing office suit and converse stepping on scooter
Photo by Диана Дунаева on Pexels

While a black suit might seem formal for a casual event, you can easily dress it down with the proper techniques. Below are some tips on how to style a black suit for a more relaxed look:

Pair them with casual pieces

A black suit with sneakers or sandals can turn your outfit into a more casual look. You can also add a pop of color to your top or handbag. This method will help break up the solid black and make your outfit fun.

Wear them with a t-shirt

T-shirts are the perfect way to dress down a black suit. Choose a relaxed-fit tee in a neutral color for a casual vibe. You can also experiment with different necklines, such as a scoop neck or v-neck.

Incorporate accessories

Another great way to style a black suit for casual events is by incorporating fun and funky accessories. It can be anything from a statement necklace to brightly-colored bangles. Many women also wear scarves with black suits for a pop of color. And of course, don’t forget about the earrings. Hoops or dangly earrings can add personality to any look.

What to look for when shopping for black suits

Women in suits have been a popular trend recently, with many stores carrying a wide selection of colors and styles. When shopping for black suits, it’s essential to keep the following factors in mind:

The Fit

A well-fitting suit is a key to looking polished and put together. Ensure the jacket fits snugly on the shoulders and doesn’t gap in the front. The sleeves should also hit the wrist, and the pants should sit at your natural waist. If you’re shopping for a skirt suit, ensure the skirt falls just above the knee.

The Fabric

For many women in suits, the fabric is everything. A good quality fabric will make all the difference in your suit’s looks and feels. When shopping for black suits, look for materials that are wrinkle-resistant and have a little bit of stretch. It will ensure your suit looks great all day long, no matter what you’re doing.

The Style

Many styles of black suits are available, from classic to modern. If you’re not sure what kind to choose, consult with a salesperson or personal shopper. They’ll be able to help you find the perfect black suit for your body type.

Where to get an affordable black suit for women

Designers and brands like Armani, Ralph Lauren, and Calvin Klein all offer high-quality black suits for women. However, these can be pretty expensive. If you’re looking for an affordable option, try these stores for black suits:

woman in black pantsuit and white shirt
Photo from H&M Pinterest

H&M

This fast-fashion retailer is great for finding affordable black suits for women. Their selection includes modern and classic styles, so you’re sure to find something you love.

woman in tuxedo inspired black suit
Photo from ZARA

Zara

Zara suits are well-made and stylish yet still budget-friendly. A Zara pantsuit is an excellent option if you want a designer suit without the designer price tag. Zara suits come from the latest trends, so you’re sure to find something on-trend and fashion-forward.

woman in black pantsuit with scarf
Photo from Pinterest

Banana Republic

Banana Republic is the go-to for thoughtfully designed classics made from luxurious materials at a fraction of the designer version cost. The brand is known as the travel and safari clothing company, but you’ll also find some stylish and tailored pants and blazers with tops to mix and match.

A black suit is a versatile and stylish piece that every woman should have in her wardrobe. With these tips, you’ll be able to style it for any occasion, from the office to a night out.

Woman with nice skin

3 Things You Probably Don’t Know about Your Skin

Perhaps most know that the skin is the largest organ outside the body, but there is more to it than meets the eye.

Here are three more amazing facts about the skin that should inspire everyone to take care of it:

1. The Skin Changes Over Time

For those looking for more incentives in using a moisturizing whitening soap, then they can think about their age. With aging comes many changes happening on the skin:

  • The body loses a lot of collagen. Collagen fibers are proteins that maintain the structure of connective tissues and skin. As a person ages, the production significantly declines. It explains why the skin can eventually sag or develop lines and wrinkles.
  • The epidermis can also become thin or fragile. It can also hold moisture less effectively, making it feel and appear dry. Both of these changes, though, can increase the risk of breakage. It may then allow pathogens, such as bacteria, to get in, causing skin infections. Soaps with antioxidants may help improve the skin’s fighting ability against these threats.

2. Poor Habits Can Mean Bad Skin

As they say, the skin can reflect everything a person does to their body. Take smoking, for example. This habit can lead to bad skin since the toxins can destroy blood vessels. Damaged ones may prevent the sufficient delivery of oxygen and nutrients skin cells need.

