Category: Los Angeles

Many people associate the use of wreaths on their front doors only with the winter holidays. The truth is that wreaths can be used all year long to make a statement. Likewise, they give your home a sense of being welcoming and warm. Of course, finding a single wreath to use all year can seem like a daunting task. So what you can do to give your front door that beautiful welcoming look every day of the year? Here are our 10 all-season wreath ideas to help you upgrade your entryway!

1. Go for a season neutral color Wreath

Pink is one of those colors that doesn’t really get associated with a single holiday so getting a wreath crafted with dried pink shrubbery can add the perfect touch to your front door. To make it even more delightful you can add a string of lights to it and turn it on at night.

2. Eucalyptus leaves are always a great idea for a Wreath

Wreaths made with dried eucalyptus and berries are perfect to embody the bliss of nature. Combine this style together with other types of foliage and then spray paint in soft pale colors. This will give your front door wreath an ethereal feel all year round, no matter what the weather is like.

3. Go for a steampunk look with industrial materials

Brass and iron are great materials for a wreath that can be used year-round. They also make a bold statement and require very little maintenance. For a softer look, you can add some dried foliage and other accents.

4. Spotlight neutrality with pampas grass in your wreath

If you are looking to highlight the neutrality of non-holidays, pampas grass is a wonderful way to accentuate the welcoming nature of your door. Add a couple of very small faux flowers to your wreath and you will have a winning combination for every day of the year.

5. a Rustic wreath is always in vogue

Rustic greenery is a traditional way to use a wreath all year round. Make sure you select one that has a washed look and a more subdued color scheme with only a dash of brightness in the form of flowers or berries.

6. Velvet and gold for timeless elegance

Make a statement with a combination of velvet flowers and gold accents to add a touch of elegance and timelessness to your front door.

7. Succulents are always trending on a wreath

Succulents provide beautiful textures and shapes that can bring any wreath to life. If this is your choice, just make sure you find a good quality faux succulent wreath otherwise you run the risk of your door looking gaudy and run down.

8. Minimalist effects are like a breath of fresh air

While a winter wreath is supposed to be big and colorful, sometimes a minimalist accent will provide a better look throughout the year. For this effect consider wreaths made out of olive branches adorned with a few berries.

9. Keeping it simple with your wreath

Wreaths don’t have to shock your visitors when they see them. Quite the contrary, and in order to give your home that welcoming and ethereal feeling all year round, a simple wreath made out of small white flowers and brown stems can captivate the eye of any visitor that comes to your door.

10. Hearts are not only for Valentine’s Day 

Heart-shaped wreaths are a way to let visitors know that your home is loving and welcoming. Choose one in neutral tones that range from pink to cream to light brown to add a loving accent to your door any day of the year.

Stay current on the tech headlines from around the world with our weekly round-up. In this week’s blog, we’re taking the return of LimeWire, group orders on Uber Eats, and more. Read on for the major news stories in the world of tech!

New AI Model from DeepMind Helps Decipher, Date, and Locate Ancient Inscriptions

For cool news coming from the world of tech and AI, DeepMind’s latest AI model can help in translating ancient inscriptions. While we have long been aware of the power of machine learning, this news marks a major turning point in AI. The Alphabet-subsidiary can not only restore text that is missing from ancient Greek inscriptions but offers suggestions for when the text was written. In addition, the took can also provide possible geographic origins. “Inscriptions are really important because they are direct sources of evidence … written directly by ancient people themselves,” said Thea Sommerschield. Thea is one of the historians and machine learning experts that helped to create the model. While the AI Model, Ithaca has only been trained on the Greek text, scientists are hopeful it can learn other ancient languages. 

A Clubhouse Competitor from Amazon Arrives that Turns everyone into a DJ

The long-rumored Clubhouse competitor from tech giant Amazon has arrived. The app, which is called Amp serves as a place for listening to music with the added bonus of a chat feature. Users who sign up for Amp can host their own live show and have access to “tens of millions of licensed songs”. Available songs will be from the big three record labels and indie artists. According to Amazon, the goal is to turn any user into a radio DJ that can program a playlist, talk to listeners and chat will call-in guests. Likewise, this also means that anyone can listen to full-length songs so long as they sign up for Amp, which is free. At this time, only a beta iOS version is available with a waitlist for those seeking to gain access. 

Group Ordering and Bill Splitting Launches on Uber Eats

Just in time for a larger return to the office is an easier way to order staff meals. Uber Eats has announced that group ordering a bill splitting are new features available on the app. The new feature lets users select a restaurant and create a group order. From there, users can invite other users to place and pay for their orders. The new Uber Eats feature is similar in style to the fare splitting option currently available for ordering an Uber ride. “For the first time ever on a US delivery app, consumers can create a group order and split the bill,” Leah Seay, communications manager at Uber, told reporters. In addition, other new features include Deadline, for setting a checkout deadline, and Auto-reminders, to nudge guests to place their order.

