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  • 5 Ways to Improve Your L-Shaped Kitchen Design

    5 Ways to Improve Your L-Shaped Kitchen Design

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    Changing the layout of your kitchen is costly. It often involves relocating plumbing and electrical work, and that requires additional demo and construction. Thus, most homeowners go through extensive kitchen remodel merely to improve the functionality of their Northampton County residence.

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  • Best Airlines in the World Right Now, According to AirHelp

    Best Airlines in the World Right Now, According to AirHelp

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    Travel website AirHelp ranks the world’s best airlines on three metrics: on-time performance, customer opinion, and claims processing.

    United Airlines.

    A flight attendant aboard United Airlines.

    Contributor/Getty Images


    Launched in 2015 by German claims-management company AirHelp, AirHelp Score is an annual ranking of the world’s top airlines.

    These airlines are evaluated based on three criteria — on-time performance, customer opinion, and claim processing — and are scored on a 10-point scale. Each criterion makes up a third of the final score. 

    ‘On-time performance’ measures the percentage of an airline’s flights that arrive within 15 minutes of their published arrival time. 

    ‘Customer opinion’ assesses what passengers think of the airline’s quality of service based on five factors: cabin crew, aircraft comfort, aircraft cleanliness, food offering, and onboard entertainment. Passengers provided a score of between one and five for each factor. 

    ‘Claim processing’ refers to how efficiently an airline handles claims and settles payouts. AirHelp cited its own data for this criterion. 

    “AirHelp has found that combining these three categories provides a well-rounded view of airlines’ performances throughout the year,” Tomasz Pawliszyn, the company’s CEO, told Insider in an email.

    AirHelp explained in its methodology brief that it took into account a total of 805 airlines around the world, but only included 64 of the largest airports in terms of passenger numbers and “popularity.” AirHelp also said that it excluded airlines for which it was unable to procure data. For 2022’s ranking, the company collected data between January 1 and October 31. 

    Take a look at the 10 airlines that were ranked the best in the world this year by AirHelp. Entrants are arranged in ascending order according to their final scores.

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  • What Is A Lightweight Moisturizer And Why You Need One

    What Is A Lightweight Moisturizer And Why You Need One

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    Lightweight moisturizers are a lifesaver when you don’t want to layer on a rich moisturizer every day. If you’re dealing with oily skin or breakouts, a lighter texture will absorb quickly and hydrate your skin just as effectively; you don’t necessarily need a rich-textured moisturizer to keep your skin smooth and supple. But, where to start? We’re going to narrow down the best ingredients and lightweight moisturizers to try, for all skin types. 

    Benefits Of A Lightweight Moisturizer

    Hydrates The Skin

    Lightweight moisturizers are designed to hydrate and soften the skin without leaving it feeling shiny or slick. Upon application, it should feel refreshingly light and hydrating while giving you maximum non-greasy moisture. 

    Wears Well Under Makeup And SPF

    Lightweight moisturizers wear well under makeup and your SPF because of their thin texture. They not only moisturize dry skin but also resist pilling and caking.

    Suitable For Summer And Winter

    When the temperature rises, the last thing you want is a moisturizer that is too rich for your skin type. If the moisturizer isn’t suitable, your skin might attract a buildup of sweat and grime. The lighter texture is ideal for warmer weather and seasonal changes as these hydrating creams feel almost weightless. During the cold weather season, lightweight moisturizers like our Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Hydrator still have a place in your winter skin care routine. Layering one into your usual routine keeps your skin soft and supple all season long. Read on for our three-step mini routine, perfect for wintry weather.

    Prevents Buildup and Breakouts

    Your skin may benefit from a lightweight moisturizer particularly if you have acne-prone or oily skin. Since lightweight moisturizers are not heavy and absorb quickly into the skin, they may prevent further buildup or breakouts from occurring. 

    Provides A Light Texture

    Sometimes your skin doesn’t need the protection of a rich moisturizer. If you’re the kind of person who doesn’t usually wear a creamy moisturizer, you may prefer the light and fresh feeling of a lightweight moisturizer.

    Non-Greasy 

    You can also avoid greasy textures with lightweight moisturizers. With less rich oils in their formulation, these lighter moisturizers avoid leaving a shine behind. 

    Lightweight Moisturizers for Every Skin Type

    Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Hydrator

    The Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Hydrator won in the Allure Best of Beauty 2022 Awards, taking a highly coveted spot in the Clean Beauty category. Allure’s beauty editors said: “It’s hydrating! It’s brightening! It’s … pink! There’s no shortage of reasons to love this quick-to-absorb [hydrator], but if you want another one: It smells like a freshly baked strawberry pie.” 

    Thanks to a Botanical Hyaluronic Acid Complex, this gel-cream moisturizer aids dry or dehydrated skin by providing intense hydration while still feeling light on the skin. This formula also contains strawberry, which provides naturally occurring salicylic acid. Salicylic acid gently exfoliates and removes a buildup of dead skin cells to brighten the look of a dull complexion.  

