Glamping NY: How To Have An Eco-Friendly Glamping Experience in Upstate New York

I went glamping in upstate New York this past weekend. It was my first experience with Glamping Hub (basically the AirBnB of glamping properties) and was able to find the perfect cabin.

 

My friend and her dog came along and we spent the weekend surrounded by woodlands. We were looking for an eco-friendly glamping experience, and that is just what we got. Looking to go glamping in NY? Here’s what it’s like.

 

Where To Go Glamping in NY

 

This cabin was located in Saugerties, NY, right in the Hudson River Valley. It only took me 15 minutes to drive from the property to the main town of Saugerties, and 30 minutes to drive to Woodstock. I was interested in taking a weekend trip from Philadelphia, and this cabin fit the bill as it took about 3 ½ hours to reach.

RELATED: 8 of The Quirkiest Glamping Spots on The East Coast, U.S.A

What The Property Was Like

Set on 100 acres of woodland, this cabin was perfectly secluded, but close enough to supplies, restaurants, and entertainment. My host, Carin, called it ‘Thoreau’s Cabin,’ and that’s honestly what it felt like.

Made completely of wood, the small cabin has a main room for cooking and relaxing, and a loft for sleeping. The back door is made completely of glass so that you can look out into the woods during the day. The walls were dotted with colorful, stained glass windows, and the rustic furniture fit in just perfectly with the woodwork.

There’s a wood-burning stove to keep the place warm, and a vent in the floor of the loft so the heat rises to keep you warm at night. A stone slab is used as a table top, and the built-in desk is stacked with books like “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari,” and “The Best Hikes In Hudson Valley.”

The cabin has its own outhouse just a few feet from the door, as well as a fire pit, picnic table, and a grill. We drove, so we were able to park our car right in front of the cabin, as it has a little driveway.

 

Our Glamping Experience In NY

 

We drove up to the cabin on Friday evening, and followed Carin’s specific directions to reach the property. The highways were dark, winding, and heavily wooded. Arriving after 11pm in the evening, we found Thoreau’s Cabin, and started to unpack our stuff.

The cabin had electricity so we turned on the lamp, blew up our air mattress, and set up the bed. I had packed a trunk-full of firewood, so we got the stove going and slept in the loft. Visiting in the end of March meant that the weather would still be a bit chilly, but that first night we stayed pretty warm in the loft.

RELATED: What To Do On A Weekend Trip From Philadelphia to New Haven, Connecticut

We woke up to tons of natural sunlight and made some oatmeal on the electric cooker. Eating breakfast outside on the picnic table warmed us up to the chilly weather before setting out for the day. We drove to the town of Saugerties and checked out some book shops, thrift stores, coffee shops, and restaurants. After filling up on Mexican food and sangrias, we took the dog for a walk to the Saugerties lighthouse.

 

Tired from our late night before, we headed back to the cabin for a nap. This is when I met the owners, Carin, and her husband. They filled me in on the property and all of their ongoing projects. A single mother and her young daughter were building a tipi as their home for the summer. They had another cabin for rent, and a family, living in a tiny home on their property for the past three years.

RELATED: How This Couple Travels The World For Free By Housesitting

Their land was home to a cabin that was built by an NGO helping disabled children enjoy nature. And, Carin was about to meet with a man from Nepal who wanted to tour the land to see if it would be a good fit to build a cabin of his own. Carin told me that they planned on filling the property with interesting residents and a vegetable garden for everyone to grow their own food. It gave me a whole new appreciation for the property.

 

 

That evening we explored Woodstock, went back to Saugerties for some drinks, and went to bed early, a bit colder than the night before. We headed back home early as it was too cold for the hike we wanted to do. Visiting Thoreau’s Cabin when it’s cold was lovely, but I would have preferred to visit during the summer months (I guess I’ll just have to come back!)

Why Was It An Eco-Friendly Glamping Experience?

 

Part of the reason I chose to go glamping at Thoreau’s Cabin was because it was eco-friendly. Here’s why:

 

Wood Burning Stove

 

This allowed us to keep the cabin warm without using tons of electricity or fuel. It kept off the chill and made our stay in late March more enjoyable.

