Blog

  • June 2023 Dog Events and Dog Holidays – Dogster

    June 2023 Dog Events and Dog Holidays – Dogster

    [ad_1]

    It’s officially summer and here in Northern California that means hot, dry weather, lots of pool and ice cream time  — and the start of fire season. Over the past couple of years, devastating fires have destroyed homes and millions of acres of land, displacing families, pets and wild animals. Although, it’s not pleasant to think about, having an emergency preparedness plan for your family, including your pets, makes split decisions easier when disaster strikes. June is National Pet Preparedness month and an ideal time to start (or finalize) your plan. Need some inspiration? A couple years ago, I wrote this article about organizations that help pets in natural disasters.

    One step is making sure you prioritize the right gear, such as a carseat, harness, leash and to-go bag packed with essentials.  Having these items in one organized location eliminates the stress of decision making when you have to get out of the house fast.

    Planning to attend any dog events near you? Send us pictures of your pup to be featured on our social media pages.

    Or email us at dogstermag@belvoir.com.

    dog in car with to go bag
    Pet travel gear and accessory company Sleepypod recently launched a new line of American Red Cross co-branded products, including pet carriers, a car safety harness and a grab and go bag. ©Sleepypod

    June 2023 monthly dog holidays

    National Pet Preparedness month

    National Foster a Pet month

    National microchip month

    June 2023 dog holidays

    June 4-10: Pet Appreciation week 

    June 13: World Pet Memorial day

    June 17: National Dog Dad’s day

    June 19-23: PSI’s National Take Your Pet to Work week 

    June 23: PSI’s National Take Your Dog to Work day

    June 2023 dog events

    Throughout June, 2023: Humane Society’s #MoreThanaPet campaign continues to raise money for pet parents who don’t have money or access for pet supplies and vet care. Visit morethanapet.humanesociety.org to learn more about the campaign and share the story of what your pet means to you. Every photo shared = one bowl of food for pets in underserved communities.

    Throughout June 23, 2023: For the 10-year anniversary of Apoquel, a medicine to relieve allergic itch and inflammation in dogs due to atopic and allergic dermatitis, the company is launching a grant program for pet shelters across the U.S. The program will enable 10 shelters to provide allergic relief to about 100 dogs in each of their local communities. Zoetis will announce the 10 selected shelters during “Itchy Pet Awareness Month” in August. To enroll and see requirements, visit Zoetis For Shelters by June 23.

    June 2-4, 2023: Bark on Biddle is a three-day dog festival in downtown Wyandotte, MI. Dogs compete in Dock Jumping competitions, chase a lure at Lucky Dogs Lure Course, play in a Puppy Foam Party with their owners and participate in other contests throughout the day or socialize with other pets and their humans. There will be a variety of pet related vendors, doggy fashions, homemade dog treats, unique dog toys, dishes and samples of dog food and treats.

    June 4, 2023:  Petco will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11:30 a.m. EST. for the grand opening of its new Union Square flagship, a unique one-stop health and wellness destination for pets, in New York City. The new two-story, 25,000 square-foot pet care center combines the best of Petco’s physical and digital offerings, including a stylish grooming salon, full-service veterinary hospital, JustFoodForDogs kitchen and curated merchandise assortment for a complete pet care experience.  The ceremony will be followed by the “Paws in the Park” party and adoption event at noon. Petco Love will bring together more than 20 local animal welfare partners, including Muddy Paws and Animal Care Centers of NYC, to help hundreds of adoptable pets find loving homes. Additionally, there will be a fashion show, presented by BOBS from Skechers, featuring adoptable pets. To help raise awareness for Petco Love’s lifesaving work, local artist Andrea Cáceres, who is also featured in the flagship’s “17th & Bark” collection, will design a custom mural to be displayed at the event.  

    June 4, 2023: Join the Irvine Animal Care Center in Irvine, California to its 17th annual Super Pet Adoption & Fundraiser event. Local pet rescue groups bring adoptable dogs, cats and birds, along with vendors and services for pets and their humans like gourmet food trucks, a bake sale and a drawing giveaway. Tickets are sold at the door: $5 for adults, free for children. Event parking is free.

    June 5, 2023: The ElleVet Project begins its summer veterinary mobile relief tour providing free veterinary care and supplies to the pets of the unhoused and low-income communities throughout the United States. The ElleVet team travels throughout the country treating thousands of pets in unhoused, low-income communities and areas stricken by natural disasters in a 32-foot RV dubbed the “ElleVan.”  The complete schedule of summer dates and locations is available on the nonprofit’s website.

    June 7, 2023: Tune in while Morris Animal Foundation co-hosts a webinar with TedxMileHigh on Hemangiosarcoma, a deadly cancer in dogs. Dr. Kelly Diehl, senior director of science communications at the foundation, will sit down with Dr. Antonella Borgatti, professor of oncology at the University of Minnesota, to talk about clinical signs, treatment options and new research findings that could change the odds for dogs suffering from this cancer. Register here for this event.

