by Furnishly | Nov 15, 2021 | Design Inspiration, Style
As the nights draw in and the knitwear comes out, many people will be spending the next few weeks settling into cozy winter months. If that’s you, you’re not alone in your prep! Retailers are gearing up too, for the sales and deals that have come to unofficially mark the start of the holiday season.
Black Friday, which falls on November 26 this year, has become an annual point of controversy. Seen by some as the pinnacle of hyper-consumerism, sales have now extended toward “Cyber Monday” deals, as well as “early bird” sales that kick off even before November. In short, consumers are often encouraged to stock up on holiday gifts online well in advance of Thanksgiving and Christmas. But with a growing focus on e-commerce and online sales alongside an urgent rush to grab the best deals in-store, it’s really easy to make some rookie mistakes, which can add up quickly: According to Adobe’s 2021 Holiday Shopping Forecast, shoppers are expected to spend $207 billion this Black Friday — and that includes a 44 percent increase in “Buy Now, Pay Later” deals compared to the same time two years ago.
This doesn’t even take the environmental impact into account. Money’s 2020 Dirty Delivery Report estimated that companies delivering online orders to homes in the United Kingdom would release 429,000 tons of CO2 emissions into the air on Black Friday, and 20 percent of respondents said that, if a carbon tax was to be implemented on Black Friday deliveries, they would refuse to pay extra to offset the carbon footprint generated by their purchases. And while even some plastic-free experts have plastic in their homes until it’s absolutely unuseable anymore, the overconsumption of the material is certainly cause for concern. Between sought-after plastic toys and associated non-recyclable packaging, there are plenty of ways to contribute to the ever-growing mountain of plastic waste on Black Friday — with easy ways to avoid this, too.
How Can You Fix Your Shopping Habits?
In many respects, the most sustainable way to approach Black Friday would involve not participating at all, as demonstrated through global movements such as “Buy Nothing Day,” a blanket protest against consumerism which tends to coincide with Black Friday in an attempt to level out the field. However, complete abstinence from the deals of the day may seem extreme. Knowing some of the facts, here are seven tips to combat some common Black Friday mistakes.
The Mistake: Rushing into a purchase without thinking it through.
The Solution: Ask yourself a few questions before you buy anything, even if it’s on sale.
Before buying anything on Black Friday, try and get into the habit of asking yourself a few key questions, such as:
Holding yourself accountable for every purchase made on Black Friday can be emotionally taxing, but it’s often the first step towards enjoyment of the shopping experience without falling victim to the risk of buyer’s remorse.
The Mistake: Only buying from big-box and major retailers.
The Solution: Support small, independent businesses, too.
Sure, those larger, well-known brands contribute to a wealth of Black Friday bargains because they can afford to. But what about smaller businesses trying to keep up in an increasingly noisy shopping environment?
Websites such as Etsy and Not On The High Street conveniently promote handmade products by independent stores around the globe, so consider diverting your attention and your wallet to supporting artisan makers, where the sale is likely to make a noticeable difference. Be patient with delivery times and consider sharing their posts and products on social media in the run-up to Black Friday to boost their exposure within your network.
The Mistake: Stacking up deliveries from dozens of retailers.
The Solution: Collect items in-store when you can.
Consider reducing your contribution to Black Friday CO2 emissions by looking into your local Click-and-Collect options and taking public transport to pick up your items wherever possible. Many major retailers offer this service at no additional shipping cost to the customer, making this a great option for your bank balance. It also prioritizes the environment by reducing the need for online orders to be delivered to your door.
The Mistake: Taking a brand’s sustainability pledge at face value.
The Solution: Do your research, and prioritize buying from brands that practice transparency.
Many brands are quick to reassure you that they are taking reasonable ethical steps to increase their susbtainability, such as reducing carbon emissions and plastic waste, or taking a zero-tolerance stance on animal testing. If you can’t find this information on their website, a quick Google search will often tell you all you need to know about the company’s stance on these matters. Use your judgement to decide whether or not you think the brand is doing enough — if one company doesn’t meet your standards, there is almost always another one that will.
The Mistake: Getting carried away and spending more than you can afford.
The Solution: Write a list, set a budget, and stick to it.
Setting spending limits and being sensible with your finances is a self-care 101 all year ‘round, but it becomes especially important in the run up to the holiday season. The “Add to Basket” button can be all too tempting in the face of a great online deal, so it’s vital to write a comprehensive shopping list, calculate a spending budget, and stick to it to avoid unnecessary debt.
