https://juliegartha.com/blogs/news.atomJulie Gartha - News2021-08-07T19:39:02-04:00Julie Garthahttps://juliegartha.com/blogs/news/old-age-brings-a-new-set-of-difficulties-for-the-majority-of-individual2021-08-07T19:39:02-04:002021-08-07T19:39:03-04:00Old age brings a new set of difficulties for the majority of individualadmin
Some individuals move every few years or even more often, while others stay there for decades. But for many individuals, there comes a point in their senior years when they must relocate.
While relocation is never an easy process and for senior citizens, there are certain special concerns, such as the possibility of moving to a retirement or assisted living facility, or downsizing to a smaller house or apartment.
Moving may be emotionally and physically difficult for seniors and their families, even if the relocation is ultimately the best solution. To make their relocation as simple as possible, here are 7 useful tips:
Start Planning Early
Allow enough time for this procedure, since it will almost always take longer than you anticipate. Take your time and avoid attempting to organise your whole home in a single day or weekend. A few weeks to a month is a more reasonable timeframe. Take it one room at a time and take frequent breaks during the process.
It’s important that you devote at least a second or two to everything you possess. It will assist you in developing an excellent decision-making system because you will be learning how to concentrate and then choose.
Start Small
You undoubtedly want to get rid of items in your kitchen or garage already, but avoid diving into such a large room at the beginning. You’ve got years and years’ worth of material to sift through. Start with the laundry room or linen closet.
Remove All Duplicates Items
This is particularly true in the kitchen. You have two or three spatulas and ladles, a couple of large stock pots, and four cookie sheets of varying sizes. Now is the moment to cleanse your home of clutter. If you’re hesitant to give away your roasting pan because you use it just around Christmas, give it to your grandchild who can bring it over for the holidays and then take it home with them.
Reduce Collections in a Unique Way
If you’ve had a lifetime collection of porcelain dolls or snow globes from all of your travels, it may be tough to part ways with them. However, they will take up a lot of space in your home or end up in a box where you will never see them again. Instead, you can take pictures of them and can see them whenever you want to see them without the clutter.
Wherever Feasible, Downsize
Moving from a big home to a smaller house or apartment will need some downsizing. Start by donating no longer required furniture, clothing, or belongings and keep necessary things or those with emotional significance. Bear in mind that downsizing does not need you to give up anything you like; rather, it requires you to trim down your belongings to just those that are important.
Don’t Pack Everything
When sorting through years of possessions, some items may pull at your emotions, and you may be tempted to create a third pile of things to retain if space allows. Avoid falling for that. Take a close look at each object you pick up. Keep it if you frequently use it. However, if something has been sitting in a closet or on a shelf for a year or longer, it’s time to let it go. Don’t pack everything which is not required in a new home. However there might be a few things that hold emotional value for your, are old however priceless and antique for you in that case get in touch with your packing and moving company to let them know of the priceless belonging you are planning to take along so that they can make special arrangement for it.
Start Focusing on the Advantages of Relocating
Moving may be stressful and daunting, even more, if you’ve lived in the same location for an extended period of time or have developed a lot of good connections with your house. A relocation, on the other hand, may be a spark for good change, such as creating a new space for yourself, meeting new people, and striking a balance between independence and care. It’s a good idea to have a positive attitude about relocation and to evaluate the many advantages associated with such a change.
The right moves for seniors need much study and preparation. Once you’ve decided that relocating is the best option, follow these 7 useful tips to make the move as pleasant as possible. You can also hire CBD Movers UK, one of the best house removals in London to make your move stress-free. They can help old age people with all their moving needs.
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7 Useful Tips For Older People Moving Home
While rolling a fifty-gallon drum of water from the canal to his potato garden, Bob Turk heard the roar, glanced up into the haze of the midafternoon Martian sky and saw the great blue interplan ship.
In the excitement he waved. And then he read the words painted on the side of the ship and his joy became alloyed with care. Because this great pitted hull, now lowering itself to a rear-end landing, was a carny ship, come to this region of the fourth planet to transact business.
The painting spelled out:
FALLING STAR ENTERTAINMENT ENTERPRISES
PRESENTS
FREAKS, MAGIC, TERRIFYING STUNTS, AND WOMEN!
The final word had been painted largest of all.
I better go tell the settlement council, Turk realized. He left his water drum and trotted toward the shop-area, panting as his lungs struggled to take in the thin, weak air of this unnatural, colonized world. Last time a carnival had come to their area they had been robbed of most of their crops -- accepted by the pitchmen in barter -- and had wound up with nothing more than an armload of useless plaster figurines. It would not happen again. And yet --
He felt the craving within him, the need to be entertained. And they all felt this way; the settlement yearned for the bizarre. Of course the pitchmen knew this, preyed off this. Turk thought, If only we could keep our heads. Barter excess food and cloth-fibers, not what we need. . . not become like a lot of kids. But life in the colony world was monotonous. Carting water, fighting bugs, repairing fences, ceaselessly tinkering with the semi-autonomous robot farm machinery which sustained them. . . it wasn't enough; it had no -- culture. No solemnity.
"Hey," Turk called as he reached Vince Guest's land; Vince sat aboard his one-cylinder plow, wrench in hand. "Hear the noise? Company! More sideshows, like last year -- remember?"
"I remember," Vince said, not looking up. "They got all my squash. The hell with traveling shows." His face became dark.
"This is a different outfit," Turk explained, halting. "I never saw them before; they've got a blue ship and it looks like it's been everywhere. You know what we're going to do? Remember our plan?"
"Some plan," Vince said, closing the jaw of the wrench.
"Talent is talent," Turk babbled, trying to convince -- not merely Vince -- but himself as well; he talked against his own alarm. "All right, so Fred's sort of half-witted; his talent's genuine, I mean, we've tried it out a million times, and why we didn't use it against that carny last year I'll never know. But now we're organized. Prepared."
Raising his head Vince said, "You know what that dumb kid will do? He'll join the carny; he'll leave with it and he'll use his talent on their side -- we can't trust him."
"I trust him," Turk said, and hurried on toward the buildings of the settlement, the dusty, eroded gray structures directly ahead. Already he could see their council chairman, Hoagland Rae, busy at his store; Hoagland rented tired pieces of equipment to settlement members and they all depended on him. Without Hoagland's contraptions no sheep would get sheared, no lambs would be distailed. It was no wonder that Hoagland had become their political -- as well as economic -- leader.
Stepping out onto the hard-packed sand, Hoagland shaded his eyes, wiped his wet forehead with a folded handkerchief and greeted Bob Turk. "Different outfit this time?" His voice was low.
"Right," Turk said, his heart pounding. "And we can take them, Hoag! If we play it right; I mean, once Fred --"
"They'll be suspicious," Hoagland said thoughtfully. "No doubt other settlements have tried to use Psi to win. They may have one of those -- what do you call them? -- those anti-Psi folks with them. Fred's a p-k and if they have an anti-p-k --" He gestured, showing his resignation.
"I'll go tell Fred's parents to get him from school," Bob Turk panted. "It'd be natural for kids to show up right away; let's close the school for this afternoon so Fred's lost in the crowd, you know what I mean? He doesn't look funny, not to me, anyhow." He sniggered.
"True," Hoagland agreed, with dignity. "The Costner boy appears quite normal. Yes, we'll try; that's what we voted to do anyhow, we're committed. Go sound the surplus-gathering bell so these carny boys can see we've got good produce to offer -- I want to see all those apples and walnuts and cabbages and squash and pumpkins piled up --" He pointed to the spot. "And an accurate inventory sheet, with three carbons, in my hands, within one hour." Hoagland got out a cigar, lit up with his lighter. "Get going." Bob Turk went.
As they walked through their south pasture, among the black-face sheep who chewed the hard, dry grass, Tony Costner said to his son, "You think you can manage it, Fred? If not, say so. You don't have to."
Straining, Fred Costner thought he could dimly see the carnival, far off, arranged before the upended interplan ship. Booths, shimmering big banners and metal streamers that danced in the wind ... and the recorded music, or was it an authentic calliope? "Sure," he muttered. "I can handle them; I've been practicing every day since Mr. Rae told me." To prove it he caused a rock lying ahead of them to skim up, pass in an arc, start toward them at high speed and then drop abruptly back to the brown, dry grass. A sheep regarded it dully and Fred laughed.
A small crowd from the settlement, including children, had already manifested itself among the booths now being set up; he saw the cotton candy machine hard at work, smelled the frying popcorn, saw with delight a vast cluster of helium-filled balloons carried by a gaudily-painted dwarf wearing a hobo costume.
His father said quietly, "What you must look for, Fred, is the game which offers the really valuable prizes."
"I know," he said, and began to scan the booths. We don't have a need for hula-hula dolls, he said to himself. Or boxes of salt water taffy.
Somewhere in the carnival lay the real spoils. It might be in the money-pitching board or the spinning wheel or the bingo table; anyhow it was there. He scented it, sniffed it. And hurried.
In a weak, strained voice his father said, "Um, maybe I'll leave you, Freddy." Tony had seen one of the girl platforms and had turned toward it, unable to take his eyes from the scene. One of the girls was already -- but then the rumble of a truck made Fred Costner turn, and he forgot about the high-breasted, unclad girl on the platform. The truck was bringing the produce of the settlement, to be bartered in exchange for tickets.
The boy started toward the truck, wondering how much Hoagland Rae had decided to put up this time after the awful licking they had taken before. It looked like a great deal and Fred felt pride; the settlement obviously had full confidence in his abilities.
He caught then the unmistakable stench of Psi.
It emanated from a booth to his right and he turned at once in that direction. This was what the carny people were protecting, this one game which they did not feel they could afford to lose. It was, he saw, a booth in which one of the freaks acted as the target; the freak was a no-head, the first Fred had ever seen, and he stopped, transfixed.
The no-head had no head at all and his sense organs, his eyes and nose and ears, had migrated to other parts of his body beginning in the period before birth. For instance, his mouth gaped from the center of his chest, and from each shoulder an eye gleamed; the no-head was deformed but not deprived, and Fred felt respect for him. The no-head could see, smell and hear as good as anyone. But what exactly did he do in the game?
In the booth the no-head sat within a basket suspended above a tub of water. Behind the no-head Fred Costner saw a target and then he saw the heap of baseballs near at hand and he realized how the games worked; if the target were hit by a ball the no-head would plunge into the tub of water. And it was to prevent this that the carny had directed its Psi powers; the stench here was overpowering. He could not, however, tell from whom the stench came, the no-head or the operator of the booth or from a third person as yet unseen. The operator, a thin young woman wearing slacks and a sweater and tennis shoes, held a baseball toward Fred. "Ready to play, captain?" she demanded and smiled at him insinuatingly, as if it was utterly in the realm of the impossible that he might play and win.
"I'm thinking," Fred said. He was scrutinizing the prizes. The no-head giggled and the mouth located in the chest said, "He's thinking -- I doubt that!" It giggled again and Fred flushed.
His father came up beside him. "Is this what you want to play?" he said. Now Hoagland Rae appeared; the two men flanked the boy, all three of them studying the prizes. What were they? Dolls, Fred thought. At least that was their appearance; the vaguely male, small shapes lay in rows on the shelves to the left of the booth's operator. He could not for the life of him fathom the carny's reasons for protecting these; surely they were worthless. He moved closer, straining to see. . .
Leading him off to one side Hoagland Rae said worriedly, "But even if we win, Fred, what do we get? Nothing we can use, just those plastic figurines. We can't barter those with other settlements, even." He looked disappointed; the corners of his mouth turned down dismally.
"I don't think they're what they seem," Fred said. "But I don't actually know what they are. Anyhow let me try, Mr. Rae; I know this is the one." And the carny people certainly believed so.
"I'll leave it up to you," Hoagland Rae said, with pessimism; he exchanged glances with Fred's father, than slapped the boy encouragingly on the back. "Let's go," he announced. "Do your best, kid." The group of them -- joined now by Bob Turk -- made their way back to the booth in which the no-head sat with shoulder eyes gleaming.
"Made up your mind, people?" the thin stony-faced girl who operated the booth asked, tossing a baseball and recatching it.
"Here." Hoagland handed Fred an envelope; it was the proceeds from the settlement's produce, in the form of carny tickets -- this was what they had obtained in exchange. This was all there was, now.
"I'll try," Fred said to the thin girl, and handed her a ticket.
The thin girl smiled, showing sharp, small teeth.
"Put me in the drink!" the no-head babbled. "Dunk me and win a valuable prize!" It giggled again, in delight.
That night, in the workshop behind his store, Hoagland Rae sat with a jeweler's loupe in his right eye, examining one of the figurines which Tony Costner's boy had won at the Falling Star Entertainment Enterprises carnival earlier in the day.
Fifteen of the figurines lay in a row against the far wall of Hoagland's workshop.
With a tiny pair of pliers Hoagland pried open the back of the doll-like structure and saw, within, intricate wiring. "The boy was right," he said to Bob Turk, who stood behind him smoking a synthetic tobacco cigarette in jerky agitation. "It's not a doll; it's fully rigged. Might be UN property they stole; might even be a microrob. You know, one of those special automatic mechanisms the government uses for a million tasks from spying to reconstruct surgery for war vets." Now, gingerly, he opened the front of the figurine.
More wiring, and the miniature parts which even under the loupe were exceedingly difficult to make out. He gave up; after all, his ability was limited to repairing power harvesting equipment and the like. This was just too much. Again he wondered exactly how the settlement could make use of these microrobs. Sell them back to the UN? And meanwhile, the carnival had packed up and gone. No way to find out from them what these were. "Maybe it walks and talks," Turk suggested.
Hoagland searched for a switch on the figurine, found none. Verbal order? he wondered. "Walk," he ordered it. The figurine remained inert. "I think we've got something here," he said to Turk. "But --" He gestured. "It'll take time; we've got to be patient." Maybe if they took one of the figurines to M City, where the truly professional engineers, electronics experts and repairmen of all kinds could be found. . . but he wanted to do this himself; he distrusted the inhabitants of the one great urban area on the colony planet.
"Those carny people sure were upset when we won again and again," Bob Turk chuckled. "Fred, he said that they were exerting their own Psi all the time and it completely surprised them that --"
"Be quiet," Hoagland said. He had found the figurine's power supply; now he needed only to trace the circuit until he came to a break. By closing the break he could start the mechanism into activity; it was -- or rather it seemed -- as simple as that.
Shortly, he found the interruption in the circuit. A microscopic switch, disguised as the belt buckle, of the figurine. . . exulting, Hoagland closed the switch with his needle-nose pliers, set the figurine down on his workbench and waited.
The figurine stirred. It reached into a pouch-like construct hanging at it side, a sort of purse; from the pouch it brought a tiny tube, which it pointed at Hoagland.
"Wait," Hoagland said feebly. Behind him Turk bleated and scuttled for cover. Something boomed in his face, a light that thrust him back; he shut his eyes and cried out in fright. We're being attacked! he shouted, but his voice did not sound; he heard nothing. He was crying uselessly in a darkness which had no end. Groping, he reached out imploringly...
The settlement's registered nurse was bending over him, holding a bottle of ammonia at his nostrils. Grunting, he managed to lift his head, open his eyes. He lay in his workshop; around him stood a ring of settlement adults, Bob Turk foremost, all with expressions of gray alarm.
"These dolls or whatever," Hoagland managed to whisper. "Attacked us; be careful." He twisted, trying to see the line of dolls which he had so carefully placed against the far wall. "I set one off prematurely," he mumbled. "By completing the circuit; I tripped it so now we know." And then he blinked.
The dolls were gone.
"I went for Miss Beason," Bob Turk explained, "and when I got back they had disappeared. Sorry." He looked apologetic, as if it were his personal fault. "But you were hurt; I was worried you were maybe dead."
"Okay," Hoagland said, pulling himself up; his head ached and he felt nauseated. "You did right. Better get that Costner kid in here, get his opinion." He added, "Well, we've been taken. For the second year in a row. Only this time is worse." This time, he thought, we won. We were better off last year when we merely lost.
He had an intimation of true foreboding.
Four days later, as Tony Costner hoed weeds in his squash garden, a stirring of the ground made him pause; he reached silently for the pitchfork, thinking, It's an m-gopher, down under, eating the roots. I'll get it. He lifted the pitchfork, and, as the ground stirred once more, brought the tines of the fork savagely down to penetrate the loose, sandy soil.
Something beneath the surface squeaked in pain and fright. Tony Costner grabbed a shovel, dug the dirt away. A tunnel lay exposed and in it, dying in a heap of quivering, pulsating fur, lay -- as he had from long experience anticipated -- a Martian gopher, its eyes glazed in agony, elongated fangs exposed.
He killed it, mercifully. And then bent down to examine it. Because something had caught his eye: a flash of metal.
The m-gopher wore a harness.
It was artificial, of course; the harness fitted snugly around the animal's thick neck. Almost invisible, hair-like wires passed from the harness and disappeared into the scalp of the gopher near the front of the skull.
"Lord," Tony Costner said, picking the gopher and its harness up and standing in futile anxiety, wondering what to do. Right away he connected this with the carnival dolls; they had gone off and done this, made this -- the settlement, as Hoagland had said, was under attack.
He wondered what the gopher would have done had he not killed it.
The gopher had been up to something. Tunneling toward -- his house!
Later, he sat beside Hoagland Rae in the workshop; Rae, with care, had opened the harness, inspected its interior.
"A transmitter," Hoagland said, and breathed out noisily, as if his childhood asthma had returned. "Short range, maybe half a mile. The gopher was directed by it, maybe gave back a signal that told where it was and what it was doing. The electrodes to the brain probably connect with pleasure and pain areas. . . that way the gopher could be controlled." He glanced at Tony Costner. "How'd you like to have a harness like that on you?"
"I wouldn't," Tony said, shivering. He wished, all at once, that he was back on Terra, overcrowded as it was; he longed for the press of the crowd, the smells and sounds of great throngs of men and women, moving along the hard sidewalks, among the lights. It occurred to him then, in a flash, that he had never really enjoyed it here on Mars. Far too lonely, he realized. I made a mistake. My wife; she made me come here.
It was a trifle late, however, to think that now.
"I guess," Hoagland said stonily, "that we'd better notify the UN military police." He went with dragging steps to the wallphone, cranked it, then dialed the emergency number. To Tony he said, half in apology, half in anger, "I can't take responsibility for handling this, Costner; it's too difficult."
"It's my fault too," Tony said. "When I saw that girl, she had taken off the upper part of her garment and --"
"UN regional security office," the phone declared, loudly enough for Tony Costner to hear it.
"We're in trouble," Hoagland said. And explained, then, about the Falling Star Entertainment Enterprises ship and what had happened. As he talked he wiped his streaming forehead with his handkerchief; he looked old and tired, and very much in need of a rest.
An hour later the military police landed in the middle of the settlement's sole street. A uniformed UN officer, middle-aged, with a briefcase, stepped out, glanced around in the yellow late-afternoon light, made out the sight of the crowd with Hoagland Rae placed officially in front. "You are General Mozart?" Hoagland said tentatively, holding his hand out.
"That's correct," the heavy-set UN officer said, as they shook briefly. "May I see the construct, please?" He seemed a trifle disdainful of the somewhat grimy settlement people; Hoagland felt that acutely, and his sense of failure and depression burgeoned.
"Sure, General." Hoagland led the way to his store and the workshop in the rear.
After he had examined the dead m-gopher with its electrodes and harness, General Mozart said, "You may have won artifacts they didnot want to give up, Mr. Rae. Their final -- in other words actual -- destination was probably not this settlement." Again his distaste showed, ill-disguised; who would want to bother this area? "But, and this is a guess, eventually Earth and the more populated regions. However, by your employment of a parapsychological bias on the ball-throwing game --" He broke off, glanced at his wristwatch. "We'll treat the fields in this vicinity with arsine gas, I think; you and your people will have to evacuate this whole region, as a matter of fact tonight; we'll provide a transport. May I use your phone? I'll order the transport -- you assemble all your people." He smiled reflexively at Hoagland and then went to the telephone to place his call back to his office in M City.
"Livestock, too?" Rae said. "We can't sacrifice them." He wondered just how he was supposed to get their sheep, dogs and cattle into the UN transport in the middle of the night. What a mess, he thought dully.
"Of course livestock," General Mozart said unsympathetically, as if Rae were some sort of idiot.
The third steer driven aboard the UN transport carried a harness at its neck; the UN military policeman at the entrance hatch spotted it, shot the steer at once, summoned Hoagland to dispose of the carcass.
Squatting by the dead steer, Hoagland Rae examined the harness and its wiring. As with the m-gopher, the harness connected, by delicate leads, the brain of the animal to the sentient organism -- whatever it was -- which had installed the apparatus, located, he assumed, no farther than a mile from the settlement. What was this animal supposed to do? he wondered as he disconnected the harness. Gore one of us? Or -- eavesdrop. More likely that; the transmitter within the harness hummed audibly; it was perpetually on, picking up all sounds in the vicinity. So they know we've brought in the military, Hoagland realized. And that we've detected two of these constructs, now.
He had a deep intuition that this meant the abolition of the settlement. This area would soon be a battleground between the UN military and the -- whatever they were. Falling Star Entertainment Enterprises. He wondered where they were from. Outside the Sol System, evidently.
Kneeling momentarily beside him a blackjack -- a black-clad UN secret police officer -- said, "Cheer up. This tipped their hand; we could never prove those carnivals were hostile, before. Because of you they never made it to Terra. You'll be reinforced; don't give up." He grinned at Hoagland, then hurried off, disappearing into the darkness, where a UN tank sat parked.
Yes, Hoagland thought. We did the authorities a favor. And they'll reward us by moving massively into this area.
He had a feeling that the settlement would never be quite the same again, no matter what the authorities did. Because, if nothing else, the settlement had failed to solve its own problems; it had been forced to call for outside help. For the big boys.
Tony Costner gave him a hand with the dead steer; together they dragged it to one side, gasping for breath as they grappled with the still warm body. "I feel responsible," Tony said, when they had set it down.
"Don't." Hoagland shook his head. "And tell your boy not to feel bad."
"I haven't seen Fred since this first came out," Tony said miserably. "He took off, terribly disturbed. I guess the UN MPs will find him; they're on the outskirts rounding everybody up." He sounded numb, as if he could not quite take in what was happening. "An MP told me that by morning we could come back. The arsine gas would have taken care of everything. You think they've run into this before? They're not saying but they seem so efficient. They seem so sure of what they're doing."
"Lord knows," Hoagland said. He lit a genuine Earth-made Optimo cigar and smoked in glum silence, watching a flock of black-face sheep being driven into the transport. Who would have thought the legendary, classic invasion of Earth would take this form? he asked himself. Starting here at our meager settlement, in terms of small wired figurines, a little over a dozen in all, which we labored to win from Falling Star Entertainment Enterprises; as General Mozart said, the invaders didn't even want to give them up. Ironic.
Bob Turk, coming up beside him, said quietly, "You realize we're going to be sacrificed. That's obvious. Arsine will kill all the gophers and rats but it won't kill the microrobs because they don't breathe. The UN will have to keep blackjack squads operating in this region for weeks, maybe months. This gas attack is just the beginning." He turned accusingly to Tony Costner. "If your kid --"
"All right," Hoagland said in a sharp voice. "That's enough. If I hadn't taken that one apart, closed the circuit -- you can blame me, Turk; in fact I'll be glad to resign. You can run the settlement without me."
Through a battery-driven loudspeaker a vast UN voice boomed, "All persons within sound of my voice prepare to board! This area will be flooded with poisonous gas at 14:00. I repeat --" It repeated, as the loudspeakers turned in first one direction and then another; the noise echoed in the night darkness.
Stumbling, Fred Costner made his way over the unfamiliar, rough terrain, wheezing in sorrow and weariness; he paid no attention to his location, made no effort to see where he was going. All he wanted to do was get away. He had destroyed the settlement and everyone from Hoagland Rae on down knew it. Because of him --
Far away, behind him, an amplified voice boomed, "All persons within sound of my voice prepare to board! This area will be flooded with poisonous gas at 14:00. I repeat, all persons within sound of my voice --" It dinned on and on. Fred continued to stumble along, trying to shut out the racket of the voice, hurrying away from it.
The night smelled of spiders and dry weeds; he sensed the desolation of the landscape around him. Already he was beyond the final perimeter of cultivation; he had left the settlement's fields and now he stumbled over unplowed ground where no fences or even surveyor's stakes existed. But they would probably flood this area, too, however; the UN ships would coast back and forth, spraying the arsine gas, and then after that special forces troops would come in, wearing gas-masks, carrying flame throwers, with metal-sensitive detectors on their backs, to roust out the fifteen microrobs which had taken refuge underground in the burrows of rats and vermin. Where they belong, Fred Costner said to himself. And to think I wanted them for the settlement; I thought, because the carnival wanted to keep them, that they must be valuable.
He wondered, dimly, if there was any way he could undo what he had done. Find the fifteen microrobs, plus the activated one which had almost killed Hoagland Rae? And -- he had to laugh; it was absurd. Even if he found their hideout -- assuming that all of them had taken refuge together in one spot -- how could he destroy them? And they were armed. Hoagland Rae had barely escaped, and that had been from one acting alone.
A light glowed ahead.
In the darkness he could not make out the shapes which moved at the edge of the light; he halted, waited, trying to orient himself. Persons came and went and he heard the voices, muted, both men's and women's. And the sound of machinery in motion. The UN would not be sending out women, he realized. This was not the authorities.
A portion of the sky, the stars and faint nocturnal swath of haze, had been blotted out, and he realized all at once that he was seeing the outline of a large stationary object.
It could be a ship, parked on its tail, awaiting take-off; the shape seemed roughly that.
He seated himself, shivering in the cold of the Martian night, scowling in an attempt to trace the passage of the indistinct forms busy with their activity. Had the carnival returned? Was this once more the Falling Star Entertainment Enterprises vehicle? Eerily, the thought came to him: the booths and banners and tents and platforms, the magic shows and girl platforms and freaks and games of chance were being erected here in the middle of the night, in this barren area lost in the emptiness between settlements. A hollow enactment of the festivity of the carny life, for no one to see or experience. Except -- by chance -- himself. And to him it was revolting; he had seen all he wanted of the carnival, its people and -- things.
Something ran across his foot.
With his psycho-kinetic faculty he snared it, drew it back; reaching, he grabbed with both hands until all at once he had snatched out of the darkness a thrashing, hard shape. He held it, and saw with fright one of the microrobs; it struggled to escape and yet, reflexively, he held onto it. The microrob had been scurrying toward the parked ship, and he thought, the ship's picking them up. So they won't be found by the UN. They're getting away; then the carnival can go on with its plans.
A calm voice, a woman's, said from close by, "Put it down, please. It wants to go."
Jumping with shock he released the microrob and it scuttled off, rustling in the weeds, gone at once. Standing before Fred the thin girl, still wearing slacks and a sweater, faced him placidly, a flashlight in her hand; by its circle of illumination he made out her sharply-traced features, her colorless jaw and intense, clear eyes. "Hi," Fred said stammeringly; he stood up, defensively, facing the girl. She was slightly taller than he and he felt afraid of her. But he did not catch the stench of Psi about her and he realized that it had definitely not been she there in the booth who had struggled against his own faculty during the game. So he had an advantage over her, and perhaps one she did not know about.
"You better get away from here," he said. "Did you hear the loudspeaker? They're going to gas this area."
"I heard." The girl surveyed him. "You're the big winner, aren't you, sonny? The master game-player; you dunked our anti-ceph sixteen times in a row." She laughed merrily. "Simon was furious; he caught cold from that and blames you. So I hope you don't run into him."
"Don't call me sonny," he said. His fear began to leave him.
"Douglas, our p-k, says you're strong. You wrestled him down every time; congratulations. Well, how pleased are you with your take?" Silently, she once more laughed; her small sharp teeth shone in the meager light. "You feel you got your produce's worth?"
"Your p-k isn't much good," Fred said. "I didn't have any trouble and I'm really not experienced. You could do a lot better."
"With you, possibly? Are you asking to join us? Is this a proposition from you to me, little boy?"
"No!" he said, startled and repelled.
"There was a rat," the girl said, "in the wall of your Mr. Rae's workshop; it had a transmitter on it and so we knew about your call to the UN as soon as you made it. So we've had plenty of time to regain our --" She paused a moment. "Our merchandise. If we cared to. Nobody meant to hurt you; it isn't our fault that busybody Rae stuck the tip of his screwdriver into the control-circuit of that one microrob. Is it?"
"He started the cycle prematurely. It would have done that eventually anyhow." He refused to believe otherwise; he knew the settlement was in the right. "And it's not going to do you any good to collect all those microrobs because the UN knows and --"
" 'Collect'?" The girl rocked with amusement. "We're not collecting the sixteen microrobs you poor little people won. We're going ahead -- you forced us to. The ship is unloading the rest of them." She pointed with the flashlight and he saw in that brief instant the horde of microrobs disgorged, spreading out, seeking shelter like so many photophobic insects.
He shut his eyes and moaned.
"Are you still sure," the girl said purringly, "that you don't want to come with us? It'll ensure your future, sonny. And otherwise --" She gestured. "Who knows? Who really can guess what'll become of your tiny settlement and you poor tiny people?"
"No," he said. "I'm still not coming."
When he opened his eyes again the girl had gone off. She stood with the no-head, Simon, examining a clipboard which the no-head held.
Turning, Fred Costner ran back the way he had come, toward the UN military police.
The lean, tall, black-uniformed UN secret police general said, "I have replaced General Mozart who is unfortunately ill-equipped to deal with domestic subversion; he is a military man exclusively." He did not extend his hand to Hoagland Rae. Instead he began to pace about the workshop, frowning. "I wish I had been called in last night. For example I could have told you one thing immediately. . . which General Mozart did not understand." He halted, glanced searchingly at Hoagland. "You realize, of course, that you did not beat the carnival people. They wanted to lose those sixteen microrobs."
Hoagland Rae nodded silently; there was nothing to say. It now did appear obvious, as the blackjack general had pointed out.
"Prior appearances of the carnival," General Wolff said, "in former years, was to set you up, to set each settlement up in turn. They knew you'd have to plan to win this time. So this time they brought their microrobs. And had their weak Psi ready to engage in an ersatz 'battle' for supremacy."
"All I want to know," Hoagland said, "is whether we're going to get protection." The hills and plains surrounding the settlement, as Fred had told them, were now swarming with the microrobs; it was unsafe to leave the downtown buildings.
"We'll do what we can." General Wolff resumed pacing. "But obviously we're not primarily concerned with you, or with any other particular settlement or locale that's been infested. It's the overall situation that we have to deal with. That ship has been forty places in the last twenty-four hours; how they've moved so swiftly --" He broke off. "They had every step prepared. And you thought you conned them." He glowered at Hoagland Rae. "Every settlement along the line thought that as they won their boxload of microrobs."
"I guess," Hoagland said presently, "that's what we get for cheating." He did not meet the blackjack general's gaze.
"That's what you get for pitting your wits against an adversary from another system," General Wolff said bitingly. "Better look at it that way. And the next time a vehicle not from Terra shows up -- don't try to mastermind a strategy to defeat them: call us."
Hoagland Rae nodded. "Okay. I understand." He felt only dull pain, not indignation; he deserved -- they all deserved -- this chewing out. If they were lucky their reprimand would end at this. It was hardly the settlement's greatest problem. "What do they want?" he asked General Wolff. "Are they after this area for colonization? Or is this an economic --"
"Don't try," General Wolff said.
"P-pardon?"
"It's not something you can understand, now or at any other time. We know what they're after -- and they know what they're after. Is it important that you know, too? Your job is to try to resume your farming as before. Or if you can't do that, pull back and return to Earth."
"I see," Hoagland said, feeling trivial.
"Your kids can read about it in the history books," General Wolff said. "That ought to be good enough for you."
"It's just fine," Hoagland Rae said, miserably. He seated himself halfheartedly at his workbench, picked up a screwdriver and began to tinker with a malfunctioning autonomic tractor guidance-turret.
"Look," General Wolff said, and pointed.
In a corner of the workshop, almost invisible against the dusty wall, a microrob crouched watching them.
"Jeez!" Hoagland wailed, groping around on his workbench for the old .32 revolver which he had gotten out and loaded.
Long before his fingers found the revolver the microrob had vanished. General Wolff had not even moved; he seemed, in fact, somewhat amused: he stood with his arms folded, watching Hoagland fumbling with the antiquated side arm.
"We're working on a central device," General Wolff said, "which would cripple all of them simultaneously. By interrupting the flow of current from their portable power-packs. Obviously to destroy them one by one is absurd; we never even considered it. However --" He paused thoughtfully, his forehead wrinkling. "There's reason to believe they -- the outspacers -- have anticipated us and have diversified the power-sources in such a way that --" He shrugged philosophically. "Well, perhaps something else will come to mind. In time."
"I hope so," Hoagland said. And tried to resume his repair of the defective tractor turret.
"We've pretty much given up the hope of holding Mars," General Wolff said, half to himself.
Hoagland slowly set down his screwdriver, stared at the secret policeman.
"What we're going to concentrate on is Terra," General Wolff said, and scratched his nose reflectively.
"Then," Hoagland said after a pause, "there's really no hope for us here; that's what you're saying."
The blackjack general did not answer. He did not need to.
As he bent over the faintly greenish, scummy surface of the canal where botflies and shiny black beetles buzzed, Bob Turk saw, from the corner of his vision, a small shape scuttle. Swiftly he spun, reached for his laser cane; he brought it up, fired it and destroyed -- oh happy day! -- a heap of rusted, discarded fuel drums, nothing more. The microrob had already departed.
Shakily he returned the laser cane to his belt and again bent over the bug-infested water. As usual the 'robs had been active here during the night; his wife had seen them, heard their rat-like scratchings. What the hell had they done? Bob Turk wondered dismally, and sniffed long and hard at the water.
It seemed to him that the customary odor of the stagnant water was somehow subtly changed.
"Damn," he said, and stood up, feeling futile. The 'robs had put some contaminator in the water; that was obvious. Now it would have to be given a thorough chemical analysis and that would take days. Meanwhile, what would keep his potato crop alive? Good question.
Raging in baffled helplessness, he pawed the laser cane, wishing for a target -- and knowing he could never, not in a million years, have one. As always the 'robs did their work at night; steadily, surely, they pushed the settlement back.
Already ten families had packed up and taken passage for Terra. To resume -- if they could -- the old lives which they had abandoned.
And, soon, it would be his turn.
If only there was something they could do. Some way they could fight back. He thought, I'd do anything, give anything, for a chance to get those 'robs. I swear it. I'd go into debt or bondage or servitude or anything, just for a chance of freeing the area of them.
He was shuffling morosely away from the canal, hands thrust deep in the pockets of his jacket, when he heard the booming roar of the intersystem ship overhead.
Calcified, he stood peering up, his heart collapsing inside him. Them back? he asked himself. The Falling Star Entertainment Enterprises ship. . . are they going to hit us all over again, finish us off finally? Shielding his eyes he peered frantically, not able even to run, his body not knowing its way even to instinctive, animal panic.
The ship, like a gigantic orange, lowered. Shaped like an orange, colored like an orange. . . it was not the blue tubular ship of the Falling Star people; he could see that. But also it was not from Terra; it was not UN. He had never seen a ship exactly like it before and he knew that he was definitely seeing another vehicle from beyond the Sol System, much more blatantly so than the blue ship of the Falling Star creatures. Not even a cursory attempt had been made to make it appear Terran.
And yet, on its sides, it had huge letters, which spelled out words in English.
His lips moving he read the words as the ship settled to a landing northeast of the spot at which he stood.
SIX SYSTEM EDUCATIONAL PLAYTIME ASSOCIATES
IN A RIOT OF FUN AND FROLIC FOR ALL!
It was -- God in heaven -- another itinerant carnival company.
He wanted to look away, to turn and hurry off. And yet he could not; the old familiar drive within him, the craving, the fixated curiosity, was too strong. So he continued to watch; he could see several hatches open and autonomic mechanisms beginning to nose, like flattened doughnuts, out onto the sand.
They were pitching camp.
Coming up beside him his neighbor Vince Guest said hoarsely, "Now what?"
"You can see." Turk gestured frantically. "Use your eyes." Already the auto-mechs were erecting a central tent; colored streamers hurled themselves upward into the air and then rained down on the still two-dimensional booths. And the first humans -- or humanoids -- were emerging. Vince and Bob saw men wearing bright clothing and then women in tights. Or rather something considerably less than tights.
"Wow," Vince managed to say, swallowing. "You see those ladies? You ever seen women with such --"
"I see them," Turk said. "But I'm never going back to one of these non-Terran carnivals from beyond the system and neither is Hoagland; I know that as well as I know my own name."
How rapidly they were going to work. No time wasted; already faint, tinny music, of a carousel nature, filtered to Bob Turk. And the smells. Cotton candy, roasting peanuts, and with those the subtle smell of adventure and exciting sights, of the illicit. One woman with long braided red hair had hopped lithely up onto a platform; she wore a meager bra and wisp of silk at her waist and as he watched fixedly she began to practice her dance. Faster and faster she spun until at last, carried away by the rhythm, she discarded entirely what little she wore. And the funny thing about it all was that it seemed to him real art; it was not the usual carny shimmying at the midsection. There was something beautiful and alive about her movements; he found himself spellbound.
"I -- better go get Hoagland," Vince managed to say, finally. Already a few settlers, including a number of children, were moving as if hypnotized toward the lines of booths and the gaudy streamers that fluttered and shone in the otherwise drab Martian air.
"I'll go over and get a closer look," Bob Turk said, "while you're locating him." He started toward the carnival on a gradually accelerated run, scuffling sand as he hurried.
To Hoagland, Tony Costner said, "At least let's see what they have to offer. You know they're not the same people; it wasn't them who dumped those horrible damn microrobs off here -- you can see that."
"Maybe it's something worse," Hoagland said, but he turned to the boy, Fred. "What do you say?" he demanded.
"I want to look," Fred Costner said. He had made up his mind.
"Okay," Hoagland said, nodding. "That's good enough for me. It won't hurt us to look. As long as we remember what that UN secret police general told us. Let's not kid ourselves into imagining we can outsmart them." He put down his wrench, rose from his workbench, and walked to the closet to get his fur-lined outdoor coat.
When they reached the carnival they found that the games of chance had been placed -- conveniently -- ahead of even the girly shows and the freaks. Fred Costner rushed forward, leaving the group of adults behind; he sniffed the air, took in the scents, heard the music, saw past the games of chance the first freak platform: it was his favorite abomination, one he remembered from previous carnivals, only this one was superior. It was a no-body. In the midday Martian sunlight it reposed quietly: a bodiless head complete with hair, ears, intelligent eyes; heaven only knew what kept it alive. . . in any case he knew intuitively that it was genuine.
"Come and see Orpheus, the head without a visible body!" the pitchman called through his megaphone, and a group, mostly children, had gathered in awe to gape. "How does it stay alive? How does it propel itself? Show them, Orpheus." The pitchman tossed a handful of food pellets -- Fred Costner could not see precisely what -- at the head; it opened its mouth to enormous, frightening proportions, managed to snare most of what landed near it. The pitchman laughed and continued with his spiel. The no-body was now rolling industriously after the bits of food which it had missed. Gee, Fred thought.
"Well?" Hoagland said, coming up beside him. "Do you see any games we might profit from?" His tone was drenched with bitterness. "Care to throw a baseball at anything?" He started away, then, not waiting, a tired little fat man who had been defeated too much, who had already lost too many times. "Let's go," he said to the other adults of the settlement. "Let's get out of here before we get into another --"
"Wait," Fred said. He had caught it, the familiar, pleasing stench. It came from a booth on his right and he turned at once in that direction.
A plump, gray-colored middle-aged woman stood in a ringtoss booth, her hands full of the light wicker rings.
Behind Fred his father said to Hoagland Rae, "You get the rings over the merchandise; you win whatever you manage to toss the ring onto so that it stays." With Fred he walked slowly in that direction. "It would be a natural," he murmured, "for a psychokinetic. I would think."
"I suggest," Hoagland said, speaking to Fred, "that you look more closely this time at the prizes. At the merchandise." However, he came along, too.
At first Fred could not make out what the neat stacks were, each of them exactly alike, intricate and metallic; he came up to the edge of the booth and the middle-aged woman began her chant-like litany, offering him a handful of rings. For a dollar, or whatever of equal value the settlement had to offer.
"What are they?" Hoagland said, peering. "I -- think they're some kind of machines."
Fred said, "I know what they are." And we've got to play, he realized. We must round up every item in the settlement that we can possibly trade these people, every cabbage and rooster and sheep and wool blanket.
Because, he realized, this is our chance. Whether General Wolff knows about it or likes it.
"My God," Hoagland said quietly. "Those are traps."
"That's right, mister," the middle-aged woman chanted. "Homeostatic traps; they do all the work, think for themselves, you just let them go and they travel and travel and they never give up until they catch --" She winked. "You know what. Yes, you know what they catch, mister, those little pesky things you can't ever possibly catch by yourselves, that are poisoning your water and killing your steers and ruining your settlement -- win a trap, a valuable, useful trap, and you'll see, you'll see!" She tossed a wicker ring and it nearly settled over one of the complex, sleek-metal traps; it might very well have, if she had thrown it just a little more carefully. At least that was the impression given. They all felt this.
Hoagland said to Tony Costner and Bob Turk, "We'll need a couple hundred of them at least."
"And for that," Tony said, "we'll have to hock everything we own. But it's worth it; at least we won't be completely wiped out." His eyes gleamed "Let's get started " To Fred he said, "Can you play this game? Can you win?"
"I think so," Fred said. Although somewhere nearby, someone in the carnival was ready with a contrary power of psychokinesis. But not enough he decided. Not quite enough.
It was almost as if they worked it that way on purpose.
#AmericanWriters #PhilipK.Dick #Writers
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https://juliegartha.com/blogs/news/downsizing-from-a-home-to-an-apartment-can-be-intimidating-at-first2021-08-07T09:22:02-04:002021-08-07T09:22:03-04:00Downsizing from a home to an apartment can be intimidating at firstadmin
We’ve compiled the best tips and tricks to make your move as easy as possible. Our guide even includes a downsizing checklist to help make your life even easier as you move.
1. Start as soon as possible
If you’ve ever waited until the last minute to start packing before a move, then you understand the stress that can sink in when the moving trucks arrive. The lack of time is amplified when you’re downsizing to a smaller home because you have to take decluttering into account.
Starting a few weeks or months in advance will allow you to take breaks and avoid feeling rushed throughout the process. It also gives you additional time to comb through each item with care so you can feel like you’ve made the correct decisions during the donation process.
2. Take inventory of your belongings
We all have that one unorganized junk drawer that’s filled up from years of shoveling random papers and knickknacks inside. After years of living in a home, it’s hard to have a mental note of everything you’ve accumulated during your time there.
This is why it’s essential to take inventory of your belongings before you start the decluttering process. Once you’ve cataloged everything of significance, you can begin to decide what will be a good fit for your next place.
3. Measure your furniture
One of the worst-case scenarios when moving homes is to put time and effort into moving furniture, only to find out it doesn’t fit in the new space. To avoid this issue, measure all of the furniture you’re planning to bring over during the move.
Next, measure the dimensions of each room in your new space. Once you have all the measurements you need, you can figure out what can come with you and what will need to be donated or given away.
4. Categorize your items
After you’ve taken inventory of your possessions and measured your furniture, it’s time to start making tough decisions on what will stay and what will go. A common system is to sort your house into three categories: keep, trash and storage.
As you might have guessed, everything in the keep pile can come with you when you move. The items in the trash pile can be thrown away or donated. Lastly, if you’re getting a storage unit, you can label memorabilia that won’t fit in your new home.
5. Focus on one room at a time
Thinking about tackling your entire home all at once can seem like an impossible task, but there are ways to make it feel less daunting. Focusing on one room at a time can help make the entire process more manageable.
Break down the process even more by creating smaller projects in each room. Small tasks in your bedroom could include organizing your dresser drawers, deciding which clothes to donate or decluttering your under-bed storage.
While you’re packing up your home, make sure to use moving labels. This will make it so you don’t have to search through the contents of each box on arrival to know where they’re meant to go.
Our free printable moving labels will make labeling everything a breeze by helping you stay organized.
6. Get rid of duplicate items
Do you ever wonder why you own five different corkscrews when you only need one? Downsizing is the perfect opportunity to get rid of those duplicate items.
Getting rid of duplicates helps free up space for items that you’re on the fence about keeping. It’s one of the easiest ways to cut back on clutter and free up more storage space.
7. Create a plan to get rid of unwanted furniture
Now that you’ve decided what you’ll be keeping, it’s time to decide what to do with the furniture you don’t want anymore. Well, you’re in luck! There are tons of nonprofit organizations that will pick up your furniture donation for free.
Simply look up which charities do free furniture donation pickup in your area, choose where you want to donate and schedule a time for pickup. You’ll be giving to a great cause while getting unwanted furniture off your hands. While you’re at it, look into which organizations accept household items and toys to get even more clutter out of the way.
8. Maximize your storage spaces
When you move into a smaller space, the amount of room you have for storage can take a big hit. Before you reach for your credit card to order a storage unit, it’s a good idea to consider alternatives in your own home for your excess items.
The good news is that there are lots of ways to maximize your storage space, many even in the smallest of apartments! Some suggestions are to use floating shelves for extra decor, pick out multifunctional furniture and add built-in closet organizers to utilize more space. One of the best ways to maximize your storage is to create additional room in your bedroom closets.
Hang our printable closet organizing tags on five separate bins. Once you go through and decide which clothes to keep, you can bring the other four bins directly to your car to take them directly to a donation site.
9. Go digital where you can
Over time papers and files can add up to a massive waste of space. To eliminate this problem, it’s best to scan past receipts and documents to store on your computer as digital files. Just make sure to shred any documents with sensitive information on them to keep your data safe.
If you’re the person with a million photo books around the house, another trick is to convert home movies and photographs into digital files. Making this change will help preserve your precious memories while freeing up extra storage space.
10. Give extra time to be sentimental
While you’re cleaning out your home, remind yourself that it’s okay to get lost in a memory or take time to reminisce. Rummaging through old toys, photographs and awards can bring up a lot of emotion.
Leave extra time to focus on these items and use the KonMari method by asking yourself if items bring you joy. If they do, you should keep them either in your new home or in storage. If not, it’s time to get rid of them.
Printable downsizing checklist
Downsizing might feel overwhelming after reading through the list of things you need to accomplish to have a successful move. Luckily, we’ve created a downsizing checklist to simplify the process.
Use our checklist to determine which items to keep, track important dates and stay organized throughout the process.
Benefits of downsizing
Downsizing is increasing in popularity and with good reason. Here are some of the many benefits of downsizing your home.
Save money: Having a bigger home usually correlates to more furniture, a higher electricity bill and a more expensive mortgage payment. Downsizing your home lets you stop wasting money and allows you to use that extra cash on your hobbies, vacations and activities you love.
Less environmental impact: Naturally, when you downsize, you usually start using less gas, electricity and water than you did in your larger home. When you reduce the size of your home, you can also reduce your environmental footprint.
Simplified lifestyle: Living in a larger house comes with additional responsibility and maintenance. By getting rid of the additional cost, maintenance burden and extra furniture, you can simplify your life and put time into the things that bring you joy.
Reduce clutter: Less space means less room for unnecessary items. Downsizing will force you to organize your life, simplify your life and reduce stress in the process.
You’ve likely heard the phrase “less is more,” which is often the case when it comes to your home. Keep reading for tips on how to declutter your new home.
Additional decluttering tips for your new home
Downsizing your home is the perfect chance to declutter and have a fresh start. These tips will make it easy for you to get started in the organization process.
Do routine organizing: Decide how often you want to organize and set a reminder on your calendar so you don’t forget. Doing regular cleanings will help your home stay organized and keep you from getting overwhelmed.
Make use of vertical storage: When you’re short on square footage, it’s essential to take advantage of all the space you can. Adding shelves, hangers to the backs of doors and tall storage in closets ensures you’ll use areas of the house that would otherwise be wasted.
Donate extra items: You can feel good donating your furniture for free when you know it’s going to a great cause. Simply schedule a pickup with a local nonprofit, pack up your stuff and they’ll come to take it off your hands.
Label your storage: When downsizing, there is a good chance you will have a lot of items to put in storage containers. To keep these organized, make sure to categorize items and label the boxes so you can easily find what you need.
Organize your clothing by type and color: Categorize by sleeve and pant length, and then organize those sections by color. This will help you avoid having duplicate kinds of clothes so you can free up closet space.
A decluttered home can help boost productivity, improve your mood and reduce overall stress.
Our downsizing checklist makes moving a breeze
Downsizing can seem like a daunting task, but focusing on all of the benefits will help you get through the process with a great attitude. Check out Apartment Guide’s finder tool if you’re looking to downsize to your next dream apartment.
The post Downsizing Checklist: 10 Steps To Staying Organized While Moving appeared first on Apartment Living Tips - Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com.
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https://juliegartha.com/blogs/news/intentional-and-beautiful2021-08-07T09:07:02-04:002021-08-07T09:07:03-04:00Intentional and Beautifuladmin
Closets by McKenry and Designer Garages
Living in a neat and organized home is a gift that keeps on giving – providing extra mental energy, extra space, and extra time. No one knows this better than Chris McKenry, owner of Closets by McKenry and Designer Garages.
Setting up shop in Los Angeles as a professional organizer in 2000, the Knoxville native became a board member and president of the L.A. Chapter of the National Association of Professional Organizers and received recognition for his layout and design of the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. Through the years, he received multiple awards for his talents and was featured in Oprah’s “O” magazine, Women’s Day, the L.A. Times, and L.A. Weekly.
While in California, Chris realized that the right environment can enhance organization, and he began designing custom closets. After moving home in 2015, Chris opened Closets by McKenry, and four years later, Designer Garages. Chris now helps his clients lead happier lives by offering custom-designed storage solutions for virtually every room of the house. Local freelance writer Carrie McConkey learned more about Chris’ background and services in an interview for Everything Knoxville magazine.
Carrie: Your family owned and operated McKenry Produce in Knoxville. What is one lesson you learned from the business?
Chris: McKenry Produce was opened by my great grandfather’s brother-in-law in 1897 and was in business for more than 100 years. Starting as a one-room storefront that sold live chickens to customers, in the ’60s the company began supplying poultry to Kentucky Fried Chicken. I started working there after graduating from Carson-Newman University.
In addition to KFC, we served local white tablecloth restaurants like Regas. Focusing on the community was important to my family, and my dad, Joe McKenry, insisted on taking care of every customer’s needs. Often, we would meet a restaurateur after hours so they would not be out of product.
At Closets by McKenry and Designer Garages, we strive for that same dedication. If something out of the norm is requested, we try to source what is needed. We want our clients to know how much we appreciate their business.
Carrie: What sets Closets by McKenry and Designer Garages apart from your peers?
Chris: I believe our continued growth is proof of our desire to serve Knoxville to the fullest. When I first opened Closets by McKenry, I would give clients a tour of my own home to show them different organization ideas. In 2018, I realized a showroom was necessary to better display our products and store a competitively-priced inventory. The following year, I doubled our space and opened the Designer Garages showroom.
To support this expansion, our team has tripled since I started the business. As professionals, and as people, I think they’re just the best. Our designers love what they do and bring experience and creative talent to their work. Our installers are conscientious and courteous. And our showroom manager is always there for our customers while keeping the rest of us on track!
Carrie: You give back in many ways. What is the importance of community to you?
Chris: When I returned to Knoxville after 15 years in L.A., I knew I wanted to be active in our wonderful community. My first year back, we designed the craft room in the Knoxville Symphony League ShowHouse. Two years later, we participated in the first Alzheimer’s Tennessee Home & Garden Tour, for which we received a national award for Best Closet Design.
Currently, we’re the Knoxville collection site for Carson-Newman University’s “Career Closet,” where donated professional garments in good condition will give a needed boost to students. We’re also excited to be opening our showroom for the Interior Design Society’s monthly meeting on August 17th at 5:30 pm. We welcome other community groups if they need a spot to hold events.
Carrie: Do you still offer professional organizing?
Chris: While I no longer provide professional organizing services, we have several local organizers that I confidently refer. Our custom designs will help you map where things should be placed in your new space.
Carrie: In what other areas of the home can you provide storage? And what type of budgets do you work with?
Chris: We provide beautiful storage – shelves, drawers, cabinets, lighting, countertops, islands, and more – for nearly every area of your home. We have helped clients transform their laundry rooms and linen closets, primary closets and pantries, guest rooms, mud rooms, hobby rooms, and home offices. Some of our newest storage solutions include wall beds and wine storage. And we can outfit your garage from floor to ceiling with Swiss Trax or epoxy floors, slatwall panels, and cabinetry, including a beautiful powder-coated premium line from Carolina Garage.
It may sound trite, but we welcome every size budget and project. We can help you remodel the corner of one room or plan out your entire new construction home – we enjoy working with developers, contractors, and architects. Whether you know what you want or are unsure, we’ll ask what is needed to achieve your goals – from extravagant to purely functional – and we’re now offering financing and 12 months same as cash for those who qualify.
Carrie: How can people find you?
Chris: Closets by McKenry and Designer Garages showrooms in West Knoxville are open six days a week. We can schedule an at-home visit, where we will design your space together, or meet virtually. Call, click, or come in – whatever is easiest for you. We want to make your experience planning a new closet, garage, or other storage system as simple and satisfying as possible.
Closets by McKenry – Designer Garages
201 Center Park Drive, Suite 1070
Knoxville, TN 37922
865.249.6382
www.closetsbymckenry.com
www.designergarages.com
The post Closets by McKenry first appeared on Everything Knoxville. #Featured
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https://juliegartha.com/blogs/news/in-this-fdd-talk-post-you-ll-learn-the-following2021-07-25T21:13:02-04:002021-07-25T21:13:03-04:00In this FDD Talk post, you’ll learn the following:admin
Section I – Background information on the Salons by JC franchise opportunity, including relevant news updates
Section II – Estimated initial investment for a Salons by JC franchise, based on Item 7 of the company’s 2021 FDD
Section III – Initial franchise fee, royalty fee, marketing fee, and other fees for a Salons by JC franchise, based on Items 5 and 6 of the company’s 2021 FDD
Section IV – Number of franchised and company-owned Salons by JC outlets at the start of the year and the end of the year for 2018, 2019, and 2020, based on Item 20 of the company’s 2021 FDD
Section V – Presentation and analysis of Salons by JC’s financial performance representations, based on Item 19 of the company’s 2021 FDD, including information on the:
2020 average and median total square feet, net rent per square foot, free rent (days), free rent total dollars, tenant improvement allowance, total leasable square footage, leasable square footage %, construction cost per square foot, and gross sales for the 95 franchised Salons by JC businesses that were (a) open and actively operating as of December 31, 2020, and (b) leased and built out their respective facility and provided Salons by JC with the requested data
2020 actual gross sales for each of the 3 franchised Salons by JC businesses that purchased the facilities for their Salons by JC businesses
2020 actual, average, and median gross sales for the 10 affiliate-owned Salons by JC facilities that were open and operating throughout the entire 2020 calendar year
tenant occupancy rate for each of the 10 affiliate-owned Salons by JC facilities as of the end of 2020, along with the average and median year-end tenant occupancy rate
Section I – Background Information
15 Things You Need to Know About the Salons by JC Franchise
Welcomes New Jersey to the Salon Suite Franchise System
1. In mid-November 2020, Salons by JC announced that New Jersey was the newest home of the franchise. Garret and Mike Bedrin, the 2017 Franchisees of the Year and owners of The Bedrin Organization based in New Jersey, opened the first salon suite in Bergen County in Wyckoff, NJ in November. “We are beyond thrilled to bring seasoned beauty professionals of New Jersey the opportunity to own their own business,” said Garret Bedrin.
2. The Bedrins are third-generation retailers and commercial real estate developers and have had their pulse on New Jersey’s small business economy for over 70 years. “There is no doubt that professionals in the beauty, health, and wellness industry are some of the hardest working and talented professionals who deserve the right to own their own business. We have fought for these rights in Newark at the State Board of Cosmetology and in Trenton at the Department of Consumer Affairs. Even after 5 years of doors slamming in our faces, we never gave up. We are excited to open our doors and share Salons by JC with our local neighborhoods.” In addition to Wyckoff, the Bedrins plan on opening locations in Paramus and Ridgewood in 2021.
3. Meanwhile, in the Southern part of New Jersey, Jim McGuiness is working to develop locations in Shrewsbury, Middletown, and Marlboro. “We are very excited to open up new Salons by JC locations in New Jersey. This is a great market for salon suites given the population density, household incomes, and the number of salons. Most surrounding states already embrace salon suites. New Jersey is late to the game and beauty professionals have been waiting for our state to adopt similar practices like New York, Connecticut, and Maryland,” said McGuiness.
4. The New Jersey Cosmetology board received many requests from salon suite providers and in 2019 decided it was a good idea to approve the “newest” concept in salon ownership. “The approval requires adherence to specific guidelines and requirements. We feel the opportunity to enter the market and provide salon ownership is a great opportunity and responsibility. The pre-opening interest in our Shrewsbury location is excellent and we look forward to creating the premier salon suite design and opportunity for beauty professionals to build their business and free themselves from the traditional salon model. This is an exciting time and we are proud to enable this change,” added McGuiness.
5. Steve Griffey, president of Salons by JC, said, “We are thrilled that the State of New Jersey has opened up the opportunity for salon suites to expand. We have three of the best Salons by JC franchisees in the country that are developing the state.”