Smoking also increases the risk of heart disease and worsens diabetes. Both of these conditions can still lead to a damaged circulatory system that affects the skin.

Sleep deprivation is another bad habit that results in dull-looking skin and even dark circles under the eyes. One of the reasons is the increased production of cortisol, which is a stress hormone.

Cortisol itself is not bad and, in fact, necessary for metabolism. But excessive production may eventually lead to chronic low-grade inflammation. This one may gradually damage skin cells. Worse, it raises the odds of more severe conditions, such as cardiovascular disorders and diabetes.

Dehydration is also another problem that can impact the quality of the skin. Lack of water can decrease the level of moisture, so it feels and looks dry. Excessive dryness can result in itchiness and redness.

3. The Skin Also Has a Microbiome

Woman touching her skin

One of the biggest buzzwords in the medical field is the “microbiome.” It refers to a community of microorganisms, from viruses to bacteria, all working together to keep a person healthy.

The body has trillions of these organisms all over the body, and some of them are on the skin. However, unlike outside pathogens, these are harmless and even protect the skin against “invaders.”

Nevertheless, all these groups of microbiomes tend to maintain relationships with one another. It’s one of the reasons why scientists are now looking into skin-gut connection. This link is essential because:

  • It may explain why many people can develop food allergies or insensitivities.
  • It may tell the person’s risk for certain types of skin diseases, such as eczema.
  • It may show how eating the right kinds of food or even keeping a healthy weight can also lead to better-looking skin.

There’s no better time to start taking care of the skin than today. It’s one of the best ways to ensure that it can do its job while a person tries to improve their body to make it healthier.

Gifts with different colors

Perfect Gift Ideas for Upcoming Holidays

Admit it, as much as we love receiving gifts during holidays, most of us are not that keen on picking out the perfect holiday presents for our friends, family, and special someone. The usual scenario is that most of us would cram for last-minute holiday shopping—often picking out a poorly thought item.

You are not totally helpless, though.

Although it is just the middle of August, it is not too early to start on your holiday gift list. In fact, planning your presents months ahead would save you the headache of choosing the best-individualized gifts to give during the holiday.

Not to mention, the strict governmental regulations brought about by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected the supply chain of consumer products.

With that in mind, listed below are some great suggestions for unique gift ideas that your friends and loved ones would truly appreciate, especially during these difficult times:

Potted Plants to Cheer Them Up

There are more reasons to give a potted plant as a present other than as a housewarming gift. Moreover, nothing says, “I want to brighten up your day,” much better than some lively houseplant.

Live plants are great gift ideas because they brighten up the room and are beneficial for your health. Studies have shown that indoor plants boost productivity, reduce stress, and clean the air by absorbing toxins.

You are hitting two birds with one stone if you give a potted plant as a gift! Not only is it a thoughtful idea, but you are also promoting the environment.

A Wellness Kit to Take the Stress Away

Another creative and heartwarming present to give is a basket of carefully hand-picked wellness kit essentials. Surely, a few luxurious scented candles, body scrubs, and healthy tea bags would brighten up anyone’s day.

With these unprecedented times, we cannot deny that most of what we hear from the outside world brings us stress. A small basket of unique and thoughtful items you can pick out from a local gift store shows how much you care for the well-being of your family and loved ones.

Home Exercise Equipment for Workout Enthusiast

During the pandemic, many people are stuck at home, almost doing nothing. With home exercise equipment as a gift option, you can encourage the recipient to move their body despite having to stay at home most of the time.

Unlike the ’80s and the ’90s, where gym or exercise materials are bulky and expensive, light and affordable gym essentials are now being sold online. Kettlebell, yoga mats, and other gym essentials are ideal gifts for your friend to encourage healthy living and productive activity during the quarantine.

Alternatively, you may also give your friend or someone dear to you other gym essentials, such as new training shoes, bags, and even a set of towels. This will not only be helpful during their exercise routine, but it is also hygienic.

Enroll Them to an Online Learning Class

If you want to offer a unique and worthwhile gift, you also have online learning classes as an alternative option. Yes, classes may now be considered as a gift in this digital age.