New Music Distribution System: SoundOn, Arrives on TikTok

With so many musical artists founding success on the app, TikTok has launched a new music distribution system. SoundOn serves as the company’s in-house music distribution and marketing platform. Through the feature, artists can upload their music directly onto the TikTok app. Likewise, distribution on TikTok is free with the company waving transaction fees for the first year. After the first year, TikTok will begin taking a 10% cut from each upload. In addition, musicians will be able to retain all of their royalties from tracks that are uploaded to platforms run by TikTok parent company ByteDance. This of course includes music streaming services like Resso and video editor app CapCut.

iOS App for Reading Newsletters on Substack Debuts

Fans of Substack are getting a new feature to ease content discovery for new and trending writers. The company has released its first mobile app which will operate as an RSS reader for Substack writers. The company, which launched in 2017 has until this time solely been a desktop publishing platform. The site monetizes newsletters that cover a variety of topics but are written by average everyday users. According to the company, users can access a feed of the newsletters they follow, available in a reader view with comments included. In addition, followers can get notifications when new installments become available. At this time the Substack Reader can only be accessed through the Apple App Store. Android users can join a waitlist to be notified of when the app becomes available for their operating system.

LimeWire Returns as an NFT Marketplace

The content downloading site that thrived in the 2000s is making a Gen Z return as an NFT Marketplace. LimeWire, the former peer-to-peer file-sharing company makes its comeback as NFT specialists. Likewise, the brand aims to dive into the marketplace for digital collectibles. LimeWire’s new focus will be on entertainment content and art along with music. In addition, an NFT from the company will drop later this year with a special reward system in place. At its prime, LimeWire boasted tens of millions of monthly users. With Y2K trends making a comeback, the return of LimeWire should come as no surprise.

Landscape lighting has many benefits. From increasing the usability of an outdoor entertainment area and lighting a pathway for safer navigation to the front door to enhancing the appearance and ambiance and deterring thieves, outdoor lighting is an important part of any landscaping plan. Traditional outdoor lighting solutions mainly require electric cables or batteries. However, solar lights offer an easy-to-install and relatively maintenance-free option. Likewise, this makes them perfect in places like Southern California that see an abundance of sunlight for most of the year. Elegantly illuminate your yard with these seven terrific solar solutions:

Dekugaa Solar Light

Coming in a pack of eight, Dekugaa’s Solar Ground Lights provide a soft and subtle solar-lighting solution for along the edges of pathways, flowerbeds, and other outdoor features. Likewise, the in-ground LED disk lights are durable and waterproof and have in-built sensors for automatic functioning.

Frontgate Pro Series VI Solar Spotlight

For more intense targeted lighting, Frontgate’s Pro Series VI Solar Spotlight is ideal. Coming in a pack of two, the 60-lumen LED bulbs provide bright light where you need it the most. The large solar panel enables efficient charging on overcast days and the solar lights can provide up to ten hours of brightness. In addition, they are sturdy and easy to stake in the ground, and can also be re-positioned with ease.

Neporal Solar Butterfly Windchimes

Add a little fairytale-like magic to your yard with these enchanting color-changing solar butterfly windchimes from Neporal. Water-resistant and durable, the hanging lights take between five and six hours to fully charge and provide up to ten hours of glow. They would definitely look great around your patio seating, fire pit, or pool. In addition, Neporal’s solar lighting range also includes multi-colored stake-lights and attractive yellow rapeseed flower lights to further illuminate and enhance the whimsical beauty of any outdoor space.

Brightech Ambience Pro Solar Light String

If softly glowing string lights are more what you’re thinking of, Brightech’s Ambience Pro Solar Non-Hanging lights could be what you’re looking for. Featuring a built-in photocell, the lights automatically switch on at dusk. Vintage-style bulbs are strung together, creating a perfect lighting effect for gazebos, trees, and trellises. You could also use them to edge along fences and around swimming pools, and there’s the generous six-foot clearance between the solar panel and the first bulb.

Flamebrite Outdoor Pathway Solar Light

Easy to install with stakes, Flamebrite’s Outdoor Pathway Solar Lights cast a soft glow in any yard. The 8-lumen LEDs don’t provide consistent brightness; they flicker to emulate a burning flame, enabling you to create a cozy outdoor atmosphere. Likewise, the decorative casing further enhances visual appeal, letting your lights truly shine as a striking part of your outdoor decor scheme. When fully charged, the waterproof lights remain illuminated for up to eight hours.