    Echinacea Recovery Cream

    Echinacea Recovery Cream assists with reducing the visible signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines. Echinacea defends the skin against environmental stressors such as pollution while yarrow herb provides nutrient-rich moisturization. The skin receives further hydration from evening primrose oil. Aloe vera also helps to improve the look of elasticity in the skin for a more youthful-looking complexion. 

    Customer Sharon A. praised the Echinacea Recovery Cream: “Miracle moisturizer! I am so happy with the results I am getting from using this moisturizer. I use it before bedtime every other day and in the morning my skin feels hydrated, soft, and radiant with a noticeable reduction in redness … I have gotten so many compliments on my complexion so I will definitely keep using it.”

    Clear Skin Probiotic Moisturizer

    This award-winning lightweight moisturizer is suitable for normal and oily skin. Carefully formulated to cool, nourish and cleanse the skin, the Clear Skin Probiotic Masque eliminates the appearance of problem skin. It keeps the look of problem skin under control thanks to cucumber juice, yogurt, willow bark and tea tree oil. The Clear Skin Probiotic Moisturizer also contains a Biocomplex2™, a booster of antioxidants that gives your skin a more radiant appearance.  

    Mangosteen Gel Moisturizer

    If your skin is feeling dull and dry, our Mangosteen Gel Moisturizer is formulated with superfruit mangosteen to revitalize dry skin and refine the look of pores. This moisturizer was recognized by Allure’s 2021 Best of Beauty as a winner in the Clean Beauty Product category. It contains red clover flower extract to reduce the appearance of pores and refine the skin texture. Ribose (from corn seeds) also assists with making your complexion look smooth and youthful. This hydrating formula begins as a dewy gel and melts into the skin for a smooth, matte finish.

    One happy customer Lisa J. left a review about this moisturizer, stating: “WonderfuI. I have oily skin, even at age 61. It’s difficult to find a moisturizer that will nourish but not oil up my complexion. I found it. Love this stuff!”

    A Three-Step Mini Routine

    Wondering how to incorporate a lightweight moisturizer into your daily skin care? We’ve created a mini three-step routine including the lightweight Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Hydrator paired with the Birch Water Purifying Essence and Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil. This routine boosts your skin with the combination of hydrating birch water, rosehip oil and a Botanical Hyaluronic Acid Complex. 

    Step 1: Prep The Skin

    Prep your skin for your skin care routine with the Birch Water Purifying Essence. Birch water is very nutrient-rich and purifies and hydrates the skin. This formula also provides moisturizing benefits and reduces the look of wrinkles and fine lines. 

    To use, apply a small amount of product in your hands or on a cotton pad and pat it onto your skin. Leave on.

    Step 2: Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Hydrator

    This mixture of multi-weight hyaluronic acid and marshmallow root is the second step in this routine, keeping moisture in your skin so that it remains hydrated and smooth. To use, apply a layer over the entire face, neck and décolleté area and leave it on.

    Step 3: Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil

    The Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil gives your skin further hydration thanks to essential fatty acid ingredients. Jojoba, rosehip and seabuckthorn oils also promote skin elasticity and hydration.  

    Apply a thin layer of oil (two to three drops) to your face and neck. Massage in with circular motions once or twice daily. Leave it on.

    Ready to decide on a moisturizer? To narrow down your decision, you can also view our other moisturizer guides, including:

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  • Why Is My Dog Shaking?

    Why Is My Dog Shaking?

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    The post Why Is My Dog Shaking? by Arden Moore appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

    Shake. Shiver. Tremble. Quiver. All describe the deliberate — and sometimes uncontrollable — body action by dogs.

    Dogs shake their bodies for a variety of reasons that run the gamut from displaying utter excitement to fending off cold temperatures to dealing with a serious underlying medical issue.

    Some causes of this body shaking are easy to identify, such as witnessing a noise-phobic dog tremble out of fear at the explosive sounds of thunder or fireworks. In other instances, the reason behind the body shaking may be hard to pinpoint. Case in point: dogs with congenital forms of epilepsy do not usually develop shaking seizures until they are around age 2.

    Bottom line: Yes, many behavioral, medical and environmental reasons are behind body shaking in dogs. Never ignore or dismiss doggy shakes. Always consult your veterinarian to identify the cause, recommends Dr. Nicholas Dodman, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist, chief scientific officer at the Center for Canine Behavior Studies and best-selling pet author.

    Dr. Lisa Radosta, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist who runs the Florida Veterinary Behavior Service clinic in West Palm Beach, Florida, agrees.

    She advises pet parents to immediately report all specific clues they see, hear or smell in their shaking dogs. They also should describe the environments to their veterinarians in order to identify the reason and come up with possible remedies. Especially take action if your dog is shaking for more than 20 minutes, refuses to accept a treat or cannot be distracted, adds Dr. Radosta.

    Let’s first identify some medical reasons and then highlight some behavioral and situational triggers.