In addition, the Black Friday bargains are likely to appear a little earlier this year to account for supply chain concerns. Knowing your financial limits and being realistic about what you can and can’t afford is more important than ever, especially given the extra time and opportunity to take advantage of a sale or two!
The Mistake: Using “Buy Now, Pay Later” without establishing a repayment plan.
The Solution: Work out your monthly outgoings and set calendar reminders.
If you’ve seen them on one retailer’s website, you’ve seen them on a dozen sites: “Buy now, pay later” programs seem like a savvy way to plan holiday shopping, but they also add up quickly. These services account for £4.1 billion debt among shoppers in the U.K. alone. If you don’t plan for your payments, that can come back to haunt you, and missed or late payments can drastically lower credit scores and impact your eligibility for borrowing in the future.
While the temptation to grab a bargain on credit may be high, be mindful that you’re not letting your spending get out of control in the run-up to the holiday season. “If you’re opting for any ‘buy now, pay later’ options, it’s important that you’re keeping track of these and know that you’ll be able to make sufficient payments when they’re due,” Alina Jaffer, a Virgin Money Red Team financial expert, tells Apartment Therapy. “Work out your monthly current account outgoings and factor in a sensible budget for any purchases you’d like to make and then stick to this. If finances are looking too tight, it may be best to hunt for cheaper alternatives. Then make sure you have payment reminders by syncing up any third-party payment apps […] or simply setting calendar reminders.”
The Mistake: Thinking of your wallet more than the planet.
The Solution: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
Commonly referred to as “the three Rs,” the environmentally-mindful process of reducing waste, reusing items in creative and resourceful ways, and recycling unwanted materials requires a conscious but worthwhile effort. Donating to your local charity shop or thrift store, as well as upcycling or selling any unwanted items in advance of Black Friday, will help you to understand and think more deeply about the differences between what you want, what you need, and what you can do without.
Recycling the packaging of any new purchases is really important, and try to avoid buying products such as plastic toys where the packaging is often not made from sustainable materials. This practice can easily become second nature all year round too, with a little bit of online research into how you can adopt a more eco-conscious approach to your lifestyle and shopping habits.
by Furnishly | Nov 10, 2021 | Design Inspiration, Style
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You know those kitchens with rows and rows of cabinets, and a walk-in pantry that’s almost as big as the kitchen itself? My apartment doesn’t have one of those. In fact, it hardly has any storage space at all: Neither of the two closets in my apartment are in the bedrooms, yet they’re still devoted almost entirely to clothes. So, I’ve had to get pretty creative when it comes to stashing things away.
Even so, there are some things I’ve found it’s better to buy in bulk, and find ways to store it later. Thanks to some storage cubes and plenty of open-air shelving units, I’ve been able to stock up on the things I’d hate to run out of — and even save a little money in the process, given that retailers often offer discounts if you buy things in a set. Here are five things I’ve realized it’s better to stock up on, rather than buying one at a time.
Other Apartment Therapy contributors have waxed poetic about the happy-looking Scrub Daddy — including Shifrah, who is a cleaning expert — but I prefer to stock up on the brand’s old-fashioned looking sponges. This set comes in a three-pack of four sponges each, which means I’m more than set when I need to swap out an old sponge for a fresh one.
If I’m home, I’m probably burning a candle nearby, which is why I keep these safety matches handy. Because these matches are extra-long, I feel safer about trying to reach the bottom of a nearly-finished candle without burning myself. Two-hundred is a lot of matches, so store the rest in an empty candle cup for instant decor.
Unsweetened, Shelf-Stable Almondmilk
Somewhere between lugging multiple cartons of non-dairy milk back to my apartment on the subway, and then running out of the last of my stash, I realized there had to be a better way. Getting this six-pack of unsweetened almondmilk delivered to my apartment every five weeks or so is both a time- and an energy-saver, and it means I rarely run out of milk to splash into my morning coffee or my afternoon cold brew. Bonus: Doing so is also the most cost-efficient I’ve ever found non-dairy milk to be, given that most cartons at my local bodega cost around $5 each.
As someone who rarely cooked before March 2020, it feels like I’ve been doing more dishes than ever (and they keep multiplying!) The first time I stocked up on this bulk buy of six refill packs, I chalked it up as one of the smartest things I might ever do. Each plastic pouch houses enough soap to refill my dispenser at least twice — and because I know I have plenty of soap on hand, I can maintain that perfect pop of green that somehow overtook my kitchen before I realized what was happening.