Brightology UltraLuma

Versatile, robust, and attractive, UltraLuma solar lights from Brightology are available in eight cheerful colors. It’s easy to stake into the ground for a stunning disco-like effect alongside paths. In addition, the plastic light head can be removed from the stake to add floating pops of vibrant color. The lights automatically charge during the daytime and power on in the evening for gorgeous outdoor lighting.

Otdair Solar Light Wall Lantern

If you’d prefer to attach your lights to a solid structure, such as a fence, post, or wall, as opposed to staking them in the ground, these Solar Wall Lanterns from Otdair are ideal. With a screw-mounted backplate, the lanterns are great for next to entrances, along your fence, or affixed to trellises. Likewise, they can easily light areas where there’s no sun during the day. Simply position the mounts wherever you like. From there remove the lanterns to charge in the daytime before replacing them at night. Made from stainless steel and glass, they exude timeless charm and class.

It’s a new month, new week, and new round-up of the leading tech headlines around the world. Read on for our bite-size breakdown of the tech and innovation news you want to hear. From the Arc One Electric Boat to Podcasts on Twitter and more, we’ve got you covered!

Electric boat startup Arc One seeks to be Tesla of the Waters

With investors like Will Smith, Kevin Durant, and Diddy, Arc One is making waves as an electric boat startup. The company recently revealed new images and videos for the pre-production of its 24-foot-long vessel. Equipped with a massive battery pack and sleek elegant design, the boat is expected to be a top-seller for nautical enthusiasts. Arc One has already completed testing on an early prototype and continues to edge closer to customer deliveries that have been set for the summer. The Arc One has a top speed of around 40 miles per hour and can last about four hours until needing to be recharged. In addition, the boat will come with a 220kWh pack capable of powering a motor with over 500 horsepower. This feature of the Arc One will make the battery pack three times the size of Tesla Model Y, according to Arc CEO Mitch Lee. Likewise, the Arc One will be a limited edition luxury cruise that will retail for $300,000.

New Netflix Acquirement to Help Company Boost Gaming Effort

As Netflix aims to expand its gaming capabilities, the company has announced a new potential acquisition. Netflix recently made an offer to Next Games, a Finland-based developer. The mobile puzzle RPG Stranger Things: Puzzle Tales is the developer’s most known game. Netflix’s VP of games Mike Verdu shared in a blog post that the acquisition will help the company in growth. Stating that Netflix seeks to  “build a library of great games for our members to enjoy.” In addition to Stranger Things, Next Games has also developed a pair of Walking Dead-themed mobile games. The news of a potential acquisition comes as the streaming giant seeks to build out its mobile gaming service. Netflix has been working to build gaming into its regular subscription service for users. Last year Netflix Games launched on iOS and Android with a handful of games available to play for free to subscribers.

Twitter May Add Built-In Podcast Tab

So many places to listen to podcasts, so little time, unless you are already scrolling Twitter that is. According to reverse engineer Jane Manchun Wong, Twitter is working on building a tab dedicated podcasts into the platform. In addition, there has been no word on how Spaces will play into the mix as Twitter’s live audio-only chatroom. Twitter’s venture into audio began in 2020 with the launch of Spaces. The company has continued to expand in this department with the acquisition of the social podcast platform Breaker. As the company continues to make changes to its audio offerings, users will have to wait and see when Podcasts will arrive and for how long.  

HBO Max to Soon Stream US Soccer Matches

More sports coverage is coming to HBO Max, as the company has reached a deal with the US Soccer Federation. Turner Sports, an arm of WarnerMedia recently closed on a deal to air matches on TNT, TBS, and HBO Max. The eight-year agreement kicks off in 2023. Likewise, according to the release, TBS and TNT will air half of the matches with HBO Max to air the other half. In addition, Turner Sports and Bleacher Report will have exclusive rights to live coverage of the matches per the agreement.

Contact Lenses to Treat Allergies and Itchy Eyes Approved by FDA

Itchy eyes in need of corrective lenses can soon rejoice as the FDA has granted approval for contact lenses to treat the ailment. The new type of contact lens from Johnson & Johnson will be the first of its kind to deliver medication directly to the eye. The US Food and Drug Administration approved Acuvue Theravision with Ketotifen this past week. An antihistamine, Ketotifen treats itchy eyes for those vulnerable to irritants. The new one-use prescription lenses will be able to last up to 12 hours.

Music Platform Bandcamp Acquired by Epic Games

Epic Games acquired Independent music storefront Bandcamp this week. According to the blog post, Bandcamp will “keep operating as a standalone marketplace and music community”. Likewise, the acquisition will mean the company will use Epic’s resources to expand internationally while continuing to add new features. In addition, the blog post stated that  Bandcamp will play “an important role in Epic’s vision to build out a creator marketplace ecosystem for content, technology, games, art, music and more.” Bandcamp co-founder and CEO Ethan Diamond emphasized in the post that the core deal for artists won’t change in the near feature.