As one of the most popular and widely-used devices in our daily lives, laptops are a must-have item. They enable us to work on the go with access to an array of information and entertainment. However, before we carry out any major purchase, it’s important to know that your laptop will fit in your backpack or suitcase without being too bulky.
Laptops come in a lot of different sizes and form factors, but if you’re unsure of what size you need, measuring your screen is a good way to figure it out.
There are no standard measurements that can be used to classify the size of a laptop. This is why it’s important for you to use the right metrics when you want to compare your laptop against others.
There are many different ways you can measure the size of your laptop, but we would like to show you how easy it is to use one metric – height vs width ratio. In this post, we’ll show you how to measure your laptop size with or without a measuring tape.
How to Measure Laptop Size?
If you want to measure the size of a laptop, you must know the height, width, and depth. Here’re the few things that need when assessing the size of your laptop.
A ruler or measuring tape
A calculator to calculate the dimensions
Your laptop
If you have all these necessary things, you can get started by following these steps.
Step 1: Measuring the diagonal
Measuring the diagonal of your laptop is a simple task. All you need to do is place a ruler or yardstick on the corner of your screen and mark where it meets the other side. From there, you should measure up to see how many inches or centimeters it is.
The size of a laptop displays the diagonal length from left to right, usually starting at 12 inches and going up to 17 inches. Laptops with screens smaller than 12 inches are typically those that have been designed for people who want portability. These screens are usually 11 or 10 inches in size.
Step 2: Measuring the width
To measure the width of your laptop you will need to find the widest point on the laptop which is typically in the middle of it.
Next, put a ruler across it and use that as a starting point for measurement. You then want to measure at least 3 inches down on either side of that center line then place another mark on either side of that line. The distance between these two marks is equal to the width.
Step 3: Measuring the height
To measure the height, you need a ruler and a notebook.
Place your laptop flat on a table and use the ruler to measure from the bottom of your laptop to the top of it. If you are using a notebook, open it so that you can get an accurate measurement of its height. Once you have this measurement, you will know how tall your laptop is!
Step 3: Measuring the depth
To measure the depth of a laptop, you can find a ruler and measure from the front of the laptop to the back. This is typically measured in inches or centimeters as well as millimeters.
You should also pay attention to how thick your laptop is. Determining thickness by using a ruler or measuring tape, or by looking at your device specifications on its website.
How to Find the Size of a Laptop Screen Without Measuring It?
There are two ways to figure out the size of your laptop screen without measuring it.
The first way is to look at the model number of your laptop. This should be written somewhere on the screen or on the bottom of your laptop. You can type this into Google to find the actual dimensions of your screen.
The second way is to measure your laptop’s diagonal length by folding a piece of paper diagonally and then measuring it with a ruler.
How To Know Which Laptop Case Or Sleeve to Buy?
When you are looking to buy a laptop sleeve or case, it is very important to know the size of your laptop. This can be a little tricky because laptops come in different sizes and shapes. There are also different brands of laptops which means they come with different dimensions on the body of the machine.
The first step is to measure the length, width and height of your laptop, including any bumpers or grips on the edges. You should then compare these measurements to those on the manufacturer’s website for compatibility with the skin that you want to purchase. If they match up, you can buy it without any worries as it will fit your laptop perfectly!
Final Words
Measuring your laptop size is a crucial step in finding a bag/sleeve that will suit your needs. Even if the measurements seem fine, make sure to account for any extra space by adding a quarter of an inch or two to each side.
It is also important to know that laptop size is not the only factor for selecting a laptop bag. Other factors like weight, budget, and features should be considered as well.
Since there are many brands available in the market, it will be hard to find the perfect one for your laptop. However, if you follow our guide of how to measure laptop size and our selection process, you will be able to choose the right one for your needs.
We hope our guide of how to measure laptop size will help you select suitable bag for your laptop. If you have any questions about this guide, please let us know in the comment section below.
This is, without doubt, the worst formulated product ever to cross my path in 25 years. I bought this Cay Skin Isle Glow Face Lotion SPF 45 from Sephora on my recent trip to L.A., fully wanting to champion it, expecting it to be brilliant. Winnie Harlow is the face behind the brand, Winnie being the beautiful model with vitiligo, who says that after suffering a sunburn and subsequent sun damage during an outdoor shoot in 2018, she wanted to create “better-for-you skincare and suncare protection’, to “keep all skin tones glowing and protected throughout the year.”
She has not succeeded.
To say it is a disappointment does not convey just how bad (and dangerous) it is. I would be astonished if this passed any form of stability testing. I would be equally surprised if it has any safety assessment attached to it.
The packaging (componentry) is not suited to the formula. The formula will not pump through it with ease. The formula is not stable. It is split (separated) inside the bottle. Shaking does nothing, and you are not advised to shake it on the packaging, meaning you should be good to go from the off. Once you do manage to get it out of the bottle, it immediately splits, leaving a watery snail trail and lumps of pearlised pigment. When you rub it in, it separates out even more leaving patches of pigment in different areas and then… it pills.
Note that you can still see the brand name clearly on the bottle.
You may think this doesn’t matter. You would be wrong. It matters in SPF more than any other product, because if the filters are not evenly spread throughout the formula you are going to burn. And you will certainly not be getting an SPF rating of 45. Remember this issue with Honest Beauty from 7 years ago? (now remedied)
For your further info:
The sun filters are avobenzone, octisalate and octocrylene.
And to cap it all off, the name of the product has almost entirely rubbed off after being held a few times by different members of my team.
This is not a good product. As long-term readers will know, I literally never do this, but there is nothing about this product that I can recommend. Furthermore, I think you could potentially be at serious risk of burning your skin if you use it.
I’m not linking to it. But I will link to these articles and videos that I have subsequently found. This is no bad batch. This is a consistently bad formula. Beyond disappointing.
Text by Shraddha Jahagirdar-Saxena. Images courtesy Ulysse Nardin
Siddhant Chaturvedi wearing the Ulysse Nardin Diver 44mm
The “outsider” to Hindi cinema — who had earlier made small-screen appearances in the coming-of-age comedy series Life Sahi Hai (2016) and the sports-drama about cricket, Inside Edge (2017) — grabbed eyeballs with his natural turn in his film debut as the deep-thinking rapper MC Sher in Gully Boy, despite the presence of superstar Ranveer Singh. Siddhant Chaturvedi followed this success by ensuring he didn’t get typecast and was next seen as Kunal Singh, a con man (Bunty aur Babli 2, 2021), and the tragic lover Zain Oberoi (Gehraiyaan, 2022).
Earlier in May of this year, the understated heartthrob added yet another “role” to his growing repertoire by signing on as the Indian Brand Ambassador for Ulysse Nardin — the innovative Swiss horological house that extends the boundaries of watchmaking with timepieces that are inspired by the seas. Here, Chaturvedi talks about his muses and career choices….
You are a self-confessed film buff. Tell us more about who or what has inspired you. I have always been an ardent fan of Aamir Khan — and I am a huge fan of cricket as well. So, when I saw Lagaan and, later on, watched the documentary on how it was made, I understood the true authenticity and aspirations of what it takes to make a film in Indian cinema. Lagaan was the story of an underdog, and it taught me how to overcome my limitations and rise above them.