    June 10, 2023: Join Helen Woodward Animal Center’s 35th Annual Spring Fling Gala on June 10 from 6 p.m to 11 p.m. at Fairbanks Village Plaza in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. Guests will enjoy cocktails, dinner, music and a silent auction. Tickets can be purchased at silver, gold and platinum levels (ranging from $300 – $600 a ticket) with various special amenities included at each level.

    June 11, 2023: Join the annual Put-in-Bay Pooch Parade at 10 a.m in Ohio, where judges determine the cutest, smallest, largest, most talented, individual best dressed, group best dressed and the dog that looks most like its owner. Registration begins at 9:30 am at the DeRivera Park gazebo.

    dog with artwork
    Nellie is a mature German Shepherd gal from California rescued in 2022 by the Tripawds,com founders. Her painting career is off to a great start with a special piece for the auction on June 12. © Tripawds Foundation

    June 12- 18, 2023: Bid on original artwork created by 16 of the world’s best painting canines (and one special guest sloth)! The 3rd annual Tripawds Dog Art Auction, held online and run by the Tripawds Foundation, raises money for amputee pets battling cancer by funding the Kaiserin Cancer Care Package program, which delivers monthly care bundles for dogs and cats who have lost a limb to cancer.

    Want to see what dog holidays are coming up in 2023? Check out Dogster’s dog holiday list.

     

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Pirajean Lees creates Arts and Crafts-style interior for Mayfair restaurant

    Pirajean Lees creates Arts and Crafts-style interior for Mayfair restaurant

    [ad_1]

    London design studio Pirajean Lees referenced Mayfair’s pastoral past and created a series of spaces that nod to the idea of a Georgian manor house when designing restaurant 20 Berkeley.

    Pirajean Lees aimed to build a story around the space and its sequence of many small rooms, while tapping into the restaurant’s British produce-led culinary approach.

    Seating area in main dining room of 20 Berkeley
    Pirajean Lees has completed the 20 Berkeley restaurant in Mayfair

    “The restaurant is situated in the heart of Mayfair, a place once on the cusp of the city and countryside,” Pirajean Lees told Dezeen.

    “The farming history of the area and its connection to the surrounding rural lands is prevalent throughout the project and paramount to the dining experience.”

    Dining area in restaurant in London by Pirajean Lees
    The restaurant features a series of cosy rooms on the first floor

    Pirajean Lees wanted to put nature and craft at the heart of this design project to align it with the ethos of Creative Restaurant Group, the restaurant’s founders.

    “This led us to build on the strong connection of an imagined Mayfair Georgian manor house and its rural lands, which would have been used to grow produce,” the studio said.

    “A central staircase leads to rooms usually found in a traditional family home, such as the drawing room, music room, pantry, orangery and salon. Each room has its own character whilst belonging to the one property.”

    Seating banquette in 20 Berkeley restaurant
    Among them is the music room

    On the upper-ground floor are the richly designed reception and main dining rooms.

    The lower-ground level houses a 14-seat private room with its own exclusive lounge and dining area, alongside the kitchen, wine cellar and main bar, The Nipperkin.

    The design of the interiors references the arts and crafts movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

    Seating booth in restaurant in London by Pirajean Lees
    Stained glass features in the drawing room

    “At 20 Berkeley, we have developed a layered story of handmade details and tactile finishes that exude elegance,” said Pirajean Lees.

    “The project’s expression is rooted in the traditions of craftsmanship and how the process of making decorative objects and furniture should showcase the beauty of both its materials and construction.”

    Table at restaurant in London by Pirajean Lees
    Antique mirrors were used to surround the building’s columns

    The resulting aesthetic is detailed, with a palette of rich, warm tones including ambers, ochres and dark reds, used across upholstery and textural wallcoverings. Floor tiles have been hand-crafted in Wales and feature clay embedded with fossils.

    Bespoke joinery work was utilised throughout the space, including for the wall panelling, dowelled ceilings and an English oak staircase.

    The project also features bespoke elements that were added to bring a sense of opulence to the various spaces.

    These include a pantry, in painted timber, that provides a strong focal point of the upper floor. Here, chefs prepare dishes on the pantry island, “inviting guests to witness the chefs’ craft, as one would do in one’s home, whilst hosting guests for dinner,” said Pirajean Lees.

    In the orangery, a bespoke pickling cupboard, made from sapele wood and marble, serves as “a pleasing curiosity”, used by the chefs to store jars of vegetables for their recipes.

    Staircase in 20 Berkeley restaurant
    An English oak staircase leads down to 20 Berkeley’s lower ground level

    The bespoke dining tables and chairs were made of oak, while the chairs have been traditionally upholstered for maximum comfort.

    “The bespoke and craft elements bring depth to the project, anchoring it in its strong narrative and creating timeless interiors,” said Pirajean Lees.

    Private dining area in 20 Berkeley restaurant
    A private dining room is located on the lower ground floor

    Bespoke stained glass, handcrafted in a North London studio, is another of the restaurant’s features.