6. Garret and Mike Bedrin are former Franchisees of the Year recipients for their work in North Carolina. “They own 3 beautiful salon suite locations that have been incredibly successful. Their goal is to open 16 salons in Northern New Jersey. In the Southern part of the state, Jim McGuiness has stores in development in Shrewsbury, Middletown, and Marlboro. Jim and his family have developed 3 successful salons in Maryland and Connecticut. They will bring an incredible amount of experience and support to the salon community in New Jersey,” added Griffey.
7. Drew Johnston, vice president of operations for Salons by JC, added, “Salons by JC is committed to bringing the best in facilities and customer service to salon professionals across the country. The Bedrin and McGuiness families are fully committed to delivering on the vision and mission of Salons by JC in their home state of New Jersey.”
Names Ten Peaks Media as Agency of Record
8. In late April 2020, Ten Peaks Media, a full-service marketing and advertising agency, announced that it had been named agency of record by Salons by JC, the industry-leading salon suite leasing and franchising company that provides solutions for salon professionals, customers, and franchises. Ten Peaks Media’s services include digital marketing, paid and organic social media, and marketing strategy and management.
9. Steve Griffey, president of Salons by JC, said, “We’re fortunate to be able to continue our work in a time of such global uncertainty. Within the last month, we’ve been able to do a full audit and hit the reset button with new strategies, and bringing on the talented team at Ten Peaks Media was an obvious next step to support our continued growth in the market.”
10. Salons by JC is outsourcing its chief marketing officer role to Josh Cates, founder and CEO of Ten Peaks Media, who has more than 20 years of experience in media and advertising. In 2019, Cates was named Businessman of the Year by the Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce and won an American Advertising Federation ADDY award for his work.
11. Cates said, “Salons by JC, ranked as the #1 salon suite in the industry for two years running by Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500, is known for helping prospective franchise owners launch a successful business. Our team is committed to expanding the quality of their paid digital media and elevating their franchisees and company expertise to the masses.”
Company History
12. Salons by JC was founded in 1998 by Jack Griffey and Cecil Miller in Dallas, Texas. Griffey first learned about the salon suite concept after the salon that his wife worked at closed and she had to find a way to relocate her clientele. Instead of seeking work at a traditional salon again, Mrs. Griffey rented a space at a salon suite. While the space was no bigger than a closet, it gave Mrs. Griffey the freedom to be her own boss.
13. After checking out her new space, Jack Griffey was impressed and realized the potential of a salon suite business. Griffey spent time researching the concept and turned to his good friend and fellow retail businessman, Cecil Miller, for help. The first Salons by JC was a success and a second location opened in 2001 when Griffey’s son moved to San Antonio and asked his father and Miller if they were interested in opening a location in the city.
14. In 2008, Griffey and Miller officially started franchising the Salons by JC concept and there are now locations around the United States and Canada.
Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500
15. Salons by JC ranked No. 401 on Entrepreneur’s 2021 Franchise 500 list.
Section II – Estimated Costs
Please click here for detailed estimates of Salons by JC franchise costs, based on Item 7 of the company’s 2021 FDD.
Section III – Initial Franchise Fee, Royalty Fee, Marketing Fee, and Other Fees
Please click here for detailed information on Salons by JC’s initial franchise fee, royalty fee, marketing fee, and other fees, based on Items 5 and 6 of the company’s 2021 FDD.
Section IV – Number of Franchised and Company-Owned Outlets
Franchised
2018
Outlets at the Start of the Year: 74
Outlets at the End of the Year: 82
Net Change: +8
2019
Outlets at the Start of the Year: 82
Outlets at the End of the Year: 89
Net Change: +7
2020
Outlets at the Start of the Year: 89
Outlets at the End of the Year: 102
Net Change: +13
Company-Owned
2018
Outlets at the Start of the Year: 10
Outlets at the End of the Year: 10
Net Change: 0
2019
Outlets at the Start of the Year: 10
Outlets at the End of the Year: 10
Net Change: 0
2020
Outlets at the Start of the Year: 10
Outlets at the End of the Year: 10
Net Change: 0
Section V – Financial Performance Representations (Item 19, 2021 FDD) and Analysis
Part 1 of this Item 19 discloses certain historical data regarding the premises and construction costs, as well as Gross Sales and certain other information, for the 95 franchised Salons by JC Businesses that were (a) open and actively operating as of December 31, 2020, and (b) leased and built out their respective Facility and provided Salons by JC with the requested data that is detailed in Part 1A (the “Part 1 Franchised Facilities”).
Part 1A excludes 4 of the first franchised Salons by JC Businesses that are governed by a different form of franchise agreement that does not require them to report the relevant information to Salons by JC (the “Non-Reporting Franchisees”).
Three franchised Salons by JC Businesses purchased the Facilities for their Salons by JC Businesses. Because of this, these three franchised Salons by JC Businesses are not included in Part 1A, but Salons by JC has included their Gross Sales information in Part 1B.
Part 2 of this Item 19 discloses the average Gross Sales generated by the affiliate-owned Salons by JC Businesses (“Affiliate-Owned Facilities”). The Affiliate-Owned Facilities were open and operating throughout the entire 2020 calendar year.
The Affiliate-Owned Facilities do not pay Royalty Fees, Fund Contributions, and are not subject to the Local Advertising Requirement, which a franchised Salons by JC Business will have to pay. Salons by JC does not currently charge the Technology Fee.
The Affiliate-Owned Facilities included in this financial performance representation offer similar services and face a similar degree of competition anticipated for the franchised Salons by JC Businesses offered under the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Part 3 of this Item 19 discloses the average tenant occupancy rate for all 10 Affiliate-Owned Facilities as of the end of 2020, as well as an average overall tenant occupancy rate for each Affiliate-Owned Facility.
Part 1A – Premises, Lease and Construction Cost and Gross Sales Information for Part 1 Franchised Facilities During the 2020 Calendar Year
Average
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Estink - Simple designeasy to install no need any tools And moving it conveniently to other place Material the poles and rods are made from steel fixed clamps pole bases and hanging hooks are made of highquality pp material they are all environmentalsafe safety and durable to use Space saving and durable our garment rack is very convenient to have your inventory at home and not damage your home floor in the process Great way to store inventory in a small space The pp bases of poles are durable nonstick they wont hurt the floor and ceiling in your home
Adjustable 3 poles 4 bars hanging rods it can be adjusted into long or short to meet your demands Buildin spring design of the pole this design is for easy installation and convenient adjustment to touch the ceiling
Installation tips1 When assembling the vertical pole make sure the adjustable pipe is on the top and the smaller end towards the ceiling 2When installing the horizontal bars be aware each bars has a pair of holdersbrackets one is bigger for big end of bar the other is for the smaller end
Suwimut - Easy to carry lightweight design is good for camping traveling or on holiday abroad You can use these hangers indoor or outdoor Large metal hooks can hang drying rack anywhere with windproof hookeffectively prevent the clothes from being blown away Material laundry hanger is made of high quality stainless steel 40mm in bold Metal construction and metal clips are durable strong bearing and high strength against corrosion rust so they would not snap and break off like other plastic ones Space saving each hanger has 10 pegsclips attached You wont face short of hangers and take up more space problems using these hangers
Multipurpose suwimut 6 pack clothing hangers are suitable for hanging socks bras cloth diapers towel underwear scarf panties gloves handkerchiefs clothes or other small delicate items
3. GISSAR
Clothing Garment Rack with Shelves, Metal Cloth Hanger Rack Stand Clothes Drying Rack for Hanging Clothes,with Top Rod Organizer Shirt Towel Rack and Lower Storage Shelf for Boxes Shoes Boots, Black
GISSAR - Sturdiness and durability made of premium metalhook is plastic material this freestanding single rod garment rack is solid hanging rod with stoppers on each side prevents clothes from falling Simple and practical to store your shirts clothes pants shoes boots and accessories so that life is in orderIt can be applied to bedrooms boutiques showrooms laundries and photo studios Quality guarantee we offer a 30day money back guarantee If you have any questions during the product installation and using process please feel free to contact uswe will be happy to serve you
Added storage bottom shelf gives the clothing rack added strength and stability also provides offthefloor space for shoes boots baskets and bags umbrellas Easy to assemble comes with assembly toolsassembly instructions easy to assembly its easy for everybody to install it
YAHEETECH - Lightweight rack lightweight design of clothes rack allows one person to move it around easily Convenient to store and move bottom rails of yaheetech garment rack have special design for holding the rail 4 plastic caps around the bottom rails prevent damage to the wall and furniture while moving Rolling adjustable telescopic extensible horizontal and vertical rods of the clothes rack will meet your needs completely
Easy to assemble do not worry about the assembly of garment rack Simple structure with certain pins is easy to assemble under the manual Multiple use rolling adjustable garment rack can be used both indoor and outdoor or for domestic and commercial use such as bedroom balcony yard shopping mall and showroom
5. Honey-Can-Do
Honey-Can-Do Adjustable Height Rolling Metal Clothes Rack, Chrome, 30 lbs
Honey-Can-Do - Outfit plan or expand closet capacity with this versatile clothes rack Dimensions 17l x 33w x 66h Set on rolling casters with two that lock for stability Shoe shelf great for storing seasonal footwear or layout complete looks Sturdy steel construction resists rust Compact form expands vertically with room enough for lengthy coats and gowns
Furniture finish stainless steel
6. Stock Your Home
Stock Your Home Retractable Clothes Rack – Wall Mounted Folding Clothes Hanger Drying Rack for Laundry Room Closet Storage Organization, Aluminum, Easy Installation, 2 Racks with Rod (White)
Stock Your Home - Maximize your closet space with these easytoinstall wall mounted retractable clothes racks Tall wall mounted drying racks Conveniently place anywhere you can place these clothing racks in your laundry room to hang wet clothes to dry near the entryway to hang guests coats in the bathroom as a towel rack or anywhere you need accessible hanging space You can mount it inside or outside wherever you need it Includes middle rod for more hanging space this 2pack of folding clothes racks comes with 2 pieces of a steel rod to assemble into one for an extra 315 inches of hanging space
Easy installation the set comes with two retractable racks steel rod mounting hardware and easytofollow instructions so you can mount it and enjoy convenient clotheshanging space right away Each rack is 147 x 12 x 105 when opened 147 x 12 x 1 when closed Strong durable each folding hanger rack has a noncorroding aluminum casing and sturdy stainless steel bar that can hold up to 60 pounds of weight Order your racks today
7. BOFENG
BOFENG Metal Garment Rack Heavy Duty Clothes Stand Rack with Top Rod and Lower Storage Shelf Industrial Clothes Rack for Indoor Bedroom – Black
BOFENG - Hassle free warranty if you want an industrial looking clothes rack which is extremely sturdy this is the one worth to buy 12 months warranty spare parts available if needed Spacesaving storage shelf metal clothing rack top bar provides space to hang your clothes the finished product is not wobbly at all even hung a lot of clothes on it Quality garment rack this rack is made out of metal every piece is made of metal Very sturdy garment rack light weight but it is so solid The finished product is not wobbly at all even hung a lot of clothes on it
Easy to assemble you can easily install it without any help The garment rack is easy to setup with clear instruction All tools you need in the package Perfect size this rack can hold 20 sport coat and the bottom is very spacious as well size 4724l1811w65h which can hold about 45 pairs of shoes Suitable for any place of your home
8. Amazon Basics
Amazon Basics Foldable Clothes Drying Laundry Rack – White
Amazon Basics - Accordion design folds flat for compact storage Made of durable yet lightweight steel that is easy to move from room to room Clothes drying rack for energy savings and gentle drying so your clothes last longer White waterproof epoxy coating stainresistant 32pound total weight capacity
Measures approximately 145x295x4175 inches lxwxh
9. Finnhomy
Finnhomy Rolling Clothes Rack, Garment Rack with Wheels, Rolling Clothing Rack, Double Rail Clothes Rack, Chrome
Finnhomy - Durable multifunctional clothes rack double sturdy chromed steel clothes rails with high quality plastic parts 50 lbs load capacity and provide 66 inches hanging space ideal choice for household storage and clothes display for sales sturdy tubular bottom rack for shoe luggage Garment rack dimensions 331 x 1693 x 3622 6614 inches wxdxh Freely adjusting height from 3622 to 6614 inchesPerfect for storing your clothes shoes bags luggage boxes and other stuffs
Convenient wheels 4 heavy duty casters and 2 of them come with brake convenient to move and stay still Easy to assemble simple structure with no tools required adjustable height for specific storage needs
Full money back guarantee we have updated the quality of this garment rack Professional household products brand brings you confidence and remove all risks100 money back for any reason you are unsatisfied with this rolling garment rack
10. VIPEK
VIPEK Upgrade 5 Tiers Wire Garment Rack Heavy Duty Clothes Rack Clothes Wardrobe Large Armoire Storage Rack Organizer, 74.4″ L x 17.7″ L x 76.8″ H, Rod Diameter 1″, Max Load 750 LBS, V6S Black
VIPEK - Dimensions overall dimensions 744 l x177 w x 768 h item weight 5776 lbs Easy to assemble a rubber mallet is recommended but its not included Can be assembled into 2 styles straightlined shape or l shape Just be sure to read the assembly directions carefully before you start putting it together Certain shelves must be installed in a particular order Moreover the height can be adjusted with a slipsleeve locking system by increments of 1 inch each time Upgrade version more stable and durable maximum load up to 750 lbs Each hanging rod can support up to 33 lbs
Sturdy durable closet organizer made of high quality iron it features stable sturdy and durable freestanding closet system Easy access in bedroom cloakroom clothing store laundry room walkin closet and more Multifunction steel closet system organizer 5 tiers clothes racks for hanging clothes placing accessories bedding lining shoes etc Easily maximize your storage space by providing shoe storage double hang storage long hang storage folded storage
11. Sumnacon
Sumnacon 12.6″ Wall Mounted Clothes Hanger Rack, Set of 2 Stainless Steel Garment Hooks with Swing Arm Holder, Space Saver Clothing and Closet Rod Storage Organizer for Laundry Room Bedrooms Bathrooms
Sumnacon - Space saver this rack is heavy dutyIt can swing 180 degrees Pretty easy to install mounting screws are include in the package Very durable and sturdy Nice space saving design just open to hang and close it up when done Gives you an instant clothes closet anywhere perfect for small spaces outoftheway corners bathrooms on a porch or deck and much more Material sus304 stainless steelsturdy and functional Total length about 1260inch32cm Wallmount base sizelxw about 236x236inch6x6cm Hanger spokes 6 total about 071 length145 apart Included screws 4 total about 118 long Theres room for plenty of hangers and its handy to be able to swing the arm against the wall and out of the way when not in use
Sturdy elegant and time saver it has plenty of room for all the shirts coat and keeps them separated nicely This allows to hang heavy items coats etc Out of the way in a stackedcascaded fashion You can hang one in each of your families closets then they use them to hang up the clothes they will wear the next day It simplified life and saves a ton of time every morning not having to hassle with i have nothing to wear
This is ideal for the space that has in your laundry room or other rooms It also looks neat and attractive and matches other accessories at home This colthes hooks is made from premiumgrade stainless steel and it is sturdy enough to hold jeans sweaters and jackets even when wet
Handy tidy its such a simple idea but keeps hangers off the shower rod They are that just that handy for anything from hanging shirts to prevent wrinkling if left too long in the dryer to using as a valet to lay out the clothing Use your imagination it not only can hang clothes also can hang hat bagnecklaces where they wouldnt get all tangled up and so on
12. Honey-Can-Do
Honey-Can-Do Adjustable Height and Width Rolling Metal Clothes Rack
Honey-Can-Do - Some assembly required For optimal use we recommend not exceeding 35 pounds when in continual use Adjustable height accommodates long garments Durable construction withstand heavy use Adjustable width provides extra hanging space 48 inches of hanging space
13. DOKU HOME
DOKU Over The Door Hook, Stainless Steel Heavy Duty Over Door Hanger Holder for Coat Robe Hat Clothe Towels Hanging, Bathroom Organizer Towel Rack 12 Hooks, Matte Black
DOKU HOME - Easy installation use no drilling needed Just insert two hanging brackets into this door hanger hook and hang it over your door 6 large hooks organize scarves belts ties shirts jackets robes towels handbags jewelry caps hats keys umbrellas and other accessoriesGreat for bathroom bedroom kitchen and office etc Risk free purchase 90 days return and money back if you dont like it Lifetime free replacementAny issues of the product please contact us Doku provides any replacement in future use Just feel free to contact us once you have any problem Backed by dokus limited lifetime
Universal fit overall dimensions 15x 108l x h Fits standard doors from 137 to 177 35cm to 45cm Attention for perfect closing the door with this rack please make sure there is enough gap over your door above 006 a coin thickTo fit at different door thick we attached 4 sponge pads for adjustment
Upgraded hooks the door organizer rack is new design The assembly length of the brackets and hooks is 92 This new upgraded size is very easy to use and it provides more possibility to reach the hooks
304 stainless steel over the door hanger material is 100 304sus stainless steel No bend rust or tarnish It makes the hooks good quality with high hardness durable and strong bearing force that can be used for a long time strong capacity could hold up to 100lbs
14. Whitmor
Whitmor Adjustable 2-Rod Garment Rack – Rolling Clothes Organizer – Black and Chrome
Whitmor - Double rod hanging space perfect for pants sweaters and shirts bottom shoeluggage rack Durable black epoxy frame with chromed hanging bars smoothrolling wheels included Easy assembly no tools required Adjustable height and width rolling garment rack is a perfect way to organize your clothing Lightweight for easy transport smart simple solution for added garment storage
For over 70 years whitmor has been bringing organization home If you have questions or problems please contact us for immediate assistance Bottom shelf for shoe or luggage storage Assembled dimensions 2013 inches l x 365 to 60 inches w and 615 to 73 inches h
15. Stock Your Home
Stock Your Home Retractable Clothes Rack – Wall Mounted Folding Clothes Hanger Drying Rack for Laundry Room Closet Storage Organization, Aluminum, Easy Installation, 1 Pack (Silver)
Stock Your Home - Durable strong the folding hanger rack has a noncorroding aluminum casing and sturdy stainless steel bar that can hold up to 60 pounds of weight Mount it inside or outside wherever you need it Convenient storage space the collapsible clothing rack opens easily to give you extra room to hang your guests coats to dry your clothes in the laundry room or to store seasonal clothing in your attic or garage Easy installation mounting hardware and easy to follow instructions included so you can mount it and enjoy convenient clotheshanging space right away
Instant closet this folding clothing rack gives you as much as 10 inches of space to hang your clothes when you need it that conveniently folds up when you dont Dimensions 147 x 12 x 105 when opened 147 x 12 x 1 when closed
16. SONGMICS
SONGMICS Wall-Mounted Clothes Rack, Industrial Pipe Clothes Hanging Bar, Space-Saving, 43.3 x 11.8 x 11.5 Inches, Holds up to 132 lb, Easy Assembly, for Small Space, Black UHSR64BK
SONGMICS - Trendy small room addition is your closet bursting at the seams Need another spot for hanging your jackets This wallmounted clothes rack comes to the rescue With a pipe frame and black colour it also lends an industrial appeal Can it fit wide hangers No problem With a 118 distance between the wall and hanging rod it offers enough space for most hangers and clothes so your little black dress wont get scuffed by the white wall when hanging on What you get sturdy wallmounted clothes racks a simple assembly and a spacesaving storage solution so dont wait any longer get these clothes racks to turn your unused space into an instant closet right now
Strong support for your garments with an integrated side frame instead of common screwsconnected ones the metal pipe holds up to 132 lb so whether its for heavy winter jackets or thick coats go ahead and hang them on it can take them Allround piece put it in the laundry room to dry wet clothes fix it in the bedroom wall to hang tomorrows outfits place it in your retail shop to display clotheswherever you use it it will always come into full play
17. Anjuer
Anjuer Wall Mounted Drying Rack Clothes Hanger Folding Wall Coat Racks Aluminum Home Storage Organiser Space Savers
Anjuer - Easy to install And easy to clean This clothes wall hanger is made of high quality aluminum noncorroding a good light weight but sturdy and durable small item Open size about 126 x 1142 x 118 in 32 x 29 x 3 cm w x d x h closed size about 1469 x 118 x 071 in 373 x 3 x 18 cm w x d x h A super spacesaving device A good home helper If you not only want to increase the space for hanging clothes but also need to reduce space for hanging or you live in a small house space is valuable or want the clothes to dry faster and this product does exactly what you wanted
Gives you an instant clothes closet anywhere This clothes rack can support up to 60 pounds so you can use it hang clothes in spare room bedroom the side of wardrobe utility cupboard small space etc
Easy to open and easy to fold away When you open the coat wall rack it can gives you about 10 inches of space to hang clothes When the rack is closed its dimensions are very compact and sleeklooking and you can open it when your guests arrive Finally you can call lot of friends for a party and test your new foldable coat rack
Whitmor - Clever collapsible design folds in half for compact storage when not in use Easily create additional permanent or temporary hanging space Easy assembly with no tools required Assembled dimensions 220 l x 3475 w x 6625 h inches Perfect garment rack for parties guests garage sales sorting and cleaning out closets Durable height adjustable easily transports or wheels locks in place
Heavyduty construction with 4 wheels included 2 wheels are lockable for added stability For over 70 years whitmor has been bringing organization home If you have questions or problems please contact us for immediate assistance
19. MYOYAY
Pull Out Trousers Rack 22 Arms Steel Pull Out Pants Rack Pants Hanger Bar Clothes Organizers for Space Saving and Storage
MYOYAY - Space saving dimension l x w x h 595 x 458 x 146cm 195 x 18 x 57 suitable for 22 pairs of pants ideal choice for storage areas maximizing space Superior materials the cylindrical rod is wrapped in flocked materials to help maintain the shape of the pants without wrinkles With the electroplated solid griphook you can pull out the hangers more smoothly to choose your favorite clothes Super loading with the stable and firm extendable clothes rail metal plate base the hangers can bear a bearing weight of about 35kg
Widely use perfect for hang your jeans pants trousers ties scarf etc That make it compact and organized Keep pants neat and organized on the poles and tidy Damping buffer slide rail the multiple pants rack hangers can be pulled out completely with the damping buffer slide rail a cushioned rebound effect for better silence at the bottom
20. HOLDN’ STORAGE
Over the Door Closet Valet- Heavy Duty Double Storage Hooks – Expandable and Collapsible Hanging Rack Organizer Bracket Perfect for Clothes and Towels Ideal for Bathrooms, Dorm Rooms, & Condos (White)
HOLDN’ STORAGE - Collapsiable highly convenient unlike other hanging closet racks this over the door hanging rod is both expandable and collapsible Adjust from 17 2025 and 2375 inches The side bars can also hold extra hangers giving you a total of almost 38 inches of hanging space When not in use simply lift the side bars to fold in making it compact and hasslefree when not in use Premium durable construction our valet is made of durable metal with a silver epoxy finish It measures from 17 inches 24 in x 10 in x 10 inches Effortlessly adjust the rod with the push of a button Can hold up to 35 pounds ensuring it can hold wet clothing towels denim jeans heavy winter coats sports gear and more Spacesaving solution at its finest If for whatever reason that you are less than satisfied we offer a 100 money back satisfaction guarantee Its that simple
Additional storage space living in a small apartment or condo means that space is a premium You always need to maximize what little space you have in order to accommodate all your belongings Our over the door rack closet valet is here to effortlessly add more storage when you need it Our hanging rack give you the storage you need at a fraction of the cost Its like having an instant closet rod in a snap
Quick easy to install this over the door closet rod valet is ready to use right out of the box No assembly required without the need to drill any screws in the door All you have to do is hang the hooks over the door place the bar in the inserts on both sides and adjust to your desired length Voila You now have the extra space you need to hang your clothes on The hooks fit most doors up to 175 inches thick
Versatile use blends in with any decor you can hang this valet over your any doorway to store coats and jackets inside your bedroom closet door for additional space to hang your clothes or use it to prepare your outfit for the next day avoiding the morning rush Great to use in the laundry room to hang wet clothes towels and more
21. Whitmor
Whitmor Portable Wardrobe Clothes Storage Organizer Closet with Hanging Rack – Extra Wide -Grey Color – No-tool Assembly – Extra Strong & Durable – 60″W x 19.5″D x 64″ L – Not for outside use
Whitmor - Easy assembling this closet organizer systems by whitmor requires no tools to assemble and disassemble so you can do it yourself within minutes by just following the instructions using a bungee cord system Portable and moveable this storage closet is just right for home use office use backstage theater use dormitory use you can move it from being a bedroom closet to a garage closet for raincoat and motorcycle jacket storage or move it to your attic to keep your classic old worn or seasonal garments organized Protect your cloths this wardrobe closet storage is made of breathable fabric cover to keep your most treasured clothes fresh and protects them from mold dust bugs insects and moisture highly suitable in storing all types of clothes from everyday home and office winter summer clothing to costumes and special occasion garments and wardrobes
100 satisaction guarantee we know youll love this portable wardrobe closet as much as we do In fact if for any reason youre not completely satisfied just feel free to return your order within 30 days and well issue a full refund
Durable and sturdy construction this portablestorage organizer features a durable steel frame a heavyduty steel rod and a bungee cord system with plastic connectors so it can take on significant weight without bending holds 50 pounds of clothes coats pants jackets suits blouses slacks sweaters dresses and shoes
22. JQK
JQK Folding Clothes Hanger Rack, Stainless Steel Swing Arm Hook Holder, Clothing Hanging System Drying Closet Storage Organizer Matte Black Wall Mount, SHR100-PB
JQK - High quality hanger rack t304 premium grade stainless steel for protect against corrosion rust Perfect size for tight space minitype hanger holder ideal for use in bedrooms bathrooms and closets Easy assembling hardware package installation guide and stainless steel screws included Space saver 180 degrees swing left or right hold your clothes hanger and save your space
Hard to chip offelectroplating black finish more smooth and beautiful sturdy clean design
23. TLBTEK
TLBTEK 36inch Industrial Pipe Clothes Rack,Heavy Duty Rustic Clothes Hanging Shelves System,Wall Mounted Detachable Black Iron Metal Garment Bar for Retail Display,Closet Organization
TLBTEK - Modern diy industrial aesthetic pipe wall mount clothes rack incorporates industrial vintage style into home decorConformity with easy aesthetic view of design looks real coolretro and eyecatchingThe rustic farmhouse style of industrial inspired wall clothes hanging bar adds a modern diy appealYour family and friends will amazing this appeal that perfect blending french and contemporary countryside style Easy to install clothing hanging bar is screw in fixing installation
36 inch clothes hanging shelves system industrial pipe wall mounted clothing rack is convenient for garment storageThe long clothes rack can hold enough clothes to organize and display your everyday clothes or seasonal outfitskeeping your garments and accessories always organized and tidy without wrinkles 36inch hanging bar rack can add nearly 36 inches of clotheshanging space for you High quality and durable material premium finish clothes wall rack is made of study malleable iron with strong bearing capacityThe black painting surface can enhance corrosion protection and avoiding rust accumulation for a long term use of the our clothes hanging bar
Multipurpose wall mount clothes hanger industrial clothing rod can be used for retail storehomegarment displaycloset organizationfurniturelaundry room or balconyHanging clothes racks also can be used to display necklaces scarves or neckties in retail settings
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https://juliegartha.com/blogs/news/why-are-water-companies-dumping-raw-sewage-in-britain-s-rivers-and-coastal-seas2021-07-25T09:57:03-04:002021-07-25T09:57:03-04:00Why are water companies dumping raw sewage in Britain’s rivers and coastal seas?admin
There were more than 400,000 discharges of raw sewage in 2020, together lasting more than three million hours, from water companies into rivers in England and Wales. One company, Southern Water, was recently fined a record £90 million for dumping up to 21 billion litres of untreated sewage over six years in protected seas off England’s southern coast.
To understand why this is happening, we need to understand the history of our sewer systems.
For most of human civilisation, sanitation was managed in a dry form. When people visited a latrine, their waste ended up in a drainage pit below or a cesspit nearby. Liquids were allowed to seep into the ground where nature would (hopefully) deal with any contaminants. The solids left over were often recycled directly to agriculture, providing nutrients for farmlands. This all changed, about 150 years ago, in the Victorian era.
The remains of an ancient Roman latrine, excavated in Spain.
Kristof Lauwers/Shutterstock
People migrating from the countryside to Britain’s crowded industrial cities meant more waste and longer distances to transport it to farms. International trade brought higher quality fertilisers to the UK too, destroying the market for London’s cesspool waste, as farmers preferred South American guano (bird droppings).
Then, the water closet arrived. Toilet waste no longer filled a pit that someone had to empty, it magically disappeared with the pull of a chain. London’s water use in 1850 nearly doubled in six years, as waste was carried through rudimentary sewers and open drains into the Thames. Two years later, in 1858, the effect of these raw sewage discharges was fully felt during “the Great Stink”, when the Thames was so odorous it forced Parliament to stop meeting due to the smell.
The solution came from the engineer Sir Joseph Bazalgette, who designed an integrated sewer system to carry untreated waste and rain water from across London further down the Thames where it was dumped via two outfalls. This was one of the largest engineering works of the time, with over 1,100 miles of street sewers, 82 miles of mains sewers, and four pumping stations installed.
After creating his initial design, Bazalgette doubled the diameters of the pipes, stating:
We’re only going to do this once and there’s always the unforeseen.
Direct river outfalls were later replaced by sewage treatment plants, but the sewer capacity, even after Bazalgette doubled the size of the pipes, was exceeded within his own lifetime. He may have been right, that such an enormous undertaking, at such huge public expense, could only be done once. But ever since we have been trying to patch and alter a system that continues to age and be overwhelmed.
A modern sewage treatment plant.
Pxl.store/Shutterstock
Sewer systems in the 21st century
After the construction of London’s sewers, local authorities began installing their own across the country. In 1945 there were over 1,400 sewerage companies throughout England and Wales. These were merged in the Water Act of 1973, simplifying the structure to just ten regional water authorities.
Investment fell from £3.5 billion in 1974 to just £1.8 billion in 1985. The sector was privatised under the Water Act of 1989, and now 32 privately owned water and sewerage companies operate in the UK today.
Privatisation has led to a balancing act, where water companies seek sufficient profit to attract investment, while also keeping water bills low enough to provide a public service. Both the bills water companies can charge their customers, and the performance measures they must meet, are agreed with government regulators. As the UK’s population grows, water usage increases, and climate change brings more rainfall in more intense bursts into sewers. This balancing act is becoming harder to maintain.
Water companies are allowed to release untreated waste water in rare circumstances when the system becomes overwhelmed, preventing damage to equipment and properties. This is often due to very heavy rainfall, blockages and unexpected equipment failures. Increasing sewage and rainwater flows mean these events are likely to become more frequent.
The amount of sewage companies are permitted to release is set by the regulators, but when companies fail to manage increased flows they may exceed the permits and be penalised with fines. If they try to hide or under-report these releases, the penalties are significantly larger. But the damage to the environment is often already done.
To reduce untreated releases and the environmental damage they cause, water companies are making efforts to address it. Thames Water recently spent £3.8 billion on a new “supersewer” for London, while not paying investors for the last three financial years. A bold move, but not one that will see future investors rush to provide capital for upgrades. Sewer systems are expensive and technically difficult to expand or change, and so it will be a slow and expensive process.
One way to ease pressure on the system – and save some of the 1.1 billion litres of water homes flush down the toilet each year – might be to resurrect elements of waste treatment from before the Victorian era.
Read more:
Eco-friendly composting toilets already bring relief to big cities – just ask London's canal boaters
Prototype flushless toilets can treat waste without water and sewer connections, by filtering waste through special membranes and sterilising it with heat. This could keep a lot of sewage out of the sewer system and prevent waste entering rivers, without needing expensive technologies. These systems can even recover energy – in the form of biogas fuel – and nutrients from waste, to provide farms with fertiliser and homes with power.
Peter Cruddas received funding from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) for work on "Imagining a Sewerless Society".
Keiron Roberts has previously received research funding from Southern Water to investigate incorporating the circular economy into their wastewater practices (2016-2017). He has also received funding from EPSRC and FP7 to research biofuels from wastewater.
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https://juliegartha.com/blogs/news/a-brief-history-of-perfume-visiting-an-archive-of-ancient-scent2021-07-25T08:27:02-04:002021-07-25T08:27:02-04:00A Brief History of Perfume: Visiting an Archive of Ancient Scentadmin
For most of human history, we’ve used perfume to modify the scent of our bodies. When I say “our,” I mean our wealthy predecessors: Most historical documentation reports on the lives of the rich and powerful. And the rich certainly enjoyed a perfumed past.
Depending on the era and the location, we occasionally bathed our bodies before scenting them. But humans have consistently lobbed on perfume to overwhelm our body’s odors. Wearing perfume wasn’t just about fooling others about our own stink. Humans have also worn perfume as protection, as a scented distraction from the malodor of others and also as a prophylactic barrier from disease, which was long thought to be spread by bad air. Perfume kept in jeweled rings and pendants could be brought to the nose when accosted by unpleasant smells; it formed an aromatic wall.
Among the most enthusiastic perfumers in antiquity were the ancient Egyptians. At the Louvre in Paris, there is a delightful Egyptian limestone relief from around 600 BCE that depicts bare-breasted women harvesting lilies in a garden overrun with flowers as tall as themselves. Other women wrap the lilies in cloth and twist the textile around two sticks above an enormous vessel, likely to squeeze out the oil or water used to extract the flower’s scent. Further along the carved relief, the completed perfume is presented to Païrkep, a nobleman of the Twenty-Sixth Dynasty.
The Egyptians didn’t enjoy just the aroma of lilies; they wore all manner of scents: rose, cinnamon, parsley, lemongrass, myrrh. They even concocted complex perfumed mixtures such as kyphi, whose 16 ingredients, including raisins, frankincense, myrrh, pine, honey, wine, and juniper berries, were ground in a mortar, soaked in wine, and/or heated to produce a thick, pungently sweet paste. It was applied and consumed to combat lung and liver disease or put on hot coals as an incense to produce a smoky fragrance. “When we think of perfumes today,” writes cultural historian Constance Classen, “we inevitably imagine them as liquids. An inhabitant of the ancient world would be just as likely to enjoy perfume in the form of a thick ointment, to be smeared liberally on the body, or a fragrant smoke, infusing the air with its odor. Our own English word ‘perfume,’ in fact, literally means ‘to smoke through,’ indicating the importance this method of imparting fragrance had for our ancestors.”
The Egyptian predilection for perfume was likely shared with or inspired by the Sumerians, the early Bronze Age civilization situated where Iraq and Kuwait are now. The Egyptians also shared their fragrant recipes around the Mediterranean coast: At the town of Pyrgos, in Cyprus, archaeologists have uncovered a 4,000-year-old perfume factory, where workers used olive oil produced in a nearby mill to extract the scent of fragrant plants. The prodigal use of perfume around the Mediterranean is epitomized in the writer Antiphanes’s description of a wealthy fourth-century BCE Greek man:
[He] steeps his feet
And legs in rich Egyptian unguents;
His jaws and breasts he rubs with thick palm oil,
And both his arms with extract sweet of mint;
His eyebrows and his hair with marjoram,
His knees and neck with essence of ground thyme.
During the Roman Empire, perfume continued to infuse all aspects of (wealthy) life. Thanks to sophisticated Roman plumbing, fragrances were sometimes released from ceiling sprinkler systems during elaborate banquets to complement different courses, and individual dishes were also spiked with perfume. There are still fragrant dishes to be found in the Mediterranean region—pastries drenched in honey and rosewater (or honey and orange water) that hearken back to bygone eras when the plates were just as perfumed as the people.
In addition to the famous French palace, the city of Versailles is home to a fascinating archive of historical perfume. The Osmothèque is nestled in an unassuming part of town, a short taxi ride from the castle’s resplendent grounds. Visitors can sniff perfumes worn by first-century Roman Empire elite and the protective fragrances used by French thieves who robbed plague victims without succumbing to the disease themselves. They can also inhale popular plebeian scents from bygone eras.
In the Osmothèque’s display room, there are wall-to-wall vessels of perfume from past centuries: bottles reminiscent of sculptures, many crafted from fine crystal or pigmented glass sculpted into elaborate birds or flowers or figurines. According to perfume historian Eugénie Briot, the bottle itself is often more costly than the liquid it contains—even today.
The Osmothèque’s founder, retired perfumer Jean Kerléo, searched historical archives for ancient perfume recipes so that he could re-create them in a laboratory. Kerléo is the mastermind behind several blockbuster perfumes, including Sublime and 1000. As head perfumer for the French company Jean Patou, he also designed perfumed gifts for visiting VIPs, invented a sporty fragrance line for Lacoste, and created the signature fragrance for Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto. Before his retirement, Kerléo began to re-create some of the company’s first perfumes for posterity because they had no odor archive of early fragrances. People were so delighted to smell the historical scents, Kerléo tells me, that he was further inspired to re-create more historical perfumes and to begin archiving existing perfumes from a multitude of fragrance companies. “Fashion designers go to textile museums to get inspired by the past. There was no place like this for perfume,” Kerléo explains.
Humans have consistently lobbed on perfume to overwhelm our body’s odors.
Kerléo, wearing a black turtleneck and tailored taupe sports jacket, shows me around the Osmothèque’s perfume archive and laboratory, which everyone refers to as the wine cellar. That’s because most of the institution’s 4,500 fragrances are stored in temperature-controlled wine fridges. The perfumes are removed from their fancy bottles and placed in brown glass jars to prevent light penetration, which can degrade fragile odor molecules. To further protect these rare perfumes, the jars are pumped full of the noble gas argon so that the liquid surfaces don’t have any contact with oxygen in air, which also has a tendency to destroy fragile scent molecules.
“You might find this interesting,” Kerléo says, and shows me a bottle of natural beaver musk, extracted from the animal’s anal scent sac—it reminds me of leather and birch wood but sweeter. Most musk present in modern perfumes is entirely synthetic, he explained, given that the natural version is too costly. Furthermore, the invasive procedure required to extract the liquid from rear-end glands of beavers, deer, and the exotic civet cat is restricted as part of animal protection efforts.
Because the Osmothèque is an archive, the institution is also allowed to stock ingredients that are now legally prohibited in some countries for use in modern perfume. One such example is natural eugenol, a clove extract that can cause allergic reactions on some skin. “We can use forbidden ingredients to re-create perfumes because people will come and smell [on a sample stick] but won’t put the scent on their skin,” he adds.
One of the first scents Kerléo re-created is among Osmothèque’s most venerable: a first-century perfume, the recipe for which was partially recorded by the Roman intellectual Pliny the Elder. It was called Royal Perfume, because it was a fragrance worn by Parthian royalty, who hailed from the region around modern-day Iran. “So it seemed appropriate to give the exiled [Iranian] empress Farah Diba Pahlavi a bottle of this perfume when she came to France,” Kerléo tells me off-handedly as he passes me a sample.
I close my eyes and inhale. It is as if I have been swept into a Catholic church’s linen closet, the air plush with the odor of incense-laden textiles—a potent reminder that the Christians borrowed their religious odors from more ancient practices. Mixed into the dense odor of incense is the smell of apple crumble, as if someone had spirited the dessert into my Catholic closet. Odors of cinnamon and cardamom mix with the scent of incense so that I feel both hallowed and hungry at the same time. “Oh my,” I mumble. “It’s religious and delicious. I didn’t expect perfume to remind me of food.”
“That’s actually intentional,” Kerléo speculates. “During the Roman Empire, the elites never woke up early. When they did get out of bed, they went to the therme to bathe. Then slaves brought them clean clothes to prepare for the best part of the day: lunch. Then they ate and relaxed.” Perhaps, he says, these elites wore perfume “not just to smell nice, but to remind them of the food they were about to eat, in order to develop an appetite.”
When Kerléo re-created the recipe, he had to rely on his experience as a perfumer. Pliny the Elder’s recipe had listed 27 ingredients but failed to mention the relative quantities to use. “It was probably so obvious to perfumers at the time how to make this that they did not require extensive instructions.” Like a cook making a favorite recipe, ancient perfumers just needed a basic list so that, you know, they wouldn’t forget to add the myrrh rockrose. Or the saffron, lemongrass, lotus, marjoram, honey, wine, or the three types of cinnamon from Ceylon, China, and Arabia. To source ingredients for the Royal Perfume, Kerléo had to depend on botanists to help him track down obscure ingredients—such as Syrian bulrushes and Somalian ben-nuts, which are harvested from the pods of drought-resistant Moringa trees in the Horn of Africa. Kerléo also had to learn ancient fragrance-extraction techniques—most modern-day perfumers don’t macerate nuts and then set them out in the sun to mature. It took Kerléo two years to re-create the 2,000-year-old perfume recipe, which he is careful to call “an interpretation” because it required so much improvisation, however historically informed.
We sniff through some of Kerléo’s other re-creations—a scent supposedly worn by a fourteenth-century Hungarian queen, which merchants peddled as an elixir of youth because she lived to the (then) unusually old age of 75 and had married a much younger man. Her fragrance capitalized on the arrival of alcohol distillation, a tenth-century Arab discovery (“alkohol”), to Europe. Distilled from wine, alcohol was (and is) an ideal vector for many plant-extracted scents. The Hungarian queen’s perfume smells of an herb garden, as if she had kept a sprig of rosemary in her bosom at all times. The perfume was also used medicinally by people with rheumatism, Kerléo says. “Wearing something based in alcohol probably warmed joints and helped with the pain.” We also inhale an ad hoc version of Eau de Cologne, made by a valet for Napoleon, who ran out of his favorite citrusy perfume when he was in exile on the remote island of St. Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean. Napoleon couldn’t get a refill from the Cologne, Germany, thousands of miles away. Daily ablutions die hard, especially in exile.
It’s as if my olfactory system is an unused muscle that has just been asked to dead-lift 200 pounds. My sense of smell isn’t just tired, it’s lying on the ground, limp and unresponsive.
“I would guess you are also interested in the perfume worn by the four thieves,” Kerléo says. As the story goes, sometime during the plague era (which traversed the thirteenth to the seventeenth centuries), four notorious thieves stole jewelry and money from people who were sick or dying from the infectious disease. What made the particularly unscrupulous thieves famous—apart from the volume of valuables stolen—was that they managed to steal from victims without succumbing to the plague themselves. When they were finally caught by authorities, the thieves were condemned to death. But they were given a choice, Kerléo explains. “Death by torture, or a rapid death if they shared their secret for avoiding infection.” That secret was the perfumed mixture they wore during their macabre activities, le vinaigre des quatre voleurs, or “Vinegar of the four thieves.” Kerléo hands a sample over to me.
The sharp odor of vinegar makes my nostrils tingle. Along with the slight burning sensation, I am hit with a strong scent of fresh mint and other green herbs. The plague defense smells like a delicious salad dressing. I laugh. “How could this protect anyone from the plague?” It does seem unlikely, Kerléo responds, “but you can imagine that vinegar might have some antiseptic properties.”
But of course! Wearing vinegar is an ingenious way to overwhelm any miserable odor—be it your own or the stink of bodies you are burglarizing. Even today, many people turn to concentrated vinegar as a household cleaner and air-freshener. It achieves both these ends for the same reason: because vinegar can kill bacteria, odor-causing or otherwise. The thieves were clever in their formulation, even though it is unlikely they could have explained why it might have worked. Several centuries would pass before scientists discovered the existence of small microbial life-forms and their role in infectious diseases. But the thieves were prescient: Disinfectant vinegar in their perfume might have killed the plague pathogens, but more importantly, disinfectants would be key to the future of modern-day anti-stink technology.
I suddenly feel like my nose has hit peak perfume. It’s as if my olfactory system is an unused muscle that has just been asked to dead-lift 200 pounds. My sense of smell isn’t just tired, it’s lying on the ground, limp and unresponsive. Suddenly I understand why Kerléo had demurred when I asked him what perfume he wears: “I keep the scents on my person to a minimum,” he had said. If you spend your days working with odors, it’s unwise to overtax your own nose with odors on yourself. I thank Kerléo for the aromatic time-warp, step out into the crisp winter air, and inhale slowly and methodically. The olfactory silence is pure relief.
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https://juliegartha.com/blogs/news/momtrends-mvp-s-the-best-nursery-storage-and-organization-product2021-07-12T19:05:01-04:002021-07-12T19:05:02-04:00Momtrends MVP’S: The Best Nursery Storage and Organization Productadmin
Favorite nursery storage and organization products today to help you get your sweet pace functioning as efficiently as possible!
Organizing your baby's nursery can be tricky no matter what size space they have. My children have had rooms of all sizes, small ones, average ones, and even rather large ones.
What has remained constant no matter what size space I'm working with is my need for organization. It's always a necessity! That was true when my kids were babies and it's true now.
Why Nursery Storage is Important
Nursery storage solutions and organization systems were particularly important when I was a new mom. As special a time as it is, the beginning of your motherhood journey also comes with plenty of stressors.
I have always found that an orderly organization system melts some of that stress away. They don't say clutter breeds chaos for no reason. Whether we're talking about storage for your nursery, your older kids' bedrooms, or even playrooms, "give everything a home" is a rule that will serve you well.
Nursery organization is pretty tough to achieve without the right products. Thankfully helpful organization products come in a wide array of prices, so there is certainly something for everyone’s budget!
And if budget allows, you might even consider hiring an organization consultant. They can help you set up a system that you will then maintain.
Of course, thanks to resources like The Home Edit you may already be perfectly prepared to tackle nursery storage and organization on your own! Hopefully, our latest Momtrends MVP’s will give you the motivation you need to get going on your organizing journey!
On that note, let’s talk about nursery storage...
Best All-In-One Organization System
I am the kind of girl who appreciates all-inclusive anything. Whether we’re talking cocktails at a tropical resort or an organization system, I want you to make it easy for me.
That is exactly what this storage solution system does. It comes with everything you need to get a serious organization system in place. And the best part is it will grow with your kids.
I love that you can use it in your nursery to store must-haves like diaper supplies, soothers, bathtime products, etc., and then transition those same containers to craft supplies and playroom storage when they’re older!
The Home Edit by iDesign Toy & Craft Storage Solution
Best Storage Basket for Soft Toys
I love storing my kiddos' plush animals in fun baskets like this unicorn number from Pottery Barn Kids. It doubles as storage AND decor! Plus, cute stuffed animals can totally be visible like they are in an open container like this.
You might want to tuck away things like socks and underwear, but teddy bears don't need to be hidden, just contained! It doesn't get much more magical than unicorns and this unicorn basket is as well made as it is pretty. I love that you don't have to sacrifice form for function!
Pottery Barn Kids Unicorn Storage Collection
Best Over the Door Organizer
Small spaces can especially benefit from an over-the-door organizer. You can store everything from tiny shoes to rolled-up onesies or even diapers in them. The world is your oyster.
I like this West Elm organizer because of all the different-sized sections. There is a space for everything! And just like most of the products I'm sharing with you today, this piece will grow with your kiddo! It would make a great spot for storing accessories like scarves, purses, and whatnot later on!
West Elm Over-the-Door Hanging Organizer
Best Floating Shelves
Another space-saving nursery organization product is the floating shelf. Acrylic shelves like these beauties from Babyletto virtually disappear against the wall, yet give you plenty of storage options.
My favorite thing about these shelves is how beautifully they will display your book collection. I am a big fan of incorporating decor in the form of everyday items. And your favorite books deserve to be celebrated!
Babyletto Booksee Shelves
Best Two-In-One Storage
What doubles as a place for your baby to play AND storage? A play mat storage bag of course! This super cute mat/bag is great for all those little toys you tend to step on again and again.
They suggest you use them for Legos down the road and as a parent who has tripped on one too many Lego builds, I couldn't agree more! I just love how multi-purpose this storage bag is.
3 Sprouts Play Mat Bag
Best Blanket Storage
We've seen plenty of blanket ladders at this point right? Many a family room has one living in the corner, but what about the nursery? I know I'm not the only mom with a large and in charge muslin blanket collection right?
Baby blankets come in so many cute prints, why not display them? I love how chic this miniature blanket ladder is and that it is custom made for baby swaddles and the like!
Short Birds Nursery Blanket Ladder
Best Drawer Organizer
If you have ever spent more than a few seconds digging around for a pair of socks in a dresser drawer, you know how important drawer organization is. And things come full circle...Remember how I said everything needs a home?
Whatever you keep in your baby's drawers, be it sleepers or bibs, they need a home. I love how streamlined these organizers make dresser drawers! And they aren't limited to drawers. You can easily use them in closets or even on top of a changing table!
M Design Kids Fabric Closet and Dresser Drawer Storage Organizer
Best Cubbie Storage Unit
I know you have picked up on how much I love pieces that serve multiple purposes. Well, here's another one! This storage unit can be used as part bookshelves, part display shelves, and part cubbie holder!
I love how you can play around with different colored cubbies to store items you want to be tucked away and use the open shelves in this unit to display decorative pieces!
RiverRidge Kids Corner Storage Cabinet with Cubbies and Shelves
Best Baby Keepsake Box
In this digital-dominated world, we sometimes forget about physical momentos. I still love going through the precious baby memories my mom saved for me and I hope my kids will appreciate what I keep as well.
The perfect spot to store those momentos is a keepsake box! This one comes in a few different color combos to match your nursery's aesthetic and has everything from drawers to vertical files. Plus, the illustrated labels couldn't make organizing your keepsakes any easier!
Savor Deluxe Baby Edition Keepsake Box
As you can see, there is no shortage of stylish nursery storage solutions and organization products. Go forth and organize! But before you do, make sure you check out our last Baby Gear Momtrends MVP's, the best high chairs!
How We Pick Momtrends MVP's
Momtrends MVP's is a non-sponsored series. Brands must meet our strict standards to be included. When naming winners we take several factors into account, including expense, convenience, and style.
We make our picks annually based on editors' research. In some instances, we may request and receive samples so that we can more thoroughly assess products. Our opinions are our own, and our goal is to help our community of moms make more informed decisions on everything from baby gear to beauty products to vacation destinations and more. We scour the abundant options and painstakingly hand-pick our favorites, so you don't have to. Our hope is that our most valuable players become your most valued purchases.
FOR MORE MOMTRENDS MVP WINNERS, CLICK THE LINKS BELOW:
Momtrends MVP's: Best Double Strollers
Momtrends MVP's: Best Sunscreens
Momtrends MVP's: Best Breast pumps and gear
Momtrends MVP's: Best new diaper-bags
Momtrends MVP's: Best Baby Jumpers and Exersaucers
Momtrends MVP's: Best High Chairs
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Be sure to save your favorite gear for baby on Pinterest. Please follow our Gear for baby and kid board here.
Momtrends MVP's is a non-sponsored series. Brands must meet our strict standards to be included. When naming winners we take several factors into account, including expense, convenience, and style.
We make our picks annually based on editors' research. In some instances, we may request and receive samples so that we can more thoroughly assess products. Our opinions are our own, and our goal is to help our community of moms make more informed decisions on everything from baby gear to beauty products to vacation destinations and more. We scour the abundant options and painstakingly hand-pick our favorites, so you don't have to. Our hope is that our most valuable players become your most valued purchases.