What do you remember about the first time you set foot on a set? The first time I set foot on a set was during the shoot of Inside Edge. Of course, I was extremely nervous, but as soon as they said, “Action”, it was as if something inside me switched. I thought I was terrible, but much to my surprise, they were very, very happy. They took two takes and the director said, “Moving on”.
It was my first role, and so I had prepared well in advance for it. I do not think I have ever really “acted”; I just behave like the character.
How did you react when Zoya Akhtar told you that you would be playing MC Sher? Would you say that this role established your credentials as an actor? And, as an “outsider” to the industry, how long did it take for you to adjust to life in the spotlight? I remember it was 10 in the morning when I got Zoya’s call about being a part of Gully Boy and that I would be playing the role of MC Sher. I ran out to the dining room and told my parents. But I never thought Gully Boy would have the impact that it did.
It has established itself as a cult film, with everyone, everywhere wearing or saying the “apna time aayega [your time will come]” phrase. It has become a sort of anthem along with MC Sher’s character becoming iconic. I long to do more such roles.
I do not think you can plan to be a star; you just have to be true to your art. I still have not adjusted to life in the spotlight. I love to perform and be on stage, but when the lights turn off, I cut out all the noise and just find my comfort with my family.
Chaturvedi wearing the Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur 42mm in brown
Gully Boy, Gehraiyaan, Bunty aur Babli 2 and now Phone Bhoot — different movies, different roles. What draws you to a character and how do you prepare for each one? Do you believe in going with the director’s flow completely? I am attracted to different genres and diverse characters because I do not want to repeat myself. I read the script multiple times so as to know the situations my character is going to be in and maintain a character diary.
I believe that film-making is like a marriage, where the director is the creator of a world and the actor brings in the character which fits into that world. It is a collaborative effort.
With Phone Bhoot, you make the pivot to horror-comedy. What did you learn about yourself as an actor while shooting for this film? What I have learnt is that you are only as good as your co-actor[s], and I have been blessed with having partners in crime like Katrina [Kaif] and Ishaan [Khatter] in Phone Bhoot.
Today, with the extensive scrutiny in the public eye, it seems as if the off-screen “brand” of an actor — looks, social media presence, fashion sense and so on – has become as important as talent. How much significance do you give to this aspect and the choices that come with it? It is actually the other way around. As actors, we need to focus on the craft. There is no brand as such — my motto is to be kind and do good work, and if that equals to my “brand” then so be it.
It is a philosophy, not a strategy.
Freak X Magma
How do you stay connected with your followers across digital platforms? I come from the audience, and they are the ones who have made me. I am just myself, online and offline, so I do not have to try hard.
Have you always been fond of watches? As a “Ulysses” what excites you the most? Yes, I have always been excited about watches. Ever since I was little, I saw my dad wear watches and how they immediately lifted an outfit. As a “Ulysses”, I appreciate the rich aesthetic sense of the brand. Every watch feels like it has been personalised for the specific wearer.
Would you call yourself a free spirit and an out-of-the-box thinker? And is that what drew you to Ulysse Nardin, a brand that has always celebrated doing the unusual? Yes, of course. It is clearly visible with my film choices. I never liked sticking to norms or trends, and that is why the brand resonates with me.
Ulysse Nardin’s timepieces are inspired by the sea. Which of their diver’s watches are you drawn to? I really like the Diver 44mm due to its vintage look, and the Marine Torpilleur 42mm in brown. I also would love to have a Freak X on my wrist soon. These are some of the timepieces which I would enjoy sporting, depending on my mood and look.
Diver 44mm
Two years ago, the brand launched the R-strap, made from recycled fishing nets. How does their commitment to sustainability — to the marine circular economy – resonate with you? In today’s world especially, “sustainability” and “the environment” are words we cannot ignore. I try my best to cut down on my carbon footprint whenever I can. I also maintain and follow a vegetarian diet.
Tell us a little about the notes that you post on Instagram. Are you a romantic at heart? I am old school at heart when it comes to love and romance. It is fading with time, but I want to hold on to it.
You have often talked about your hustle and ambition — what keeps you grounded now that you’ve “made it”? I never think that I have made it. My ever-growing ambition is what keeps me going. My goal is to always be one step ahead when it comes to my own hustle, so I am never satisfied. The fun is in the chase.
While teens on social media are adopting wired headphones as a “vintage” trend, there are many reasons why many people are still opting for wired earbuds and headphones as opposed to wireless and bluetooth listening devices.
Airpods first hit the market in 2016, and since then, millions have ditched the long-standing wired earbuds and made the switch to the new modern craze, which generated Apple Inc. $38.3 billion in net sales from September 2020 to September 2021. Celebrities like Bella Hadid, Lily-Rose Depp, Zoë Kravitz have been photographed in their sleek streetwear styles, rocking a pair of good old fashioned wired headphones, prompting fans and followers worldwide to recreate this new “vintage” trend themselves.
However, there are several reasons why many believe wired is the way to go, as you will discover upon reading further in this article.
Because it’s trendy
Bluetooth earbuds and wireless headphones were the hot trend for a while due to how new and modern and unique they were but eventually they became something that everybody had, which led to people, particularly teens, not wanting to appear “basic.” There is nothing more common than the wish to be remarkable.
“In short, AirPods have become too widespread to be cool,” wrote the Wall Street Journal. “So, perhaps inevitably, contrarian trendsetters are reviving some ancient technology: corded headphones.”
Thousands of videos on TikTok have shown various “trend forecasters” explaining why this “vintage” trend is coming back, as well as fashion professionals adding to the analysis. Lisa Z. Morgan, head of the apparel design department at the Rhode Island School of Design, said that a sense of nostalgia is part of what’s fueling the revival.
“There’s a very wistful look back to times that appear to be simpler, there’s no doubt about it,” Morgan said. “There’s a sense of nostalgia [from teens] for a time that I don’t think they’ve even experienced, which is quite curious … I think they see these photographs and images from magazines and music and culture.”
Because of the sound quality
Despite all the discourse around wired earbuds making a comeback due to the latest fashion trend, there are other reasons why people opt for wired earphones. Many highly regard the quality of the craftsmanship of something that plugs in directly to your device versus having to stream the sound via bluetooth. It is true that wireless earbuds are very convenient in not having to deal with a cable, but their evolution towards good sound quality is yet to be on par with wired headphones.
Using wired headphones, which are directly attached to your device, mitigates any potential connectivity or Bluetooth issue that you may experience with wireless headphones. Analog signals are used in wired headphones to deliver excellent sound quality, which can handle more data than digital signals like Bluetooth. The audio won’t have to go through so much processing to reach you, making for a much cleaner, crisper audio in its full resolution.
Because wired earbud and headphone manufacturers won’t have to spend as much money on creating wireless technologies, they’ll be able to concentrate their efforts (and resources) on what counts most: sound quality. The analog signals used in wired headphones can handle more data than Bluetooth signals, avoiding any risk of audio compression and making for a much clearer sound.
Because of the price
Wired earbuds are generally cheaper because it is much more costly to make wireless earbuds than its corded counterpart. Manufacturers inflate their bill of materials for wireless buds, which in turn makes the product more expensive.
They don’t require charging
Having another device to charge periodically is a big inconvenience in this day and age, where almost every product comes with a battery. With wired earbuds, you won’t have to worry about losing your music or your podcast halfway through your flight. You can just plug and play without any care in the way.