    Used in the reception and drawing room, the stained glass has been strategically positioned, backing onto the busy central bar to give a sense of movement and energy.

    In front of the windows, it warms the light coming into the rooms to create an immersive atmosphere.

    Table in private dining area of restaurant in London by Pirajean Lees
    Mixed clay tiles are laid across the floor

    “The stained glass introduces shadows and reflections, which change throughout the day and are different in each room,” said Pirajean Lees.

    “As per each of our projects, the tailored finishes, joinery and surfaces here, have been carefully created to ensure optimum use of the space by the restaurateur and their guests.”

    Other hospitality projects from the studio include an ornate sushi restaurant in Dubai with interiors informed by 1920s Japan and a members club in London, housed inside the iconic music venue Koko.

    The photography is by Polly Tootal.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • House Prices Are Declining in These 7 States but Hitting Highs Elsewhere

    House Prices Are Declining in These 7 States but Hitting Highs Elsewhere

    [ad_1]

    • The FHFA said on Tuesday that US house prices rose modestly in the first quarter.
    • But some Western states are seeing the first year-over-year price declines in years.
    • The agency’s pricing index rose 4.3% in the first three months of the year.

    The US housing market broadly notched price increases as the key spring-selling season began, but one area of the country that was booming saw the air coming out of prices every year, according to government data released Tuesday.

    House prices grew 4.3% in the first quarter compared to a year ago, the Federal Housing Finance Agency said in a Tuesday report. The advance meant that the market had notched annual appreciation each quarter since 2012.

    The agency’s House Price Index reached just under 400, hitting an all-time high with figures tracking back to 1991. The index measures prices of single-family houses with mortgages guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

    “U.S. house prices generally increased modestly in the first quarter,” Anju Vajja, the principal associate director at the FHFA’s research and statistics division, said. “However, year over year prices in many western states have started to decline for the first time in over ten years.”

    Seven states — all located in the Western US— logged price declines. Utah led the list, with prices off by 4.35%. Nevada followed with a drop of 3.6%.

    California’s house prices fell by 2.86%, and Washington saw a 2.62% drop, the FHFA report said. Also landing on the list were Idaho, Oregon, and Colorado, with the latter seeing prices down 1.07%.

    Outside the Western states, the District of Columbia experienced a 2.35% year-over-year price pullback.

    Of the nine regions that the FHFA tracked, two had annual house price decreases. The Pacific division was down 2.4%, and the Mountain division was down 0.1%.

    Rising interest rates directed by the Federal Reserve in fighting hot inflation have contributed to a slowdown in the housing market since last year, with home sellers slashing listing prices while listings themselves have become scarce.

    Separate data from the property software and data provider Black Knight has shown that markets on the West Coast, including San Francisco and Seattle, have seen the biggest slowdowns.

    Localized data also points to the sharp regional divides in the housing market. Over the past four quarters, house prices rose in 78 of the top 100 largest metropolitan areas, fronted by a 14% rise for the Miami area. San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, California, was the largest metro area with the greatest price decline, at 10.1%.

    Nationwide, FHFA said housing prices rose 0.6% in March. That rate outstripped the 0.3% estimate at Econoday.

    The start of the spring selling season showed house-price gains in March in a separate S&P CoreLogic report released Tuesday. Its Case-Shiller Index rose 0.7% in March versus the year-ago period as tight inventory pressured prices upward.

    The “decline in home prices that began in June 2022 may have come to an end” in March, the report said.

    A line chart showing a positive trend on the FHFA's monthly house price index from 1991 to 2023.

    An FHFA chart showing monthly house-price index from 1991 to 2023.

    FHFA



    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Father’s Day Gift Ideas: A Summer Skin Care Routine For Men

    Father’s Day Gift Ideas: A Summer Skin Care Routine For Men

    [ad_1]

    Father’s Day is a special opportunity to celebrate the father figures in our lives. Dads, husbands, stepdads, uncles and grandfathers all deserve to be treated for the important impacts they have on our lives. What better way to honor these special people than with Father’s Day gifts that encourage self care?

    When it comes to Father’s Day gift ideas, finding thoughtful and practical options to show our appreciation can be tricky. After all, Dad only needs so many ties. Skin care products are a great way to help encourage the father figures in your life to take care of themselves. And products chosen specifically with men in mind make these options a no-brainer for brightening Dad’s day (and his skin). Whether the dad in your life is sporty, loves the outdoors, likes to take care of himself inside and out – or all of the above – we’ve got you covered. 

    A Simple Skin Care Routine For Men

    Step 1

    Cleanser: Good skin always starts with clean skin. Between pollution, sweat, sunscreen and all of the other stuff that the day can leave behind, a gentle cleanser is one of the most important steps in any skin care routine. The Kombucha Microbiome Foaming Cleanser gently removes impurities without over-stripping moisture from the skin, making it suitable for all skin types. It’s simple to use morning and night, great for dads who are new to skin care. A pump of the liquid turns into a lightweight foam that he can massage gently into his skin in a circular motion, then just rinse and pat dry. Not only will his skin be clean, refreshed and healthy-looking, it will also be primed and ready for the next steps in his routine. 