 

Compostable Outhouse

 

The outhouse allowed us to avoid using excess water. Plus, the hosts composted the material so that they could use it elsewhere on the property.

 

Plenty of Outdoor Activities

 

Part of an eco-friendly travel experience is finding activities to do in nature. This entire region is full of hiking trails and natural attractions. While it was too cold for many of them, there’s enough to keep you busy during the summer months.

RELATED: 7 Actionable Steps To Change Your Life And Travel The World

Glamping in upstate NY was the perfect balance between roughing it and comfort. I’ll definitely be back to check out the Hudson River Valley in the summer months and maybe even stay in Thoreau’s Cabin again!

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Bathroom Safety Tips to Keep in Mind

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

Bathroom Safety Tips

 

Your bathroom is a workhorse in the house and it’s also a space where we can retreat for a relaxing spa-like session in the evening.  It can be one of the only quiet spaces in a household with few people!  It’s also a place where, for a variety of reasons, safety might be an issue.  It pays to be aware of hazards in your bathroom and how to prevent injuries.

1. Keep electrical grooming tools away from water. This is a big one, and we often see it ridiculed in comedies, but electrocution is no laughing matter.  Don’t use your hairdryer, electric razors, or other styling tools anywhere where there’s a chance you’ll drop them in water and find yourself at risk for a shock.
2. Make sure that bath mats are secure against the floor. Bath mats are wonderful to step out onto after you’ve showered or bathed, but they can also offer a slipping or tripping hazard.  The best mats have a rubberized bottom so that they won’t slip and end in a bad fall.
3. While showering you’ve no doubt noticed that the tub can become very slippery. A great idea is to invest in a rubberized anti-slip mat for inside the tub.  Some of them even come with suction cups on the bottom.  You can either leave it in place if everyone showers, or drape it over the tub to dry if there’s a chance someone will be having a bath instead.
4. Wall handles on the tub are also a great idea, especially if your household incorporates little ones or seniors. This can help not only to prevent a slip but also to help people with limited mobility in and out of the bathtub.  In serious cases of limited mobility, it’s also a great idea to have a handle installed by the toilet.
5. It’s not nice to think about anyone walking in on you when you’re using the bathroom, and most of them have locks on the doors. If you have children, however, you might want to rethink this when they’re small – especially before they’re school aged.  A small child can get into a lot of trouble behind a locked door and they might not be aware of how to unlock it.
6. Keep sharp objects tucked away in a high, safe location. This can include razors, nail clippers, or tweezers.  It’s best to keep these objects hidden from sight from young children who may hurt themselves trying to use them.
7. Keep your light bulbs changed. There are so many obstacles and hard surfaces in a bathroom that a fall can become disastrous.  Lighting is key, so you’ll want to ensure that burnt out bulbs are replaced quickly, and that the lighting you have is in a good location to light up any potential hazards.

The inevitable, of course, happens no matter how safety conscious we are. However, with a little foresight and a keen eye for potential hazards, your bathroom can be made a lot safer.

 

This article was written by Katie from Steam Shower Store. Katie has been writing articles for over 10 years and is a commanding voice in the health and fitness community with her articles high in demand.

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Leslie Hindman Auctioneers' Important Jewelry Sale, April 10-11, 2018

Coming to the auction block, Leslie Hindman Auctioneers is proud to present their springImportant Jewelry Sale which will take place April 10-11, 2018. As always with their extensive sales, it is broken up into a two-day affair with 494 lots on day one and 637 lots on day two! That is a large amount of jewelry, and let me tell you, there are some incredible finds from this sale. Leslie Hindman always has some of the best pieces with every auction they conduct.

I've combed through the jewels to give you my top picks in my favorite buying categories (necklaces, rings, charms and earrings), all from day one. If you live in the Chicago area or plan to fly in for the preview, that happens April 6th-9th (you can find the daily times on their website). If you're interested in placing a bid on any of these pieces, simply register if you haven't in the past or login with your username and password. There, you can place bids prior to the auction starting OR you can login the day of the auction and bid LIVE! I suggest making sure you have the correct login information at least a day before the auction goes live, as well as your registration fully filled out and ready to go for this particular sale!  You can also bid via telephone, which I have done in the past and it is actually not intimidating at all and sort of fun.

