Author: Bandera Admin

Entertain Like an Expert

Posted on | by Bandera Admin

Now is the time to up your entertainment game. It goes without saying that a lot has changed in how we socialize over the years, but 2023 will be all about getting back to our old, less distant ways. With the following expert advice in mind, you can become the go-to host for gatherings this year.  

 

Small, Intimate Soirees 

According to Amber Mayfield, founder of To Be Hosted and While Entertaining magazine, packed parties are a thing of the past. Events such as intimate dinner parties, casual game nights, and small watch parties are a more approachable way of getting your closest friends and family together. When building your guest list, prioritize quality over quantity. Keeping it small will allow for genuine connection, conversation, and memories that will last a lifetime.  

 

Elaborate Tablescapes 

Minimizing your guest list doesn’t mean you have to downsize your style. In fact, entertaining expert Joanna Buchanan, says that eye-catching tablescapes and décor should be at the forefront of your next event. This is an opportunity to make a statement and get creative. Themes and seasonal moments are a great place to start, but when it comes to the individual elements you choose to include, think beyond the basics.   

Experimental Menus 

The cuisine served in entertainment settings can potentially make or break an event. Classic dinner parties won’t be going anywhere anytime soon, but Mayfield predicts passed hors d’oeuvres and creative culinary experiences will begin to take center stage.  

From interactive stations to “build your own” food options, the future of event cuisine will be all about making your menu an experience in its own right – and the same goes for drinks too. According to Mayfield, bars will become more innovative all-around with a longer list of unique beverages to try.  

 

It’s likely been awhile since you last planned an event, but with new ideas and perspective in mind, you can become the go-to host for gatherings this year.  

Blooming Beauties: Flowers that Flourish in Early Spring

Posted on | by Bandera Admin

One of the true tell-tale signs of spring is the sight of people returning to their gardens. While most early spring flowers need to overwinter in the ground to bloom their best, you can add these beauties to the bunch as soon as the earth begins to thaw.  

 

Agapanthus 

This fast-growing, drought-tolerant plant produces a firework-like flower head that’s packed with pigment. Two varieties you might want to try are the Ever Sapphire, which blooms deep periwinkle flowers, or the blue-purple hued Little Blue Fountain. Agapanthus make for tremendous cut flowers and patio containers.  

 

Gardenia 

Spring-blooming varieties of gardenia can add a sweet aroma to your garden. Their stunning white blossoms with yellow centers are perfect for the season as they bring a cheerful, joyous element to the space. ScentAmazing is one variety to consider, which will begin opening in spring and re-bloom through the fall to produce beautiful, long-lasting foliage.  

 

Azalea 

Azalea is a familiar favorite amongst gardeners. It’s bold, dazzling display is a stunning addition to spring landscapes. Varieties such as Autumn Belle and Autumn Starburst thrive early in the season with their bi-color blossoms and contrasting petals. Encore azaleas are another iteration worth including in your garden, which begin blooming at the first sight of spring and showcase four to six months of flowers throughout the year.  

 

Now is the perfect time to start planning your garden beds, and after the final frost of the season passes, you’ll be ready to put these early spring stars in the ground. 

Wash Away Winter with Spring-Ready Skin

Posted on | by Bandera Admin

Winter can be tough on your skin. The brisk, dry air draws out moisture, and the effects are often harsh. To get your skin spring-ready, experts say these skincare trends are worth a try.  

 

Anti-Inflammatory Skincare 

“Skinflammation,” as many are calling it, can manifest itself in ways such as redness, dark spots, itching, breakouts, or swelling. The tricky thing about it is that it isn’t always caused by products. Rather, there are a number of environmental factors that can trigger inflammation of the skin too.  

Combatting skinflammation isn’t easy, but experts recommend using these ingredients to sooth your complexion.  

 

Niacinamide  

This anti-inflammatory ingredient, also known as Vitamin B3, reduces redness and minimizes the appearance of dry skin. According to Kenneth Howe, MD, board-certified dermatologist of Wexler Dermatology in New York City, niacinamide is a brightening ingredient too, which fights off hyperpigmentation and discoloration.  