They are less likely to be lost
Many Bluetooth earbud devices come with a little charger/carrying case. Not only is it tiny and easy to misplace, but the earbuds themselves are miniscule little pieces that could easily fall out of your ear while sleeping on a plane, or sweating during an intense exercise. The risk of getting your Airpods stolen is much higher than wired headphones because not only of its small, portable size, but also because they have been a hot commodity since their release in 2016, despite current trends changing the norm.
In general they are a better investment
People are sporting AirPods everywhere you go. Some are listening to music, others to the hottest new podcasts, while others are simply wearing them to avoid having to chat to strangers. They’ve become as much a part of our daily lives as the original iPod earphones did 20 years ago.
Despite the inconvenience of cables getting in the way, in the end, wired earbuds and headphones are a greater investment because not only are they cheaper, but they have better sound quality, are less likely to be lost or stolen, don’t require charging, and, of course, you can keep up with the latest trend of bringing “vintage” back.
Imagine being picked up by a stranger and transported to a completely new world, where everything is new to you. Everything you see, hear, touch and smell is scary. That’s what happens when you bring a new puppy home. Your world is foreign and maybe even a bit scary to her. This is why puppy playtime is important: to socialize your dog! During puppy development, your dog is learning what the world is, either full of fun things or scary things. It’s up to you to do everything you can to properly socialize your dog to a wide variety of people, dogs and anything else she may encounter during her life so that she sees the world as a wonderful place to be and can relax within your home.
What is puppy playtime?
Puppy Playtime is really a training session where you are working with your puppy to socialize her with other dogs, people and things. Puppies have a critical socialization period from birth to about 12 to 16 weeks, explains Dr. Carley Faughn, a certified applied animal behaviorist with a PhD in Cognitive Science focusing on animal behavior and cognition, who works as a senior strategist at Best Friends Animal Society.
During that time, it is essential that your dog be exposed to as many things as possible. The key, however, is to have those exposures be positive, says Amanda Cornell, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed and owner of Accomplished Canines.
Both Accomplished Canines and Best Friends Animals Society offer robust puppy playtime programs to help socialize young dogs and get them started on the right paw in life. At Best Friends, littermates are brought into a sanitized room each day. During their playtime, volunteers come in to act as friendly strangers. Some with sunglasses. Some with hats. Some tall, some short. Puppies are also introduced to things they may encounter in their everyday life, such as the vacuum, umbrellas, bikes, etc.
The key is to make these interactions positive, so your puppy learns to like meeting new people or can sleep through the vacuum cleaner. To do this, pair something the puppy likes with these new experiences. Reward your puppy with a food reward when she goes toward a stranger or checks out the vacuum (turned off at first) or hears the microwave door open and shut, Dr. Faughn says. Some puppies may also like petting as a reward. Others may need higher rewards, like chopped-up hot dog or cheese, if they are more nervous or stressed, she adds.
A positive association with handling is another key to puppy playtime. Dr. Faughn says to introduce your puppy to collars, leashes and harnesses, as well as being touched everywhere and being picked up. For some puppies, these things are no big deal. For others, you will have to go slow and offer high rewards. For example, you may have to reward your puppy for just looking at the collar at first, working up to her being OK with it going around her neck.
We do a lot of strange things with our dogs that we expect them to be OK with — from taking car rides and wearing clothes to getting vet checkups and chilling out on the couch to a loud movie. Puppy playtime is important in order to create that well-adjusted, laid-back dog everyone wants, Amanda says.
Steps to socialize your dog with puppy playtime
All this puppy socialization may seem overwhelming to you. But really, it’s just taking a few minutes each day to expose your puppy to something new. Here are some steps to socializing your dog with puppy playtime:
Have puppy playtime daily.
Make sure all interactions are positive for your puppy. Reward her and pay attention to her body language so you know if you have to change the situation if she is getting stressed or anxious.
Have a checklist so you can keep track of what and who you have exposed your puppy to, Dr. Faughn suggests. This is also a good place to keep notes if you need to remember what your puppy had a hard time with so you know to work more on that.
Don’t stop socializing at 16 weeks of age, when the critical period is over. This training should continue into adult and, for some dogs, longer.
Don’t overwhelm your puppy. Things like “puppy parties,” where you invite everyone over to meet your new dog, can actually overwhelm them Dr. Faughn says. It’s better to just have a short visit with one or two people, or one friendly dog.
Keep playtime short. Puppies have short attention spans and do best with short, positive sessions.
Focus on just a couple things at a time. Rather than try to expose your puppy to everything at once, pick two or three things each day to work on.
Why is socializing with dogs important?
Finally, don’t forget that your puppy also needs to be socialized to other dogs. Usually, puppies get socialization from their mom and littermates for the first eight weeks of their lives, Dr. Faughn explains. But that doesn’t mean they don’t need continued interaction with other dogs.
Socializing with other dogs teaches them social skills, like how to navigate different dog personalities and play styles, Amanda explains. These are vital lessons so your dog can be a good canine citizen around other dogs. When dogs interact, the adults will correct puppies, teaching them the lessons they need to socialize properly throughout their lives.
Whether you are socializing your dog with people, things or other dogs, it’s important to learn dog body language (check out this poster of dog body language that you can buy) so you can tell when your puppy is stressed or nervous at any time. If she is, put space between her and whatever is making her nervous and/or up the reward so you can help her overcome her fear. Otherwise, those fears will stay with your dog throughout her life and may even get worse.
When can puppies start socializing with other dogs?
Because the critical socialization period ends between 12 and 16 weeks, start socializing puppies with other dogs immediately, Amanda says.
But what about vaccines? Recent findings from the veterinary field shows that puppies typically are fully vaccinated at 16 weeks, when they get their last round of shots, Dr. Faughn says. She adds that it’s best to talk to your vet about any concerns you may have.
So, what do you do until 16 weeks so you can still socialize your puppy with other dogs? The best thing to do, if they cannot interact with their littermates, is to find puppies on the same vaccination schedule — or close to — or fully vaccinated, dog-friendly adult dogs, Dr. Faughn says.
Setting up playdates for your puppy
Puppy playdates for dog socialization must be done safely. This means making sure all dogs are vaccinated and that any dog you are introducing your puppy to is known to be dog-friendly. If you are not sure if a dog is good with puppies, put your puppy in an X-pen (an enclosed exercise pen) at first, Amanda suggests. This way, both dogs can be off leash, but there is a barrier to protect your puppy until you are sure the other dog is well-behaved around puppies.
Are dog parks good for socializing puppies?
Socializing dogs is a tricky business. You do not want your puppy attacked or frightened. Meeting one friendly dog at a time is best. This is one of the reasons why dog parks are not a good idea for puppies. They can become quickly overwhelmed if a rush of adult dogs comes at them. Dr. Faughn also points out that dog parks are full of disease and germs that your puppy is not vaccinated for yet. Pet parents often do not watch their dogs very closely at dog parks either, which can lead to trouble if a dog decides to play rough or gets aggressive with your puppy.
Is puppy playtime important?
Puppy playtime is a necessary and crucial part of puppy raising. All pet parents need to make sure they are doing everything they can to help their puppy grow into a well-socialized adult dog. Of course, you can do all the right things and still end up with a dog who is nervous about some things or becomes reactive. This is due to the fact that their genetics, including temperament and instincts, play a role in their personality, as does whatever they experienced before they came into your home, Dr. Faughn explains. The best thing you can do if you encounter something you are not sure about is to remain calm yourself — if you get anxious, your puppy will just be more stressed — and get in touch with a certified dog trainer who uses positive reinforcement techniques. To find a certified trainer in your area, check out the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.