    Step 2

    Toning and exfoliating: Even the most low-maintenance dad can benefit from this step. Along with unclogging pores and hydrating skin, the Pineapple Refining Tonique promotes a smooth, even-looking skin tone and visibly renews dull, textured skin. And if those results aren’t enough to get him excited about this step, the fresh scent of pineapple should do the trick.  

    Step 3

    Serum: Yet another step that will take Dad’s skin to the next level is adding serum to the mix once a day. Okay, ideally twice, but baby steps. The Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum is lightweight and easy to apply; just three to four drops on cleansed and toned skin should do the trick! This serum with two potent sources of Vitamin C – an antioxidant that can help reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles – works for all skin types and will really level up his routine. It also contains avocado oil, citrus fruit and more leafy greens than he probably eats in a day. This powerhouse product will keep his skin looking plump, toned and refreshed.

    Step 4

    Moisture and SPF: It may be the fourth step in the routine but this is the number one most important part of every skin care regime. The sun’s UV rays can be dangerous, causing damage to the skin. UV rays are also associated with aging, something Dad may be looking to avoid (even if he won’t admit it). Though we’re heading into summer, SPF is a non-negotiable all year long. Hopefully he’s been applying it for years, but either way, a fresh new tube is a great idea this June. And since too many steps in a routine can derail even the best of intentions, a skin care product that does double duty, like the Lilikoi Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 40, is great for daily use and easy to re-apply. 

    If Dad is leaning into his new skin care routine and wants to amp it up at night as well, the Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream is chock-full of really good stuff, like antioxidant-rich plants, botanical peptides and omega-3 fatty acids. It multitasks on his skin while he sleeps. 

    Step 5

    Body Lotion: Now that he’s on a roll from the neck up, let’s focus on the rest of the body. Dry skin is no fun, and can be irritated by chlorine, summer sun, salt water and sweat. Enter: Mangosteen Body Lotion. Formulated with a unique Lactic Acid Complex, this lightweight formula gently resurfaces to reveal bright, radiant skin. Easily absorbed, this lovely lotion leaves skin hydrated and soft. Plus, it has a dreamy scent that Dad will love!

    A simple skin care routine is the present dad didn’t know he needed. Making it easy for him to start a new self care habit might be the best gift you could give this Father’s Day.

    Want to give Dad a head start on his new self care routine? Book him a facial at your nearest Eminence Organic Spa Partner.

     

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Why These 9 Breeds Love the Sun – Dogster

    Why These 9 Breeds Love the Sun – Dogster

    [ad_1]

    If you live in a hot climate and want a dog who can tolerate the heat and accompany you in all this fun, there are particular breeds who like — and even thrive — in warmer temperatures.

    “Certain breeds stand out for their ability to cope in warm climates,” says Dr. Alex Schechter, founder of Burwood Veterinary. “Breeds better suited for hot weather have developed a range of physical and behavioral characteristics that allow them to tolerate high temperatures and humidity levels. These traits include a thinner coat, loose skin, larger ears and a more efficient respiratory system.”

    Dogster also interviewed Ben Ryba & Brendan Foster, co-owners of True Canine Training, to learn more about hot weather dog breeds.

    Best hot weather dogs: Top 9 breeds

    Basenji

    Known for their independence and intelligence, Basenjis are an ancient African dog breed who’s no stranger to warm climates. Their short, fine coat, small stature and large ears help keep them cool in hot weather. A Basenji’s ideal human companion is an experienced dog handler, hunter/sportsman, or family with older children. Basenjis groom themselves similarly to cats and require brushing every few days due to their low shedding.

    Basenji puppy first time running on the field
    Basenji ©alekta/ Getty Images

    Chihuahua

    A pint-sized breed originating in Mexico, the Chihuahua has a thin, smooth coat best-suited for warm weather. These small pooches love to be lap dogs and are deeply devoted to their families and can often be caught sunbathing or cuddled under a blanket for warmth. Chihuahuas are great for apartment dwellers and families with older kids. Long-haired Chihuahuas require frequent grooming, while short-haired Chihuahuas only need occasional brushing.

    White long-haired Chihuahua puppy. Dog in nature.
    Chihuahua ©Roman Oleshchenko/ Getty Images

    German Shorthaired Pointer

    “The German Shorthaired Pointer is a hunting dog and typically will grow to be between 50 and 70 pounds. They have short fur and no hair underneath, which keeps them cool in the heat,” Ben and Brendan say. “They love to run and swim and are great for a family, a hunter, or someone who is an outdoor enthusiast in warmer environments.”

    While the German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) isn’t a heavy shedder, the dog breed can shed year-round in warmer climates and require more frequent brushing.

    Read our article on the best dog brushes for shedding.