With the internet of things, information may now be bought and sold with just a click of a mouse. With websites like Coursera or Udemy, you can easily pick a crash course for someone you know.

The above-mentioned sites offer creative courses, business courses, and other interesting classes that will surely entice and engage students. If you like, you can even make it as a gift for yourself during this quarantine, for it is never too late to learn something.

Anything Customized

Close up shot of female hands holding a small gift wrapped with pink ribbon

Customized items are a sure way to get the attention of a person. If you want a memorable gift this coming holiday, you can start checking online for gift customization, especially that this process would take time.

Personalized gifts may come in various shapes and sizes. They need not be expensive. You can have a customized bracelet or necklace for your parents this coming Christmas or even fingerprint jewelry for your partner.

You could also simply buy a kit that will help you create the customized gift you wanted. However, if you lack the time and the talent to proceed, it would be better to let experts handle it for you.

The list goes on for gift ideas that you can give to your friends, family, and loved ones. Not only are the above suggestions appropriate for holidays, but they also work for any occasion, like when you just want to say you miss them or you care for them.

Tools for quilting

Stitching Stories: Putting Together Your Own Quilting Bee

Needlework such as stitching and embroidery are delightful pastimes usually associated with lonely spinsters and introverted individuals. But this paints a rather antiquated picture of the subject. Today, a lot of lively and outgoing women can take up these activities as hobbies or because they enjoy doing needlework as a creative outlet.

If you are an outgoing individual with lots of friends who are interested in needlework and enjoy a good sew, why not invite them over for a storied activity? Why not host your very own quilting bee?

What are Quilting Bees?

In the days before fast fashion, sewing machines, and electricity, women often held quilting bees as a form of social bonding. Although they didn’t have access to such zany things like star storm quilt patterns or electric sewing machines, the point of a quilting bee wasn’t just to make a quilt. It was so they can socialize, with all the jokes, gossiping, and laughter that entails.

During a quilting bee, perhaps seven to twelve women would meet at someone’s home or a public space and work together on a single quilt. Often times these quilts are for a special purpose, such as a Christening gift to someone’s baby or as a wedding present for a married couple. However, it was perfectly acceptable to simply host a quilting bee for the sake of socializing.

Holding a Quilting Bee

Quilting

Quilting bees are distinctly social activities and as such it requires all the implements of a small party plus the equipment of a sewing shop. There are three types of quilting bees you can consider for your own stitching shindig.

  • Regular quilting bee: A regular quilting bee calls for seven to as many as a dozen women to gather together and sew a quilt together. You can have them bring their own stitching equipment, since they may have gotten familiar with their needles and such, but provide the raw materials such as threads and scrap cloth. Then it’s simply a question of finding a space large enough for all of you to sit in and to delegate snack duties.
  • Virtual quilting bee: Given the current health crisis, you may want to practice social distancing but that doesn’t mean you can have a stitching fun time. Instead of appearing physically, simply use teleconferencing software to meet digitally as a group. Over the internet, you and your friends can share delightful patterns, showcase your work, and exchange ideas and stories without leaving the safety of your home.
  • Quilting bee swap: Finally, instead of working on a single quilt, why not work on multiple quilts, each with a distinct personal touch? A quilting bee swap begins when each member of the group creates a single patch of a quilt, then by a prearranged system, you swap quilt patches and add to the one you received. You repeat this process until either every woman has added a patch to every other quilt or until you all have complete quilts.

Quilting bees may have gone out of style with the advent of electricity and cheap fabric, but friendship and camaraderie are eternal elements of human life. So long as you and like-minded friends enjoy the art of needlework, you are adding your stitching to a story that goes back thousands of years.

The Dos and Don’ts of Caring for Your Hair Integrations

The integration of artificial hair works like magic. These strands add instant volume or length that would have taken months to achieve. As such, they don’t come cheap. A full head of hair extensions can cost $600 to $1,500 and must be taken out by a professional stylist every six to eight weeks. Taking care of your hair extensions will not only give you better hair days but also ensures you get the most of your money.

Whether you’re a newbie or a regular hair extension wearer, there are a few things you should know regarding aftercare. Following these pointers will make them last longer and save you from potential hair loss and other scalp problems.