 

 

Necklaces: 

Lot 72: This necklace caught my eye because it has a lot of unique things going on with it! First, it is done in platinum and yellow gold...then I'm loving the double track style of the chain, with the rose cut diamonds and emerald beads decorating it beautifully. I was also struck by the shield shaped emerald which brings the piece together. Of course, the suspended portion of the necklace is very glamorous as well!  So much good going on here! Estimate: $2,000-3,000

Lot 76: A modern Portugese take on a Victorian style necklace, I couldn't help but fall in love with this piece! I've realized over my years of collecting jewelry that everyone needs a stand-out necklace for parties or events, and this one would be so key! You could even dress it down too. The diamonds total nearly four carats! Estimate: $2,500-3,500

Lot 292: With yellow gold chains being so en vogue at the moment, it is nice to have unpredictable pieces to layer with the all-gold look, preferably something with pops of color! This gemstone bead necklace is a refreshing piece to add to any jewelry wardrobe--the stones are polished emerald beads and carved sapphire beads. The necklace will surely get you in the mood for spring and summer! Estimate: $1,500-2,500  

Rings:

Lot 32: Bold colors with juxtaposing black enamel are what drew me to include this ring in my top picks! This ring is set with one pear-shape diamond in the center, surrounded by round diamonds and round rubies. The black enamel outlines the entire ring, completing the piece and making it even more special. Can you imagine this being an alternative engagement ring?! That would be so cool. Estimate: $600-800

Lot 88: Just as you may suspect, I have a thing for two-stone (moi et toi) rings, like my bypass style engagement ring. When I saw this vertical version, I couldn't help but swoon over it. The diamonds are 3.52 ct. and 3.43 ct. each which makes them significantly larger than mine, so I can't imagine how amazing this would look on a finger! Both diamonds are accompanied by a GIA cert and the ring is platinum. Estimate: $25,000-35,000

Lot 110: The diamond shape, the sapphire accents, the use of platinum...there are so many reasons why this ring would make the ultimate engagement ring! The center diamond is such a unique shape, weighing approximately 2.80 carats. With the sapphires encircling the center, plus another row of diamonds encircling the center, adds to the boldness of the piece. Estimate: $6,000-8,000

Charms:

Lot 24: A Renaissance Revival piece that will blow you away--this pendant features an octagonal sapphire with Old Mine cut diamonds and the most unique hand-enameling motifs using blue, red, green colors. This piece is comes with its original box that is signed Edward Tessier. What an incredible find! Estimate: $8,000-10,000

Lot 212: Zodiac jewelry has been one of the most popular motifs of the past two years--the vintage Van Clef & Arpels pieces are nearly impossible to find, but here is one offered by Leslie HIndman. It is Aquarius with a sodalite background and diamond accent. Love the twisted gold detailing on the edge of the pendant. Estimate: $4,500-5,500

Lot 375: I had to include this charm because it is similar to the style of my mini figa charm I recently acquired. The style of these pieces portrays the look of a charm collection in one single pendant! I love how this particular one features all onyx charms, which consist of 6 total, one figa and one clover. Estimate: $500-700

Earrings:

Lot 128: As Retro as you can get! Love the shape and style of these earrings--set with garnets and diamonds, which sweep brilliantly along the ear. These deserve a spotlight so be sure to wear them with your hair pulled back, ready for them to have their moment. They are done in platinum and gold, and the diamonds total 2.10 carats. Estimate: $800-1,200

Lot 234: The geometric and linear design concept of these earrings stopped me in my tracks! The all-platinum look set the stage for some icy diamonds to do their job the best they can. The diamonds total 2.33 carats total. These would make great wedding day earrings, can you picture them gliding down the aisle?! Estimate: $5,000-7,000

Lot 420: I included these earrings because I think they're fun and flirty--set with diamonds, both yellow and colorless, along with rubies. They are done in yellow gold with lever back closures. Wear these with a red dress or an outfit that needs some spice! Estimate: $1,000-2,000

This sponsored blog post was brought to you in collaboration with Leslie Hindman.