 

Witch Hazel   

Witch hazel is a naturally cleansing, soothing, and healing extract filled with gallic acid and tannins, which contain conditioning properties that help calm and maintain skin’s moisture balance. Kavita Mariwalla, MD, board-certified dermatologist in West Islip, N.Y., recommends using a witch hazel tone after cleansing.  

 

Sea Buckthorn Oil   

Studies show that this ingredient contains a rare palmitoleic acid (omega-7), which stimulates cellular regeneration in the epidermis. According to Elina Fedotova, cosmetic chemist, and celebrity esthetician, using sea buckthorn oil daily helps nourish skin tissues to hydrate your complexion and prevent wrinkles.  

At-Home Devices

Sarah Chapman, founder of Skinesis, says to take advantage of skincare technology that can deliver professional-standard results at home. Devices such as facial toning tools, sculpting bars, pore extractors and serum infusers were once only seen in clinical settings, but have since been adapted for personal use.  

Adding some of these devices to your skincare regime allows you to use their technology consistently, which could positively impact your results. While they aren’t always cheaper than professional treatments, they’re a great investment for the long-term.  

 

Supplements 

What you put into your body is just as important for your skin as the products you choose to put on it. Dr. AJ Sturnham, a GP specializing in dermatology, and founder of Decree, says that we’re now much more aware of the impacts gut health, hormone balance and wellbeing have on our skin. In recognizing these connections, efficacy-backed beauty edibles and tandem products are a growing skincare trend.  

There are a number of supplements you can take to improve your complexion, all of which work inside and out. According to Dr. AJ Sturnham, Type 1 marine collagen is merely one example that’s used to support skin by giving it the building blocks it needs to repair and restore connective tissue.  

 

With this expert insight and skincare knowledge, you’re one step closer to washing away the winter months – and giving your skin that beloved spring glow!  

 

Spring Refresh: Time to Elevate Your Space

Posted on | by Bandera Admin

Transitioning your home décor from winter to spring is a sure mood-booster. Whether you’re sticking to your usual style or looking to try something new, you can get some inspiration from this year’s interior design trends.  

  

Curved Furniture Silhouettes 

Modern, sharp lines are timeless, but the softening of furniture silhouettes is gaining popularity in the world of design. Curved edges and feminine shapes turn the average sofa or loveseat into a work of art.  

Furniture with softer curves can add to the coziness of a room. While on the other hand, it’s a perfect pairing for bold colors or striking patterns, which can instantly elevate any space into one that’s interesting, dynamic, and memorable.  

Decorative Cabinetry

The shaker style cabinetry profile is by far the most recognizable. It’s a classic, simplistic approach that allows other elements of your space to shine. However, creative cabinetry styles are a trending topic for those who want to achieve an added touch of personalization in their home.  

For a contemporary look, designer Kate Lester of Kate Lester Interiors, recommends a vertical paneled door detail or a flat-panel style with unique hardware. Play around with different combinations of colors, handles, and knobs too as this is your chance to let your creativity flourish.  

Parisian-Inspired Interiors 

Our homes can be a transportive experience, and many are turning to modern interpretations of Parisian-inspired designs to emulate exactly that. Kelley Carter, Bloomingdales’ Home Fashion Director, says that this trend is all about the intersection of color and materials.  

Bringing together pastels and metallics creates an inviting space that can be elevated with elaborate pieces made of translucent materials such as colored glass or iridescent crystal. When placed in an area with an abundance of natural light, these elements produce a glowing effect in your home that brightens the space, and creates a dreamy, Parisian atmosphere.  

Colorful Tableware

Quickly becoming an art form and medium for self-expression, “tablescaping” is an opportunity to further exude your personal style. From lavender glassware to rich, teal dinnerware, the key to this trend is to mix-and-match color.   

With this approach, you can grow your collection over time and introduce pieces from different collections to create an eclectic yet stylish presentation. You can start small by acquiring colorful table linens for a slight pop or go straight to tinted glassware and dinnerware. Either way, don’t be intimidated by funky, bold shades – have fun with it! 