DO: Use the right hair products.

Use moisturizing shampoos that contain argan, castor, or coconut oil to keep your extensions healthy and nourished. Choose leave-in conditioners to prevent dryness and tangles.

It’s generally safe to use creams, oils, and other styling products on your hair as long as they don’t reach the bonds that glue your extensions to the scalp. Choose hydrating serums and alcohol-free products for natural-looking shine.

DON’T: Expose your hair to chlorinated water.

Swimming in chlorine-based water can damage extensions, especially if the chlorine levels are incredibly high.

If you have exposed your hair to chlorine, wash it immediately to keep the chemicals or salt from messing with the adhesive. Chlorine drains the natural oils from your locks, so avoid using dehydrating shampoo. Apply conditioner and let it rest for ten to 15 minutes before washing your scalp thoroughly with warm water.

Leaving chlorine in your hair longer could cause color alteration and irreversible dryness. Better yet, protect your hair with a swim cap to prevent it from getting wet.

DO: Brush your hair regularly.

Brush your hair two to three times daily, but be careful of uprooting the bonds. One way you can do this is by pressing down on your roots while brushing.

Brushing wet extensions can strain and prematurely weaken the bonds. Using a detangling brush with nylon bristles will allow you to comb through the hair without excessive pulling.

DON’T: Overwash your hair.

The key to long-lasting extensions is continuous but gentle maintenance. Use the shampoo sparingly, and be careful not to bunch or scrub your hair as you wash it. Vigorous washing can stress and weaken your extensions.

At best, wash your hair every other day or every second day. Cleanse the ends and scalp thoroughly, but stay away from your hair’s midshaft. Doing so will reduce the risk of shedding and keep your hair extensions smooth and tangle-free.

DO: Allow your natural hair to rest.

Top view of young naked women with beautiful hair keeping her eyes closed while isolated on white

Common types of extensions are glued on your roots or sewn into your hair with a needle and thread. While it can be tempting to use extensions 365 days a year, excessive use can damage your scalp and real locks.

Taking breaks between appointments lets your scalp breathe and recover from any strain caused by the extensions. Doing so will save your hair from breakage and balding.

While no extensions will last forever, proper maintenance can help you enjoy them longer. The right products and techniques will make the difference in whether your extensions will tangle or be soft and healthy. Listen to your stylist and always prioritize your scalp’s health above all else.

The Role of Time Management in Wedding Planning

After getting engaged, most couples become overwhelmed with all the wedding preparations. It is a common scenario, especially to couples who want to be hands-on in all the planning. A lot of things need to be accomplished, so couples have to make necessary and careful preparations. Time management is crucial because you need to handle various responsibilities. It will be more complicated and challenging if you and your partner both have full-time jobs. However, you need to finish all the tasks so that you can have a successful wedding.

Keep in mind that the wedding is only the first day as being husband and wife. If you and your partner don’t realize the importance of time management by this time, you will likely experience marriage problems in the future. For instance, you need to schedule meetings for booking suppliers. Here are a few people that you need to find:

  • Wedding planner/coordinator
  • Ceremony and reception venue
  •  Videographers/Photographers
  • Hair and Make-Up Artist
  • Caterer
  • Event Stylist
  • Host
  • Wedding outfit designers
  • Invitation supplier
  • DJ/Musician/Wedding Singer

These are only some of the most important suppliers and vendors that you need to book for your wedding. Make sure that you check their availability for the date of your wedding. If you want to avoid getting stressed during your special day, you need to ensure that they will show up during that day. For example, if you are having trouble booking a hairstylist, you can start looking for other suppliers for mobile hair and makeup in the Gold Coast. If your favorite photographer is booked on your date, find someone else as soon as possible. It would help if you had a few choices for each supplier. This way, you will have more options to check out if one of them is not available.

How to Manage Your Time

Man looking at his watch

There are a few tricks to ensure that you can plan for the wedding even if you have a 9-to-5 job. The key is to learn how to divide your time correctly. Here are a few practical tips to help you and your partner get started with the preparations:

  • Create a to-do list with your spouse.
  • Form a team or ask for assistance from friends and relatives.
  • Set a timeline for all the tasks that you need to accomplish.
  • Set specific dates or times when you will only focus on wedding preparations.
  • Accomplish other obligations early, such as work or house chores.
  • Choose how to use your spare time wisely.

