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Fall Décor Ideas for Your Home and Office

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Warmly Welcome the Fall Season with Stunning Décor  

As the weather takes a turn, there’s perhaps nothing better than enjoying truly cozy digs decorated with all the best fall décor. By infusing the beauty of autumn into your home and office, you can enjoy all the best parts of fall but without the chill factor. Better yet, the fall décor will leave all your guests wholly impressed and feeling cozier than ever at each visit. Ready to get started? Here’s a look at the top autumn décor ideas for 2021 and beyond.

Embrace the Beauty of All the Fall Colors

Fall colors are in full swing, so invite them into your home to create an autumn scene.  Brilliant red, deep orange, rich gold, and bright yellow all set the stage for a beautiful interior design. Don’t forget the dark green and brown hues that complement the brighter tones and help bring everything together. When it comes to color, less is more, so pick your theme and add touches of color where your home needs it most.

Add Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice

As your fall colors delight the visual senses, diffusers and candles can add to the warmth with pleasant scents.   Although pumpkin spice is a must, you’ll definitely want to go beyond heavenly cinnamon and nutmeg to keep it fresh all season long. Go with rosemary, vanilla, or cranberry for a nod toward a delicious Thanksgiving feast. Or lean toward pine, spruce, and other tree-derived scents to bring the beautiful forest inside. Whatever you choose, aim to change it up on a daily basis to keep the scents at the forefront of your fall décor.

Roll Out All Your Favorite Gourds

Through all the fall holidays, gourds take center stage and help liven up the festivities. They’re never more colorful and plentiful than in the fall, so embrace their appearance by using gourds in your interior design.

You cannot go wrong with whatever gourds speak to you most. So, pick your favorites and put them on a platter, arrange them around the fireplace, or simply place them right outside your front door. Can’t choose between them all? Go with a pumpkin and gourd wreath (or two!).

Go Big on Dried Flowers and Colorful Leaves

Dried flowers and colorful leaves look absolutely phenomenal together, allowing you to save money on flower arrangements without compromising on your home aesthetics. You can buy the dried flowers outright or head out into the garden to see what’s awaiting your arrival. Hydrangea flowers, for example, dry right on the branch and deepen in color as their leaves start to change as well. Don’t hesitate to add a few bare sticks to the mix to add height and interest to your bouquets.

Highlight It All with Copper and Brass Accents

Copper and brass look simply amazing alongside bright fall colors. To help the metallic tones make a perfect impression, go light on their use. Use a copper tray for your gourd display, for example, or pick a bronze vase for your dried flower arrangements.

If you love pumpkins, then definitely try to find a handblown glass pumpkin donning a bronze-dipped stem. If nothing else, you can use a can of copper spray paint to spice up a real pumpkin for your table centerpiece.

Boost the Cozy Factor with Fuzzy Throws and Pillows

Fall definitely brings the sweater weather, so play that up with plenty of fuzzy throws and pillows. Even when they’re not being used, these soft accents up the cozy factor considerably.

Plus, they’re great to have on hand as you settle down to chat with your friends and family. By helping everyone get comfy, you can keep the conversation going well into the evening and make memories to last a lifetime.

Renew the Focus on the Fireplace

When temperatures start to fall, you’ll undoubtedly wind up in front of the fireplace more often than not. So, take advantage of the natural focus on its warmth by elevating its design.

Add a big statement piece just above the mantle, like a pinecone and leaf wreath, and then put a copper pumpkin right beneath it. You can also go with real sugar pumpkins if you wish. Just be sure to surround it all with your favorite candles and figurines, plus drape an attractive garland along the edges.

With all these fall décor ideas on your side, you’re sure to have a blast decorating your home and office for the season. As you pick between the many decor options, infuse your own personality into the mix to make the space all your own. Once you’re done, invite your friends and family over for a fun game night or simply lounge by the fire solo in total peace and quiet.

