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Visit the islands off season to take in all the natural beauty and avoid the crowds

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Just behind the fishing village of Camara de Lobos on Madeira, you can see Cabo Girao, the highest cape in Europe Photo courtesy of Juergen Sack / iStock Via Getty Images Plus

Travel to Portugal has increased exponentially in recent years, as many continue to discover the cultural and culinary riches of the year-round destination and its stunning capital city, Lisbon.

Especially when considering winter vacation ideas, there are two Portugal gems worth exploring off the mainland: Madeira island and her sibling, Porto Santo.

On a map these islands look closer to Morocco, but the archipelago is an autonomous region of Portugal. Madeira, noted for volcanic peaks, pebble beaches, and flower-bedecked gardens, is the gateway to the region. A smaller island, Porto Santo, is arid, dotted with prickly pear and other cacti, and coated with a long swath of yellow sands.

You can catch daily direct flights from many European cities to Madeira; all fly into Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport (aka Funchal Airport) in Santa Cruz, the main hub of the island. From the U.S., you can get direct flights to Lisbon on TAP Air Portugal, the countrys budget airline thats better than many other budget airlines, and then travel from Lisbon to Madeira.

Once on Madeira, you can either fly on BinterCanarias or take a ferry to reach Porto Santo. Flights take about 25 minutes, and the ferry about 2.5 hours.

With mild temperatures (60 to 70 F), Madeira and Porto Santo make for a lovely winter getaway from the chilling temperatures found in many other parts of Europe. Traveling to Madeira and Porto Santo in the winter means avoiding the throngs of tourists that flock here during the summer months. Plus, hotel rates tend to be lower, except for dates between Christmas and New Year's Day.

There's so much to explore on Madeira and Porto Santo, we've highlighted six places that show off the finest outdoor treasures these Portugal islands have to offer.

Unlike other levadas, the Levada do Alecrim doesn't present anything too precipitous or vertigo-inducing Photo courtesy of Carlos Gouvia

Madeira is called the "Garden Island" for a reason. To really see the natural beauty of this lush and verdant landscape, get out and explore one of the many forests and trails. A stone-laden ribbon of a hiking trail, the Levada do Alecrim wanders through a forested landscape thick with the heather that once blanketed most of the island. This ancient forest is so ecologically important, its recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Water droplets trickle from leaves, stems, and rocks. A narrow water channel seemingly clinging to the cliffside parallels the path, following the lands steep contours. At a little more than 2 miles each way (hike in and back along the same trail), walking this path is a serene experience, with sightings of yellow buttercups, wild purple orchids, and the tiny Madeira firecrest, Europes smallest bird. The sounds of water tumbling from the waterfall at trails end pulls you in, and a bracing pool awaits.

It's easy to spend the day wandering to all the swimming, eating, and drinking venues found along the seaside promenade in Funchal Photo courtesy of Francisco Correia

Meandering along Madeiras rugged south coast, join the walkers and joggers ambling along the 2-mile seaside promenade between the Lido area and Praia Formosa, a popular beach, in Funchal. Take in the sights along the way, including verdant gardens and green spaces, pebble beaches, public swimming pools, and cafes.

While winter waters might be a bit cool, if youre out for a swim, stop at one of the public bathing complexes, Ponta Gorda and Lido, for saltwater pools. Or check out tide pools among volcanic rocks around Piscinas Naturais da Doca do Cavacas. From here, the views of Europes highest sea cliff, Cabo Girao, cant be beat.

Hungry? Stop for a bite at popular waterfront eateries like Sushi by Gavinas.

Stairs and paths climb the many levels of Madeira Botanical Garden, where, at the top, a cable car provides a scenic ride to the village of Monte Photo courtesy of Ricardo Faria Paulino

Set on a steep hillside almost 1,000 feet above sea level, the Madeira Botanical Garden is home to over 2,000 different plant species from all over the globe.

A network of dark stone paths and steps climb and weave through the vast acreage. The garden is typically thronged with visitors, who often cluster on the lower levels, leaving the upper tiers with a more peaceful vibe. There, isolated benches are scattered about, providing views of the blooms and the sea.

Vote Now: Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights (10Best Readers' Choice Awards 2023)

The landscape is divided into themed sections that include aromatics, camellias, and the flora of Madeira. One of the gardens signature sights is the Choreographed Gardens, a mosaic of ornamental bloodleaf plants displaying purple, pink, yellow, and red hues. The Madeira Botanical Garden is open every day year-round, except for Christmas Day.

Visitors often are captivated by the many bird species, plants, and the carp swimming in the pools at Quinta das Palmeires Photo courtesy of Francisco Correia

Porto Santo island might be defined by its aridness, but the one-acre Quinta das Palmeiras is a leafy refuge, combining a petite garden with an equally wee zoo that's home to myriad winged creatures.

Peacocks will meet you along the dirt paths, greylag geese and wood ducks float on ponds, and birds flit about at every turn. Sulfur-crested cockatoos, Australian parakeets, and fantails are just a few of the many species found here.