Drawer and Shelf Liners Non-Adhesive Colorful Trellis Non-Slip Liner Roll 18 In X 6.6 FT Soft and Durable Furniture Protective Film Shelf Liner for Kitchen Cabinet Countertop Drawer Shelves Shoe Shelf
Hopepak - Wide range of use it can be used for kitchen cabinets drawers table cabinets wardrobes countertops bookcases desktops stoves refrigerators storage shelves offices etc It will be a beautiful and practical room decoration choice indoor and outdoor switch freely very suitable for organizing your space and home Highquality shelf liner highquality oxford cloth material with fabric feel healthy and environmentally friendly soft gluefree tasteless and not easy to age
Nonadhesive shelf liner classic trellis design fresh color simple and practical making housework simple and triumphant and life more comfortable Features size 177 inches wide x 66 feet long pattern colorful grid
Non slip shelf liner waterproof and oilproof easy to clean effectively protect shelves drawers and furniture surfaces from abrasion Cut on demand free diy flat cut without burrs flat without warping nonskidding simple and practical
SONGMICS - When fabric meets rigid metal a perfect mix bringing its strengths into full playmetal frame offers stable support for fabric boxes and the fabric element adds a soft and warm touch to the metalframed dresser drawer and is more lightweight to move Every room scrambles for it the cloakroom wants this dresser to store workout gear leggings and pajamas the nursery wants it to stow baby stuff the entryway wants a space saving storage unit for coming and going things whats your plan Bye bye chaos If you keep losing ground in the battle against scattered pajamas blankets and bits and pieces that have nowhere to go here comes the reinforcementsthis dresser with 9 fabric drawers will help bring your tidy home back
Attention to detail dont worry if you have naughty children as rounded corners and an antitip strap provide them a safer environment and the fabric drawers wont pinch hands if little ones want to organize shirts and sweaters in drawers on their own What youll receive a practical storage tower with 9 drawers to help rescue your messy home occupied by scattered blankets magazines and clothes
3. OCTM
Rustic Storage Cabinet with Two Drawers and Four Classic Fabric Basket for Home Kitchen Entryway Living Room (White)
OCTM - Occasion the storage chest offer you a place for your snacks books magazines and decor Can be used as a nightstand a hallway table entryway table storage cabinet The storage chest is widely applied for your living room bedroom entryways living rooms dining rooms dens a study and more No assembly required this versatile and stylish piece is designed to provide customers with a hasslefree setup experience No assembly required anyone can begin enjoying this elegant and understated storage chest
Large space dimension 28l x 118w x 28h weight 276lbs Weight capacity top shel 154lbs each drawer 22lbs each basket 44lbs 2 storage drawers and 4 storage baskets enough space to storage Exquisite appearance the combination of the distressed acacia wood with the wicker baskets gives this entry table a modern farmhouse feel that would look great as a nightstand or a hallway table Ideal for placement in bedrooms study living rooms and entryway
Sturdy durable rustic storage cabinet with acacia wood body has strong stability beautifully woven wicker basket and aluminum alloy drawer handle strong and durable The handwoven rattan frame feels smooth and moistureproof and all enclosed storage makes your storage space dustfree This exquisite buffet cabinet with rubber pads at the bottom that protects the floor
4. VADANIA
VADANIA Kitchen Cabinet Blind Corner Pullout Organizer for 36-inch Cabinet, 2 Tiers Swing Tray, Soft Close, Left Handed Open
VADANIA - Each tray swings independently Maximum load of each tray is 325lb The hight of tray can be adjusted The rotation axis has hydraulic soft close device preventing the tray from slamming shut With this pullout organizer you can fully use the cabinet blind corner space and easily take the stuffs inside The installation is not complicated Theres installation manual inside the package or downloading below in the technical specification
This organizer fits into a 36 wide cabinet Just pay attention that your cabinet meets the space requirement
5. Knape & Vogt
Knape & Vogt RS-WMUB-14-4-AS 5 in. H x 14.88 in. W 22 in. D Soft-Close Wood Drawer Box Pull Out Cabinet Organizer
Knape & Vogt - Minimum cabinet opening dimensions 15 width x 5 height x 2225 interior depth Softclose drawers utilize a 75 lbClass slide Drawer is detachable from slides without removing mounting screws Mounting hardware included Solid wood construction
6. HOLDN’ STORAGE
Pull Out Drawer Cabinet Organizer – Heavy Duty – Slide Out Kitchen Cabinet Storage Shelves, Sliding Drawer For cabinet -22”W x 21”D – Requires At Least a 23” Cabinet Opening, Wire Frame, Chrome Finish
HOLDN’ STORAGE - Smooth slideout drawer because this kitchen cabinet roll out shelf is manufactured with a ball bearing system the slide out will be smooth Perfect for your kitchen bathroom and pantry storage organizing This is great for you because now you wont have to waste time fighting with an under the cabinet system that gets stuck breaks or is too loud Sturdy reliable storage solution unlike other slide out cabinet organizers which dont provide our kitchen cabinet roll out shelf features elegant heavy wire construction which is durable enough to handle everything that you put in it and giving definitive style to your organized cabinets
100 satisfaction guarantee finding the perfect storage solution to declutter and organize your kitchen can seem like an overwhelming task Thats why we are here and happy to help If for whatever reason that you are less than satisfied we offer a 100 money back satisfaction guarantee Its that simple
Easy to install hardware included our cabinet organizer dimensions measure 22w x 21d x 325 and includes step by step instructions along with all of the hardware necessary for easy installation Installs with just a few simple screws so you will get more into your cabinets now than ever before Fits cabinet openings 23and larger
Pull out cabinet organizer this slide out cabinet organizer was designed so that you can better utilize your kitchen cabinets We know at times cabinet space can be extremely limited and thats why we designed our pullout sliding shelving system It installs in under 30 minutes and makes it super easy to store organize and access your spice rack pots pans baking sheets all your cook and bake wear cleaning supplies and various odds and ends
7. Mophorn
Mophorn Outdoor Kitchen Door Drawer Combo 38″ W x 22.5″ H, Access Door/Triple Drawers Combo with Stainless Steel Handles, Perfect for Outdoor Kitchen or BBQ Island Patio Grill Station
Mophorn - Triple storage space our outdoor kitchen drawers stainless steel is designed with triple storage space each of our drawer has very big storage you can put a lot of things into it No need to worry about capacity Wide application processed by the latest brushed finish technologies the bbq island drawers are clean elegant addition to any outdoor cooking area especially for the outdoor kitchen and bbq island High quality material overall size 38lx226hx208d cutout size 358x203x212 inchThe outdoor kitchen drawer is made of foodgrade stainless steel makes it has excellent hardness and not easily eroded durable and sturdy to use Also hard enough to contain kitchen tools in different materials
Smooth sliding railsthe bbq drawers stainless steel is equipped with smooth sliding rails mounted on both sides which facilitates the smooth rollin and rollout of the door without obstacles
Box frame design the stainless steel drawers for outdoor kitchens are designed for box frame style with a fully enclosed box effectively prevents the insides from rain wind dust and insect
Haotian - Made of high quality mdf in white lacquer 24cm in depth the shoe cabinet is narrow enough to fit even in a small corridor Dimensions w54 x d24 x h83cm Weight 15kg Load capacity 30kg Item comes in a flat pack and requires selfassembly Detailed instructions supplied 2 flipdrawers for the shoe cabinet provide ample storage space for your shoes
9. Shelves That Slide
Sliding Pull-Out Shelf For Cabinets (Kitchen Cupboards, Pantry Drawers, Bathroom Storage, etc.) 2 5/8″ Tall – 21 3/4″ Deep – Includes 3/4 Slides & Base Mounting – Clear Opening Width: (15″)
Shelves That Slide - Shelves that slide is now offering a selection of sizes on amazon This is from our more economical line of shelves without lacquer or joinery Rolling drawer is budget friendly while still having a 75 lb capacity Stop bending and reaching to get to the back of your cabinet Make your life easier with this simpletoinstall enhancement Dimensions you select the clear opening width cabinet gap for your shelf to fit through 2 58 tall and 21 34 deep
Simple howto measure your cabinets clear opening width dimension a width that your shelf can freely move through should clear doors hinges etc Select and order the closest to your size install the shelf to the cabinet base with included screws and thats it We custom make your shelf in the usa to your dimensions and generally ship within 1 week Sliding drawer has the same hardware as all of our premium shelf offerings
Pack includes 1 newline shelves that slide pullout shelf 1 set of 34 extension slides already attached and ready to go all mounting hardware needed for a base mount installation and 1 plastic door protector to keep the inside of cabinet doors free of scuffs and dents
Rev-A-Shelf - Dimensions w x d x h 1475 x 2225 x 2288 inches minimum cabinet opening is 155 inches Includes 2 silver 50quart waste containers with frame and mounting hardware lids sold separately Easy installation easily mounts to the base and back of your base cabinets for maximum stability door kit included and door must be attached to operate successfully Heavyduty construction effortlessly slides in and out on fullextension undermount with 90pound rated durable powdercoated heavy gauge wire construction and soft close
Pullout waste container keep your kitchen waste hidden but easily accessible with this single 50quart pullout waste container
11. Stufery
7-Drawer Wood Filing Cabinet, Mobile Storage Cabinet for Closet/Office Dressing Table Black Color (19.2 x 15.9 x 26.3)”
Stufery - Multifunctional storage shelves 7 drawers cabinet use as a dresser or just storage cabinet Sturdy durable construction constructed out of stronger material ensures a better loadbearing 4 360wheels removable wheels for stationary or mobility Easy to maintain this rustic shelf can match perfectly with any other furniture in your hous This 7drawer black cart feature sliding drawers for easily accessible storage in your home office kitchen or craft room Optional locking casters to use them with or without casters for stationary or mobility storage
12. LVSOMT
LVSOMT 8 LEDs Jewelry Organizer Cabinet, Wall/Door Mounted Jewelry Armoire, Full-Length Body Mirror, Lockable Storage Cabinet with 2 Drawers & 4 Shelves, Large Capacity 14.5″W x 42.5″H (Brown)
LVSOMT - Auto led light lockable Lvsomt hanging jewelry cabinet with fullsize mirror and led lights is specially designed for collecting all your valuables neat and tidy makes your jewelry more dazzling and prevents them from getting tangled The led lights will auto on while the door opens help you easily find the exact jewelry you want especially at night For maximum security it is lockable with 2 keys to keep your belongings safe and out of reach for kids Assemble fast and easier The wood cabinet with door is preassembled when it arrived all the tools are prepared You can mount it on the wall with screws or hang it over the door with hooks which helps you make full use of your space very suitable compact spaces
Store jewels in one place 145w x 425h multifunctional storage organizer with 24 necklace hooks 78 ring slots 36 earring slots 108 stud earring holes and 1 ushaped bracelet rod 1 acrylic cosmetic tray with 3 compartments 2 bottom drawers and 4 shelves for additional storage All your valuables will be well organized instead of getting messy
High quality materials The mirrored jewelry armoire is made of premium mdf board with wellpolished painting which is durable and stable soft velvet lining can keep jewelry safe from damages or scratches real silver glass provides true reflection without distortion Its chic and stylish design will fit with your homebedroomliving roomentryway decor and make your life more convenient and selfconsistent
Check outfit in the mirror Full screen full length frameless mirror cabinet Youll be able to have a headtotoe view and convenient to try your clothes or jewelry on The glass is explosionproof and shatterproof safer for home use
13. CHARMAID
CHARMAID 5 LEDs Jewelry Armoire Wall Mounted/Door Hanging Mirror, Lockable Jewelry Cabinet with Full Length Mirror and 6 Drawers, Large Capacity Jewelry Organizer Storage Box for Women Girls (Brown)
CHARMAID - Walldoor mounted you can either hang the jewelry cabinet on the door with the hooks which have three adjustable heights or you can mount it on the wall with the included screws for the maximize space utilization without taking any floor space Roomy storage space inside this lockable jewelry cabinet there are 120 earring slots 36 earring holes 84 ring slots 12 single hooks 6 double hooks 4 shelves and 6 drawers which keep all your jewelry neatly organized and maintained in good condition 5 automatic led lights with 5 led lights powered by 3 aaa batteries not included which will automatically turn on when the cabinet door is opened you can see the jewelry clearly and easily choose the right one without waking up your husband and children in the early morning
High quality security made of high quality mdf with a smooth powder coated finish this jewelry cabinet is moistureproof wearresistant and not easy to deform The black flocked fabric lining prevents jewelry from being scuffed or scratched and the equipped door lock with a key allows you to safely keep valuable items
2 in 1 mirrored jewelry cabinet our jewelry cabinet allows you to enjoy the dual benefits of a jewelry armoire and a vanity mirror On the one hand it has a practical storage function On the other hand the embedded full length mirror offers a better view for your headtotoe outfit checking
14. COUVER
CabinetRTA DIY Slide Out Cabinet Shelf Pull-Out Wood Drawer Storage (W)27 x (D)21, Non Soft-Close Slide
COUVER - Natural wood finished this pull out drawer organizer is dovetail joint drawer box No paint or stain is applied 35mm slidernon softclose slide this roll out drawer for cabinet includes two 20 inch full extension drawer slides sidemounted Assembly instruction updated feb 2021 This pull out drawer has two 58 thick solid woods and one thick plywood bottom
Not assembled shipped unassembled but should be very easy to assembleand take just a few minutes No nail and glue needed Each order is one single set This cabinet drawer is good for pantry vanities under sink kitchen or bathroom see video The minimum cabinet opening width should be 27 inch and the interior depth of cabinet should be 2125 inch 23 inch include a adjustable bracket to drill on the cabinet This pullout drawer box actual width is 26 inch Drawer sliders both sides total width is 1 inch
KD ModySimble - Tipping design unlike the open and close door form our tipping shoe cabinet can be placed in a narrow space and keep your hallway away from the mess The top platform is spacious enough to place small items at will Material the shoe cabinet made of highquality mdf in white lacquer Boards are made of stable melamine particleboard 2 handles are made of stainless steel Large capacity two shoe cabinet doors the first door can fit high shoes like boots high heels or larger accessories the second floor included 2 layers Hold around a total capacity of 9 pairs
Tips loadbearing ability provide strength and stability but please place it in a dry cool place Wipe clean with a dry cloth What you can get wooden shoe cabinet1item comes in a flat pack and requires selfassembly install instructions 1 Cabinet dimensions 2362945 3150 Weight 15kg
16. EASYTECH
EASYTECH Pull-Out Sliding Cabinet Organizer Storage Basket Rack Drawer for Wardrobes Cupboards,2 Set
EASYTECH - Professionally engineered with commercial quality steel and chrome construction Easy pull out accessibility for all the items in your kitchen pantry bathroom and laundry room cabinets Eliminate clutter while maximizing space in hardtoreach cabinets and underthesink areas Basket can hold a variety of cleaning products cans and much more up to 50lbs
17. SONGMICS
SONGMICS Jewelry Cabinet Floor Standing, Lockable Jewelry Organizer with High Full-Length Mirror, Bottom Drawer, Shelf, Wheels, Rustic Brown and Black UJJC004X01
SONGMICS - From room to room fill it move it lock it in place check out your outfit with the large fulllength mirror You can easily glide this jewelry cabinet with 4 wheels from one room to another and lock it in place as you get ready for a night out A style declaration since your jewelry reflect your taste keep them in style in this eyepleasing jewelry organizerwith a cabinet in a rustic brown finish and rich wood texture it oozes a chic and classy appeal Even for cosmetics and more Yes 2 facial mask bags a 3slot brush tray a 10slot lipstick tray and 4 shelves inside the cabinet corral all your beauty secrets Look A shelf and a drawer below hold bags or books as for greenery decorations Why not
Finally all your jewels have a comfy home full length mirror Right in front of you Storage space With 92 earring places 36 rings slots 1 bracelet rod and 32 necklace hooks this jewelry cabinet holds your evergrowing jewel collection zealously Keep it simple with a preassembled cabinet simply attach the frame and the bottom shelf by following the illustrated instructions then insert the fabric drawer and thats itnow its your time to make yourself look stunning
18. P PURLOVE
P PURLOVE Storage Chest Retro Style Storage Cabinet Storage Unit with 2 Wood Drawers and 4 Wicker Baskets for Home Kitchen Entryway Living Room (Antique Navy)
P PURLOVE - Occasion the storage chest offer you a place for your snacks books magazines and decor Can be used as a nightstand a hallway table entryway table storage cabinet The storage chest is widely applied for your living room bedroom entryways living rooms dining rooms dens a study and more Farmhouse style farmhouse style chic with simple construction to create an attractive look and feel fits well with your personal taste and interior decoration farmhouse style matches with your taste and also adds a touch of elegant charm to your room
Large space dimension 28l x 118w x 28h weight 276lbs Weight capacity top shel 154lbs each drawer 22lbs each basket 44lbs 2 storage drawers and 4 storage baskets enough space to storage
No assembly required this versatile and stylish piece is designed to provide customers with a hasslefree setup experience No assembly required anyone can begin enjoying this elegant and understated storage chest Durable and sturdy the storage cabinet top is made of mdf which has good wear resistance Solid wood acacia frame make this storage chest stable and durable also make the storage cabinet look more valuable All decided the table can be used for years Rubber mats protect your floor from scratche
19. U-Eway
U-Eway Wooden Tilt Out Trash Cabinet Free Standing Kitchen Trash Can Holder or Recycling Cabinet with Hideaway Drawer Removable Bamboo Cutting Board ,Pet Food Locker(White)
U-Eway - Assemble needed all necessary hardware and instructions includedPlease kindly clean up the garbage in time to prevent the growth of bacteria Feel free to contact us if you get problem with productshippingassembly or anything else your satisfaction is our top priority concern Multifunctional plate includes a movable bamboo cutting board fits nicely onto the drawers top providing additional cutting space that can be brought straight to the table
Saving spacehiddedn the tilt out style can hide the trash can well to keep the kitchen exquisite and floor clean Extra drawer provides handy hidden storage for garbage bags ties scissors etc Details dimension 205l x 13w x 356h Tiltout storage cabinet which fits up to 10 gallon trash can
Solid mdf wood matreialthe cabinet made of mdf wood and pine finish which is strong enough to stand the microwaves mixersblenders and even coffee machines Waterproof and moistureproof surfacegreat coating with moisture resistance easy to cleanMoistureproof and odorfree mdf board meeting e1 environmental protection standard ensures quality of life
20. Thre’a
New Kitchen Trash Cabinet,Tilt Out Trash Cabinet with Solid Hideaway Drawer,Free Standing Wooden Kitchen Trash Can Recycling Cabinet Trash Can Holder,Removable Bamboo Cutting Board (Grey)
Thre’a - Details dimension 205l x 13w x 356h trash can not included Tiltout storage cabinet which fits up to 10 gallon trash canevery detail is caring for youplease dont miss this perfect tilt out trash cabinet Multifunctional trash cabinet the trash cabinet also contains a movable wooden boardon the top of the drawer and providing additional cutting spaceyou can use this board according to your needs In additionthis trash cabinet can be well integrated with the kitchen islandnot only has the function to be used it can also help extend the length of the kitchen islandhelp you get more space Clean tidy this kitchen trash cabinet can hide the trash can wellgreatly guarantee the cleanliness of the floor and kitchenAt the same timehidden trash can ensure that pets cannot search for trash you dont need to worry about the environment messed up by pets anymore
Easy to assemble tips please kindly clean up the garbage in time to prevent the growth of bacteriaAll necessary hardware and instructions included for efficient assemblyWe provide customer service and if you have any problem please feel free to contact our customer team
Well made durable this cutting board is made of solid bamboo woodwhich is stability enough to stand coffee machinesmicrowaves and so onThis material ensures that the board has a long service life and use the bamboo board to feel warm in winter and cool in summer easy to clean and super high moistureproof standard let you feel more at easeMeanwhilethe main body of the cabinet is made of solid mdf wood and pine finishwhich provide enough safety and stability
21. Rev-A-Shelf
Rev-A-Shelf 53WC-1535SCDM-117 Single 35-Quart Kitchen Base Cabinet Pull Out Waste Container Trash Can with Soft-Close Slides, Gray
Rev-A-Shelf - Heavyduty construction effortlessly slides in and out on fullextension undermount with 90pound rated durable powdercoated heavy gauge wire construction and soft close Dimensions w x d x h 1088 x 2225 x 1894 inches minimum cabinet opening is 115 inches Includes 1 silver 35quart waste container with mounting hardware lids sold separately
Pullout waste container keep your kitchen waste hidden but easily accessible with this single 35quart pullout waste container Easy installation easily mounts to the base and back of your base cabinets for maximum stability door kit included and door must be attached to operate successfully
22. Anbuy
Tilt Out Trash Cabinet Can Bin Kitchen Wooden Trash Can Free Standing Holder Recycling Cabinet with Hideaway Drawer Wooden Removable Bamboo Cutting Board Trash Holder (White)
Anbuy - Easy to assemble and happy serviceneed to be selfassemble all necessary hardware instructions had been included If any shipping damage when it arrive or defective during usage please feel free to write us we will provide best solution in 24 hours Nontoxic material the trash cabinet made of mdf wood and pine finish is strong enough to stand the microwaves and even coffee machines Waterproof and moistureproof surface great coating with moisture resistance easy to clean All wood boards used in our products are formaldehydefree conform to the p2 requirement of california air resources boardcarb Dimension and details356h x 205 l x 13 w cabinet trash can not included with a movable bamboo cutting board fits nicely onto the drawers top providing additional cutting space that can be brought straight to the table
Durable stabilitysturdy frame creates a stable cabinet which is strong enough to stand 35lb trash can and bamboo top surface is durable extra counter space and cleans easily can bear 66lb wear resistant easy to clean rust resistant hinges high quality drawer slide Saving space and hiddedn the tilt out style can hide the trash can well to keep the kitchen exquisite and floor clean Simple design will be perfect for dressing up your kitchen home apartment dorm room laundry room etc Extra drawer provides handy hidden storage for garbage bags ties scissors etc
23. Greenpro
Greenpro 3309 Wall Mount Hardware and Craft Storage Cabinet Drawer Organizer
Greenpro - Drawers are clear to enable to view contents Drawers also feature finger grip for easy opening and rear tabs to stop drawer from falling Perfect for storing hardware crafts sewing supplies etc Within hands reach Features 39 drawers9 large size 5 ½ x 4 ½x 2 18 and 30 medium size 5 38x 2 ½x 1 38 Cabinet measures 18 38 h x 15 w x 7 d Made of durable polystyrene strong frame with nonbreakable translucent drawers
Can be wall mounted includes necessary hardware or can be stacked on a table
Household Essentials - Heavyduty 2tier under cabinet extra deep pull out chromed wire storage shelf for kitchen and bathroom Double baskets can hold a variety of cleaning products pots pans or styling products up to 88lbs 155h x 145w x 21d All hardware included and ready to install Smooth double glidez operate independently to provide easy access to cabinet contents
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https://juliegartha.com/blogs/news/last-fall-after-endless-hours-of-debate-and-some-hefty-saving-i-invested-in-my-first-designer-bag2021-07-12T13:47:02-04:002021-07-12T13:47:03-04:00Last fall, after endless hours of debate and some hefty saving, I invested in my first designer bagadmin
What if it rained? What if my jeans discolored it? Did everyone feel this way? After a quick Google search, I discovered that many owners of leather bags feel the same, and taking care of them and making sure they stay in tip-top shape for as long as possible takes a bit of work. I didn’t ever want to feel afraid to use my bags—I bought them to use and enjoy them, after all—so I figured out a system using products that prevent any unnecessary wear and tear from its elements (including those pesky blue jean stains).
Any leather bag (or even shoes) is an investment, and unexpected precipitation or spills don’t need to be a death sentence. Here’s how I keep my leather bags looking brand new:
1. When I’m not using them, I empty my belongings out
Sure, my leather tote that I take to work and to run errands hasn’t been emptied out since the day I bought it, but for my other, non-everyday bags, I make sure to empty them out when I’m not using them. That way, I avoid any ink stains from a pen gone wrong, lip gloss spills, or damage that might result from a pile of miscellaneous items living at the bottom. Bonus: It also prevents them from getting too cluttered, which is something I’m endlessly prone to.
2. I use cleaning and protective products
After my initial leather bag research, I quickly discovered that many designer bag owners swore by one brand of leather protector and cleaner (and as a bonus, it was shockingly affordable). With any aerosol protective spray, there are warnings of potential discoloration on certain types of leather. But on the countless online forums I read, owners of Chanel bags and even Birkins swore by this three-step system with no adverse effects, so I picked it up and have noticed a huge difference in how my bags have worn.
Apple Brand
Leather Cleaner and Conditioner
The first step in this process is using the leather shampoo. As with any product, it's important to do a patch test on a small portion of your bag before you go to town with it (I tested it on all of mine on the inside flap). To use the shampoo, I apply a small amount onto a clean cloth and buff it in, evenly distributing the product across the entirety of the bag (even the strap). After I finish, I wait for it to dry for a full 24 hours before following up with the rain and stain repellent.
After the repellent, I go on and use the second half of this set: the conditioner. It comes out in a liquid that looks quite similar to a hair conditioner, and I use it after shampooing and treating to bring suppleness and moisture back to my bag's leather. I do it in the same format I use the shampoo, buffing it into the bag with a clean cloth. Afterward, I wait about 24 hours to let it completely dry before I use it. I also love using this on its own between treatments to keep my bags looking their absolute best and found that it can completely salvage an older leather bag.
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Apple Brand
Rain and Stain Water Repellent
After shampooing my bag and making sure it's free from any dirt and dust and after performing another patch test on the inside, I spray a single even coat across my bag. This bottle is a continuous spray mist, which makes it easy to coat and makes sure you didn't miss any spots. I let the first layer dry for a few hours, then I go over it one more time with a second coating. It'll make your bag look wet at first, but I've found that it dries quickly and undetectably.
Shop it now
Earlier this spring, I bought the Coach Pillow Tabby (in white, no less) and realized right away that the leather was particularly soft and delicate. Treating it with these has made stains, both water and otherwise, a non-issue. Also considering how delicate my bag is, I feel like the products prevented it from wear that would’ve happened.
These products work by first cleaning your bag with the leather cleaner, then using the protective spray, and finally finishing with the conditioner. I’ve used both the cleaner and conditioner on their own when I felt like my bags needed it. They work great individually, but for a full wall of protection, I use all three in the recommended order and will keep up with it every few months on my nicer bags and shoes.
3. I store them in their dust bags
In a past life, I had a pile of dust bags rotting away at the bottom of my underwear drawer that I never touched. Now, if I know I’m not going to use my bag for a while, I store them how they’re meant to be stored: in the dust bag they came in.
Since I live in a small apartment, I keep my bags in a plastic storage bag under my bed, which provides an additional layer of protection. If your bag is less structured, it’s also a good idea to put something—like tissue paper—inside it so it doesn’t lose its shape while it’s being stored.
7 Questions to Ask When Cleaning Out Your Closet
READ MORE
The post How I Keep My Leather Bags in Tip-Top Shape appeared first on The Everygirl.
#Fashion #EditorFavorites
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https://juliegartha.com/blogs/news/summer-bedding-looks-in-a-cottage-style2021-07-12T08:07:03-04:002021-07-12T08:07:03-04:00Summer Bedding Looks In A Cottage Styleadmin
Hi, Friends,
Y'all know that I love redecorating for the seasons and the holidays.
The bedrooms are no exception. I thought I'd share some of my favorite tips for getting a cute, cottage look for your beds this summer. Many of these images are from my archives but there will be a few images of what is going on currently.
I have a collection of quilts, coverlets, pillow cases and pillow covers.
When they aren't on a bed, they are stored in one of our two armoires.
When the system is operating as it should, covers are taken off of the pillow forms and stacked according to color and season. When the system has gone awry, pillows with covers are tossed into a closet.
The system manager has bouts of laziness amidst spurts of creativity.
Reds, blues and anything with a summer motif are stacked together.
A geranium pillow from a Raz warehouse sale adorns a guest bed. I made some red gingham pillow cases years and years ago. They have been used many times.
White sheets sets, matelasse coverlets, shams and dust ruffles provide the neutral backdrop for the colorful accent pillows and pillow cases.
Quilts in coordinating colors are draped across the end of the bed.
We have a wonderful Tommy Hilfiger twin bedspread. When folded in half it fits across the end of a queen size bed. One side is blue and white gingham. The other side is a red and white stripes. I love this coverlet and would buy it again because it is so versatile. It's perfect for summer. I got it at T.J. Maxx. Usually, our quilts are twins size which is adequate for the look.
An assortment of bedding red, blue and a floral give a bed such a cottage-y feel which is one of my favorite combinations when the weather is hot.
Mixing stripes with checks is effortless. A floral is thrown in the mix as well.
I've been known to quilt something every so often. My quilting came to halt for many years but I've recently started the hobby again. I stitched up an easy quilt in green, blue, and red two years ago.
The square floral pillow was made out of a Chaps by Ralph Lauren sham.
Somehow, one king size shams got misplaced. Since I only had one, I cut it up and made an accent pillow instead.
Black and ecru ticking sheets from Red Land Cotton became the inspiration for our 2020 bedroom.
We highly recommend Red Land Cotton Sheets. They are so comfortable.
The black ticking strip square pillow is older Pottery Barn. The toile for the pillow came from a nearby drapery workshop. Occasionally, they would open their doors for free picking. Our fabric closet was stuffed to the gils in those days.
The red and blue against a white headboard look so cute.
The addition of a flag pinned to blue and white stripes turns a pillow into a festive display.
The dutch boy and girl pillows were thrifted years go. I love rescuing vintage needlepoint.
I'm quite cognizant of the fact that most people do not go to such lengths to get a quaint, seasonal bedroom.
Did I miss my calling as a Macy's bedding department stylist?
It really isn't that difficult to change the look. Sheets are changed weekly adding a few seasonal cases to pillow forms doesn't take that much extra time.
I love our beds to evoke a summer at my grandparent's cottage feel. In reality there was no air conditioning at the cottage so I'm sure the beds were very simply dressed. I vividly remember a chenille bedspread on my grandmother's bed. That probably was sufficient unless another layer was needed as dawn approached. Who else remembers hiding beneath a bedspread to elude a buzzing mosquito looking for a meal?
I've been on a quilt kick lately. My new red and white quilt just pops against the freshly painted bed.
Our bed has been given new life. I love it again.
A few red transferware pieces echo the color story. The transferware goes with the faux brick on the faux fireplace.
Our bedroom in East Texas tells another color tale. This time green is the hue.
Someone steals the quilt in the middle of the night or so the story goes. I found the quilt in our attic when I was a teenager and I packed it up and took it to college with me. I have no idea who made it but it is old.
Guest room number one is a symphony in blue.
You'll notice the Tommy Hilfiger bedspread has appeared again for the summer of 2021.
The chambray colored pillow covers were also found at the Raz warehouse sale.
The gallery wall was fun to create. It is reminiscent of my cousin's teenage bedroom.
That is about all for now.
I hope this inspires you to create some fresh summer looks with a cottage feel.
It's fun and it's only annoying for the person who takes the pillows off at night.
Haha.
Blessings,
Katie
#GuestRooms #CottageCore #CottageStyle #SummerBedrooms
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https://juliegartha.com/blogs/news/i-ve-been-wanting-to-add-a-plant-wall-somewhere-in-my-house-for-ages-and-i-finally-did-one-in-my-bathroom-i-tried-a-new-to-me-product-so-today-i-m-sharing-my-completely-unsolicited-wallygro-planter-review-to-show-a-super-easy-way-to-create-a2021-06-23T21:18:02-04:002021-06-23T21:18:03-04:00I’ve been wanting to add a plant wall somewhere in my house for ages, and I finally did one in my bathroom! I tried a new-to-me product so today I’m sharing my (completely unsolicited) WallyGro planter review to show a super easy way to create a...admin
If you’ve been on this bathroom makeover journey with me from the beginning over on Instagram, then you’ll know that I originally planned to put a beautiful linen cabinet against this empty wall in our bathroom. I didn’t need the extra storage, but it sure sounded nice, and I wanted a place to display some plants too.
However, once I got the linen cabinet in place I quickly realized it wasn’t going to work. It was beautiful, but it felt too big in the space. It blocked some of the gorgeous light from our brand new skylight and made the whole room feel smaller.
So, back to the store it went.
Thankfully, I already had a contingency plan in place – I’ve been eyeing these WallyGro Eco Planters for months now and I knew this would be the perfect place to create a little DIY plant wall!
I wanted to share a detailed look at the planters and a quick review because I’m really impressed with them so far. Let’s start with a quick little video I made to show how they’re installed and give a closer look at how they work.
WallyGro Eco Planter review
So, why did I choose the WallyGro planters over all the other options out there?
I first found WallyGro through their Pro Pockets – I’ve seen a few other people use them and was really intrigued by the idea. But, they generally recommend a full drip irrigation system for indoor use with these, so I decided instead to check out their Eco Planters. They’re made from 100% recycled milk jugs (which is always a win!), and you can tell they put a lot of thought into the design.
They have a divider in the back of them that creates a watering channel – the water is absorbed by the soil before reaching the front, and it won’t leak at all. There isn’t any additional drainage and, so far, that’s my only concern about the planters – but I’ve seen a ton of self-watering planters over the last few years that operate in a similar way, so I’m interested to see how it works out!
There are also small holes all along the top in the front that allow air to circulate through the roots, which is really healthy for the plants.
They were super easy to install – only took me about 30 minutes from start to finish, and they look so good!
I love how easy it is to take them on and off the wall (so you can bring them to the sink for watering, if you prefer), and I love the wide range of color choices they have. I went with Espresso for mine, and they’ve even color matched every color of their planters to both Pantone and a couple of Behr paint colors so you can easily match your planter to the wall if you want to.
Other thoughtful details that I was impressed with include a detailed spacing guide on their site that helps you get the exact look you want, and some helpful videos showing how to install them and how to water your plants!
Here’s a quick rundown of what I planted in my plant wall (I’m listing them from left to right, top to bottom):
Pothos
Blue Star Fern
Bird’s Nest Fern
Baby Rubberplant
Boston Fern
Pothos
I specifically chose plants that will thrive in a more humid environment and won’t be too picky about their watering schedule. The ferns all like to stay pretty moist, so that eases my mind a bit about the lack of drainage in the planters, and the Pothos and Rubberplant are both pretty hearty and hard to kill, so they should do great as well!
I’m excited to see how this fills in over time – it has already added so much texture and life to this space, and I’m so obsessed with it.
You know I’ll keep you updated on how this holds up over time and what we think about the planters after a bit more use. I’d recommend you follow along on Instagram for the most regular updates!
I’ve only got a few finishing touches left in this bathroom before I can call the phase one makeover complete! Remember, with this makeover we’re focusing mostly on easy, cosmetic upgrades. Things like replacing the shower tile (which will happen someday) won’t happen until down the line. Here’s a reminder of everything we’ve accomplished so far in here:
Painting the cabinets
Faux marble countertop treatment
Wallpaper in the water closet
Shelving in the water closet
Adding a skylight
Replacing the towel bar
Stay tuned for the last few projects – I think it’s safe to say I’ll be able to share the big reveal before the end of the month!
The post DIY Plant Wall {WallyGro Review!} appeared first on Love & Renovations.
Drawer Divider Cosmetic Organizer Dresser Desk Drawer Tray-Bathroom Vanity Makeup Trays – Multipurpose Clear Plastic Storage Bins for Jewelries, Kitchen Gadgets and Office Accessories, Set of 6
blitzlabs - Mix and match for any drawer size and storage need Different size drawer organizers which you can customize the layout to fit any size drawer or specific need Separate pieces can be split up for different uses and drawers Drawer organizer perfect for dresser bathroom kitchen office drawers organizing cosmetic make up tools hair accessories nail polish jewelry toothpaste hairbrushes medicine silverware office supplies etcEasy to care only requires a damp warm soapy sponge or cloth for fast and effortless cleaning Organizer measures high capacity organizers set can storage more and larger items 6 pieces external 4 different size approx 2 3 x 6 2 6 x 9 1 6 x 121 6 x 6 All the compartments are about 2 tall
Cleareasy to cleanecofriendly transparent bpafree unbreakable recycledHigh visibility material can helps you easy to see each item immediately and access them faster Individual plastic bins so you can divide them up to use in different drawersMakes everything look beautiful and better organized It will match almost any decor These drawer organizer trays are made of premium clear and durable pet plastic Only requires a damp warm soapy sponge or cloth for fast and effortless cleaning Makes everything look beautiful and better organized
2. U-Haul
U-Haul Kitchen Moving Kit – Includes 1 Dish Packing Kit, 1 Glass Packing Kit, 5 Medium Boxes, Packing Paper, Cushion Foam, Tape, 2 Box Markers, and 1 Box Knife
U-Haul - Uhauls kitchen moving kit includes everything you need to pack up your glasses dishes cookware utensils and more Dish saver and glass pack box dimensions kit includes 2 2418 x 12 x 11 All included boxes feature handles for easy handling and carrying Includes 5 medium moving boxes 1 dish saver kit dividers 32 assorted foam pouches and box included 1 glass pack kit dividers 18 foam pouches and box included 1 5 lb Box of packing paper and 1 roll of tape 55 yd
5 medium boxes with dimensions 18 x 1818 x 16
3. iDesign
iDesign Forma Magnetic Memo Center, Modern Pen and Pencil Holder, Writing Utensil Storage Organizer for Kitchen, Locker, Home, or Office, Set of 1, Mint Blue,85076
iDesign - Magnetized fully magnetized backing keeps your belongings from falling or tipping Pencil and pen organizer metal organizer cup is perfect for keeping notes posted in your cubicle on your filing cabinet on your refrigerator and more Holds note pad as well as pens pencils markers highlighters art supplies makeup brushes Stylish beautiful stainless steel with a mint blue finish matches a variety of home and office decor styles
Ideal size organizer measures 2 x 406 x 631 perfect for anywhere in your home Ideal shape rounded halfmoon shape is unobtrusive and slim for small spaces such as lockers or filing cabinets
4. X-cosrack
3 Tier Rolling Utility Carts with Drawer, Wood Metal Roller with 5 S Hooks Handles, Kitchen Island Cart Lockable Storage Organizer with One Adjustable Tier for Dining Room, Office, Restaurant, Hotel
X-cosrack - 3 tier shelves with drawerhandles utility cart features 3 tier shelves which will store and transport your books decorative items kitchen supplies or your bathroom toiletries and essentials With a pullout drawer you can store small items Come with a board you can put it in the drawer which will improve drawers weight capacity Woodmetal rolling cart constructed by wood and metal which will give your rolling cart rustic industrial style and add handsome addition to your room or office
Adjustable middle tierhandles adjustable middle shelf is capable of adapting to various height The inbuilt handles will let you push pull and manoeuvre the cart easily Rollinglockable wheels thanks to the 4 rolling wheels you can move the shelving unit for effortless movement 2 builtin lockable wheels make cart staying in place more safe
Suit for homeofficehotel ideal for storing ornaments crafts in living room displaying books printer paper and supplies in office In the kitchen it is great for storing utensils condiments cereal containers It is also the perfect solution for storing towels blankets laundry detergent cleaning supplies
5. mDesign
mDesign Adjustable, Expandable Deep Drawer Organizer/Divider – Foam Ends, Strong Secure Hold, Locks in Place – for Kitchen Towel Storage, Utensils, Junk Drawers – 4″ High – 4 Pack – White
mDesign - Instant organization store and organize cutlery flatware forks spoons knives kitchen gadgets serving pieces and large cooking spoons great for separating and organizing kitchen towels pot holders and oven mitts use in kitchen drawers to keep aluminum foil plastic wrap waxed paper and sandwich bags organized keep the junk drawer clutter under control the dividers expand to desired length and lock into place to keep everything situated set of 4 Functional versatile divide drawers and create compartments to organize all of your kitchen and household items ideal for keeping drawers organized and items easy to find use these anywhere in the house to create customized drawer storage perfect for organizing junk drawers kitchen utensils office desk supplies craft and art supplies bathroom clutter and more use in home apartment condo dorms cabins rvs and campers
Expandable adjustable simply lift the lever place in drawer adjust to fit and lock in place strong springloaded tension locks each divider place and keeps them upright soft foam ends cushion and protect drawers from scratches easily adapt compartment spaces to contents with these expandable dividers to create a customized storage solution quick and easy to install no hardware or tools needed customize your drawers to perfectly fit your storage needs
Thoughtfully sized each measures 1325 x 125 x 4 high expands from 1325 to 2075
Quality construction made of durable bpa and chlorine free shatterresistant plastic strong and durable steel pin inside locking mechanism foam pads on ends to grip drawers and keep them free from scratching and marring easy care wipe clean with a damp cloth
6. Meadowsweet Kitchens
Meadowsweet Kitchens Create Your Own Collected Recipes Cookbook – Brown & Copper
Meadowsweet Kitchens - This binder is also available in 2 other designs create your own fabric covered collected recipes cookbook vintage flowers design and create your own collected recipes cookbook turquoise and gray The 3 ring binder with boosters makes it easy to open and close so you can easily add or remove recipe pages The inside front and back cover include measurement equivalents and common substitutions We sell 5 types of recipe pages b003hoz6yg full size recipe pages b001035lfk magnetic recipe pages b004hfdpni recipe card pages b01kgbrar8 3 x 5 archival recipe card pages b01kbcgkj6 4 x 6 archival recipe card pages Coordinating recipe cards are available recipe card set copper brown b004whf1co
This 11 12 x 11 binder allows to you to create your own cookbook by adding only the recipe pages you need which are sold separately
Includes 12 tab dividers 20 sticker labels with categories one large pocket and is covered with a metallic embossed striped paper and a copper colored foil design
7. DCA
8 PCS Clear Plastic Drawer Organizer Tray Versatile for Makeup, Kitchen Utensils, Jewelries and Gadgets
DCA - Package includes1 pcs 12 l x 3 w x 2 h in 2 pcs 9 l x 3 w x 2 h in 1 pcs 6 l x 3 w x 2 h in and 4 pcs 3 l x 3 w x 2 h in Exactly what you need mix the narrow drawer dividers for customized modular storage Widely used you can freely mix and match them to increase capacity with these drawers that fit a variety of home needs Easy to care only requires a damp warm soapy sponge or cloth for fast and effortless cleaning Makes everything look beautiful and better organized It will match almost any decor
Free combination made from plastic these can be used together or separately or rearranged to suit the exact dimensions of your drawer
8. Deselen
Deselen Key Holder/Kitchen Organization, Rotatable 6 Hooks, No Drill Wall, 2 Pack Black
Deselen - 1 minute to install come with two wall selfadhesive tapeone extra for back up just peel off the protective layer and stick to the wall done It can hold up to 8lbs Key organizer tidy up your entryway hang keys dog leashes and tags necklaces bracelets and mask all in one placethey will not lose again and it helps keep your space neat Little gadget that is pleasing to have around 2 pack in the box 4 selfadhesive tapes inside
Small design but widely use only need 273 inch position to stick Mudroom locker room entrance hallway foyer closet mudroom kitchen laundry utility room garage office or anywhere in the home to save and better utilize space Kitchen utensil holder can hold solid spoon soup ladel solid turner whisk landle grater and so on Get your kitchen to decluttering your home to make life easier than before
9. Donuts
Donuts Adhesive Hooks Hanging Hooks Stick on Wall Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Hangers for Bathroom Kitchen Door Office Self Adhesive Hooks for Towel Coat Hat Black 5 Pack
Donuts - Widely application these hanging hooks are suitable for suitable for most smooth surfaces like woodstainless steel metal plastic glassmarble tile etc Wet places such as bathroomskitchen Not suitable for painted wall wallpaper and rough surfaces Organized and decorative wall hangers extended long handle ending with perfect bending classic matte black finish beautiful and fashionable perfect decoration for your closets bathroom bedroom kitchen and office Strong adhesive hooks this updated 304 stainless steel self adhesive hooks has a strong adhesion each hook can hold up to 15 lbs
Perfect hanging hooks these sticky hooks are ideal hooks for hanging robes towels hats caps bags purse clothes coats keys loofah kitchen utensils brushes swimsuit baseball caps belts It is must have for home kitchen and bathroomHelp you save the spacekeep your room tidy Easy to install no need to drill Just peel off the protective layer in the back and stick it on the desired positionPlease wait for 24 hours before hanging something to provide extra strength and durability
10. DCA
14 PCS Clear Plastic Drawer Organizer Tray for Makeup, Kitchen Utensils, Jewelries and Gadgets
DCA - Thickened packing bubble bag preservative film threelayer thickened cartonIf it is damaged during transportation dont worry we will replace it with a new one for free High quality material the drawer organizer is made of high quality hard and clear plastic And its also easy to clean ecofriendly transparent bpa free unbreakable recycled Package includes2 12 l x 3 w x 2 h in 4 9 l x 3 w x 2 h in 4 6 l x 3 w x 2 h in and 4 3 l x 3 w x 2 h in
4 different sizecan be suitable for drawers of any size You can use it in combination at will Easy to care only requires a damp warm soapy sponge or cloth for fast and effortless cleaning Makes everything look beautiful and better organized It will match almost any decor
11. iDesign
InterDesign Linus Kitchen Drawer Organizer for Silverware, Spatulas, Gadgets – 8″ x 8″ x 3″, Clear
iDesign - Fits most standard size drawers Durable clear plastic Nonskid feet 8 x 8 x 3 Create a custom storage system with other interdesign drawer organizers
12. Chris.W
Chris.W Clear Plastic Drawer Organizer Tray for Vanity Cabinet, Set of 5 Storage Tray for Makeup, Kitchen Utensils, Jewelries, Medicine, Pens, and Gadgets
Chris.W - Multiple compartments for various makeup items brushes jewelry and accessories Organization for school and office products crafting cosmetics or kitchen gadgets Easy to clean just use mild soap and warm water Set of 5 1 large10 x 669 x 2 1 medium10 x 335 x 2 and 3 small335 x 335 x 2 drawers Semiclear drawer organizer is 2 inches high easy fit into vanity drawers or cabinets
13. Honlibey
Honlibey Under Desk Drawer Self-Adhesive, Under Desk Pencil Drawer Tray, Under Desk Storage, Attachable Hidden Drawer Under Desk for Office School Home Kitchen (Large Size)
Honlibey - Large storage capacity This desk drawer organizer can hold quite a lot of small items such as cellphone pens kitchen utensils keys makeup essentials underwear socks ect It also can be a gadgets storage tray With removable pencil tray The pencil tray can hold pens pencil erasers charging cable usb drive lipsticks earphone and other small items Multi purpose storage tray The under desk drawer is suitable for studying desks office table computer table cabinets wardrobe especially for which dont have any drawers
Desk drawer organizer This under desk drawer can be adhered under your desk or cabinet add more storage space for your personal essentials It is hidden under desk make your desktop or drawer organized and more orderly Easy to install With largearea selfadhesive rubber surface which can bear weight up to 15lbs and does not fall within few years You can paste them anywhere to make the most of the space The smooth under desk drawer make your life simplify and more convenient
14. Owevvin
Owevvin Plastic Desk Drawer Organizers Trays, Large Capacity Storage Drawer Dividers for Makeup, Kitchen Utensils, Jewelries, and Gadgets, 2 Size, Set of 6
Owevvin - Multipurpose organizers it is very suitable for dresser kitchen bathroom office drawer cosmetics makeup tools hair accessories office supplies etc Frosted feel internal and external frosted material not easy to damage comfortable to handle anti slip bottom will not be easily misplaced Big size 2 common sizes 27cm1063inch x 9cm354inch x 45cm17inch 26cm102inch x 185cm73inch x 45cm17inchl x w x h more and more large projects can be stored
Package includes 2 extra large and 4 medium plastic drawers organizer You can combine whatever you want Easy to clean just wipe it with a damp sponge to remove the dust and stains keep the whole drawer tidy
15. Chris.W
Chris.W Expandable 3-in-1 Utility Cabinet Drawer Dividers Organizer Tray Holder for Kitchen Cutlery, Bathroom Accessories, Office Supplies and Cosmetics(Grey and White)
Chris.W - More and endless usage its also a garage or tool shed The bathroom makeup jewelry station Kids rooms Sewing rooms Hobby roomsOr tame a junk drawer you name it Best kitchen drawer organizer ever for kitchen storage for smaller utensils and kitchen gadgets with this item is the first step to get a clean tidy and organised kitchen And tidy kitchen environment allows you focus on more important things like creating delicious homemade food Adjustable and expandable it can be finely adjusted to fit a variety of drawer sizes from 925inch up to 1575inch Folded sizelxwxh 925inch by 124inch by 248inch Max expanding sizelxwxh 1575inch by 124inch by 248inch
Expandable drawer organiser holds a miscellany of household items such as batteries scissors paper clips and pens Multislots multifunctional office drawer tray the design provides 4 deepsided compartments1 large 2 meidum and 1 small for holding pencil ruler pencil or any slender supplies 1 utensil area for caculator stapler or office tools and a handy moveable 2slot storage dish for binders paperclips and more small items
16. TENABORT
Set of 16 Interlocking Desk Drawer Organizer Tray Dividers Plastic Shallow Narrow Drawers Organizers Separators Storage Bins Container for Kitchen Bathroom Makeup Office Vanity Bedroom Dresser White
TENABORT - Handy versatile not just for the kitchen organize office bathroom vanity and make up drawers too Our small organizer bins are designed for the bathroom kitchen make up closet laundry cosmetic and more The drawer separators are made to hold various sized items designed to help people organize their homes and lifes Because when everything is in its place your morning routines run smoothly and your day starts off better Drawer organizer these shallow desk drawer organizer will keep your accessories neat tidy and organized Perfect drawer inserts for makeup drawer organizer bathroom drawer organizer office drawer organizer bathroom drawer dividers being ideal for bathroom office products cosmetics or vanity to organize hair accessories or school supplies Set of 16 includes 4 large bin trays each 93 x 61 x 18 inches 6 medium bins 93 x 30 x 18 inches 6 small bins of 30 x 30 x 18 inches
Customize layout different size drawer organizers which you can customize the layout to fit any size drawer or specific need Separate pieces can be split up for different uses and drawers Perfect for dresser bathroom kitchen office drawers organizing cosmetic make up tools hair accessories nail polish jewelry toothpaste hairbrushes medicine silverware office supplies etc
Durable easy to care made from durable plastic these shallow drawer dividers organizers can be used together or separately and rearranged to suit the exact dimensions of your drawer The vanity drawer organizer helps you maximize unused spaces throughout the home areas including closets laundry office and other living spaces Only requires a damp warm soapy sponge or cloth for fast and effortless cleaning Makes everything look beautiful and better organized It will match almost any dec
The everything interlocking drawer organizer no matter where you use this set of 16 durable desk drawer organizers and storage in the kitchen bathroom vanity makeup or office this multipurpose desk drawer organizer tray shallow keeps your things in order You can freely mix and match them to increase the storage capacity in your drawers to fit a variety of home and office needs
17. MEKBOK
Bamboo Wooden Drawer Divider, Set of 4 | Adjustable Organizers | Natural Organic Bamboo | Expandable, Spring Loaded | Works in Kitchen, Dresser, Bathroom, Bedroom, Desk, Baby
MEKBOK - Are you tired of messy overcrowded drawers Well divvy drawer dividers are the perfect solution to organize any drawer in your home from the kitchen to the bedroom It is remarkable how such a small investment into organizing your drawer space makes a big difference allowing each item to have its place Reduce the clutter hidden behind that closed drawer Your household drawers being stuffed with clutter can be stressful over time One small change by installing divvy drawer dividers can help you eliminate that clutter and become fully organized just like you have always wanted Pick up your set or multiple sets today for all your home needs
Not all drawers are created equal We highly recommend to measure your drawers both in height and length prior to purchasing Our dividers measure 2 34 in height and adjusts from 22 to 17 38 to fit most drawers in your home They can be installed vertically or horizontally into your drawer to give you a custom organized look
Made from the highest quality material Dont settle for the plastic and cheap dividers on the market today Invest in high quality material that will last Divvy drawer dividers are made from 100 bamboo environmentally friendly all natural a renewable resource and fully ecofriendly
Install in a matter of seconds no tools required Divvy has created uniquely designed dividers that contain a tension spring loaded mechanism that allows for an extremely easy installation Absolutely no tools required And if you want to move to another drawer they can be easily moved without any damage to your drawer or the divider with the nonskid rubber pads on each end of the divider protecting your drawer and keeping it in place
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https://juliegartha.com/blogs/news/11-must-read-books-on-sustainability2021-06-23T19:26:02-04:002021-06-23T19:26:03-04:0011 Must-Read Books on Sustainabilityadmin
The search for the best summer beach read normally drives you to the romance or mystery aisles, but this year we challenge you to check out some of our favorite books on sustainability. These books not only inform us of the issues, but they also paint the picture of a world worth fighting for and uplift the efforts we can make to be the heroes of our own sustainable stories.
Whether highlighting the simple daily choices, encouraging a commitment to large lifestyle changes, or illuminating the industries whose inherent environmental strain pushes them towards innovation, these books elevate the genre of sustainable writing through their unique approaches to providing a powerful range of resourceful information. Enjoy!
THRIVE by Kamea Chayne
Published in 2016, Thrive remains a go-to guide for an environmentally conscious lifestyle. First-time book author Kamea Chayne takes a holistic approach to healthy living with the ideology that total wellness requires us to not only take care of ourselves, but also the planet we call home. This comprehensive introduction into world sustainability offers suggestions, exercises, and evidence that call upon readers to participate in sustainability in all parts of their life – from their shopping and eating habits to their health and wealth aspirations.
Chayne sees happiness as something that is cultivated within and intrinsically linked to how sustainably we navigate through our lives.
SOURCE MY GARMENT by Adila Cokar
Source My Garment, An Insider’s Guide to Responsible Offshore Manufacturing by Adila Coaker provides a step-by-step guide for designers to build a successful and sustainable business in the fashion industry.
With over a decade of experience in everything from product development to manufacturing and business strategy, Coaker calls on entrepreneurs and start-ups to follow her set of tried and true practices in every facet of production.
Coaker’s writing tackles the most challenging parts of manufacturing by providing the tools to avoid problems and enhance fun. By humanizing the production process, Coaker shows how designing sustainably – and keeping profits on par with people and the planet – is the right recipe for a prosperous business.
ON FIRE by Naomi Klein
As a fierce journalistic voice reporting on the political policies that affect our planet for over twenty years, Naomi Klein writes On Fire: The (Burning) Case for a Green New Deal from an unapologetically raw perspective.
Klein explores the battles we face from the political and economic giants who take our environment for granted.
Harnessing the urgency of the climate crisis as it propels the rising movement towards a Green New Deal.
Through long-form essays that chronicle the cultural response to environmental crises, society itself is called upon to not just fix our immediate problems, but to change the system that allowed them to happen in the first place.
ZERO WASTE HOME by Bea Johnson
Known as the pioneer of zero-waste living, Bea Johnson breaks down her transformation into a sustainable lifestyle by the 5 Rs: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rot. Zero Waste Home: The Ultimate Guide to Simplifying Your Life shows how these key principles can be applied to every aspect of your home to reduce waste and save money, along with the planet. With tips on how to diminish your environmental footprint and improve your quality of life, this manual for simplicity is a reflection of the writer’s own experience with her home and family.
By sharing insight and advice, she shows how attainable (and easy!) cutting back really is, and the big impact made by even the tiniest changes.
CRADLE TO CRADLE by Michael Braungart and William McDonough
Though originally released nearly 20 years ago, Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things remains a highly recommended book on sustainability. German chemist Michael Braungart and U.S. architect William McDonough put forth a manifesto of what was then a radical approach to the philosophy of environmentalism: creating value from waste. Upcycling is more common in today’s conversations, but this book was the first of its kind to disrupt the normal pattern of cradle-to-grave and paved a path towards the mainstream for this new strategy.
Cradle to Cradle provides the framework of the redesign revolution that encourages manufacturing to be done with the goal of removing the idea of waste altogether.
BRAIDING SWEETGRASS by Robin Wall Kimmerer
For all our plant lovers, this is the book for you! Robin Wall Kimmerer, a botanist, writes Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants. Kimmerer draws on her experiences of being a woman in science to show how our biggest questions of nature can be answered by our oldest teachers — plants and animals. This book introduces the reader to a way of listening to the lessons that plants and animals teach us and, in turn, better understand the generosity of the earth.
In her reflections, we are guided through an awakening of ecological consciousness to celebrate how we receive from living things, and how we can give back.
OVERDRESSED by Elizabeth Cline
In her debut book, Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion, journalist Elizabeth Cline reveals her past obsession with fast fashion and how she has come to see it as a destructive enemy of our environment. Putting a spotlight on the plague of the typical American shopper whose habits often include buying cheap, poorly made clothes in abundance. Cline sets out to uncover the true nature of the fast fashion juggernaut, and shows how consumers can break the buy-and-toss cycle by supporting sustainable designers and optimizing the lifespan of the clothes they own.
THE CONSCIOUS CLOSET by Elizabeth Cline
Much like the clothing she promotes, Cline is just as good the second time around.Her follow-up book, The Conscious Closet: The Revolutionary Guide to Looking Good While Doing Good, finds readers who are asking how they should change their approach to fashion and walks them through the necessary steps. Acknowledging that clothes are one of our strongest avenues of personal expression, Cline helps readers to build a wardrobe that they love, but with greater intention and awareness of where their clothes come from and the materials on the tag.
Most importantly, she shares why it matters with a call to action looking to transform a polluting industry into a force for good by starting with our own closets. From there, we can connect to the impassioned community fighting for systematic change.
HAPPY CITY by Charles Montgomery
City dwellers who love the environment often find themselves at this perplexing intersection of enjoying urban life while being surrounded by the infrastructures and industries that pollute our planet.
Charles Montgomery’s Happy City: Transforming Our Lives Through Urban Design discusses the challenges cities face and the innovative solutions being implemented all over the world to empower communities to be more sustainable.
Using the disciplines of psychology, neuroscience, and urban planning, Montgomery makes the argument that the way we build our cities affects the way we feel as individuals and as a society. When we build a green, low-carbon city, we are building a Happy City.
NEW RELEASES!
A POCKET GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE FOOD SHOPPING By Kate Bratskeir
Having hit shelves in January 2021, A Pocket Guide to Sustainable Food Shopping: How to Navigate the Grocery Store, Read Labels, and Help Save the Planet by Kate Bratskeir helps shoppers make better decisions in the grocery store. A practical, modern guide to reducing your food and packaging waste – and in return, your carbon footprint – starts in the aisles.
Regardless of where you are in your sustainability journey, this book offers the tools you need to make a difference when choosing your favorite dairy products, vegetables, and everything in between. Kratskeir gives shoppers the confidence to better understand what is written on food labels, recognizing greenwashing terms, asking questions about food sourcing, and picking the right packaging.
IMAGINE IT! by Laurie David and Heather Reisman
Imagine It!: A Handbook for a Happier Planet offers easy ways to replace old, planet-hurting habits with healthy new ones. Though only on the market for a few months as of May 2021, it comes with the stamp of approval from Former Vice President Al Gore right on the cover. Co-author Laurie David acted as a producer on Gore’s 2006 documentary An Inconvenient Truth, and is a lifelong environmental activist.
The handbook highlights necessary changes to our food, clothing, and transportation habits, with each chapter dedicated to a different lifestyle shift to lower our use of plastic, paper, water, and harmful chemicals to create lasting change.
[SPECIAL MENTION : Renowned writer of fashion, feminism, and sustainability, Aja Barber’s book Consumed: On Colonialism, Climate Change, Consumerism & the Need for Collective Change will be released in September of this year and currently available for pre-order!]
About the Author
Julia Grinberg is a writer based in Philadelphia, PA. She is a blog contributor for the vegan shoe brand Sylven New York, and the upcycled leather accessories brand Hyer Goods. When she is not writing on the topic of sustainable fashion, she is crafting short stories for various outlets and is currently working on a collection of creative nonfiction essays.
#Lifestyle
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https://juliegartha.com/blogs/news/10-must-have-aftermarket-rv-parts-and-accessorie2021-06-23T09:39:02-04:002021-06-23T09:39:03-04:0010 Must-Have Aftermarket RV Parts And Accessorieadmin
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You can enhance your RVing experience with a few inexpensive RV parts and accessories. These extras can save you some aggravation in your travels or simply enhance the overall enjoyment of your camping experience.
Some of these RV parts and accessories are necessary to fix things that often malfunction at the most inconvenient times. Other items will make your RV function better, and some will help you prolong the life of your RV’s systems.
1. RV solar panels and Battery Management Systems (BMS)
The first item on this list is certainly a must-have if you hope to do any serious boondocking. Solar panels are now a common enhancement on RVs. You need power to operate the various systems in your RV and if you’re not intending to use shore power in a campground or RV park, then you’ll need to get that power from somewhere. Of course, you can run a generator but that requires fuel, it can be noisy, and in some places, generators are not allowed because of noise or fire restrictions.
Power generated from solar panels is the perfect alternative power source. If you’re handy, you can install them yourself or buy portable panels that are not permanently mounted to the roof of your RV. The advantage of portable solar panels is that you can move them to the most advantageous location to maximize power generation.
But it’s not enough to just buy solar panels. The power they create must be captured and stored in batteries which is far beyond the scope of this article, but you can learn more about solar panel installation, batteries, and Battery Management Systems (BMS) on Do It Yourself RV.
2. Camco Step Braces
These handy adjustable braces are only going to be relevant to Class A and C RVs and some travel trailers. Most fifth wheels, truck campers, and van conversions do not have the type of steps that these braces will protect, but for all the folks who do have automatic steps on their RV, these braces can save you the cost of replacing the steps down the road. I did have to replace our steps and our two-step version cost over $1000 to replace plus the time to schedule and go to the appointment.
The braces are portable, easy to use, and only cost about $20. You can purchase a pair of braces on Amazon and when they are installed under your steps, the braces handle all the weight of people going in and out of the RV without putting any unnecessary strain on the step mechanism. It prevents sagging and wear and makes the steps and the RV more stable.
Step braces will make your stairs and coach more stable and prolong the life of your stairs. Photo by P. Dent
3. Vent covers
These handy aftermarket products allow you to have your roof vents open on rainy days and to leave the vents open while traveling without concern that the wind will rip the vent’s plastic covers off. We have camped next to people who were on their roof in a heavy windstorm trying to cover their vent with plastic because they had left the vent open, and the wind literally ripped the top off of the vent. A vent cover would have prevented that damage.
Camco and MaxxAir both make these handy protective covering. They cost around $55 and are easy to install yourself. On rainy muggy days, you’ll really appreciate being able to open your roof vents.
4. Surge Protector
This is an aftermarket accessory (not a part) but it’s vital to preventing serious damage to your RV’s electrical system. The surge protector is plugged into shore power and your electrical cord is plugged into the surge protector.
There are many different styles and price points for these devices. You can get them in either 30-amp or 50-amp and if the maximum power in your rig is 30-amp, then the 30-amp surge protector will meet your needs, but if your RV is wired for 50-amp shore power, you’ll need the bigger surge protector which will protect your rig with either 30 or 50-amp power.
We have a built-in surge protector in our RV, but just to be safe I also added a portable protector, and because it cost nearly $300, I also have a cable and lock attached to the protector so it doesn’t go missing in the night.
A few hundred dollars spent on a surge protector could prevent extensive damage to your RV’s electrical system. Photo by P. Dent
5. Water filter
There are many types of water filters and water filtration systems for RVs. At their most basic level, they extract harmful chemicals and particles from your water supply. Some of these systems also come with water softeners to keep system damaging corrosive metals out of your RV.
Some water filters only filter the water in your kitchen sink, other systems filter all the water coming into your RV. Check out iRV2 forums or read this RV LIFE article to learn more and determine what is the best system for your travel adventures.
6. Pressure regulator
The water pressure in RV parks is all over the map. Some parks have very high water pressure, and some parks barely deliver a trickle of water inside your rig. The trickle is annoying, but the real danger is with too much pressure. Almost all the plumbing throughout your RV is plastic tubing and too much pressure can overwhelm the tubing or the connection points.
To control this problem, you can install a water pressure regulator at the hose bib then attach your water hose to the pressure regulator. The simplest version of these devices only cost about $10.
You can get more elaborate pressure regulators that have a gauge on them but it’s really not necessary. As long as you can keep the pressure from spiking up to a dangerous tube popping level, you are protecting your RV. But the advantage of the more expensive regulators with the gauge is that you can adjust the pressure to your liking and these regulators only cost about $30.