Learning how to manage your time early is essential, especially if you are planning to settle down soon. Wedding planning is only the first step. All the preparations will test your time as well as financial management skills. You need to plan early if you want to get the best rates as well as the best wedding vendors. If you learn how to manage your time today, your wedding will be a successful one.

After the wedding, you will improve your time management skills. You will need more of this skill during the marriage. It’s a great opportunity to prepare you and your spouse for bigger challenges, such as raising a child in the future.  Ensure that both of you are working towards having a better and lasting relationship. Learning how to manage time together is an excellent first step towards a successful marriage.

Minimalistic setup

Small Changes, Big Impact: Minor Makeovers That Can Completely Transform Your Home

The decade is almost over, which for some people means it’s time for a change. Whether that’s in your personal life or goals, the closing of one year and beginning of the other can have you hankering for a fresh start.

Others, though, focus on home-related resolutions. After all, what better way to ring in the New Year and the new decade than by redecorating your space? And while it’s tempting to do a large-scale renovation project, you may not have enough time, money, and professional skills to pull it off.

Fortunately, this New Year, you don’t have to stare at the same bland walls and walk by the same framed pictures you’ve had since the start of the decade. The list of quick and inexpensive makeovers below is guaranteed to have a big impact on the look of your home.

1. Deck the Walls

Forget repainting your entire wall or putting up new wallpaper; one of the most effortless changes you can make in any room is the addition of wall art. Replace your years-old wedding photo with a triptych photograph of your favorite city’s skyline. Breathe fresh life into a space by pairing a timeless work of art with a piece by a contemporary painter. You can even go a step farther and install 3-D wall art made from readily-available items inside your home.

2. Replace Ragged Rugs

Area rugs are to your floors as paintings are to your wall: they’re creative pieces that can instantly transform an otherwise boring surface. However, because they’re usually in high-traffic areas like the living room, they can look ragged after a while. Instead of simply cleaning your old area rugs up, why not replace them with handmade rugs that look more modern? It’s a quick and easy trick that can immediately change how a room looks.

3. Throw in Some Throw Pillows

Picture a plain-colored couch sitting against a plain-colored wall. Now, imagine that couch again but now with a bunch of bold-colored throw pillows. Makes a world of difference, right? Throw pillows add color and texture to any room. In addition, they can be the finishing touches that pull together the look and aesthetic of a room. Just make sure to choose pillows with colors that match other accents in the room to create a cohesive look.

4. Let There Be Light

Well lit room

The look and mood of a room bathed in white overhead lighting are vastly different from those of a room lit by the muted orange glow of a desk lamp. That is why you should consider changing up your lighting scheme.

Lamps are especially great at bringing softer, more focused lighting to a room while also adding an element of style. You also have the option of using scented candles, not only to set a more romantic mood but also if you want to make your room smell like your favorite scent.

These minor makeovers show that you don’t have to invest too much time, money, or effort to transform your living space. With a few bucks and a dash of creativity, these tiny changes can make your interiors look and feel new.

Corporate Event

Pro Tips for Corporate Event Planners

Organizing a big corporate event with so many things to worry about is a daunting task.

For one, you must find a suitable corporate event space that could accommodate all the expected guests and participants. There’s also the question of how much budget you should request from the management to cover all the expenses for the event.

You have to do many things and you’re already feeling quite exhausted just thinking about all of them. Here are 10 tips to help lighten your load and ensure a hassle-free corporate event.

Give Yourself Time to Plan

Someone once said that those who fail to plan, plan to fail. Having mentioned this, make sure that you plan for the event months ahead. This will give you enough legroom to work on the myriad tasks you have to accomplish.

Form an Event Management Team

During your planning phase, you should form and find people who will be part of the event management team. This is to offload from you the different tasks required to hold the event. Your team should consist of the following

  • Event planner
  • Client service event manager
  • Event manager
  • Event assistant
  • Event coordinator

You may add other roles, depending on your needs.