The landscape is lush with Canary Island date and desert fan palms, Monterey pines, Surinam cherry, and Natal plum trees. Depending on the time of year, the many shades of green might be punctuated by brilliantly hued blossoms, whether its the pinks and yellows of red hot pokers or the scarlets of firecracker plants.

Some people enjoy strolling from their hotel along the long stretch of Porto Santo Beach Photo courtesy of Francisco Correia

Porto Santo is blessed with more than 5 miles of uninterrupted golden sands along its south coast, perfect for beach walking or simply a relaxing day of sunning and swimming no matter the time of year.

Both the fine sands and the clear, turquoise waters are recognized for their bone, joint, and muscle healing properties, thanks to a high mineral content. (Dont be alarmed when you spot someone covering their body or just their limbs with sand.)

A favorite Porto Santo beach among locals and visitors is Calheta Beach at the south coasts terminus, with its more secluded vibe and stellar sunrises and sunsets.

Overlooking the beach and the black lava rocks scattered on the sand and offshore, the casual Restaurante Ponta da Calheta has a pleasant terrace for lunch or dinner. Grilled limpets, octopus carpaccio, and bolo do caco, a traditional Madeiran flatbread, with garlic butter are among the tasty menu offerings.

Because Porto Santo is primarily a beach destination, many hotels close for the season, so check ahead. Two hotels youll find open in winter are Porto Santo Hotel and Spa and the all-inclusive Pestana Porto Santo.

Unlike other levadas, the Levada do Alecrim doesn't present anything too precipitous or vertigo-inducing Photo courtesy of Carlos Gouvia

Some of Porto Santo's finest panoramic views are along the steep, rugged Pico do Castelo trail that climbs to the islands highest peak. Once youve parked near an old cannon part of the defense from pirates centuries ago the short route navigates up a series of steps that zig-zag this way and that.

From the top, youll see planes landing on the airports single runway, the brilliant green 27-hole golf course, jagged offshore islets in the distance, and the grand expanse of Porto Santo before you. Beside your path, delicate wildflowers grow atop a low stone wall.

Not far from the top, theres a bust of Antonio Shiappa de Azevedo, who was key in reforesting the island. Once at the summit, a garden shaded by Monterey and maritime pines and other trees beckons you to stop and sit a while.

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Why Portugal should be on your winter travel bucket list - USA Today

I have a mini-vacation coming up, flying out of Newark Liberty International Airport for a more tropical climate.

And I was recently shopping around for airport parking options. As I have written about previously, I strongly prefer to park on airport property rather than in a local off-airport lot it is usually cheaper, faster, and more convenient.

As you may know, the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey which operates the airport offers several parking options at a variety of price points. Ranging from $25 a day at the P6 Economy lot, to $38 a day at the P4 Daily garage, to $44 a day at the Short-Term Terminal lots. (Note: Those are the current prebooking rates.)

Imagine my surprise when I discovered a brand new option on the airport web site. For a parking lot I have never heard of before.

Lot 151. It just oozes mystery and intrigue. Maybe it's because the name is so close to "Area 51". Maybe because 151, among other things, shares its name with a popular high-proof rum.

An updated EWR parking map shows Lot 151 is situated on the northern edge of airport property, at the corner of Brewster Rd. and Conrad Rd.

According to the Newark Airport parking booking site: "Available for a limited time! Safe and official. Free shuttle-bus service direct to terminals; travel time 10 minutes depending on the terminal. One bus stop closer to terminals than P6 Economy, also lowest price."

The fine print indicates that a human staff member will be on-site to verify a prepaid booking, and allow access to and exit from the lot. The price seems to be equal to the discounted prepaid rate for the nearby P6 Economy lot $25 a day.

But here is the most curious part that is all the information available about Lot 151. There is no other mention of "Lot 151" on the Port Authority web site. Nor anywhere on the internet a Google search returns very few relevant, useful entries. (Other than a recommendation from one Redditor who apparently parked there in 2022.)

So is this parking lot real? Will there be an actual attendant there? With frequent shuttle service to EWR's terminals?

Yes, Lot 151 is real.

I took a drive up to Newark this week, and discovered the infrastructure is in place to turn it into a public parking lot. There were no cars parked there yet, and no attendants on-duty.

It is clearly meant to be an overflow lot.

Prepaid online bookings are available from Saturday, November 18, 2023 to Wednesday, November 29, 2023 coinciding with the busy Thanksgiving travel weeks. (I suspect those dates will be extended through the Christmas holiday season too, if needed.)

However, I'm not sure Lot 151 is a good option for the average airport traveler, except as a last resort. The directional signage is particularly bad you need to know exactly where you're going, and/or follow signed to "North Area" and "Building 151" to find the lot.

There is also no telling how frequently shuttle buses will run between Lot 151 and the terminals. (They will probably share service with the P6 Economy lot, which is only a half-mile down the road.) Security could be an issue too, given how remote and desolate the northern apron of the airport is.