 

SPRING SALE: April 10th-11th

www.lesliehindman.com

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How to Prepare for Life as An Expat in Macau

 

Looking for a change of pace in your everyday life? If you want to super-charge your lifestyle, there are few better places to live on this planet than the vibrant Chinese city of Macau. This special administrative region of the People’s Republic of China is some 60km south-west of Hong Kong. It is a former Portuguese colony, having been used as a vital trade hub by the Portuguese for several centuries. In 1999, Portugal handed back sovereignty to the Republic of China. The city boasts the most densely populated region on the planet, with over 650,000 people crammed into an area of just 11.8 square miles.

Photo:  xiquinhosilva

As the island was Asia’s last remaining European colony, you can expect a real melting pot of cultures here. It’s an enchanting mix of East meets West. Although 95% of the city’s residents are Chinese, you’ll find the city’s street signs in Portuguese, as well as majestic colonial architecture and bustling side streets specializing in great-value Portuguese fare. The urban center of the city is Senado Square, which is characterized by a stunning fountain and the surrounding mosaic-style flooring that’s a feast for the eyes. So, if you’re thinking of moving to Macau as an expat, here are some of the main aspects to consider about Macanese life.

Subtropical climate

Macau’s climate is equally as subtropical as nearby Hong Kong. The summer months can be a real struggle, with temperatures over 35 degrees Celsius and humidity approaching 100%. The hot weather brings with it plenty of inclement weather, with short, sharp thunderstorms and sometimes typhoons. The autumn is the best time of the year in Macau when the weather is far more temperate and comfortable to get out and about in.

Real estate

Photo:  xiquinhosilva

If you’re thinking of purchasing a new home in Macau, you’ll almost certainly require deep pockets. Although buying real estate is largely straightforward, it’s incredibly expensive – and we really do mean expensive. Typical one-bedroom properties in Macau have been known to sell for upwards of $1 million, while three-bedroom properties fetch as much as $2 million in some areas. A quick glance at Global Property Guide’s overview of Macau demonstrates the city’s property boom since 2009, with homes experiencing a quintupling of property values. There is one way you can buy property on the cheap and that’s if you’re prepared to live on the fourth floor of any tower block. Chinese and Macanese people are exceptionally superstitious and the word four, pronounced ‘sei’, is almost identical to the word meaning death. Properties on the fourth floor can be snapped up for somewhat less than any other abode. Alternatively, expats tend to rent rooms or share with friends to keep a lid on overheads.

Healthcare

The level of health care in Macau is comparable to that in Hong Kong and further west. The vast majority of medical staff speak fluent English and there are hospitals that cater for all types of injuries and illnesses. If you take out health insurance before moving to Macau, make sure your policy is valid at the Macanese or Hong Kong hospitals and clinics. Most centers accept credit cards as a form of payment for health care.

Jobs and taxation

Photo: Pixabay

It’s important to take into consideration the prospect of language barriers. Since over 5% of the city’s population speak Portuguese, it’s a good idea to learn a little of the language before making the move so that you can cover both bases. If you don’t have time, don’t panic. It is very easy to pick up quick, casual work in the city’s booming tourism industry. Betway says that Macau rivals Las Vegas in 2018 as the world’s best gambling destination. The Cotai Strip is the location of Australian icon, James Packer’s City of Dreams casino and today there are 38 casino resorts in operation. The largest of which is the Venetian Macao, whose 3,000 hotel rooms and 550,000 sq ft of gaming space make it the seventh-biggest building on the planet in terms of floor area.

In Macau, all full-time employees are required to have a blue card. There are two types of work permits on the island: a non-permanent skilled or non-skilled resident’s card and an occasional worker’s card. Skilled workers are required to have relevant academic qualifications specific to their job, such as teaching English as a foreign language. Meanwhile, employers have a quota for non-skilled, non-resident worker vacancies. Under Administrative Regulation 17/2004, a non-resident can work in Macau without a work permit if a Macanese company enters into an arrangement with a company based overseas to offer occasional or specific services, up to a maximum of 45 days in every six months.