    Medical causes of dog shaking

    Several medical conditions can spark uncontrollable shaking in dogs. These include:

    • Addison’s disease: Medically called hypoadrenocorticism, this condition impairs the hormone production of cortisol and aldosterone hormones by the adrenal glands located near the kidneys. Intermittent body shaking as well as chronic diarrhea, increased thirst and weight loss are among the telltale symptoms. Many dogs diagnosed and treated with an injection medication and/or oral medication experience a good prognosis.
    • Hypoglycemia: Dogs with this low blood sugar condition will often experience tremors, lose their appetites, feel weak and may even faint. Poor nutrition, cancer and liver failure are among the many possible causes. Treatment varies, depending on the identified cause.
    • Epilepsy: While the cause of this brain disorder is unknown, there is a genetic predisposition in certain breeds, including Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, Poodles and Siberian Huskies. During a seizure, a dog’s body stiffens and trembles heavily. The twitching convulsions can also occur in some dogs who ingest poisons. Veterinarians often prescribe anticonvulsant medications to reduce the number and severity of seizures.
    • Shaker Syndrome: This neurologic condition is also known as generalized tremor syndrome and causes head and body tremors in some dogs. It is not known why, but most at-risk breeds are white and include Maltese, Poodles and West Highland White Terriers (Westies), but any breed can be affected. Veterinarians may prescribe corticosteroids to reduce episodes.
    • Exposure to toxins: Uncontrollable body shaking can occur in dogs bitten by venomous snakes as well as by ingesting marijuana. Xylitol, an artificial sweetener, is in a growing number of foods, including peanut butter. The adverse reaction to xylitol is 100 times more severe than that of dark chocolate containing theobromine if ingested by dogs — and ingesting theobromine is bad. Treatment and recovery depend on the cause and promptness of veterinary care.

    Preventive actions include keeping dogs on leashes in wooded areas where snakes are, keeping dangerous foods or plants out of a dog’s reach and carefully reading the labels of peanut butter and other foods/candies to ensure they do not contain xylitol.

    Dog shaking as a sign of happiness, anxiety or fear

    Our dogs experience a wide range of emotions, just like us. Some dogs gleefully do full-body wiggles when being reunited with a favorite person who has been away for a long time. This is definitely pure-joy wiggle action that indicates a strong friendship bond between the dog and the person.

    Dr. Radosta calls this happy action in dogs as the noodle wiggle. Although the body is moving side to side, the muscles are relaxed.

    However, many dogs shake or tremble due to feeling afraid, anxious or stressed. The sight and sound of thunderstorms, a noisy vacuum cleaner, the screech of a skateboard’s wheels or other noises cause a fight-or-flight mindset in some dogs.

    pug
    If your dog is shaking for more than 20 minutes, refuses to accept a treat or cannot be distracted, take action immediately and call your veterinarian. © LWA/Dann Tardif/Getty Images

    Whether the threat is real or perceived, an affected dog reacts physically by pacing, whining, trembling, panting and even shedding excessively. A dog’s amygdala, the portion of the brain that controls emotions, releases fight-or-flight hormones, adrenaline and cortisol, explains Dr. Radosta.

    Dr. Dodman, who has co-authored many behavioral dog studies on the impact of such emotions, shares his home with his now-senior dog, Rusty. He adopted Rusty as an 8-month-old from an animal shelter and quickly discovered that Rusty came with separation anxiety and a shaking, take-flight response to certain sounds and actions.

    Rusty shook and ran into a corner as a young rescue whenever Dr. Dodman shook out a large plastic trash bag before putting it in the trash can in the kitchen, or whenever he removed his belt. Rusty also shook and fled the kitchen if hot, smoky oil from a frying pan set off the smoke detector.

    Dr. Dodman patiently worked with Rusty to tone down those fears. He cautions pet parents to not dismiss or underestimate fears exhibited by their dogs. Untreated, fears can progress into phobias, defined as persistent, abnormal fears of a person or an object.

    Treatment depends on the dog and the level of fear or stress displayed, notes Dr. Radosta, who treats many such dogs at her clinic. She encourages pet parents to assume that their dogs speak another language. This may encourage you to slow down and start to really observe your dog’s actions and sounds.

    To help dogs who shake with fear, work with a qualified dog professional, including veterinarians, behaviorists and certified dog trainers. And, seek steady progress, Dr. Radosta adds.

    Some dogs benefit when given over-the-counter natural calmers such as Zylkene, a hydrolyzed milk protein. Others may require stronger calming prescriptions. The most go-to ones prescribed by veterinarians are fluoxetine, gabapentin and trazodone.

    Taking your dog on daily walks and working his brain with food puzzle challenges can also help elevate your dog’s sense of safety and calmness. These exercises release feel-good hormones called endorphins. So can playing a sound machine or classical music to muffle stress-triggering responses to hearing thunderstorms or fireworks.