The bottom line: Lot 151 is a relatively new option at Newark Airport. But park at your own risk. Personally, I'll be leaving my car somewhere less mysterious on my upcoming trip.

Dan Zarrow is Chief Meteorologist for Townsquare Media New Jersey. Check out Dan's weather blog or follow him on Facebook for your latest weather forecast updates.

Take a look at the top travel destinations in the country for Thanksgiving in 2023.

[WARNING: Under no circumstances should you enter private or abandoned property. By doing so you risk bodily harm and/or prosecution for trespassing.]

Gallery Credit: Sandi Hemmerlein

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Unraveling the mystery of Newark Airport's new 'Lot 151' - New Jersey 101.5 FM

Sex Diaries

In Sex Diaries, weask anonymous city dwellers to record a week in their sex lives with comic, tragic, often sexy, and always revealing results.

Photo-Illustration: Marylu Herrera

This week, a woman enjoys her newly divorced life by having sex with a wealthy stranger: single, Manhattan, 32.

DAY ONE

7 a.m. Wake up and decide to make a Bloody Mary. A few months ago, just after my divorce was finalized, I resolved to be the kind of woman who makes amazing cocktails. Check.

8 a.m. Bloody in hand, I start the day. I live in a big house in Ditmas Park and its messy from a weekend of partying. I put on music and start to clean.

8:30 a.m. My sister and some friends were in town for my official divorce party. My ex-husband was my high-school sweetheart. We moved to the city together ten years ago. He got very successful at a law firm and I got very successful as a freelance interior decorator. A year ago we decided to part ways. I wanted kids and he did not. When we first got together he was wishy-washy, but as the years went on he became adamant about wanting a childless life forever. It was a dealbreaker. Plus, our sex was really boringhis penis was small, and Im obsessed with big dicks.

Anyway, the divorce was pretty amicable. We both wanted out and he makes a shit-ton of money so I got to keep the house.

11 a.m. Done cleaning. Im feeling a little anxious. Despite the completion of my divorce and the lack of drama surrounding it, Ive been dealing with some pretty rough anxiety. Ive never had anxiety before in my life. My friends think I didnt give myself enough time to heal after the divorce just went straight back into work and dating and never really processed how much my life has changed. Maybe theyre right. I dont want to go on medication so Im just drinking probably more than I should. I tell myself Ill go fully sober next year.

11:15 a.m. Settle in for a few hours of work: Call some clients, make up some budgets, etc.

5 p.m. Log on to the apps. I message with Franco, a guy from Feeld, who is gorgeous but has a wife in Paris. I could definitely have fun sleeping with him, but Im not sure if I can have sex with someone with whom there is absolutely zero future with.

10 p.m. I decide to move on from Franco despite his promise that he has a nine-inch cock. Like, Im not looking for a boyfriend, but I also have hope I could fall in love again.

DAY TWO

8 a.m. Meet with my trainer, Anthony, whom Ive always had a crush on. I just dont want to be the divorced woman who fucks her personal trainer, ya know?

9 a.m. Im meeting a client about her new brownstone. When I get to the house she introduces me to her husband, Mike, and I recognize him from Feeld. We matched and briefly chatted. Im not positive its him, but based on his awkward greeting like, he looked at me like he recognized me I think it must be.

I can feel him eyeing me during our meeting; Ive been dressing a lot sexier since getting divorced, and its amazing how much more attention Im getting from men. Is this all it takes? A red bodysuit and some high boots from Everlane?

11 a.m. The minute I get in my Uber I look to see if its the same Mike from Feeld. Well, it is, because theres a message waiting for me: Well that was awkward! I ask if his wife knows hes on dating apps. He says, Not exactly. Okay, ew. I want to win this brownstone account, but Ill be working with a couple where the husband is a cheater. Ugh! I block him on the app.

6 p.m. Meet up with my friend who is in her first lesbian relationship. Shes trying to explain to me how good the sex is in the queer community. I tell her that Im worried Id be a bad lesbian because Im so into guys with big dicks. She tries to sell me on strap-ons, but I dont bite.

9 p.m. Head home, take a bath, and off to bed.

DAY THREE

9 a.m. Visiting my gynecologist today to talk about a few things. One: possibly having a baby on my own. Two: going on birth control since I plan to fuck a bunch of men this winter (my ex always pulled out, but thats way too risky now.) Three: how to proceed with more regular STI testing.

11 a.m. Leave the appointment hating my gyno. She made me feel slutty and vapid she seemed like she was in a really bad mood and rushed through my appointment, and she didnt seem to be listening to me. I walked out with basically none of my questions answered. Great.

3 p.m. A big design brand occasionally uses me on projects, and today they want me to help design a holiday event at a store, so were doing the walk-through now. Its a West Elm kind of place and were all drinking Champagne talking about the concept. Again, I dressed really sexy. Just in case!