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Discover The Value Of Positive Thinking

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Staying Positive in a Negative Environment 

The world can be a negative place sometimes. Whether we are stressing over catching a virus, quarantining, homeschooling, financial insecurities, relationships, or just regular day-to-day issues, there’s one commonly perceived thread: that one bad thing will almost certainly lead to another, and what can go wrong will go wrong. This is known as Murphy’s Law, and it’s a misconception.

The truth is, one bad thing does not necessarily lead to another. However, a negative attitude or outlook on life can lead to the creation of all sorts of unnecessary problems. It can cause minor negative situations to appear far worse than they are and could potentially escalate to even further negative situations.  It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts. Negativity can also impact our general health, how we interact with people around us, and our ongoing well-being. Here are some ways we can try to stay positive, regardless of what life throws at us.

 

Recognizing and Immediately Addressing Self Negativity

A negative attitude can manifest itself in many ways. We can complain about a person or a situation, for instance. On the other hand, it is also possible to direct negativity at ourselves. Self-negativity is particularly poisonous because it can make us feel inferior or inadequate. Ways to combat self-negativity vary based on the reason for it, but they might include:

  • Coming up with positive mantras
  • Writing down lists of positive attributes.
  • Finding ways to be as productive as possible. (My personal go-to)
  • Working actively to alter traits we want to improve.

 

Taking Refuge in a Hobby

Taking up a hobby is a great way to relieve stress. It is also an excellent method for passing the time, which is particularly helpful in areas where social distancing and self-isolating are currently considered normal. There are many hobbies to pick from. Some are even productive, such as:

  • Sewing
  • Writing 
  • Woodworking/Carpentry
  • Knitting

Even if a hobby has no practical use, it can help erase negativity. For example, doing a jigsaw puzzle does not necessarily have a point. Yet, it’s a distraction and can be a lot of fun. The more hobbies like that we find to relieve stress in our downtime, the better equipped we are mentally to deal with stressful situations when they pop up.

 

Exercising

Exercising is essential for a positive mindset. Multiple studies have proven exercising releases endorphins, which are natural chemicals in our bodies that make us feel better. Exercising is especially great because it also improves our general health. A post-exercise sense of accomplishment can also help drown out feelings of negativity.

 

Looking Ahead

When we set goals for the future, we have things to look forward to. Therefore, a big part of maintaining positive attitudes is constantly looking ahead for things that motivate and inspire us. It might be a loved one’s wedding, graduation, a birth, lunch with a friend, or even the end of a quarantine situation. Whatever the end goals are, thinking of the pleasure that will ensue when those milestones are reached encourages positive thinking in the present.

 

The Ultimate Way to Stay Positive

It’s challenging to stay positive 100 percent of the time on our own, especially in a negative environment or in the face of unexpected adversity. The ultimate way to stay positive, or to regain positivity, is to recognize when life is getting us down and to reach out to others for support when we need to. Today’s technology makes this possible, even in times of physical self-isolation. Family members, friends, and mentors are valuable resource who can give us a tremendous boost, no matter what is going on in our personal lives or the world as a whole, and they are just a text or a video call away.

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How to Enjoy Wearing High-Heeled Shoes without Pain

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Is it Possible to Walk in High Heels Gracefully?

I recently put on heels for the first time in two years and was shocked to discover I could not even stand in them, let alone walk. Was I truly able to run in them once upon a time?

Women love wearing high heels for many reasons. You may enjoy the added height boost you get from wearing high heels. You could also enjoy wearing high heels, including liking the way they look and make you feel. Finding the perfect high heels to match an outfit is fun, and you have hundreds of styles to choose from whether you shop online or at the local shop.

When you are fortunate enough to get the feel of your high-heeled shoes precisely right, it can improve your posture, highlight your body’s curves, and give you an overall feeling of being more feminine. Another common claim by women who love high heels is that they enjoy the confidence boost they have in them.