    Other reasons for dogs shaking

    Many dogs do full-body shakes at bath time to rid their bodies of excess water. It’s automatic and helps a dog dry his coat to achieve a healthy body temperature. Dr. Dodman says that the frequency of their shaking depends on their size, but all furry mammals naturally shake to rid their coats of water drops.

    Exposure to cold temperatures, especially for long durations, triggers uncontrolled shivering in dogs as their muscles flex and relax in an attempt to elevate their core body temperature. Hairless and thin-coated dogs are more at risk than dogs with thick coats and double coats.

    Limiting a dog’s time in cold weather, fitting him with a properly sized sweater and wrapping him in a blanket indoors can counter the dangers of the cold temperatures. However, avoid vigorously rubbing his coat in an attempt to warm his body, as you may unintentionally worsen the spread of frostbite damage to the skin.

    When two dogs play, one may stop and shake his body as a signal that he is done playing, adds Dr. Dodman.

    And, some dogs twitch when they are sleeping. Like us, dogs go into three sleep stages: non-rapid eye movement (NREM), rapid eye-movement (REM) and short-wave sleep (SWS). Veterinarians and animal scientists theorize that dogs dream during the REM stage and act on their dreams by twitching or moving all four paws as if they were chasing a squirrel.

    Avoid putting your hand on a sleeping dog as you risk injury from a startled dog who may reactively bite. Instead, call your dog’s name and speak to him calmly, allowing him to open his eyes on his own.

    As you can see, dogs shake for a variety of reasons. Pay attention to their specific actions and places when shaking occurs, and report these findings to your veterinarian to come up with the best game plan to bring out the healthy best in your dog.

    The post Why Is My Dog Shaking? by Arden Moore appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

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  • Integral Sink Ideas and the Best Materials for This Style

    Integral Sink Ideas and the Best Materials for This Style

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    The integral sink is a popular kitchen trend for contemporary and minimalist home design. Integral sinks do look sleek and spare, ideal with these types of homes, but there are other great reasons for choosing an integral sink. It is a style that perfectionists everywhere can love for any home style as these sinks come in a wide variety of materials and sink shapes.

    Clever Integral Sink Ideas

    One of the best reasons to choose an integral sink is that you can avoid the troublesome lip between the counter and the sink that collect dirt and grime in undermount sinks.

    What is an Integral Sink?

    What is an Integral Sink
    Benjamin Andres Architekt

    An integral sink is one that is made from the same material as the surrounding countertop. This often means that the sink and the countertop are one piece. That is why this style is also called an integrated sink.

    Most integrated sinks are crafted from materials that are flexible enough to be molded into different shapes. Though there are also integral sinks made from natural stone materials that are bonded with the countertop in such a way that there is no visible break between the integrated sink countertop and the sink itself.

    Materials Used for Integral Sinks

    Materials Used for Integral Sinks
    Wiltrack Construction And Development Group LLC

    Integral sinks are a special variety of sinks that must either be of one piece or must create the illusion of one piece with the counter. Certain materials lend themselves better to this than others. With most integrated sinks, you can customize them to work with different size kitchens and integrate certain features such as a sloped area to create a drainboard sink.


    Stainless Steel

    Stainless steel sinks are some of the best sink varieties in terms of durability and price. They are long lasting, antibacterial, and low maintenance all for a price that is less than other materials. Integrated kitchen sink options from stainless steel are one of the most popular of its kind for industrial kitchens because of their ability to withstand a high level of activity.

    For a stainless steel integrated sink, the sink is welded on the counter and then brushed to create a seamless look. Most fabricators use 16 to 18 gauge stainless steel for the most durable finish.


    Quartz

    Quartz is a variety of engineered stone that is made from ground particles of quartz mixed with a resin to bind it together. Quartz is a durable material that is more cost effective than natural stones like granite or marble.

    Quartz makes an ideal integral sink material as it is not just durable, but non-porous and available in many different colors and vein patterns that work with various home styles. Quartz is popular as both an integrated bathroom sink or kitchen sink. Look for popular quartz integrated sink brands such as Silestone and Corian integrated sink options.


    Granite

    Granite or granite composite is one of the most popular materials for integral sinks. Granite composite sinks are durable and beautiful. These integrated sinks are a blend of natural stone with resin to bind it together. Contrary to their luxurious style and design, granite integrated sinks are one of the most affordable options.

    Granite is heavy, so granite integrated stone sink options will need to be reinforced with structural support. Granite is also a porous material that you will need to seal on a regular basis, both countertops and sink in order to keep looking their best.


    Acrylic

    Acrylic is a durable plastic material that manufacturers mold into integrated sink vanity top options popular in bathroom settings. Acrylic is non-porous so it is stain and chip resistant making it ideal for hard-wearing locations like children’s bathrooms.

    This is a light-weight material meaning that it is easy to install. It also is available in a variety of color and size options. Acrylic is not heat resistant meaning that it does not work as well in kitchen settings.