4 p.m. Theres a guy looking at a couch. Hes in a beautiful suit. We start talking and I offer him some Champagne. He says he has to get back to work on Wall Street but then he asks for my number! No wedding ring, so I give him the digits.

8 p.m. Wall Street guy texts. His name is William. We make a plan for tomorrow.

9 p.m. Im so tired from the day drinking that I go to bed early after a nice session with my vibrator.

DAY FOUR

9 a.m. I have a client in Jersey City, so Im in my car heading to her loft. Im feeling so horny lately. The vibration of my car seat is literally making me wet.

10 a.m. I do something Ive never done before and masturbate while stuck in traffic. I orgasm in the Holland Tunnel. Because Im alone in my car, I howl when it happens. It feels wonderful.

7 p.m. We meet at a nice Italian restaurant in the West Village. I am wearing a new tube top and high-waisted jeans. I feel a bit like a Kardashian but I also know I look hot. William walks in. Hes in another nice suit and looks well rich.

9 p.m. The date is nice. Hes nice. Hes also divorced but has two kids with his wife. He lives between the city and Westport. His story is pretty dull: He was a workaholic she needed more their marriage fell apart. Blah blah blah.

10 p.m. Were making out a bar in the Village and I put my hands in between his legs. The bulge feels nonexistent. I know its not the most scientific test, but Im kind of turned off. We decide to call it a night.

DAY FIVE

7 a.m. Wake up feeling anxious again, I still dont exactly know why. Obviously my divorce did something to me, even though on the surface I feel okay about it. I need some therapy. And self-examination. But I havent focused my energy on any self-help stuff.

9 a.m. Head to the city for a full self-care day. Im getting my hair highlighted, visiting my derm, and going shopping.

12 p.m. Lunch with my friend Amanda, who has three kids and a big job in fashion. I really envy her. Her life is perfect. Shes obsessed with her husband and shes a really good and involved mom. Sometimes I wonder how my life has devolved to the point of being totally alone with no idea what the future holds. Oh, hello maybe thats the root of my anxiety?

2 p.m. At least Im financially stable. Shopping therapy never hurts. I go to Bloomies, the RealReal, Sandro. I do some damage and come home with more sexy outfits for the holidays.

5 p.m. I have no plans for tonight. Its very quiet at home.

9 p.m. Been swiping online for hours. I think Ive lined up a few interesting guys to flirt with for the next few days. I just need to have crushes. Crushes and fantasies will keep me alive.

DAY SIX

8 a.m. Seeing my trainer. Should I just seduce him? During our session I imagine sucking his cock. Literally, I close my eyes while doing squats and imagine it. Obviously I dont say anything to him. Just a little fantasy.

10 a.m. Get a call from the brownstone client whose husband is secretly on Feeld. They want to hire me. Its the biggest job Ive ever landed so Im happy, but I also have a sick feeling in my stomach about the lying husband! I tell her Im honored and cant wait to get to work.

5 p.m. Spend the day drafting ideas and budgets for the brownstone. Feeling motivated. It seems like Ill only be dealing with the wife, so thats good, but then the husband texts me. Hes glad I won the project. This is super-creepy. He must have gotten my cell from her. Ugh! I dont reply.

7 p.m. William asks for drinks tomorrow before he heads back to Westport. I tell him it works for me.

10 p.m. Line up a whole weekend of coffees, drinks, and dinners. These clothes arent going to wear themselves!

DAY SEVEN

9 a.m. My parents are in town for a family event so were spending the day together. Theyve been so supportive of my divorce, but I know theyre dying for me to have kids. I feel the pressure, and theyre not so subtle about it.

1 p.m. After a few hours of family time, I need a breather. I tell them Ill see them tomorrow and go home for the rest of the day. They have plenty of people to visit with so Im not totally abandoning them. Dont worry, Im a good daughter!

5 p.m. Get my hair blown out and my makeup done for these drinks with William. He chose a private club for the drinks. Its classy and I want to really bring it.

7 p.m. We each order dirty martinis. William looks good. Hes handsome and smells really good, which I love. We talk about his kids, and I ask if hed ever have more. Without a beat, he says: Yeah, I really want more kids, one hundred percent. I like this answer. I like this answer so much that I ask him if hed escort me to the bathroom.

7:15 p.m. We are fucking in one of the big, fancy bathroom stalls. Theres loud music playing so no one will hear us, but it has to happen fast in case someone is waiting outside. Williams cock is average but it works. We go about five minutes and we both come.

9 p.m. Before the bill arrives, I decide that I wont be seeing William again. The sex wasnt good enough to keep my interest. But I had fun Im pretty happy with it. I send him off to Westport with a big smile on his face, and I go to another bar and see who else is around. Being single isnt so bad!

The Sex Diaries column, which began in 2007, is the basis of a newdocuseries on HBO.

Want to submit a sex diary? Email sexdiaries@nymag.com and tell us a little about yourself (and read our submission termshere.)