The waterfall countertop trend has taken US kitchens by storm. As a popular design, homeowners are discovering new ways to include them in their interior spaces. It’s an exciting period and will be interesting to see how the trend develops.
According to interior designer Kate Lindberg, “A waterfall edge is not only for the ultramodern home. It can work in a contemporary, transitional, coastal, or even the right type of traditional space if you are open to blending elements.”
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A waterfall countertop drops vertically down the sides instead of stopping abruptly at the waterfall edge of a cabinet or island. It has a continuous flow, connecting the floor to the cabinetry in a fluid and natural way.
What Is A Waterfall Countertop?
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Waterfall edges are design elements that create a 90-degree angle at the end of a countertop’s length and width. Rather than merely terminating with a completed edge, the countertop extends down the edges and towards the floor. The “waterfall: name derives from the design of the countertop, which appears to be “pouring” off the edge.
A waterfall countertop, though it might look out of place in a traditional home, provides the strong, clean lines that are essential to a contemporary kitchen design.
However, in bathrooms, the vanity sides are connected to the walls or floors by a stone slab with a smooth finish.
20 Inspirational Waterfall Countertops For 2022
Handpicked by our team of kitchen design experts, the following examples showcase the beauty of waterfall countertops.
Modern White Marble Waterfall Countertop
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Waterfall countertops have a sleek and minimal look which makes them a particularly good option for contemporary interiors. Their strong and clean lines would look out of place in a traditional or farmhouse kitchen but they’d fit nicely in a modern or contemporary bath.
Double Island Countertop
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The role of a waterfall countertop is not only to establish visual continuity between the floor and the worktop but also to hide appliances, protect the cabinetry, and be eye-catching and dramatic from a visual point of view.
Kitchen Island Open Shelves
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The waterfall countertop allows you to show off the material, turning your space into a piece of fancy and sophisticated furniture. Waterfall countertops provide an aesthetic focal point for a space while increasing its functionality.
Countertop Material
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Considering the dramatic impact that waterfall countertops have on the interior design, the material chosen for them is one that makes a statement. That means some sort of natural stone countertop.
Marble, granite, and quartz are respected options and lately concrete and wood started to stand out. The last two offer an extra advantage: they’re DIY friendly and considerably cheaper than the others.
Waterfall Island
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A waterfall countertop is an important focal point for the entire space it’s in, be it a kitchen or a bathroom. It’s a centerpiece displaying beauty and uniqueness, emphasizing texture and color.
Modern Kitchen Different Accents
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This example drops down like a marble waterfall countertop, touching the floor. The verticality of the surface is an unusual detail and the transition from horizontal to vertical has to be as smooth and as fluid as possible for the waterfall effect to be successful and worthy of attention.
Marble Waterfall Countertop
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You can witness the minimalism and beauty of the marble waterfall countertop in this remodeled kitchen which has a chic island with wooden storage spaces and built-in appliances and which is wrapped in a crisp white counter which drops down both sides.
Live Edgewood
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In this example made of wood, it ends with an asymmetric cut showcasing the waterfall edge of the panel. {dwell}.
Island Seating
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The most important detail of the waterfall countertops is how they’re easier to clean when compared to regular countertops.
Small Kitchen Island
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The waterfall design allows you to put an emphasis on it and to make the material stand out more. Of course, that means a considerably higher price.
Island Extension
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The waterfall design can also be adapted to suit kitchen islands that have a raised bar extension or that feature two different heights or materials.
Dark Marble Countertop
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When working with marble, the tricky part is to line up the pattern when creating a waterfall counter. The veining must be in line if you want to emphasize its fluidity and continuity of the design. {ftimberworx}.
Kitchen Island Hood
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Making it look like the counter molds onto the island as if it’s fluid is not easy. It takes a professional to get it right, especially when working with materials like marble or natural stone countertop in general.
Natural Wood Waterfall Countertop Kitchen Island
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Wood is a more forgiving material, one that’s more accessible to DIYers compared to stone. That doesn’t mean anyone can make a waterfall countertop, even if the wood is the material of choice. Creating a fluid a continuous design can be challenging when working with a single huge wood slice.
Reclaimed Wood
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Reclaimed wood makes things easier. Imperfections are viewed as quirky features which add character to the counter and make it look special and unique. Similarly, certain types of wood and finishes are easier to work with from this particular point of view. {antoniomartins}.
Stainless Steel Kitchen Countertop
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Stainless steel is an option. It’s a good counter material because of its antibacterial properties and it’s easy to care for and clean. A waterfall design puts an emphasis on the polished and shiny nature of the counter.
Ceiling Windows Layout
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The thickness of a waterfall countertop is not the same with each design. This example is thin, giving it a sleek and lightweight appearance.
Concrete Countertop
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Concrete countertops are DIY-friendly, just like those made of wood. In fact, concrete may even be easier to work with than wood in this context.
Minimalist Kitchen Design
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A kitchen design is complete when you have a waterfall island. The counter can be like a shell that extends beyond the width of the cabinet, almost as if it’s an independent feature.
Luxury Kitchen Layout
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Marble is sophisticated, elegant and classy so what better way to put the spotlight on it than with a waterfall island counter? Since the material is the focal point, the design of the island can be minimalist and focused on practicality.
What Kind Of Materials Are Used For Waterfall Countertops?
Naturally, there are different materials that you can use to make waterfall countertops, with some being more popular and others being new additions that provide glowing results. While stone is the most common choice, there are other options out there, so let’s take a look at what you can get from each of the available materials.
Granite
Granite has always been the go-to-choice for waterfall countertops because the advantages are simply too good to overlook. Granite has a high heat-resistance, is strong, will last a long time, requires almost no maintenance when properly treated, adds value to your home, and you get to choose between more than 3,000 colors and types.
However, granite is expensive, hard to install by yourself, and the naturally porous surface or granite demands a sealer to prevent stains.
Quartz
A quartz waterfall countertop is essentially an engineered stone product that comprises up to 93 percent quartz particles, combined with some other minerals. Because it is nonporous, it is more resistant to scratching and staining than granite and may be found in a wide spectrum of colors.
Quartz is a good choice because DIY installation is easy. The surface doesn’t require much effort to maintain. Plus, quartz slabs rarely have imperfections. However, quartz is expensive and heavy.
Marble
View in gallery
Marble is yet another natural stone that is frequently utilized in kitchen countertops. The distinctive features of marble will make each waterfall countertop unique. However, thei countertops are difficult to repair.
For waterfall countertops, DIY installation isn’t simple. When looked at from this perspective, marble is less desirable.
Wood Butcher’s Block
View in gallery
Wood waterfall counters have a wonderful, warm appearance and are available in a variety of hues and finishes to complement any décor. Hardwoods are most frequently utilized as countertop woods because of their durability.
Waterfall countertops made from wood are easy to clean, can be resealed as needed, and are great for adding a country look to your space. However, they are more prone to damage compared to countertops made from other materials.
Concrete
If you have countertops that are in strange forms, or if you want a kitchen that is truly one-of-a-kind, concrete countertops may be a wonderful option for you. In order to accommodate their great weight, concrete countertops are typically made in molds right in your home’s kitchen.