    Marble

    Marble is a natural stone that is popular as both a sink and countertop option. Integrated sinks and countertops are not fabricated together. Rather, they are crafted out of the same material and blended together to give them a seamless look.

    Marble is a beautiful and hard natural stone, but it can chip, stain, and scratch easier than harder materials like quartz or granite. This is also one of the most expensive varieties for integrated sinks and countertops.

    Consider a cultured marble vanity top with integral sink if you like this look, but not the delicacy or expense. Cultured marble is an engineered faux marble made from marble dust and resin binders. This gives you the look of marble without the same cost. Using this material, manufacturers can mold the sink into the countertop to create an integrated sink vanity.


    Concrete

    Concrete for integral sinks are a recent trend that combines the industrial look of concrete with more tailored interior design styles. The wonderful thing about concrete integrated sinks is that you can customize these in almost any shape, color, and size as it is such a malleable material.

    Some concrete integrated sinks are reinforced with glass fibers to create a more durable finish, but the finish will never be as durable as granite or engineered stone like quartz. Concrete is a porous material that needs to be sealed on a regular basis to maintain its surface integrity and resistance to moisture and staining.


    Copper

    Consider copper if you are interested in a unique bathroom vanity with integrated sink. Copper is also an option for kitchen areas. Copper is a classic material that will develop a patina over time. Copper is durable, antibacterial, and easy to maintain with just soap and water. Investing in the good quality copper sheeting is the best way to ensure that your sink and countertop are resistant to scratches and dings over time.

    Copper will discolor if exposed to certain types of food. This is easy to handle by buffing stains away with olive oil and wax polish.


    Tempered Glass

    Tempered glass vanity tops with integrated sink options are becoming a popular option for bathroom areas. Tempered glass, unlike standard glass, is a strong and durable material. It is difficult to scratch or chip tempered glass and it is resistant to heat. Tempered glass countertops have smooth edges and molded shape with a seamless edge between the sink and countertop.

    Tempered glass sinks are more difficult to keep clean and fingerprint free because of their clear texture.


    Cost of Integral Sinks

    Integral sinks cost anywhere from $100-$300 per sink. Yet, this will increase according to customization and material. In general, you should budget around $100-$150 per square foot for integral sinks and countertops plus the cost of installation which will vary according to the installer.


    Integral Sinks Pros and Cons

    Integral sinks, like all types of sinks, have advantages and drawbacks that you need to consider before you invest in this style for your kitchen or bathroom.

    Pros

    • Variety of options – Integrated sinks are popular options, so there are many choices available. This means that you can choose integrated sinks for almost every variety of home design.
    • Customizable – Fabricators can create sinks and countertops of almost any size and design using materials such as copper, stainless steel, or concrete that they can mold into specific designs.
    • Style – Integrated sinks have a sleek and spare style that gives your home a custom and elevated appearance.
    • Maintenance – Between integrated sinks and countertops, there is no seam as with undermount sinks that can trap food and dirt.

    Cons

    • Cost – The cost of integral sinks is more than for just a single sink form.
    • Repair – Because the sink and counter are connected, if you damage one, you will have to replace both. If you don’t have the budget to replace the sink and countertop, you will have to live with them both until you can afford both.

    Integral Sinks in Home Design

    You can find integrated sinks in many areas of the home, including bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Use different materials to accent the unique look of these spaces.

    Quartz Integral Sink and Countertop

    Quartz Integral Sink and Countertop
    Tamara Feldman Design

    Quartz countertops do not have to have a cold and sterile look. Pair them with warm wood cabinets to create a look of contrast and textural interest.

    Stainless Steel Integral Kitchen Sink

    Stainless Steel Integral Kitchen Sink
    Andrew Cox

    People have a false idea that stainless steel sinks and countertops always create a look that is industrial and utilitarian. Andrew Cox combined the stainless steel countertops and integrated sink with a variety of warm textures like stained glass windows and open shelves to give the kitchen a warm style.

    Custom Vanity with Integrated Sink Made from Copper

    Custom Vanity with Integrated Sink Made from Copper
    Post 31 Interiors

    Post 31 Interiors used copper to create a custom vanity with an integrated sink. This copper has a patinaed finish that works well with the bathroom’s rustic and relaxed style.

    Contemporary Marble Integrated Sink and Vanity

    Contemporary Marble Integrated Sink and Vanity
    TLA Studio

    Integrate the look of the sink and countertops by using the same material for the walls and the floor. Using this high contrast marble gives this bathroom a classic but trendy style.

    Concrete Bathroom Vanity and Integral Sink

    Concrete Bathroom Vanity and Integral Sink
    Iron & Oak Studios

    Concrete does have an industrial edge that works well in contemporary-style homes. Pair a concrete vanity with luxury textiles to create a look of textured contrast.

    Copper Kitchen Sink and Countertops

    Copper Kitchen Sink and Countertops
    TOLA architecture

    Copper is a viable kitchen choice for countertops and integrated sinks. For this Chelsea loft, the designer used copper to give the kitchen an industrial edge with a warm vibe. It contrasts with the gray cabinets with a mix of warm and cool color tones.