 

Your home should be a reflection of you, and whether you give these trends a try or decide they aren’t for you, decorate your space to create your own version of happiness.

Hostess Gifts (That are Sure to Make You the “Guest of Honor”)

Posted on | by Bandera Admin

The hostess of the holidays deserves a lot of credit. Typical hostess gifts include wine, books, or seasonal scents, but it’s important to give them something they’ll love. You might not be able to express all your gratitude, but these gift ideas are sure to come close.  

 

Kitchenware

The kitchenware possibilities are endless. Not only can most pieces be put to good use, but a lot of them can make a hostess’s life easier too. Take the initiative of surveying what your hostess already owns, what they like to make, and they’re personal style. The answers to these questions and similar inquiries will lead you to choosing the perfect addition to your hostess’s kitchen.  

One piece of kitchenware that rarely disappoints is a finely crafted cheese board. Instead of gifting the typical wooden board, look for one made of luxurious or unique materials such as marble or slate. You might also consider giving your hostess a wine chiller for their table or counter. To turn the seemingly average into something special, search for decorative chillers that match your hostess’s home and personality.

 

Vases  

You can fill a beautiful vase with fresh flowers to make any hostess smile. As with all others, this gift should be personalized. If your hostess prefers modern design, gift them a vase that has clean lines, a monochrome palette, and a sleek finish. On the other hand, if your hostess leans toward vintage or rustic styles, look for vases that use metallics, vibrant pops of color, or texturizing elements.  

Regardless of the vase you choose, take note of your hostess’s favorite flowers. Others you might consider include daffodils, hellebores, cyclamen, or camellia, all which bloom wonderfully during the colder months. Another factor you should ponder is whether your hostess has an indoor or outdoor garden. This offers an alternative to the flower filled vase, which can be replaced by smaller pots to be filled with herb plants or petite foliage.

Bath & Body 

Lotions and potions are a popular hostess gift, but often one that misses the mark as well. To get this one right, it’s important to make sure your hostess will actually enjoy the scent. Observe the candles, essential oils, and other scented products they already have in their home to get a feel for what they like. If all else fails, choose something mild, light, and airy to avoid overloading your hostess’s senses.  

Show an added appreciation by giving you hostess a product with elevated luxury. Stone moisturizers, artisanal soaps, or handmade items are merely a few examples. Items that use essential oils that relieve stress, boost energy, or aid in sleep might be considered as well. Similarly, all-natural, vegan, and cruelty-free products should be included in your gift search, especially if these factors are important to your hostess.  

‘Tis the Season of Giving

Posted on | by Bandera Admin

Shining a Light on Local Philanthropy

The holiday season brings forth many opportunities to give back to the larger community. Whether philanthropy is already one of your holiday traditions or a new introduction, here are some of the many local causes you should consider supporting this winter.  

 

Dear Santa

Benefitting the McNabb Center, “Dear Santa” is a program that provides children in need and their siblings with holiday gifts. Held annually, “Dear Santa” has been bringing joy to children and their families for over 20 years. Last year, the Center gave gifts and holiday parties to nearly 2,300 children and families in need across East Tennessee. If you’d like to contribute to the program, items are available for purchase through an Amazon Wish List linked on the Center’s “Dear Santa” website page. Individuals or groups may also sponsor a child to mark off everything on their specific wish list. 

 

Mission of Hope’s Cyber Barrel Christmas Drive  

Serving Appalachia’s less fortunate, this event collects items such as food, clothing, hygiene products, and gifts to be given to those in need. Mission of Hope hosts the Drive in partnership with local news outlets, Chick-fil-A, Barnes & Noble, and others to provide rural Appalachia with what they need most. To support this initiative, you can purchase items through one of their registries, which can be found on their website. You can also make a financial donation that Mission of Hope will use to purchase items. Finally, individuals can help by buying something from their “most needed” list and bringing them to the Mission of Hope office. 