Overall cost of living

Photo: Pixabay

On the whole, the cost of living in Macau is not quite as high as Hong Kong. However, it’s still regarded as an expensive place to live in the context of elsewhere in Asia, from Chiang Mai to Manilla. If you have a career in a good profession, or a sizeable bank account already, you can thrive in Macau. Although plenty of luxury boutiques line the streets, Macau’s shopping malls and local markets offer plenty of opportunities to pick up a bargain. The Cotai Strip is the gaming capital of the Orient but, elsewhere, you have plenty of time to soak up your surroundings and enjoy life in Asia at your own pace.

You May Also Like:

• How To Live And Work Abroad In Israel (According To Someone Who’s Done It)
• What It’s Like To Work On A Cruise Ship (And How You Can Get A Job)
• How Much Do You Need to Prepare to Move Abroad? (According to an Expat)

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Gem Gossip Visits Alice Kwartler Antiques in NYC

There are very few moments when I am at a loss for words, but when I stepped into Alice Kwartler Antiques on Park Avenue on a chilly day over the weekend, I was 100% speechless. It takes awhile for your heart rate to go back to normal and that's when you can begin to take it all in! There are floor to ceiling glass cabinets on every wall, brimming with sterling silver, bar ware, glassware, picture frames, jewelry boxes, and many other precious objects which line the perimeter of the store. In the center, there are quite a few cases which ooze of gold--from big bold chains and bracelets, to dainty gold rings and hundreds, no, make that THOUSANDS of charms! I bet you could think of any object and there would be a charm for that at Alice Kwartler. The jewelry cases close to the back of the store house a wide selection of fine jewelry from all different time periods, some designer, and a grand selection of antique engagement rings and bands. By the time you get to this section, your heart rate will race back upwards and you'll truly know you have an obsession with jewelry just as much as the owner of this incredible store, Alice.

Speaking of Alice, Ms. Kwartler first began her business over 40 years ago during a time when most females weren't doing independent business ventures like opening up their own store. She was approved for a $10,000 loan and that was what she used to begin her career. Her current location on Park Avenue has been open for over ten years and her inventory today is one of the most extensive I have ever seen!  When speaking with Alice, you can tell how proud she is with how far her dream has come and her passion for jewelry, both buying and selling, is adamant. She always put money back into her business, which is why she believes she has a lot of success and die-hard clients.  People come to visit her store from all over the world, as it is a destination shop to say the least. It was really neat to learn that Joan Rivers and Michael Jackson have visited the store. Being on Park Avenue has created a stream of foot traffic, with shoppers popping in and not even realizing what a grand treasure trove they have just stumbled upon!  As soon as I posted a video on my Instagram page of me pawing through a heap of gold charms from their case, I quickly learned how many fans Alice already had from my audience! So many people chimed in with their thoughts about visiting the store, even some from different continents who exclaimed they couldn't wait to visit again in the future...and that Alice Kwartler is always their first stop when visiting NYC. I love that. 

Within the gold selection, I found several necklaces that are POPPIN right now--some thick gold layering pieces and one item that I get asked about ALL the time: a plain gold wire necklace for easy charm stacking. Alice Kwartler has a few actually (I wore one in the styled photos, as you can see). I love an all-gold look, and if you're wanting to expand on that for your wardrobe, you must visit! You will walk out the store with your ideal look and it will be a one-stop-shop. No need to wait years to find that perfect piece--they have it waiting for you! And yes, I've said it before in my Instagram post already, but if you are a charm addict, you need to RUN, don't walk, over to Alice Kwartler and spend some time digging. You'll find charms that you've been searching years for or items that "got away." 

Alice Kwartler is also the ideal spot to shop for an antique engagement ring in NYC. The ambiance is low key and relaxing, where you can take your time and try on lots of different styles so you're able to find "the one." All-original antique wedding bands are getting harder and harder to find nowadays. Alice has a great selection of 1920s bands that will pair nicely with both modern and antique engagement rings. She also has bracelets, necklaces, rings and earrings from all time periods and for all gifting occasions, so send your loved ones and husbands here during the holidays. You can't go wrong!

Thanks to Alice, Amie, Ken and John for welcoming me into the store, I had so much fun and wanted to live there for at least a few days! I left with a handful of charms and I'll show you guys what I brought home with me sometime soon in a My Jewel Box post. Stay tuned!