How to Pair the Right High Heels with the Right Occasion

High-heeled shoes come in a range of styles, and it is important to know which type to wear with your outfit or for a specific occasion. The most common type of high-heeled shoes include:

  • Cone heels: Shoes with a cone heel have a round incline that appears broader at the base of the shoe. The increase in height is minimal with cone heels.
  • Kitten heels: Shoes with a kitten heel provide height of up to two inches. The shoe shapes the foot in an especially attractive manner. You can find kitten heels most often on a pair of sandals.
  • Platform heels: These shoes have a much wider heel than the other types. The height increase can be as much as several inches, and platform heel shoes provide an attractive curve to each foot, much like kitten heels.
  • Prism heels: As its name implies, prism heels have three sides that form a triangle at the heel. This shoe has one of the most unique looks of high-heeled shoes.
  • Stilettos: This type of shoe has a long, thin heel that sits several inches high. They are most appropriate for a special evening out.
  • Wedges: These heels run across the entire sole or bottom of the shoe to form a wedge. Wedges differ from all other types of high-heeled shoes because the heel provides its own base. The wedge high-heeled shoe tends to be more popular in the summer because it features an open-toe area.

The best thing about having so many choices for high-heeled shoes is that you can make all of them look dressy with the right outfit. You might even want to choose a pair of platform sneakers with high heels for a less formal event.

How to Walk in High Heels without Pain

If you have a big event coming up where you want to wear high heels, be sure you practice walking in them each day to build your tolerance level. Taking this approach gives you the opportunity to discover any issues you might have with the shoes before wearing them for an entire evening.

For example, your shoes may rub against the side of your foot and cause discomfort. Here are two suggestions for solving that problem:

  • Wear your high heels with a pair of thick socks around the house for a few hours. When you take the shoes and socks off, blow-dry the shoes in the area where they rub for 30 seconds to expand them.
  • Fill two plastic bags with water, place them in each of your shoes, and then freeze them. Freezing your shoes with the ice packs in them should help them expand.

Another thing you can try is to tape your third and fourth toes together on each foot. This tried-and-true trick helps to take pressure off the ball of the foot that helps you balance while wearing the shoes. Stretching your feet and toes before you go out for the evening can also help.

Lastly, consider adding silicone gel insoles to each of your high-heeled shoes. They help to relieve pressure and discomfort throughout the entire foot. Silicone gel insoles are typically inexpensive, and you can find them in any shoe store.

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Make It A Hot Girl Summer Complete With Healthy, Beautiful Skin

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“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.”

—F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

(Brigitte Bardot sunbathes in Jean-Luc Godard’s Le Mepris, 1963)

Summertime Skincare

(Jerry Hall photographed by Norman Parkinson in Montego Bay, Jamaica, 1975)

When we think of summer, we inevitably think of the days becoming longer, parties on the lawn that last until dawn, fruity cocktails, lying by the swimming pool, walking on a white sandy beach, kids out of school, and, of course, sunshine. While summer is a magical time when we can get some much-needed Vitamin D, it’s so important not to neglect one’s skincare regimen!

  • Sun-kissed skin needs to be protected from harsh UV rays, so always use a good sunscreen when outdoors. If you’re at the beach or relaxing by the pool, do not forget to apply sunblock regularly. The sun is harmful, but so is the wind by the ocean: as good as a sea breeze feels on a hot day, it can also chap and burn your skin, so be careful.

(Nabila K’s organic Acai lip balm)

  • Don’t forget to keep your very delicate skin moisturized. Lip balm is a must and will stave off fever blisters from the sun. Try Nabila K’s organic lip balms (available in Acai, Passionfruit, Sweet Vanilla, Orange Tangerine, Peppermint, Herbal, and unscented flavors).

  • It’s inevitable: when we get a bit of sun in the summer, our skin will peel and look dry and unhealthy. This is why it’s crucial to exfoliate! Try Nabila K’s organic Botanical Mud face mask (with peppermint and aloe vera) for smooth, restored skin.
  • What about swimming caps? Well, they may seem old-fashioned but are quite useful when one doesn’t want to ruin their hairdo while protecting their scalp from the sun’s harsh rays. Don’t forget that the skin on your scalp is incredibly sensitive and can burn easily, too!
  • Finally: no summer look is complete without a pair of cool, dark shades.