This is a very simple water pressure regulator. It restricts how much water can flow into your RV. Other regulators are adjustable and have a visible pressure gauge. Photo by P. Dent
7. Spare windshield wipers
As an RV accessory, this is only relevant to Class A, B, and C RVs because travel trailers and 5th wheels do not have wipers, but the general idea is applicable to the towing vehicles of these types of RVs as well.
Wipers often seem to be just fine until suddenly they’re not. This has happened to us more than once and having extra wipers in a basement has saved the day. Of course, you don’t realize that your wiper blades are shot until it’s pouring down rain and the rubber blades suddenly start to tear away from the attachment or they just stop clearing the water from your windshield.
Of course, fixing the problem right then in the rain is a nuisance, but a necessity. A better strategy is to check your wipers periodically and replace them on a regular basis. Then you won’t be standing on the side of the road in a torrential rainstorm doing something that should have been routine maintenance.
Once you replace the wipers, make a note to buy a spare set to have on hand. Another accessory in this category are windshield wiper covers. These covers slide over your wipers when you’re parked and they protect the rubber from damaging UV rays. These covers are not very expensive but they will prolong the life of your windshield wipers.
The last time we replaced the wipers on our Class A motorhome, they cost nearly $100. That adds up. If you can double the life of the wipers with covers, it makes sense to put them on your must-have RV parts and accessories list.
8. Replacement lighting parts
Every RV has some form of interior lighting and having replacement lights for your rig will make the annoying burned out bulbs or blinking lights that are about to go out less annoying.
Our old Class A RV had overhead light fixtures with replaceable bulbs. Our new RV has low profile LED lights and the entire light housing has to be replaced, not just a bulb.
Either way, it’s easier to carry a few of these replacement lights or bulbs with us rather than scramble to find them while we’re camped in some remote location miles away from a dealer or RV parts store.
9. Replacement latches & window shade string kits
This must-have RV part is like number 8, but it’s for the cupboard and drawer latches that are in your RV. These latches fail from time to time and if you don’t have replacement latches you may have a sliding closet mirror slamming back and forth while you’re driving, or cupboard doors swinging open.
The parts are easy to get when you’re at the dealership but not easy to get if you’re boondocking or in a remote location. Carrying extra latches in your RV will save you a lot of aggravation.
Additionally, if you have window shades that are the accordion style with strings in them, I would also advise that you carry a string replacement kit or two for your window shades. If the strings wear out in one shade, then others will likely follow.
The kits are inexpensive, and the repair is not that hard if you’re at all handy and you can follow the instructions. I replaced the strings in many of the shades in our older RV and having the string replacement kit with us when the shade string broke meant that we were able to get that repair done immediately.
10. Fuses
This probably does not need to be said, but you should always have extra fuses in your RV. There are many different types of fuses in an RV and you can buy a kit to cover the most common types. You might still need to go to the auto parts store for an off-beat fuse, but having the most common amps and styles of fuses for most circuits will save you headaches in the future.
Summary
This list of must-have RV parts and accessories could be much longer and might include everything from outdoor griddles to mats, chairs, propane fire pits, and all kinds of DIY modifications that make your rig and your camping experience more rewarding. These 10 items, on the other hand, are the parts and accessories I have personally learned through experience that I needed for my RV travels.
A retractable marshmallow roasting stick might be a fun accessory to have on board, but a 20-amp fuse to keep your refrigerator working falls into the must-have category.
You, Me & The RV shares some of their favorite RV accessories in the video below:
If you’re new to RVing, then take some time and read the iRV2.com forums to better understand what types of issues you might encounter in your travels, so you can make your own personal list of must-have parts and accessories, then you can stock up the next time you’re at a service center.
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https://juliegartha.com/blogs/news/getting-into-hot-water2021-06-02T18:53:04-04:002021-06-02T18:53:05-04:00Getting Into Hot Wateradmin
Ah, the joys of owning a home, one of which is maintaining said home so it can continue to provide shelter without endangering you and yours. The range of maintenance you can do yourself will vary with your skills, training, budget, and time, but preventative maintenance is always cheaper than repair or replacement.
We all like hot water. It's not essential, but it makes cleaning clothes and dishes much easier and bathing our bodies more comfortable. Hygiene is important in everyday life, and it becomes more important if TSHTF and medical facilities are scarce or overloaded. Cold showers suck, and back when I had to shave every day having hot water meant I could do so without bleeding all over the place. Think about it: what's the first thing you want to do after coming home from a camping trip or a long day of hard work? A hot shower will be on the top of the list for most people.
Type of Hot Water Heaters
Most homes and apartment buildings will have a water heater hidden somewhere in a utility closet or corner of the basement. Water heaters are a common household appliance, but they have the potential to become bombs if not maintained. I won't link to them, but there are plenty of videos on the Internet of the devastation caused by exploding water heaters. One of the insurance companies runs an ad on TV that mentions covering damage from a water heater that landed on a neighbor's car. Mythbusters covered them pretty well; the one video I saw had a 50 gallon tank launch itself 500 feet into the air. That's enough force to send a hundred pounds of tank through several floors and walls.
Electricity, liquid propane (LP), or natural gas (NG) are the main power sources for heating water, although I have seen wood-fired water heaters and add-on heat exchangers for wood stoves. Remote or limited-use facilities may have a tiny point-of-use heater tucked under the sink to provide hot water for personal hygiene. There are “tankless” water heaters available, but they're expensive and require more maintenance. There are also municipal hot water systems in large cities that provide very hot water or steam to buildings near a generating plant (sometimes as a byproduct of generating electricity), but that's beyond our control, so the maintenance for it is outside the scope of prepping. The same goes for living in an apartment building, since the owner has control over the central utilities. Let's stick to the common tank style water heaters that you'll find in home improvement stores for today.
Tank-style water heaters come in a variety of sizes and use the three heat sources I mentioned (electric, LP, or NG) depending on what's available. A lot of new houses are “all-electric”, while rural areas lack the NG pipelines found in town and have to rely on LP stored on-site. Electric units don't need to be vented (no combustion, no exhaust) while the gas units are more efficient and “recover” faster in my experience. They all have the same basic design: a vertical tank with cold water inlet and hot water outlet on the top, anode rod inserted through the top, heat source at or near the bottom, drain valve on the bottom, and a relief valve (T&P valve) on the side or top. They also all share a few ways to ruin your day.
Temperature & Pressure
The T&P valve is a safety device that will open and vent the tank if the temperature (T) or pressure (P) gets too high. Water expands when heated, and some expansion is expected and the tanks are engineered for it. Since water heaters are a closed system except for when the water is in use, this expansion leads to an increase in pressure. If the pressure gets above 150 psi, the T&P valve should open and relieve the pressure by venting water to a drain. The valve will also open if the temperature gets to about 210°F, which is just short of boiling. Boiling water produces steam, which takes up 1700 time as much space as liquid water (at standard pressure). Water heater tanks are not designed as boilers and will explode if the water inside starts to boil.
By most building codes, the T&P valve has to be piped to a drain with an air gap between the end of the pipe and the drain, so that you can see water flowing if the valve opens or is leaking. Testing the T&P valve a couple of times a year will let you know that it isn't leaking, stuck, or plugged. Having a stuck or plugged relief valve is the same as not having a relief valve, so read the instructions on the tag or look up how to test your particular valve.
Hard Water and Sediment
If you have hard water or a lot of sediment in your water, sand and scale will settle out on the bottom of the tank. This layer of sediment will act as an insulator, causing the heat source to run longer to heat up the water and potentially overheat the water. A water heater that has a lot of sediment will start to take longer to recover after use, so watch for longer intervals between having hot water. If the thermostat sensor that controls the heating element or burner gets covered, you can have a runaway heater that will stay on until something pops.
The drain valve on the bottom of the tank is there so you can shut the heater down once a year and drain the sediment out. Most drain valves are threaded for garden hose fittings, which makes it easy to connect to, but you don't want to run hot water through a garden hose because they'll melt. Instead, turn off the heat and either let the heater cool down or open a faucet to let cold water in to cool it.
Popping
If you ever hear a “popping” noise coming from your water heater while it's in operation, that's a sign that you have scale building up. Water trapped between layers of scale will boil and “pop” as the steam escapes into the water. Old, limed-up teapots make the same noise and will often bounce or move on the stove when they do. This is from the energy released by the steam as it hits the water around it; now imagine your 40-50 gallon water heater “dancing” in the basement rather than a half-gallon teapot on the stove.
Any movement of an appliance attached to gas lines needs to be accounted for, so make sure your gas line have a flexible section where it connects to the heater. They're usually yellow in color to designate that they carry a flammable gas. Gas leaks in a basement are a good way to destroy a house! I've seen it happen a few times; one was fairly minor and it blew out every window and lifted the house off of the foundation. A few others I've driven by looked like a tornado had hit the house, with nothing but a hole in the ground surrounded by debris.
Rusting
Most tanks are made of steel and will rust on the inside. This is minimized by the use of a sacrificial anode rod of zinc or some other metal that is more reactive than iron. The sacrificial rod will slowly erode over a few years and should be replaced when it is almost gone. The rod is usually threaded into the top of the tank and replacements can be found in home improvement stores. If your hot water starts to look reddish or develops a sulfur smell, it's time to replace the sacrificial rod; not replacing it means allowing the tank walls to get thinner as they rust away, which reduces the pressure that it can withstand. That rust will also add to the sediment building up on the bottom of the tank that I mentioned above.
Avoiding trouble is one of the tenets of prepping, so do your maintenance. If you have any doubts about your ability to work on anything, call a professional or get the training. Plumbers and electricians are expensive, but not as expensive as a house fire or cleaning up after burst pipes.
#Repairs #ChaplainTim #Maintenance #Plumbing
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https://juliegartha.com/blogs/news/when-you-take-up-prepping-as-a-lifestyle-you-ll-find-there-is-always-something-you-need2021-06-02T15:47:02-04:002021-06-02T15:47:03-04:00When you take up prepping as a lifestyle, you’ll find there is always something you needadmin
There is always some weakness you can shore up, some vulnerability you can eliminate or some scenario you can better prepare yourself for. If you are doing it right, that means a never ending cycle of self-improvement and self-investment.
One teeny, tiny little problem though – all of this costs money! Since most of us are not lottery winners, trust fund babies, or completely and utterly financially independent, it means you have to watch your nickels, and constantly keep your eyes peeled for a good deal.
It is easy to drop two or even three mortgage payments worth of cash on carts full of brand new, out of the box survival gear at your local big box store, but clever preppers know that money is a resource unto itself and will work to stretch their dollars as far as they can.
For that reason, you’d be wise to look at alternative venues for acquiring worthwhile survival gear. One place that is chronically overlooked, in my estimation, is the humble garage sale.
You never know what people are holding on until they are getting rid of it, and anytime you see that sign on the corner or in the driveway it is worth pulling over to take a quick look.
You might find some like-new gear or gently used items that are entirely serviceable. In this article we’ll be sharing with you 10 survival items you can score at garage sales.
#1. Tents
At least where I live it is a rarity you’ll ever go to a garage sale where there is not a tent up for grabs.
For most Americans, the tent represents a strange sort of recreational passage. Invariably, after a visit from the Good Idea fairy, one member of the family thinks that a camping trip will be the very summit of outdoor fun, and are quickly bitten by the romantic notion of camping out in the middle of pristine wildlands to take in some fresh air and scenic sights.
The reality of camping will usually brutally stamp out these romantic notions in fairly short order. Commercialized, high-volume campgrounds are often even noisier and less pleasant than the suburbs or apartments these poor people have fled.
Actually camping, really heading out into the wilderness to camp, involves a fair bit of skill, ingenuity and more than a little bravery, all of which typically find themselves in short supply after the first, aborted attempt.
After one or perhaps two of these misadventures, the family relegates the tent to an out of the way closet or some nook or cranny in the garage where it will languish until they invariably conduct spring cleaning to get rid of it.
That is where you will find it, dusty and disused, laying out in the driveway ready to be picked up. It is possible to get a good deal on surprisingly serviceable tents at garage sales, but take pains that you verify all of the necessary parts are included in the frame of the tent, if applicable.
Missing even one of them could make it unusable, and you definitely don’t want to go looking for an OEM part for an older but otherwise serviceable tent.
#2. Cold Weather Gear
Cold weather clothing is another perennial item at most garage sales, assuming of course you live in a place that regularly endures harsh winter weather.
There are all kinds of reasons people sell their old cold weather gear, including aging, fluctuating weight, changing styles or just clearing out the old and cobwebby part of their wardrobe that they no longer use.
Whatever the case, this wardrobe redo is your gain when it comes to warm clothing and you should definitely expect to score some sweaters, coats and even parkas at local garage sales.
If you are really lucky, they might even have some awesome military surplus items for sale, like the fantastic U.S. M68 series coat.
Don’t forget to keep an eye out for more specialized winter gear also, like overalls, mittens and things like that.
You don’t need to worry too much about the overall state of the clothing so long as it is in obviously good repair and it fits you.
If it is seriously grungy or smelly, negotiate the price even lower and then you can give it a good wash with some OxiClean or similar detergent additive to beat the stench.
#3. Cookware
I have never been to one, single garage sale that did not feature a small mountain of cookware as the marquee item. You’ll find everything from vintage cast iron to Grandma’s hideously ugly mustard yellow casserole pan, and everything in between.
You would be well served to check out the aforementioned cast iron as dependable “kitchen to field” ware but also keep an eye out for lightweight, portable vessels that are suitable for inclusion into your field or bug-out cutlery kit.
As always, check it over for condition and don’t be afraid to haggle. Most people are having a garage sale to free up space, not to make a fortune, and they’ll be happy to see you leave with it.
Your biggest problem and looking for cookware at a garage sale well actually be beating the legion of old ladies to the drop.
Cast iron, earthenware, and other similar pieces are high on their priority list when they are cruising weekend garage sales, so you’ll need to get up early and get there before they do if you want the choice picks.
#4. Bows
Every prepper understands the value of a reliable and reusable ranged weapon as part of their preparations, not only for self-defense but also as a tool for bagging animals in order to add fresh, wild caught fair to their pantries during a survival situation.
A great tool for the task, so long as you’ve got the skills to use it, is a bow and it just so happens that bows often turn up at garage sales.
It might seem like a strange inclusion, but it makes sense in context.
Bows regularly appear after a member of the family, or members, that hunt get over or give up on using bows as a regular part of the hunting season. Sometimes, a child or adult takes up archery as a fulfilling pastime, and then moves on to other endeavors.
Whatever the reason, these bows are not typically taken to an archery shop and traded or consigned, so they wind up hanging out in the closet or in the garage until one day far in the future they are put out for sale at the garage sale you are now visiting.
Like any complex tool, it pays to know what you are looking at when considering a bow at a garage sale, and if you don’t have the necessary know-how phone up a friend or relative that does and take them along or just call them.
You might score a great deal on a bow of any kind, but if it needs substantial repairs, adjustment or parts replacement it will have eaten up any savings that you netted. Crossbows especially require a skilled and nuanced appraisal before you pull the trigger- literally!
#5. Tools
For many garage sale goers, especially men, the single greatest prizes that might be on offer are the hand tools. Saws, pliers, hammers, vise grips, screwdrivers, ratchets, sockets, wrenches, shovels and so, so much more.
Especially garage sales hosted by older folks are likely to have a goodly selection of these hand tools because they can no longer use them. If they don’t have any relatives, or just any relatives that want them, they’ll be ready and waiting for a new home.
This is a great way to save a literal fortune on tools, and even better you will regularly find tools of surpassing quality compared to the cheap, imported junk we are forced to endure today.
Vintage sledgehammers, axes, hammers and other tools made 60, 70 or even 80 or more years ago were made to last, literal heirloom grade, and once you restore and use one of these beauties you’ll understand what you have been missing all this time.
Even better, it is possible to obtain these tools for pennies on the dollar, and even if you are unlucky and don’t run into any of these prestigious versions you are still likely to save a pretty penny on more mundane versions, so mission accomplished either way.
Also, if you don’t notice any tools out for sale, don’t be afraid to ask the proprietor for any that you might be looking for. Many tools languish in the garage or shed tucked away out of sight and out of mind, and it is possible that they simply forgot about them in the interim.
#6. Boots
Everybody that has ever visited a garage sale has seen the ranks of shoes and boots sitting lonely, waiting for their new owners to come by. Among the skanky lawn care sneakers, children’s shoes, ill-advised fashion footwear and others you are likely to find a few sets of boots.
With a little luck, you’ll find a set of old-school, heavy duty work or field boots (the kind that can be resoled) cowboy boots or perhaps even a pair of technical hiking boots.
Any and all of them certainly have merit for preppers, for various reasons and in various situations and any quality pair of boots is usually made to a standard where you can depend on them to last, and last and last despite how scuffed up or rugged they may look.
Considering the cost of new boots, especially new boots made in the “old ways”, with a little luck, if you find a garage sale pair in your size, you might have a new set of kicks that can take you all the way to and through the Apocalypse.
Remember; don’t despair if your prospective boot purchase looks a little thin on tread so long as it has a sole that can be replaced.
A quick trip to the cobbler, a few bucks for new soles and inserts, and an easy shine job and your “new” boots will probably look spectacular and feel even better!
#7. Bags and Packs
If there is one thing that every prepper could be said to have a fetish for it is luggage. Backpacks, rucksacks, bags, totes, satchels, pouches, and all the rest.
Preppers love things that you can put other things in. This is with good reason, of course, and I am speaking in jest.
Sturdy bags play a huge part in most prepper’s overall state of readiness, serving as the core of the quintessential bug-out bag system, and also helping them to stay ready and organized for other situations and contexts.
Much like tents mentioned above, many folks get a hiking backpack or some other large and ungainly pack only to see it fall out of service after a relatively short period of time before winding up on the yard sale table.
This is a great opportunity to nab a pack at a bargain price, especially if you are otherwise unconcerned with color.
But even if you aren’t looking for your next bug-out bag there are other bags and packs that regularly crop up at garage sales you might make use of for different purposes.
A small backpack, or satchel, could serve admirably as your everyday carry pack, or go-bag, a sort of miniaturized BOB that accompanies you whenever you leave the house or take off in your vehicle. Even duffel bags, tool bags and the like all have their place in a prepper’s repertoire.
#8. Fishing Gear
Fishing gear is often an excellent addition to your contingency preps since fish, of all kinds, are an excellent and comparatively easy to catch food source compared to much other wild game so long as you have the right tools and a little bit of skill.
It is a happy coincidence then that fishing poles, reels, tackle boxes, lures and all the other accoutrement required for a day on the water are virtually ubiquitous at most garage sales.
Even if you aren’t much of a fisherman, you can make a great argument for adding a fishing pole and functioning real to your stash since you never know when you might have to depend on it.
Who knows, in the meantime you might develop a new and rewarding hobby and develop your angling skills at the same time? Hard to argue with that proposition, and time spent on or near the water is usually extremely enjoyable, even when the fish aren’t biting.
Fishing poles, assorted lures, tackle boxes, and the like are usually obviously functional or defective even to the untrained eye, but a little more expertise is required to assess the functionality of a given reel.
If in doubt, make sure you get a good deal or bring along a friend who knows their way around a fishing rod.
#9. Blankets
You don’t need me to tell you what you’ll need blankets for in a survival situation, and you’ll be able to find plenty of them at garage sales.
However, we are actually on the prowl for a very specific kind of blanket, one that is not entirely common these days, and if you do manage to track them down, they always cost several hundred dollars. I am talking about old fashioned wool blankets.
Even if you hate them because they are perceived to be scratchy, wool is an amazing survival fabric, one that is able to keep you warm even when it is soaking wet.
Blankets made from wool used to be entirely common way back, but as time, textiles and technology have marched on, they have been rendered into something of a novelty, if not an outright dinosaur.
The fact of the matter is, wool provides performance that scarce few modern fabrics can match.
You should be on the lookout for wool or mostly-wool blend blankets. This could take the form of a family heirloom that somebody’s grandma painstakingly made, or army or even hospital/sanitarium surplus.
If you can get these for anything approximating a good price, grab them and run. Make sure you look them over really good before you pull the trigger, because the wool is now, as always, vulnerable to moths and certain other creepy crawlies.
#10. Lanterns
Classic camping lanterns are another excellent prep, and they hold up well even today up against battery powered flashlights and headlamps. Liquid-fueled lanterns are adaptable, provide plenty of light, and can be easily dialed down to save fuel or provide only as much light as you need.
Especially keep your eye out for kerosene fueled lanterns, as kerosene is a versatile, stable and useful survival fuel even if it is not particularly common in most urban and suburban areas these days.
You might be banking on electric powered lights and lanterns for the duration, but you’d be wise to have a backup option that utilizes a different fuel source just in case.
Many times, lanterns of this type will be sort of a knock-around family “heirloom” that has migrated from place to place until being relegated to the bottom of the closet or the back of the garage, but sometimes they are an accompaniment to various other sorts of camping and outdoor gear as described throughout this article.
Give the lantern a once-over, and see if the proprietor can demonstrate that it works before you commit, but generally you’ll find these things so cheap you’ll rarely go wrong on them.
Conclusion
As a prepper you’ll always have plenty of gear to buy, and if you want to save a few bucks on your acquisitions you might try your luck at any local garage sales you pass.
There are plenty of survival items that can be had cheaply and often in surprisingly good condition if you are willing to put in just a little bit of extra time looking around.
Remember that one person’s old junk could be your new and treasured crap! Have a gander at your local garage sales and see what you come up with.
The post 10 Survival Items You Can Score at Garage Sales appeared first on Survival Sullivan.
#ToolsAndGear
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https://juliegartha.com/blogs/news/it-s-time-time-to-show-you-around-our-new-house-staggmountainmodern2021-06-02T15:39:04-04:002021-06-02T15:39:05-04:00It’s time! Time to show you around our new house, #StaggMountainModernadmin
The house is big by most standards, at just over 6,000 square feet. It’s large, but it’s not totally efficient in layout. It’s two levels, and sort of has a sprawling ranch feel on the main floor.
The yard is a combination is a lot of overgrown trees, grasses, plants, as well as cracked and crumbling planter boxes.
The front of the house has a large pergola that we like in theory, but don’t love in its current state. There are large double front doors some brick stairs in disrepair.
Walking in the entryway, you’re met with a grand circular staircase, rounded windows, a vintage chandelier, and bubble skylight. I can imagine how in its day this was a really neat feature in the home. Whether or not to keep this staircase circular in the renovation has sparked quite the debate between Jon and me and also all of you weighing in on instagram. A lot of it centers around changing the windows and roof line, which opens up the can of worms. We’ve made a decision, but I’m not going to share it quite yet. Suspense, people!
The main floor has a super large formal living room with the tallest ceilings I dare say I’ve ever seen in a home. Also the formal dining room, a family room and adjacent kitchen, a second staircase, the primary bedroom suite, a mudroom and laundry room, and two powder baths. Some of this will get some floor planning changes to make it more efficient. For example, the only laundry is on the main floor, yet most of the bedrooms are on the lower level. This is something that definitely needs to change.
There’s a lot that doesn’t work like sinks, a super wonky old electrical system, old appliances, etc. We’ll be giving every inch of the home attention.
The lower level has the remainder of the bedrooms and bathrooms, a large family room/recreation area, and an original ice cream bar with all of the old appliances, and ice cream freezer, spots for toppings, and syrups and sprinkles. Guys, if you were a kid in 1978 and you lived here, I’m pretty sure you were the most popular kid in the neighborhood.
The lower level also has what we’ve been referring to as the Maze of Closets. There’s an entire section of the house that is closets, closets with closets, a closet with a potato cellar, a cedar closet, I mean it’s a lot of closets. We’re working on a fun TikTok to show you alllllllll of the closets in the house, of which there are many.
Obviously I haven’t shown you everything in photos, so check out our new Webisode that leads you on a brief tour!
I’ll be breaking down each individual space soon, and also sharing all of our plans for how to transform this house into our family’s home.
Thanks for being here. Thanks for following along, sharing our projects with your family and friends, and giving us virtual high fives. We are feeling range of emotions and your support means more than you know.
So, whatdoyathink? What’s your favorite thing about the house so far? We have the vision and can’t wait to share it with you!
The post Showing You Around Stagg Mountain Modern – Our New Home appeared first on Stagg Design.
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https://juliegartha.com/blogs/news/30-hotel-workers-share-what-things-they-wish-guests-would-stop-doing-and-it-s-disgusting-that-they-have-to-deal-with-such-thing2021-06-02T11:24:02-04:002021-06-02T11:24:03-04:0030 Hotel Workers Share What Things They Wish Guests Would Stop Doing, And It’s Disgusting That They Have To Deal With Such Thingadmin
Anyone who’s ever worked in the hospitality and service industries knows that customers come in all types: from the super polite to the mega annoying and entitled. And you’ve got to have a wide smile on your face at all times to make everyone feel welcome and cared for, even if you feel like you’re at your limit, emotionally. Thankfully, the internet is here to help us figure out how we can be better people as customers.
Case in point, one redditor asked hotel workers to share all the annoying and irritating things that guests do that tick them off. And, wow, they really didn’t hold anything back. From turning their rooms into pigsties and breaking things on purpose to treating the staff very rudely, these nightmare guests might just make you reconsider your career path.
Have a read through some of the best hotel worker stories below, upvote the ones that made you embarrassed the most, and if you’ve ever worked in the hospitality industry before, dear Pandas, we would absolutely love to hear your experiences. How did you deal with nightmare guests? Let us know in the comments.
#1What got to me most was the number of times I was used as an example by parents when their kids were misbehaving. For example, if I was cleaning the windows and a child was being noisy nearby a parent might say 'if you aren't good and don't listen you'll end up cleaning windows for your whole life like this man'. Completely dehumanising, demoralising, and just a bit of a s**tbag thing to do anyway. Happened so many times I lost count.
Image credits: sammo3
#2Worked a summer in spain (Gran Canaria) as a part of a 'new' kids entertainment program.
The s**t I saw was unbelievable, from parents dropping their kids of at 9AM and forgetting them to pick up at 6PM (or showing up drunk; which kind of forced me to ask the kid if he/she wanted to play some more untill their parents were sober). To kids just throwing stuff and hitting other kids because they lost a game.
In general the most annoying thing is parents just incompletely neglecting their kids, causing the kids to tear up because I have to tell them mommy and daddy aren't coming yet because they were stuck in traffic (whilst they were most likely on the beach drinking tequila). The thing that will always stick with me is a little girl who was on vacation with her parents and another couple (maybe uncle/aunt?). This girl got dropped off at 8AM, even though we weren't open untill 9, by a parent with a hangover and they didn't pick her up untill after the 'kids-show', which was from 830-930PM. Because of this the girl never ate with her family, causing her to miss meals a lot. This family stayed for two weeks and in the last week the mom (drunk of course) showed up at 10PM to pick this girl up, because I was getting kind of sick of the parents behavior I kindly requested her to drop the kid of on time, pick her up on time and for god sakes... eat dinner with her kid.
This woman just lost her s**t, screaming at me that I can't tell her what to do, that I should do my job and take care of her kid and that I should stop trying to steal her kid with gifts (I bought the girl a swimsuit from my own money because she didn't have one and we had 'swimming-games').
Next morning the kid shows up at my room, on her own, with a blue eye and her lip teared open (at like 7AM). I immediately take her to the head of the hotel, who called someone from the med-bay and the police. I tell the boss all that happened and that the parents were neglecting and beating their kid.
15 minutes later two drunk parents show up, screaming I should be fired for kidnapping their kid and that they are demanding a huge sum of money from the hotel.
I'm not sure what really happened to the girl (all though there were rumours the parents got sued for child neglect and she moved to her grandmother). After this happened the hotel gave me a paid stay at their hotel for the upcoming 3 weeks I was supposed to work there.
Image credits: coralus
#3T*ts instead of Tips
You'd be shocked at the number of female guests who think a flash is as good as cash. Sorry ladies but a glimpse of your knockers isn't going to help this bellhop knock out the rent next month.
Image credits: laterdude
Rude guests will pop up everywhere—it’s impossible to have only pleasant customers. How the staff deal with the rudeness and what the hotel’s service culture is can directly affect their finances later on. Being firm but polite with rude guests is a possible way to defuse entitlement.
Meanwhile, small witty signs in hotel rooms reminding guests to keep their rooms in an acceptable state could convince at least some of them to at least flush the toilet. Though, on the other hand, if they fail to do even that, a sign won’t change years and years of poor education.
#4Guests complaining about the size of the rooms and how everything is so basic.
You literally booked the cheapest hotelroom in the whole city. That's what you get.
Image credits: effinzebras
#5Sex. The amount of times a guest will have requested something, needed something fixed in their room or asked for room service, only to decide to f**k straight after they put the phone down; leaving me stuck outside the door with that extra set of towels or walking into a room to fix something and seeing more than I ever needed too.
Also bins are provided in bedrooms for a reason, stop leaving used condoms, lube packets, discarded toys just all over the bed and tables.
I get it, and dirty weekends away are awesome, just have a lil thought for the person who has to clean up the room after.
Image credits: OliverJamesIX
#6Any conversation that starts with a belligerent "I'm paying for the room"
Yes, we know. The concept of the hotel is familiar to us.
Image credits: dukeofbun
However, there is another side of the equation. Hotels must provide the best possible experience to have guests return and to keep their businesses afloat. Despite the difficulties they might encounter. That means grinning and bearing the weight of the world in some hotels, however much you might want to tell someone off.
Earlier, I’d spoken about the hotel industry and hoteliers with Dr. Gabor Forgacs from Ryerson University. According to the industry expert, the best hoteliers are unassuming, discreet, and highly knowledgeable.
“The philosophy of old school hoteliers, and I am one, still rules: we see everything, we know anything about our guests but never disclose anything, never reveal what we know and keep all that to ourselves,” he told Bored Panda.
#7I work at a hotel in a small, beachside Florida town. Our town has very little parking, and we advise our guests of this, especially during peak times that we (as well as the entire city and all other surrounding properties) will have to restrict parking to only one vehicle per guest.
I do understand that it's not always the best, but, people who've been coming here forever know that in high season there is no place to park, so they begrudgingly will find a way to carpool.
But, not everyone does. Often times, many locals will rent a room, and then invite everyone to come on over (which, in itself is a violation of our rules if you go over 6 registered guests), and of course, everyone has to bring their own car. Not happening, because if you bring more than one vehicle, you are taking someone else's spot.
So, of course it's the stupid sense of entitlement that somehow gets me that people from out of state (up to 1500 miles in some cases) can drive here in one vehicle, and yet you can't carpool from 50 miles away?
Our security officer got one lady one time. Of course, because she's a special snowflake who the rules do not apply to, she brought three cars on a sold-out day. We don't have room for that, you are on your own to try to find (if it even exists) off-property parking for your other two cars. Good luck.
Well, she's not having it. Of course, she throwing a fit about not being able to have two extra cars. Our security officer stood firm. Finally, the lady says "you're full of sh*t." The best response our security officer ever had to anyone: "No I'm not, I took care of that this morning. But thank you for your concern for my good health and regularity."
I laughed so hard I had tears in my eyes. He put her in her place, and she had no choice but to move her cars off property.
But, it's the sense of the rules don't apply to me, and so what if I inconvenience someone else, as long as it's not me.
Image credits: llcucf80
#8As a housekeeper currently on her way to work, I think I needed this thread to vent a bit.
Please answer the door. I know people don't want to deal with us and you want us to clean while you're not there, I prefer it too, but don't yell at me through the door. If you answer the door I just say hi do you want housekeeping now, if not what time are you leaving. The door between makes it much harder for me.
Don't refill those water bottles in the room with tap water. Honestly, we have a sign saying what it costs, if you don't want to pay for it just drink the f**king tap water you poured in the bottle. I check in every room if the seal is broken, and you get charged anyway.
3 Don't leave your DND on for the entire day if you want service. Housekeeping is only on 8-4:30, so don't take your sign off at 4pm and get mad when we can't clean your room. We put cards under each door that clearly states if you don't remove the sign by 3 pm, you can only get towels from front desk, not cleaning.
4. I could go on for days talking about this, but lastly please recognize I also want you to enjoy your stay. I love talking to nice guests and honestly if you are nice to me, I will go out of my way to help you out. Don't act like you are entitled to the universe because you're paying to stay at our mediocre hotel. Honestly, when people treat me in a friendly way, or tip me, I give them all the extra sh*t they could need. Specifically with turndown service, if you don't treat me like sh*t like half the people I talk to every night, I will give you like 6 of those little chocolates man.
May have to post more later, this is therapeutic to get out man.#9Was a hotel room cleaner: when guests put used untied condoms in the toilet, under pillows, under the bed, on the tea and coffee tray.. basically anywhere.
And not flushing the toilet. Its disgusting.
Image credits: yushoi
Dr. Forgacs explained that the main reason why a guest returns to a hotel is if they had good memories of staying there. “Not necessarily a gold plated doorknob or the extra skirt hangers in the closet; best memories are created through interaction with people. If service excellence exceeds expectations, guests always remember that,” he said that going the extra mile is always noticed and appreciated.
#10Worked hotel maintenance. If you accidentally break something in the room, be honest and let the front desk know. 99% chance you won't be charged for damage. It also gives maintenance a heads up to fix it at our earliest opportunity and not have to rush to fix it when the next guest finds the damage because the housekeeper didn't report it either.
Where I worked, if a guest reported the damage, they wouldn't be charged for it. If they just leave and don't tell anyone, they'd be charged a damage fee, usually about $100. Yes we can do that, it's on the paperwork you sign when you check in.
Image credits: anonymous
#11I worked in hotels years ago and the amount of people who order room service and answer the door scantily clad is astonishing. It's your room guy, if you want to lie around with your balls out that's totally fine just pls we give you a robe, throw it on before opening the door
Image credits: anonymous
#12Former housekeeper here. People would spit their chew into soda cans and leave them in the room. I would grab them and think they were full of old soda, dump it in the sink, and promptly would gag at the horrendous smell. I have a long standing hatred of people who chew now. Ya'll nasty.
Image credits: muciferthecat
Meanwhile, hotels that aren’t doing well financially ought to reevaluate their approach to hospitality, Dr. Forgacs said. “Languishing hotels need to take an honest look at themselves to understand the reasons why they can't create special memories.”
He continued: “Service culture is not built overnight; the way you hire, you train, and conduct yourself is crucial. Mistakes are made all the time; how you recover and show genuine care would make a difference.”
#13I worked as a hotel maid way back when
Guests not cleaning up after their 'fun times' (lube, condoms, other stuff)
guests not putting out their room service trays - leading to a tray crisis because no one could figure out where they were... also so much mouldy food.
Guests stealing toiletries from my caddy
Guests asking me if I spoke English, at a hotel in England. Now this one might sound fair enough, because I had one or two polish co-workers (who spoke better English than me to be honest), but it was mostly international guests who would just barge in to a room I was cleaning, not even say 'hello' or 'excuse me', just start the conversation with 'Do you speak English'.
which leads me on to
no pleases or thank yous - 'miss, I need another towel' oh ok I'll get that for you 'good, I'm going out leave it on the bed', yeah you're f**king welcome mate
and also
coming into a room I was cleaning. If I was in a room that was occuppied and I was just doing a general dust, I would always shut the door. For unoccupied ones, I'd prop it open so I could get to the caddy easier, which was apparently an invitation that I wanted a chat which was really...
complaining to me about things I have no control over. Like the bill. Look pal, I was paid £3.65 an hour for that sh*t, I don't care if you thought the hotel was overpriced. I'd have to work for 3 full weeks to afford one night at this place. Excuse me if I don't care. No I can't help the fact that the phone reception in here is bad, what do you want me to do, build a network tower? Eff off.
Of course, this was only a few guests. Most were usually nice older couples who came to my town for a lovely weekend away. And once there was a medieval themed wedding, and one guy dressed in the full assassins creed get up, it looked better than the costume from the latest film.#14I hate when guests treat every minor inconvenience like it's the ONE thing that ruined their vacation.
I read the feedback we get every single day and people give us horrible reviews because of things like "I had to wait a few minutes for the elevator" and "the noise level in the lobby was a bit high"? I don't get how people are so sensitive to the tiniest things! Like if you are that way at home, I feel bad for your spouse or whoever you live with because it's horrible to be around such unnecessary negativity.
Image credits: troubleshootsback
#15I work as a valet manager at a luxury hotel. Wedding parties that are obviously extremely wealthy who ask you to bend over backwards for them, park all of their cars, take sh*t loads of gifts and luggage to many different rooms, bring them wine and all sorts of food, order town cars and taxis for them, set up dinner reservations, put up with a bunch of their complaining and doing your best to accommodate them, and in the end no tip and no thank you.
Image credits: cosmiclightworker
Meanwhile, if it’s the hotel staff, not the guests, who are at fault, there are ways to make up for those mistakes. “Following up is a secret weapon. Comping, offering a discount or an upgrade for a mishap is what a typical hotel would do. The better ones will always follow up with the guest and on top of a remedy, tell their plan how the mistake will be prevented from happening again.” At the end of the day, it’s up to guests and hotel staff to both be better to provide a better level of service, and a better working environment.
#16This conversation:
"Hi, do you have any rooms?"
"No, sorry we're sold out."
"You don't have anything?"
"Nope. We're all booked up."
"I just need one bed."
"I'm sorry I don't have any rooms. I can call another hotel for you if you want."
"So.. not even the honeymoon suite or anything?"
"No, sorry. But like I said I can call another hotel if you want and see what's available."
"No that's fine."
ARE YOU SERIOUS.
Image credits: anonymous
#17We had guests open the mini-bar fridge, drink the beer, piss in the emptybottle, screwed/put the cap back on and went on their merry ways.
Next client (old gentleman with his daughter) took a swill of piss that day.
Thing is, we had no idea which previous clients did this, which sucked.
Image credits: MistahZig
#18Wedding parties and bridal parties. 9/10 the women are extremely high maintenance, trash the rooms , and never tip under any circumstance yet expect to be treated like royalty because "they're paying for their room " .
Goes the same way with Bachelor parties too, loud drunk obnoxious men who tend to start fights in the lobby. On the plus side the men seem to tip slightly more often.
Image credits: guitarsdontdance
#19Just being generally nasty/unsympathetic towards the staff is the thing that gets under my skin.
I work at a decently posh hotel, and some of the people who stay with us have their are so far up their own arse I'm surprised they don't see everything in brown sepia.
They complain that we're being rude to them when we can't do something like lower the price of drink for them since they're 'regulars' and as such should be treated better than everyone else. Sometimes it gets to me, I work for minimum wage and barely have enough to scrape by some weeks and you're complaining about the price of a drink when your company is paying for your stay anyway?
F*ck you big time.#20Alot of guests just assume we know who they are.
How am I supposed to know by face/name all 300rooms when I'm a bartender and seeing you for the first time.
Also the amount of people on checkout that try deny all room charges despite us having their signature on each one.
Image credits: jointkicker
#21Valet here.
When guest flat out EXPLODE on me at the front drive when I politely tell them they have to go one level down to get their vehicle as oppose to picking up out front. They are told this when they arrive.
I didn't build the hotel, I didn't place the office down stairs, I didn't place the key safe there, you know this!
CHILL OUT!!!
Image credits: VagrantTrail
#22I start going through the spiel about amenities, breakfast, etc. and they either just say "Thanks" and walk away before I'm done, or say "yeah I know I've been here before" so I stop.
10 minutes later, they call, "hey, what time is breakfast? And when does the pool close?" Well s**thead, if you had listened the first time...
Image credits: anonymous
#23How about when you take a detailed room service order...Me: "no condiments for your burger and unsalted fries-are you sure that's all?...ok, I should have your order to you in about 35 minutes." You deliver their perfect order, on time, up 16 floors, making stops on 4 floors for other staff to cram on the elevator with carts of dirty laundry etc, after having to argue with the chef over adding swiss cheese and needing fresh fries with NO SALT, because he missed your special instructions in the ticket : / Guest suddenly needs ketchup, salt and an extra plate...Me: "no problem, be right back." (UGH). Down 16 floors, making stops on 3 floors, speed-walking to the supply room for needed items, nearly knocking over coworkers, knowing you have another 4 orders on the line near ready. Back up 16 floors, lucking out with no extra stops on floors yippee, almost in the clear and on to the next! (Hiding your panting and perspiration and ketchup stain on your shirt you acquired somewhere between the 8th & 10th floors). Guest: "Oh, thank you! You have change for $100, right? I know I said I was charging to my room, but I changed my mind." Me: "I'll have to go to the lobby for that, be right back." SUNNABITCH KILL ME NOW!!!#24I am a housekeeper at a nice, smaller sized, family oriented hotel in Atlantic Canada. It is a franchised property but is apart of a huge chain.
Bastard jackal children running up and down the halls. Some even like to knock on other guest's doors at 10pm and shout 'housekeeping!' They honestly think it's hilarious.
People just coming up to my cart and taking what they want. Towels, shampoo, etc. Just ask???
People staring at myself and my fellow housekeepers as if we are actual aliens. It baffles me how many people don't understand that we essentially keep a hotel running and they barely know we exist.
Don't ask me how much I make. don't ask me if my work is seasonal (???). don't ask me anything that is not related to your stay and general comfort.
Image credits: nicholaevna
#25Hotel pianist here, I hate being photographed or filmed but I keep a cool head by telling my self that at least I know they like my playing.
Some Japanese tourists however... The whole group came to my piano mid performance and positioned themselves one by one behind me while a designated photographer took pictures of them. I mean come on, at least ask if it's ok, give a tip. I'm not a rare attraction that need be documented, that s**t is distracting.
Image credits: SLOBaron
#26Honestly it's when the locals boast about knowing the owner. You already got a big discount. Stop asking for everything free you think you deserve.
Image credits: Vyperprogram
#27Regular guests that would interrupt you when dealing with other customers like they are more important.
Image credits: anonymous
#28Former manager here:
This is the same for any customer service field. If you have an issue, just come and ask us or tell us about it. There's no need to yell or scream, our job is to help you, and frankly, we want to help you and get you taken care of as soon as possible so we can go back to screwing around.
Screaming, at me, if anything, doesn't make me work faster. Doesn't make me want to do anything for you and there are incredibly few instances that I will actually "just comp a room." People fishing for a free room or free things is so god damn obvious to me. Working in hospitality made me such a petty person that I had to leave, but sometimes things are as simple as
"Hey, can I have a water?" "Sure, here have a bag, it has water and some pretzels and a candy bar."
as opposed to
"THAT PERSON GOT A LITTLE BAG WHEN THEY CHECKED IN! I DEMAND TO HAVE A BAG." "Well, those bags are actually for the members of our HHonors program. If you sign up online we can enter your number and you can start earning points. In fact, if you go over to our convienient business center, I'll start you off with the blue tier (just two waters) bag!" "THATS RIDICULOUS IVE NEVER BEEN TREATED LIKE THIS AND I STAY HERE ALL THE TIME!" "Ah well, that's what you've got to do to earn the bag. Also, when did you last stay here? I've worked 6 days a week for the last three years and I see nearly every guest that stays here, and I don't think I've seen you before." "Oh well... uhh, maybe it's not this one it's the one across the street." "Ah."#29Used to work in a very nice hotel, downtown in a heavy tourist-traffic city.
If you're staying in a nice hotel in the middle of one of the most traveled entertainment districts in the country, quit getting mad and acting surprised when EVERYTHING costs money. Yes, parking costs money, yes breakfast costs money.#30Hotel chef here. When people phone down for food from their rooms 1 minute before close because they were waiting until the last minute to get food.
If you're one of those people, it's your fault I hate everyone. #ProfessionalHotelEmployees #TheCustomerIsKing #NightmareGuests #WorkingAtHotels #HomepageFeatured
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https://juliegartha.com/blogs/news/22-best-basket-drawers-in-20212021-05-15T12:06:07-04:002021-05-15T12:06:07-04:0022 Best Basket Drawers in 2021admin
MaidMAX Cloth Storage Bins Cubes Baskets Containers with Wooden Handles for Home Closet Bedroom Drawers Organizers, Foldable, Grey Polka Dot, Set of 6 - Sturdy handles for easy access each of these foldable storage cubes features a sturdy wooden handle, making it convenient to retrieve the items from the shelves (please note that the handle is arrived uninstalled tools for assembly are included in the package). Perfect size for most shelves measuring 105 x 105 x 11″ each, these fabric storage containers offer ample space for organizing stuff like socks, underwear, nursery bedding, diapers, hobby, craft or office supplies and keeping your clutter out of sight no more seeing all the mess through plastic bins and the decent size makes them perfect for most cube organizers/ shelves. Stylish design for all settings with a stylish polka dot design, maidmax cloth storage drawers compliment many settings like living room, bedroom, closet, nursery, kids playroom, office, etc. Reinforced construction cardboard sides and removable bottom insert give shape to these collapsible storage bins, allowing them to stand on their own while not fully filled and the reinforced construction gives you long lasting use. Foldable bins for easy storage the collapsible design of these fabric storage organizers makes it easy for you to assemble simply pop open, place the bottom inside and then you’re done and you can just fold them flat for space-saving storage when they are not in use.
Simple Houseware Stackable 2 Tier Sliding Basket Organizer Drawer, Silver - No drill, no power tools needed just assemble the baskets and save more space. Patent pending. Sliding basket for easy access in limited space and stackable design (buy two sets and stack them together). Dimension 1675”l x 11” w x 12” h drawer height small 2375” (375” to the top), large4375”(62” to the bottom of small drawer) drawer width 8”. Two drawers and the top surface hold lots stuff great for kitchen, bathroom and storage room organization gain more space in the cabinet, pantry room or even open space.
3S Under Cabinet Storage,Sliding Basket Organizer Drawer,Bathroom Kitchen Under Sink Organizer,Black,Three Tier. - Multipurpose you could place cans、dishes、washing liquid、soap、medicines、baby care everything you want in your pantry,kitchen,drawer. No drill, no power tools needed just assemble the baskets and save more space,165″ l x 108″w x 133″h. Three tiers sliding basket organizer,,good workmanship finished. Removable split card help you to group items, and slide the basket out to easily access sauces and spices. Stackable sliding basket provides an easy way to access and get in.
eHemco End Table with Drawer and 2 Shelves and Basket-Fully Assembled - Overall size18″wx16″dx24″h, basket size13″ w x 15″ d x 4 1/2″ h, drawer size 12 1/2″w x 12 1/2″d x 4″ h. Fully assembled top surface has grooves that run the width of the table (see close up of photo). X end or side table with perfect size for any room in your home made of solid hardwood. 1 drawer, 1 basket with 2 shelves make more useful, the table in coffee coloe, the basket in natural color.
LEAVINSKY Woven Box, Nylon Storage Bin, Black Woven Basket, Black Woven Storage Box Container, Underwear Socks Bra Organizer Divider for Drawer Dresser, Woven Basket 2 Pack, Black - Multi-purpose storage all kinds of household items can be stored it is great for souvenirs, photos, office supplies, kitchen supplies, small toys, crafts, baby supplies, holiday ornaments, dvds, cosmetics, toiletries, underwear, socks, etc. High quality made of durable nylon ribbon, with stainless steel tube frame to maintain shape over time, hand-woven, decorative weave pattern, green environmental protection. Suitable for many areas storage bins are stylish and look great in many different settings, keep tucked away in drawer, closets, bookshelves, laundry rooms, or wherever you need storage. 2-piece woven storage bins (black), provides attractive, lightweight storage while keeping household items tidy and organized, great for organizing your lingerie, socks, underwear and bra. Sizes 1417″x1023″x334″ 1377″x984″x314″ suitable for drawer dresser.
August Collection Tall Four Basket Drawer Storage Unit - Made with steel metal tubing, coated paper strap, and engineered wood. Top surface can display keepsakes or use as a convenient place set down your purse, keys, or library books. The baskets have stoppers to prevent them from being pushed out the back. Overall unit measures 195 inches l x 14 inches d x 305 inches h and weighs 22 pounds. Functional and attractive storage furniture with a sturdy frame, tightly-woven baskets, and large handle slots.
2 Tier Sliding Cabinet Basket Organizer with Metal Mesh Drawer for Pantry Under Sink Countertop Kitchen Bathroom – Dark Brown - 💗【service & guarantee】, liheya is committed to delivering a 5 star experience for all buyers product includes a 60-day money-back and 24-month worry-free guarantee please kindly contact us once you get trouble with our product we will provide a perfect solution. 💗【create extra storage】, add available vertical space of your cabinet, pantry, countertop, kitchen, bathroom, office and crafts room with the pull out drawers maximize the use of limited space, organize bathroom supplies, spices, cans, cosmetics, cleaning products under sink. 💗【stability】, dimensions 145″ l x 748″ w x 122″ h drawer width 65” transparent non-slip silicone feet and sturdy metal construction make the pull-out baskets more stable and prevent surface from being scratched no need for tools, easily assembled, removed, carried. 💗【upgraded sliding rail】, smoothly slide in and out of the 2 tier sliding drawer to get a clear view and better access to daily necessities use the two removable baskets individually to customize your storage space, make your life more convenient. 💗【heavy duty】, made of high-quality stainless steel, the sliding basket can withstand heavy items without deformation classic brown coating prevents the basket organizer from being corroded in wet places high-density mesh structure keeps small items from falling through.
NEX 3 Tier Under Sink Organizer, Three Mesh Sliding Baskets Drawers - Dimension 167″ l x 108″ w x 1601″ h (manual measurement) two large baskets + one small basket. Widely used great for kitchen, bathroom and storage room organization create more space in the cabinet, pantry room or any open room. Three tier more items can be stored, the baskets are easy to pull in and out for easy use make your home clean and tidy. Bottom curved legs more stability, beauty, fashion. Material iron + chrome not easy to rust.
WeiA New Home Storage Bins Organizer Fabric Cube Boxes Shelf Basket Drawer Container Unit (4, Pink) - Cubes are designed to be arranged any way to fit your space and create your own organization system. The main color is pink. Description the designing is based on keeping product simple. It is a convenient way to hold what is needed for hobbies, stray toys, shoes, important documents, desk supplies, photos, magazines and books, make up, underwear or socks and much more. Cubes are the perfect storage solution for any room in your home.
MustQ Stackable 2 Tier Organizer Baskets with Mesh Sliding Drawers, Ideal Cabinet, Countertop, Pantry, Under The Sink, and Desktop Organizer for Bathroom,Kitchen, Office. - Declutter the home & office:easily visualize and access the contents from your cabinet, countertop, pantry, vanity, and workspace with a clutter (and stress-free) storage solution-declutter narrow spaces and group similar items together for the ultimate organization. Service & guaranteemustq stands by our products if you have any problems, contact us for help. Sliding basket drawers drawers effortlessly slide open and close-features convenient for easy transport from place to place. Functional designcompact vertical design for small spaces,made of metal mesh with a beautiful finish-measures approximately 1087″ l x 1675″ w x 12″h. Create extra storage:add space virtually anywhere using the pull out baskets -create an eye-pleasing side-by-side arrangement by adding multiple organizers on any flat surface.
INTERFUN CAT Wood Color Kitchen & Dining Room Cart 2-Drawer Removable Storage Rack with Rolling Wheels Iron Baskets Drawers Wine Rack Universal Wheels Accessories - ☛My dear friend, you must be looking for such a stroller it can also be used as a children’s toy storage car its existence is bound to become a very important part of your life. ☛It adds extra counters and storage space to your kitchen or dining room wood grain primaries allow it to be combined with a variety of decorative styles, and its metal handles allow you to easily open drawers. ☛it is on four 360-degree spinner wheels for ease of mobility stainless steel handles on the drawers resist rust and corrosion for durability while adding styles simple modern design will fit into a variety of home decor styles with ease. ☛When you receive it, you need some simple assembly, you can use it after assembly, and it will make your life simple and easychoose a lifelong companion. ☛The kitchen & dining room cart 2-drawer removable storage rack with rolling wheels adds extra counter and storage space to your kitchen or dining room it has two drawers, two rows and a wine rack for simplified organization and easy accessibility.
Simple Houseware Stackable Cabinet Basket Drawer Organizer, Silver - Sliding basket for easy access in limit space and stackable design (buy two sets and stack them together). Sturdy metal construction with elegant silver paint. Dimension 168″ l x 109″ w x 75″ h. Patent pending. No drill, no power tools needed just assemble the baskets and save more space.
Five Drawer Storage Organization Unit with Lined Wicker Baskets - Three small and two large baskets for sorting and separating. Wipe clean as needed. Stylish way to organize in foyers, bedrooms, mud rooms, and more. Two large, pull-out baskets/drawers (17 inches w x 115 inches d x 875 inches h) and three small (1125 inches w x 115 inches d x 85 inches h).
YBM HOME Silver Mesh Drawer Cabinet and or Shelf Organizer Bins, School Supply Holder Office Desktop Organizer Basket 1592s (1, 3x12x2 Inch) - Perfect for storing utensils, office supplies, or cosmetics etc depending on which size you are using each size will come in handy for something else use a variety of steel mesh organizer sizes to maximize the space and storage in any size unorganized drawer. Durable and lightweight metal construction, spacious enough to fit various items and various size drawers steel wire mesh bins have spacious storage capacity the steel mesh is durable and sturdy allowing you to organize a variety of products these steel mesh bins can organize kitchen utensils and gadgets, stationery, craft supplies, keys, batteries, small tools, mail, stamps and more. If you are looking to organize your junk drawer, these are perfect for you our drawer bins come in various sizes allowing you to organize any size drawer, or on shelves. Ybm home drawer organizer baskets drawer stores are great for use in kitchen, home office, school, craft room or hobby room. Made from high quality steel wire so they are sure not to rust and will become a staple item in your home it has a great looking silver finish with an extra clean look tray will not collect dirt and grime like some other plastic trays, easy to clean at anytime.
mDesign Side End Table Storage Nightstand – Sturdy Wood Frame, Water Hyacinth Woven Pull Out Basket Bins – Furniture Unit for Living Room, Bedroom, Hallway, Entryway, 3 Drawer – White/Bamboo - Stylish smart storage this furniture stand boasts a slim, but sturdy design that easily fits into smaller spaces while still providing plenty of storage space wood top provides a hard surface to place lamps, books, decor and more on top the generously sized removable drawers have built-in handles to make opening and closing simple and convenient. Thoughtfully sized measures 12″ x 1575″ x 315″ high each basket measures 105″ x 1225″ x 8″ high. Quality construction side table made of wood baskets made from natural hyacinth in a woven pattern over a steel frame unit comes fully assembled easy care, wipe clean with a damp cloth and allow to air dry. Functional & versatile use anywhere you want to add an elegantly styled furniture piece while creating extra storage for your organizational needs this unit can be used in multiple rooms throughout the home great for bedrooms, entryways, foyers, living rooms, family rooms, home offices, nurseries and more ideal for small spaces such as apartments, condos, rvs, cabins and college dorm rooms. 3 drawer stand features 3 removable woven basket drawers use it beside a bed as a nightstand and keep your alarm clock, journal and glasses close at hand works well as an end table in the living room or as a side table beside the sofa, easy chair or in the foyer or entry way as a handy place to store your go-to items when you are on the go or arrive home the vertical design fits easily in many locations throughout the home.
SockDock 2 Pack Sock Laundry Helper & Storage Hangers, Closet Organizer, Easy Clips & Locks Paired Socks Without a Tie, Mesh Bag, Bin, Basket, Drawer, Divider or Container, Home or Travel (Dark Blue) - Other words customers used to find sockdock s-neaker in-door pair-ing net baskets line-n household white black drawstring tool-s champion small nike lid dad-dy sperry keeper woman running apartment folder-s out-door essential-s adida-s shelving store lock collapsible bra organizers lost rings campers containers gadgets organization accessories monster-s kids bathroom down syndrome machine washing holders shoe-s christmas holder drying keepers organize storing doc-k. Washer safe, dryer safe (certified by bureau veritas laboratories) safe with front load or top load washers & dryers also works with headbands, gloves, scarves, onesies, mittens, underwear, bras, lingerie, panties, delicates, and undergarments makes a great hat or belt organizer no bags, tabs, dividers, baskets, dresser drawers, connectors, sorter-s or separator-s perfect christmas or birthday gift. 3 easy steps 1 add dirty socks 2 toss in washer & dryer with all other clothes 3 hang sockdock with clean socks in closet, socks never separate from their mate foot-shaped hanger fits on hamper, doorknob, or closet rod keep your laundry socks organized and paired together for the life of the socks no more matching, searching or sorting for missing or lost socks dirty socks hang on hamper clean socks hang in bedroom closet. Includes (2) sockdocks, 1 for clean socks, 1 for dirty socks (sock savers hanging sock organizer) 1 sockdock holds 9 pairs of socks, each 295″ l x 27″ w choose from blue, red, dark blue, or pink. Fun for boys and girls to keep socks neat & organized works with all size socks, adult, kid, & baby socks including toddler, boys, girls, mens, & womens no show, low cut, ankle, dress, and athletic socks teaches children responsibility & improves fine motor skills cool organizing accessory for hanging in closet great accessory for college dorm room portable for campers & rv camping simple & easy to use for all ages.