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  • SBF Didn’t Think He Would Be Detained, Hours Before Arrest

    SBF Didn’t Think He Would Be Detained, Hours Before Arrest

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    • Bahamian authorities arrested FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried on Monday.
    • Just hours before, SBF said in an interview he didn’t believe he would be detained on US shores.
    • He made the comments while explaining why he was planning to call-in to testify before the Congress on Tuesday.

    A multitasking Sam Bankman-Fried — who was playing a video game and responding to questions during an interview — said he didn’t think he would be detained if he returned to the US, mere hours before he was arrested in the Bahamas.

    “I don’t believe I would be, but I haven’t done a deep dive into that. That’s something I have to think harder about,” Bankman-Fried said in a Monday interview on Twitter Spaces with options flow platform Unusual Whales, per a transcript.

    Unusual Whales has called Bankman-Fried’s interview “the last thing he did as a free man.”

    Bankman-Fried was responding to a question about potential detainment if he entered the US — as he was scheduled to testify before Congress on Tuesday. The former FTX CEO had said he wasn’t going to be there in person because he was “quite overbooked,” per the transcript.

    He also said it was difficult for him “to move right now and travel because the paparazzi effect is quite large.”

    During the interview — and amid a constant clicking sound in the background — Bankman-Fried was asked if he was playing video games, to which he responded: “Yes I am.”

    He said he was playing “Storybook Brawl,” a game FTX acquired in March 2022. Bankman-Fried had told the New York Times in November the game clears his mind.

    Though he was arrested in the Bahamas, Bankman-Fried could face extradition to the US, experts told Insider’s Sindhu Sundar and Katherine Tangalakis-Lippert on Tuesday. 

    The US Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, said after Bankman-Fried’s arrest it will file charges against him on Tuesday, relating to violations of securities law.

    Rep. Maxine Waters, who chairs the US House Financial Services Committee, said in a statement she was “surprised” at Bankman-Fried’s arrest as that means he wouldn’t be testifying as scheduled.

    “Although Mr. Bankman-Fried must be held accountable, the American public deserves to hear directly from Mr. Bankman-Fried about the actions that’ve harmed over one million people, and wiped out the hard-earned life savings of so many,” Waters said. 

    Bankman-Fried resigned as the CEO of FTX on November 11, the same day the exchange filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, as it failed to secure a rescue following an intense week-long liquidity squeeze. 

    The curly-haired 30-year has been on a media apology tour since FTX’s collapse but told the New York Times in late November that he didn’t think he’s legally accountable.

    The SEC did not immediately respond to Insider’s request for comment sent outside regular business hours.

    Insider was not immediately able to reach Bankman-Fried’s representatives for comment, but a representative declined comment to the New York Times upon his arrest.



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  • Dog Ornaments You’ll Love – Dogster

    Dog Ornaments You’ll Love – Dogster

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    Melissa L. Kauffman, Group Editorial Director Catster/Dogster

    Covering the pet world for more than 30 years, Melissa L. Kauffman has been an editor/writer for a wide variety of pet magazines and websites from the small critters and parrots to cats and dogs. Her advisory team of pets — rescue dogs Tampa Bay and Murphy Brown, plus Cirneco dell’Etna Liberty Belle and rescued parrots Deacon and Pi-Pi — help keep her on top of the latest and greatest pet health research, training and products, anything to give keep them in the high life they are accustomed to. Follow Tampa and his crew on Instagram @tampa.bay.pup.report while Melissa can always be found working on the next issue of Catster and Dogster magazines at caster.com and dogster.com. Contact her ONLY at dogstermag@belvoir.com. (Any email not from belvoir.com is not this Melissa L Kauffman.)

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  • Self-Portrait wraps London store in mint-hued clay and tonal surfaces

    Self-Portrait wraps London store in mint-hued clay and tonal surfaces

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    Luxury fashion brand Self-Portrait has opened a store in London with mirrored surfaces and Cornish clay walls that combines “minimalism, materiality and colour.”

    Located on the corner of Kings Road and Duke of York Square in Chelsea, London, the 200-square-metre store was designed by Self-Portrait founder and creative director Han Chong in collaboration with New York-based architect Andreas Kostopoulos.

    Exterior image of the Self-Portrait store lit at night from the street
    The store was designed by Self-Portrait founder Han Chong and architect Andreas Kostopoulos

    “Inspired by spatial design and the idea of self-reflection, features in a myriad of textures including chrome and mirror dominate the interior walls and reflect tonal surfaces in mint green,” Self-Portrait said of the interior.

    “By leveraging on minimalism, materiality, and colour, we wanted to create an intimate, sensory and focused experience, free from any interferences or visually distracting architectural qualities and functions that can typically overwhelm retail environments,” said Kostopoulos.