Keep Cool

(Grace Kelly on the beach in Cannes: To Catch a Thief, 1955)

“Summer afternoon—summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.” —Henry James

Paper fans, floppy straw hats, parasols, and big beach umbrellas, loose flowy clothes in pale colors, cool drinking water, highball glasses filled to the rim, and a refrigerated bottle of facial mist: all of these are essential when trying to beat the heat!

  • Stay hydrated. Drink lots of water, and don’t forget to moisturize. A Popsicle or two can’t hurt as a little treat, either!
  • Try Nabila K’s Here I Am/I Am Here Set for all your facial moisturizing needs (from day to night). With aloe, rose, and sage as main ingredients, these creams will help to nourish, restore, and rejuvenate your skin when you wake up in the morning and as you sleep.

  • Use a refreshing facial mist to cool down. Nabila K’s Aloe Surge is the perfect way to quickly rehydrate and refresh skin. Just spritz it on and let it work its magic!
  • A fun, little-known secret for staying refreshed and youthful (especially in summer) is to give yourself an instant natural facelift with an ice facial! Fill a big bowl with ice and dunk your face in! Your skin will immediately look a bit tighter and more youthful.

For more information on summer skincare and the Nabila K products mentioned in this blog, visit the website and check out the links below:

https://nabilak.com/product/organic-acai-lip-balm/

https://nabilak.com/product/lip-balm-collection/

https://nabilak.com/product/botanical-mud/

https://nabilak.com/product/aloe-surge-facial-mist/

https://nabilak.com/product/here-i-am-i-am-here-set/

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4 Easy Tips For Communicating In A Foreign Country

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How to Travel to a Place When You Don’t Know the Language  

I frequently travel for both business and for pleasure. Nothing excites me more than introducing my children to new cultures and watching as they learn to understand and appreciate the people and the customs of a foreign country. Though my family is multilingual, (my eldest speaks 6 languages and is learning two more) very often we find ourselves in countries where the local language is not one of the several languages that any of us speaks. If you’ve got foreign travel in your future, you might be wondering how you’re going to communicate with people who speak another language. Don’t fret. With just a little planning, it’s not as hard as it seems. And I’m not talking about learning a whole new language, either.

Learn the Basics

Sure, it’s great to have a second (or third) language at your fingertips. But from experience, I find you really only need to know a few basic words and phrases to get along in just about any situation. Start by learning greetings, like “hello,” “good-bye,” “good morning,” and “goodnight.” And you can’t go wrong with “please” and “thank you.” You’ll be surprised how appreciative the locals are that you made an effort. Once you’ve mastered those basic greetings, you might learn how to ask a person’s name or, even more importantly, where the bathroom is. Or maybe learn how to ask the price of something, especially if you plan on bringing home some souvenirs. You can use sites like YouTube or Duolingo to learn how to say foreign words and phrases.  Hearing the words will also help you recognize and understand them when someone speaks them to you.

Be Polite

You know the saying, “Actions speak louder than words”? Well, it’s especially true when you don’t know a lot of words to begin with. Being polite and showing a friendly attitude can go a long way toward helping make sure you’re understood, and, I find, it also makes people more patient and helpful when I’m trying (maybe sometimes unsuccessfully) to get my point across. And remember this: A smile is understood no matter where you go. It’s a language unto itself.

Download an App

Not sure what to say? Do as I do and let your phone say it for you. There are plenty of apps that will translate what you want to say into foreign languages – and some apps will “listen” to what someone else is saying and translate it back into English.

Write Down Your Address

One phrase you want to be sure to get right is the address of the hotel where you’re staying. Not only is it essential for taxis and Ubers, but it’s also good to have in case you forget the way “home.” Additionally, I always have my address written down to avoid any confusion due to mispronunciation.  That way, I can simply hand the piece of paper to my taxi drivers and let them read it for themselves.

One final thing to remember: English is widely spoken outside the U.S. -in fact, so many people throughout the world speak at least a little English, it’s often referred to as the world’s language. It’s also the most common foreign language taught in countries outside the U.S. That means even if your foreign language skills aren’t up to par by the time you leave for your trip, there’s a really good chance you’ll still be able to communicate just fine. So enjoy your trip and have fun learning about the culture around you.