Itemize and Delegate Tasks

Another step during your planning is itemizing and delegating tasks to your team members. This will ensure accountability on each task, as well as a smooth preparation leading to, during, and following the event.

Canvass for Vendors

From all the tasks you’ll identify, you should know which one you would have to outsource to vendors or service providers. You may include events publicity materials, catering (if the venue doesn’t have an in-house caterer), loot bags (if needed), and the event venue itself. The more vendors you could ask for a price quote, the better.

Create a Budget

Once you have canvassed from different vendors, you must create an event budget and present it to your big bosses for approval. Make sure to leave a small wriggle room in the budget to serve as your emergency fund for unforeseen expenses.

Secure the venue

People at an event

You have to book your chosen venue months in advance, especially if your target date falls on a peak season. This will also allow you to determine the facilities of the venue that are readily available and to work out possible freebies or discounts.

Create an Events Tracker

Aside from merely organizing an event management team, you should also create a shared events tracker your team members could access anywhere. This will help everyone stay on top of your team’s overall progress.

Do Follow-Ups

Make sure you’ll follow-up on your speakers, guests, and vendors to see if you’re on the same page days before the big event. This will guarantee that all the people involved in the event know their responsibilities to avoid last-minute surprises.

Do a Dry-Run

It’s also critical to have a dry-run at least one day before the actual event. This will involve the flow of the event, sound system, seating arrangement, lighting, and the like. A dry-run will also help you identify potential problems so you could make quick adjustments.

Have a Contingency

Never be caught unprepared and without a back-up plan.

What if Speaker A accidentally got lost on the way to the event? Who will fetch him or her?

Be sure to picture out all worst-case scenarios and have solutions ready for them.

With these tips, you should be fairly prepared for the big event. Success now lies in how well you would execute your game plan.

couple holding hands

Is it Still Important to Celebrate Your Wedding Anniversary?

You might think that an anniversary is just another reason to give your partner a gift or take them out for dinner, but isn’t it what you’ve been doing on a regular date all this time? Should anniversaries be any different? Of course. The importance of anniversaries isn’t only limited to gifts and greeting cards. In fact, there’s so much more to it than you think, especially for your relationship.

Celebrating your wedding anniversary

An anniversary is an exceptional time for every couple to reimagine everything that happened during their wedding day. It’s that time of the year when they can look back at how everything transpired and how happy they were to celebrate their union. Maybe some funny instances happened during the wedding that the couple might recall.

An anniversary should be a celebration of two people committing to spending a lifetime together. It’s a celebration of their new life as a couple and how they will develop the family that they’ve always wanted. It’s also a time for families to bond with one another and get to know each other, too.

Meanwhile, other couples look at anniversaries as the time to assess their relationship. It’s also when you ask the importance of marriage and how you plan on spending more years together. But, with all these things in mind, how can you ensure that your upcoming wedding anniversary will be something worth remembering?

couple embracing each other

Planning a wedding anniversary

When a couple has been together for quite some time, the value of anniversaries often gets forgotten. Knowing the importance of anniversaries, it’s about time to change your perception about it. Let these ideas inspire you to plan something that your partner will surely find memorable:

  • One way to get back to your roots as a couple is by planning a vacation. Although preparing for one can be expensive, you can always set up a simple getaway trip over the weekend to make things more exceptional.
  • You can consider celebrating your anniversary with your family and friends, too. Get a list of all the catering companies in Abu Dhabi and choose which one can turn your ideas into reality and execute them well. Spending time with your entire family can help you get connected with everyone.
  • Another way to get everyone involved is by making an anniversary scavenger hunt party with your kids. You can create a fun map and encourage everyone to join. Take your kids where you went out during your first date or even where you proposed to your partner. It can be a fun activity for everyone, especially your children. It’s also a great way of showing your kids how you value your relationship with your partner.

A wedding anniversary shouldn’t be mundane or expensive. All you need is a little bit of creativity to make it something worth remembering. It doesn’t matter how much money you spend on your celebration. What matters is that you’re still together as a couple and are spending quality time together. So, try to be creative and think of ways to make this coming anniversary a time to remember.