Despite the fact that concrete is susceptible to cracking, new solutions are being developed to mitigate this problem. With the use of additives, the porousness of concrete can be minimized.
If you want to install waterfall countertops, it won’t be possible. Also, custom work with concrete costs more money. However, the surface will be sophisticated, heat and scratch-resistant.
Metal
When it comes to giving your kitchen a truly contemporary and industrial style, stainless steel is a terrific option. Countertops made of stainless steel are heat resistant and long-lasting. Because they are built to your requirements, you can have a waterfall countertop that is completely seamless.
If you’re thinking of choosing metal for your waterfall countertop, know that this material is expensive to make and is prone to scratches. Some of the benefits include ease of cleaning and high resistance to heat damage.
Laminate
Surfaces such as laminate sheets are bonded to a particleboard (MDF) core to create countertops. It is possible to purchase pre-formed segments of laminate countertops or have them custom-fabricated to specifications, so if you want a waterfall countertop made with laminate, you’re going to have to place a custom order.
Although laminates are considered less luxurious than premium countertop materials, their popularity is rising. The downsides of choosing laminate for a waterfall countertop include visible seams and added expenses with making the custom edges.
Waterfall Countertops: Pros And Cons
If you’ve decided to give your kitchen a new look and you’re not sure if waterfall countertops are the best solution, let’s take a look at the advantages and drawbacks of these products:
Pros
You can choose from materials such as travertine, quartz, granite, marble, and even wood.
A waterfall edge can be a show-stopping focal point in any kitchen, and there’s no arguing that a waterfall edge can be both attractive and functional.
They are durable. With children, dogs, and guests, the corners of most kitchens are prone to damage.
Cons
They are more expensive compared to other options.
They aren’t a good DIY project. Know that installing a waterfall countertop is a time-consuming operation since it requires the two pieces to be mitered for the seam line to be as undetectable and continuous.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
Do Waterfall Countertops Have A Toe Kick Allowance?
Most kitchen cabinetry has a three-inch cutout space at the bottom. The small area allows you to stand closer to your counters. The toe kick is considered an ergonomic feature. This is one drawback of the waterfall countertop. It looks nice, you if you spend time in your kitchen, you will be uncomfortable.
What Is Agatha Black Granite?
If you want to accentuate your kitchen, Agatha Black is an exotic granite stone featuring jet black hues and veins mixed with gray and white colors. The granite material is considered a lux stone based on its exquisite beauty.
What Is Whisper White Granite?
The granite features abstract venous patterns in dark hues like brown and black. Today, the granite stone is one of the most popular materials for waterfall countertops. Black colors highlight the purity and patterns of the white stone.
Waterfall Countertop Conclusion
A quartz waterfall countertop will transform your kitchen space from bland to luxurious. Waterfall countertops are easy to install and they last a long time. One thing to consider is a waterfall edge countertop. Should you not want to commit to a full countertop design, an edge counter would be enough to get you started.
Every fall we get the urge to binge watch all of the Harry Potter movies. Anyone else?
There’s just a lot of fall vibes in those movies, and we are here for it! Which, seeing that it’s basically September and all, is exactly why this cookbook caught our attention (HP fans unite!):
Fifty magically simple, spellbinding recipes for young witches and wizards? Yes, please! From breakfasts to desserts to snacks to main dishes, The Unofficial Hogwarts Cookbook for Kids is so, SO fun and educational. You and your kiddos will learn new cooking terms and kitchen skills with recipes that range in complexity so that all kid chefs and their potions masters (AKA parents) can whip up something amazing.
One simple and fun recipe that caught our attention was for Butterscotch “Beer” — which, because this is for kids — isn’t really beer at all. Instead, it’s a mug full of butterscotch-y goodness that you can sip while pretending to be at the Three Broomsticks Inn or any other imaginary wizarding bar you fancy.
Photo courtesy of Ulysses Press
Looks delicious, right?! So frothy and fun. And we want you to try it!
Thankfully, we’ve been given permission from the publisher to share this tasty Butterscotch “Beer” recipe with you. So, grab your best wizard or witch hat, your robes, and your large mugs, and let’s cheers to butterbeer!
Butterscotch “Beer” Recipe
A wizarding world favorite, this “beer” recipe allows you to enjoy a cup full of butterscotch-y goodness whenever you’d like, even if you aren’t at a wizarding bar.
Course: Drinks
Keyword: beer, butterscotch
Servings: 4
1/2cupbutter(1 stick)
1cupbrown sugar
1tspkosher salt
2tspvanilla extract
1cupheavy whipping cream
20ozlemon lime soda
ice
In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter.
When the butter is melted, add the brown sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Whisk to combine.
Cook the mixture for 5 minutes, until the brown sugar is completely dissolved.
Whisk in the heavy whipping cream and continue to cook for 1 minute.
Allow this mixture to cool to room temperature, 15 minutes.
When cool, divide between 4 large glasses filled halfway up with ice.
Slowly top with soda, but be careful not to overfill, as the mixture will bubble and foam! Stir to blend and enjoy.
A huge thanks to Alana Al-Hatlani and Ulysses Press for allowing us to share this Butterscotch “Beer” recipe. What are some of your other family fall favorite recipes? This is definitely gonna be one of our new faves! —Jenn
Heard of dogecoin but not sure where to buy it? Cryptocurrency exchanges are just one of the many outlets available. You can also purchase dogecoin through mobile-only crypto brokers, online brokerages, and other finance apps.
Following price surges earlier in 2021, the cryptocurrency dogecoin captured the attention of traders around the world. Created in 2013 by Billy Markus and Jackson Palmer, the coin’s mascot (known as “Doge”) comes from the Shiba Inu Japanese dog breed that was popularized in a series of online memes. Keep reading to find your best option for trading dogecoin.
Features: More than 100 cryptocurrencies, margin and futures trading, OTC trading, account management for HNW individuals and institutional clients, multiple trading platforms, educational resources, and staking rewards.
App store rating: 4.7 iOS/ 4.2 Android
Why it stands out: Kraken offers exceptionally low trading fees with more than 90 cryptocurrencies for traders in the US and across the globe. Besides dogecoin access, its account perks feature futures trading (futures are contracts that give you the right to buy or sell an asset at a certain price on an upcoming date), margin trading, staking rewards (staking gives you interest rewards for holding crypto assets for a set period of time), over-the-counter (OTC) trading, and crypto services for institutional clients.
Kraken also offers multiple mobile apps for iOS and Android users. These include Kraken, Kraken Pro, and Kraken Futures. US traders should note, however, that the futures platform isn’t currently available in the US.
What to look out for: Kraken doesn’t currently serve traders in New York or Washington State (see a complete list of its geographic restrictions here). If you live in either of those areas, you’ll need to consider other exchanges.
Also, as mentioned above, Kraken Futures is not available in the US.