    German Shorthair Pointer hunt
    German Shorthaired Pointer ©Shinyfamily/Getty Imagea

    Vizsla

    The Vizsla is a Hungarian dog breed with a short, sleek coat that makes them well-suited to hot weather — and easy to groom! But because they’re high-energy dogs who require a lot of exercise, they may need to be exercised early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid overheating, Dr. Schechter says. Known to be “Velcro dogs,” Vizslas make excellent family dogs and are best for anyone with an active lifestyle and able to spend ample time with them.

    Vizsla ©Mint Images/Getty Images

    Australian Cattle Dog

    The Australian Cattle Dog, also called the Blue Heeler, has a short double coat that keeps this dog breed cool no matter whether they’re working or playing hard. Developed in — you guessed it — Australia, this medium-sized breed is known for high energy and endurance and a love of exploring, making them a great fit for active pet parents, families, hunters or cattle breeders.

    Australian Cattle Dog ©Marco Victervo / 500px/Getty Images

    Pharaoh Hound

    The visually striking Pharaoh Hound originated in ancient Egypt and is known as one of the oldest domesticated breeds. Natural athletes, Pharaoh Hounds love running and swimming and thrive in hot weather thanks to their large ears and short, thin fur that doesn’t need much grooming. Pharaoh Hounds are adaptable, active and affectionate; all they really require from a companion or family is that someone keep up with their exercise needs.

    Pharoah Hound © CaptureLight/ Getty Images

    Yorkshire Terrier

    Not only is the Yorkshire Terrier’s fine, silky hair fabulous, but it’s also beneficial in keeping them cooler when temperatures rise. (Although, you’ll need to keep your Yorkie inside during extreme heat.) Yorkies are small dogs with larger-than-life personalities and lots of energy, surely an excellent match for high-energy types and families with older children. It may come as no surprise that their beautiful, long coats require regular grooming.

    Yorkshire Terrier ©IzaLysonArts / 500px/Getty Images

    Mexican Hairless (Xoloitzcuintli) pronounced “show-low-eet-SQUINT-lee”

    A distinct, rare breed, the Mexican Hairless or Xolo for short, originated in ancient Mexico and has little-to-no hair, making it easy to stay cool on hot days. While easy to groom, this also means this dog breed needs sunscreen when outside since the skin is susceptible to sunburns and shouldn’t be out in extreme heat. The Mexican Hairless can be standard, miniature or toy-sized. Regardless of size, these gentle and playful dogs make great companions for people and families who may consider themselves couch potatoes.

    Mexican hairless, xoloitzcuintle. Beautiful adult dog outdoors. Rare dog breed, Xolo. Standard size. Sunny day.
    Xolo ©Creativebird/ Getty Images

    Afghan Hound

    Another ancient dog breed is the aristocratic Afghan Hound. Originating in Afghanistan, the Afghan Hound is highly adaptable to both hot and cold temperatures. This medium-sized breed has a single, silky coat so glamorous that it requires regular grooming. Often referred to as being “cat-like,” the Afghan Hound is independent, athletic and laid-back. Their ideal human companion is an experienced pet parent who lives a more active lifestyle.

    Afghan Hound ©Auscape / Contributor/Getty Images

    Hot weather dogs: How hot is too hot?

    “Different dog breeds have varying heat tolerance levels, but all dogs can be at risk of heat exhaustion or stroke in hot weather,” Dr. Schechter says.

    High temperatures pose several dangers for all dogs. However, puppies, geriatric dogs and dogs with health conditions should especially avoid being in hot weather since they’re at a higher risk of developing heatstroke.

    Signs of overheating include:

    • Excessive panting
    • Dry or pale gums
    • Lethargy or weakness
    • Glazed eyes
    • Vomiting or diarrhea
    • Rapid heartbeat
    • Difficulty standing or walking
    • Seizures or collapse

    Provide your dog with ample shade and water. If you notice signs of overheating, give your dog room temperature water and get to a veterinarian immediately.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Real Estate Investors Retreat From Housing Market at a Record Pace

    Real Estate Investors Retreat From Housing Market at a Record Pace

    [ad_1]

    • Home purchases by investors fell 48.6% in the first quarter from a year ago, Redfin said.
    • That’s the largest annual decline on record going back to 2000.
    • Redfin cited high interest rates as well as declining rents and housing values, which cut into profitability.

    Home purchases by real estate investors fell 48.6% in the first quarter from a year ago, the largest annual decline since Redfin began tracking records in 2000, the company reported.

    The group’s retreat surpassed the market’s overall 40.7% decline in purchases, as elevated interest rates plus declining rents and home values pulled down profitability.

    The conditions also prompted investors to focus on more affordable properties. Low-priced home purchases climbed to a two-year high, and a record 41.1% of investor purchases in the quarter were starter homes.

    “While investors have pumped the brakes on home purchases, they’re still scooping up a bigger share of homes than they were before the pandemic, which can create challenges for individual buyers at a time when there are so few homes for sale,” Redfin Senior Economist Sheharyar Bokhari said in the report.

    Investor purchases accounted for 17.6% of the market, down from last year’s peak of 20% but still the second highest rate since data collection began as individual homebuyers are becoming priced out. 