Nabila Khashoggi travels extensively with her own children, believing it broadens their horizons, fosters tolerance and understanding, and ensures a global perspective of the planet.

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Become A Foodie!

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“People who love to eat are always the best people.” –Julia Child

We all know the saying: “Eat, Drink and Be Merry,” but when it comes to cooking at home, and our choices are limited (as far as eating out in restaurants), it can be tricky. It’s important to cook good nutritious food that can be done pretty quickly and with as little stress as possible. Are you ready to add some exciting exotic dishes to your repertoire without the headache? Try these recipes at home!

  • Middle Eastern Shish Kebabs: there’s nothing better in the summer than firing up the grill and preparing a delicious dinner for your family. The best thing about shish kebabs is that you can load them with your favorite vegetables. Add boneless meats and arrange a colorful kebab (with yellow squash, green zucchini, and bright red tomatoes). These can be plated beautifully and will literally look good enough to eat! Kebabs go perfectly with some freshly baked traditional naan (a flatbread popular the world over, especially in Western and South Asia).
  • Spanish Paella: Traditionally from Valencia, Spain, this dish is literally a one-pot wonder. With enough for the entire family, not only is it simple, but it’s also delicious and filled with yummy ingredients of all sorts and a lovely mélange of spices. With rice as the main fixing, one can add whatever they like into the mix: meats (especially chorizo sausage), seafood, and vegetables. Add some shrimp, clams, mussels, crab and—if you’re feeling extra fancy and decadent—an entire lobster!
  • Gazpacho: This traditional cold soup is perfect for summer. With the ripest, reddest tomatoes fresh from the garden, you and your loved ones will enjoy a sweet treat. Traditionally called “Andalusian gazpacho,” this Spanish dish is light and savory—perfect as an appetizer or even as the main course.
  • Crepes: Forget the usual pancake breakfast and try crepes instead! This French staple is versatile and relatively easy to make. Thinner than traditional hotcakes, crepes are a bit eggier and have fewer calories. Kids love them because they can be savory or sweet. Fill yours with fresh strawberries, a dusting of powdered sugar, and/or Nutella for the perfect Sunday morning indulgence.
  • Bouillabaisse: Speaking of delightful French dishes and exotic soups, a bouillabaisse is something that families love because, well, there are usually leftovers. It’s the perfect entrée. More of a stew than a soup, bouillabaisse is a famously fishy Provençal recipe. It’s filled with several different kinds of fish and shellfish (including rockfish, monkfish, langoustine, mussels, crab, and/or octopus). Just let it simmer and don’t forget the crusty baguette!
  • Lebanese Baba Ganoush: This exotic appetizer is not only easy to make but is also delicious. A concoction of mashed eggplant (pretty much a roasted eggplant dip), seasonings of your choice, tahini, a bit of lemon juice, and a drizzling of olive oil is perfect when served with pita bread or fresh, crisp vegetables. Garnish with whatever is preferred (such as parsley, pine nuts, and even pomegranate seeds).
  • Sabudana Khichdi: According to the New York Times, this is your new favorite comfort food! This Indian dish is made from tapioca pearls, peanuts, herbs, and potatoes. Customarily made during fasting rituals such as “Navrati,” it is served hot, can be plated with fresh coconut and coriander, and makes for a wonderful snack.
  • Caprese Salad: Simple even for those of us who don’t cook, the Italian favorite, a Caprese salad, is a perfect appetizer, side dish, or complete entrée. The colors (green, white, and red) literally resemble the Italian flag. The fresh mozzarella with a balsamic vinaigrette dressing is the perfect pairing with sweet tomatoes, fresh basil, a pinch of salt, and, of course, olive oil.

https://www.lifehack.org/332802/10-exotic-dishes-you-can-try-home-without-traveling-around
https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/bouillabaisse/
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/19/magazine/sabudana-khichdi-is-your-new-favorite-comfort-food.html?referringSource=articleShare

#nabilak #nabilakhashoggi #lifestyle #foodie #spartanandthegreenegg

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