Best for traders of all experience levels: Coinbase
Fees
0.50% spread for buy/sell transactions; transaction fee from $0.99 to $2.99; up to 0.50% for Coinbase Pro
Investment Types
Cryptocurrencies
Fees
0.50% spread for buy/sell transactions; transaction fee from $0.99 to $2.99; up to 0.50% for Coinbase Pro
Investment Types
Cryptocurrencies
Pros
Buy, sell, or store more than 170 cryptocurrencies like bitcoin and dogecoin
Educational investment resources, mobile access, digital storage, and customer support
Low account minimums
Can earn rewards for certain cryptocurrencies
Coinbase card lets you spend crypto or USD anywhere and earn crypto rewards; can deposit your paycheck into your account and convert from USD to crypto with no fees
Cons
No crypto futures or margin accounts
Pay more for lower balances
Not for users who want external storage wallets crafted by personal wallet companies
Promotion: Get $5 of bitcoin when you join Coinbase
Features: Coinbase Earn rewards, Coinbase Pro advanced account, user-controlled storage, stablecoins, staking, and institutional trading tools.
App store rating: 4.7 iOS/ 4.3 Android
Why it stands out: Coinbase offers well over 100 cryptocurrencies, including bitcoin, ethereum, and others. The exchange added dogecoin to its platform in June 2021, allowing both Coinbase Pro and regular account holders to access it through its web platform and iOS and Android mobile apps.
Coinbase also offers staking rewards, Coinbase Prime for institutional traders and high-
individuals (people with at least $1 million), wallet storage, and a Coinbase Earn feature that gives you monetary rewards for watching educational videos about different assets.
In addition, Coinbase has also launching a transaction fee-free beta version of its NFT platform. This means that creators and collectors can exchange tokens without worrying about extra costs. However, this only available for a limited time
What to look out for: Coinbase doesn’t offer margin accounts for traders who need to take on additional buying power to purchase crypto assets.
Why it stands out: Formed as a US extension of Binance in 2019, Binance.US offers dogecoin, bitcoin, and more than 50 other cryptocurrencies. Unlike Kraken, it doesn’t provide margin and futures accounts. But like Kraken, Binance.US offers staking rewards, OTC trading, and trading options for institutional clients.
In addition, if you’re big on crypto-to-crypto exchanges, there’s no shortage of crypto trading pairs at Binance.US (trading pairs consist of two assets that can be exchanged for one another). For instance, the exchange’s two Dogecoin trading pairs are DOGE/USD and DOGE/USDT.
And Binance.US has low fees compared to other exchanges. You’ll only need $10 to get started, and you’ll either pay 0.1% or 0.5%, depending on how fast you want your trades executed.
What to look out for: Binance.US has several geographic restrictions. You won’t be able to use the app if you’re a resident of Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Louisiana, New York, Texas, or Vermont.
1% when you buy or sell a crypto asset; 0% stocks and ETFs
Investment Types
Cryptocurrencies, stocks, and ETFs
Fees
1% when you buy or sell a crypto asset; 0% stocks and ETFs
Investment Types
Cryptocurrencies, stocks, and ETFs
Pros
Can trade bitcoin, dogecoin, ethereum, Litecoin, and a dozen other popular virtual assets; stock and ETF trading available
eToro’s Copy Portfolios let you follow and copy the portfolios of experienced traders to enhance your investment returns
Several educational resources
Web and mobile app access
Cons
Not available to residents of New York, Minnesota, Nevada, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa, Northern Marianas, and the US Virgin Islands (see a full list of its geographic restrictions here)
Limited selection of cryptocurrencies (eToro USA currently offers over 25)
Features: Dogecoin and 15+ cryptocurrencies, CopyTrader system, Copy Portfolios, and eToro Trading Academy
App store rating: 4.6 iOS/ 4.3 Android
Disclaimer: eToro USA LLC; Investments are subject to market risk, including the possible loss of principal.
Why it stands out: Though eToro USA has a more limited selection of investments — it currently offers dogecoin and more than 25 other cryptocurrencies — the exchange makes up for it with its easy-to-use interface, community-like crypto features, and educational resources.
One of eToro USA’s most popular features is its CopyTrader system. This feature is best for beginner traders, as it allows you to tie your portfolio strategies to that of more advanced crypto traders. In other words, you can use the feature to have your portfolio mimic the portfolios of top-performing traders. See more here.
But eToro USA makes up for its more limited crypto selection by additionally offering stock and ETF trading. Plus, the platform charges $0 commissions for trading, and you can purchase fractional shares (get started here).
When it comes to educational offerings, eToro provides both written investing guides and an eToro Trading Academy that includes video tutorials on crypto trading.
What to look out for: eToro USA doesn’t offer margin accounts, so it isn’t the best option for traders who seek additional buying power. In addition, you won’t be able to use the exchange if you live in New York, Minnesota, Nevada, Northern Marianas, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa, US Armed Forces (Americas), and US Armed Forces (Europe and US Virgin Islands).
Best for bitcoin, ethereum, and dogecoin traders: Gemini
Fees
$0.99-$2.99 fee for web and mobile transactions between $10 and $200 (1.49% fee for transactions over $200); 0.50% convenience fee; 3.49% debit card transfers
Investment Types
Cryptocurrencies
Fees
$0.99-$2.99 fee for web and mobile transactions between $10 and $200 (1.49% fee for transactions over $200); 0.50% convenience fee; 3.49% debit card transfers
Investment Types
Cryptocurrencies
Pros
Want to trade more than 100 other virtual assets
Value account security and want your assets securely stored and insured against theft
Are an advanced trader looking for features like faster order execution, crypto trading pairs and auctions, and charting tools
Want to earn daily interest from different cryptocurrencies
Cons
Want to use margin accounts to take on additional buying power
Promotion: Receive $10 of bitcoin (BTC) when a referral exchanges $100 or more within the first 30 days of creating an account.
Features: Trading options for beginners, experts, and institutions; Gemini Earn, Gemini Wallet, and $200 million insurance in Gemini Custody.
App store rating: 4.8 iOS/ 4.5 Android
Why it stands out: Gemini offers more than 75 crypto assets, including dogecoin. You won’t need a minimum amount to get started, but you’ll run into different fees for web transactions and mobile transactions. And you’ll also incur a 0.50% convenience fee for each transaction.
But besides its fee schedule, Gemini offers an array of other features that beginner or experienced crypto traders might enjoy. These include its crypto rewards program (this allows you to earn up to 8.05% on certain assets), its Active Trader platform for advanced traders, its wallet storage options, and its educational webinars. See our full review of Gemini here.
Plus, on the spending and payments end, US customers can get up to 3% in crypto rewards for every purchase they make with the Gemini Credit Card. And Gemini Pay allows you to spend your crypto balances at more than 30,000 retail stores in the US.
What to look out for: This exchange only offers nine cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, ethereum, litecoin, bitcoin cash, zcash, filecoin, tezos, solana, and dogecoin. The remainder of its investment collection is made up of ERC-20 tokens, stablecoins, and SPL tokens.
Abra: Abra is a global crypto exchange offering 100+ cryptocurrencies, wallet services, staking (with interest rewards up to 13.5%) crypto-backed loans, and much more. The company also serves investors in more than 150 countries, and it has an expansive suite of institutional services. It doesn’t charge investors fees for currency exchanges (although it earns income from the spread between different assets), but has high fees for Visa and Mastercard transactions.
Bittrex: Bittrex excels when it comes to ease of use and account security. Its Instant Buy and Sell feature gives you the option to quickly trade dogecoin and other popular assets with the click of a button. In addition, Bittrex uses two-factor authentication, plus a multi-stage wallet strategy that ensures your crypto assets are securely stored through offline hardware. One downside is that it has limited customer support and educational resources.