445 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10022

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Jumar – Availability, Plans, Prices

At a Glance

• located at the corner of Buckley & Cleveland in Squamish
• mixed-use development
• 101 condos & townhouses
• ground floor shops & services
• 6,000 sq ft childcare centre
• near Ecole Squamish Elementary & Howe Sound Secondary schools
• outdoor adventure capital

Live the Adventure
If you’re waiting to do something great this weekend, you’re waiting too long. Live the adventure. Now. Countless outdoor adventures begin here, on your doorstep. Downtown Squamish’s restaurants and shops are a few short steps away. The best of the mountains, the best of the city… It’s all within easy reach. Imagine stepping out your door this morning to world-class mountain biking, kiteboarding, running, climbing and hiking. Adventure on your terms, 7 days a week. That’s Squamish living. That’s Jumar.

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Jumar’s design draws inspiration from the breathtaking landscape surrounding it; the building’s shape directly mirrors the iconic Squamish Chief. The exterior captures stunning views of the nearby peaks. Jumar’s stylish 1- to 3-bedroom condos and city homes are located in the heart of downtown Squamish, the adventure capital of British Columbia. The location is unrivaled. Drive 45 minutes south and you’re in downtown Vancouver. A mere 35-minute trip north takes you to Whistler Blackcomb, North America’s premier ski and four-season mountain resort.

Pricing for Jumar
This development is in its development application stage. Sign up above to our VIP list for priority access to Jumar updates.

Floor Plans for Jumar
A mixture of 1- to 3-bedroom condominiums and townhomes is proposed. Details are pending. Contact me today to discuss your needs.

Amenities at Jumar
A 6,000 sq ft Bee Haven Childcare centre is planned for the northwest portion of the property with 24 infant/toddler spaces, 24 spaces for three to five-year-olds, and 30 school-aged spaces.

Parking and Storage
Jumar proposes to provide 116 residential and 48 commercial vehicle parking spots, in addition to generous bicycle storage space.

Maintenance Fees at Jumar
TBA.

Developer Team for Jumar
LT Wave Holdings is the Canadian subsidiary of Hong Kong-based LT Commercial Real Estate. They have retained GBL Architects to design Jumar. GBL is a progressive Vancouver-based firm of 38 architects, project managers and technicians with a 25-year reputation of providing a full range of architectural services to the private and public sector. GBL design with the belief that form plays a vital role in defining experience through an ever-changing dynamic between sculptural artistry and social responsibility. To that end, they regularly practice green design through the LEED Canada Program.

CHIL Interior Design is the hospitality studio of B+H, a global leader in interior design, architecture, and planning & landscape. CHIL’s award-winning portfolio spans Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, North and South America for brands such as Shangri-La, Hilton, Fairmont, Marriott, and Four Seasons. Originally founded in 1974, CHIL leverages global resources to produce designs that are guided by their clients’ vision and goals. Each client’s story is translated into a physical space. Deep research and an understanding of current and future trends result in spaces that improve the way people live, work, play, relax, and heal.

Expected Completion for Jumar
TBA.

Are you interested in learning more about homes in West or North Vancouver?

Check out these great North Shore Presales!

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How to Choose the Best Plant for Your Bathroom

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

Decorating your bathroom with plants won’t just make it look prettier, it will also help freshen up the air inside. Find out which plant to buy as you continue reading below:

Photo by Nick Karvounis on Unsplash

Lighting and Humidity
The bathroom’s moist environment is generally good for plants. But you should choose ones that can cope with the room’s wide temperature fluctuations — warm when someone is showering and cold when it’s left unused for several hours.

And since many bathrooms receive low levels of sunlight, plants should be able to cope with that too.

In fact, the most important thing is to pick plants that suit the level of natural light in your bathroom, Unsworth says. They should also suit the level of care you’re prepared to give them. Ferns, for example, require far more care to survive than succulents do.