    Mortgage rates shot up last year in the wake of the Federal Reserve’s interest rate hikes and remain elevated, with the 30-year fixed rate at 6.63% after climbing past 7% earlier this month.

    Despite often using cash, investors are also affected by higher rates, as they depend on non-mortgage loans to fund renovations and related expenses. 

    The downtrend may continue to extend into the second quarter, given that investors find it more costly to borrow. And as economic uncertainty persists, Redfin predicted that this may prompt some investors to move into other asset classes, such as stocks and bonds.

    During the pandemic, investors were active in the housing market, taking advantage of low interest rates and immense demand.

    But in March, 13.5% of homes sold by an investor sold at a loss, with the share rising to 20.8% for home flippers.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • How To Get Dewy Skin

    How To Get Dewy Skin

    [ad_1]

    Dewy skin is always in – especially in the summer. A healthy, hydrated glow is a warm weather staple for many. The secret to this fresh and glossy look is hydration, and lots of it. If trying out this look is on your to-do list, read on for a simple routine that will “dew” the trick. 

    What is Dewy Skin?

    Dewy skin is moisturized, supple, smooth skin that looks fresh and has a glow to it. Think hydrated, bright post-exfoliation skin. A telltale sign of dewy skin is that it reflects light beautifully, especially on the highest points of the face like the cheekbones. A lot of beauty lovers aim to achieve dewy skin in the summer because it creates a beautiful canvas for fresh, lightweight makeup.

    How is it Different from Oily Skin? 

    While on the surface, the dewy skin look might conjure up images of an oil slick, think of it more as a freshly moisturized look with a smooth, natural sheen that bounces and reflects light. Oily skin, on the other hand, has more of a shiny or greasy look to it. Dewy skin will feel clean and fresh, not clogged or dirty. “Dewy” is a look, while “oily” is a skin type.  

    What about Dolphin Skin, Glass Skin and Glazed Donut Skin? 

    You may have seen these terms trending on social media and wondered what sets them apart from dewy skin. While these skin trends are all different, they’re variations on a theme. A healthy moisture barrier is ground zero for all of these looks, with moisturized, nourished skin helping to achieve a plumped and luminous glow. The glass skin and glazed donut skin looks are essentially about a complexion that looks poreless, dewy and shimmers like glass, while dolphin skin includes a finishing touch of makeup, usually highlighter and blush, to really amp things up.

    Does Dewy Skin Work For Every Skin Type? 

    With the right products and prep, any skin type can achieve dewy skin – yes, even dry skin. What is important to remember is that the look is about moisture and exfoliation, so using skin care products from each category that are specific to your skin type will help you get there. As with a lot of skin and makeup looks, what goes on behind the scenes has a big impact on the final look. To achieve a dewy complexion, little to no makeup needs to be involved, so skin prep is key. When the canvas you’re working with is in the best possible condition, the outcome will be a smoother, brighter, dewier look. It’s hard to hide inflammation, irritation and other potential skin issues when your goal is minimal makeup and a dewy finish. So let’s get started.   

    A Dewy Skin Routine 

    Now that you know what it’s all about, the next question is, “How do I get dewy skin?” 

    You’ll want to start with a cream-based cleanser to impart some moisture to the skin while also eliminating buildup. Cleanse gently with your fingertips – overcleansing or vigorous scrubbing could cause harm to the skin barrier in the form of micro-tears. Light pressure in circular motions is key; stay away from harsh tools or scrubbing with face cloths. 

    Next up on your to-dew list is exfoliation. Nothing dulls the dewy glow like a layer of dead skin. The look you’re going for is radiant and refreshed, so eliminating the top layer of dead skin cells will help you glow. Exfoliation also helps the rest of the skin care products to penetrate better. A gentle exfoliant like lactic acid or glycolic acid is ideal for resurfacing. You’ll find both in the Firm Skin Acai Exfoliating Peel, which will leave your skin looking plumped, hydrated and ready to absorb the next products.  

    Pro tip: If you’re looking to save time, an exfoliating cleanser will do double duty by combining the first two steps. The Monoi Age Corrective Exfoliating Cleanser is a cream-based cleanser that uses both physical and chemical exfoliation to help refine your skin’s texture.

    Antioxidants are important to nourish and brighten the look of the skin. A treatment like our Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Masque will do the trick. If you’re looking to really double down on the vitamins, follow that up with a hydrating and toning Vitamin C serum like the Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum

    Since the look really leans into hydration, a hyaluronic acid moisturizer like the Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Hydrator is the water magnet your skin needs. Hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, especially when applied to damp skin. So spritz on a few sprays of Neroli Age Corrective Hydrating Mist to enhance absorption and then go to town with your hyaluronic acid.

    Of course, this wouldn’t be a dewy skin care routine if it didn’t include SPF. Sun damage can be a one-way ticket to dullsville, so it’s important to avoid it at all costs. The Lilikoi Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 40 adds hydration while it protects – another product doing double duty.  