Webull:Webull is an online brokerage offering cryptocurrencies, stocks, ETFs, options, and more. You’ll only need a minimum of $1 to start trading, and the brokerage offers the following crypto assets: Bitcoin, dogecoin, bitcoin cash, ethereum, litecoin, ZEC, and XLM. It also offers 24/7 trading, but you won’t have as many crypto choices as other popular exchanges.
Robinhood: Commonly known as a pioneer of commission-free trading, Robinhood offers stocks, ETFs, options, American depositary receipts (ADRs), and cryptocurrencies. But like Webull, the brokerage has a more limited offering of crypto assets. Its cryptocurrency list includes dogecoin, bitcoin, bitcoin cash, bitcoin sv, ethereum, ethereum classic, and more.
Crypto.com: Crypto.com offers several impressive features, including more than 100 cryptocurrencies, crypto storage options, and interest rewards (you can currently get up to 14% on your crypto assets). But many of its coins aren’t available to US traders.
Changelly: Founded in 2015, Changelly is a Malta-based cryptocurrency exchange offering more than 170 crypto assets. Though the platform’s trading algorithm integrates with crypto apps like Poloniex and Bittrex, it isn’t currently available to US customers.
How we determined the winners
We compared a dozen crypto trading apps to find the best options for dogecoin access, user navigability, low fees, account custody, and mobile access.
We also researched whether the crypto exchanges offer features like staking or interest rewards, margin accounts, and educational resources.
Frequently asked questions
Why trust us?
At Personal Finance Insider, we strive to help smart people make the best decisions with their money. However, we know that the word best is usually subjective, so we highlight both the pros and cons of dogecoin crypto apps.
We spent hours comparing and contrasting the features and fine print of various dogecoin trading apps so you don’t have to.
What is dogecoin?
Dogecoin is an open source, peer-to-peer cryptocurrency (peer-to-peer cryptocurrencies are virtual assets that can be exchanged between different users without the help of a central financial institution). The asset — though originally used as a meme — was created in 2013 by software engineers Billy Markus and Jackson Palmer.
You can purchase dogecoin in a few simple steps. First, you’ll need to find a cryptocurrency exchange or investment platform that offers the coin. After that, you’ll need to enter in the dogecoin ticker (DOGE), decide how much you’d like to invest, choose your payment method, and place your order.
Once purchased, your dogecoin balance transfers to your platform’s built-in crypto wallet. But most exchanges also give you the option to transfer your crypto balance to an external hot wallet or cold wallet. Hot wallets rely on digital storage, while cold wallets utilize offline, hardware devices.
What is a cryptocurrency exchange?
Cryptocurrency exchanges function as online marketplaces that allow you to buy, sell, and transfer a range of virtual assets like dogecoin, bitcoin, and others. Many exchanges (though not all) also provide wallet storage for your crypto assets. For instance, Coinbase offers its own online storage app for cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
But since all crypto trading apps aren’t personal wallet services, you may need to consider other options for secure storage. Whether you’re trading bitcoin or dogecoin, most exchanges let you transfer assets between your exchange account and wallet whenever you need to.
Are cryptocurrency exchanges worth it?
Like most things in investing and personal finance, this depends largely on your preferences. You don’t necessarily have to use crypto exchanges to buy dogecoin or other popular virtual assets. As mentioned earlier, you can use online platforms like Paypal or SoFi.
TradeStation, Robinhood, and Webull are also three online brokerages that offer fee-free crypto options, but there’s a catch. These investment apps give you greater access to different investment choices (eg. stocks, ETFs, and options), but they usually don’t offer as many crypto-specific features as other popular crypto exchanges.
If you’re struggling to make a decision, it’s best to choose the platform that offers the fees, features, and investment choices that align with your goals.
Rickie Houston is a wealth-building reporter for Business Insider, tasked with covering brokerage products, investment apps, online advisor services, cryptocurrency exchanges, and other wealth-building financial products. He is also a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF). Previously, Rickie worked as a personal finance writer at SmartAsset, focusing on retirement, investing, taxes, and banking topics. He’s contributed to stories published in the Boston Globe, and his work has also been featured in Yahoo News. He graduated from Boston University, where he contributed as a staff writer and sports editor for Boston University News Service. Learn more about how Personal Finance Insider chooses, rates, and covers financial products and services »
The Balance & Go Kit is a full routine, worth £349 and is yours for £160. A saving of over 54%.
It includes your cleanser, mist, eye, serum, moisturiser and SPF, leaving you with balanced and comfortable skin.
You need this Kit if you want comfortably balanced skin or prefer to use lighter products on the skin.
Step 1: Sunday Riley, Ceramic Slip Cleanser This is a brilliant foaming (but not drying) cleanser, suitable for all skin types but particularly if you have oily or combination skin. This leaves your skin feeling clean and soft.
Step 2: Allies of Skin, Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist Formulated with probiotics, niacinamide and antioxidants, this mist helps soothe breakouts and improve the look of pores whilst simultaneously improving barrier function. A great all-rounder.
Step 3: OSKIA, Eye wonder™ A beautifully lightweight eye serum, that helps to visibly brighten dark circles, smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and reduce puffiness. Eyes feel refreshed and brighter – what more could you want from an eye cream?
Step 4: Dr. Dennis Gross, Hyaluronic Marine™ Hydration Booster Your skin will feel hydrated, smoother and plumper after use. The formula helps to moisturise, calm and soothe the skin.
Step 5: Kate Somerville, Oil Free Moisturiser This is perfect for all skins but particularly if you are oily or combination, or prefer a lighter weight moisturiser. Skin feels moisturised without feeling greasy.
Step 6: Ultra Violette, Queen Screen SPF 50+ Luminising Serum Skinscreen™ A brilliant, lightweight serum texture. This melts into the skin brilliantly without leaving a sticky residue, making it perfect for use under makeup. Or, of course on it’s own.
You can purchase this Kit for a limited time only on the Shop Floor.
Interview by Mallika Chandra. Photographs by Denver Rodrigues. Styled by Neelam Ahooja. Assisted by Akanksha Pandey.
Tunic top, from COS; pants, shoes both from The Row; clutch bag, from Clare Vivier.
How often do we still hear of professions not pursued, opportunities not taken up, or passions left unfulfilled by the women we know or encounter? And when it comes to choosing a career in social media over continuing in a more “acceptable” line of work, the dilemma is compounded by the perceived pressure of needing tangible achievements before you hit your thirties – leaving most older women convinced that they are well past the “expiration date” to venture into this fast-paced, trend-driven world that prioritises youth.
At 51, Toronto-based fashion influencer and blogger Neelam Ahooja – who is also a mother of two and a qualified chartered accountant – isn’t allowing these ageist notions to deter her. Like many born to immigrant parents, she was advised to choose a traditional career path, and her love for fashion didn’t initially translate into a viable option. It was only when her kids grew up that her “creative dam broke”, she says.
Ahooja launched her Instagram account (@neelam.ahooja) in December 2012. Today, she dispenses quick styling advice to 79K followers, with longer videos on her YouTube channel, while sharing her extensive collection of luxury pieces (both second-hand and new) from The Row, a brand that has played a significant role in shaping her minimalist personal style.
Shirt, from Massimo Dutti; belt, clutch bag; both from The Row; bracelet, from Celine.