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Sex Story: The Divorce Who Wants to Seduce Her Trainer - The Cut

You can find lots of great things in big cities but apartments with ample storage usually arent among them. This, of course, can give rise to lots of small-space storage ideas, which range from maximizing wall space to adding moveable cabinets. However, this vintage apartments storage solution is one that blows them all out of the water.

Natalie Prices Brooklyn apartment is a study in monochrome, with shades of pink strewn all around. While the original apartment looked like any other older New York apartment, interior decorator Ally Doman changed it to reflect Natalies personality and added a few interesting touches along the way. Once you finish admiring all the shades, you might notice that the deep-set windows have a feature you dont often see: shelves! Yep, there are shelves set right into extra space around the windows, featuring framed pictures and a variety of knickknacks.

The shelves werent added by Ally or Natalie, but part of the apartment from the beginning. Ally did, however, decide to paint them pink to match the wall, giving the area a sense of cohesiveness. Most deep-set windows are unlikely to have the shelves built-in, so feel free to steal this idea and build your own. If the monochrome look isnt for you, paint your walls one color and your shelves another for a pop of color or set them up against white walls if you really want them to stand out.

If you dont want to use too many tools and make holes in your walls (like most renters), you could try using adhesive to stick the shelves to the sides of the window frame, or simply cut the wood to fit the width. Just make sure the shelves can support whatever youre choosing to put on them, and that you can still take the shelves out if you need to. Once youre done with that, check out all the other spaces you can squeeze shelves into.

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You'd Never Guess Where This Renter's "Secret" Storage Spot Is - Yahoo Life

Darla Goodrich

Montgomery County Retired Teachers Association met at the Crawfordsville Public Library on Nov. 13. President Kim Nixon led the teachers and guests in the Pledge of Allegiance. Diane German gave the invocation. Teachers having birthdays in November were recognized. New member Donna Wilson was welcomed.

Program chair and vice president Steve Frees introduced our speaker for the meeting, Darla Goodrich, and her father, Howard Goodrich. She has four adult children and her husband is Mark Frank who works as a student coordinator for Ivy Tech in Greencastle. Darla has been the senior minister at First Christian Church since 2016 and served as an FBI agent for 10 years. She graduated from Texas Christian University and Eden Theological Seminary.

The Rev. Goodrich talked about her years as an FBI agent in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and in Los Angeles. She thanked the audience for the work that we have done in preparing children to be successful in the world. Most of her speech was about her experiences in the FBI. She joked that the FBI sweatshirt and jacket she was issued in 1989 must be made from some special fabric from outer space because theyve never shown wear in over 30 years. She joked that that is the greatest mystery about the FBI.

The period of time it takes to become an agent is about one year. During this time the FBI interviews everyone who you see frequently and neighbors youve had. They also do polygraphs and psychological testing. Physical fitness is important and the interview by a panel of agents is intensive. After being accepted as a candidate she had 16 weeks of training at Quantico, Virginia and had the opportunity to meet Jodie Foster who was training for her role in the movie Silence of the Lambs.

Another interesting part of the training was being in scenarios in a fake town with actors playing the roles of suspected criminals. Everything was videotaped and evaluated. In small FBI offices, agents may be in charge of all kinds of crimes but in larger offices agents may specialize in particular types of crimes. While working in Los Angeles, Goodrich worked mostly on public corruption. It was difficult and time consuming. She felt sorry for one particular rookie who was pushed into planting evidence by an older more experienced policeman. In the end 29 police officers were convicted and did jail time. Some FBI agents do undercover work and she did it once posing as an interior decorator to get evidence.

One of the most interesting days work was when she took Monica Lewinski to get fingerprinted. She said that she was beautiful but seemed shattered. One of the best parts of the job was getting paid to work out as they had to stay in good shape. After having four children she decided to change directions as her children needed her. Later she went into the ministry. The members enjoyed the many stories she told about her time as an agent.

The minutes and treasurers report were given and accepted as read. Mary Lefevbre reported for the members concerns committee that cards had been sent to members who lost loved ones and to shut ins. Jan Armbruster reported that money collected for Pams Promise totaled $125 and that the crisis shelter had sent a thank you card for the money given to them last month. Volunteer hours are due next month. Kathy Steele, membership chair, passed out a membership list and asked that every check their information. In old business, Nixon reminded members to bring money next month for the catered dinner being done by Cindy Long. AMBA representative, Colleen Page, reminded people that the deadline for Medicare changes in Dec. 7. The next meeting will have the Crescendos entertaining with a Christmas program on Dec. 11. The meeting was adjourned and door prizes were awarded.

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Montgomery County Retired Teachers Association - Journal Review

Were always looking for ways to give our homes a little refresh, and with the new year just a couple of months away, were turning to talented Southern designers for advice on how to liven things up without breaking the bank. Paint is one of the most inexpensive ways to give personality to a space, and it's not permanent, says Betsey Mosby, a Jackson, Mississippi-based decorator. We encourage our clients to have fun with itespecially in jewel box spaces like bars or powder rooms!" Here are the interior paint trends, from paint colors to unique ways to use paint, that Southern designers are anticipating for 2024.