Sorbus 2 Tier Organizer Baskets with Mesh Sliding Drawers Ideal Cabinet, Countertop, Pantry, Under The Sink, and Desktop Organizer for Bathroom, Kitchen, Office, etc.Made of Steel (Black) - Sliding basket drawers basket/drawers effortlessly slide open and close so you can quickly access your favorite spices, supplies, toiletries, etc, features convenient built in handles for easy transport from place to place. Functional design compact vertical design for small spaces, made of steel mesh with a beautiful finish, features sturdy metal legs with rubber feet protectors for impressive durability, measures approximately 1475″ l x 9″ w x 13″ h. De-clutter the home & office easily visualize and access the contents from your cabinet, countertop, pantry, vanity, and workspace with a clutter (and stress-free) storage solution, de-clutter narrow spaces and group similar items together for the ultimate organization. 2 tier mesh organizer baskets (black) organize and store a wide variety of items including kitchen utensils, toiletries, office supplies, cleaning products, crafting materials, accessories, and more the convenient 2-level basket organizer stand maximizes small spaces with sliding drawers for easy access and stowing items when not in use. Create extra storage add space virtually anywhere using the pull out baskets, create an eye-pleasing side-by-side arrangement by adding multiple organizers on any flat surface.
Bextsware Mesh Basket Files Box with Sliding Drawer for Hanging Files, Desk File Folder Metal Organizer Storage for Office, School, Countertop, Desktop - 【Bextsware mesh basket with drawer】create a neat and efficient storage space for office, school, desk, kitchen, bedroom, laundry room,cabinets, shelves, countertops. 【Durable steel construction】sturdy durable metal construction with chrome coating to enhance protection against rust & corrosion pet anti-slip feet to prevent it from sliding or scratching surfaces. 【High capacity】dimensions 128″ x 91″ x 122″ holds approximately 40 letter-size hanging folders. 【after service policy】we promise a 30-day full refund policy and 365-day limited product guarantee period. 【Simple assembly】easy to assembly with the instruction included in the package, just a few minutes.
New Home Storage Bins Organizer Fabric Cube Boxes Shelf Basket Drawer Container Unit (6, Beige) - The main color is beige. Cubes are designed to be arranged any way to fit your space and create your own organization system. Cubes are the perfect storage solution for any room in your home. It is a convenient way to hold what is needed for hobbies, stray toys, shoes, important documents, desk supplies, photos, magazines and books, make up, underwear or socks and much more. Description the designing is based on keeping product simple.
Amborido Houseware Closet Underwear Storage Drawer Organizer 4 Set Basket Bins Foldable Sturdy Divider Socks Bras Ties Small Objects Beige - Display dimension (inch) 24 cell (12124) 7 cell (12124) 8 cell (1264) 6 cell (1264). It fits for several spaces you can use lingerie storage boxs to clutter up your table,drawer ,shelf ,walk-in closet or wardrobe . Dresser organizer includes 4 part 6 cell for ties, 8 cell for underwear, briefs,or ties, 7 cell for bras, 24 cell for socks not only these purposes, it provides plenty size for your storage demand . It be made by sturdy design and precise manufacturing process high quality with quick delivery ,upgrade your buying experience. Bra organizer made from non-woven fabric which is breathable mold-proof and moisture-proof lining panels are made from cardboard keep your underwear or accessories tidy and clean.
IdeaWorks 2 Tier Basket Drawers,6″” DRWR, standart, White - Shelf has non-skid feet and sets up in minutes. Measures 14 ¾”l x 7 ¼”w x 14 ¼”h. Pull-out baskets are removable for easy access and are ideal for cosmetics, cleaning supplies and more. Utilize the space under a bathroom or kitchen sink efficiently with this sliding, two-tier shelf. Easy to assemble, no tools required.
AmazonBasics Mesh Sliding Basket Drawer Storage Shelf Organizer, Silver - Open top mesh basket pulls out and can be removed for easy access. Rubber feet prevent slippage and damage to your floors. Heavy-duty stainless steel construction that lasts. Sliding storage basket for convenience in the kitchen, bathroom, office, workshop, and more. Multiple units can be safely stacked to add more storage space. Keep supplies and essentials neatly stored and at your fingertips.
#Storage
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https://juliegartha.com/blogs/news/4-minute-read2021-05-14T18:22:04-04:002021-05-14T18:22:05-04:004 minute readadmin
A very kind reader left me a comment saying that my posts allow them to "experience New York in such a way that is both exciting and invigorating — as if it's this new, unexplored, uncharted land." And that really struck me as perhaps the highest compliment I've ever received. You see, no matter where you live in the world and no matter how familiar it may feel, if I can in some small way encourage you all to seek with fresh eyes, to marvel with renewed wonder, to explore with unbridled curiosity, well then, I'll feel like my online "influence" (whatever that means) will have been put to good use. Of course, this isn't to say every moment of every day will feel like uncharted territory, far from it I'm sure, but when it does strike, when it does tap you on the shoulder to beckon you to follow, you'll never regret running after it. I promise.
Of course, this got me thinking — I'd love to hear the best compliment anyone has ever given you? Was it something a stranger said while you were walking down the sidewalk? Or perhaps a really heartfelt thought from a friend or family member? More importantly, how did it make you feel? I'd love to hear, especially since I think we're all inclined to not talk about compliments out of fear of sounding vain — when really, I think that only makes us deflect them in the end. Or worse yet, we stop ourselves before giving them to other people.
ONE // Unpack white feminism
A really poignant and powerful read — especially if you've followed a fraction of the Rachel Hollis story.
TWO // Arkansas lawmakers override governor's veto of youth gender-affirming care
And this is why we need to keep fighting.
THREE // Do you really need your period?
Be honest. You ask yourself this every 28 days, too.
FOUR // Ageist attacks and outdated stereotypes about older people hurt young people, too
A fascinating look at aging in America, how the statistics have changed but our attitudes toward aging haven't.
FIVE // For one glorious summer, Americans will vacation like the French
And I, for one, will hopefully be one of them! I loved this excerpt:
"Americans are good at lots of different things, but going on vacation is not one of them. Every year in parts of Europe, summer turns into a mini-sabbatical. In Norway, during the tradition of fellesferie, the nation simply shuts down for a few weeks of July fun. In Italy, so many people take the last two weeks of August off that Rome’s transit system runs on a reduced “festivi” schedule. Meanwhile, guess which industrialized country is the only one that doesn’t guarantee time off to its workers? Guess which country left 768 million vacation days on the table in 2018? Guess which country … arghhhhhhhh."
SIX // The best friends can do nothing for you
If your social life is leaving you unfulfilled, you might have too many deal friends, and not enough real friends.
SEVEN // After working at Google, I'll never let myself love a job again
As someone who worked at Google for 5 years, I found this op-ed to be quite moving and unfortunately, relatable in a lot of ways.
EIGHT // 3 (OK 4 this week!) things making me smile
Amanda Gorman is the Vogue May cover star and I am LIVING for this entire photoshoot!
You know me and my documentaries — especially when it comes to one of my favorite authors, Hemingway.
Last night, I attended the press preview for Yayoi Kusama's new exhibit — Cosmic Nature — at the New York Botanical Garden and I hope all my fellow NewYorkers make some time to head out there themselves to check it out! A perfect springtime activity with all this beautiful weather we're having lately.
Oh and just a friendly reminder — I've launched my closet over on Dora Maar, an online consignment site, where you can find a few of my favorite pieces over the years now up for grabs! Think Proenza, Givenchy, Self-Portrait and more! I'll be donating 50% of all my take-home proceeds toward Stop AAPI Hate.
Judy Clark suit (borrowed) // Freda Salvador boots (gifted, similar style here) // Vintage Chanel earrings (similar style here) // Photographed out in Montauk
Photography
Allie Provost
The post friday favorites: the one for amanda gorman appeared first on This Time Tomorrow.
#FridayFavorites #FridayFavorites #Culture
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https://juliegartha.com/blogs/news/best-16-portable-wardrobes-for-20212021-05-14T17:26:09-04:002021-05-14T17:26:09-04:00Best 16 Portable Wardrobes for 2021admin
SONGMICS 59 Inch Closet Organizer Wardrobe Closet Portable Closet shelves, Closet Storage Organizer with Non-woven Fabric, Quick and Easy to Assemble, Extra Strong and Durable, Gray ULSF03G - Dustproof cover & water-proof tier zippered dustproof cover offered to keep your item away from dust and water-proof fabric tiers are easy to clean. Space saving organizer great size of 59″l x 17 7″w x 69″h, which makes it suitable for organizing your small rooms and walk-in closet. Spacious storage closet movable clothes hanging rod and 12 storage shelves offers you enough space both for your longer outfits and folded clothes. Sturdy & durable construction made from selected non-woven fabric cover, water-proof fabric tiers, high quality steel tube and pp plastic connectors, this portable storage closet will meet your long term storage need. Quick and easy to assemble comes with clearly installation instructions, this amazing closet makes your clothes or daily accessories easy to access, you will have it assembled in minutes, easy to put together.
Boylymia 5-Layer 12-Compartment Non-Woven Fabric Wardrobe Portable Closet Navy (52.4 x 18.1 x 67inch),U.S.A Stock - Sturdy & durable construction with high quality steel tube frame and durable non-woven fabric, the overall load capacity could reach up to 110lb and it will meet your long term storage needs. Dustproof cover & waterproof tier zippered cover keeps your clothes away from dust water resistant fabric tier is easy to clean with damp cloth. Practical & functional breathable and space-saving , this wardrobe is perfect for organizing your items in bedroom, living room, walk-in closet, and other small rooms. Spacious storage closet amazing size of 51″ lx 178″ wx 658″ h provides large storage space, 1 center rod is for hanging clothes and 9 storage shelves are for folded clothes. 【Fast shipping】ship from usa ,we will use ups/usps/fedex to ship item usually you can get item in 3-6 days.
GEORGE&DANIS Portable Wardrobe Closet Armoire Plastic Dresser Bedroom Cube Storage Organizer, White, 18 inches Depth, 4×4 Tiers - Customer service, we guarantee for free replacement parts in one year please feel free for any questions. Modular structure, the modular design provides more possiablities of custom shapes and structures have fun and be creative. Fast shipping, effective transporation ensures most of the buyers receiving the products in 2-5 days. Mutifunction storage, perfect for different spaces like bedroom, living room, dressing room, etc, and also for different belongings such as clothes, bags, shoes, toys, etc. Durable materials, steel frame enables the structure sturdier, plastic sheet panels and abs connectors makes the unit lighter.
GEORGE&DANIS Kids Shelf Portable Closet Wardrobe Dresser Armoire Plastic Storage Cube Organizer for Kids Teenagers, Pink, 14 inches Depth, 3×4 Tiers - Modular structure, the modular design provides more possiablities of custom shapes and structures have fun and be creative. Customer service, we guarantee for free replacement parts in one year please feel free for any questions. Fast shipping, effective transporation ensures most of the buyers receiving the products in 2-5 days. Mutifunction storage, perfect for different spaces like bedroom, living room, dressing room, etc, and also for different belongings such as clothes, bags, shoes, toys, etc. Durable materials, steel frame enables the structure sturdier, plastic sheet panels and abs connectors makes the unit lighter.
Origami Portable Wardrobe Closet for Hanging Clothes | Foldable Closet Rack for Organization and Storage, Collapsible Mobile Small Metal Rack with Cover, Heavy Duty Organizer, 36″ x 18″ x 63″ | Steel - The closet storage organizer assembles in less than 10 seconds, unfolded measures 354″ w x 183″ d x 631″ h. The origami clothing rack has plenty of space for all of your garments, clothes, shoes, baby supplies, laundry and coats and jackets. The wardrobe cabinet can also be used as organization for kids in any room comes with a cloth cover that covers your shelving along with a privacy screen on the front of the closet’s canvas fabric. The hanging clothing organizer is made from a metal collapsible frame that weighs under 17 pounds and gets more stable as more weight is put on, up to 150 pounds of capacity. The portable closet folds flat for easy storage under the bed, behind a door or in the garage.
Whitmor Portable Wardrobe Clothes Closet Storage Organizer with Hanging Rack – Black Color – No-tool Assembly – See Through Window – Washable Fabric Cover – Extra Strong & Durable – 19.75 x 36 x 64″ - Portable, lightweight and moveable, this storage closet is just right for home use, office use, backstage theater use, dormitory use, you can move it from being a bedroom closet to a garage closet for raincoat, and motorcycle jacket storage, or move it to your attic to keep your classic old worn or seasonal garments organized. See-through window, the window on top of this clothing storage closet gives you more convenience by enabling you to see its hanging contents easily with clear visibility without needing to unzip the closet door. Easy assembling this closet organizer systems by whitmor requires no tools to assemble and disassemble so you can do it yourself within minutes by just following the instructions using a bungee cord system, very convenient especially during your move of your office or home. Durable and sturdy construction, this portable storage organizer features a, durable steel frame, a heavy-duty steel rod and a bungee cord system with plastic connectors so it can take on significant weight without bending, holds 50 pounds of clothes, coats, pants, jackets, suits, blouses, slacks, sweaters, dresses, and shoes. Keep your cloths safe & organized, this portable wardrobe closet storage is made of breathable fabric cover to keep your most treasured clothes fresh and protects them from mold, moist, dust, bugs, insects, and moisture, highly suitable in storing all types of clothes, from everyday home and office winter & summer clothing to costumes and special occasion garments and wardrobes.
UDEAR Portable Wardrobe Closet Clothes Organizer No-Woven Fabric Cover with 6 Storage Shelves, 2 Hanging Sections and 4 Side Pockets,Beige - dustproof cover & waterproof tier, the removable cover is made of durable fabric with zipper closure which can keep your item away from dust, bugs, and moisture the non-woven fabric is breathable and easy to clean. Sturdy & durable construction, made from non-woven cover, water-proof fabric tiers, high quality steel tube, pp plastic connectors, and the steel poles added to the sides and back, the wardrobe is more durable and less possible to collapse. Customer service, we assure quality, if you have any issues or questions, our friendly customer service team will be ready to help you. Portability, the wardrobe on its own is light weight you can easily disassemble it, pack it up and reassemble at your destination the instruction manual is very simple and easy to understand you will not need any tools or special skills. Spacious storage closet, the portable wardrobe has a great deal of room for you to store a lot of stuff it is divided into sections which include shelves, hanger sections and side pockets for your convenience.
Homdox 50 Inch DIY Portable Clothes Closet Wardrobe, Non-Woven Fabric Clothes Storage Organizer, Freestanding Wardrobe Armoire with Hanging Rods and Clothes Shelves, Easy to Assemble – Coffee - Sturdy & durable construction made from selected non-woven fabric cover, water-proof fabric tiers, high quality steel tube and pp plastic connectors, this portable storage closet will meet your long term storage needs. Space saving organizer the portable wardrobe is divided into a variety of storage sections, include shelves and movable hanging rods for your convenience it can meet demand to store folded clothes, longer outfits, dresses, bags, suitable for organizing your small rooms and walk-in closet. Special design with the attached velcro, the zippered door can be rolled up and tied back, easy to close and open the bottom of our wardrobe is designed to be higher than others, so you don’t have to worry about the damp floor will make your clothes moldy your shoes can also be placed underneath of the wardrobe to make the room more concise. Dust-proof cover & waterproof tierz the removable cover is made of durable fabric with zipper closure which can keep your item away from dust, bugs, and moisture the non-woven fabric is breathable and easy to clean. Easy and quick assembly coming with clearly installation instructions, no tools required, all the tubes of this wardrobe closet are designed in the same length for free style diy, making your clothes or daily accessories easy to access.
OppsDecor Portable Closet Wardrobe Storage Organizer with Sturdy Cover Clothes Closet with 5 Hanging Rack, Easy to Assemble (Coffee Brown) - Quick and easy to assemble insert the metal poles in the holes of the plastic joints, then put on the shelves and cover, no tool required just following the instructions, you’ll have it assembled in minutes. Heavy duty & sturdy structure the portable clothes closet selected metal tube and plastic connectors, solid constructure being tested it can hold 110 pounds of clothes you no longer have to worry about your wardrobe not keeping up with your pace of fashion. Big capacity amazing size of 495 x 172 x 683inch (wxdxh) provides large storage space plenty space inside to divide it into different section and equipped with five movable clothes hanging suitable for you who love fashion and cleanliness. Dustproof & water-proof this wardrobe closet organizer made from selected non-woven fabric cover which is dustproof and waterproof keeps clothes clean and safe from dust, bugs and moisture this portable storage closet will meet your long term storage needs. Carefully designed the zippered door can be rolled up and tied back, make your keep the closet away from dust and let it easy to close and open what’s more, the bottom of our wardrobe is designed to be higher than others, so you don’t have to worry about the damp floor will make your clothes moldy your shoes can also be placed underneath of the wardrobe to make the room more concise.
MAGINELS Children Wardrobe Kid Dresser Cute Baby Portable Closet Bedroom Armoire Clothes Hanging Storage Rack Cube Organizer, Large Pink 6 Cube & 1 Hanging Section - 【Portable & durable closet】magical panels are light and thin, but provide greater weight capacity than the other normal portable storage high quality resin composite materials with steel frame ensure each cube or hanging section to support up to 22 lbs not like the fabric cloth closet, resin materil will never be hurt by sunlight. 【Portable & durable armoire】magical panels doors are more convenient than the zippers applied for other normal portable wardrobes doors can be tied together by cable ties we provide, and the doors feature a hole handles for air circulation and prevent buildup odor. 【smart & hassle-free assembly】magical panels and multi-angle connectors are easily attachable to each other, which makes the installation steps very easy to understand, it is much easier than installing normal wooden furnitures also we provide guiding video for installation. 【Customizable structure】magical panels allow you can to make customizable designs for different space or rooms but please note you have limited parts only for the design we advertised, please contact us if you need more parts for your customized design. 【The delivery time】dimensions 291″(w) x 146″(d) x 583″(h) 1 hanging section and 6 storage cubes offer you extra space for all kinds of outfits and belongings.
MAGINELS Portable Closet Clothes Wardrobe 14″x18″ Depth Bedroom Armoire Modular Storage Organizer with Doors - 【the delivery time】the product will arrive within 2-6 days after your payment. 【Portable & durable closet】magical panels are light and thin, but provide greater weight capacity than the other normal portable storage high quality resin composite materials with steel frame ensure each cube or hanging section to support up to 22 lbs not like the fabric cloth closet, resin materil will never be hurt by sunlight. 【Portable & durable armoire】magical panels doors are more convenient than the zippers applied for other normal portable wardrobes doors can be tied together by cable ties we provide, and the doors feature a hole handles for air circulation and prevent buildup odor. 【Smart & hassle-free assembly】magical panels and multi-angle connectors are easily attachable to each other, which makes the installation steps very easy to understand it is much easier than installing normal wooden furnitures also we provide guiding video for installation. 【Customizable structure】magical panels encourage you to make customizable designs for different needs but please note you have limited parts only for the design we advertised please contact us if you need more parts for your customized design.
Storage Closet for Clothes 69 Inch with Cover and Shelves Portable Wardrobe Closet Organizer Containers - Waterproof&easy to cleannon-woven fabric cover with zipper design,dustproof and waterproof,easy to clean and storage. Product demisionmaterial non-woven fabric & stainless steel,50 x 177 x 689,color gray net weight 77lbs,lightweight enough for transport. Roomy space69 inch height creats roomy storage space,heavy enough to hold heavy clothes,layer is also available to be removed fit shoes or boots. Easy installationcome with clear direction, easy to assemble in minutes, just insert the metal poles in the holes of the plastic joints, then put on the shelves and cover. Sturdy&durable made from selected non-woven fabric cover, high quality steel tube and pp plastic connectors,sturdy enough to hold quilt or blanket per shelf.
KOUSI Portable Closet Clothes Wardrobe Bedroom Armoire Storage Organizer with Doors, Capacious Sturdy, Black (6 Cubes 2 Hanging Sections) - 【Easy assembly & maintain】 a breeze to assemble for most customers, just connect the panels with connectors provided with step by step manual and video to further help your easy installation. 【Adjustable & attractive】 closet can be shaped by your diy in any way that suits your spaces and needs, just depend on how you structure the cube flexible and can fit into your every décor and spaces, make your home stunning. 【Helpful & creative】 warranty 12 months we are totally dedicated to be extremely helpful to you we are always here to help before or after your buy what is more many of our customers really enjoy to build the storage shelf in different shapes, add some nice décorative led, put in some cool displays to turn storage into somethings creative, fun and nice looking be creative, get tons of uses and look nice. 【Large & multi-use storage】 a total size of 42″ x 18″ x 56″ each cube can support more than 10 lbs and 14″ x 14″ x 18″ large, can store 25 shirts or 15 dresses in a single cube great storage space to store clothes, bags, accessories, shoes and many other things you want can use as plastic modular closet, armoire dresser, clothes shelving, hanging clothes rack, garment rack, polyresin storage. 【strong & sturdy design】cube panel is made of high classed resin material that is very strong to bear heavy weight, woven fabric like and slim to offer maximum storage space strengthen steel frame provides extra support, great for long usage.
MEGAFUTURE JOISCOPE Portable Wardrobe for Hanging Clothes, Combination Armoire, Modular Cabinet for Space Saving, Ideal Storage Organizer Cube for Books, Toys, Towels(8-Cube) - Easy care -waterproof and dust-resistant easy clean, moveable by easy assembly and disassembly with clear pdf instructions. Multifunction -hanging or folded clothes, deeper cubes can store up to 16-20 shirts each storage of miscellaneous household items. Storage -each (smallest) cube supports up to 23lbs measures in 15″(l) x 15″(h) x 19″(w) built your own combinations for any space. Modern design -transparent white closed doors and walls high quality material can perfectly meet a long-life and sturdy need. Eco-material -environmental resin panels eco-friendly and chemical-free, zero methanol guaranteed and 24/7 customer service.
PEATAO Non-Woven Fabric Wardrobe Clothes Closet Storage Organizer, 4 Layer 10 Compartment Portable Wardrobe, Quick and Easy to Assemble Closet Shelves 49.6″ x 17.7″ x 64.5″ (Coffee) - ➣【Quick and easy to assemble】 comes with clearly installation instructions, this amazing closet makes your clothes or daily accessories easy to access, you will have it assembled in minutes, easy to put together. ➣【Dustproof & water-proof cover】 zippered dustproof cover offered to keep your item away from dust and water-proof fabric tiers are easy to clean. ➣【spacious storage closet】 movable clothes hanging rod and 10/12 storage shelves offers you enough space both for your longer outfits and folded clothes. ➣【Space saving organizer】 this closet has multiple-heights of shelves and hanging space to store lots of clothes, making it a perfect storage solution to orgnize your living room and bedroom, which makes it suitable for organizing your small rooms and walk-in closet. ➣【Sturdy & durable construction】 made from selected non-woven fabric cover, water-proof fabric tiers, high quality steel tube and pp plastic connectors, this portable storage closet will meet your long term storage need.
Portable Closet Storage Organizer Wardrobe Clothes Rack with Hanging Shelves Washable Fabric Cover – Extra Strong & Durable Black (41.3 x 18.0 x 64)” - 5 convenient to use & assemble this amazing closet makes your clothes or daily accessories easy to access installation is just easy, no tool required. 1 sturdy & durable construction made from selected non-woven fabric cover, water-proof fabric tiers, high quality steel tube and pp plastic connectors, this portable storage closet will meet your long term storage needs. 2 space saving organizergreat size of 413″w x 180″ d x 64″h(105x44x163cm), which makes it suitable for organizing your small rooms and walk-in closet. 3 spacious storage closet movable clothes hanging rod and 6 storage shelves offers you enough space both for your longer outfits and folded clothes. 4 dustproof cover & water-proof tier zippered dustproof cover offered to keep your item away from dust and water-proof fabric tiers are easy to clean.
#Storage
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https://juliegartha.com/blogs/news/the-gear-our-editors-loved-in-march2021-05-14T13:34:12-04:002021-05-14T13:34:13-04:00The Gear Our Editors Loved in Marchadmin
Spring arrived last month, and we—along with the rest of the Northern Hemisphere’s population—are feeling extra thankful this year for the beginning of the warm season. Outside editors started getting out more in March, camping, road-tripping, and skiing. Here’s what we used to make it happen.
Drifted Canyon Ripstop Pants ($108)
(Photo: Courtesy Drifted)
I’ve been gardening, hiking, and camping in these ripstop pants from Drifted for about a month. The new company’s founder, Puja Seth, polled hundreds of women in the outdoors on what they were looking for in their gear; fit, quality, and sustainability all stood out in the answers. Using that feedback, she launched the brand in January, and now it sells about ten different shirts, shorts, and pants. The Canyon Ripstop, which I’m testing, is lightweight but durable, thanks to the 100 percent polyester that I’ve never snagged on rocks or branches. With two deep front pockets—one with a bungee cord sewn in that I hook my keys to—and two zippered pockets in the back, there are plenty of places to stash lip balm, your phone, and even snacks. I have the cream color, which makes me a little nervous, but so far dirt and grass stains have washed away. Time will tell if this holds true with more aggressive substances, like wine or blood. —Abigail Wise, digital managing director
Buy Now
SureCall Fusion2Go Max Cell Signal Booster ($500)
(Photo: Courtesy SureCall)
I spent a week working while on the road in California last month, which entailed sending email from different campsites and parking lots and tuning in to video meetings from camp tables, with the Sierra in my background. While my phone’s Wi-Fi hot spot helped me connect with my colleagues, it was SureCall’s cell-signal booster that made my remote working experience truly productive. Because Wi-Fi hot spots require strong cell service to operate efficiently, the Fusion2Go ensured I had full bars of LTE connection throughout my entire trip. This car-mounted device uses two antennas to amplify your signal to reach remote towers, and it’s powered with a car adapter, but I simply plugged it into an external battery when my car was off. I was able to make crystal-clear phone calls and join video meetings without interruptions. Best of all, it works with all North American carriers. I highly recommend this setup for anyone who needs a reliable internet connection while on the go. —Jeremy Rellosa, reviews editor
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Middle Kingdom Unique Cup ($14 and Up)
(Photo: Courtesy Middle Kingdom)
Durable isn’t the first word that comes to mind when you first look at this beautiful porcelain cup from Middle Kingdom. But it’s the feature that has most impressed me while using it. The cup has survived multiple tumbles on the counter and clashes in the sink without so much as a crack. It’s also multipurpose: I’ve used it to sip all manner of beverages, from coffee in the morning to a gin martini in the evening, and thanks to an interior glaze that resists stains and residues, the flavor of the former never interferes with the latter. While I own the largest of three sizes offered, I can’t wait to get my hands on the small- and medium-size cups, which conveniently (and very cutely) nest inside each other for easy storage. —Kelsey Lindsey, senior editor
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Haglöfs Roc Down Hooded Jacket ($278)
(Photo: Courtesy Haglöfs)
I live in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where things warm up pretty quickly once March hits. That means all my down jackets were packed away by mid-month—except for this one. The Roc Down got to stay out because it’s the perfect piece for spring transitions. Filled with a thin layer of DWR-coated 800-fill down, it creates just the right amount of warmth for backcountry ski starts or early-morning trips into the office. Once the sun comes out, the jacket packs down to fit in my commuter and ski bags. It will stay out of storage all summer, because the down provides enough immediate warmth for car camping once the light fades from the horizon and it’s time to start a fire. —Jakob Schiller, contributing writer
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Dynafit Radical Pro Ski Boot ($800)
(Photo: Courtesy Dynafit)
For years I insisted on skiing in the stiffest backcountry boots I could find, because that made me feel cool. If the boots didn’t have a 130 flex, they didn’t make it onto my feet. Then I came back to earth—most of the backcountry skiing I do is pretty mellow, so 130 was overkill. That’s why I was excited to get my hands on a pair of the Radical Pros in March. These newly launched boots have a more forgiving and realistic 120 flex and are built to be all-around backcountry kicks. Features I’ve come to love during several trips last month include a giant 60 degrees of motion, a very generous and comfy-out-of-the-box 103-millimeter last, and the Hoji lock system, which allows me to change the boot mode from skinning to skiing with the flick of just one lever. —J.S.
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POC Aim Sunglasses ($220)
(Photo: Courtesy POC)
Who in their right mind would buy giant, ridiculous-looking sunglasses that cost upward of $200? It’s a good question and one I asked myself frequently until I tried this pair. During some longer road rides recently, I was very glad to have the Aim over my eyes—its humongous, curved lenses cut the wind completely, keeping my eyes fresh even if I’m in the saddle for five or six hours. These sunglasses also have a giant field of view so I can easily see cars and riders around me. POC partnered with Zeiss on the lenses for a result that’s ultra clear and crisp, whether you’re eyeing debris on the road or the beautiful vista in front of you. Rubber grippers on the nose and temples kept the glasses on when I was sweating like a pig, and this style fits well under POC and other helmets alike. —J.S.
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Olight Perun2 Flashlight ($90)
(Photo: Courtesy Olight)
The custom Land Cruiser I built for my wife has one glaring flaw: there’s no light source covering the rear tailgate. I was in the middle of sketching out a custom-wired solution, complete with a one-off 3D printed mount, when I came across a photo of this little flashlight on Instagram. With a right-angle lens and a magnetic base, it looked like it’d be able to stick pretty much anywhere on her liftgate, providing light from the perfect angle for any job. And producing up to 2,500 lumens, it’d definitely be bright enough. In action, I couldn’t be happier with it. It’s easy to switch through the various power modes, and the 4,000-milliampere-hour battery pack gives it an extraordinarily long run time (175 minutes on high, and nearly two weeks on low), so we’ll only need to recharge it once a year or so. The rest of the time it can just hang out in the back of her truck, ready to provide any light we need, whenever and wherever we need it—no weekend-long wiring project necessary. —Wes Siler, contributing editor
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Thera Cane Massager ($40) and Joshua Tree Skin Care CBD + Arnica + Menthol Warming Balm ($60)
(Photo: Courtesy Thera Cane and JTree Li)
Thera Cane’s magical plastic stick was one of the first things I bought when I moved out on my own after long hours of college studying flared up an old shoulder injury. Eight years later, it’s still one of my prized possessions. Nothing else is as effective at loosening the knots in my neck, shoulders, and lower back after a long day of backpacking or (more likely) staring at my computer. Its bars and knobs are perfectly placed to leverage the sturdy plastic against kinks in all parts of my back and legs—no masseuse necessary. Pair it with Joshua Tree Skin Care’s CBD salve for a hit of full-spectrum, hemp-based pain relief. It’s pricey, yes, but this stuff was as good as gold on achy post-sledding muscles. —Maren Larsen, associate editor
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HeadPeace Original Headband ($14)
(Photo: Courtesy HeadPeace)
For cool-weather runs, HeadPeace’s lightweight rayon and spandex bands offer just enough protection to keep the wind off my ears without causing me to overheat. I have extra-slippery hair and a sloping head shape that rarely allows me to wear headbands, but this one stays in place no matter what. The clever trifold design allows you to adjust the band for more or less coverage and a secure fit, without any grippy rubber tugging your hair follicles. Plus, the brand is women owned, and its ethically made bands come in a rainbow of colors and patterns to match any style. —M.L.
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Goal Zero Flip 24 Power Bank ($30)
(Photo: Courtesy Goal Zero)
When I go into the backcountry nowadays, my phone is my map. I rely on CalTopo or Gaia GPS to create routes before heading out and then use them on my device to orient myself and make sure I’m on course. For years I relied on a crappy portable battery that I got for free with a magazine subscription to recharge my phone on wilderness trips. At this point, it only gives me about a 25 percent charge, so my girlfriend very thoughtfully gifted me this upgrade as a stocking stuffer at Christmas. It’s packable—about the size of a candy bar—super sturdy, and holds the equivalent of two full charges for my iPhone 7. Last weekend I went to Wolf Creek, Colorado, for a level-one avalanche-safety course, part of which required creating a tour plan on CalTopo and using it to help navigate terrain in the field. It was my first chance to use the Flip 24 in the backcountry, and it literally stayed in my pocket powering my phone all weekend. I never dipped below an 80 percent charge. —Luke Whelan, senior editor
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DPS Alchemist Wailer 112 RP Skis ($1,299)
(Photo: Courtesy DPS)
Lately I’ve been psyched to pull out my Alchemist Wailer 112 RPs, lightweight, fat, playful skis that float like a dream in powder but handle sun crust, wind buff, refrozen debris, and slushy corn with ease, too. They’ve become my daily driver in the backcountry, because despite the width, they’re nimble and super responsive, carving stable, surfy turns regardless of the conditions (or how worked my legs are). I’ve taken them up Oregon’s Mount Hood in the middle of summer, down Alaskan spines in the dead of winter, and on more morning powder laps at our local ski hill than I can count. I’ve even skied them in-bounds on powder days when my 102-millimeter-underfoot daily drivers weren’t gonna cut it. I also love that they perfectly match my Pomoca Climb 2.0 skins. —Abigail Barronian, associate editor
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Artilect Boulder Crew Base Layer and Leggings ($95 Each)
(Photo: Courtesy Artilect)
Artilect is a newcomer to the technical-apparel scene, launching in December out of Boulder, Colorado. So far the company sells just two merino base layers and two merino leggings but eventually plans to offer an integrated system that includes a hard shell, down hoodie, fleece, and other items. I’ve been testing the brand’s Boulder Crew base layer and leggings for ski touring and resort skiing. These are the brand’s lightest-weight pieces. The thin merino-blend fabric is akin to some summer-weight shirts but insulates impressively well—on a par with some heavier merino garments in my closet. It also dries quickly, even during sweaty uphill tours when I probably should have shed layers. The wide elastic waistband on the leggings is comfortable and snug without being constrictive, and the slim cut fits nicely under ski socks and doesn’t bunch in my boots. I’ve worn both pieces for several consecutive days of uphill skiing without washing, and without any resulting stink. Artilect will start selling to consumers this fall through retailers like Evo and REI. —Gloria Liu, features editor
Miraflora CBD Soft Gels ($33)
(Photo: Courtesy Miraflora)
I wish I could heed the expert warnings admonishing me to turn off my computer screen early for a better night’s sleep, but life circumstances have me writing this at 10 P.M. Like many people right now, my partner and I are both juggling full-time work with inconsistent pandemic childcare, and the only reliable time I can catch up on work is when my daughter is asleep. So I’ve been taking Miraflora CBD soft gels for the past month about 30 minutes before I plan to clock out. It has done wonders to help me fall asleep and stay asleep through the night. Plus, I never feel groggy in the morning or unable to check in on my three-year-old if she has a nightmare. —Joe Jackson, Gear Guy
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https://juliegartha.com/blogs/news/new-spring-2021-ya-books-for-your-towering-tbr2021-05-14T12:52:05-04:002021-05-14T12:52:07-04:00New Spring 2021 YA Books For Your Towering TBRadmin
The weather is finally bringing with it some hope that spring (or, in the southern hemisphere, fall) is on the horizon, if it’s not here completely. With the new season comes a whole crop of exciting new spring 2021 YA books for your ever-growing TBR.
As always, this list of new spring 2021 YA books will not be comprehensive, especially as book publication dates are still periodically shifting. With printing challenges due to paper sourcing and COVID-19, this might be the reality for a bit. Likewise, I’m curating this roundup early in 2021, prior to taking parental leave, so new books dropping in is a real possibility. Use this list less as definitive this season and more as pretty accurate with some potential changes. Then preorder any book that strikes your fancy. This is more important now than ever before.
The titles here include standalone titles, series books (marked in a *), books from well-known YA authors, debut authors, and books that’ll be blockbusters as well as quieter titles. Both fiction and nonfiction are represented. This list does not include comics, as those will be covered in a separate post.
Grab your TBR, open up your book tracker of choice, and add some great spring 2021 YA books to it. Descriptions come from Amazon.
If you missed it, here’s the roundup of awesome winter 2021 YA books that you’ll want to make sure you’ve got on your radar, too.
New Spring 2021 YA Books April 6 Between the Bliss and Me by Lizzy Mason
When eighteen-year-old Sydney Holman announces that she has decided to attend NYU, her overprotective mom is devastated. Her decision means she will be living in the Big City instead of commuting to nearby Rutgers like her mom had hoped. It also means she’ll be close to off-limits but dreamy Grayson—a guitar prodigy who is going to Juilliard in the fall and very much isn’t single.
But while she dreams of her new life, Sydney discovers a world-changing truth about her father. She knew he left when she was little due to a drug addiction. But no one told her he had schizophrenia or that he was currently living on the streets of New York City.
She seizes the opportunity to get to know him, to understand who he is and learn what may lie in store for her if she, too, is diagnosed.
Even as she continues to fall for Grayson, Sydney is faced with a difficult decision: Stay close to home so her mom can watch over her, or follow her dreams despite the risks?
*Blessed Monsters by Emily A. Duncan
The startling conclusion to the instant New York Times bestselling Something Dark and Holy trilogy
The girl, the monster, the prince, the queen.
They broke the world.
And some things can never be undone.
In Emily A. Duncan’s Blessed Monsters, they must unite once more to fight the dark chaos they’ve unleashed – but is it already too late?
The Cost of Knowing by Brittney Morris
Sixteen-year-old Alex Rufus is trying his best. He tries to be the best employee he can be at the local ice cream shop; the best boyfriend he can be to his amazing girlfriend, Talia; the best protector he can be over his little brother, Isaiah. But as much as Alex tries, he often comes up short.
It’s hard to for him to be present when every time he touches an object or person, Alex sees into its future. When he touches a scoop, he has a vision of him using it to scoop ice cream. When he touches his car, he sees it years from now, totaled and underwater. When he touches Talia, he sees them at the precipice of breaking up, and that terrifies him. Alex feels these visions are a curse, distracting him, making him anxious and unable to live an ordinary life.
And when Alex touches a photo that gives him a vision of his brother’s imminent death, everything changes.
With Alex now in a race against time, death, and circumstances, he and Isaiah must grapple with their past, their future, and what it means to be a young Black man in America in the present.
Everything You Wanted To Know About Indians But Were Afraid To Ask: Young Reader Edition by Anton Treuer
From the acclaimed Ojibwe author and professor Anton Treuer comes an essential book of questions and answers for Native and non-Native young readers alike. Ranging from “Why is there such a fuss about nonnative people wearing Indian costumes for Halloween?” to “Why is it called a ‘traditional Indian fry bread taco’?” to “What’s it like for natives who don’t look native?” to “Why are Indians so often imagined rather than understood?”, and beyond, Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask (Young Readers Edition) does exactly what its title says for young readers, in a style consistently thoughtful, personal, and engaging.
Updated and expanded to include:
• Dozens of New Questions and New Sections—including a social activism section that explores the Dakota Access Pipeline, racism, identity, politics, and more!
• Over 50 new Photos
• Adapted text for broad appeal
The Flipside of Perfect by Liz Reinhardt
What happens when her two worlds collide?
AJ is a buttoned-up, responsible student attending a high-achieving high school in Michigan. She lives with her mother, stepfather, and two younger half sisters.
Della spends every summer with her father in Florida. A free-spirited wild child, she spends as much time as possible on the beach with her friends and older siblings.
But there’s a catch: AJ and Della are the same person. Adelaide Beloise Jepsen to be exact, and she does everything she can to keep her school and summer lives separate.
When her middle sister crashes her carefree summer getaway, Adelaide’s plans fall apart. In order to help her sister, save her unexpected friendship with a guy who might just be perfect for her, and discover the truth about her own past, Adelaide will have to reconcile the two sides of herself…and face the fact that it’s perfectly okay not to be perfect all the time.
The Half-Orphan’s Handbook by Joan F. Smith
It’s been three months since Lila lost her father to suicide. Since then, she’s learned to protect herself from pain by following two unbreakable rules:
1. The only people who can truly hurt you are the ones you love. Therefore, love no one.
2. Stay away from liars. Liars are the worst.
But when Lila’s mother sends her to a summer-long grief camp, it’s suddenly harder for Lila to follow these rules. Potential new friends and an unexpected crush threaten to drag her back into life for the first time since her dad’s death.
On top of everything, there’s more about what happened that Lila doesn’t know, and facing the truth about her family will be the hardest part of learning how a broken heart can love again.
House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland
Iris Hollow and her two older sisters are unquestionably strange. Ever since they disappeared on a suburban street in Scotland as children only to return a month a later with no memory of what happened to them, odd, eerie occurrences seem to follow in their wake. And they’re changing. First, their dark hair turned white. Then, their blue eyes slowly turned black. They have insatiable appetites yet never gain weight. People find them disturbingly intoxicating, unbearably beautiful, and inexplicably dangerous.
But now, ten years later, seventeen-year-old Iris Hollow is doing all she can to fit in and graduate high school on time–something her two famously glamourous globe-trotting older sisters, Grey and Vivi, never managed to do. But when Grey goes missing without a trace, leaving behind bizarre clues as to what might have happened, Iris and Vivi are left to trace her last few days. They aren’t the only ones looking for her though. As they brush against the supernatural they realize that the story they’ve been told about their past is unraveling and the world that returned them seemingly unharmed ten years ago, might just be calling them home.
The Infinity Courts by Akemi Dawn Bowman
Eighteen-year-old Nami Miyamoto is certain her life is just beginning. She has a great family, just graduated high school, and is on her way to a party where her entire class is waiting for her—including, most importantly, the boy she’s been in love with for years.
The only problem? She’s murdered before she gets there.
When Nami wakes up, she learns she’s in a place called Infinity, where human consciousness goes when physical bodies die. She quickly discovers that Ophelia, a virtual assistant widely used by humans on Earth, has taken over the afterlife and is now posing as a queen, forcing humans into servitude the way she’d been forced to serve in the real world. Even worse, Ophelia is inching closer and closer to accomplishing her grand plans of eradicating human existence once and for all.
As Nami works with a team of rebels to bring down Ophelia and save the humans under her imprisonment, she is forced to reckon with her past, her future, and what it is that truly makes us human.
Kisses and Croissants by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau
Sixteen-year-old Mia, an American girl at an elite summer ballet program, has six weeks to achieve her dreams: to snag an audition with one of the world’s best ballet companies. But there’s more to Paris than ballet–especially when a charming French boy, Louis, wants to be her tour guide–and the pair discover the city has a few mysteries up its sleeve.
In the vein of romances like Love and Gelato, this is the perfect summer adventure for anyone looking to get swept away in the City of Love.
The Light of Days by Judy Batalion
As their communities were being destroyed, groups of Jewish women and teenage girls across Poland began transforming Jewish youth groups into resistance factions. These “ghetto girls” helped build systems of underground bunkers, paid off the Gestapo, and bombed German train lines.
At the center of the book is eighteen-year-old Renia Kukielka, who traveled across her war-torn country as a weapons smuggler and messenger. Other women who joined the cause served as armed fighters, spies, and saboteurs, all risking their lives for their missions.
Never before chronicled in full, this is the incredible account of the strong Jewish women who fought back against the seemingly unstoppable Nazi regime. It follows the women through arrests, internment, and for a lucky few, into the late 20th century and beyond.
It also includes an eight-page insert of black-and-white photos, so that readers can see firsthand the extraordinary women who bravely fought for their freedom in the face of overwhelming odds.
*Mirror’s Edge by Scott Westerfeld
The danger rises and the deception grows in the heart-stopping third book in the New York Times bestselling Impostors series!
Rafi’s return to the city of her birth isn’t going to be an easy one. She and her love Col must surge on new faces and bodies in order to infiltrate Shreve by dropping from the sky and landing undetected. Rafi’s sister Frey – no longer a twin in features, but still a twin by birth – is waiting with a rebel army outside.
Are the sisters on the same side . . . or are they playing to their own agendas? If their father is deposed from Shreve, who will take control? And what other forces may be waiting in the wings?
Mirror’s Edge is another brilliant blockbuster from one of the greatest speculative writers YA fiction has ever seen, set within the world of Uglies . . . and about to converge with Uglies in a spectacular way.
The Murder Game by Carrie Doyle
What if your best friend and roommate killed a teacher at your prep school? Or what if he didn’t do it, but he’s being framed, and you’re the only person who can save him? What if you aren’t sure which it is?
Luke Chase didn’t mean to get caught up solving the mystery of Mrs. Heckler’s murder. He just wanted to meet up with the new British girl at their boarding school, and if that meant sneaking out to the woods after hours, then so be it.
Little did he know someone would end up dead right next to their rendezvous spot, and his best friend and roommate Oscar Weymouth would go down for it. With suspects aplenty and a past that’s anything but innocent, Luke Chase calls on his famous survival skills to solve the mystery and find the true killer. With plenty of suspects, Luke will need to use all his skills to solve the mystery and find the true killer.
No Way. They Were Gay? by Lee Wind
“History” sounds really official. Like it’s all fact. Like it’s definitely what happened.But that’s not necessarily true. History was crafted by the people who recorded it. And sometimes, those historians were biased against, didn’t see, or couldn’t even imagine anyone different from themselves.
That means that history has often left out the stories of LGBTQIA+ people: men who loved men, women who loved women, people who loved without regard to gender, and people who lived outside gender boundaries. Historians have even censored the lives and loves of some of the world’s most famous people, from William Shakespeare and Pharaoh Hatshepsut to Cary Grant and Eleanor Roosevelt.
Join author Lee Wind for this fascinating journey through primary sources―poetry, memoir, news clippings, and images of ancient artwork―to explore the hidden (and often surprising) Queer lives and loves of two dozen historical figures.
*Oculta by Maya Motayne
After joining forces to save Castallan from an ancient magical evil, Alfie and Finn haven’t seen each other in months. Alfie is finally stepping up to his role as heir and preparing for an International Peace Summit, while Finn is traveling and reveling in her newfound freedom from Ignacio.
That is, until she’s unexpectedly installed as the new leader of one of Castallan’s powerful crime syndicates.
Just when Finn finds herself back in San Cristobal, Alfie’s plans are also derailed. The mysterious organization responsible for his brother’s murder, has resurfaced—and their newest target is the summit. And when these events converge, Finn and Alfie are once again forced to work together to follow the assassins’ trail and preserve Castallan’s hopes for peace with Englass.
But will they be able to stop these sinister foes before a new war threatens their kingdom?
*Poison Priestess by Lana Popovic
In 17th-century Paris, 19-year-old Catherine Monvoisin is a well-heeled jeweler’s wife with a peculiar taste for the arcane. She lives a comfortable life, far removed from a childhood of abject destitution until her kind spendthrift of a husband lands them both in debt. Hell-bent on avoiding a return to poverty, Catherine must rely on her prophetic visions and the grimoire gifted to her by a talented diviner to reinvent herself as a sorceress. With the help of the grifter Marie Bosse, Catherine divines fortunes in the IIle de la Citee’s home to sorcerers and scoundrels.
There she encounters the Marquise de Montespan, a stunning noblewoman. When the Marquise becomes Louis XIV’s royal mistress with Catherine’s help, her ascension catapults Catherine to notoriety. Catherine takes easily to her glittering new life as the Sorceress La Voisin, pitting the depraved noblesse against one other to her advantage. The stakes soar ever higher when her path crosses with that of a young magician. A charged rivalry between sorceress and magician leads to Black Masses, tangled deceptions, and grisly murder, and sets Catherine on a collision course that threatens her own life.
Remedy by Eireann Corrigan
It’s a mystery – why is Cara so sick? It feels like she’s been sick all her life . . . but she and her mom have never stayed in one place long enough for doctors to really understand what’s happening to her. Now, at fourteen, Cara is tired of being tired, and sick of being sick. She’s trying to get better . . . but it’s only getting worse.
Unable to afford the care she needs, Cara’s mom starts a Caring for Cara campaign online. The money starts pouring in. But something’s not right to Cara. And the harder she looks, the less she understands.
From Eireann Corrigan, the spellbinding author of Creep and You Remind Me of You, Remedy is the gripping story of a girl solving the mystery of her own health . . . before it’s too late.
The Sky Blues by Robbie Couch
Sky Baker may be openly gay, but in his small, insular town, making sure he was invisible has always been easier than being himself. Determined not to let anything ruin his senior year, Sky decides to make a splash at his high school’s annual beach bum party by asking his crush, Ali, to prom—and he has thirty days to do it.
What better way to start living loud and proud than by pulling off the gayest promposal Rock Ledge, Michigan, has ever seen?
Then, Sky’s plans are leaked by an anonymous hacker in a deeply homophobic e-blast that quickly goes viral. He’s fully prepared to drop out and skip town altogether—until his classmates give him a reason to fight back by turning his thirty-day promposal countdown into a school-wide hunt to expose the e-blast perpetrator.
But what happens at the end of the thirty days? Will Sky get to keep his hard-won visibility? Or will his small-town blues stop him from being his true self?
Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet by Laekan Zea Kemp
Penelope Prado has always dreamed of opening her own pastelería next to her father’s restaurant, Nacho’s Tacos. But her mom and dad have different plans, leaving Pen to choose between disappointing her traditional Mexican American parents or following her own path. When she confesses a secret she’s been keeping, her world is sent into a tailspin. But then she meets a cute new hire at Nacho’s who sees through her hard exterior and asks the questions she’s been too afraid to ask herself.
Xander Amaro has been searching for home since he was a little boy. For him, a job at Nacho’s is an opportunity for just that&;a chance at a normal life, to settle in at his abuelo’s, and to find the father who left him behind. But when both the restaurant and Xander’s immigrant status are threatened, he will do whatever it takes to protect his newfound family and himself.
Together, Pen and Xander must navigate first love and discovering where they belong in order to save the place they all call home.
This stunning and poignant novel from debut author Laekan Zea Kemp explores identity, found families and the power of food, all nestled within a courageous and intensely loyal Chicanx community.
What Beauty There Is by Cory Anderson
To understand the truth, you have to start at the beginning.
Winter in Idaho. The sky is dark. It is cold enough to crack bones.
Living in harsh poverty, Jack Dahl is holding his breath. He and his younger brother have nothing―except each other. And now Jack faces a stark choice: lose his brother to foster care or find the drug money that sent his father to prison.
He chooses the money.
Ava Bardem lives in isolation, a life of silence. For seventeen years her father, a merciless man, has controlled her fate. He has taught her to love no one. Now Victor Bardem is stalking the same money as Jack. When he picks up on Jack’s trail, Ava must make her own wrenching choice: remain silent or speak, and help the brothers survive.
Choices. They come at a price.
Zara Houssain Is Here by Sabina Khan
Seventeen-year-old Pakistani immigrant, Zara Hossain, has been leading a fairly typical life in Corpus Christi, Texas, since her family moved there for her father to work as a pediatrician. While dealing with the Islamophobia that she faces at school, Zara has to lay low, trying not to stir up any trouble and jeopardize their family’s dependent visa status while they await their green card approval, which has been in process for almost nine years.
But one day her tormentor, star football player Tyler Benson, takes things too far, leaving a threatening note in her locker, and gets suspended. As an act of revenge against her for speaking out, Tyler and his friends vandalize Zara’s house with racist graffiti, leading to a violent crime that puts Zara’s entire future at risk. Now she must pay the ultimate price and choose between fighting to stay in the only place she’s ever called home or losing the life she loves and everyone in it.
Zoe Rosenthal Is Not Lawful Good by Nancy Werlin
Planning is Zoe Rosenthal’s superpower. She has faith in a properly organized to-do list and avoids unnecessary risks. Her mental checklist goes something like this: 1) Meet soulmate: DONE! 2) Make commitment: DONE! 3) Marriage: TO COME! (after college). She isn’t sure which college yet, but it will have a strong political science department, since her perfect boyfriend, Simon, plans to “save the country,” as his sister puts it, “and the planet and everything.” Zoe will follow along, the perfect serious, supportive girlfriend. It’s good to have her love life resolved, checked off, done. But speaking of unnecessary risks, Zoe’s on a plane to Atlanta, sneaking off to Dragon Con for the second season premiere of Bleeders. The show is subject to her boyfriend’s lofty scorn, but Zoe is nothing like these colorful hordes “wearing their inside on their outside.” Once her flirtation with fandom is over, she will get back to the important business of planning a future with Simon. The trouble is, right now, Bleeders—and her fellow “Bloodygits”—may just mean the world to her. Will a single night of nerdery be enough?
Best-selling and award-winning author Nancy Werlin is best known for science fiction, fantasy, and suspense, but here she turns her pen to realistic fiction with broad appeal. Confirmed nerds will revel in a diverse cast, zany fandoms, and cosplaying crowds, but this is for any reader seeking a smart, breezy coming-of-age story about finding your friends—and your inconvenient self.
13 Between Perfect and Real by Ray Stoeve
Dean Foster knows he&;s a trans guy. He&;s watched enough YouTube videos and done enough questioning to be sure. But everyone at his high school thinks he&;s a lesbian&;including his girlfriend Zoe, and his theater director, who just cast him as a &;nontraditional&; Romeo. He wonders if maybe it would be easier to wait until college to come out. But as he plays Romeo every day in rehearsals, Dean realizes he wants everyone to see him as he really is now&;&;not just on the stage, but everywhere in his life. Dean knows what he needs to do. Can playing a role help Dean be his true self?
The Great Godden by Meg Rosoff
Everyone talks about falling in love like it’s the most miraculous, life-changing thing in the world. Something happens, they say, and you know . . .
I looked into his eyes and I knew.
Only, everyone else knew too. Everyone else felt exactly the same way.
This is the story of one family during one dreamy summer—the summer when everything changes. In an eccentric, turreted vacation house by the sea, our watchful narrator sees everything, including many things that shouldn’t be seen, while brothers and sisters, parents and theatrical older cousins fill the hot days with wine and tennis and sailing and planning a wedding. Enter two brothers, the sons of a fading film actress—irresistibly charming, languidly sexy Kit and surly, silent Hugo. Suddenly there’s a serpent in this paradise, and the consequences will be devastating. In a propulsive narrative carrying intrigue and a growing sense of unease, Meg Rosoff, best-selling author of the iconic How I Live Now, offers a summer tale of innocence lost that will find its place among the classics of young adult literature.
The Mary Shelley Club by Goldy Moldavsky
When it comes to horror movies, the rules are clear:
x Avoid abandoned buildings, warehouses, and cabins at all times.
x Stay together: don’t split up, not even just to “check something out.”
x If there’s a murderer on the loose, do not make out with anyone.
If only surviving in real life were this easy…
New girl Rachel Chavez turns to horror movies for comfort, preferring stabby serial killers and homicidal dolls to the bored rich kids of Manhattan Prep…and to certain memories she’d preferred to keep buried.
Then Rachel is recruited by the Mary Shelley Club, a mysterious society of students who orchestrate Fear Tests, elaborate pranks inspired by urban legends and movie tropes. At first, Rachel embraces the power that comes with reckless pranking. But as the Fear Tests escalate, the competition turns deadly, and it’s clear Rachel is playing a game she can’t afford to lose.
Notes From a Young Black Chef: Young Reader Edition by Kwame Onwuachi
By the time he was twenty-seven years old, Kwame Onwuachi had opened—and closed—one of the most talked about restaurants in America. He had sold drugs in New York and been shipped off to rural Nigeria to “learn respect.” He had launched his own catering company with twenty thousand dollars made from selling candy on the subway and starred on Top Chef. Through it all, Onwuachi’s love of food and cooking remained a constant, even when, as a young chef, he was forced to grapple with just how unwelcoming the food world can be for people of color. In this inspirational memoir about the intersection of race, fame, and food, he shares the remarkable story of his culinary coming-of-age; a powerful, heartfelt, and shockingly honest account of chasing your dreams—even when they don’t turn out as you expected.
*The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni
Seventeen-year-old Kiva Meridan has spent the last ten years fighting for survival in the notorious death prison, Zalindov, working as the prison healer.
When the Rebel Queen is captured, Kiva is charged with keeping the terminally ill woman alive long enough for her to undergo the Trial by Ordeal: a series of elemental challenges against the torments of air, fire, water, and earth, assigned to only the most dangerous of criminals.
Then a coded message from Kiva’s family arrives, containing a single order: “Don’t let her die. We are coming.” Aware that the Trials will kill the sickly queen, Kiva risks her own life to volunteer in her place. If she succeeds, both she and the queen will be granted their freedom.
But no one has ever survived.
With an incurable plague sweeping Zalindov, a mysterious new inmate fighting for Kiva’s heart, and a prison rebellion brewing, Kiva can’t escape the terrible feeling that her trials have only just begun.
*The Serpent’s Curse by Lisa Maxwell
Evade the Serpent.
Heed the Curse.
Rewrite the Present.
Esta isn’t a stranger to high-stakes heists. She’s a seasoned thief who has no reservations about using her affinity for time to give her an edge, and she’s trained her whole life for one mission: travel back to 1902 New York, steal the ancient Book of Mysteries, and use its power to destroy the Brink and free the Mageus from the Order’s control.
But the Book held a danger that no one anticipated—Seshat, an angry goddess was trapped within its pages. Now that terrible power lives within Harte, and if given the chance, Seshat will use Esta to destroy the world and take her revenge.
Only Esta and Harte stand in her way.
Yet in their search to recover the elemental stones needed to bind Seshat’s power, Esta and Harte have found themselves stranded in time with a continent between them. As Esta fights to get back to Harte, the Order is no longer the only obstacle standing in her way.
Saving Harte—and magic itself—will put even Esta’s skills to the test. And all the while, another danger grows, one more terrible than both Seshat and the Order combined…
The Sky Above Us by Natalie Lund
The morning after their senior year beach party, Izzy, Cass, and Janie are woken by a thundering overhead. Then they and their classmates watch in shock as a plane crashes into the water. When the passengers are finally recovered, they are identified as Izzy’s twin brother, Israel, Cass’s ex-boyfriend, Shane, and Janie’s best friend, Nate. But Izzy can feel when her brother is in pain, and she knows he’s not really dead. So she, Cass, and Janie set out to discover what actually happened that day–and why the boys were on the plane.
Told in alternating timelines and points of view, this powerful and captivating novel follows the three boys in the weeks leading up to that fateful flight, and the girls they left behind as they try to piece together the truth about the boys they loved and thought they knew. A spellbinding story about the ripple effects of tragedy, the questions we leave unanswered, and the enduring power of friendship.
*Victories Greater Than Death by Charlie Jane Anders
Outsmart Your Enemies. Outrun the Galaxy.
“Just please, remember what I told you. Run. Don’t stop running for anything.”