News Sentinel Empty Stocking Fund

The Empty Stocking Fund is a 100% local, volunteer-run organization. Since 1912, this nonprofit, run by the Knoxville News Sentinel, has been feeding families in need during the holiday season. Recipients are given 40 total items including a 5-pound ham, cranberry sauce, stuffing mix, and enough staple food items to provide for Christmas dinner and other meals. Families with children ages 16 and under also receive a new toy and book. Last year, the Empty Stocking fund successfully delivered 2,000 baskets of food to those in need and have set the goal to be much higher this year. To support their initiative, several events are held throughout the season for fundraising and awareness-building. Volunteers and direct donations are always appreciated as well.  

 

Stress Less This Season

Posted on | by Bandera Admin

For many, the holiday season comes with plenty of joy – and plenty of stress. From planning events to buying gifts, it can be easy slip into the pressure of making this “the best one yet.” Thankfully, experts from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Mayo Clinic share their tips for de-stressing during the holiday boom. Here’s how you can get back to enjoying the season:  

 

Accept Imperfection

Expectations are often set impossibly high for the holidays. Not only do we feel pressure from those around us, but we as individuals put a lot of pressure on ourselves too. The fact of the matter is, you can’t please everyone, and imperfection is healthy and normal. When things don’t go according to plan, don’t beat yourself up and pack your patience – we’ve all been there! 

 

Remember the Reason for the Season   

When you start feeling overwhelmed or frustrated, don’t lose sight of what really counts. Minor inconveniences such as long grocery lines or stand-still traffic can feel like huge bumps in the road during this time. Instead of letting the stress take over, maintain a calmer approach to the situation. Use the time to reflect on the good parts of your day and don’t let it spoil the rest of it.

Respond with Kindness

You can’t control the actions of others, but you can control how you respond. The stress of the holidays takes its toll on everyone, and there’s no guarantee that every individual will manage it well. Remind yourself of this if, for example, you have a difficult or unpleasant encounter. Soften any frustration with compassion because just like you, everyone is dealing with the pressure – it’s not personal.

 

Take a Breather

Don’t be afraid to make time for yourself and take a break from the holiday hustle and bustle. Even just 15 minutes can help to clear your mind, reduce stress, and cultivate fresh perspective. Take this time to do something you enjoy such as reading, listening to music, or taking a walk. Remove distractions and rejuvenate yourself.  

 

Learn to Say “No”

It’s easier said than done, but most of us know the feeling of disdain and overwhelming stress that comes from saying “yes” when we should be saying “no.” This is especially difficult to grasp during the holidays because we fear creating disappointment or disagreement. However, it’s important to do what’s best for you, and remember, you aren’t the only one facing such situations. You don’t have to feel guilty.  

Holiday Home Décor

Posted on | by Bandera Admin

Households commonly stick to the same holiday décor every year because, quite simply, it’s tradition. Nonetheless, you can incorporate your seasonal staples while also trying something new. Here are some of this year’s holiday décor trends to experiment with:  

 

Gemstone Glamor

The gemstone trend is a balance between elegance and modernity. Emphasizing jewel tones, rich greens are the star of the show, complimented by bright shades of magenta and touches of purple and gold. With a real Christmas tree and garland, the space comes to life with natural pine fragrance.  

 

White Christmas 

For a chic yet traditional feel, neutral tones act as the base of this décor trend. Cream, beige, and soft pink pieces layer the space followed by accents of bold reds, cool blues, and greys. Pieces made of faux fur such as throws, and pillows add texture while tying everything together. Finally, natural wood finishes and your favorite seasonal scents build warmth and comfort.  

 

Medieval Mood 

This is a more formal approach to holiday décor that incorporates emerald greens, navy blues, and deep burgundy shades. These rich tones are accessorized with luxurious crystal glassware and shimmering gold elements. Unique candle holders line mantels and act as centerpieces in the dining room for added attraction.  

 

Midnight Dream 

Create a somber yet festive mood to your holiday space with this trend. Royal blues are paired with dark shades of indigo, wine, rust tones, and burnt orange hues. Gold accents and extravagant ornaments are a staple along with feathers to add texture.  