Brian Woodcock; Styling: Page Mullins

"Chocolate brown is having a moment, says Louisiana designer Megan Evans. The rich warmth of this color is super inviting, and it can translate for any design style. Whether you lean more traditional or contemporary, it provides the perfect backdrop for a cozy space. Some of my favorites are Benjamin Moore Chocolate Velvet and Farrow & Ball London Clay."

Laura Williams of Austin-based ATX Interior Design agrees: We are still going to be seeing color drenching [the practice of washing an entire spacefrom walls and ceilings to window treatments and accessoriesin one color] but in earthier tones, like the chocolate and taupe family.

Before you hit the panic button, were not talking fire-engine shades. I am all in on earthy reds that evoke feelings of comfort, says Charleston designer Chelsea Handegan. I recently selected Farrow & Ball's Red Earth for the guest bedroom of a client's historic Charleston home, and I just had my own entry floors painted with a faux-marble design in a rich brown-red. Bethany Adams, a Louisville, Kentucky, decorator, is also counting on the return of redburgundy, in particular.

I think we will see a lot of rich, earthy tones such as Farrow & Balls Setting Plaster and French Gray, two of my favorites, says Richmond, Virginia, designer Lizzie Cox, who also loves sunny yellows and turmeric-like hues. Jessica Davis of Atlanta-based Atelier Davis also anticipates a continued embrace of these colors, like "mossy greens, raisins, and ambers."

While there may be an overall trend towards earth tones, spirited hues are as popular as ever for elements like cabinets. We love to paint cabinetry fun colors, especially in smaller spaces like powder rooms and bars where we encourage our clients to express themselves and have fun, says Dallas designer Lauren Reynolds. Charlotte, North Carolina-based designer Charlotte Lucas is also anticipating stand-out colors in the kitchen; shes painting her own cabinets a juicy aubergine.

Greenville, South Carolina, designer Caroline Brackett anticipates more saturated colors for walls that arent too matchy-matchy with the other elements in the room. She also expects to see more trim and millwork thats painted a contrasting color to the wall color.

And for those who may not be ready to embrace a statement-making hue in a grand way, Evans has another suggestion: If you cant commit to a bold color on the walls, try painting the trim and doors [that shade]. Doing so provides a subtle pop with a bit of playfulness."

Invest in smaller standout moments, says Raleigh designer Maggie Dillon. More and more of what I seem to be drawn to are hand-painted whimsical and loose designs that are applied to everyday pieces of furniture and accessories, says Dillon. Taking an antique chest and hand-painting stripes that aren't completely perfect or using an existing linen lampshade and jazzing it up with multicolor florals are fabulous ways to add a fully-custom layer The options are endless and the rules nonexistent, which makes it that much more fun.

Dont limit transformative paint jobs to the walls alone. I have found clients becoming increasingly open to using colors on ceilings, from softer pale colors to bold, rich colors, notes Noel Pittman, a decorator in Dallas. I am working on a project where we are painting the ceilings in a pair of boys' bedrooms gray-blue and gray-green, respectively, to relate to the fabrics in the rooms. Color on the ceiling can really elevate a space.

Painted floors are also on the up and up, says designer Lauren Sullivan of Tennessee-based Well x Design. I love a painted solid color, or even a harlequin pattern in contrast to the floors wood stain, she says. The charm and patina of a well-worn painted wood floor is hard to duplicate!

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Designers Can't Get Enough of These Interior Paint Color Trends for ... - Southern Living

Janine Ralph is a professional Christmas tree decorator. (SWNS) (Janine Ralph/SWNS)

A professional Christmas tree decorator, whose service is so popular she started taking bookings in July, is set to make 2K this year enough to fund her entire festive season.

Janine Ralph, 30, from Withywood, Bristol, decided to turn her love of interior design into a side-hustle and advertised a Christmas tree decorating service on Facebook last year.

The mum-of-two was shocked when she found herself inundated with responses expressing interest.

This year, knowing how popular she'd be, she has upped her prices and started taking bookings in the summer.

Ralph is now fully booked for Christmas 2023 with 27 clients desperate for her services, which start from 40 for a 7ft tree.

She has now started working through her bookings, beginning as early as 6 November.

"I've always loved interior design and decorating my own house," Ralph, who also runs an independent gift business, explains.

"All my friends said I should do it as a service and I've never looked back.

"I thought I'll give it a go again this year because I really enjoy it.

"When I announced my books were open back in July, loads of people booked in straight away.

"It's only half way through November and I'm already fully booked up."

Ralph charges different prices depending on services, with her rates starting at 40 for a standard-sized, pre-erected tree.

She ups the price if the client needs her to assemble the tree and string up the lights.

While Ralph has had no formal training, having a creative eye and seeking online inspiration helps her put together some incredible tree designs.

She either uses clients' own decorations or charges an extra fee to buy some to bring with her, including more unique items such as mesh and ribbon.