I love both of my cats more than anything else in this world, but I don’t want my apartment to smell like their litter box. To help with that, I sprinkle this deodorizer into their litter just about every other day — which means I go through it pretty quickly. Though Chewy only sells this deodorizer as a two-pack, the site offers the large box at the cheapest price I’ve found. To that end, I’ll stock up on several boxes each time I buy, which also offsets packaging and delivery emissions. That, and no one would ever know that Holly and Olive might be doing their business just around the corner from my living room.
Ella Cerón
Lifestyle Editor
Ella Cerón is Apartment Therapy’s Lifestyle Editor, covering how to live your best life in the home you’ve made your own. She lives in New York with two black cats (and no, it’s not a bit).
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by Furnishly | Nov 8, 2021 | Design Inspiration, Style
Unless you’re staying with family or friends, most trips require booking overnight accommodations. And while you’re likely poring over prices and reading reviews, other folks are out there scoring perks for free. Your hotel may have amenities that are typically an upcharge, such as oceanview rooms, a breakfast buffet, and on-site parking, and the truth is that sometimes hotels offer these extras gratis to their guests.
Whether you have your sights set on complimentary WiFi or a late checkout time, some practices work well (hint: be nice!) and others fail when it comes to receiving upgrades on the house. So, if you want to learn how to land a few perks — and avoid FOMO in your room without a view — hear from experts on how to get a hotel room upgrade successfully.
Do: Join a hotel rewards program.
Instead of bouncing around between hotel chains, pick a favorite within your price range and consistently book your stays with that company, especially if you can sign up for their rewards program or become a member to stock up points. “If you stay at a different hotel brand every single time, you won’t get a chance to collect points, so try to be loyal to one chain as much as possible,” advises Victoria Heinz, who blogs at Guide Your Travel. Even if you don’t travel often, being a member can increase your chance of getting perks, such as a complimentary breakfast or free parking.
Don’t: Book online if you want upgrades.
When securing your accommodations through a third party booking site, it’s challenging to make upgrades even if you want them. However, when you call the hotel to book your room, you have the opportunity to ask about potential promotions, even if it’s just as simple as having an ocean view room.
“When we make the reservations directly, we have the opportunity to engage with the guest and find out more about the purpose of their visit,” says Patrick Lacassange, the innkeeper at Deer Path Inn in Lake Forest, Illinois. “This level of engagement allows us to curate an experience specific to them.” Although booking with an online agency is convenient, they can’t guarantee benefits like breakfast or other small amenities like someone employed by the hotel can.
Do: Let the staff know you’re celebrating an occasion.
Many folks travel for a commemorative reason, such as a bachelorette party, birthday, or retirement trip, so let the staff know that you chose their location for your celebration. “Always mention a special occasion for your visit, and say that you’d deeply appreciate anything they can do to make it more memorable,” suggests Tanya Taylor, the owner of the lifestyle blog Travels & Treasures. For example, your hotel may offer a complimentary bottle of champagne or luxe chocolates to help you celebrate.
Lacassange also agrees that mentioning an occasion may cause the hotel to give you extra perks. “You can increase your chance of an upgrade by informing the front desk of a special occasion, anniversary, or birthday — and by being sincere and kind to the front desk staff,” he says. However, never take advantage of your accommodations by fabricating a celebration. Being honest is key.
Don’t: Be afraid to ask for an upgrade when you check in.
Checking with the staff when you arrive allows them to make a decision based on their current occupancy. “When hotels are quiet, and there isn’t a lot going on, you’ll have a decent chance of getting an upgrade if you ask nicely on arrival,” says Heinz. Although she hasn’t had much success getting a luxe room, she has received other perks. “I’ve always had luck with requesting a room with a view, free WiFi or parking, or late checkout. If the hotel isn’t busy, the staff is usually happy to help,” Heinz suggests.
With boutique hotels, there’s also a slight chance that giving you a better room is in everyone’s best interest. Pricier accommodations usually book in advance, so there is a chance that a hotel may score a booking in the eleventh hour by opening up a cheaper room. “Upgrading guests to lower-priced rooms works well for small hotels because those rooms are more likely to sell last-minute than the more expensive rooms,” advises Steve Jacobus, the owner of Tierra Magnifica in Nosara, Costa Rica. “It’s a win-win for both parties.”
Do: Show genuine kindness.
The most consistent piece of advice from hoteliers and travel experts alike was to ask nicely and use kindness from the start. “Usually, the first person you speak with when checking into your hotel is the person who has the ability to upgrade your room,” says Eroline Lamontagne, the director of Fond Doux Resort in Saint Lucia. “Make an effort to be extra kind and attentive to the front desk team.”