Wrapping Reimagined

Posted on | by Bandera Admin

Spice up this season by going beyond traditional wrapping

Whether you think gift wrapping is the best or the worst part of the holidays, you can spice up this season by going beyond traditional wrapping. Here are some tips and trends you can use to upgrade basic giftwrap and perfect your presentation.  

Matte Black 

When it comes to the holidays, matte black wrapping paper is a unique choice that offers an unexpected elegance to gift exchanges. This simple background provides a blank canvas that can be spruced up with twine and natural elements such as an evergreen sprig or pinecone “bow.”

Woven Ribbon

Curling ribbon is a familiar favorite, but a flat lattice design is a non-traditional accessory to add to your packages this year. Create contrast by weaving together different colors, patterns, and textures. From country chic to modern luxury, play around with combinations to find the mix that suits your holiday style. 

Monogram Tags

Identify the gift’s recipient with bold initial tags that can be made-to-order or made by hand. This is another opportunity to experiment with color and texture. Consider using glitter monograms for an added sparkle that will top off your gifts beautifully or keep it simple with vibrant red lettering to contrast neutral backgrounds.

 

Non-Traditional Paper

Skip the average store-bought wrapping paper and use an eye-catching alternative that will leave your family inspired. Newspaper, maps, and even sheet music can add a special appeal to your gifts’ presentation. You can collect these on your own or find vintage pieces online for extra nostalgia. 

Best-Kept Secret Spots to Visit This Fall

Posted on | by Bandera Admin

Whether you’re planning on taking a vacation this fall or hoping to stay on the home front, autumn can turn any destination into an incredible, stunning scenery. Here are some lesser-known spots on the map worth visiting this year…

North Fork, Long Island, New York 

As the temperatures drop and the days become shorter, the North Fork, Long Island, transforms into the most popular time of year: harvest season.  

Home to over 55 vineyards, during harvest season there is plenty to do for visitors. Harbes Family Farm hosts a fall festival that includes pumpkin picking, hayrides, and even a scarecrow relay race and their apple cider doughnuts are a fall favorite.  

Driving through the North Fork is a great way to enjoy fall foliage, as the trees put on a show as the leaves turn vibrant from yellow to oranges to bright red. North Fork is one of the best fall vacations in the U.S.

Door County, Wisconsin 

Door County, Wisconsin, is a delight to visit in the fall! It’s not only a hotspot for fall foliage, but there are plenty of things to do there in the fall.  

The best way to experience the beauty of the area is a road trip. The Door County Coastal Bay beckons visitors and the historic Leathem and Smith Quarry site offers inviting views and access to shoreline cliffs on Lake Michigan.  

The Koepsel’s Farm Market features an incredible collection of tasty world products is a must-see attraction. King Island Lighthouse offers beautiful panoramic views, while the Door County Coffee and Tea Company offers a perfect cup of coffee for the crisp days of fall. 

Ouray, Colorado  

The historic mining town of Ouray is one of the best fall vacations in the U.S. It’s abundance of hiking opportunities and nearby geothermal activity has given it the nickname “Switzerland of America.”  

Ouray’s picturesque main street is backed by snow-capped mountains and the San Juan Forest. A bird’s eye view of the town can be had from the accessible Perimeter Trail. Box Canyon Park, located just outside of Ouray, boasts an 85-foot waterfall, while Cascade Falls Park offers a network of trails and waterfalls.  

A visit to Ouray must include a drive along the Million Dollar Highway. Stretching from Ouray to Silverton, the Million Dollar Highway is one of the most picturesque roads in the nation, and doubly so as the leaves change.

 

Oregon Scenic Byways

Oregon’s scenic byways and its 30 million acres of forest are the perfect places to view fall foliage. The entire state is filled to the brim with color and fun during September and October.  

A must-see is the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail, where you can hike, bike, boat, and fish, surrounded by vibrant green forests dotted with red and orange hues offsetting in river’s turquoise water.  

The nearby Willamette Valley, the wine region of Oregon, offers fall harvest festivals, pumpkin patches, and other fall fun. Additional, not to be missed natural attractions include Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, the Deschutes River Trail, Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway, and Toketee Falls.  

Oregon is a perfect place to enjoy a crisp and colorful Fall.