    The finishing touches in this routine are really what takes it to the next level. An oil gently pressed into the face will melt in and leave a beautiful gleam on the skin, without interrupting the efficacy of the SPF. A solid oil like the Camellia Glow Solid Face Oil or a liquid like our Facial Recovery Oil are two options that will get you there. 

    One more step that can be repeated throughout the day, is to finish off with a spritz of something to hydrate the skin and keep it looking fresh. The Neroli Age Corrective Hydrating Mist is full of ingredients that moisturize and hydrate, including coconut milk, coconut water and neroli oil. 

    If you want to dive deeper into the dewy look, watch Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar as she walks you through a routine that will get you glowing, no matter what your skin type is. 

     

    Are you looking to get your skin ready to glow? Visit our Spa Locator and book yourself a facial to get you on the way to healthy, dewy skin. 

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • What’s Required to Travel to Hawaii With Your Dog? – Dogster

    What’s Required to Travel to Hawaii With Your Dog? – Dogster

    [ad_1]

    In order for pets to leave the Hawaii airport, there’s a multi-step process of showing proof of two rabies vaccinations and passing an OIE-FAVN (Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization) blood test measuring the response of the immune system to the rabies vaccine, after a 30 day waiting period. Then, you must meet specific island requirements.

    Following the state’s checklist ensures your pet won’t get stuck at the Hawaii Animal Quarantine Station.

    When should I start planning my trip to Hawaii with my dog?

    Plan early, months in advance, for Hawaii’s tight vaccine requirements, long before flight time, according to Hawaii’s Department of Agriculture (HDOA), Animal Quarantine Station division. Notify your vet as soon as possible to schedule your dog’s appointments during the appropriate time-frame (see below) before your trip.

    Review the pre-flight checklist before you and your dog travel to Hawaii

    A series of steps must be taken for a dog to be released from the airport through the Hawaii Direct Airport Release. To start, follow this vaccine checklist, which directs you to the correct set of requirements based on your final island destination.

    Items on the checklist include:

    • Working microchip required
    • 30-day minimum waiting period after last rabies vaccine
    • 30-day minimum waiting period after FAVN blood sample has been received at lab
    • FAVN report must be received at the Animal Quarantine Station before arrival
    • Accredited vet must complete a health certificate within 10 days of your trip and administer flea and tick treatment before flight
    • Complete HDOA Dog/Cat Release Form
    • Pay DAR fees — $185 in Honolulu; $165 for neighbor island permit

    There are additional forms and requirements based on your island destination.

    Specific Hawaiian island requirements for dogs

    Your island destination and your length of stay change travel requirements:

    • Travel to Honolulu, follow Checklist #1
    • Traveling directly to Kauai, Maui or Kona, follow Checklist #2 — Requires prior arrangements with an approved vet to meet you at the airport at your expense
    • Travel to Kauai, Maui or Kona requires a Neighbor Island Import Permit (NIIP) — requested at least 30 days in advance of arrival

    Will my dog be quarantined in Hawaii?

    “If they do not complete all the requirements in the required timeframe, the dog will not be released and will be held in quarantine in Hawaii or returned to the point of origin at the owner’s expense,” according to HDOA.

    Hawaii animal quarantine information:

    • Cost for 120-day quarantine is $1,080.
    • Owners in Kauai may choose quarantine at the Kauai Humane Society at $100/day.

    Kauai Humane Society created a video guide to bringing you dog to Kauai.

    For questions about the travel requirements with your dog, contact Animal Quarantine Station at  rabiesfree@hawaii.gov or by phone at (808) 483-7151

    For all to enjoy paradise on arrival, follow HDOA’s vaccine and island requirements and plan early based on your situation.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Fettle channels Soho’s “grittier” years at 1 Warwick members’ club

    Fettle channels Soho’s “grittier” years at 1 Warwick members’ club

    [ad_1]

    Interiors studio Fettle drew on the neo-baroque architecture of this Edwardian building in London‘s Soho when converting it into a members’ club, as well as nodding to the area’s colourful history of the 1950s and 60s.

    Owned by Maslow’s, the group behind Fitzrovia club Mortimer House, 1 Warwick features mid-century furniture and lighting along with bespoke designs that reimagine the furniture of the period.

    Lounge of 1 Warwick members’ club
    Fettle has designed the 1 Warwick members’ club in London

    The mix includes jaunty elements such as splayed-leg easy chairs and scallop-edged rattan lighting.

    “During this period of history, Soho was much grittier than we find it today, so we wanted to underplay the more elevated finishes that you would typically find in a members’ club,” Fettle‘s director Andy Goodwin told Dezeen.

    “We have referenced the less polished nature of Soho in this period with raw plaster wall finishes and exposed brick.”

    Yasmin restaurant by Fettle
    The club has a rooftop restaurant called Yasmin

    Fettle juxtaposes these references with some influences from the neo-baroque mansion itself, reworking its sense of assured comfort in a contemporary way with richly toned wood panelling and elaborate chandeliers.