Heinz also agrees that being genuinely gracious can brighten the day of staff members and often works effectively when seeking extras. “I’ve also found that basic kindness and politeness will go a long way,” she says. It’s also an excellent way to start your vacation — and it’s the very least that the staff deserves.
by Furnishly | Oct 28, 2021 | Design Inspiration, Style
Whether your ideal vacation destination includes an ocean-view villa, a quaint town, or a mountainside retreat, it can be good to get away from it all once in a while, especially after months of staying put. You may have mixed things up via staycations, virtual trips, and poring over old travel photos, but the fact is, sometimes the best way to recharge is to change up the scenery.
But whether you have a dream vacation on the books or you’re still waiting to see what 2022 has in store, the time to start planning is now. Your trip may be several weeks or a few months away, but paying for it can be within reach if you start stocking funds right away. Promise! Here are five ways to save for your next vacation.
Determine how much your trip will cost.
“Before you can start saving up for your next vacation, you need to decide how much you plan to spend on travel, lodging, activities, meals, and more,” says Josh Zimmelman, a managing partner at Westwood Tax & Consulting. Whether you’re eyeing a particular destination or simply need to budget a particular amount, knowing costs ahead of time is advantageous.
Break up your vacation expenses into a list of categories, such as accommodations, food, travel to and from, and attractions. “Do your research to come up with a price range for each category, giving yourself a reasonable buffer to account for unexpected costs or price changes,” recommends Zimmelman. However, if you leave your vacation open-ended, set aside what you can afford and select a location based on your projected savings. Either way, Zimmelman stresses that once you determine your budget, sticking to it is key.
Save slowly and steadily.
Look at your current expenses and decide how much you can afford to set aside each month. No matter the amount you can spare, start socking it away intentionally. “Once you know roughly when you want to go and how much you need, you can calculate how much you need to save each week or month,” advises Baruch Silvermann, the CEO of The Smart Investor. “Set up a separate savings account and transfer the amount when you get paid.”
If you don’t have a set income each month, such as contract or freelance work, try designating a specific percentage of each payment instead of a predetermined amount. Also, be sure you can’t easily access the funds, so there is no urge to withdraw money if things get tight, and hide (or freeze!) your ATM card to reduce any extra temptation to spend. Another way to save without stress is to set up a savings account at a separate bank so your funds are somewhat out of sight — and off of your mind.
Build a timeline based on your budget.
Don’t be discouraged if you can only afford to allocate a small amount each month. Saving towards a goal can also help you determine when you can travel. It may take a year or longer to save up enough funds, but use this to your advantage to create an overall timeline.
“Saving for anything is about breaking things down into steps. After you’ve decided on a site and a budget, the next thing to consider is the timeline,” says Donny Gamble, the CEO of Retirement Investments. For example, if you can afford to save $200 each month and are eyeing a $2000 trip, it will take you ten months to save up. You may want to book your vacation and secure your reservation once you’ve collected enough for a down payment, however, so make note of the minimum amount of money you’ll need to make that happen.
Assess your future budget before you consider a service that allows you to pay over time.
You’ve likely seen advertisements to use “buy-now, pay-later” programs for everything from clothing to new exercise equipment, and many of these services also want to help you spread your next vacation out over a series of monthly payment installments. Even smaller tour companies are offering “purchase now, choose later” down payment options to boost bookings and encourage folks to commit to traveling, for both international and domestic travel options. “Buying now and deciding later means there’s no need to decide where until you’re ready to travel,” says Ashley Blake, the founder of Traverse Journeys. It’s worth double-checking if that down-payment is refundable before you hand it over, and reading any other fine print about expiration dates and potential limitations.
Overall, use caution before committing to any one of these programs, and ask yourself if you can allot part of your budget for the monthly or weekly installments for the long term before signing up. Ashley Feinstein Gerstley, a partner with Affirm, advises that you must clearly understand your total cost upfront, including any interest or fees, and factor those into your monthly budget accordingly. “This way, you can make sure all your purchases are workable with future months’ spending, so you don’t overextend,” she advises.
It’s also worth making sure that you’re not spending more money than you planned, simply because you can delay payment. “People tend to spend more money when things are done in installments, because it can feel like you are spending less money,” Michelle Schroeder-Gardner, the founder of Making Sense of Cents, previously told Apartment Therapy.
Look for current deals and discounts.
If you’re interested in trying a destination not originally on your radar screen, be open to exploring deals to destinations trying to attract travelers. Many sites, such as Kayak and Travelocity, have sections that include deeply discounted vacations. “Depending on where you’re going, you might be able to find some deals,” suggests Zimmelman, who also notes that some organizations like AAA and Costco offer discounted travel rates to their members. Museums and theme parks may also have online-only tickets available at a reduced price.