Tropical plants are a good choice for bathrooms since they typically can deal with less direct sunlight than other plant species. They’re designed to grow in a rainforest, beneath a canopy of trees, which makes them ideal for indoor environments. Source: Houzz

Location
Bathrooms tend to be on the smaller side, so space for greenery is often limited. Large or tall plants don’t often work in bathrooms for this reason. A better option is to choose plants that can hang from the ceiling, or will trail down from a high shelf. The windowsill is another great location for bathroom plants, particularly as they can enjoy maximum light exposure here. Source: NaturalLivingIdeas

Plants for Low-Light Bathrooms:

• Aloe Vera
• Bamboo
• Begonia
• Boston Fern
• Cast Iron Plant
• Chinese Evergreen
• Ficus Benjamina
• Heart-Leafed Philodendron
• Orchid
• Peace Lily
• Spider Plant
• Dieffenbachia
• Snake Plant

Plants for Bright and Sunny Bathrooms:

• Asparagus Fern
• Azalea
• Gardenia
• Kimberly Fern
• Orchid

Low-Maintenance Plants:

• Aspidistra
• Philodendron
• Sanseveria
• Spider plants Source: ApartmentTherapy

Create a spa-like bathroom right in your home with the beauty of plants and the exquisite design of the fixtures that we offer. Call us for more information!

 

Contact:
Perfect Bath
Phone: Toll Free 1-866-843-1641
Calgary, Alberta
Email: info@perfectbath.com

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Brunk Auctions Has An Incredible Spring Sale

My auction browsing and bidding is at an all-time high and I have the privilege of introducing you all to an auction house I have never featured before on Gem Gossip, but I have most definitely heard of their positive reputation. They are Brunk Auctions, headquartered in Asheville, North Carolina--one of my favorite towns to visit and if you have never been, you must take a trip! They also have an office here in Nashville, which I will have to take advantage of the next time they plan something.

Brunk Auctions has been conducting sales for over 30 years, with a large 26k foot facility where people come to bid on unique items like fine jewelry and watches, furniture, artwork, silver hollowware, antique decorative objects, and much more! Their Premier Catalog Auction is coming up on March 23rd & 24th, 2018 (a two-day event) and consists of 841 items, with a large portion being fine jewelry.

I've picked some favorites from this auction, detailed below--one of them being this exquisite Art Deco sapphire, ruby and diamond necklace that comes from a private collection out of Atlanta. Every detail of this necklace, starting at the clasp and ending at the very last dangle in the center, is refined and simply beautiful. The estimate on that piece is $12k-18k and that is lot #78.

Check out my other picks below:

Lot 68: Talk about stopping you in your tracks! These rare diamond dangle earrings date back to the Georgian Era and total over 21 carats! Of course, being from the 1800s, these earrings convert from day-to-night as they so craftily did back then. I don't think you can get any more unique, rare and stunning with these earrings! Estimate: $50k-70k

 

Lot 99: The subtle purple-blue hue of this sapphire caught my attention, as well as the size of it--almost 8 carats! The ring is done in platinum and also set with cushion cut sapphires and diamonds surrounding the center stone. It is stamped BIRKS and comes with an appraisal. Estimate: $6k-8k

Lot 63: Playing off that color of the center stone in the last lot, here is a similar hue but with a different gemstone--Tanzanite! A modern piece, flanked with diamonds on each side, and brilliant as ever. The Tanzanite is approximately 7.18 carats and the diamonds total 1.60 carats. Estimate: $2,500-3,500

Lot 61: This ring made it to my top picks because I thought it was so different--the black onyx details, the cabochon cut amethyst, and then the center diamond set amongst the cabochon--so good! This piece is done in 14k yellow gold and from the side profile is a dome. I like looking for unique pieces when searching through auctions and this ring is quite special. Estimate: $300-500

Lot 49: A pendant necklace dating back to the 1800s, this diamond piece is set with lots of old mine cut diamonds and some rose cut diamonds, all which total about 4.75 carats! It is set in gold with a silver-top which is typical of that time period. The chain is 10k gold and measures 18 inches in length. Estimate: $2k-4k

Lot 80: Shield motifs are one of my favorites in antique jewelry, so this brooch/pendant combo had to be highlighted! The shield itself is made of onyx and set with pretty old mine cut diamonds...and hangs from an extremely unique chain. You must check out the extra photos of this piece on the Brunk website! Estimate: $1k-2k

Lot 107: A jaw-dropping necklace from every angle--this Ceylon sapphire piece is one-of-a-kind through and through. Set in platinum with a platinum chain, you can see the Edwardian Era come to life with each intricacy. The diamonds total approximately 2.85 carats and the center sapphire comes with an AGL certificate. Estimate: $15k-20k