    “We wanted to ensure that we referenced this period within the final design,” Goodwin said. “We simplified a traditional Edwardian baroque skirting and architrave style within the bespoke joinery that was designed for the ground and first floors.”

    “Typically, buildings of a similar age had common features, including bold geometric floor patterns within the entrances. And as such we reimagined a pattern from the period in the lobby of 1 Warwick.”

    Balcony of Yasmin restaurant at 1 Warwick members’ club
    Its wraparound roof terrace offers views across Soho

    While drawing on the history of the building and the area, Fettle worked hard to ensure that the club feels fresh, welcoming and contemporary.

    “We have mixed furniture, lighting and accessories from a variety of different eras and curated a space that feels relaxed and residential in its aesthetic,” he continued.

    “When designing furniture specifically for the project, we referenced more traditional designs, however. We looked at the details through a modern lens to make the space feel familiar yet contemporary.”

    Set over six floors, the crowning glory of 1 Warwick is the rooftop bar and restaurant Yasmin with its wraparound roof terrace and views across Soho.

    Here, pink mohair-upholstered bar stools nestle against a wood-clad marble-topped bar while the menu is Middle Eastern, inspired by executive chef Tom Cenci’s time in Istanbul.

    Two lounge spaces – the Living Room and adjoining Den – are at the heart of the club, where Fettle used an earthy-toned palette, along with exposed brick walls and geometric patterned rugs to bring a sense of warmth to the interior.

    Shared workspace in 1 Warwick members’ club
    The club has several co-working areas

    “We wanted to let the existing architectural features be visible within the final design to create a more neutral backdrop, onto which we layered playful choices across the furniture and fittings,” said Goodwin.

    “We used deep, saturated, colourful fabrics for the upholstered pieces and we have looked to mix mohairs and velvets with more vibrant leathers and patterned fabrics to give an eclectic feel to the space,” said Goodwin.

    In the daytime, 1 Warwick offers spaces to suit different kinds of working styles, from private studies and rentable desks to the Pied-à-Terre – an open-plan workspace featuring long, library-style tables and comfortable lounge seating.

    Office space by Fettle
    Members can also work in private meeting rooms

    At ground level, there’s the neighbourhood bistro and bar Nessa, open to all and offering a playful take on British classics while the more intimate, horseshoe-shaped bar serves up its own menu of small plates.

    With a colour palette of warm, autumnal tones and a material mix of exposed brick, wood panelling and marble-topped tables, the atmosphere here is welcoming and down-to-earth.

    Nessa restaurant at 1 Warwick members’ club
    The Nessa restaurant is set on the ground floor and open to the public

    Founded in 2013, Fettle has a long history in hospitality design with previous projects including the Schwan Locke Hotel in Munich, which was conceived as an homage to early German modernism.

    Elsewhere in London, the studio was also responsible for designing The Gessner apartment block to resemble a hotel, complete with a cafe and co-working area.

    The photography is by Simon Brown.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Chinese Economy Containment Risks ‘Violent Crack-up’: Nouriel Roubini

    Chinese Economy Containment Risks ‘Violent Crack-up’: Nouriel Roubini

    [ad_1]

    • The G7’s approach to China’s economy is accelerating a new cold war, Nouriel Roubini wrote.
    • Western commitment to containing China’s economic influence, risks an eventual “violent crack-up.”
    • Export restrictions of key technology to China may come with economic retaliation.

    While the US has voiced hopes for warmer relations with China, the G7’s approach to Beijing is accelerating another cold war, economist Nouriel Roubini wrote in a Project Syndicate piece.

    Despite rhetoric at the May summit that suggested de-risking relations with China rather than a more aggressive decoupling, the group shows that “far from thawing, the new cold war is getting colder,” he warned.

    “Unlike previous gatherings, when G7 leaders offered mostly talk and little action, this summit turned out to be one of the most important in the group’s history,” he wrote. “The US, Japan, Europe, and their friends and allies made it clearer than ever that they intend to join forces to counter China.”

    Roubini pointed to the inclusion of India, South Korea, Indonesia and Brazil in the summit as well as warnings against China’s “economic coercion,” expansion the South and East China Seas, and aggression against Taiwan. 

    After the summit, Beijing accused Western leaders of trying to contain and suppress China. And Roubini said Beijing could use its dominance in rare-earths metals to retaliate against the US sanctions and trade restrictions.

    Meanwhile, the trade standoff around semiconductors is also fueling cooler relations as US export restrictions are joined by more allies — a bid to keep China technologically behind.

    “So, while the G7 may have set out to deter China without escalating the cold war, the perception in Beijing suggests that Western leaders failed to thread the needle. It is now clearer than ever that the US and the broader West are committed to containing China’s rise,” he concluded.

    He cited also recent interviews with Henry Kissinger, who helped reopen US-China relations in the 1970s, where the veteran diplomat warned that the two countries are on a “collision course” unless they reach a new understanding.

    “The deeper the freeze, the greater the risk of a violent crack-up,” Roubini said.

    [ad_2]

    Source link