    Interior image of the mint-hued Self-Portrait store and its clothing rails
    Tonal surfaces were added to the interior of the store

    The store interior is characterised by natural materials. Mint-pigmented Cornish clay covers its walls and provides a textural quality through its visible markings, which are reminiscent of limewash.

    Custom terrazzo flooring in hues of white, grey and mint blankets the majority of the floors while some areas, including fitting rooms, were decorated with plush carpets in matching colours to add a softer touch to the space.

    Image of a mint green carpeted area and a Max Lamb chair at the Self-Portrait store
    Mirrors visually extended the space and blurred the boundaries of the store

    Between the textural clay walls, expanses of mirrored panels adorn the vertical surfaces and surround street-facing windows from floor to ceiling to visually extend and blur the boundaries of the retail space.

    “I love the idea of spatial perception, blurring the lines between the interior and exterior, vertical and horizontal,” explained Chong.

    While using rich and textural materials, Chong and Kostopoulos also looked to create a space that was minimalist and free from distracting architectural elements by reducing the store to its bare essentials.

    Overhead lighting throughout was subtlety concealed behind a gridded, drop ceiling that creates a contemporary and modernist look while also adding a contrasting textural quality.

    Interior image of a clay covered bannister at the Self-Portrait store
    Cornish clay was applied to the walls to create a textural finish

    “I am so proud of the space we have created – it’s the perfect blend of art and architecture, which provides a serene and minimalist home for our collections,” Chong continued.

    “For me, this store has become the perfect physical manifestation of our brand – it’s a contrast of the effortless and the studied, with a focus on quality, materials and craft.”

    Image of a staircase that was hued mint green and surrounded by mirrors
    Custom terrazzo covers the floor of the store

    Self-Portrait’s ready-to-wear collections were displayed on chrome-finished clothes rails in front of windows while accessories were organised across chrome display tables.

    Antique furniture was combined with contemporary pieces throughout the store. A Max Lamb chair was neatly placed in a mirrored corner of the retail space, while wooden chairs were scattered throughout.

    Interior image of a green fitting room that was covered in a plush carpet
    Antique furniture was combined with contemporary pieces

    Self-Portrait is a contemporary luxury brand that was founded by Chong in 2013 after he graduated from womenswear design at Central Saint Martins.

    Elsewhere in London, AMO created a terracruda-clad shop-in-shop at Selfridges that featured curving display areas and brutalist-style furniture for French fashion brand Jacquemus.

    Design studio Perron-Roettinger recently unveiled its design for a pop-up store for Kim Kardashian’s homeware brand SKKN, which the studio clad in raw plaster and cement.

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  • James Dyson Slams UK’s New Flexible Working Policy As ‘Staggeringly Self-Defeating’

    James Dyson Slams UK’s New Flexible Working Policy As ‘Staggeringly Self-Defeating’

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    • Sir James Dyson has slammed the UK’s plans to extend employees’ rights to work from home.
    • Writing in The Times, the billionaire said the policy shift is “economically illiterate and staggeringly self-defeating.”
    • Without control over where employees work, companies like Dyson will hesitate to invest in the UK, he said.

    Sir James Dyson thinks the UK’s plans to allow employees to continue working from home are “staggeringly self-defeating.”

    “The government talks loftily of the UK being a ‘science and technology superpower’ while doing everything it can to achieve the exact opposite,” the founder and chief engineer of multinational technology company Dyson wrote in a December 8 commentary piece for The Times.

    Under new legislation, workers in the UK will have the right to request flexible working arrangements even on their first day of work, per a December 5 press release from the UK government. This policy shift falls under the government’s plans to make flexible working the default.

    However, such a move — which comes during a global recession — is a “misguided approach” that will “generate friction between employers and employees,” Dyson wrote.

    Without control over where their employees can work, “high-growth, ambitious companies” like Dyson — which has 3,500 employees in Britain — will hesitate to invest in the UK, the businessman added.

    “We have seen from our own experience at Dyson during periods of government-enforced working from home how deeply inefficient it is,” Dyson wrote. “It prevents the collaboration and in-person training that we need to develop new technology and maintain competitiveness against global rivals.”

    The billionaire also took a swipe at the legislators who were in favor of the reform, writing that the policy was “aided by the many civil servants who enjoyed working from home, despite the shockingly bad public service they often provide and their terrible track record of delivery.”

    Dyson, who’s currently worth an estimated $15.4 billion, is not the first business leader to rally against flexible work arrangements for employees.

    In August, JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon pushed back against remote work, saying that it “slows down honesty and decision making.”

    In November, just two weeks after taking over the company, Elon Musk sent a 2:30 a.m. email to Twitter staff, requesting them to return to the office for “a minimum of 40 hours per week.” 

    Dyson did not immediately respond to Insider’s request for comment.