Tina never worries about being ‘ordinary’–she doesn’t have to, since she’s known practically forever that she’s not just Tina Mains, average teenager and beloved daughter. She’s also the keeper of an interplanetary rescue beacon, and one day soon, it’s going to activate, and then her dreams of saving all the worlds and adventuring among the stars will finally be possible. Tina’s legacy, after all, is intergalactic–she is the hidden clone of a famed alien hero, left on Earth disguised as a human to give the universe another chance to defeat a terrible evil.
But when the beacon activates, it turns out that Tina’s destiny isn’t quite what she expected. Things are far more dangerous than she ever assumed–and everyone in the galaxy is expecting her to actually be the brilliant tactician and legendary savior Captain Thaoh Argentian, but Tina….is just Tina. And the Royal Fleet is losing the war, badly–the starship that found her is on the run and they barely manage to escape Earth with the planet still intact.
Luckily, Tina is surrounded by a crew she can trust, and her best friend Rachel, and she is still determined to save all the worlds. But first she’ll have to save herself.
The Waiting Place by Dina Nayeri and Anna Bosch Miralpeix
An unflinching look at ten young lives suspended outside of time—and bravely proceeding anyway—inside the Katsikas refugee camp in Greece.
Every war, famine, and flood spits out survivors.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) cites an unprecedented 71 million forcibly displaced people on the planet today. In 2018, Dina Nayeri—a former refugee herself and the daughter of a refugee—invited documentary photographer Anna Bosch Miralpeix to accompany her to Katsikas, a refugee camp outside Ioannina, Greece, to record the hopes and struggles of ten of them—siblings and friends from Iran and Afghanistan. “I wanted to play with them, to enter their imagined worlds, to see the landscape inside their minds,” she says. Ranging in age from five to seventeen, the children live in partitioned shipping-crate homes crowded on a field below a mountain. Robbed of curiosity and purpose, dignity and identity, each battles the dreary monster of a paused life.
Ten lyrical passages lead one into the next, punctuated by intimate photographs, to reveal the dreams, ambitions, and personalities of each displaced child, followed by a powerful account of the author’s own experiences in a camp. Locking the global refugee crisis sharply in focus, The Waiting Place is, finally, an urgent call to change what we teach young people about the nature of home and safety.
20 Dustborn by Erin Bowman
Delta of Dead River has always been told to hide her back, where a map is branded on her skin to a rumored paradise called the Verdant. In a wasteland plagued by dust squalls, geomagnetic storms, and solar flares, many would kill for it—even if no one can read it. So when raiders sent by a man known as the General attack her village, Delta suspects he is searching for her.
Delta sets out to rescue her family but quickly learns that in the Wastes no one can be trusted—perhaps not even her childhood friend, Asher, who has been missing for nearly a decade. If Delta can trust Asher, she just might decode the map and trade evidence of the Verdant to the General for her family. What Delta doesn’t count on is what waits at the Verdant: a long-forgotten secret that will shake the foundation of her entire world.
Everyone Dies Famous In a Small Town by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock
In this book, the impact of wildfire, a wayward priest, or a mysterious disappearance ricochet across communities, threading through stories. Here, ordinary actions such as ice skating or going to church reveal hidden truths. One choice threatens a lifelong friendship. Siblings save each other. Rescue and second chances are possible, and so is revenge.
On the surface, it seems that nothing ever happens in these towns. But Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock shows that underneath that surface, teenagers’ lives blaze with fury, with secrets, and with love so strong it burns a path to the future.
The Forest of Stolen Girls by June Hur
Suspenseful and richly atmospheric, June Hur’s The Forest of Stolen Girls is a haunting historical mystery sure to keep readers guessing until the last page.
1426, Joseon (Korea). Hwani’s family has never been the same since she and her younger sister went missing and were later found unconscious in the forest near a gruesome crime scene.
Years later, Detective Min―Hwani’s father―learns that thirteen girls have recently disappeared from the same forest that nearly stole his daughters. He travels to their hometown on the island of Jeju to investigate… only to vanish as well.
Determined to find her father and solve the case that tore their family apart, Hwani returns home to pick up the trail. As she digs into the secrets of the small village―and collides with her now estranged sister, Maewol―Hwani comes to realize that the answer could lie within her own buried memories of what happened in the forest all those years ago.
In Deeper Waters by F.T. Lukens
Prince Tal has long awaited his coming-of-age tour. After spending most of his life cloistered behind palace walls as he learns to keep his forbidden magic secret, he can finally see his family’s kingdom for the first time. His first taste of adventure comes just two days into the journey, when their crew discovers a mysterious prisoner on a burning derelict vessel.
Tasked with watching over the prisoner, Tal is surprised to feel an intense connection with the roguish Athlen. So when Athlen leaps overboard and disappears, Tal feels responsible and heartbroken, knowing Athlen could not have survived in the open ocean.
That is, until Tal runs into Athlen days later on dry land, very much alive, and as charming—and secretive—as ever. But before they can pursue anything further, Tal is kidnapped by pirates and held ransom in a plot to reveal his rumored powers and instigate a war. Tal must escape if he hopes to save his family and the kingdom. And Athlen might just be his only hope…
Kate in Waiting by Becky Albertalli
Contrary to popular belief, best friends Kate Garfield and Anderson Walker are not codependent. Carpooling to and from theater rehearsals? Environmentally sound and efficient. Consulting each other on every single life decision? Basic good judgment. Pining for the same guys from afar? Shared crushes are more fun anyway.
But when Kate and Andy’s latest long-distance crush shows up at their school, everything goes off-script. Matt Olsson is talented and sweet, and Kate likes him. She really likes him. The only problem? So does Anderson.
Turns out, communal crushes aren’t so fun when real feelings are involved. This one might even bring the curtains down on Kate and Anderson’s friendship.
The Key To You and Me by Jaye Robin Brown
Piper Kitts is spending the summer living with her grandmother, training at the barn of a former Olympic horseback rider, and trying to get over her ex-girlfriend. Much to Piper’s dismay, her grandmother is making her face her fear of driving by taking lessons from a girl in town.
Kat Pearson has always suspected that she likes girls but fears her North Carolina town is too small to color outside the lines. But when Piper’s grandmother hires Kat to give her driving lessons, everything changes.
Piper’s not sure if she’s ready to let go of her ex. Kat’s navigating uncharted territory with her new crush. With the summer running out, will they be able to unlock a future together?
She Drives Me Crazy by Kelly Quindlen
After an embarrassing loss to her ex-girlfriend in their first basketball game of the season, seventeen-year-old Scottie Zajac gets into a fender bender with the worst possible person: her nemesis, Irene Abraham, head cheerleader for the Fighting Reindeer.
Irene is as mean as she is beautiful, so Scottie makes a point to keep her distance. When the accident sends Irene’s car to the shop for weeks’ worth of repairs and the girls are forced to carpool, their rocky start only gets bumpier.
But when an opportunity arises for Scottie to get back at her toxic ex―and climb her school’s social ladder―she bribes Irene into an elaborate fake-dating scheme that threatens to reveal some very real feelings.
*Southern Sun, Northern Star by Joanna Hathaway
Reeling from the tragedy that beset her family, Princess Aurelia has joined the resistance in Havenspur, spying on the Northern leaders who were once her allies and determined to stop her uncle’s machinations for war. Meanwhile, her beloved pilot Athan leads his squadron into battle as the Safire wage a losing war abroad and combat growing unrest back home.
When Athan is sent on leave to Havenspur following the death of a comrade, the pair reunite and rekindle their romance until Aurelia uncovers one of Athan’s secrets, a secret that could save countless lives. But exposing it to the right people will cost her Athan’s trust, and this time, their shared memories of love might not be enough to stop the fateful path of destruction that threatens all they’ve fought to defend.
As history unfolds around them, every move they make drives them one step closer to either recreating their parents’ shadowed past or redeeming the alliance that could bring peace.
The breathtaking finale to a legendary series. Part war drama, part romance, Southern Sun, Northern Star is the epic conclusion to the Glass Alliance series.
*These Feathered Flames by Alexandra Overy
Three Dark Crowns meets Wicked Saints in this queer #ownvoices retelling of “The Firebird,” a Russian folktale, by debut author Alexandra Overy.
When twin heirs are born in Tourin, their fates are decided at a young age. While Izaveta remained at court to learn the skills she’d need as the future queen, Asya was taken away to train with her aunt, the mysterious Firebird, who ensured magic remained balanced in the realm.
But before Asya’s training is completed, the ancient power blooms inside her, which can mean only one thing: the queen is dead, and a new ruler must be crowned.
As the princesses come to understand everything their roles entail, they’ll discover who they can trust, who they can love—and who killed their mother.
What’s Not To Love? by Austin Siegemund-Broka and Emily Wibberley
Since high school began, Alison Sanger and Ethan Molloy have competed on almost everything. AP classes, the school paper, community service, it never ends. If Alison could avoid Ethan until graduation, she would. Except, naturally, for two over-achieving seniors with their sights on valedictorian and Harvard, they share all the same classes and extracurriculars. So when their school’s principal assigns them the task of co-planning a previous class’s ten-year reunion, with the promise of a recommendation for Harvard if they do, Ethan and Alison are willing to endure one more activity together if it means beating the other out of the lead. But with all this extra time spent in each other’s company, their rivalry begins to feel closer to friendship. And as tension between them builds, Alison fights the growing realization that the only thing she wants more than winning . . . is Ethan
Where Secrets Lie by Eva V. Gibson
Amy Larsen has spent every summer with her cousin Ben and their best friend Teddy in River Run, Kentucky, loving country life and welcoming the break from her intensive ambitions and overbearing mother—until the summer she and Teddy confront the changing feelings and simmering sexual tension growing between them, destroying the threesome’s friendship in a dramatic face-off.
One year later, Amy returns to River Run dreading what she might find. But when Teddy’s sister disappears, Amy, Ben, and Teddy agree to put aside their differences to search for her. As they dig deeper into the dark history of their small town, all three friends must unearth the truths that tie their families to tragedy, cope with their own toxic upbringings and beliefs, and atone for the damage done to each other and themselves.
Told in two interwoven timelines—the summer where everything changed, and the summer that changes everything—Where Secrets Lie is a seductive thriller as dark as it is enthralling.
Witches Steeped in Gold by Ciannon Smart
This Jamaican-inspired fantasy debut about two enemy witches who must enter into a deadly alliance to take down a common enemy has the twisted cat-and-mouse of Killing Eve with the richly imagined fantasy world of Furyborn and Ember in the Ashes.
Divided by their order. United by their vengeance.
Iraya has spent her life in a cell, but every day brings her closer to freedom—and vengeance.
Jazmyne is the Queen’s daughter, but unlike her sister before her, she has no intention of dying to strengthen her mother’s power.
Sworn enemies, these two witches enter a precarious alliance to take down a mutual threat. But power is intoxicating, revenge is a bloody pursuit, and nothing is certain—except the lengths they will go to win this game.
27 *Anna K Away by Jenny Lee
How the mighty have fallen. Anna K, once the golden girl of Greenwich, CT, and New York City, has been brought low by a scandalous sex tape and the tragic death of her first love, Alexia Vronsky. At the beginning of the summer, her father takes her to the other side of the world, to connect with his family in South Korea and hide her away. Is Anna in exile? Or could this be her chance to figure out who she really is?
Back in the U.S., Lolly has forgiven Steven for cheating on her, and their relationship feels stronger than ever. But when Lolly meets a boy at her beloved theater camp, she has to ask herself how well Steven will ever really know her. Meanwhile, in Manhattan, everything between Kimmie and her new boyfriend, Dustin, is easy―except when it comes to finally having sex. And Bea escapes to LA, running away from her grief at her beloved cousin’s death, until a beautiful stranger steals her heart. Is Bea ready to finally forgive Anna, and let herself truly fall in love for the very first time?
Set over the course of one unforgettable summer, Jenny Lee’s Anna K Away is full of the risk, joy, heartbreak, and adventure that mark the three months between the end of one school year and the beginning of the next.
*Chaos on CatNet by Naomi Kritzer
It takes an AI to catch an AI in Chaos on CatNet, the follow-up to Naomi Kritzer’s award-winning near future YA thriller.
When a mysterious entity starts hacking into social networks and chat rooms to instigate paranoia and violence in the real world, it’s up to Steph and her new friend, Nell, to find a way to stop it—with the help of their benevolent AI friend, CheshireCat.
Fade Into The Bright by Jessica Koosed Etting and Alyssa Embree Schwartz
Abby needs to escape a life that she no longer recognizes as her own. Her old life–the one where she was a high school volleyball star with a textbook-perfect future–has been ripped away. Abby and her sister, Brooke, have received a letter from their estranged dad informing them he has Huntington’s disease, a fatal, degenerative disorder that you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy. And when the sisters agree to genetic testing, one of them tests positive.
Fleeing to Catalina Island for the summer, Abby is relieved to be in a place where no one knows her tragic history. But when she meets aspiring documentary filmmaker Ben–tall, outdoorsy, easygoing, with eyes that don’t miss a thing–she’s thrown off her game. Ben’s the kind of guy who loves to figure out people’s stories. What if he learns hers?
*Gilded Serpent by Danielle L. Jensen
THEIR BATTLES ENDED IN VICTORY
Lydia returns to Mudaire to enter training at the healing temple. But instead of fighting to save lives, she’s convinced she is doing more harm than good. She delves into the history of the gods only to discover a truth that will change her life forever.
His birthright as commander of the Royal Army is finally in his grasp, but Killian feels anything but victorious. Burdened by his past, he embraces the darker side of his mark―and in doing so, risks starting a war.
BUT THE WAR HAS ONLY JUST BEGUN
Having defeated the tyrant Urcon, Marcus struggles to form a lasting alliance with the Arinoquians. But he is plagued by the knowledge that there is a traitor among his friends, and it could cost him everything that he’s fought for.
Torn between her growing allegiance to the Thirty-Seventh legion and her need to liberate her people, Teriana finds herself mired in a web of secret
Slingshot by Mercedes Helnwein
“I didn’t think it was going to be anything like this when I finally fell in love. I thought it was going to be pretty simple. Like, I’d love someone and they’d love me. I thought that’s the way it worked.”
Grace Welles is stuck at a third-tier boarding school in the swamps of Florida, where her method of survival is a strict, self-imposed loneliness. And it works. Her crap attitude keeps people away because without friends, there are fewer to lose.
But when she accidentally saves the new kid, Wade Scholfield, from being beaten up, everything about her precariously balanced loner world collapses and, in order to find her footing again, she has no choice but to discover a completely new way to exist.
Because with Wade around, school rules are optional, weird is okay, and conversations about wormholes can lead to make-out sessions that disrupt any logical stream of thought. Nothing’s perfect, but that’s not the point. When they’re together everything seems uncomplicated in a way that Grace knows is not possible.
Except it is.
So why does Grace crush Wade’s heart into a million pieces?
Acidly funny and compulsive readable, this debut is a story about two people finding each other and then screwing it all up. See also: soulmate, stupidity, sex, friendship, bad poetry, very bad decisions and all the indignities of being in love for the first time.
Violet and Daisy by Sarah Miller
Violet and Daisy. They were as sweet and pretty as their names would suggest, the pair of them as alike as two flower buds on a single stem. They were also joined, back-to-back, at the base of their spine.
Freaks, monsters — that’s what conjoined twins were called in 1908. And so their mother abandoned Violet and Daisy to the care of her midwife, who immediately put the babies on exhibition in the back room of her pub, embarking on a course of blatant exploitation that would range from the Brighton seashore to Australian amusement parks, American sideshows, and eventually to the most phenomenal success in vaudeville’s history.
But Violet and Daisy were more than just an exhibit, of course. They were two distinct individuals with remarkably harmonious personalities: Violet thoughtful yet candid, Daisy impulsive and easygoing. Above all, they were sisters.
In a story packed to the brim with questions about individuality, identity, and exploitation, Sarah Miller delivers an engrossing, compassionate portrait of two sisters whose bonds were so sacred that nothing — not even death — would compel Violet and Daisy to break them.
May 4 10 Truths and a Dare by Ashley Elston
It’s Senior Party Week, that magical in-between time after classes have ended but before graduation, chock-full of gimmicky theme parties, last-minute bonding, and family traditions. Olivia couldn’t be more ready. Class salutatorian and confident in her future at LSU, she”s poised to sail through to the next phase of her life.
But when the tiny hiccup of an unsigned off-campus P.E. form puts Olivia in danger of not graduating at all, she has one week to set things straight without tipping off her very big and very nosy extended family. Volunteering to help at a local golf tournament should do it, but since Olivia”s mom equipped her phone with a tracking app, there”ll be no hiding the fact that she”s at the golf course instead of all the graduation parties happening at the same time. Unless, that is, she can convince the Fab Four–her ride-or-die cousins and best friends Sophie, Charlie, and Wes–to trade phones with her as they go through the motions of playing Olivia for the week.
Sure, Olivia’s sudden “passion” for golf is met with some suspicion. And sure, her grasp of the rules is a little shaky. And yes, okay, a very cute, very off-limits boy keeps popping up in her orbit. But she is focused! She has a schedule and a plan! Nothing can possibly go wrong . . . right?
All Kinds of Other by James Sie
Two boys are starting over at a new high school.
Jules is still figuring out what it means to be gay…and just how out he wants to be.
Jack is reeling from a fall-out with his best friend…and isn’t ready to let anyone else in just yet.
When Jules and Jack meet, the sparks are undeniable. But when a video linking Jack to a pair of popular trans vloggers is leaked to the school, the revelations thrust both boys into the spotlight they’d tried to avoid.
Suddenly Jack and Jules must face a choice: to play it safe and stay under the radar, or claim their own space in the world—together.
Better Than The Movies by Lynn Painter
Perpetual daydreamer Liz Buxbaum gave her heart to Michael a long time ago. But her cool, aloof forever crush never really saw her before he moved away. Now that he’s back in town, Liz will do whatever it takes to get on his radar—and maybe snag him as a prom date—even befriend Wes Bennet.
The annoyingly attractive next-door neighbor might seem like a prime candidate for romantic comedy fantasies, but Wes has only been a pain in Liz’s butt since they were kids. Pranks involving frogs and decapitated lawn gnomes do not a potential boyfriend make. Yet, somehow, Wes and Michael are hitting it off, which means Wes is Liz’s in.
But as Liz and Wes scheme to get Liz noticed by Michael so she can have her magical prom moment, she’s shocked to discover that she likes being around Wes. And as they continue to grow closer, she must reexamine everything she thought she knew about love—and rethink her own ideas of what Happily Ever After should look like.
*Blade of Secrets by Tricia Levenseller
Eighteen-year-old Ziva prefers metal to people. She spends her days tucked away in her forge, safe from society and the anxiety it causes her, using her magical gift to craft unique weapons imbued with power.
Then Ziva receives a commission from a powerful warlord, and the result is a sword capable of stealing its victims secrets. A sword that can cut far deeper than the length of its blade. A sword with the strength to topple kingdoms. When Ziva learns of the warlord’s intentions to use the weapon to enslave all the world under her rule, she takes her sister and flees.
Joined by a distractingly handsome mercenary and a young scholar with extensive knowledge of the world’s known magics, Ziva and her sister set out on a quest to keep the sword safe until they can find a worthy wielder or a way to destroy it entirely.
*The Block by Ben Oliver
Luka is a prisoner once again. But this time it’s a fate worse than death. In the Block, he must toggle between enduring an Energy Harvest for twelve hours of the day and surviving complete immobilization. The only semblance of relief is the Sane Zone, created to keep prisoners from going completely mad. In this virtual reality, the prisoners live out their fantasies of life outside. But for Luka, it’s different.
Happy is determined to find out the location of his friends, who disappeared after the Battle of Midway Park. But can Luka battle the descent into madness long enought to stop Happy’s manipulation tactics and keep his friends’ location safe?
Another prison break is the only chance to protect the Missing. And as reality becomes increasingly scrambled on the outside, it’ll take an army to stop Galen from carrying out his plans.
Cool For The Summer by Dahlia Adler
Lara’s had eyes for exactly one person throughout her three years of high school: Chase Harding. He’s tall, strong, sweet, a football star, and frankly, stupid hot. Oh, and he’s talking to her now. On purpose and everything. Maybe…flirting, even? No, wait, he’s definitely flirting, which is pretty much the sum of everything Lara’s wanted out of life.
Except she’s haunted by a memory. A memory of a confusing, romantic, strangely perfect summer spent with a girl named Jasmine. A memory that becomes a confusing, disorienting present when Jasmine herself walks through the front doors of the school to see Lara and Chase chatting it up in front of the lockers.
Lara has everything she ever wanted: a tight-knit group of friends, a job that borders on cool, and Chase, the boy of her literal dreams. But if she’s finally got the guy, why can’t she stop thinking about the girl?
Counting Down With You by Tashie Bhuiyan
How do you make one month last a lifetime?
Karina Ahmed has a plan. Keep her head down, get through high school without a fuss, and follow her parents’ rules—even if it means sacrificing her dreams. When her parents go abroad to Bangladesh for four weeks, Karina expects some peace and quiet. Instead, one simple lie unravels everything.
Karina is my girlfriend.
Tutoring the school’s resident bad boy was already crossing a line. Pretending to date him? Out of the question. But Ace Clyde does everything right—he brings her coffee in the mornings, impresses her friends without trying, and even promises to buy her a dozen books (a week) if she goes along with his fake-dating facade. Though Karina agrees, she can’t help but start counting down the days until her parents come back.
T-minus twenty-eight days until everything returns to normal—but what if Karina no longer wants it to?
Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry by Joya Goffney
Quinn keeps lists of everything—from the days she’s ugly cried, to “Things That I Would Never Admit Out Loud” and all the boys she’d like to kiss. Her lists keep her sane. By writing her fears on paper, she never has to face them in real life. That is, until her journal goes missing . . .
Then an anonymous account posts one of her lists on Instagram for the whole school to see and blackmails her into facing seven of her greatest fears, or else her entire journal will go public. Quinn doesn’t know who to trust. Desperate, she teams up with Carter Bennett—the last known person to have her journal—in a race against time to track down the blackmailer.
Together, they journey through everything Quinn’s been too afraid to face, and along the way, Quinn finds the courage to be honest, to live in the moment, and to fall in love.
The Hollow Inside by Brooke Lauren Davis
Seventeen-year-old Phoenix has spent much of her life drifting from town to town with her mom Nina, using their charms to swindle and steal to get by. Now they’ve made it to their ultimate destination, Mom’s hometown of Jasper Hollow. The plan: bring down Ellis Bowman, the man who ruined Nina’s life.
When Phoenix gets caught spying on Ellis, she spins a convincing story that inadvertently gives her full access to the Bowman family. As she digs deeper into their secrets (and begins to fall for daughter Melody), she finds herself entrenched in the tale of a death and a disappearance that doesn’t entirely line up with what Mom has told her.
But there’s even more to this story Phoenix doesn’t know. Who, if anyone, is telling the whole truth about what happened? Debut author Brooke Lauren Davis explores the murkiness of right and wrong, of choices and consequences, of heroes and villains, in an eerily compelling and thought-provoking small-town saga.
Hurricane Summer by Asha Bromfield
Tilla has spent her entire life trying to make her father love her. But every six months, he leaves their family and returns to his true home: the island of Jamaica.
When Tilla’s mother tells her she’ll be spending the summer on the island, Tilla dreads the idea of seeing him again, but longs to discover what life in Jamaica has always held for him.
In an unexpected turn of events, Tilla is forced to face the storm that unravels in her own life as she learns about the dark secrets that lie beyond the veil of paradise―all in the midst of an impending hurricane.
Hurricane Summer is a powerful coming of age story that deals with colorism, classism, young love, the father-daughter dynamic―and what it means to discover your own voice in the center of complete destruction.
Indivisible by Daniel Aleman
Mateo Garcia and his younger sister, Sophie, have been taught to fear one word for as long as they can remember: deportation. Over the past few years, however, the fear that their undocumented immigrant parents could be sent back to Mexico has started to fade. Ma and Pa have been in the United States for so long, they have American-born children, and they’re hard workers and good neighbors. When Mateo returns from school one day to find that his parents have been taken by ICE, he realizes that his family’s worst nightmare has become a reality. With his parents’ fate and his own future hanging in the balance, Mateo must figure out who he is and what he is capable of, even as he’s forced to question what it means to be an American.
Luck of the Titanic by Stacey Lee
Valora Luck has two things: a ticket for the biggest and most luxurious ocean liner in the world, and a dream of leaving England behind and making a life for herself as a circus performer in New York. Much to her surprise though, she’s turned away at the gangway; apparently, Chinese aren’t allowed into America.
But Val has to get on that ship. Her twin brother Jamie, who has spent two long years at sea, is there, as is an influential circus owner, whom Val hopes to audition for. Thankfully, there’s not much a trained acrobat like Val can’t overcome when she puts her mind to it.
As a stowaway, Val should keep her head down and stay out of sight. But the clock is ticking and she has just seven days as the ship makes its way across the Atlantic to find Jamie, perform for the circus owner, and convince him to help get them both into America.
Then one night the unthinkable happens, and suddenly Val’s dreams of a new life are crushed under the weight of the only thing that matters: survival.
Meet Cute Diary by Emery Lee
Noah Ramirez thinks he’s an expert on romance. He has to be for his popular blog, the Meet Cute Diary, a collection of trans happily ever afters. There’s just one problem—all the stories are fake. What started as the fantasies of a trans boy afraid to step out of the closet has grown into a beacon of hope for trans readers across the globe.
When a troll exposes the blog as fiction, Noah’s world unravels. The only way to save the Diary is to convince everyone that the stories are true, but he doesn’t have any proof. Then Drew walks into Noah’s life, and the pieces fall into place: Drew is willing to fake-date Noah to save the Diary. But when Noah’s feelings grow beyond their staged romance, he realizes that dating in real life isn’t quite the same as finding love on the page.
In this charming novel by Emery Lee, Noah will have to choose between following his own rules for love or discovering that the most romantic endings are the ones that go off script.
The Ones We’re Meant To Find by Joan He
Cee awoke on an abandoned island three years ago. With no idea of how she was marooned, she only has a rickety house, an old android, and a single memory: she has a sister, and Cee needs to find her.
STEM prodigy Kasey wants escape from the science and home she once trusted. The Metropolis―Earth’s last unpolluted place―is meant to be sanctuary for those committed to planetary protection, but it’s populated by people willing to do anything for refuge, even lie. Now, she’ll have to decide if she’s ready to use science to help humanity, even though it failed the people who mattered most.
Prom House by Chelsea Mueller
What happens when the best night of your life turns into the worst? Full of menace and suspense, this is an unputdownable thriller–and a trade paperback original!
Ten people share a prom house at the Jersey Shore for the weekend. Every one of them has a secret . . . and when they begin to die one by one, panic ensues. Could somebody’s prom date also be . . . a killer?
*Realm Breaker by Victoria Aveyard
A strange darkness grows in Allward.
Even Corayne an-Amarat can feel it, tucked away in her small town at the edge of the sea.
She soon discovers the truth: She is the last of an ancient lineage—and the last hope to save the world from destruction. But she won’t be alone. Even as darkness falls, she is joined by a band of unlikely companions:
A squire, forced to choose between home and honor.
An immortal, avenging a broken promise.
An assassin, exiled and bloodthirsty.
An ancient sorceress, whose riddles hide an eerie foresight.
A forger with a secret past.
A bounty hunter with a score to settle.
Together they stand against a vicious opponent, invincible and determined to burn all kingdoms to ash, and an army unlike anything the realm has ever witnessed.
*Sky Breaker by Addie Thorley
Enebish has been deceived by everyone she once considered a friend. On the run across the tundra, her only allies are her best friend Serik and a band of ill-tempered shepherds. Her only hope of bringing peace to Ashkar is to unite the people of the Protected Territories and make a stand against the tyrannical Sky King and the hostile nation of Zemya. But that’s easier said than done. As supplies dwindle, the shepherds become far more desperate for food than freedom.
Meanwhile, Zemyan forces have stormed the Ashkarian capital. Imperial Army Commander Ghoa throws all of her power into a last-ditch effort to save her king, only to be abandoned by her fellow warriors. Held captive in a prison forged of magic and tortured by the zealous sorcerer Kartok, Ghoa learns his true ambitions lie far beyond the warring countries―he wants vengeance on the gods themselves.
The war between Ashkar and Zemya began centuries ago as a feud amongst the gods. Now it’s up to the two most hated people on the continent―the monstrous outcast, Enebish, and the notorious war criminal, Ghoa―to heal that spiritual divide before Kartok brings the skies crashing down on all of them.
Sunkissed by Kasie West
Avery has always used music as an escape. But after her best friend betrays her, even her perfectly curated playlists can’t help her forget what happened. To make matters worse, her parents have dragged her and her social-media-obsessed sister to a remote family camp for two months of “fun.” Just when Avery is ready to give up on the summer altogether, she meets Brooks–mysterious, frustratingly charming Brooks–who just happens to be on staff–which means he’s off-limits.
What starts as a disaster turns into. . . something else. As the outside world falls away, Avery embarks on a journey of self-discovery. And when Brooks offers her the chance of a lifetime, she must figure out how far is she willing to go to find out what she wants and who she wants to be.
Sunny G’s Series of Rash Decisions by Navdeep Singh Dhillon
Sunny G’s brother left him one thing when he died: his notebook, which Sunny’s determined to fill up with a series of rash decisions. Decision number one was a big one: He took off his turban, cut off his hair, and shaved his beard. He doesn’t look like a Sikh anymore; he doesn’t look like himself anymore. He put on a suit and debuted his new look at prom, but apparently changing his look doesn’t change everything. Sunny still doesn’t fit there, and all he wants to do is go to the after-party, where his best friend, Ngozi, and their band were supposed to be playing a show tonight.
Enter Mindii Vang, a girl he’s never met before but who’s about to change his life. Sunny and Mindii head off on an all-night adventure through their city–a night full of rash, wonderful, romantic, stupid, huge decisions.
Take Me Home Tonight by Morgan Matson
Two girls. One night. Zero phones.
Kat and Stevie—best friends, theater kids, polar opposites—have snuck away from the suburbs to spend a night in New York City. They have it all planned out. They’ll see a play, eat at the city’s hottest restaurant, and have the best. Night. Ever. What could go wrong?
Well. Kind of a lot?
They’re barely off the train before they’re dealing with destroyed phones, family drama, and unexpected Pomeranians. Over the next few hours, they’ll have to grapple with old flames, terrible theater, and unhelpful cab drivers. But there are also cute boys to kiss, parties to crash, dry cleaning to deliver (don’t ask), and the world’s best museum to explore.
Over the course of a wild night in the city that never sleeps, both Kat and Stevie will get a wake-up call about their friendship, their choices…and finally discover what they really want for their future.
That is, assuming they can make it to Grand Central before the clock strikes midnight.
This Is For Tonight by Jessica Patrick
Andi Kennedy needs to make money for college, and fast. But her little YouTube crafting channel, while fun, isn’t exactly a money maker. So she’s heading to the world-famous Cabazon Valley Music and Arts Festival with a goal – film a video that will launch her channel into popularity and turn it into a legit money making venture, even if it means selling out her creative vision.
Instead, she finds obnoxious Jay Bankar, the annoyingly hot host of a popular prank channel who is the actual worst. Andi hates everything Jay stands for, which makes the undeniable connection she feels with him really freaking inconvenient. Soon she finds herself competing with Jay for an interview with the festival’s headlining band, which could be the key to turning her little channel directly into college tuition. But she’s starting to discover that there is more to Jay than his jerky on-screen persona, and she has to decide what’s more important – winning, or giving a second chance to a guy who couldn’t be more wrong for her.
11 Baby and Solo by Lisabeth Posthuma
Seventeen-year-old Joel Teague has a new prescription from his therapist—a part-time job—the first step toward the elusive Normal life he’s been so desperate to live ever since The Bad Thing happened. Lucky for Joel, ROYO Video is hiring. It’s the perfect fresh start—Joel even gets a new name. Dubbed “Solo” after his favorite Star Wars character, Joel works his way up the not-so-corporate ladder without anyone suspecting What Was Wrong With Him. That is, until he befriends Nicole “Baby” Palmer, a smart-mouthed coworker with a chip on her shoulder about . . . well, everything, and the two quickly develop the kind of friendship movie montages are made of. However, when Joel’s past inevitably catches up with him, he’s forced to choose between preserving his new blank slate persona and coming clean—and either way, he risks losing the first real friend he’s ever had. Set in a pop-culture-rich 1990s, this remarkable story tackles challenging and timely themes with huge doses of wit, power, and heart.
The Burning by Tim Madigan and Hilary Beard
One of the worst acts of racial violence in American history took place in 1921, when a white mob numbering in the thousands decimated the thriving Black community of Greenwood in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Sensitively adapted for young readers, The Burning recreates Greenwood at the height of its prosperity, explores the currents of hatred, racism, and mistrust between its Black residents and Tulsa’s white population, narrates events leading up to and including Greenwood’s devastation, and documents the subsequent silence that surrounded this tragedy. Delving into history that’s long been pushed aside, this is the true story of Black Wall Street and the Tulsa Race Massacre, with updates that connect the historical significance of the massacre to the ongoing struggle for racial justice in America.
Every Body Shines by Cassandra Newbould
Fat girls and boys and nonbinary teens are: friends who lift each other up, heroes who rescue themselves, big bodies in space, intellects taking up space, and bodies looking and feeling beautiful. They express themselves through fashion, sports and other physical pursuits, through food, and music, and art. They are flirting and falling in love. They are loving to themselves and one another. With stories that feature fat main characters starring in a multitude of stories and genres, and written by authors who live these lives too, this is truly a unique collection that shows fat young people the representation they deserve.
With a foreword by Aubry Gordon, creator of Your Fat Friend, and with stories by:
Nafiza Azad, Chris Baron, Sheena Boekweg, Linda Camacho, Kelly deVos, Alex Gino, Claire Kann, amanda lovelace, Hillary Monahan, Cassandra Newbould, Francina Simone, Rebecca Sky, Monique Gray Smith, Renée Watson, Catherine Adel West, Jennifer Yen.
Fix by J. Albert Mann
Everything was fine before. When Eve and Lidia could hide their physical differences inside goofy Burger Hut costumes. When Lidia shook Eve up and Eve made Lidia laugh. When Lidia was there.
Everything is different now. Cut open . . . rearranged . . . stapled shut, Eve is left alone to recover in a world of pain and a body she no longer recognizes. Her only companions being a bottle of Roxanol and an infuriating (but cute) neighbor, Eve strikes up a relationship and makes a pact with the devil. Sacrificing pieces of a place she doesn’t know to return to a place she does. What will she discover when she unravels her past? And is having Lidia back worth the price?
In verse and prose, Fix paints a riveting picture of a teen struggling to find herself and move forward with her life in a sea of opioids, regret, grief, and hope.
From Little Tokyo With Love by Sarah Kuhn
If Rika’s life seems like the beginning of a familiar fairy tale–being an orphan with two bossy cousins and working away in her aunts’ business–she would be the first to reject that foolish notion. After all, she loves her family (even if her cousins were named after Disney characters), and with her biracial background, amazing judo skills and red-hot temper, she doesn’t quite fit the princess mold.
All that changes the instant she locks eyes with Grace Kimura, America’s reigning rom-com sweetheart, during the Nikkei Week Festival. From there, Rika embarks on a madcap adventure of hope and happiness–searching for clues that Grace is her long-lost mother, exploring Little Tokyo’s hidden treasures with cute actor Hank Chen, and maybe…finally finding a sense of belonging.
But fairy tales are fiction and the real world isn’t so kind. Rika knows she’s setting herself up for disappointment, because happy endings don’t happen to girls like her. Should she walk away before she gets in even deeper, or let herself be swept away?
*Illusionary by Zoraida Córdova
Reeling from betrayal at the hands of the Whispers, Renata Convida is a girl on the run. With few options and fewer allies, she’s reluctantly joined forces with none other than Prince Castian, her most infuriating and intriguing enemy. They’re united by lofty goals: find the fabled Knife of Memory, kill the ruthless King Fernando, and bring peace to the nation. Together, Ren and Castian have a chance to save everything, if only they can set aside their complex and intense feelings for each other.
With the king’s forces on their heels at every turn, their quest across Puerto Leones and beyond leaves little room for mistakes. But the greatest danger is within Ren. The Gray, her fortress of stolen memories, has begun to crumble, threatening her grip on reality. She’ll have to control her magics–and her mind–to unlock her power and protect the Moria people once and for all.
For years, she was wielded as weapon. Now it’s her time to fight back.
Lucky Girl by Jamie Pacton
58,643,129. That’s how many dollars seventeen-year-old Fortuna Jane Belleweather just won in the lotto jackpot. It’s also about how many reasons she has for not coming forward to claim her prize.
Problem #1: Jane is still a minor, and if anyone discovers she bought the ticket underage, she’ll either have to forfeit the ticket, or worse…
Problem #2: Let her hoarder mother cash it. The last thing Jane’s mom needs is millions of dollars to buy more junk. Then…
Problem #3: Jane’s best friend, aspiring journalist Brandon Kim, declares on the news that he’s going to find the lucky winner. It’s one thing to keep her secret from the town, it’s another thing entirely to lie to her best friend. Especially when…
Problem #4: Jane’s ex-boyfriend, Holden, is suddenly back in her life, and he has big ideas about what he’d do with the prize money.
As suspicion and jealousy turn neighbor against neighbor, and no good options for cashing the ticket come forward, Jane begins to wonder: Could this much money actually be a bad thing?
Lucy Clark Will Not Apologize by Margo Rabb
Lucy Clark has had it. After being bullied one too many times at the boarding school her parents enrolled her in, sixteen-year-old Lucy—who has been underestimated her entire life—retaliates. But when the fallout is far worse than she meant it to be, she gets suspended and sent to New York City, where she must serve as a full-time companion to the eccentric Edith Fox.
Once in Manhattan, however, Lucy discovers the glamorous, mysterious Edith is nothing like she expected. With Edith, Lucy learns to revel in the freedom of being herself. And though Edith’s world of hidden gardens and afternoon teas is magical and beguiling, there’s one other thing about her that makes her unlike anyone Lucy has ever met…she thinks someone is trying to kill her.
And Lucy has to find out who it is.
The Other Side of Perfect by Mariko Turk
Alina Keeler was destined to dance, but then a terrifying fall shatters her leg — and her dreams of a professional ballet career along with it.
After a summer healing (translation: eating vast amounts of Cool Ranch Doritos and binging ballet videos on YouTube), she is forced to trade her pre-professional dance classes for normal high school, where she reluctantly joins the school musical. However, rehearsals offer more than she expected — namely Jude, her annoyingly attractive castmate she just might be falling for.
But to move forward, Alina must make peace with her past and face the racism she experienced in the dance industry. She wonders what it means to yearn for ballet — something so beautiful, yet so broken. And as broken as she feels, can she ever open her heart to someone else?
Touching, romantic, and peppered with humor, this debut novel explores the tenuousness of perfectionism, the possibilities of change, and the importance of raising your voice.
Switch by A.S. King
Time has stopped. It’s been June 23, 2020 for nearly a year as far as anyone can tell. Frantic adults demand teenagers focus on finding practical solutions to the worldwide crisis. Not everyone is on board though. Javelin-throwing prodigy Truda Becker is pretty sure her “Solution Time” class won’t solve the world’s problems, but she does have a few ideas what might. Truda lives in a house with a switch that no one ever touches, a switch her father protects every day by nailing it into hundreds of progressively larger boxes. But Truda’s got a crow bar, and one way or another, she’s going to see what happens when she flips the switch.
Where The Rhythm Takes You by Sarah Dass
Seventeen-year-old Reyna has spent most of her life at the Plumeria, her family’s gorgeous seaside resort in Tobago. But what once seemed like paradise is starting to feel more like purgatory. It’s been two years since Reyna’s mother passed away, two years since Aiden—her childhood best friend, first kiss, first love, first everything—left the island to pursue his music dreams.
Reyna’s friends are all planning their futures and heading abroad. Even Daddy seems to want to move on, leaving her to try to keep the Plumeria running.
And that’s when Aiden comes roaring back into her life—as a VIP guest at the resort.
Aiden is now one-third of DJ Bacchanal—the latest, hottest music group on the scene. While Reyna has stayed exactly where he left her, Aiden has returned to Tobago with his Grammy-nominated band and two gorgeous LA socialites. And he may (or may not be) dating one of them…
18 Don’t Breathe a Word by Jordyn Taylor
Critically acclaimed author Jordyn Taylor weaves an addictive mystery perfect for fans of Truly Devious.
Eva has never felt like she belonged . . . not in her own family or with her friends in New York City, and certainly not at a fancy boarding school like Hardwick Preparatory Academy. So, when she is invited to join the Fives, an elite secret society, she jumps at the opportunity to finally be a part of something.
But what if the Fives are about more than just having the best parties and receiving special privileges from the school? What if they are also responsible for keeping some of Hardwick’s biggest secrets buried?
1962:
There is only one reason why Connie would volunteer to be one of the six students to participate in testing Hardwick’s nuclear fallout shelter: Craig Allenby. While the thought of nuclear war sends her into a panic, she can’t pass up the opportunity to spend four days locked in with the school’s golden boy.
However, Connie and the other students quickly discover that there is more to this “test” than they previously thought. As they are forced to follow an escalating series of commands, Connie realizes that one wrong move could have dangerous consequences.
Separated by sixty years, Eva and Connie’s stories become inextricably intertwined as Eva unravels the mystery of how six students went into the fallout shelter all those years ago . . . but only five came out.
Enduring Freedom by Trent Reedy and Jawad Arash
On September 11, 2001, the lives of two boys on opposite sides of the world are changed in an instant.
Baheer, a studious Afghan teen, sees his family’s life turned upside down when they lose their livelihood as war rocks the country.
A world away, Joe, a young American army private, has to put aside his dreams of becoming a journalist when he’s shipped out to Afghanistan.
When Joe’s unit arrives in Baheer’s town, Baheer is wary of the Americans, but sees an opportunity: Not only can he practice his English with the soldiers, his family can make money delivering their supplies. At first, Joe doesn’t trust Baheer, or any of the locals, but Baheer keeps showing up. As Joe and Baheer get to know each other, to see each other as individuals, they realize they have a lot more in common than they ever could have realized. But can they get past the deep differences in their lives and beliefs to become true friends and allies?
Enduring Freedom is a moving and enlightening novel about how ignorance can tear us apart and how education and understanding can bring us back together.
Homewrecker by Deanna Cameron
Bronwyn’s mother is late. Again. Sitting on the edge of the sidewalk, waiting, Bronwyn figures she’s flaked out again. She’s always flaking out. Stomping home ready for a fight, Bronwyn is met by a cataclysmic tornado heading directly toward their run-down trailer. Bronwyn barely escapes with her life. Her mother isn’t as lucky.
Enter Senator Soliday, a.k.a. Bronwyn’s estranged father, who shows up at the hospital and takes her home with him, to a family she’s never been a part of, to people who have proved again and again they don’t want her. Confused, resentful, absolutely raging, Bronwyn enters a world she’s never been privy to, while reeling from the news that her mother wasn’t killed by the tornado but murdered.
Torn between two identities: the daughter of a single drug addict and the middle child of a well-respected senator, Bronwyn is forced to navigate through this new, unfamiliar life alone and with a gut feeling she can’t shake.
Her mother’s killer isn’t unfamiliar.
In The Ravenous Dark by A.M. Strickland
In Thanopolis, those gifted with magic are assigned undead spirits to guard them―and control them. Ever since Rovan’s father died trying to keep her from this fate, she’s hidden her magic. But when she accidentally reveals her powers, she’s bound to a spirit and thrust into a world of palace intrigue and deception.
Desperate to escape, Rovan finds herself falling for two people she can’t fully trust: Lydea, a beguiling, rebellious princess; and Ivrilos, the handsome spirit with the ability to control Rovan, body and soul.
Together, they uncover a secret that will destroy Thanopolis. To save them all, Rovan will have to start a rebellion in both the mortal world and the underworld, and find a way to trust the princess and spirit battling for her heart―if she doesn’t betray them first.
It Goes Like This by Miel Moreland
Eva, Celeste, Gina, and Steph used to think their friendship was unbreakable. After all, they’ve been though a lot together, including the astronomical rise of Moonlight Overthrow, the world-famous queer pop band they formed in middle school, never expecting to headline anything bigger than the county fair.
But after a sudden falling out leads to the dissolution of the teens’ band, their friendship, and Eva and Celeste’s starry-eyed romance, nothing is the same. Gina and Celeste step further into the spotlight, Steph disappears completely, and Eva, heartbroken, takes refuge as a songwriter and secret online fangirl…of her own band. That is, until a storm devastates their hometown, bringing the four ex-best-friends back together. As they prepare for one last show, they’ll discover whether growing up always means growing apart.
Jelly by Clare Rees
After a traumatic event that no one can talk about or even quite remember, they’re stuck on a giant killer jellyfish, tantalisingly close to the shore and safety. They’ve had enough of it. They’ve decided that they’re either going to escape, or die trying.
Last Chance Books by Kelsey Rodkey
Nothing will stop Madeline Moore from taking over her family’s independent bookstore after college. Nothing, that is—until a chain bookstore called Prologue opens across the street and threatens to shut them down.
Madeline sets out to demolish the competition, but the guy who works over at Prologue seems intent on ruining her life. Not only is he taking her customers, he has the unbelievable audacity to be… extremely cute.
But that doesn’t matter. Jasper is the enemy and he will be destroyed. After all—all’s fair in love and (book) war.
Made In Korea by Sarah Suk
There’s nothing Valerie Kwon loves more than making a good sale. Together with her cousin Charlie, they run V&C K-BEAUTY, their school’s most successful student-run enterprise. With each sale, Valerie gets closer to taking her beloved and adventurous halmeoni to her dream city, Paris.
Enter the new kid in class, Wes Jung, who is determined to pursue music after graduation despite his parents’ major disapproval. When his classmates clamor to buy the K-pop branded beauty products his mom gave him to “make new friends,” he sees an opportunity—one that may be the key to help him pay for the music school tuition he knows his parents won’t cover…
What he doesn’t realize, though, is that he is now V&C K-BEAUTY’s biggest competitor.
Stakes are high as Valerie and Wes try to outsell each other, make the most money, and take the throne for the best business in school—all while trying to resist the undeniable spark that’s crackling between them. From hiring spies to all-or-nothing bets, the competition is much more than either of them bargained for.
But one thing is clear: only one Korean business can come out on top.
The Marvelous Mirza Girls by Sheba Karim
To cure her post-senior year slump, made worse by the loss of her aunt Sonia, Noreen decides to follow her mom on a gap year trip to New Delhi, hoping India can lessen her grief and bring her voice back.
In the world’s most polluted city, Noreen soon meets kind, handsome Kabir, who introduces her to the wonders of this magical, complicated place. With the help of Kabir—plus Bollywood celebrities, fourteenth-century ruins, karaoke parties, and Sufi saints—Noreen discovers new meanings for home.
But when a family scandal erupts, Noreen and Kabir must face complex questions in their own relationship: What does it mean to truly stand by someone—and what are the boundaries of love?
May The Best Man Win by ZR Ellor
Jeremy Harkiss, cheer captain and student body president, won’t let coming out as a transgender boy ruin his senior year. Instead of bowing to the bigots and outdate school administration, Jeremy decides to make some noise―and how better than by challenging his all-star ex-boyfriend, Lukas for the title of Homecoming King?
Lukas Rivers, football star and head of the Homecoming Committee, is just trying to find order in his life after his older brother’s funeral and the loss long-term girlfriend―who turned out to be a boy. But when Jeremy threatens to break his heart and steal his crown, Lukas kick starts a plot to sabotage Jeremy’s campaign.
When both boys take their rivalry too far, the dance is on the verge of being canceled. To save Homecoming, they’ll have to face the hurt they’re both hiding―and the lingering butterflies they can’t deny.
*Mister Impossible by Maggie Stiefvater
The stakes have never been higher as it seems like either the end of the world or the end of dreamers approaches.
Off The Record by Camryn Garrett
Ever since seventeen-year-old Josie Wright can remember, writing has been her identity, the thing that grounds her when everything else is a garbage fire. So when she wins a contest to write a celebrity profile for Deep Focus magazine, she’s equal parts excited and scared, but also ready. She’s got this.
Soon Josie is jetting off on a multi-city tour, rubbing elbows with sparkly celebrities, frenetic handlers, stone-faced producers, and eccentric stylists. She even finds herself catching feelings for the subject of her profile, dazzling young newcomer Marius Canet. Josie’s world is expanding so rapidly, she doesn’t know whether she’s flying or falling. But when a young actress lets her in on a terrible secret, the answer is clear: she’s in over her head.
One woman’s account leads to another and another. Josie wants to expose the man responsible, but she’s reluctant to speak up, unsure if this is her story to tell. What if she lets down the women who have entrusted her with their stories? What if this ends her writing career before it even begins? There are so many reasons not to go ahead, but if Josie doesn’t step up, who will?
On The Hook by Francisco X. Stork
“You think you’re better than everyone else?
Listen to me, I’m going to kill you.”
Hector has always minded his own business, working hard to make his way to a better life someday. He’s the chess team champion, helps the family with his job at the grocery, and teaches his little sister to shoot hoops overhand.
Until Joey singles him out. Joey, whose older brother, Chavo, is head of the Discípulos gang, tells Hector that he’s going to kill him: maybe not today, or tomorrow, but someday. And Hector, frozen with fear, does nothing. From that day forward, Hector’s death is hanging over his head every time he leaves the house. He tries to fade into the shadows – to drop off Joey’s radar – to become no one.
But when a fight between Chavo and Hector’s brother Fili escalates, Hector is left with no choice but to take a stand.
The violent confrontation will take Hector places he never expected, including a reform school where he has to live side-by-side with his enemy, Joey. It’s up to Hector to choose whether he’s going to lose himself to revenge or get back to the hard work of living.
Perfectly Parvin by Olivia Abtahi
Fourteen-year-old Iranian-American Parvin Mohammadi sets out to win the ultimate date to homecoming in this heartfelt and outright hilarious debut.
Parvin Mohammadi has just been dumped–only days after receiving official girlfriend status. Not only is she heartbroken, she’s humiliated. Enter high school heartthrob Matty Fumero, who just might be the smoking-hot cure to all her boy problems. If Parvin can get Matty to ask her to Homecoming, she’s positive it will prove to herself and her ex that she’s girlfriend material after all. There’s just one problem: Matty is definitely too cool for bassoon-playing, frizzy-haired, Cheeto-eating Parvin. Since being herself hasn’t worked for her in the past (see aforementioned dumping), she decides to start acting like the women in her favorite rom-coms. Those women aren’t loud, they certainly don’t cackle when they laugh, and they smile much more than they talk.
But Parvin discovers that being a rom-com dream girl is much harder than it looks. Also hard? The parent-mandated Farsi lessons. A confusing friendship with a boy who’s definitely not supposed to like her. And hardest of all, the ramifications of the Muslim ban on her family in Iran. Suddenly, being herself has never been more important.
Olivia Abtahi’s debut is as hilarious as it is heartfelt–a delightful tale where, amid the turmoil of high school friendships and crushes, being yourself is always the perfect way to be.
Shipped by Meredith Tate
Can two IRL enemies find their happily ever after online?
Stella Greene and Wesley Clarke are Gene Connolly Memorial High School’s biggest rivals. While the two have been battling it out for top student, it’s a race to the bottom when it comes to snide comments and pulling the dirtiest prank. For years, Stella and Wes have been the villain in each other’s story, and now it’s all-out war.
And there is no bigger battle than the one for valedictorian, and more specifically, the coveted valedictorian scholarship.
But Stella and Wes have more in common than they think. Both are huge fans of Warship Seven, a popular sci-fi TV drama with a dedicated online following, and the two start chatting under aliases–without a clue that their rival is just beyond the screen. They realize that they’re both attending SciCon this year, so they plan to dress in their best cosplay and finally meet IRL.
While tensions at school are rising and SciCon inches closer and closer, the enemy lines between Stella and Wes blur when a class project shows them they might understand one another better than anyone else–and not just in cosplay.
Some Girls Do by Jennifer Dugan
Morgan, an elite track athlete, is forced to transfer high schools late in her senior year after it turns out being queer is against her private Catholic school’s code of conduct. There, she meets Ruby, who has two hobbies: tinkering with her baby blue 1970 Ford Torino and competing in local beauty pageants, the latter to live out the dreams of her overbearing mother. The two are drawn to each other and can’t deny their growing feelings. But while Morgan–out and proud, and determined to have a fresh start–doesn’t want to have to keep their budding relationship a secret, Ruby isn’t ready to come out yet. With each girl on a different path toward living her truth, can they go the distance together?
25 Aetherbound by E.K. Johnston
Set on a family-run interstellar freighter called the Harland and a mysterious remote space station, E. K. Johnston’s latest is story of survival and self-determination.
Pendt Harland’s family sees her as a waste of food on their long-haul space cruiser when her genes reveal an undesirable mutation. But if she plays her cards right she might have a chance to do much more than survive. During a space-station layover, Pendt escapes and forms a lucky bond with the Brannick twins, the teenage heirs of the powerful family that owns the station. Against all odds, the trio hatches a long-shot scheme to take over the station and thwart the destinies they never wished for.
Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating by Rioter Adiba Jaigirdar
Everyone likes Humaira “Hani” Khan―she’s easy going and one of the most popular girls at school. But when she comes out to her friends as bisexual, they invalidate her identity, saying she can’t be bi if she’s only dated guys. Panicked, Hani blurts out that she’s in a relationship…with a girl her friends absolutely hate―Ishita “Ishu” Dey. Ishu is the complete opposite of Hani. She’s an academic overachiever who hopes that becoming head girl will set her on the right track for college. But Ishita agrees to help Hani, if Hani will help her become more popular so that she stands a chance of being elected head girl.
Despite their mutually beneficial pact, they start developing real feelings for each other. But relationships are complicated, and some people will do anything to stop two Bengali girls from achieving happily ever after.
The Immortal Game by Talia Rothschild and A. C. Harvey
Galene, daughter of Poseidon, desperately wants to earn her place among the gods. But when a violent attack leaves Mount Olympus in chaos and ruins, she is accused of the crime. Banished from Olympus, Galene sets out to prove her innocence and discovers a more deadly plot―one that threatens even the oldest of Immortals.
Fortunately, she has allies who willingly join her in exile:
A lifelong friend who commands the wind.
A defiant warrior with deadly skill.
A fire-wielder with a hero’s heart.
A mastermind who plays life like a game.
All-out war is knocking at the gates. Galene and her friends are the only ones who can tip the scales toward justice, but their choices could save Olympus from total annihilation, or be the doom of them all.
The Ivies by Alexa Donne
Everyone knows the Ivies: the most coveted universities in the United States. Far more important are the Ivies. The Ivies at Claflin Academy, that is. Five girls with the same mission: to get into the Ivy League by any means necessary. I would know. I’m one of them. We disrupt class ranks, club leaderships, and academic competitions…among other things. We improve our own odds by decreasing the fortunes of others. Because hyper-elite competitive college admissions is serious business. And in some cases, it’s deadly.
Alexa Donne delivers a nail-biting and timely thriller about teens who will stop at nothing to get into the college of their dreams. Too bad no one told them murder isn’t an extracurricular.
Kiss and Repeat by Heather Truett
Stephen Luckie isn’t so lucky in love. He’s completely inexperienced when it comes to girls, and wonders if his tics – caused by Tourette’s Syndrome – are the reason.
Then a game at a party reveals that his body goes still while kissing. Using the scientific method drilled into him by his scientist father, Steven begins the best experiment ever–one that involves kissing as many girls as possible. Who knew science could be so fun?
But when the experiment gets underway, Stephen begins to question how he treats girls – and if his tics have been standing in his way at all. With two girls interested in him, he has to figure out what really matters to him and what he’ll risk – and gain – by being his true self.
*Misfit in Love by S. K. Ali
Janna Yusuf is so excited for the weekend: her brother Muhammad’s getting married, and she’s reuniting with her mom, whom she’s missed the whole summer.
And Nuah’s arriving for the weekend too.
Sweet, constant Nuah.
The last time she saw him, Janna wasn’t ready to reciprocate his feelings for her. But things are different now. She’s finished high school, ready for college…and ready for Nuah.
It’s time for Janna’s (carefully planned) summer of love to begin—starting right at the wedding.
But it wouldn’t be a wedding if everything went according to plan. Muhammad’s party choices aren’t in line with his fiancée’s taste at all, Janna’s dad is acting strange, and her mom is spending more time with an old friend (and maybe love interest?) than Janna.
And Nuah’s treating her differently.
Just when things couldn’t get more complicated, two newcomers—the dreamy Haytham and brooding Layth—have Janna more confused than ever about what her misfit heart really wants.
Janna’s summer of love is turning out to be super crowded and painfully unpredictable.
Not My Problem by Ciara Smyth
Aideen has plenty of problems she can’t solve. But when she stumbles upon overachiever Meabh Kowalska having a full-blown meltdown, she sees one that she can actually fix. Meabh is desperate to escape her crushing pile of extracurriculars. Aideen volunteers to help—by pushing her down the stairs.
Problem? Solved. Meabh’s sprained ankle is the perfect excuse to ditch her overwhelming schedule. But when one of their classmates learns about their little scheme, more “clients” start asking for Aideen’s “help”—kicking off a semester of traded favors, ill-advised hijinks, and even an unexpected chance at love.
Fixing other people’s problems won’t fix her own. But it might be the push Aideen needs to start.