Based on her current 27 bookings starting in early November, she hopes to hit 2,000 this year and says that will "completely cover" the cost of her family's Christmas.

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"The extra cash will help out loads," she says.

"But I also love doing it and get a little kick when people compliment my work.

"I'm very fussy and if I don't think it looks right, I'll move things around.

"Every tree I do needs to look perfect."

Despite it only being November 2023 Ralph says people are keen to secure her services for 2024. "I've already got people asking when I open my books for next year!"

Tree decorating isn't the only professional service people are offering during the festive season.

Rachael Wood, 33, from Birmingham is a professional gift wrapper who first trained to wrap presents while she studied visual merchandising at college.

It was only when she spent a whole day wrapping a client's entire Christmas haul three years ago to help them save time before a trip, that she saw how useful it was and started doing it as a job.

Wood now wraps hundreds of presents aiming to do it as sustainably and cost-effectively as possible.

During the festive period, she charges between 6 and 9.50 a gift and provides a door-to-door service.

Her top tips include using a hairdryer to remove stickers from bags and boxes, so you can reuse them, and drying citrus fruits in the air fryer to create natural embellishments.

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Additional reporting SWNS.

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Meet the professional Christmas tree decorator who makes 2k to pay for her entire festive season - Yahoo Lifestyle UK

A Queer Eye superstar is leaving the Fab Five!

After since Queer Eye for the Straight Guy was rebooted as just Queer Eye in 2018, this has been one of Netflixs most emotional and entertaining shows of all time.

For seven seasons and an eighth season on the way weve fallen in love with the new Fab Five consisting of Antoni Porowski, Bobby Berk, Jonathan Van Ness, Karamo Brown, and Tan France. Alas, interior design and home organization expert Bobby Berk has now announced that he is leaving Queer Eye after filming season eight.

To the Queer Eye Community who have become family to me, Berk wrote in an Instagram post. The love that I have received from you all over the last 6 years has been absolutely surreal. You have tuned in and been dedicated fans and together we were able to share the healing powers of design. I learned from you all about kindness, love and acceptance and that has changed my life for the better. The way you have embraced me and accepted me for who I am is something that l will truly carry with me for the rest of my life. Throughout these years, you, the die-hard fans of Queer Eye, have all shared so many stories with me about how the show has touched your lives and I could not be more grateful to each and every one of you for being brave enough to share your experiences.

He continued, To all our wonderful, loving, amazing, and brave heroes, there is so much I want to say, and so much gratitude I want to express to you all for letting me into your homes and hearts. Its all because of you that Ive kept going all these years and each and every one of you have changed me for the better. Im so very proud of all of you! Being able to help guide you to find the best version of yourselves is something I never took for granted and never will.

By the end of the caption, Berk officially announced his exit from the series. Its with a heavy heart that I announce that season 8 will be my final season on Queer Eye, he wrote. Its not been an easy decision to be at peace with, but a necessary one. Although my journey with Queer Eye is over, my journey with you is not. You will be seeing more of me very soon. I love you all so so much and Ill meet you all in Nola for one final season.

This announcement means that Queer Eye season nine will have to find a replacement for Berk. While it breaks out hearts that the original Fab Five from this reboot wont be back for that ninth season, we do have some fabulous names to suggest as replacements!

Scroll through to find out which LGBTQ+ designers could potentially replace Bobby Berk in season nine of Queer Eye!

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Brian Patrick Flynn is a HGTV star whos appeared on shows like Point of View: A Designer Profile, Mind for Design, and HGTV Dream Home 2023. He also starred on the TBS show Movie & a Makeover. All things considered, Flynn would be a great addition to season nine of Queer Eye.

Instagram: @bpatrickflynn

http://www.instagram.com

After making her reality TV debut on Maxs Stylish With Jenna Lyons and landing a role on The Real Housewives of New York City reboot, Jenna Lyons clearly has an interest on television. With that said, it doesnt seem like shes entirely interested in Real Housewives drama. Now that shes entering the home dcor space, who knows? Maybe theres a multiverse where Jenna Lyons is a perfect choice to replace Bobby Berk on Queer Eye!

Instagram: @jennalyonsnyc

http://www.instagram.com

Carmine Sabatella is another great LGBTQ+ interior designer who would fit right in with the rest of the Fab Five on Netflixs Queer Eye. When it comes to media experience, Sabatella appeared in the Inside Out series and on HGTVs Home Town Kickstart.

Instagram: @realdesigncarmine

http://www.instagram.com

David Bromstad is a longtime HGTV superstar who appeared as a judge on shows like Brother vs. Brother and HGTV Design Star. He starred in Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and narrated My Lottery Dream Home. Theres no doubt that Bromstad would be a great replacement for Bobby Berk on Queer Eye.