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  • What to Do When Your Dog Won’t Eat – Dogster

    What to Do When Your Dog Won’t Eat – Dogster

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    Many of us have challenging relationships with food – why can’t we crave carrots instead of chocolate when we are stressed?! Dogs aren’t immune to this, though they aren’t likely to dive into a pint of ice cream after a bad breakup or getting let go from a job. Instead, they may stop eating entirely. Thankfully, we have some experts to weigh in on issues revolving a new lack of interest in food.

    Christine Caplan, a certified veterinary technician with AKC Pet Insurance, based in Portland, Oregon, says there are five main factors that may cause dogs to not eat:

    • Medical conditions – Your vet will help you with a treatment plan to ensure your dog eats following a health issue, and sometimes an appetite stimulant is necessary.
    • Surgery – It may take many days before your dog’s appetite returns to normal.
    • Medications – Many medications can cause inappetence, and this is very common when opioids are taken.
    • Aging – Most seniors lose their appetite due to illnesses or dulling senses. At the beginning of the day, many seniors just aren’t hungry.
    • Stress – Any change or move can cause stress and GI upset.

    Keep in mind, too, frequency is key here. “If the dog misses one meal I wouldn’t be too worried, but if the problem persists past that, a good medical exam and lab work is certainly recommended,” says Dr. Judy Morgan, 2019 Veterinary Hero Award Nominee and founder and CEO of Dr. Judy Morgan’s Naturally Healthy Pets, based in Wendell, North Carolina.

    Lori Head, St. Joseph, Missouri-based head of US operations for Tonisity, maker of DoggyRade, echoes that sentiment, adding that although, “A loss of appetite in dogs doesn’t necessarily indicate serious issues, prompt veterinary attention is important and advised, especially a refusal to eat in dogs that usually eat well.” She lists dental disease, recent vaccinations and being in unfamiliar surroundings as other potential causes for dogs to stop eating.

    Reasons your dog may stop eating can range from being a picky Poodle to a sickly Schnauzer. So, what is the solution for different reasons?

    Dog doesn’t eat due to medical issues

    “If your dog’s loss of appetite is caused by illness, your vet may recommend a prescription diet to meet your pet’s nutritional needs, while underlying issues are being addressed and identified,” says Lori.

    Your dog may give you some clues if she is not eating because she isn’t feeling well. “Sometimes they realize a particular flavor (or protein) does not agree with them,” Dr. Morgan says and adds that a sick dog will usually have the following signs:

    • lethargy
    • making a lot of stomach noise
    • lip-licking
    • burping
    • vomiting
    • drooling
    • diarrhea

    If a dog doesn’t feel well, Christine advises switching to a bland diet for a few days.

    Dr. Morgan advises on possible physical issues or ailments that can prevent or deter a dog from eating:

    • A foreign body obstruction, a mass in the stomach or bowel, or cancer of the stomach or bowel.
    • Kidney failure and cancer are associated with lack of appetite. Sometimes dogs may not like a particular food or the smell is off (rancid food).
    • Dogs may have an upset stomach from something they ate or a food sensitivity or intolerance.
    • Pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease and colitis can all cause dogs to walk away from food.
    • If inappetence is accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea, a veterinary exam is warranted, particularly if there is blood or mucus in the vomit or stool.

    Dog doesn’t eat due to nonmedical issues

    “If it’s medical, the pet owner needs to defer to their vet,” Christine says. “But if it’s behavioral, it’s important to explore different types of food, from toppers to a fresh food diet. You can also try feeding on a lick mat or a food mat versus a bowl.

    Once a medical issue has been ruled out, Lori suggests things you can do when your dog won’t eat:

    • Cut back on treats
    • Feed your pet on a regular schedule
    • Make mealtime fun time, such as playing with a toy that dispenses food, or rewarding your dog with food for doing a trick.
    • Take your dog for walk before mealtime.
    • Change your dog’s feeding situation; try feeding her alone if you have other animals.
    • Also try different bowls or plates at different heights to see what your dog prefers.

    You may opt for an assist from a pro, and there’s nothing wrong with that. “Working with a certified trainer or behaviorist is best if your dog is boycotting and you’ve ruled out medical issues,” Christine advises. “If stress is the reason, a trainer can help determine why this is happening and how to resolve this issue.”

    Never let your dog starve it out

    Whatever the reason for inappetence, we’ve all heard the “The dog will eat when she’s hungry” attitude, but that isn’t advised. In fact, Dr. Morgan calls this a “Horrible solution. A pet should never be starved. Waiting them out for 24 hours is fine. For puppies, no more than 12 hours.”

    Dogs and people can have similarities with food, including skipping a meal for no real reason. But having these tools at the ready can help you determine if it is a truly an issue and if so, what to do. Whatever you do, keep the Ben & Jerry’s to yourself.

    Elizabeth Anderson Lopez is an award-winning writer based in California. She and her husband have three rescue Bull Terriers. Dexter will eat his kibble and anything else (including paper); Tosh likes carrots but no other veggies; and Maybelene won’t eat unless there is a fresh or freeze-dried topper added. Contact Elizabeth at fromconcepttocontent.com.

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