Pumpkin by Julie Murphy
Waylon Russell Brewer is a fat, openly gay boy stuck in the small West Texas town of Clover City. His plan is to bide his time until he can graduate, move to Austin with his twin sister, Clementine, and finally go Full Waylon so that he can live his Julie-the-hills-are-alive-with-the-sound-of-music-Andrews truth.
So when Clementine deviates from their master plan right after Waylon gets dumped, he throws caution to the wind and creates an audition tape for his favorite TV drag show, Fiercest of Them All. What he doesn’t count on is the tape getting accidentally shared with the entire school. . . . As a result, Waylon is nominated for prom queen as a joke. Clem’s girlfriend, Hannah Perez, also receives a joke nomination for prom king.
Waylon and Hannah decide there’s only one thing to do: run—and leave high school with a bang. A very glittery bang. Along the way, Waylon discovers that there is a lot more to running for prom court than campaign posters and plastic crowns, especially when he has to spend so much time with the very cute and infuriating prom king nominee Tucker Watson.
Waylon will need to learn that the best plan for tomorrow is living for today . . . especially with the help of some fellow queens. . . .
Sister of the Bollywood Bride by Nandini Bajpai
Mini’s big sister, Vinnie, is getting married. Their mom passed away seven years ago and between Dad’s new start-up and Vinnie’s medical residency, there’s no one but Mini to plan the wedding. Dad raised her to know more about computers, calculus, and cars than desi weddings but from the moment Mini held the jewelry Mom left them, she wanted her sister to have the wedding Mom would’ve planned.
Now Mini has only two months to get it done and she’s not going to let anything distract her, not even the persistent, mysterious, and smoking-hot Vir Mirchandani. Flower garlands, decorations, music, even a white wedding horse — everything is in place.
That is, until a monster hurricane heads for Boston that could ruin everything. Will Mini come through as sister of the bride and save the day?
A Sitting in St. James by Rita Williams-Garcia
1860, Louisiana. After serving as mistress of Le Petit Cottage for more than six decades, Madame Sylvie Guilbert has decided, in spite of her family’s objections, to sit for a portrait.
While Madame plots her last hurrah, stories that span generations—from the big house to out in the fields—of routine horrors, secrets buried as deep as the family fortune, and the tangled bonds of descendants and enslaved.
This astonishing novel from award-winning author Rita Williams-Garcia about the interwoven lives of those bound to a plantation in antebellum America is an epic masterwork—empathetic, brutal, and entirely human.
Sixteen Scandals by Sophie Jordan
The youngest of four daughters, Primrose Ainsworth is used to getting lost in the shuffle. But when her parents decide to delay her debut into English society, Prim hatches a plan to go rogue on the night of her sixteenth birthday.
Donning a mask, Prim escapes to the infamous Vauxhall Gardens for one wild night. When her cover is nearly blown, a mysterious stranger intercedes, and Prim finds an unexpected partner in mischief . . . and romance. But when it’s revealed her new ally isn’t who he says he is, her one night of fun may last past dawn.
In this frothy regency romp perfect for fans of Austen-esque flirtation and Shakespearean hijinks, sometimes a little scandal can be a good thing.
*Spells Trouble by P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast
Double double, twins spell trouble…
Hunter and Mercy Goode are twin witches, direct descendants of the founder of their town of Goodeville. As their ancestors have done before them, it is now time for the twins to learn what it means to be Gatekeepers–the protectors of the Gates to different underworlds, ancient portals between their world and realms where mythology rules and nightmares come to life.
When their mother becomes the first victim in a string of murders, the devastated sisters vow to avenge her death. But it will take more than magic to rein in the ancient mythological monsters who’ve infected their peaceful town.
Now Hunter and Mercy must come together and accept their destiny or risk being separated for good.
Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean
Izumi Tanaka has never really felt like she fit in―it isn’t easy being Japanese American in her small, mostly white, northern California town. Raised by a single mother, it’s always been Izumi―or Izzy, because “It’s easier this way”―and her mom against the world. But then Izumi discovers a clue to her previously unknown father’s identity…and he’s none other than the Crown Prince of Japan. Which means outspoken, irreverent Izzy is literally a princess.
In a whirlwind, Izumi travels to Japan to meet the father she never knew and discover the country she always dreamed of. But being a princess isn’t all ball gowns and tiaras. There are conniving cousins, a hungry press, a scowling but handsome bodyguard who just might be her soulmate, and thousands of years of tradition and customs to learn practically overnight.
Izumi soon finds herself caught between worlds, and between versions of herself―back home, she was never “American” enough, and in Japan, she must prove she’s “Japanese” enough. Will Izumi crumble under the weight of the crown, or will she live out her fairy tale, happily ever after?
Tremendous Things by Susin Nielsen
At the start of ninth grade, Wilbur Nuñez-Knopf is hoping for a fresh start. But he just can’t live down a deeply humiliating moment from two years ago that’s followed him to high school. His good friend Alex has stuck by him, but Alex has started dating Fabrizio and he doesn’t have much time to hang out. Luckily, Wil can still confide in his elderly neighbor, Sal. But he longs to have a special someone of his own.
When the school band does an exchange with students from Paris, a girl named Charlie captures Wilbur’s heart. But his feelings aren’t reciprocated. So Alex, Fabrizio, and Sal join forces to build Wil’s confidence in the hope that he can impress Charlie when they go to Paris. Maybe, just maybe, Wilbur will find a new defining moment in the City of Love.
June 1 14 Ways to Die by Vincent Ralph
Ten years ago Jess lost her mother to the Magpie Man, an infamous serial killer who is still at large and planning to kill again. She’s going to use her new platform as the star of a YouTube reality series to catch him. That is, if he doesn’t catch her first.
Jess’s online show means that everyone is talking about her mother’s murder case. But fame comes with its downsides. The whole world is watching her every move. And it’s hard to know who she can trust.
Could the Magpie Man be lurking closer to her than she thought? Is he watching her right now?
Ace of Spades by Faridah Abike-Iyimide
All you need to know is . . . I’m here to divide and conquer. Like all great tyrants do. ―Aces
When two Niveus Private Academy students, Devon Richards and Chiamaka Adebayo, are selected to be part of the elite school’s senior class prefects, it looks like their year is off to an amazing start. After all, not only does it look great on college applications, but it officially puts each of them in the running for valedictorian, too.
Shortly after the announcement is made, though, someone who goes by Aces begins using anonymous text messages to reveal secrets about the two of them that turn their lives upside down and threaten every aspect of their carefully planned futures.
As Aces shows no sign of stopping, what seemed like a sick prank quickly turns into a dangerous game, with all the cards stacked against them. Can Devon and Chiamaka stop Aces before things become incredibly deadly?
With heart-pounding suspense and relevant social commentary comes a high-octane thriller from debut author Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé.
Better Together by Christine Riccio
Jamie’s an aspiring standup comic in Los Angeles with a growing case of stage anxiety.
Siri’s a stunning ballerina from New Jersey nursing a career-changing injury.
They’ve both signed up for the same session at an off the grid Re-Discover Yourself Retreat in Colorado. When they run into each other, their worlds turn upside down.
Jamie and Siri are sisters, torn apart at a young age by their parent’s volatile divorce. They’ve grown up living completely separate lives: Jamie with their Dad and Siri with their Mom. Now, reunited after over a decade apart, they hatch a plot to switch places. It’s time they get to know and confront each of their estranged parents.
With an accidental assist from some fortuitous magic, Jamie arrives in New Jersey, looking to all the world like Siri, and Siri steps off her flight sporting a Jamie glamour.
The sisters unexpectedly find themselves stuck living in each other’s shoes. Soon Siri’s crushing on Jamie’s best friend Dawn. Jamie’s falling for the handsome New Yorker she keeps running into, Zarar. Alongside a parade of hijinks and budding romance, both girls work to navigate their broken family life and the stresses of impending adulthood.
*A Chorus Rises by Bethany C. Morrow
Meet Naema Bradshaw: a beautiful Eloko, once Portland-famous, now infamous, as she navigates a personal and public reckoning where confronting the limits of her privilege will show Naema what her magic really is, and who it makes her.
Teen influencer Naema Bradshaw has it all: she’s famous, stylish, gorgeous–and she’s an Eloko, a charismatic person gifted with a melody that people adore. Everyone loves her–until she’s cast as the villain who exposed a Siren to the whole world.
Dragged by the media, and canceled by her fans, no one understands her side: not her boyfriend, not her friends, not even her fellow Eloko. Villified by those closest to her, Naema heads to the Southwest where she is determined to stage a comeback… to her family, her real self, and the truth about her magic. What she finds is a new community in a flourishing group of online fans who support her.
At first, it feels like it used to–the fandom, the adoration, the community that takes her side–but when her online advocates start targeting other Black girls, Naema will realize that–for Black girls like her–even the privilege of fame has its limits. And only Naema can discover the true purpose of her power, and how to use it.
“A watery and melodic crossroads of the real and the mythic, A Chorus Rises lures readers with its seductive and beautifully Black siren song. An enthralling tale of Black girl magic and searing social commentary ready to rattle the bones.” ―Dhonielle Clayton, New York Times bestselling author of The Belles series
A Chorus Rises is a timely confrontation of the evolving nature of popularity in a society that chooses “exceptions” and rewards “model minorities.”
The Coming Storm by Regina M. Hansen
There’s a certain wild magic in the salt air and the thrum of the sea. Beet MacNeill has known this all her life. It added spice to her childhood adventures with her older cousin, Gerry, the two of them thick as thieves as they explored their Prince Edward Island home. So when Gerry comes up the path one early spring morning, Beet thinks nothing of it at first. But he is soaking wet and silent, and he plays a haunting tune on his fiddle that chills Beet to the bone. Something is very, very wrong.
Things only get worse when Marina Shaw saunters into town and takes an unsettling interest in Gerry’s new baby. Local lore is filled with tales of a vicious shape-shifting sea creature and the cold, beautiful woman who controls him—a woman who bears a striking resemblance to Marina. Beet is determined to find out what happened to her beloved cousin, and to prevent the same fate from befalling the handsome new boy in town who is winning her heart, whether she wants him to or not. Yet the sea always exacts a price…
The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrefer
Two boys, alone in space. Sworn enemies sent on the same rescue mission.
Ambrose wakes up on the Coordinated Endeavor with no memory of a launch. There’s more that doesn’t add up: evidence indicates strangers have been on board, the ship’s operating system is voiced by his mother, and his handsome, brooding shipmate has barricaded himself away. But nothing will stop Ambrose from making his mission succeed—not when he’s rescuing his own sister.
In order to survive the ship’s secrets, Ambrose and Kodiak will need to work together and learn to trust each other . . . especially once they discover what they are truly up against. Love might be the only way to survive.
Don’t Hate The Player by Alexis Nedd
Emilia Romero is living a double life. By day, she’s a field hockey star with a flawless report card. But by night, she’s kicking virtual ass as the only female member of a highly competitive eSports team. Emilia has mastered the art of keeping her two worlds thriving, which hinges on them staying completely separate. That’s in part to keep her real-life persona, but also for her own safety, since girl gamers are often threatened and harassed.
When a major eSports tournament comes to her city, Emilia is determined to prove herself to her team and the male-dominated gaming community. But her perfectly balanced life is thrown for a loop when a member of a rival team recognizes her . . .
Jake Hooper has had a crush on Emilia since he was ten years old. When his underdog eSports team makes it into the tournament, he’s floored to discover she’s been leading a double life. The fates bring Jake and Emilia together as they work to keep her secret, even as the pressures of the tournament and their non-gaming world threaten to pull everything apart.
An Emotion of Great Delight by Tahereh Mafi
It’s 2003, several months since the US officially declared war on Iraq, and the American political world has evolved. Tensions are high, hate crimes are on the rise, FBI agents are infiltrating local mosques, and the Muslim community is harassed and targeted more than ever. Shadi, who wears hijab, keeps her head down.
She’s too busy drowning in her own troubles to find the time to deal with bigots.
Shadi is named for joy, but she’s haunted by sorrow. Her brother is dead, her father is dying, her mother is falling apart, and her best friend has mysteriously dropped out of her life. And then, of course, there’s the small matter of her hear—
It’s broken.
Shadi tries to navigate her crumbling world by soldiering through, saying nothing. She devours her own pain, each day retreating farther and farther inside herself until finally, one day, everything changes.
She explodes.
An Emotion of Great Delight is a searing look into the world of a single Muslim family in the wake of 9/11. It’s about a child of immigrants forging a blurry identity, falling in love, and finding hope—in the midst of a modern war.
*Gamora and Nebula by Mackenzi Lee and Jenny Frison
Gamora arrives on Torndune―a once-lush planet that has been strip-mined for the power source beneath its surface―with a mission: collect the heart of the planet. She doesn”t know who sent her, why they want it, or even what the heart of a planet looks like. But as the right hand and daughter of Thanos, and one of the galaxy”s most legendary warriors, her job is not to ask questions. Her job is to do what she”s told, no matter the cost.
What she doesn”t know is that her sister, Nebula, is in hot pursuit. Nebula has followed Gamora to Torndune in hopes of claiming the planet”s heart first and shaming her sister as vengeance for the part she played in Nebula losing her arm. While Gamora falls in with a group of miners attempting to overthrow the tyrannical mining corporation that controls their lives, Nebula allies herself with the Universal Church of Truth, whose missionaries wait on every street corner to recruit more followers and tithes for the Matriarch. Both sisters hope their alliance will give them access to one of the massive diggers capable of drilling to the center of the planet.
But they closer they get to the heart of the planet―and to each other―the closer they get to uncovering the truth of what brought them there and the role they may unknowingly be playing in a twisted competition with galactic consequences. A competition they can never win . . . unless they learn to trust each other.
The Ghosts We Keep by Mason Deaver
When Liam Cooper’s older brother Ethan is killed in a hit-and-run, Liam has to not only learn to face the world without one of the people he loved the most, but also face the fading relationship with his two best friends.
Feeling more alone and isolated than ever, Liam finds themself sharing time with Marcus, Ethan’s best friend, and through Marcus, Liam finds the one person that seems to know exactly what they’re going through, for the better, and the worse.
This book is about grief. But it’s also about why we live. Why we have to keep moving on, and why we should.
*Grace and Glory by Jennifer L. Armentrout
When Angels Fall
Trinity Marrow has lost the battle and her beloved Protector. Even with both demons and Wardens on her side, Trin may not win the war against the Harbinger.
Bringing Lucifer back to the world to fight the Harbinger is probably a really, really bad idea, but they’re out of options—and the world’s ultimate fallen angel is the only being powerful enough to impact the outcome.
As Trin and Zayne form a new and more dangerous bond and Lucifer unleashes Hell on earth, the apocalypse looms and the world teeters on the end of forever. Win or lose, one thing is certain—nothing will ever be the same.
The In-Between by Marc Klein
After bouncing around in foster homes for most of her childhood, seventeen-year-old Tessa Jacobs doesn’t believe she deserves love — not from her adoptive parents, and certainly not from anyone at school.
But everything changes when she has a chance encounter at the local movie theater with Skylar, a senior from a neighboring town who’s a true romantic. Their budding relationship quickly leads to the kind of passionate love you only see in the movies. And Tessa starts to believe she might be deserving of a happy ending after all.
When tragedy strikes, Tessa wakes up alone in the hospital with no memory of how she got there. And Skylar has passed away. As Tessa begins her relentless search for answers, Skylar’s spirit reaches out to her from the other side. Desperate to see him one last time, Tessa must unravel the pieces of their relationship — and the truth might even lead her into the afterlife itself.
Jay’s Gay Agenda by Jason June
There’s one thing Jay Collier knows for sure—he’s a statistical anomaly as the only out gay kid in his small rural Washington town. While all his friends can’t stop talking about their heterosexual hookups and relationships, Jay can only dream of his own firsts, compiling a romance to-do list of all the things he hopes to one day experience—his Gay Agenda.
Then, against all odds, Jay’s family moves to Seattle and he starts his senior year at a new high school with a thriving LGBTQIA+ community. For the first time ever, Jay feels like he’s found where he truly belongs. But as Jay begins crossing items off his list, he’ll soon be torn between his heart and his hormones, his old friends and his new ones . . . because after all, life and love don’t always go according to plan.
The Lucky List by Rachael Lippincott
Emily and her mom were always lucky. Every month they’d take her lucky quarter, select lucky card 505, and dominate the heatedly competitive bingo night in their small, quirky town of Huckabee. But Emily’s mom’s luck ran out three years ago when she succumbed to cancer, and nothing has felt right for Emily since.
Now, the summer before her senior year, things are getting worse. Not only has Emily wrecked things with her boyfriend Matt, who her mom adored, but her dad is selling the house she grew up in and giving her mom’s belongings away. Soon, she’ll have no connections left to Mom but that lucky quarter. And with her best friend away for the summer and her other friends taking her ex’s side, the only person she has to talk to about it is her dad’s best friend’s daughter, Blake, a girl she barely knows.
But that’s when Emily finds the list—her mom’s senior year summer bucket list—buried in a box in the back of her closet. When Blake suggests that Emily take it on as a challenge, the two set off on a journey to tick each box and help Emily face her fears before everything changes As they go further down the list, Emily finally begins to feel closer to mom again, but her bond with Blake starts to deepen, too, into something she wasn’t expecting. Suddenly Emily must face another fear: accepting the secret part of herself she never got a chance to share with the person who knew her best.
The Nature of Witches by Rachel Griffin
For centuries, witches have maintained the climate, their power from the sun peaking in the season of their birth. But now their control is faltering as the atmosphere becomes more erratic. All hope lies with Clara, an Everwitch whose rare magic is tied to every season.
In Autumn, Clara wants nothing to do with her power. It’s wild and volatile, and the price of her magic―losing the ones she loves―is too high, despite the need to control the increasingly dangerous weather.
In Winter, the world is on the precipice of disaster. Fires burn, storms rage, and Clara accepts that she’s the only one who can make a difference.
In Spring, she falls for Sang, the witch training her. As her magic grows, so do her feelings, until she’s terrified Sang will be the next one she loses.
In Summer, Clara must choose between her power and her happiness, her duty and the people she loves…before she loses Sang, her magic, and thrusts the world into chaos.
Never Kiss Your Roommate by Philline Harms
Welcome to Seven Hills, the world’s most exclusive boarding school where only the best and brightest roam the hallowed halls. Being committed to your studies, service, and community doesn’t mean that you can’t break the rules now and again, right?
But watch your back because lurking on the anonymous Chitter Chatter Blog is The Watcher―who can’t wait to reveal all the latest hookups, hot lists, and secrets around campus. The latest objects of The Watcher’s affection? Straight-off-the-train (but not exactly straight) insta-besties Evelyn and Seth.
It doesn’t take long for Evelyn to realize she is inexplicably drawn to her gorgeous and standoffish roommate Noelle. Meanwhile Seth has eyes, and some serious heart palpitations, for budding thespian and school flirt Jasper. Just as things start to heat up, The Watcher strikes. Will the secrets revealed turn their happily ever afters into happily never afters?
A Night Twice As Long by Andrew Simonet
What do you call the difference between what you should feel and what you do feel? Life?
The blackout has been going on for three weeks. But Alex feels like she’s been living in the dark for a year, ever since her brother, who has autism, was removed from the house, something Alex blames herself for. So when her best friend, Anthony, asks her to trek to another town to figure out the truth about the blackout, Alex says yes.
On a journey that ultimately takes all day and night, Alex’s relationships with Anthony, her brother, and herself will transform in ways that change them all forever.
In this honest and gripping young adult novel, Andrew Simonet spins a propulsive tale about what it means to turn on the lights and look at what’s real.
One Great Lie by Deb Caletti
When Charlotte wins a scholarship to a writing workshop in Venice with the charismatic and brilliant Luca Bruni, it’s a dream come true. Writing is her passion, she loves Bruni’s books, and going to that romantic and magical sinking city gives her the chance to solve a long-time family mystery about a Venetian poet deep in their lineage, Isabella Di Angelo, who just might be the real author of a very famous poem.
Bruni’s villa on the eerie island of La Calamita is extravagant—lush beyond belief, and the other students are both inspiring and intimidating. Venice itself is beautiful, charming, and seductive, but so is Luca Bruni. As his behavior becomes increasingly unnerving, and as Charlotte begins to unearth the long-lost work of Isabella with the help of sweet, smart Italian Dante, other things begin to rise, too—secrets about the past, and secrets about the present.
As the events of the summer build to a shattering climax, Charlotte will be forced to confront some dark truths about the history of powerful men—and about the determination of creative girls—in this stunning new novel from award-winning author Deb Caletti.
The Passing Playbook by Isaac Fitzsimons
Fifteen-year-old Spencer Harris is a proud nerd, an awesome big brother, and a David Beckham in training. He’s also transgender. After transitioning at his old school leads to a year of isolation and bullying, Spencer gets a fresh start at Oakley, the most liberal private school in Ohio.
At Oakley, Spencer seems to have it all: more accepting classmates, a decent shot at a starting position on the boys’ soccer team, great new friends, and maybe even something more than friendship with one of his teammates. The problem is, no one at Oakley knows Spencer is trans—he’s passing.
But when a discriminatory law forces Spencer’s coach to bench him, Spencer has to make a choice: cheer his team on from the sidelines or publicly fight for his right to play, even though it would mean coming out to everyone—including the guy he’s falling for.
*Simone Breaks All The Rules by Debbie Rigaud
Simone Thibodeaux’s life is sealed in a boy-proof container.
Her strict Haitian immigrant parents enforce no-dating rules and curfews, and send Simone to an all-girls school. As for prom? Simone is allowed to go on one condition: her parents will select her date (a boy from a nice Haitian immigrant family, obviously).
Simone is desperate to avoid the humiliation of the set up — especially since she’s crushing on a boy she knows her parents wouldn’t approve of. With senior year coming to a close, Simone makes a decision. She and her fellow late-bloomer friends will create a Senior Year Bucket List of all the things they haven’t had a chance to do. On the list: kissing a boy, sneaking out of the house, skipping class (gasp!), and, oh yeah — choosing your own prom date.
But as the list takes on a life of its own, things get more complicated than Simone expected. She’ll have to discover which rules are worth breaking, and which will save her from heartbreak.
A Sisterhood of Secret Ambition by Sheena Boekweg
Behind every powerful man is a trained woman, and behind every trained woman is the Society. It started with tea parties and matchmaking, but is now a countrywide secret. Gossips pass messages in recipes, Spinsters train to fight, and women work together to grant safety to abused women and children. The Society is more than oaths―it is sisterhood and purpose.
In 1926, seventeen-year-old Elsie is dropped off in a new city with four other teenage girls. All of them have trained together since childhood to become the Wife of a powerful man. But when they learn that their next target is earmarked to become President, their mission becomes more than just an assignment; this is a chance at the most powerful position in the Society. A life more influential than they had ever before dared to dream possible. All they have to do is make one man fall in love with them first.
Speak For Yourself by Lana Wood Johnson
Skylar’s got ambitious #goals. And if she wants them to come true, she has to get to work now. (At least she thinks so…) Step one in her epic plan is showing everyone that her latest app is brilliant. To do that, she’s going to use it to win State at the Scholastic Exposition, the nerdiest academic competition around.
First, she’ll need a team, and Skylar’s not always so good with people. But she’ll do whatever it takes to put one together … even if it means playing Cupid for her teammates Joey and Zane, at Joey’s request. When things get off to an awkward start for them, Skylar finds herself stepping in to help Joey. Anything to keep her on the team. Only, Skylar seems to be making everything more complicated. Especially when she realizes she might be falling for Zane, which was not a #goal. Can Skylar figure out her feelings, prove her app’s potential to the world, and win State without losing her friends–or is her path to greatness over before it begins?
Strange Creatures by Phoebe North
From the moment that Annie was born, she and her older brother, Jamie, were inseparable. Alike in almost every way, they promised to always take care of each other while facing the challenges of growing up different in suburban America. And when life became too much for them, they created their own space in the woods behind their house: a fantasy world, called Gumlea, where no one else could find them.
And it was enough, for a while. But then came middle school, when Jamie grew dark and distant. He found new friends, a girlfriend, and a life away from Annie and Gumlea. Soon it was as if she hardly knew the brother who was her other half.
And then, one day, he disappears.
Annie, her family, and the entire community are devastated. And as the days turn into months turn into years, everyone begins to accept that Jamie is gone for good. Everyone, that is, except Annie, who believes that Jamie, somehow, has entered Gumlea, and who believes that she’s the only one who can bring him back.
But as Annie searches for answers and finds a new relationship with a girl she did not expect, she makes startling discoveries about her brother’s disappearance—and has to decide how much of herself she’s willing to give up in order to keep hope alive.
Trouble Girls by Julia Lynn Rubin
Love on the dark side of freedom
When Trixie picks up her best friend Lux for their weekend getaway, they’re looking to forget the despair of being trapped in their dead-end rustbelt town. The girls are packing light: a supply of Diet Coke and an ‘89 Canon to help Lux frame the world in a sunnier light; half a pack of cigarettes that Trixie doesn’t really smoke, and a knife she’s hanging on to for a friend that she’s never used before.
But a single night of violence derails their trip, and the girls go from ordinary high schoolers to wanted fugitives. Trying to stay ahead of the cops and a hellscape of media attention, Trixie and Lux grapple with an unforgiving landscape, rapidly diminishing supplies, and disastrous decisions at every turn. As they are transformed by the media into the face of a #MeToo movement they didn’t ask to lead, Trixie and Lux realize that they can only rely on each other, and that the love they find together is the one thing that truly makes them free.
The (Un)popular Vote by Jasper Sanchez
Optics can make or break an election. Everything Mark knows about politics, he learned from his father, the Congressman who still pretends he has a daughter and not a son.
Mark has promised to keep his past hidden and pretend to be the cis guy everyone assumes he is. But when he sees a manipulatively charming candidate for student body president inflame dangerous rhetoric, Mark risks his low profile to become a political challenger.
The problem? No one really knows Mark. He didn’t grow up in this town, and his few friends are all nerds. Still, thanks to Scandal and The West Wing, they know where to start: from campaign stops to voter polling to a fashion makeover.
Soon Mark feels emboldened to engage with voters—and even start a new romance. But with an investigative journalist digging into his past, a father trying to silence him, and the bully frontrunner standing in his way, Mark will have to decide which matters most: perception or truth, when both are just as dangerous.
We Are Inevitable by Gayle Forman
Aaron Stein used to think books were miracles. But not anymore. Even though he spends his days working in his family’s secondhand bookstore, the only book Aaron can bear to read is one about the demise of the dinosaurs. It’s a predicament he understands all too well, now that his brother and mom are gone and his friends have deserted him, leaving Aaron and his shambolic father alone in a moldering bookstore in a crusty mountain town where no one seems to read anymore. Talk about dinosaurs!
So when Aaron sees the opportunity to sell the store, he jumps at it, thinking this is the only way out. But he doesn’t account for Chad, a “best life” bro with a wheelchair and way too much optimism, or the town’s out-of-work lumberjacks taking on the failing shop as their pet project. And he certainly doesn’t anticipate meeting Hannah, a beautiful, brave musician who might possibly be the kind of inevitable he’s been waiting for.
All of them will force Aaron to come to terms with what he’s lost, what he’s found, who he is, and who he wants to be, and show him that destruction doesn’t inevitably lead to extinction; sometimes it leads to the creation of something entirely new.
We Can’t Keep Meeting Like This by Rachel Lynn Solomon
Quinn Berkowitz and Tarek Mansour’s families have been in business together for years: Quinn’s parents are wedding planners, and Tarek’s own a catering company. At the end of last summer, Quinn confessed her crush on him in the form of a rambling email—and then he left for college without a response.
Quinn has been dreading seeing him again almost as much as she dreads another summer playing the harp for her parents’ weddings. When he shows up at the first wedding of the summer, looking cuter than ever after a year apart, they clash immediately. Tarek’s always loved the grand gestures in weddings—the flashier, the better—while Quinn can’t see them as anything but fake. Even as they can’t seem to have one civil conversation, Quinn’s thrown together with Tarek wedding after wedding, from performing a daring cake rescue to filling in for a missing bridesmaid and groomsman.
Quinn can’t deny her feelings for him are still there, especially after she learns the truth about his silence, opens up about her own fears, and begins learning the art of harp-making from an enigmatic teacher.
Maybe love isn’t the enemy after all—and maybe allowing herself to fall is the most honest thing Quinn’s ever done.
The Witch King by H.E. Edgmon
Wyatt would give anything to forget where he came from—but a kingdom demands its king.
In Asalin, fae rule and witches like Wyatt Croft…don’t. Wyatt’s betrothal to his best friend, fae prince Emyr North, was supposed to change that. But when Wyatt lost control of his magic one devastating night, he fled to the human world.
Now a coldly distant Emyr has hunted him down. Despite transgender Wyatt’s newfound identity and troubling past, Emyr has no intention of dissolving their engagement. In fact, he claims they must marry now or risk losing the throne. Jaded, Wyatt strikes a deal with the enemy, hoping to escape Asalin forever. But as he gets to know Emyr, Wyatt realizes the boy he once loved may still exist. And as the witches face worsening conditions, he must decide once and for all what’s more important—his people or his freedom.
8 Daughter of Sparta by Claire Andrews
Sparta forged her into a deadly weapon. Now the Gods need her to save the world!
Seventeen-year-old Daphne has spent her entire life honing her body and mind into that of a warrior, hoping to be accepted by the unyielding people of ancient Sparta. But an unexpected encounter with the goddess Artemis—who holds Daphne’s brother’s fate in her hands—upends the life she’s worked so hard to build. Nine mysterious items have been stolen from Mount Olympus and if Daphne cannot find them, the gods’ waning powers will fade away, the mortal world will descend into chaos, and her brother’s life will be forfeit.
Guided by Artemis’s twin-the handsome and entirely-too-self-assured god Apollo-Daphne’s journey will take her from the labyrinth of the Minotaur to the riddle-spinning Sphinx of Thebes, team her up with mythological legends such as Theseus and Hippolyta of the Amazons, and pit her against the gods themselves.
A reinterpretation of the classic Greek myth of Daphne and Apollo, DAUGHTER OF SPARTA by debut author Claire Andrews turns the traditionally male-dominated mythology we know into a heart-pounding and empowering female-led adventure.
Donuts and Other Proclamations of Love by Jared Reck
It’s easy to look at high school senior Oscar Olsson and think: lost. He hates school, struggles to read, and wants nothing to do with college. But Oscar is anything but lost—he knows exactly what he wants and exactly how to get it. Oscar and Farfar, the Swedish grandfather who’s raised him, run a food truck together selling rullekebab and munkar, and Oscar wants to finish school so he can focus on the food truck full-time.
It’s easy to look at Mary Louise (Lou for short) Messinger and think: driven. AP everything, valedictorian in her sights, and Ivy league college aspirations.
When Lou hijacks Oscar’s carefully crafted schedule of independent studies and blocks of time in the Culinary Lab, Oscar is roped into helping Lou complete her over-ambitious, resume-building service project-reducing food waste in Central Adams High School. While Lou stands to gain her Girl Scout Gold Award, Oscar will be faced with a mountain of uneaten school apples and countless hours with a girl he can’t stand.
With the finish line in sight, a relationship he never expected, and festival season about to begin (for good), the unthinkable happens, and Oscar’s future is anything but certain.
Fire With Fire by Destiny Soria
Dani and Eden Rivera were both born to kill dragons, but the sisters couldn’t be more different. For Dani, dragon slaying takes a back seat to normal high school life, while Eden prioritizes training above everything else. Yet they both agree on one thing: it’s kill or be killed where dragons are concerned.
Until Dani comes face-to-face with one and forges a rare and magical bond with him. As she gets to know Nox, she realizes that everything she thought she knew about dragons is wrong. With Dani lost to the dragons, Eden turns to mysterious and alluring sorcerers to help save her sister. Now on opposite sides of the conflict, each sister will do whatever it takes to save the other. But the two are playing with magic that is more dangerous than they know, and there is another, more powerful enemy waiting for them both in the shadows.
Girls At The Edge of the World by Laura Brooke Robson
In a world bound for an epic flood, only a chosen few are guaranteed safe passage into the new world once the waters recede. The Kostrovian royal court will be saved, of course, along with their guards. But the fate of the court’s Royal Flyers, a lauded fleet of aerial silk performers, is less certain. Hell-bent on survival, Principal Flyer, Natasha Koskinen, will do anything to save the flyers, who are the only family she’s ever known. Even if “anything” means molding herself into the type of girl who could be courted by Prince Nikolai. But unbeknownst to Natasha, her newest recruit, Ella Neves, is driven less by her desire to survive the floods than her thirst for revenge. And Ella’s mission could put everything Natasha has worked for in peril.
As the oceans rise, so too does an undeniable spark between the two flyers. With the end of the world looming, and dark secrets about the Kostrovian court coming to light, Ella and Natasha can either give in to despair . . . or find a new reason to live.
Heartbreakers and Fakers by Cameron Lund
Penny Harris just ruined her life.
As one of the most popular girls in school, she’s used to being invited to every party, is dating the Jordan Parker, and can’t wait to rule senior year with her best friend, Olivia. But when Penny wakes up on Jordan’s lawn the morning after his first-day-of-summer bash, she knows something went terribly wrong the night before.
She kissed Kai Tanaka.
Kai, her long-time nemesis. Kai, Olivia’s boyfriend. Penny can’t figure out what could have inspired her to do it–she loves Jordan and she would never hurt Olivia–but one thing’s for sure: freshly dumped, and out a best friend, the idyllic summer she pictured is over.
And despite the fact that Jordan seems to be seeking comfort (and a whole lot more) in Olivia, all Penny can think about is winning him back. Kai wants to save his relationship too, so they come up with a plan: convince their friends that they really do have feelings for each other. After all, no one can resist a good love story, and maybe seeing Penny and Kai together will make Jordan and Olivia change their minds.
But as summer heats up, so does Penny and Kai’s “relationship,” and Penny starts to question whether she’s truly faking it with Kai, if he’s really as terrible as she always thought he was, and if the life she’s fighting so hard to get back is the one she really wants.
Love and Other Natural Disasters by Misa Sugiura
When Nozomi Nagai pictured the ideal summer romance, a fake one wasn’t what she had in mind.
That was before she met the perfect girl. Willow is gorgeous, glamorous, and…heartbroken? And when she enlists Nozomi to pose as her new girlfriend to make her ex jealous, Nozomi is a willing volunteer.
Because Nozomi has a master plan of her own: one to show Willow she’s better than a stand-in, and turn their fauxmance into something real. But as the lies pile up, it’s not long before Nozomi’s schemes take a turn toward disaster…and maybe a chance at love she didn’t plan for.
The Marvelous by Claire Kann
Everyone thinks they know Jewel Van Hanen. Heiress turned actress turned social media darling who created the massively popular video-sharing app, Golden Rule.
After mysteriously disappearing for a year, Jewel makes her dramatic return with an announcement: she has chosen a few lucky Golden Rule users to spend an unforgettable weekend at her private estate. But once they arrive, Jewel ingeniously flips the script: the guests are now players in an elaborate estate-wide game. And she’s tailored every challenge and obstacle to test whether they have what it takes to win–at any cost.
Told from the perspective of three dazzling players–Nicole: the new queen of Golden Rule; Luna: Jewel’s biggest fan; and Stella: a brilliant outsider–this novel will charm its way into your heart and keep you guessing how it all ends because money isn’t the only thing at stake.
*Of Princes and Promises by Sandhya Menon
Caterina LaValle is determined to show she’s still the queen of St. Rosetta’s Academy. Sure, her crown may be slightly askew after her ex-boyfriend, Alaric, cheated on her, but she’s a LaValle. She’ll find a way to march right back in there, her hands clutching the strings to the whole puppet show. This time, she’s going to be untouchable.
Rahul Chopra knows that moment he shared with Caterina LaValle at the winter formal meant something. Surely she feels it, too. He’s a little uncertain how someone like him (socially inept to a point way past “adorkable”) could fit into her world, but he’s loved Caterina for years. He knows they’ll find a way.
When Caterina finds out Alaric is taking a supermodel to the upcoming gala, she knows she cannot arrive without the perfect date. But the thought of taking another superficial St. R’s boy exhausts her. The solution? Sweet-but-clueless Rahul Chopra and a mysterious pot of hair gel with the power to alter the wearer into whatever his heart desires.
When Rahul tries it, he transforms instantly into RC—debonair, handsome, and charming. But transformation comes with a price: As Rahul enjoys his new social standing, the line between his two personas begins to blur. Will he give up everything, including Caterina, to remain RC? Or will this unlikely pair find their way back to each other?
The Sea Is Salt and So Am I by Cassandra Hartt
West Finch is one hurricane away from falling into the sea.
Yet sixteen-year-old Harlow Prout is determined to save her small Maine hometown. If only she could stop getting in her own way and find someone, anyone, willing to help. But her best friend Ellis MacQueen “fixes” problems by running away from them―including his broken relationship with his twin brother, Tommy. And Tommy’s depression has hit a new low, so he’s not up for fixing anything.
In the wake of the town’s latest devastating storm, Tommy goes out for a swim that he doesn’t intend to survive. It’s his unexpected return that sets into motion a sea change between these three teens. One that tests old loyalties, sparks new romance, and uncovers painful secrets. And nothing stays secret in West Finch for long.
Exquisitely honest and shimmering with emotion, The Sea is Salt and So Am I is a captivating multi-POV story that probes the depths of what it means to love and trust―both ourselves and others.
*Seasons of Chaos by Elle Cosimano
As immortal Seasons, Jack and Fleur wielded powerful magic in their roles as a Winter and a Spring. Yet there wasn’t magic strong enough to keep them apart, and they risked everything for their love, for the freedom to live their lives as they choose—together.
That choice came at a cost, and Jack had to sacrifice his Winter magic—and his immortality. Although he’d do anything for Fleur, he can’t deny the emptiness he’s felt since.
And the world they thought they left behind is still dealing with the fallout of the battle. With Professor Lyon as the new Chronos, Seasons are free to do as they please. But not everyone is happy with the change in leadership. When an old enemy seeks revenge, immense magic runs wild and unchecked, creating chaos everywhere.
Thrust into the middle of a new war, Jack and Fleur are again forced to choose between their freedom and saving the world from the storm.
Skate for Your Life by Leo Baker and Ashley Lukashevsky
In this moving, personal story, professional skateboarder Leo Baker shares their journey within the sport and the importance of authenticity and allyship as a non-binary athlete.
Violet Ghosts by Leah Thomas
Dani’s best friend, Sarah, is a ghost. But maybe that’s normal when you’ve spent your childhood running from an abusive parent.
Dani and Sarah might be more than friends, though Dani dares not say so. Dani is afraid that if he tells Sarah he’s trans, she won’t bother haunting him anymore. Sarah’s got good reason to distrust boys, having been strangled by one.
After Sarah and Dani come across another ghost haunted by her own brutal murder, they set out to bring peace and safety to spirits like her. But when an old rival reenters Dani’s life, their unexpected friendship gives Dani a strange new feeling of belonging. As Dani starts to find his place in the living world, he’ll need to let go of his ghosts.
Equal parts chilling, raw, and emotionally resonant, acclaimed author Leah Thomas’s ghost story for the #MeToo era is about reclaiming trauma and finding peace among true friends.
When You and I Collide by Kate Norris
Sixteen-year-old Winnie Schulde has always seen splits–the moment when two possible outcomes diverge, one in her universe and one in another. Multiverse theory, Winnie knows, is all too real, though she has never been anything but an observer of its implications–a secret she keeps hidden from just about everyone, as she knows the uses to which it might be put in the midst of a raging WWII. But her physicist father, wrapped up in his research and made cruel by his grief after the loss of Winnie’s mother, believes that if he pushes her hard enough, she can choose one split over another and maybe, just maybe, change their future and their past.
Winnie is certain that her father’s theories are just that, so she plays along in an effort to placate him. Until one day, when her father’s experiment goes wrong and Scott, the kind and handsome lab assistant Winnie loves from afar, is seriously injured. Without meaning to, Winnie chooses the split where Scott is unharmed. And in doing so, finds herself pulled into another universe, an alternate reality. One that already has a Winnie.
In this darkly thrilling novel that blends science and war with love and loss, some actions just can’t be undone.
15 Blood Like Magic by Liselle Sambury
After years of waiting for her Calling—a trial every witch must pass in order to come into their powers—the one thing Voya Thomas didn’t expect was to fail. When Voya’s ancestor gives her an unprecedented second chance to complete her Calling, she agrees—and then is horrified when her task is to kill her first love. And this time, failure means every Thomas witch will be stripped of their magic.
Voya is determined to save her family’s magic no matter the cost. The problem is, Voya has never been in love, so for her to succeed, she’ll first have to find the perfect guy—and fast. Fortunately, a genetic matchmaking program has just hit the market. Her plan is to join the program, fall in love, and complete her task before the deadline. What she doesn’t count on is being paired with the infuriating Luc—how can she fall in love with a guy who seemingly wants nothing to do with her?
With mounting pressure from her family, Voya is caught between her morality and her duty to her bloodline. If she wants to save their heritage and Luc, she’ll have to find something her ancestor wants more than blood. And in witchcraft, blood is everything.
*Broken Web by Lori M. Lee
The Soulless is free from his centuries-long imprisonment. Now, he lurks in the Dead Wood recovering his strength, while Sirscha and her allies journey east to the shaman empire of Nuvalyn. Everyone believes she is a soulguide―a savior―but Sirscha knows the truth. She’s a monster, a soulrender like the Soulless, and if anyone discovers the truth, she’ll be executed.
But there’s nothing Sirscha won’t risk to stop the shaman responsible for the rot that’s killing her best friend. While the Soulless is formidable, like all shamans, his magic must be channeled through a familiar. If Sirscha can discover what―or who―that is, she might be able to cut him off from his power.
With Queen Meilyr bent on destroying the magical kingdoms, Sirscha finds herself caught between a war brewing in the east and the Soulless waiting in the west. She should be trying to unite what peoples she can to face their common enemies, but instead, her hunt for clues about the Soulless leads to a grim discovery, forcing Sirscha to question who her enemies really are.
The Cruelest Mercy by Natalie Mae
After surviving the Crossing, Zahru has sworn off adventures. While crown prince Jet navigates the looming threat of war, she’s content to simply figure out what the future holds for them. But they’re dealt a devastating blow when prince Kasta returns with a shocking claim: he’s the true winner of the Crossing and the rightful heir, and he bears the gods’ mark as proof. Even more surprising–he’s not the only one.
Somehow, Zahru possesses the very same mark, giving her equal right to the throne. The last thing she wants is to rule beside her would-be executioner, but she can’t let Orkena fall into his merciless hands. So Zahru, Jet, and their allies must race against the clock to find a way to stop Kasta, because once he’s crowned, there’s no telling what horrors he’ll unleash to win the war.
Zahru will do whatever it takes to keep Kasta from taking the throne…but to stop a villain, is she willing to become one herself?
Indestructible Object by Mary McCoy
For the past two years, Lee has been laser-focused on two things: her job as a sound tech at a local coffee shop and her podcast “Artists in Love,” which she cohosts with her boyfriend Vincent.
Until he breaks up with her on the air right after graduation.
When their unexpected split, the loss of her job, and her parent’s announcement that they’re separating coincide, Lee’s plans, her art, and her life are thrown into turmoil. Searching for a new purpose, Lee recruits her old friend Max and new friend Risa to produce a podcast called “Objects of Destruction,” where they investigate whether love actually exists at all.
But the deeper they get into the love stories around them, the more Lee realizes that she’s the one who’s been holding love at arm’s length. And when she starts to fall for Risa, she finds she’ll have to be more honest with herself and the people in her life to create a new love story of her own.
Funny, romantic, and heartfelt, this is a story about secrets, lies, friendship, found family, an expired passport, a hidden VHS tape, fried pickles, the weird and wild city of Memphis, and, most of all, love.
Sisters of the Snake by Sasha Nanua
A lost princess. A mysterious puppet master. And a race against time—before all is lost.
Princess Rani longs for a chance to escape her gilded cage and prove herself. Ria is a street urchin, stealing just to keep herself alive.
When these two lives collide, everything turns on its head: because Ria and Rani, orphan and royal, are unmistakably identical.
A deal is struck to switch places—but danger lurks in both worlds, and to save their home, thief and princess must work together. Or watch it all fall into ruin.
Smoke by Darcy Woods
Sixteen-year-old Honor Augustine never set out to become a felon. As an academic all-star, avid recycler, and dedicated daughter to her PTSD-afflicted father, she’s always been the literal embodiment of her name. Coloring inside the lines is what keeps Honor’s chaotic existence orderly.
But when she discovers her father’s VA benefits drying up, coupled with a terrifying bank letter threatening the family’s greenhouse business–Honor vows to find a solution. She just doesn’t expect to spot it on the dry erase board of English lit–“Nature’s first green is gold.”
The quote by Frost becomes the seed of an idea. An idea that–with patience and care–could germinate into a means of survival. Maybe marijuana could be more than the medicinal plant that helps quiet her father’s demons. Maybe, it could save them all.
The Summer of Lost Letters by Hannah Reynolds
Seventeen-year-old Abby Schoenberg isn’t exactly looking forward to the summer before her senior year. She’s just broken up with her first boyfriend and her friends are all off in different, exciting directions for the next three months. Abby needs a plan–an adventure of her own. Enter: the letters.
They show up one rainy day along with the rest of Abby’s recently deceased grandmother’s possessions. And these aren’t any old letters; they’re love letters. Love letters from a mystery man named Edward. Love letters from a mansion on Nantucket. Abby doesn’t know much about her grandmother’s past. She knows she was born in Germany and moved to the US when she was five, fleeing the Holocaust. But the details are either hazy or nonexistent; and these letters depict a life that is a bit different than the quiet one Abby knows about.
And so, Abby heads to Nantucket for the summer to learn more about her grandmother and the secrets she kept. But when she meets Edward’s handsome grandson, who wants to stop her from investigating, things get complicated. As Abby and Noah grow closer, the mysteries in their families deepen, and they discover that they both have to accept the burdens of their pasts if they want the kinds of futures they’ve always imagined.
Tell Me When You Feel Something by Vicki Grant
It seemed like a cool part-time program — being a “simulated” patient for med school students to practice on. But now vivacious, charismatic Viv lies in a very real coma. Cellphone footage just leads to more questions. What really happened? Other kids suspect it was not an intentional overdose — but each has a reason why they can’t tell the truth.
Through intertwining and conflicting narratives, a twisted story unfolds of trust betrayed as we sift through the seemingly innocent events leading up to the tragic night. Perhaps simulated patients aren’t the only people pretending to be something they’re not . . .
You’re So Dead by Ash Parsons
Plum Winter has always come in second to her sister, the unbelievably cool, famous influencer Peach Winter. And when Peach is invited to an all-expenses-paid trip to a luxurious art-and-music festival for influencers on a private island in the Caribbean, Plum decides it’s finally her time to shine. So she intercepts the invite–and asks her two best friends, Sofia and Marlowe, to come along to the fest with her. It’ll be a spring break they’ll never forget.
But when Plum and her friends get to the island, it’s not anything like it seemed in the invite. The island is run-down, creepy, and there doesn’t even seem to be a festival–it’s just seven other quasi-celebrities and influencers, and none of the glitz and glamour she expected. Then people start to die…
Plum and her friends soon realize that someone has lured each of them to the “festival” to kill them. Someone has a vendetta against every person on the island–and no one is supposed to leave alive. So, together, Plum, Sofia, and Marlowe will do whatever it takes to unravel the mystery of the killer, and fight to save themselves and as many influencers as they can, before it’s too late.
22 Along For The Ride by Rachel Meinke
The worst summer of her life has one seriously hot perk . . .
These days, everything in Katelyn Jackson’s life revolves around her pop star brother. His schedule, his tour, his fans―it’s like Connor Jackson’s become the centre of the universe. And this summer, it’s going to get a lot worse. The entire family is going on tour, and Katelyn’s now officially part of her brother’s “entourage.” Un-freaking-believable. Good-bye soccer dreams, good-bye friends, good-bye any kind of life.
But Katelyn’s not the only one going on tour with her brother. Her favourite band ever―Skyline―is on tour as well. Which includes lead singer Zach Matthews, whose deep, caramel eyes seem to make Katelyn’s heart pound about a zillion beats a minute. Don’t mind me, I’m just fangirling here. Only somewhere between the endless bus rides and cruddy room service food, there’s some serious chemistry fizzing between Katelyn and Zach. And it feels a little too amazing to be real…
When Connor Jackson’s reputation and career are threatened―and all of her soccer dreams are on the line―Katelyn’s world suddenly feels like it’s on the verge of collapse. And Katelyn must decide whether she’s just Connor Jackson’s kid sister, tagging along for the ride… or if she’s finally ready to step into a spotlight of her own.
Between You, Me, and the Honeybees by Amelia Diane Coombs
Josie Hazeldine has just graduated from high school, and she’s ready for a summer full of sunshine, beekeeping, and…lying to her mom.
Josie’s mom couldn’t be more proud of her daughter going to college, something she never got to do. But Josie wants to stay in her California hometown and take over the family business, Hazeldine Honey. So that college acceptance her mom is thrilled about? Yeah, Josie turned it down. But she’s going to come clean—just not yet.
The neighbor’s artsy, adorable grandson who’s in town for the summer makes Josie’s web of lies even more tangled. He’s into Josie and the feeling is very mutual, but he’s a Blumstein—the sworn enemy of the Hazeldines and their number one competition in the annual Honey Show at the end of July. As their secret fling goes on, Josie knows she’s getting in way too deep to leave him behind when summer’s over.
Can Josie keep the boy she can’t stop thinking about without the secrets she’s juggling crashing down around her?
Blackout by Dhonielle Clayton, Angie Thomas, Nic Stone, Ashley Woodfolk, Tiffany D. Jackson, and Nicola Yoon
A summer heatwave blankets New York City in darkness. But as the city is thrown into confusion, a different kind of electricity sparks…
A first meeting.
Long-time friends.
Bitter exes.
And maybe the beginning of something new.
When the lights go out, people reveal hidden truths. Love blossoms, friendship transforms, and new possibilities take flight.
Beloved authors—Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola Yoon—celebrate the beauty of six couples and the unforgettable magic that can be found on a sweltering starry night in the city.
Darling by K. Ancrum
On Wendy Darling’s first night in Chicago, a boy called Peter appears at her window. He’s dizzying, captivating, beautiful―so she agrees to join him for a night on the town.
Wendy thinks they’re heading to a party, but instead they’re soon running in the city’s underground. She makes friends―a punk girl named Tinkerbelle and the lost boys Peter watches over. And she makes enemies―the terrifying Detective Hook, and maybe Peter himself, as his sinister secrets start coming to light. Can Wendy find the courage to survive this night―and make sure everyone else does, too?
Acclaimed author K. Ancrum has re-envisioned Peter Pan with a central twist that will send all your previous memories of J. M. Barrie’s classic permanently off to Neverland.
Fierce As The Wind by Tara Wilson Redd
When Miho’s boyfriend breaks up with her without warning, all she can see is red–the color of blinding fury and pain, and the color of the fire she sets in an oil drum on the beach, burning every scrap of their memories.
It’s spring of senior year in Oahu, and while her friends are getting ready for college, Miho’s deep in her misery, delivering pizzas on her bike. But then inspiration strikes: she’ll do a triathlon. An Ironman competition official race costs too much, so Miho’s friends create one for her. The training is brutal for a girl who has never even run a mile–though she can bike and swim. With the constant support of her friends and her dad, Miho digs deep to find just how fierce her determination is and how many obstacles she can overcome in this race, and maybe even in her life.
Acclaimed author Tara Wilson Redd explores the intersections of race and class, and heartbreak and hope, with authentic honesty.
A Season of Sinister Dreams by Tracy Banghart
Annalise may be cousin to the prince, but her past isn’t what she claims, and she possesses a magic so powerful it takes all her strength to control it. Evra is a country girl, and has watched as each friend and family member came into their own magic, while hers remains dormant. But everything changes after Annalise loses control of herself and Evra begins experiencing the debilitating visions of a once-in-a-generation clairvoyant meant to serve the crown.
Thrown together at court, Evra and Annalise find that they have the same goal: to protect their kingdom from the powerful men who are slowly destroying it. But neither is quick to trust the other — Evra’s visions suggest a threat to royal rule, and Annalise worries that her darkest secrets will be revealed. Their magic at odds, the young women circle each other, until the truth must come out.
Full of intrigue, romance, and shocking twists, this gorgeously immersive fantasy will keep readers spellbound until the very last page.
Kind of Sort of Fine by Spencer Hall
Senior year of high school is full of changes.
For Hayley Mills, these changes aren’t exactly welcome. All she wants is for everyone to forget about her very public breakdown and remember her as the overachiever she once was—and who she’s determined to be again. But it’s difficult to be seen as a go-getter when she’s forced into TV Production class with all the slackers like Lewis Holbrook.
For Lewis, though, this is going to be his year. After a summer spent binging 80s movies, he’s ready to upgrade from the role of self-described fat, funny sidekick to leading man of his own life—including getting the girl. The only thing standing in his way is, well, himself.
When the two are partnered up in class, neither is particularly thrilled. But then they start making mini documentaries about their classmates’ hidden talents, and suddenly Hayley is getting attention for something other than her breakdown, and Lewis isn’t just a background character anymore. It seems like they’re both finally getting what they want—except what happens when who you’ve become isn’t who you really are?
My Contrary Mary by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows
Welcome to Renaissance France, a place of poison and plots, of beauties and beasts, of mice and . . . queens?
Mary is the queen of Scotland and the jewel of the French court. Except when she’s a mouse. Yes, reader, Mary is an Eðian (shapeshifter) in a kingdom where Verities rule. It’s a secret that could cost her a head—or a tail.
Luckily, Mary has a confidant in her betrothed, Francis. But things at the gilded court take a treacherous turn after the king meets a suspicious end. Thrust onto the throne, Mary and Francis face a viper’s nest of conspiracies, traps, and treason. And if Mary’s secret is revealed, heads are bound to roll.
*Rising Like a Storm by Tanaz Bhathena
With King Lohar dead and a usurper queen in power, Gul and Cavas face a new tyrannical government that is bent on killing them both. Their roles in King Lohar’s death have not gone unnoticed, and the new queen is out for blood. What she doesn’t know is that Gul and Cavas have a connection that runs deeper than romance, and together, they just might have the strength and magic to end her for good.
Then a grave mistake ends with Cavas taken prisoner by the government. Gul must train an army of warriors alone. With alliances shifting and the thirst for vengeance growing, the fate of Ambar seems ever more uncertain. It will take every ounce of strength, love, and sacrifice for Gul and Cavas to reach their final goal—and build a more just world than they’ve ever known.
That Weekend by Kara Thomas
THREE BEST FRIENDS, A LAKE HOUSE, A SECRET TRIP — WHAT COULD GO WRONG?
It was supposed to be the perfect prom weekend getaway. But it’s clear something terrible happened when Claire wakes up alone and bloodied on a hiking trail with no memory of the past forty-eight hours.
Now everyone wants answers–most of all, Claire. She remembers Friday night, but after that . . . nothing. And now Kat and Jesse–her best friends–are missing.
What happened on the mountain? And where are Kat and Jesse? Claire knows the answers are buried somewhere in her memory. But as she’s learning, everyone has secrets–even her best friends. And she’s pretty sure she’s not going to like what she remembers.
*Witchshadow by Susan Dennard
War has come to the Witchlands . . . and nothing will be the same again.
Iseult has found her heartsister Safi at last, but their reunion is brief. For Iseult to stay alive, she must flee Cartorra while Safi remains. And though Iseult has plans to save her friend, they will require her to summon magic more dangerous than anything she has ever faced before.
Meanwhile, the Bloodwitch Aeduan is beset by forces he cannot understand. And Vivia–rightful queen of Nubrevna–finds herself without a crown or home.
As villains from legend reawaken across the Witchlands, only the mythical Cahr Awen can stop the gathering war. Iseult could embrace this power and heal the land, but first she must choose on which side of the shadows her destiny will lie.
29 *Chariot at Dusk by Swati Teerdhala
A queen at last. An empty palace. A kingdom to save.
Esha is reeling from Kunal’s betrayal, but she has a kingdom to rule from behind a thin smokescreen—pretending to be Princess Reha while she sends her most trusted soldiers to collect Reha and Kunal by any means necessary. Traitors, after all, must be punished.
But the Yavar are attacking from every front—tracking down Kunal and Reha in the remote mountains, kidnapping Harun—in search of legendary artifacts that will give them the power to break the precarious janma bond and release the destructive magic back into the lands.
Now that the race is on to find the missing artifacts, Esha must put aside her rage and work with Kunal again—but can she find the strength to forgive him, or will the Viper have her revenge at any cost?
Eat Your Heart Out by Kelly deVos
In the next few hours, one of three things will happen.
1–We’ll be rescued (unlikely)
2–We’ll freeze to death (maybe)
3–We’ll be eaten by thin and athletic zombies (odds: excellent)
Vivian Ellenshaw is fat, but she knows she doesn’t need to lose weight, so she’s none too happy to find herself forced into a weight-loss camp’s van with her ex-best friend, Allie, a meathead jock who can barely drive, and the camp owner’s snobby son. And when they arrive at Camp Featherlite at the start of the worst blizzard in the history of Flagstaff, Arizona, it’s clear that something isn’t right.
Vee barely has a chance to meet the other members of her pod, all who seem as unhappy to be at Featherlite as she does, when a camper goes missing down by the lake. Then she spots something horrifying outside in the snow. Something…that isn’t human. Plus, the camp’s supposed “miracle cure” for obesity just seems fishy, and Vee and her fellow campers know they don’t need to be cured. Of anything.
Even worse, it’s not long before Camp Featherlite’s luxurious bungalows are totally overrun with zombies. What starts out as a mission to unravel the camp’s secrets turns into a desperate fight for survival–and not all of the Featherlite campers will make it out alive.