 

Lot 94: Funky old cut stones get me every time and this particular ring is full of them! I also love the black enamel detailing around the center stone. You can easily imagine this worn on a finger and sparkling like crazy! Estimate: $200-400  

Lot 60: Elongated styles are my favorite ring silhouettes and this ring is totally pretty! It is set in 14k yellow gold with five round brilliant cut diamonds going North-South, totaling 0.65 carats. Although it may look antique, this piece is in an "antique style." Estimate: $400-600  

Lot 95: One of my personal favorites that I may just have to bid on myself, this turn-of-the-century emerald and diamond ring! Done in platinum-topped yellow gold and set with the most gorgeous diamonds and an emerald cut emerald. Can't you see it fitting in perfectly with the rest of my personal collection?! Estimate: $2k-4k

 

This sponsored blog post was brought to you in collaboration with Brunk Auctions.

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The Hollywood Residences – Availability, Plans, Prices

At a Glance

• located at 3133 West Broadway in Kitsilano
• 6-storey, mixed-use concrete mid-rise
• 40 condominiums
• 4,423 sq ft of new ground floor retail space
• restoration & operation of Hollywood Theatre
• in the heart of Kits commercial district
• excellent walkability, frequent transit service

Cultural Revival
The Hollywood Residences is an exciting new mixed-use development in Vancouver’s vibrant Kitsilano neighbourhood on the city’s West Side. The six-storey mid-rise will contain 4,423 sq ft of ground floor commercial space and 40 market strata residential units on the remaining five storeys, of which 52% are suitable for families. Part of the development plan is the restoration of the adjoining 1935 Art Deco Hollywood Theatre into a state-of-the-art performing arts centre. Once a cinema, programming for the Hollywood will be diversified to include musical performances, live theatre, comedy, festival events, seminars and lectures, and events organized by non-profit groups, as well as independent film screenings. At The Hollywood, treasured memories will continue to be created.

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Pricing for The Hollywood Residences
This project is in its development application stage. Sign up to our VIP list above for priority access to updates for The Hollywood Residences.

Floor Plans for The Hollywood Residences
The proposed unit mix is for the following market strata condominiums:

• 6 x studios
• 32 x 1-bedrooms
• 15 x 2-bedrooms
• 1 x 2-bedroom + den
• 5 x 3-bedrooms

Contact me today to discuss this unique opportunity in support of Vancouver’s arts community.

Amenities at The Hollywood Residences
The residential building is set back from the Hollywood Theatre to allow for a cafe or restaurant patio to enliven the streetscape. Level 2 residents on the laneway side will enjoy the use of private patios with privacy landscaping on the northern edge. Top floor homes each have their own private rooftop terrace. There is also a shared rooftop terrace for the use of other building residents.

Parking and Storage
In addition to restricted, metered street parking on West Broadway, The Hollywood Residences will offer parking in two levels of underground. Residents will be provided with 43 vehicle spaces, of which two are handicapped. Commercial tenants and their customers will have use of three regular vehicle stalls and one handicapped. One Class B loading space is available for retail/restaurant uses. There are also 52 residential bicycle parking spaces. At street level, another seven bicycle spaces will be provided for the residential building tenants and 12 for use by theatre patrons and staff.

Maintenance Fees at The Hollywood Residences
TBA.

Developer Team for The Hollywood Residences
The property owner, 4184 Investments, has retained Marianne Amodio Architecture Studio to design The Hollywood Residences. MAAStudio is focused on design solutions that explore alternative ways of home ownership and dwelling. Their residential sector centres on multi-family residential buildings, micro co-housing, and custom multi-family homes. This practice is based on the principle that living smarter is better than living bigger. Through creative thinking, they craft solutions that speak to today’s issues of affordability and social and environmental sustainability, and our drive to a sharing economy. In 2016, MAAStudio earned the Architectural Institute of British Columbia’s emerging-firm award.

Expected Completion for The Hollywood Residences
TBA.

Are you interested in learning more about other homes in Kitsilano, Point Grey, or Kerrisdale?

Check out these great Kitsilano Presales!

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