Although this influencer is certainly “influencing” (we will be trying her recommended shirt-layering technique), she does so with the kind of restraint that signals a sense of comfort with who she is: a woman not inhibited by the need to look young. And perhaps it isn’t so much her unfussy aesthetic and effortless chicness that keeps her fashion-forward follower count growing as the fact that she’s advocating for self-expression and acceptance by showing how simply being yourself is enough.
In an exclusive with Verve, Ahooja reflects on how she got her start and all that she is yet to learn and explore in her creative pursuits.
Edited excerpts from the conversation….
Did you always have a strong fashion voice? Or did it grow over time? I’m a textbook Libra – left-handed too – and was organically drawn to the arts. I’m a classically trained Bharatanatyam dancer, I played the piano, dabbled in painting and immersed myself in fashion whenever I could. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been designing in my head and experimenting with style whenever an opportunity presented itself. I had to temper my sartorial spirit to stay focused on academics.
Coat, shoes, both from The Row; pants, from Helmut Lang; scarf, from Dries Van Noten.
What drew you to styling as a career? As the daughter of immigrants, I was advised to choose a traditional career path with a guaranteed income (I chose chartered accountancy). Fashion burned in my heart, but I didn’t see it as a viable career option. This passion was just waiting to be unleashed. When my kids grew up, my creative dam broke; I began to share more of my styled self on Instagram, and it was well received. That turned into something of a career. My passion organically led me to this place – and I’m blessed to be able to do it.
How would you say your childhood and upbringing have influenced your current style and aesthetic? I grew up in the ’70s and spent much of my free time flipping through the latest fashion magazines, devouring every detail. And before the age of the influencer, we had runway models and Hollywood stars to look to for style inspiration. By the time I was a teen, some successful sitcoms had made their mark and one character in particular really spoke to me – Denise Huxtable [played by Lisa Bonet on The Cosby Show ]. She, like me, was a petite woman of colour with curls and a quirky sense of fashion – somewhere between boho chic and boy meets girl – it resonated.
Shirt, from Julie Josephine Essentials; coat, belt bag, both from The Row; scarf, from Johnstons of Elgin.
What are your views on the influencing industry? Do you consider yourself a fashion influencer, and how did you find your unique voice on the internet? I think the term “fashion influencer” has a stigma attached to it. We’re all influencers. I believe each of us has a gift to share – something to teach and something to learn. The issue with the fashion industry as a whole is the sheer volume of consumption and the resulting impact on the planet. I’m culpable as well, of course. To minimise my footprint, I’m shopping pre-owned, looking at sustainability in the brands I work with and the longevity of the pieces I buy – another reason I stay away from trends.
Yes, I do see myself as an influencer in fashion, as that’s my strength and what I feel I can help others with.
I was able to carve out a unique space online because there was a gap that needed to be filled. I’m a 51-year-old petite Indian woman with curly hair and an affinity for The Row; it’s a niche presence. I’m intensely passionate about minimalist luxury designs and that comes through. I think my individuality peeks through how I style from The Row, which isn’t always a direct copy from the runway. I’ll often get feedback from people who say, “I never thought to wear it that way.” When there’s an authenticity and purpose in your spirit, people will make space for it. I’m humbled by the open arms that received me.
I read somewhere that you grew up watching your mother dress in colourful saris with ornate designs. How did that influence your aesthetic? My mom’s almari [cupboard] was like a candy shop. When she dressed up, I paid attention. Ornate suits and saris in vibrant tones, glittering jewels hanging from her ears and neck, and bangles layered to the elbow. It was magnificent.
My current aesthetic is much more minimal, but there’s always a little something that gives my ensemble an edge. An embellished or colourful piece, a Nehru collar, unconventional styling like a half-tucked shirt or an asymmetrical hem. That’s the Eastern influence. I still love embroidered pieces and am an avid collector of Dries Van Noten scarves. I recently scored a vintage one that I love (and the most brilliant Dries scarves are almost always made in India!).
Skirt, from AMI Paris; boots, from The Row.
Given the varied creative – sometimes colourful – influences of your childhood, what drew you to The Row as a collector? Why do you think you gravitated towards its minimalist luxury aesthetic? There are a few mature brands in the minimal luxury category, but nothing resonated as seamlessly with me as The Row; it offers something different – they have an edge. Yes, it’s classy and elegant, but there’s always a little something that makes it feel a little “undone” in just the right proportion to balance out the look.
How do your curls and clothes act as an extension of your personality without being tied to your identity publicly? My curls used to be an issue. I desperately wanted to fit in when I was young, and that was difficult because of how I looked. The ’70s in a small town in Canada wasn’t the easiest place to be for the child of Indian immigrants. That, coupled with a lack of proper curl care tools and products – there weren’t many options back then – and it made for a messy do. It took years to fine-tune the perfect recipe, but now that I have, I’m fully embracing my curls.
My height never really bothered me. I don’t think of either too much now, other than in a practical sense. When it rains, my head needs coverage, and when I’m looking at a lengthy coat, I have to be able to hem it or I won’t buy it.
Clothes are only one piece of the puzzle from a personality perspective. We’re all complex and layered, and I think it’s a mistake to assume we can gauge who a person is based on what they’re wearing. I tend to dress how I feel in the moment, so how I look may be a mood signal if nothing else – especially if I’m in sweatpants!
Tell us a bit more about how you approach sustainability. I need to pay more attention to sustainability. I’m getting better at it. I shop pre-owned stuff (The RealReal is a favourite of mine) and I look for garments created with recycled materials where I can.
Given the price point of The Row, it would be interesting to hear about the financial aspect of collecting luxury fashion. How do you save up to invest in these pieces, and how do you sustain that? That is an excellent question. Yes, it’s pricey, which means I have to budget – I can’t have it all. I make lists, check them twice, continually cull, shop pre-owned, sell pieces that I’m not wearing and don’t consider collectibles, and shamelessly tell my husband that the best gifts are The Row designated bills!
Besides high-end luxury pieces, what are some of the high-street brands you shop from to supplement your wardrobe? How do you create that high-low mix? Massimo Dutti is a favourite, as well as COS and Arket, vintage Levi’s, and occasionally Mango. High-low, high-high, or low-low all work the same – the outfit has to flow; I don’t pay attention to the price when creating a look.
Which was the first piece you ever acquired from The Row? My first piece was an oversized salmon-coloured viscose top with 3/4 sleeves. There wasn’t anything overtly special about it, but the quality and the cut were incredible for such a simple piece.
Tunic top, from Rag and Bone; vest, pants, both from La Collection; bracelet, from Celine; clutch bag, from Ela.
What advice do you give your followers across Instagram and YouTube, who may all come from different economic backgrounds? I’m keenly aware that not everyone can afford The Row. I did not grow up affluent, and I understand what it means to worry about finances. I have a lot of gratitude for what I have and try to offer affordable alternatives when I can. I spend a lot of time going over the minute details of the items I review so that people can make informed purchasing decisions. I tell people to budget and make lists, and shop pre-owned. It saves their wallets and the planet.
In general, what are the different things you consider before deciding whether something is worth the value you’re paying for it? First and foremost, I have to love it. Once I pass that point it’s a matter of how often I will wear it, and if I won’t, is it a collectible piece that will hold its value? I do consider the quality of the item of course, but when it comes to The Row, it’s a no-brainer.