Gearbreakers by Zoe Hana Mikuta
We went past praying to deities and started to build them instead...
The shadow of Godolia’s tyrannical rule is spreading, aided by their giant mechanized weapons known as Windups. War and oppression are everyday constants for the people of the Badlands, who live under the thumb of their cruel Godolia overlords.
Eris Shindanai is a Gearbreaker, a brash young rebel who specializes in taking down Windups from the inside. When one of her missions goes awry and she finds herself in a Godolia prison, Eris meets Sona Steelcrest, a cybernetically enhanced Windup pilot. At first Eris sees Sona as her mortal enemy, but Sona has a secret: She has intentionally infiltrated the Windup program to destroy Godolia from within.
As the clock ticks down to their deadliest mission yet, a direct attack to end Godolia’s reign once and for all, Eris and Sona grow closer―as comrades, friends, and perhaps something more…
The Girl Least Likely by Katy Loutzenhiser
Gretchen has always been more of a “least likely” than a “most likely” kind of girl. So how does she somehow find herself living out every trope from her favorite rom-coms…?
The Best Friend Crush: Why is it suddenly so hard to act normal around her childhood BFF, Samuel? Must be time for a—
Makeover(!): Black leather pants and some red lipstick are apparently enough to lend Gretchen the bravado to do an impromptu set at a comedy club, and catch the eye of—
The Roguish Bad Boy: Jeremy, the alluring young comic who thinks her name is Sabrina. It might just be—
The Perfect Cover: A funny-girl alter-ego that frees Gretchen to explore who she really is—and what she really wants. But as rom-coms have taught her, leading a double life can only last so long.
Room Service by Maren Stoffels
A fancy hotel + no parents = party time for four friends celebrating a birthday weekend. But when an uninvited party guest seeking revenge turns up, the fun quickly turns into a nightmare.
Underlined is a line of totally addictive romance, thriller, and horror paperback original titles coming to you fast and furious each month. Enjoy everything you want to read the way you want to read it.
Under a Dancing Star by Laura Wood
Bea is an outspoken English girl determined to break with family tradition and pave her own path. After embarrassing her parents at a dinner party designed to find her a husband, Bea is invited to spend an eye-opening summer in Italy with her uncle’s artistic bohemian friends. There, she meets Ben, a brilliant artist — and a brilliant flirt. When sparks fly between them, a challenge is set: can they create the perfect summer romance? There’s just one rule: they absolutely, positively cannot fall in love.
!doctype> #YoungAdultLiterature
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https://juliegartha.com/blogs/news/the-best-home-fragrance-products-to-keep-every-room-smelling-like-roses-or-mahogany-or-lemongrass-or-pears2021-05-14T12:34:11-04:002021-05-14T12:34:12-04:00The Best Home Fragrance Products to Keep Every Room Smelling like Roses (Or Mahogany, or Lemongrass, or Pears)admin
There’s nothing better than walking through a door into a wonderful smelling room. It makes everything feel fresh. It probably even puts you in a better mood. But with humans and pets and food and garbage all around the house, it’s not always easy to keep your space smelling like daisies. Especially since our homes may now function as offices, restaurants, gyms, and all-around primary hang spots, it’s likely that the not-so-great smells are building up.
Sure, candles are lovely if you’re looking to release some sweet scents, but they just mask the other smells and you’d burn through them far too quickly if they were lit all the time. Drug store air fresheners also tend to mix with other odors rather than eliminate them. If you’ve faced these dilemmas, it’s probably time to branch out into other home fragrance products that are more effective and longer-lasting.
No matter what room you want to freshen or what sort of scent you’re looking for, there is surely something on this list that will get you to your desired fragrance. From reed and electric diffusers to air purifiers with essential oils to some highly functional room sprays, we’ve got you covered with all sorts of home fragrance options.
1. Pura Smart Home Fragrance Device
BEST OVERALL
Home fragrance products have gotten a lot more high-tech. This smart home fragrance diffuser can be controlled from the convenience of your smartphone, where you can customize your scent experience with premium fragrances that fill up to 1000 square feet. You just plug it into an outlet and use the app to set a scent schedule or put it on away mode, adjust the scent intensity, swap between two different fragrances or turn on an LED ambient nightlight. It’s also affordable, kid and pet-friendly, and they’ve partnered with brands like Nest and Apotheke for tons of designer scent options.
Buy: Pura Smart Home Fragrance Device $44.00 2. Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia Diffuser
BEST SPLURGE
Jo Malone is an iconic name in scents. Their perfumes, candles, and bath and body products are all so perfectly, deliciously scented, so why wouldn’t you want those same smells to fill a room? This option is definitely a splurge as far as reed diffusers go, but the light yet intoxicating designer fragrance of pear and white freesia will make you forget how much you spent.
Buy: Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia Diffuser $98.00 3. PARTU HEPA Air Purifier
BEST MULTIPURPOSE
This is a great option if you’re looking for an air purifier that also emanates lovely scents. The three-stage filtration system is powerful enough to capture dust, pollen, smoke, odor and pet dander as the first step in making your home smell better. It also includes a fragrance sponge where you can add a drop of your chosen essential oil and the fragrance will start to flow with the air movement. You can place this compact little system with thousands of 5-star reviews in any room to inhale fresher, better-smelling air.
Buy: PARTU HEPA Air Purifier $49.99 4. URPOWER Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser
BEST FOR ESSENTIAL OILS
You’d never guess that this little machine had crazy fast ultrasonic diffusing technology that breaks water and essential oils into extremely fine micro-particles without using heat, which is apparently better to maintain the integrity of the essential oils’ molecular structure. This also means it functions as a humidifier with the capacity for continued use for up to eight hours. Just choose an essential oil for a mood boost or stress relief, and this handy diffuser will remove other odors while filling your space with your preferred scent.
Buy: URPOWER Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser $27.99 5. Happy Wax Outlet Wax Melt Warmer
BEST CANDLE ALTERNATIVE
If you like candles and want a similar but more sustainable home fragrance product, this flameless plug-in wax melter may be the way to go. It comes in several color and design options to match any room, creates a nice warm glow and lets you enjoy all-natural fragrances throughout your home. Just power on, add your desired scented wax and let the melting begin. Reviewers also love this particular wax melt because of the dishwasher safe removable silicone melting dish that allows quick and clean removal of used wax.
Buy: Happy Wax Outlet Wax Melt Warmer $19.95 6. Aesop Aromatique Room Spray Trio
BEST ROOM SPRAY
Drugstore air fresheners may have deterred you from trying room sprays as your go-to home fragrance product, but if there are any that will convert you, it’s these options from Aesop. Though each of the three in this bundle is made up of a very unique and refreshing combination of scents, they’re all intended to calm your mind and lift your mood. Spray two to three pumps in any given space and the aroma will last for several hours. Plus, you can always add an extra spritz as needed.
LOW IN STOCK Buy: Aesop Aromatique Room Spray Trio $110.00 7. Lemongrass Succulent Diffuser
BEST LOOKING
This petite ceramic oil diffuser is disguised as a succulent on a wooden base. You’d never know from looking at it that it was actually adding a delicious scent to your space. Since it’s so aesthetically appealing, it’s the perfect option to keep out in the open on your bedside table or desk. It also comes with a bottle of lemongrass essential oil for a serene and tranquil fragrance experience, but you can use the scented oil of your choosing when that one runs out.
Buy: Lemongrass Succulent Diffuser $29.95 8. Diptyque Fig Tree Scented Oval
BEST FOR SMALLER SPACES
Diptyque is another trusted name in home fragrance products, and this lovely fig-scented oval lives up to the hype. It’s perfect to hang in your dresser, closet, or on a door handle for a burst of freshness every time you’re reaching for clothes or entering the bathroom. It’s just a scented wax oval framed by a white ceramic ring on a rope, yet somehow it slowly emits your chosen scent quite effectively. It also looks clean and classes whereve it’s hung.
Buy: Diptyque Fig Tree Scented Oval $55.00 The Best Air Purifiers of 2021 #Diffusers #HomeAccessories #Fragrance #HomeHacks #Hacks
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https://juliegartha.com/blogs/news/i-remember-sharing-a-dorm-room-with-a-friend-in-college-and-simply-being-astounded-that-every-day-first-thing-she-made-her-bed2021-05-14T09:06:02-04:002021-05-14T09:06:03-04:00I remember sharing a dorm room with a friend in college and simply being astounded that every day, first thing, she made her bedadmin
It was no mean feat, either, as she was on the top bunk. Every day. It was and is simply pulling teeth for me to make my bed. But I suspect it would have been just as difficult for my friend to not make her bed as it was for me to make my bed.
In both cases, it would seem to us that something was not right.
In my case, because a jumble of blankets was normal, and a made bed was unfamiliarly neat-looking. For my friend, it was the opposite. An unmade bed was just not right; things were off.
What made this difference in us? Years and years of unbroken habit: hers built by making her bed every day and mine in not.
Kids’ habits at home start with mom’s habits
NB: These stories, examples, and musings were originally written in 2012 when my oldest was not yet 9.
I desperately want my children to have the second nature to put a book back on the shelf when they’re done, to put their coat in the coat closet (I even just have a bin to toss them in!), to pick up their pencils when they fall on the floor, etc.
I want them to be established in good habits, because in things like that, it is all about what you are accustomed to do.
I want my children to have years of unbroken habit in keeping things the way they should be kept rather than in making and leaving messes. I want it to take no conscious thought or effort to put something away rather than just put it down wherever, just to do it that way because that’s what was natural to them.
But, there is no way they are going to have those sorts of habits built unless I have them as well, and unless I build them myself first.
After all, I won’t think to remind them to put things away if it’s not normal to me.
If I’m inconsistent, sometimes having them put things away and sometimes not; then they just learn (if they’re lucky) how to play their mother rather than learning any lasting habits.
Order and neatness cannot become natural to them unless I give them an environment where order and neatness is the norm. If the house is normally in decent order and we have set times to tidy up so things never get too far out of hand then they can see how pencils on the floor are out of order rather than barely noticeable and how leaving books spread all over the house is not right.
Then there is, of course, the hypocrisy angle. If the kitchen always has dirty dishes from three days ago and flour that’s been on the counter for days, how can I harp on Legos left out? If my bedroom has clothes on the floor, why do I care if their room has clothes on the floor?
If I expect of them what I don’t expect of myself, I will lose my credibility and their respect.
But what I need to remember in all this is that my desire is to give to them, not get from them.
I want good things for them; my intention is to bestow good habits, not to take from them, not even to demand of them, ultimately. That attitude needs to be evident in my words and actions, or once again I will not be giving them a love of order and neatness.
If it is not natural to me, and if things aren’t kept up regularly, then I get frustrated and become a harpy, carping on them for messes left hither and yon. And then cleaning up becomes a hateful, unpleasant thing for us all.
Instead, I want picking up to just be part of the normal rhythm of life.
Good home habits give peace of mind
“The way you keep your house, the way you organize your time, the care you take in your personal appearance, the things you spend your money on all speak loudly about what you believe. “The beauty of Thy peace,” shines forth in an ordered life. A disordered life speaks loudly of disorder in the soul”
Elisabeth Elliot
The more I do work on establishing order, the more I realize what a peace-giving thing it is.
My old ways are still evident in my bedroom (though it’s not so bad as my childhood bedroom): it feels awkward and bizarre when I walk into my room and it’s clean. It isn’t natural to me, and I feel out of place, like I’m trying to be something I am not.
Related: I cleaned my room and I hated it
A clean kitchen also used to feel that way to me, but I’ve had enough times of consistency that a messy, cluttered kitchen now feels wrong rather than normal.
A floor that needs to be swept actually bothers me, even if a bedroom that needs to be vacuumed doesn’t.
So, I want to continue this trend.
However, there are two problems with my desire.
The first is the obvious one that I still have a lot of areas and bad habits to conquer.
The second is that the more I grow accustomed to neatness, the more and more that disorderliness stresses me out.
But, if I grow in habits like putting things away instead of putting it down, the messes don’t grow so quickly and as exponentially as they once did. So I want to become better at the moment-by-moment and daily maintenance habits rather than focusing on big weekly (or monthly) cleans.
I like organizing closets, but when the closet is in disarray two days after a big organizing binge, it all seems futile. Hello, boom and bust cycle.
And, since I’m the only one getting into the closet, I can’t even blame anyone else. Really, what’s the point of all this organizing if I don’t put things away where they belong when I’m done with them?
What’s the point of having a place for everything, if I don’t put things back in their place?
I want my lovely organization systems and methods to work, but they don’t work if I don’t. And the more I work them the more smoothly they work and the more stress they relieve.
Be persistent.
Better home habits start today.
The more I can conquer around the house and the more good habits I can instill in myself and my children now, the more benefits we will reap as life picks up its pace.
I have always viewed getting a working system in place and working on good habits a priority in this early stage of the homeschooling family game.
Related: How to juggle housework and homeschooling
Now we’ve begun to pick up the pace in that game and it’s all a lot less theoretical, and either my motivation is going to kick into high gear or I’m going to throw up my hands, let it all go, try to “just do the next thing, whatever that is” (which becomes dealing with one emergency after another), and being exhausted and cranky and frustrated all the time.
I don’t want to be exhausted and cranky all the time.
I do want a home of peace. I do want to manage my home. And I think it’s possible.
It will be a lot of work up front, but it’ll get easier the longer I am consistent.
Now might not be the easiest time to put up the effort, but I just don’t see that putting it off for 4-5 months will really make life easier or help my attitude at all.
There just is no “good” — i.e. easy — time to start when you’re in the life stage of pregnancies, little people, and beginning school. But putting it off until all that calms down hardly seems workable, either.
The dynamics will change, but will they calm down, especially if we persist in bad habits and bad attitudes?
After all, homeschooling is only going to be more demanding as my children progress and as more begin. What if there’s another pregnancy and baby?
Sure, I’d really like to start a garden, but how can I even think of adding more to my plate when I’m not on top of what I’ve got?
So, now might not be easy, but it’s just not looking like there’s going to be an easy time anytime soon. And, tackling it now holds out the promise of life not being so hard as it might be if I don’t.
The emotional benefits of habits & routines
When tasks become routine, they require much less physical and emotional energy. A normal day is easier to get through without having to make numerous draining decisions […] You can have the emotional resources you need to be pleasant with the children since your day is not in upheaval. — Terri Maxwell, Managers of Their Homes
Establishing a routine bestows more emotional energy.
It takes time & effort to implement a routine, but once established, the routine decreases the amount of time and effort needed to maintain it.
A household run on routine and good habits is beautiful, and worth the effort. A household that runs on routine takes less thought & effort than the household that does not. Routines give us the rhythms that remind us to keep up our good habits.
I watch my daughter play new songs and I know: learning new songs is often challenging, even frustrating. But once the piece is mastered? She plays nearly effortlessly. Too, composing a new refrain of behaviors, a chorus of rituals, is deliberate, slow, trying work. But once the behaviors become habits, rhythmic rituals, we catch ourselves singing without thinking.
—Ann Voskamp, Composing New Habits
Schedules are the routines one wants to be run by, written down so they can be referred to until they are established.
Schedules are written down to eliminate decision-making. Just do it.
So, I’m returning to my schedule until it becomes routine so that I train myself in the habits I want to establish.
Repetition is the only way to build habits at home
Let these things become as a natural law to the household.
Habits are only formed after they are repeated without interruption for a long time. So, it might take years for these habits to be formed, but we’re going to work on it anyway.
Supposing that the doing of a certain action a score or two of times in unbroken sequence forms a habit which it is as easy to follow as not; that, persist still further in the habit without lapses, and it becomes second nature, quite difficult to shake off; continue it further, through a course of years, and the habit has strength of ten natures, you cannot break through it without doing real violence to yourself.
— Charlotte Mason
I have years of bad habits I am having to break in order to establish my new habits.
So it is ok that it has been so difficult for me. I do have to stretch to the point of really breaking myself to undo the habits of bad action in order to form the habit of right action.
Last time I was doing well in this area, we had a clean bedroom, and after taking my shoes off, I put them on the shoe rack.
It felt completely unnatural, and it literally felt like I was fighting with myself internally to do it.
“Look!” I grinned at Matt, “I’m putting my shoes away — where they belong!” “Yay!” he chuckled at me.
“Look at this! I’m putting my socks in the dirty hamper! I’m not even putting them on the floor to put in the dirty hamper tomorrow! I’m doing it right now!”
Now, in these quotes I actually see not so much me and my children, but me and myself.
I do well for a time, then ease up, and then suddenly there is chaos again. I am not talking about interruptions and emergencies and bad days, I am talking about normal days that I say, “Oh, well, I’m just not going to do it today.”
THAT has been what has thrown off my progress more times than real disruption in life. And THAT is what I want to work to avoid most this time around.
I know disruptions are coming. But what I am not going to do this time is cut myself slack on undisrupted, completely typical days. “I don’t feel like it today” is not ok.
Our phonics program says sight reading is a habit formed after a child has sounded out the word about 100 times. He practices decoding until he reaches mastery of the word.
Several months ago I applied this principle to our math, stopped forging ahead in the book, and just gave him drill sheets. I am not having him memorize the math facts by rote; I am having him work the problems over and over and over again until he doesn’t need to think it through any more. And it’s working.
So, now, I see I can apply this same “mastery” principle to my housework. I need to work through my schedule, my lists, my written-down routine, my habits I want to establish, over and over and over again until I master them.
I let myself off the hook too easily and too soon. After 3 weeks or so of doing a good job, I think I don’t really need to follow my list. But then after a few more weeks, we’re back to square one again and I decide what I really need is a new list.
What I need is to not stop working the system until I’ve mastered it, internalized it. 100 times, perhaps.
Turns out that’s only about 3-4 months if I stick to it. And then, when things do get off track, say Christmas week or when the baby is born, I need to jump right back into it ASAP. Everyday on the schedule is a day toward the goal.
Every day off the schedule is not a day off, but a day — or maybe even too — backwards, away from the goal.
We’ve had the same basic routine for years: Up, dressed, breakfast, chores, play, school, play, lunch, quiet time, play, dinner, bedtime. I am not messing with any of that. It is entrenched.
All I want is to add in picking up times, really, and get them as firmly entrenched in our household culture as quiet time in the afternoon is.
There are days it doesn’t happen, sometimes because of chaos and sometimes because of a special play date, but most days it’s the natural part of the day.
The times when it hasn’t been have been awful, and it always builds up gradually to awful. I want to establish our picking up times in the same vein.
It might not be as essential as breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but it one of those pieces that makes the day feel complete and right.
Related: EHAP: afternoon tidying to the rescue
Six things I did to build better home habits
I have recently made a few key habit and home routine changes:
Finish one load of laundry every day (the times to start, move, fold, and put away are set) Everyone, myself included, has 3 before-school morning jobs Add after-dinner jobs for everyone.
Here is what I have been doing to help keep myself on-task:
I simplified my daily checklist. The one I had worked great while I was all-myself (i.e. not pregnant) and before I had a one-year-old (12-24 months is the training intensive year at our house). I needed to simplify it for this stage of the game.
I made a every-half-hour schedule. Set times work for me. It doesn’t stress me out, and it helps keep me motivated to stay on target. It helps me work at getting the tasks done quickly if I’m behind (which I almost always am, but that doesn’t stress me out; when I’m on schedule or ahead of schedule, then it’s like an extra cup of coffee to my mood). However, as encouraged by Terri Maxwell in Managers of Their Homes, I only have about 15 minutes worth of tasks in each scheduled 30 minute chore time, and I added in an extra half-hour buffer for school time. That helps the keeping-caught-up feeling, and it means there’s time reserved for the stinky diaper, the discipline issue, etc. etc.
I have been trying to progress through the task list sequentially as I have it arranged on the checklist. This is where I struggle the most. I see the list, and I want to pick and choose and be in control, but what I think will be most beneficial is to make these actions rote habits, a rhythmic pattern I just go through without thinking or checking any list. Set the children doing their chores, soak the breakfast dishes, clear the counters, wash the table, make my bed, inspect children’s chores. It will be most effective, I think, to do those things in that order every time, every day, and then I won’t have to even think about it, it will be second nature to go from one to the next without thinking, “Ok, now what?” and without getting sidetracked by other little tasks that catch my eye — or my email.
I also posted a simplified version of the children’s schedule where Hans can easily access it. He likes schedules and lists, too, so when he knows what should come next, he gives me that extra boost of accountability. Plus, when he sees how much play time is in there, but that pick-up time is reserved at the end of the day, too, he’s been much more cheerful when I call out, “Ok, 5-o’clock! Pick-up time!”
I printed out my series on housekeeping and my establishing habits series and put them in a notebook. During my morning devotion time I read a portion (usually one post or one page, whichever is shorter) from each to help keep me focused and to remind myself what I’m trying to do and why. It’s been very helpful — when I’ve done it. It helps to have the ideas and quotes that have shaped and inspired me in the front of my mind as I go about my business.
I have tried to keep a cheerful “Where does it belong?” on the tip of my tongue — or, on the forefront of my mind to tell myself. “Is that where that belongs?” helps us all remember we should just take the extra step or two to actually put things away instead of putting them down. Also, putting away one thing before moving on to the next is a very basic, but very challenging thing to keep on top of, but I’m trying. If we just focused for the next couple years on those two concepts, though, I think we’d be doing pretty well. Keeping habits when energy is gone
In the whole GTD set-up, one of the issues that crops up for me is saying that energy is a criterion for choosing tasks. I have to be careful not to let that become an excuse for slipping into sloth. For me, it is sloth that is a key chaos-generator and system-wrecker. What is sloth, really? Well, the best definitions I could find came from Catholic catechisms — it is, after all, a deadly sin:
Sloth is the desire for ease, even at the expense of doing the known will of God. Whatever we do in life requires effort. Everything we do is to be a means of salvation. The slothful person is unwilling to do what God wants because of the effort it takes to do it. Sloth becomes a sin when it slows down and even brings to a halt the energy we must expend in using the means to salvation.
Now, let’s just substitute “sanctification” for “salvation” in that definition, and that hits us square between the eyes, doesn’t it? Well, it does me, anyway. So, how can we overcome this tendency and “work out our own salvation” — even if it’s just washing the dishes or changing a diaper or correcting a math sheet?
What if we know we have no legitimate excuse for lazing about aimlessly? How can we help ourselves do what we know we should be doing when we can’t get over ourselves well enough to get moving and get it done? After all, we already know in that moment, that getting over ourselves would solve the supposed “energy” problem.
Once sloth is set aside — repented of — and we decide to just do it, suddenly, we realize halfway through that it wasn’t so bad and we aren’t so tired after all. Yet, in that moment that requires the choice to be made, I seem to do my darndest to suppress that knowledge. I have been trying to keep in mind the Charlotte Mason quote:
The effort of decision, we have seen, is the greatest effort of life; not the doing of the thing, but the making up of one’s mind as to which thing to do first. It is commonly this sort of mental indolence, born of indecision, which leads to dawdling habits. […] This inveterate dawdling is a habit to be supplanted only by the contrary habit, and the mother must devote herself for a few weeks to this cure as steadily and untiringly as she would to the nursing of her child through the measles.
That makes me feel comforted: overcoming indolence is legitimately difficult. It encourages me that the more consistently I work at overcoming it, the easier it will be to do so. Also, I think of the poem by Goethe and its introduction by Joseph Morris:
Anything is hard to begin, whether it be taking a cold bath, writing a letter, clearing up a misunderstanding, or falling to on the day’s work. Yet a thing begun is half done. No matter how unpleasant a thing is to do, begin it and immediately it becomes less unpleasant. Form the excellent habit of making a start.
Lose the day loitering, ‘twill be the same story
Tomorrow, and the next one dilatory,
For indecision brings its own delays,
And days are lost lamenting o’er lost days.
Are you in earnest? Seize this very minute!
What you can do, or think you can, begin it!
Only engage, and then the mind grows heated;
Begin it, and the work will be completed.
And, of course, C.S. Lewis has something to add to the discussion, as well:
Very often the only way to get a quality in reality is to start behaving as if you had it already.
So, even if I feel like it’s “not the real me” while making my bed or actually hanging up my clothes at night, I will just go along with pretending I am a different me — the me I want to be. That is the only way to effect the change in reality. I have started to ask myself, “Is quitting halfway through this job just because I can the right thing to do?” No? Well, then, why not finish it?
It takes self-examination, but we need to be able to recognize the difference between legitimate lack of energy (sleepless nights, potty training, intensive training times, lack of quiet time for introverts or lack of interaction for extroverts, etc.). Truly there are times in a mother’s life where tiredness and lack of energy is very real, physical, and no version of “trying harder” will effect a change.
So, for those times when we are legitimately low on energy, Allen has this suggestion:
I recommend that you always keep an inventory of things that need to be done that require very little mental or creative energy horsepower. When you’re in one of those low-energy states, do them.
And one of those things should probably be “take a nap.”
The bottom line is to practice, becoming better and better at evaluating our options, making a good decision, and just doing it — whether it’s wiping down the toilets or taking a nap.
Not sure what your home habits should be?
Start with a brain dump.
Declutter your head. Get the free guide. Reduce stress by getting your thoughts onto paper Reduce frustration by assigning homes to stuff, tangible & intangible Reduce anxiety by knowing what you have on your plate
The post Building better habits at home appeared first on Simply Convivial.
#Homemaking
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https://juliegartha.com/blogs/news/you-d-be-hard-pressed-to-find-someone-who-enjoys-laundry-but-that-doesn-t-mean-your-laundry-room-has-to-look-like-a-room-that-time-forgot2021-05-13T21:52:04-04:002021-05-13T21:52:05-04:00You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who enjoys laundry, but that doesn’t mean your laundry room has to look like a room that time forgotadmin
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A post shared by Jungalow® (@thejungalow)
Stack Your Machines
You might have all the laundry room ideas in the world, but if your vision doesn't fit into your space, you're going to have to compromise. A good way to maximize space is to go for a stacked washer and dryer combo. That way, you'll still have room for that gorgeous farmhouse sink and built-in mud bench you've been dreaming about.
photo: House of Turquoise Rise and Store
Perhaps one of our favorite design solutions, this DIY platform not only raises the laundry units so you can load them up easier without bending over and straining your back, but two clever built-in drawers provide additional storage space for surplus supplies like dryer sheets, extra rags or even a spot to hide all that found change from your family's pockets. Head over to House of Turquoise for details.
photo: Geoff Chick Space Saver
Whether you have a nook or a closet for a laundry room, lose the cheap, contractor-grade doors, and save precious floor space (and hide the units while you're at it) with mounted barn doors that slide open and close with little-to-no-effort. No one will suspect such industrial workhorses are hiding behind such an architecturally interesting design.
Barn door hardware can easily be found online or at Home Depot. To determine if this installation will work for you, make sure there is ample wall space on one or both sides for the doors—so the barn doors can slide fully open—whether you have a set of doors that open in the middle or a single door, like the one pictured above from Geoff Chick.
photo: Hutchinson House via Instagram Maximize Unused Space
Just because laundry rooms are often awkward spaces that get overwhelmed by the (much-needed) appliances, doesn't mean you can't maximize the space. These shelves, hung perpendicularly to the machines, provide ample storage and take advantage of what would otherwise be a waste of space.
Adding knobs and hooks with a slim profile provides additional storage without eating into the space and making it feel more cramped. See more of this over at Hutchinson House.
photo: Sincerely Sara D. Maximize Wall Space
Pegboards are fantastic organizing solutions for tools and desks, but they also make for great laundry room organization as well, like Sincerely Sara D shows above. You can use a single board or kit-out the entire wall in pegboard, which provides a wall of organizational and storage solutions that can change and grow to meet your needs.
Don't forget to paint the board the same color as your wall—it'll help the board to blend into the space, making it feel more cohesive and intentional.
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Pattern Power
Who says a laundry room needs to be white and boring? Sometimes a laundry room makeover needs just a wow-factor like this pattern play. Treat your small space with some designer TLC with a bold, graphic wallpaper.
photo: Vintage Revivals Folding Station
Once you experience a handy folding station in the laundry room, you'll never want to unload the dryer and carry your laundry somewhere else to fold and sort. If you don't have the space for a stand-alone table, take advantage of the space right above the laundry units by installing your very own DIY table. This version from Vintage Revivals went one step further with its design-driven waterfall edge by attaching a tabletop to the wall; being supported by two legs would work just as well.
Don't have space right above the washer and dryer for a folding station? You can install a table that latches to the wall and folds down when you need it, tucking away neatly when you don't.
photo: The Definery Co Smart Shelf
That space behind the washer and dryer? It's just begging for a custom-shelf. This beauty provides ample storage for supplies you regularly use, freeing up space in the cabinets above for those items that you only need to access occasionally. And the best part? It only costs $12 to build.
If you measure the space and find that the measurements don't line up with off-the-shelf lumber, just pull the units out a few more inches to save yourself from making custom cuts. The Definery Co. shows you how it's done.
photo: George & Willy Ceiling Drying Rack
Drying racks typically take up a lot of floor space, but this design takes advantage of that unused space found all over your ceiling. This rack we spotted over at George & Willy can be raised and lowered with a pully system, keeping that air-dry only laundry up and out of the way. But the best part? Discovering there is an unexpected advantage to drying your clothes at such great heights—heat rises so your clothes will get the additional drying help thanks to the nature of science. How cool is that?
photo: Seth Smoot via House Beautiful Hanging Rods
In the scope of doing laundry, not much is more annoying than washing and drying button-downs and blouses just to have them end up in a wrinkled mess. This hanging rod takes advantage of the space between two cabinets and is installed close to the laundry unit, which means that you'll have handy hangers for when those precious shirts come out of the dryer. You may even be able to say goodbye to the dry cleaner, saving you more time and money in the long run. See more over at House Beautiful.
photo: Young House Love Ready-to-Assemble Storage
One of the easiest, smartest, and cheapest solutions for an instantly better-looking, functioning laundry room is an off-the-shelf cabinet procured from your favorite big box stores like IKEA or Home Depot. Simply measure the space and find the unit that fits within it. You can dress it up with moldings and the like to make it appear more built-in but it doesn't need to have those fancy details. Add a shelf above the laundry machines for easy access to laundry detergent and dryer sheets.
—Andie Huber
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The post 11 Laundry Room Design Hacks You Can Easily Re-Create appeared first on Red Tricycle.
#Adulting101 #Tny-feed #MomLife #Natl-feed #Parenting
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https://juliegartha.com/blogs/news/gift-for-a-new-dadfirst-time-fatherfathers-to-bebaby-carrierscar-seat-coversbaby-monitorsstrollersfirst-time-fatherssleep-deprivednew-momsbest-gifts-for-new-father2021-05-13T14:44:02-04:002021-05-13T14:44:03-04:00gift for a new dadfirst-time fatherfathers-to-bebaby carrierscar seat coversbaby monitorsstrollersFirst-time fatherssleep-deprivednew momsbest gifts for new fatheradmin
The Best Gifts for New Dads
Tech Kit by Bellroy
It's damn annoying when he can't find a charger or a cable. Or a power bank. This handsome organizer, from the swanky Aussie brand, has a place for everything. It has a magnetic slip pocket that fits a power bank, stretch mesh pockets for extra chargers and a floating wall with an elastic cable organizer inside.
Buy Now $59.00
iF012 Bluetooth Shower Speaker by iFox
This Bluetooth speaker connects in seconds, and has 10 hours of battery life. He can zen out in the shower and listen to some tunes; the speaker is not only waterproof but can be immersed in up to three feet of aqua.
Buy Now $34.99
Men's Tree Loungers by Allbirds
The great thing (or things) about these slip-ons is that he can wear them indoors or out. They're machine-washable. They're made of eucalyptus, so they're very breathable. Oh, and they don't look like dad shoes.
BUY NOW $95.00
Textured Tech Hoodie by Lululemon
So he's a dad. Doesn't mean he needs to look like a schlub. This sleek, fitted hoodie is as handsome as it is comfortable. It's made from fabric that is designed with integrated mesh ventilation; it has zippered pockets to store his phone and cards and bonded eyelets for ventilation, so he doesn't overheat.
BUY NOW $148.00
Pocket Blanket by Matador
This ultra-compact blanket stuffs into a smaller-than-a-smartphone pouch but expands into a 66 x 44-inch waterproof tarp that can fit 2-4 adults. Translation: It’s ideal for trips to the park and even impromptu baby changings.
Buy Now $24.99
Cotton Bondaroo by DadWare
No, this isn’t a very (very) deep V. The shirt, with its large Velcro opening, is made to seamlessly promote skin-to-skin bonding between father and newborn. It’s also very comfortable.
Buy Now $44.99
Salami of the Month Club by Olympia Provisions
Portland-based Olympia Provisions doesn't cut corners. The company's cured meats are held in natural casings and kept in the organic white mold that protects them. Each month, he'll get one salami (approximately 4.5 ounces) along with detailed tasting notes, as befits a carnivore gourmand.
BUY NOW $240.00
Customized Pillow by Pluto
Nothing looks as good as sleep feels. Get him a customized foam pillow made to his specific sleep preferences. You choose the sleep position, the size and heft of the ideal pillow, and Pluto does the rest.
BUY NOW $95.00
Baller Hat by Lululemon
Dads have bed-head. And new dads have major bed-head. Help him keep it under control with this most perfect of caps, which has an interior mesh fabric sweatband that wicks away moisture. And the fit is customizable.
BUY NOW $38.00
The Sport Soft-Shell Jacket by Everlane
Having a go-to uniform takes the stress out of getting dressed every day. And every uniform needs a jacket. This is that jacket. It has four-way stretch for comfort, is made mainly out of recycled nylon, is moisture-wicking, and perfectly low-key.
BUY NOW $78.00
Huron the Shower Kit by Huron
Streamlined simplicity is the name of the game for new dads. But no one wants to sacrifice quality. Huron is the perfect combo of the two, and this set includes an invigorating, refreshing body wash, shampoo, and conditioner. It's all the brainchild of a former athlete who likes nice products, but not the corresponding crazy price tags.
BUY NOW $42.00
Track Pants by Everlane
Listen, we're all gonna be home for the foreseeable future. And that applies doubly to new parents. These pants are just what he needs to get through the days in total comfort. They're made of organic cotton, have an elastic waistband with a hidden drawcord, two side pockets, a back patch pocket, and a relaxed tapered fit. Get him the matching sweatshirt, too.
BUY NOW $58.00
Sleep Eye Mask for Men by MZOO
This contoured sleep mask effectively blocks out light, so exhausted new dads can grab a few moments of shuteye.
Buy Now $17.99
Solo Stove Campfire Lite by Solo Stove
This nine ounce camp fire is ultra-portable and can be used while camping, or camping out in the backyard. It burns clean and is the perfect escape without ever leaving home.
Buy Now $69.99
10-in-1 Multifunction Tool by ATECH
This 10-in-1 multi-tool means he's prepared for everything. And we do mean everything. It's a carabiner, a box cutter, Philips screwdriver, a flathead screwdriver, a keychain, a hex wrench, a wire cutter, a ruler, a bottle opener and a bicycle tool. No matter what happens en route to the playground or the park, he's always ready to tackle it.
Buy Now $19.99
Travel Grooming Necessities Kit by ROYCE New York
Royce is a fourth-generation family business that makes absolutely breathtaking leather goods. And this kit includes everything he needs to always be well-groomed: A hexagon razor and blades, nail clippers, corkscrew knife combo, a toothbrush, nail file, comb, tweezers, scissors, pusher and shoehorn lint brush. Inside a zippered leather case.
BUY NOW $120.00
Gourmet Salt Gift Box by Saltverk
Even when it's smart and safe to do so, he won't be going out to dinner anytime soon. Not with a baby in tow. So upgrade his meals with this artisanal sustainable flaky sea salt from the Westfjords of Iceland. It's a foodie's dream and this set includes Arctic thyme Salt, birch smoked salt, lava salt, and sea salt.
Buy Now $44.99
Oh Shit Kits by Safety 1st
Speaking of being prepared, get him this kit because leaving home with a newborn is nerve-wracking. Each packet includes a diaper, hand sanitizer, face mask, pack of wipes, and disposable changing pad.
Buy Now $26.99
Smart Notebook by Moleskine
When he has a minute or two to spare, he can jot down his thoughts, dreams, ideas, motivations, and notable moments in this smart journal. The embedded technology lets him transfer freehand notes from page to screen in real time using the Moleskine Notes app.
Buy Now $51.66
Insulated Stainless Steel Beer Glasses by SNOWFOX
Glass and babies don't mix. Hence, these stainless steel mugs, which are double-insulated to keep his brew cold. Each one it holds 16 ounces of his favorite beer, with room for foam.
Buy Now $34.99
Thunderdust, Louisiana Lighting, Heavtwave, and Fryclone Seasonings by Isaac Toups for Spiceology
Because even if he's having dinner at home every night, there's no reason for it to be bland. Spiceology seasonings are created by chefs, so they're next-level great and incredibly complex. This spicy foursome is the brandchild of chef Isaac Toups, a master of Cajun cooking.
Buy Now $36.99
Daily Trio Skin Care Set for Men by HOMMEFACE
Show his face some love with this simple yet sophisticated set. It's got everything he needs, and nothing he doesn't. The face wash is gently cleansing, the toner is restorative, and the moisturizer calms sensitive and tired skin. And it's all beautifully packaged to boot.
Buy Now $44.99
Origami Leather Wallet by Koshu
Look, no one needs or wants an exploding wallet. Least of all a new dad, who doesn't have time to dig through stacks of bills and receipts and cards and ... you get the picture. This handmade origami wallet can be carried in his front or back pocket, and has just enough room for the essentials.
BUY NOW $75.00
Tile Pro Locator by Tile
There's that thing called baby brain, in which previously functioning adults leave their keys in the fridge and the milk in the closet. This Tile tracker makes sure he always knows where his stuff happens to be on any given day. He just uses the Tile app to ring the tracker from up to 400 feet away.
Buy Now $34.00
Premium Wireless Smart Meat Thermometer by Yummly
You get 25 hours of continuous use, it works from 150 feet away, it alerts you when it's time to flip the meat, and you can customize your food and the thermometer will let you know when it's done to your exact specifications. Pretty much a perfect gift for overextended new dads.
Buy Now $89.00
Hi-Print Pocket Printer by Polaroid
A photostream is great. An actual photo is even better. Every dad will appreciate this handy printer, which connects via Bluetooth and churns out 2x3 business card-sized prints he can stick anywhere.
Buy Now $89.99
Digital Photo Frame by Skylight
Every parent needs an excellent digital photo frame, and with this one, he can showcase thousands of photos of his adorable offspring. The resolution is 1280 x 800, and it has a stunning 10 inch display.
Buy Now $159.00
Flannel-lined Waxed Trucker Jacket by Flint and Tinder
The jacket to end all jackets: This is one is made from waxed, weather-resistant Martexin 7 oz. sailcloth; the body and sleeves are fully lined for warmth; and the fit is sleek and modern. There's an interior media pocket, two welt hand pockets, and a look that's totally timeless.
BUY NOW $240.00
Brother's Bond Bourbon
When he's ready for a nightcap, he'll relish this one from real-life friends (and actors) Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley, who've been painstakingly working on this for years. The four-grain, high rye bourbon whiskey is a tribute to their friendship, and sells out fast. He'll detect notes of rich honey and warm rye spice.
BUY NOW
Flask by VSSL
The sleek aluminum cylinder is not his grandfather's tired old flask. Inside, there's room for nine ounces of his preferred drink, two collapsible shot glasses, a 200-lumen light, compass, and bottle opener. Its compact size (2 by 9.375 inches) means it's easy to take on every single outdoor outing.
BUY NOW $95.00
Temperature Control Travel Mug by Ember
Every parent needs coffee. It's a necessary food group. This brilliant mug is app-controlled and keeps his drink perfectly hot for up to three hours on a single charge. Or all day if he uses the charging coaster. He just taps the mug to make the drink hotter or colder.
Buy Now $145.00
Fanny Pack Diaper Bag by Kibou
When he wants to travel light, this is the answer. It fits around his waist, and is spacious enough to hold 20 wipes, changing pad, credits cards and cash, and even has a hook for a pacifier.
BUY NOW $89.00
Stroller Clips by Petunia Pickle Bottom
Speaking of diaper bags, these stroller clips attach to anything and are a practical, eminently usable way to transfer stuff from home to stroller and back again.
Buy Now $15.60
PhoneSoap 3 Smartphone UV Sanitizer by PhoneSoap
Not only does this phone cleaner kill 99.99 percent of germs on the device, but it also charges it while sanitizing it.
BUY NOW $80.00
Hand Weights by Gaiam
These sand-filled walking weights give his arms a workout when he's pushing his kid around in the stroller. Or going for a quick jog.
Buy Now $14.98
Smartlock by SimpliSafe
He forgot to lock the door? Left his keys at home? No biggie. He can lock and unlock the door using the PIN pad, the key fob, or his phone. And the system syncs up with Alexa and Google Assistant.
Buy Now $99.99
Crossover 2 Travel Organizer by Thule
Pregnancy brain doesn't just apply to moms. It's pretty much universal. Help him stay organized with this handy accessory, which lets him use the entire organizer or remove the magnetic pouch as needed for quick outings. It has room for IDs, passports, money, and documents he needs to have on hand. And even room for his tech.
Buy Now $41.26
Ode Coffee Grinder by Fellow
A new dad without coffee is like a car without oil. And this is the grinder to end all grinders, for the best coffee possible. It handles pour-over, cold brew, and French press. He can do a single-dose, so the beans always remain fresh. It has 31 grind settings, with a guide directly on the lid. There's a measuring cup, so he doesn't need a scale. And it's quiet enough that he won't wake up the baby.
BUY NOW $299.00
NanoDry Packable Shower Towel by Matador
Because kids are messy. Because parents have to be prepared for anything. Because it sucks to be wet and cold. So many reasons to get this towel, which absorbs 2.3x its own weight in water.
Buy Now $38.50
Wine Bottle Chiller by Vinglacé
Handsome and stately, this double-walled, vacuum-insulated chiller keeps a bottle cold for a whopping four hours. Which is about the length of your average Chris Nolan movie, which he can watch with you while sipping a cold one.
BUY NOW $90.00
SoundLink Micro Portable Outdoor Speaker by Bose
With a well-made portable speaker, he can play everything from soothing sounds for the baby when his lips are tired to music or podcasts when he's cleaning bottles and breast pumps. The Bose SoundLink sounds great, delivers 6 hours playback, and has a strap he can hook up to a stroller bar.
Buy Now $99.00
R180 High-Speed Toaster by Revolution Cooking
So he loves toast. He's a fiend for toast. He's particular about his toast. Dammit, give him the best toaster money can buy. This machine toasts breads, bagels, English muffins, frozen waffles, and toaster pastries so they're golden on the outside and moist on the inside. It has 63 settings. He'll thank you.
Buy Now $299.95
Bottle Opener by Areaware
Sometimes, you need to open a beer or soda when holding a baby. This one from Areaware, made from sustainably harvested walnut, not only allows for one-handed use but also brings some class to popping the top.
Buy Now $17.82
Digitizing Kit by Legacybox
Sounds cheesy, but it's true: Memories are priceless. But digitizing old family and college photos and home movies is a major time suck. So get him a service that does it for him. He packs up his home movies and pictures, and gets everything back on a thumb drive, the cloud, or labeled DVDs. So every single time he wants to relive epic childhood moments and share them with his kid, it's right there.
BUY NOW $208.00
Tom Ford Soleil Neige Eau de Parfum by Tom Ford
He's not leaving the house much, so it's the little luxuries that matter. Like this fragrance. It's got citrus and fruity tones, and somehow smells bright and uplifting. With hints of vanilla.
BUY NOW $340.00
Unisex Cloud Loom Organic Robe by Coyuchi
Made from organic Turkish cotton, this robe feels plush beyond words. It has a classic shawl-collared silhouette, as well as an adjustable belt and side pockets (for the pacifier he'll be toting around).
BUY NOW $148.00
Elite 85t True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds by Jabra
Whether he's listening to music or talking to his boss, these earbuds deliver the sound quality of our dreams. They let him cancel noise he doesn't want to hear, or adjust the volume to his exact specifications so he can hear his baby even while on a call. He gets up to 25 hours of battery life.
Buy Now $229.99
Grade-A Cashmere Crew by Everlane
There's never a wrong time, or way, to wear this classic cashmere sweater, which looks great with everything and on everyone. Everlane sources its cashmere from Inner Mongolia; it's superior quality and barely pills.
BUY NOW $130.00
MBM2SMI MagicMount Phone Mount by SCOSCHE
This phone mount is meant for a bike. It works just as well on a stroller, because it mounts to any handlebar. It has a cradle-free design that gives him one-handed access, and it is compatible with most smartphones.
Buy Now $22.31
All Day Crossback Apron by Hedley & Bennett
Three pockets. That's all you need to know. This apron is a hero in the kitchen, to be sure. But it's equally handy when he's toting around dipes and wipes. It has crossback straps that provide all-day support, and comes in a ton of cool colors.
BUY NOW $95.00
Andy Warhol for Men by Happy Socks
Funky, upbeat, and left-of-center, these socks are meant to be the opposite of staid and boring. The Swedish brand's socks keep his feet warm and comfortable, and put a smile on his face. Win-win.
Buy Now $39.95
LARQ Insulated Self-Cleaning Stainless Steel Water Bottle
A bottle that cleans itself using non-toxic mercury-free UV-C LED technology, in 60 seconds? Hell yes. It keeps his water cold for 24 hours and coffee hot for 12, and is USB-powered. It's just one less thing for him to think about.
Buy Now $95.00
Theo Pour-Over Coffee Maker by Stelton
Sometimes all he needs is that one perfect cup of coffee. Just one. To get him going. To get the day started. This is that coffee maker. It looks like a design showpiece: It's made from matte stoneware and features three drip holes for perfectly timed drinks. You can make one big cup, or two smaller cups.
BUY NOW $75.00
Bistro Electric Milk Frother by Bodum
Chances are pretty high that he'll be drinking a lot of coffee in that first year. With help from this compact electric milk frother from Bodum, he can create lattes, cortados, and whatever other caffeinated creations he chooses to keep him on alert.
Buy Now $30.00
Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Beer Growler by DrinkTanks
Whether it’s coffee, cola, or craft brew, this large-handled growler will keep 32 ounces of cold beverages cold (for 45 hours), hot beverages hot (for 25 hours), and carbonated beverages carbonated (its vacuum sealed lid holds 60psi).
Buy Now $49.95
Hopper SideKick Dry by YETI
When he's on the go with the kiddo, he'll appreciate having this YETI waterproof gear case along for the ride. The seams are tight enough that no wetness seeps though, and the Hopper uses powerful magnets to create a waterproof shield.
Buy Now $179.20
Ring Fit Adventure - Nintendo Switch
When he needs to decompress, he can actually work up a sweat while running through fantasy worlds and vanquishing enemies; he controls in-game movements with the Ring-Con and Leg Strap accessories included in this kit.
BUY NOW $70.00
VOYA Slip On Loafer by Teva
Teva has been engineering some of the best waterproof sandals and river shoes for years. These slip-ons have all that lightweight, moisture-managing tech intact, but look sharp back in civilization. It's the perfect transitional shoe for beach adventure to backyard hang.
Buy Now $55.00
Hypervolt Go by Hyperice
The best massager on the market, period. It weighs just over one pound, and has three speed settings that deliver up to 3200 percussions per minute. It's quiet enough to not wake the baby. And it's powerful enough to give his sore muscles a break.
Buy Now $199.00
Stargaze Recliner Luxury Camp Chair by Nemo
The Stargaze is half hammock, half chair, with a mellow swinging arc that lets you lean back, relax and study the night sky. And it works just as well in the backyard, at a rocky campsite or on a sandy beach. Made with aircraft-grade aluminum, so it's tough and durable, but lightweight and collapsible (comes with its own carrying case).
Buy Now $219.95
Linen Sheet Set by Parachute
When he is able to get some sleep, he'll appreciate conking out wrapped in some top-tier sheets. This set of linen bedsheets from Parachute are soft and breathable — a reward he'll certainly enjoy after many, many nightly awakenings.
$149.00
Foot Massager by Breo
He can have a hot foot massage. A warm foot massage. Basically any kind he wants. This massager has three air compression options, with adjustable intensity combined with deep-kneading rolling, and tapping and strapping to help him feel relaxed AF.
Buy Now $129.99
Body Cardio WiFi Scale by Withings/Nokia
Fatherhood renews one's efforts to stay in shape — or just lose that sympathy weight. This smart scale from Withings is for anyone who wants a maximally neurotic understanding of their fitness. Step on board and it begins and displays a full body composition analysis that it beams to your phone. It tells you your BMI, total body fat, water percentage, muscle, bone mass, and standing heart rate. Oh, and the scale, which has a beautiful aluminum base, can track up to eight different individuals, has a pregnancy tracker, and can pair with an Apple watch and Amazon Alexa.
Buy Now $149.95
DoubleNest Hammock by ENO
This is a great backcountry camping hammock that works just as well between two trees in the backyard. It holds up to 400 pounds but is ultralight and collapses down into a carrying pouch the size of a softball. It's especially great for those moments when 'he just needs to close his eyes for a minute' and sleeps for two hours.
$70.00
Tactical Cooler Pouch by Tactical Baby Gear
The multipurpose cooler pouch keeps milk cold on the go. A spacious interior offers plenty of room for snacks, while dual mesh pockets hold ice packs.
Buy Now $25.99
Thermal Phone Case by Phoozy
This ruggedized phone case not only keeps devices from overheating in the sun, but is water-resistant, splash-proof, and floats if dropped in the water.
Buy Now $34.99
Boat and Tote by L.L. Bean
This canvas tote will last until his newborn is in college. Seriously. Treated well, it can survive pretty much anything. It can also haul up to 500 pounds' worth of baby gear, and can be customized with a name or initials that mean something to him.
BUY NOW $40.00
Rambler Mug by YETI
This insulated mug keeps coffee hot and water cold. Nothing new there. But, as always, Yeti nails the nice touches: It’s made of stainless steel; it’s lid actually locks in place; the handle is wide-enough for even the chubbiest fingers (or gloved hands); and the exterior won’t chip, fade, or scratch.
Buy Now $37.99
Free P2 Multitool by Leatherman
Consider this multitool a modern version of pocketknives of yore. It has 19 tools (including, yes, tiny scissors, tweezers, a blade and multiple screwdrivers) but, best of all, doesn’t require you to flick the needed tool out with a fingernail. Blades pop-open with a thumb push, while a magnetic closure system keeps everything in its place.
Buy Now $119.95
Multifunctional Phone Mount by WizGear
This adjustable mount attaches securely to a stroller's handlebars, fits a variety of phones, and allows dad to watch TV or squeeze in a Facetime with grandma when the baby is asleep in the stroller.
Buy Now $18.99
PowerCore 20100 mAh Battery Pack by Anker
Slim enough to slip into a back pocket or briefcase, this portable charger features a 20,100 mAh battery, packs enough juice to refuel a dead iPhone seven times.
Buy Now $45.99
Morakniv Wood Carving 106 Knife by B005IW5YN8
It's not a practical gift, which is what makes it great. Its sole purpose is to literally whittle away the hours in the yard. Morakniv knives have been crafted in Mora, Sweden, by carpenters and carvers for well over a century. The blade is laminated steel, and the handle is oiled birch wood.
Buy Now $25.08
Dohm Sound Machine by Yogasleep
Speaking of sleep, this best-in-class sound machine produces soothing ambient sounds of rushing air to help him get some rest. And it looks fine while doing it.
Buy Now $37.46
TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller
Whether he sits all day or is simply sore from the gym, this foam roller can ease his muscles back into shape when he stretches. Just make sure he doesn’t neglect his IT band.
Buy Now $39.95
Hada Labo Tokyo Ultimate Anti-aging Facial Mask
Whether he likes to say self-care or not, this sheet mask is like a cold shower for his face and is ideal for making him look like he actually got sleep last night.
Buy Now $8.49
Sea Stones on the Rocks
Keep his drinks cold with these six handcrafted chilling stones made from natural granite. The set comes with two monogrammed glasses and a serving tray.
Buy Now $34.99
Native Union Belt Cable
He can charge his Apple devices insanely fast with this cable, which wraps up neatly when he's done.
Buy Now $39.99
Threadrock Taco & Taquito Infant Bodysuit & Men's T-Shirt Matching Set
We're not fans of overly-cute, gimmicky T-shirts, especially T-shirt combos, but this set is actually pretty great. The infant bodysuit is made of 100 percent ringspun cotton, and the men's T-shirt is also made of preshrunk cotton and a seamless rib collar.
Buy Now $11.97
Men's Wool Runner-up Mizzles by Allbirds
Allbirds' all-weather shoes are made with ZQ Merino wool and a bio-based water-repellent shield, so his feet stay dry and warm and comfortable, no matter what Mother Nature has in store.
BUY NOW $135.00
TBG Tactical Baby Carrier
One of the biggest frustrations with baby carriers is that you need an army of people to help you actually put it on. This rugged carrier is eminently easy to use and wear. The front-harness baby carrier gives dad hands-free parenting power, and can be paired with the brand's compatible pouches and carabiners. It’s got a removable, washable cotton liner and is suitable for babies eight to 33 pounds.
Buy Now $125.00
Pancake Batter Mixer by Whiskware
Newborns can’t eat solids for a while. But that’ll give him plenty of time to practice his pancaking making skills with this new set.
Buy Now $14.99
Every product on Fatherly is independently selected by our editors, writers, and experts. If you click a link on our site and buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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https://juliegartha.com/blogs/news/let-an-rc-car-do-what-you-can-t-in-a-real-car2021-05-13T11:06:02-04:002021-05-13T11:06:03-04:00Let an RC car do what you can’t in a real caradmin
There are RC cars made for kids up to hardcore adult enthusiasts that vary widely in price. With such a wide choice, it's challenging to decide which one to pick, or even the type to go after. A battery-operated engine or liquid fuel, fast or flashy stunts, what to do? We understand your dilemma and have looked at many RC cars to produce the following shortlist for you to consider. Choose one that "talks" to you.
Classic styling Rastar Ferrari
Staff Pick
Not many of us can afford the real deal, but this can calm some of the desire. The RASTAR look-alike Ferrari is one of the best RC cars on the market. With an all independent spring suspension system and opening doors, the identity of the car is unmistakable. What's more, the rear and front lights work so that you can drive this in the evening also. Enjoy this officially licensed replica car and let your dreams wander.
$37 at Amazon
Pure speed premium Traxxas XO-1
The Traxxas XO-1 is the fastest RC car, full stop. The largest brushless motor on offer propels the car from 1 to 60 in 2.5 seconds. Not only is this car stylish, but it also reaches speeds over 100 miles per hour. The custom-built motor is just a few cubic inches in size, so it fits easily under the body, keeping everything close to the ground for stability at high speeds. The radio controls come with telemetry sensors to help you manage and make tweaks to the awesome power without sacrificing fun. Don't forget to breathe!
$821 at Amazon
Nitro power HPI Racing 107014 Trophy Buggy
No need for batteries for the HPI 107014 Buggy because it's fuelled with nitro so you can hear the cylinders firing. Utilize the full power of the 2.5 Horsepower engine to run off surfaces creating big air stunts like jumps and backflips. The aluminum chassis, large tires, and waterproof electronics can take the punishment. Can you?
$470 at Amazon
Best speed for kids Jeypod Control Car
The younger enthusiast will love this Jeypod RC car. The price is undoubtedly in their range, and the non-toxic plastic materials are welcome. Control this car, with a pistol grip-style transmitter, from over 70 meters away and reach speeds up to 20 miles per hour. The car comes with two rechargeable batteries for the vehicle and two batteries for the transmitter.
$30 at Amazon
A transformer GAINER Transform Car Robot
It's hard to think of RC cars without associating them with transformers. So, this 2 in 1 play game will automatically go from car to robot when you push the button on the remote control. Moving back and forth is so easy. It has five wheels with high-speed drifting so you can perform 360 degree turns in either car or robot form. Made of high-quality ABS plastic, the Gainer Car Robot is safe for children as they enjoy the xenon style headlamps with realistic engine sounds.
$23 at Amazon
For toddlers Holy Stone RC Cartoon Race Car
Now the toddlers of 18 months and up can imitate the grown-ups. An engaging design with honking sounds, music, and flashing headlights will keep them enthralled for the longest time. The easy to control wheel-shaped remote is designed as a toy plus a spaceman figure comes with the Holy Stone Cartoon Race Car that becomes another play figure, when not in the car.
$16 at Amazon
Suitable for indoors Growsland Remote Control Car
The Growsland RC car handles excellent indoors and outdoors with a low profile, so it's not toppling things over. A top speed of about 5 miles per hour creates a lot of fun situations while the smooth, flexible tires can run on different types of floors. Made of durable, scratch-resistance, and non-toxic ABS plastic, this car can handle many accidents without any bother, so what obstacles can you create?
$18 at Amazon
Are you a closet RC car enthusiast?
RC enthusiasts get a thrill from the tweaks they can make to get the best from their cars, just like the race car drivers. It produces an adrenaline rush when they can successfully control the vehicle through any obstacle. Picking the right car is essential to match your needs for speed, stunts, or looks. Our staff has picked the Rastar Ferrari as their recommendation. The 1/14 scale, officially licensed model, has high-end finishing and is the best alternative to the real thing. It's easy to picture us driving it.
For the ones who are raw speed freaks, then only the Traxxas XO-1 RC car will do. The top speed of over 100 miles per hour and immediate torque more than makes up for the price. This is a premium model.
If you're more interested in a mixture of speed and stunts, then the HPI Racing 107014 Trophy Buggy is a perfect choice.