If you are considering getting a new credit card and plan on traveling frequently, looking into getting a travel rewards card might be a smart idea given that responsible use can help you accumulate vacation points or secure sign-up bonuses. “You can save a great deal for your vacation by being alert to deals and discounts,” suggests Silvermann. “For example, obtaining a new travel rewards credit card could allow you to earn additional points when you book your airfare or hotel. It could even allow you to save on foreign transaction fees if you’re planning an international break.”
That said, always read the fine print when it comes to lines of credit; a new card could serve as a temptation and outweigh any benefits or points you could collect. No matter where and when you plan to go, a bit of research and creative thinking can help you save before you can finally safely get away from it all.
by Furnishly | Oct 25, 2021 | Design Inspiration, Style
Whether you’ve been fully immersed in the fall season (flannels and pumpkin-spiced everything, anyone?) or have been so busy that the days are flying by faster than you realized, the fact is that Halloween is almost here. Perhaps you’re simply welcoming trick-or-treaters on your doorstep, or maybe you’ve been invited to attend a celebration (either virtual or IRL) where your ensemble needs to be on point.
Before you head to the costume shop or local rental service, consider what’s already lurking in your closet. After all, reusing items you already have can bail you out in a hurry. From outfits based on vocations to funny plays on words, here are ten costumes to make from things you probably already own.
If you have a plethora of pastel balloons on hand from a recent party, you’re in luck! Wear a light-colored outfit underneath, and use safety pins to attach blown-up balloons at their base. To top it off, affix full balloons to a hat or headband. Then, carry a loofah, rubber duckie, or body brush to have a complete bubble bath look.
Love a play on words? This one’s for you. Use a headband and black paper or felt to make cat ears. Wear comfy pajamas and slippers and see if anyone gets the pun. Not only may folks be stumped by your costume, but you’ll also be wearing one of the most comfortable Halloween outfits possible.
Display your culinary skills — or at least pretend you have them — by becoming a chef. Don a black or white shirt and white apron, and carefully dab a bit of flour on your cheeks using your fingertips. If you only have a colorful apron, feel free to be an at-home chef. Place kitchen utensils in your pockets, and carry a cookbook to convince others you know your way around the kitchen.
You know that dreaded “404” that comes up when a webpage is seemingly nonexistent? If your outfit is also missing, go as a 404 error. It’s as simple as wearing black pants or jeans and topping it off with a white t-shirt with “404” on it. Make the numbers out of electrical tape, felt, or permanent marker if you’re not precious about the tee, and tell everyone your Halloween costume was nowhere to be found.
If you love an excuse to dress up, but you also want a simple costume, go as a formal apology. Dress your best — a suit or cocktail attire will do — and use cardboard, poster board, or a sticker to make a sign that says “I’m sorry.” You may have to explain the play on words, but you’ll get a few laughs throughout the night for your brilliantly easy costume.
You can transform a red pair of pants and a white shirt in a hurry with a bit of creativity. Raid your craft stash for pom poms, or cut felt pieces or construction paper into small circles. Affix the spheres to your tee using safety pins or a hot glue gun, depending on whether or not you want to reuse the shirt. Make a small sign that says “5 cents” to affix on the shirt — using it as a name tag is a clever touch. You can even chew gum and blow bubbles for added effect.
Own a black and white striped shirt? Perfect! Navy and white would also suffice to pull off this simple yet crowd-pleasing look. Pair the shirt with dark bottoms, and use makeup or face paint to add exaggerated features to your face. Other accessories you can add include red suspenders, a colorful scarf, and a red or black beret.
Don’t worry. You don’t have to dress up as your favorite musician, as dressing up like a pop star is more manageable than that. Instead, scour your wardrobe for something with stars, or make a star out of construction paper, cardboard, or aluminum foil to carry. Hold a can of your favorite soda — often called pop in some areas of the U.S. — and you can be a pop star without perfecting your voice or dance skills.
A blue shirt with rolled-up sleeves and a red bandana are Rosie’s trademark accessories, so if you have those, you’re good to go! Cover your hair with a red bandana, or wear it as a headband. The bottoms are up to you, although jeans work well. Once you are out and about, be sure to show everyone your bicep so they can get the full effect.
You (or someone in your home) likely have your jeans, boots, and cozy fall flannels at the ready, so use them to make an adorable costume. Wear the ensemble, and top it off with a fedora or brown floppy hat. Use brown makeup to add a nose, and place hay or leaves in some of the pockets. Another plus to this outfit is that it works with denim shorts, overalls, and short-sleeved shirts so you can still scare the birds away if you live in a warmer climate.