Instagram: @bromco

http://www.instagram.com

Teri Moore is a fabulous quite gay interior designer from Nashville, Tennessee. Over the years, her work has been featured on outlets like HGTV Magazine and Apartment Therapy. Moreover, bringing in a queer woman to join the Fab Five cast would be a really cool addition. We think Moore should totally be considered to replace Bobby Berk!

Instagram: @tmoorehome

http://www.instagram.com

Nate Berkus describes himself as husband, interior designer, dad on Instagram, where he has a whopping 1.8 million followers. On TV, Berkus appeared on shows like Nate & Jeremiah By Design, Nate & Jeremiah Save My House, and Home Town Kickstart. So why not have Berkus join the Fab Five starting in season nine?

Instagram: @nateberkus

http://www.instagram.com

Adair Curtis was already a Netflix star by appearing on shows such as Styling Hollywood and Instant Dream Home. As someone whos clearly very talented in interior designing, Curtis is another great name who could get cast on Queer Eye.

Instagram: @adair_curtis

http://www.instagram.com

Author, potter, and interior decorator Jonathan Adler is a huge name that could replace Bobby Berk on Queer Eye season nine. Over the years, Adler was featured as a judge on shows like Top Design and Design Star: Next Gen. He also has nearly a million followers on Instagram, which demonstrates how popular he already is.

Instagram: @jonathanadler

http://www.instagram.com

Carlos Huber is a talented and famous interior designer who runs his own businesses and has worked on high-profile collaborations. He is also rather easy on eyes, which is something that definitely resonates with the Queer Eye audiences. Thus, his name should definitely be considered for the cast following Bobby Berks departure.

Instagram: @arquistecarlos

http://www.instagram.com

Dabito is an author, designer, and artist who recently published the book Old Brand New. Hes immensely popular on social media, with 234,000 followers on Instagram alone. Altogether, we definitely think Dabito would be a no-brainer, wonderful addition to the Fab Five!

Instagram: @dabito

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10 LGBTQ+ Designers Who Could Replace Bobby Berk On 'Queer Eye' - Yahoo News

Maximal decor is making a comeback, with homeowners and interior designers alike embracing the nostalgic trend for its ability to add warmth and personality to the home.

With layered textiles, rich colors, and patterned wallpaper all hallmarks of the maximalist decor trend, there's arguably no better room in the home to channel this look than the bedroom.

Proving just how cozy maximalist decor in a bedroom can be, we're taking inspiration from a bedroom design that expert interior designer Emily Henderson shared on Instagram, which was designed by Sara Ligorria-Tramp. In the before shot, the bedroom is far more of a minimalist style with neutral colors, whereas the redesign looks elevated with a palette of rich hues, lots of layered textiles, and patterns which provides endless inspiration for decorating with maximalism.

'Embracing a maximalist aesthetic in a bedroom adds a deeper sense of character and personality to a space,' explains interior designer Luis Carmona. 'The use of vibrant colors, bold patterns, and textures adds dimension to the space while creating these cool, visual layers. More and more, we are seeing bedrooms designed with maximalist decor because these rooms have a bigger personality than their minimalist counterparts. They are equally functional and aesthetically pleasing without the cold feeling that many minimalist bedrooms have.'

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Luis Carmona is the owner and lead designer at VERDE Interior Design. With almost two decades of experience in the creative space (interior design, advertising, and marketing), Carmona gets to blend his many passions into one design studio, offering services to commercial and residential clients in both Houston and Dallas.

Designer Nicholas Kaiko agrees and adds that embracing a maximalist style bedroom allows personality to show, saying: 'It's a response to our craving for personalization and storytelling within our homes and spaces. In a world where personal expression is valued, maximalism allows for curated chaos that is deeply individualistic and eclectic.'

But what's the secret to creating a maximal bedroom while still looking intentional and uncluttered? We asked the interior designers to get their advice for channeling a similar look in the home. 'It's not just about filling a room with stuff; it's about crafting a narrative with objects and decor that have meaning and resonate on a personal level,' says Nicholas.

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Nicholas Kaiko, founder of Kaiko Design Interiors, is a highly sought-after interior designer based in Sydney, Australia. With over a decade of experience in the interior design industry, Nic has honed his skills as an interior architect and decorator, working on luxury hotels and high-end residential projects both locally and internationally.

Luis explains that the key to a cohesive maximalist bedroom is to consider a sense of balance in all decor elements: 'Balance out patterns with solid colors to allow the patterns to breathe within the space.'

'Add live plants, textured elements like rugs or window treatments, or wooden pieces, such as nightstands or a bench at the foot of the bed, to soften the overall look. Using furniture or mirrors with curved edges is also a creative way to add character to the space while softening the harsh corners of art frames, walls, or other pieces of furniture.'

Nicholas concludes by adding that decorating with vintage is a great way to add character to your maximal bedroom: 'Incorporate pieces that have history vintage finds, family heirlooms, or handcrafted items to give the room a sense of timelessness and narrative.'

Feeling inspired to create a similar maximalist style in your bedroom? We've rounded up some decor pieces for you to shop below to recreate the cozy look. If you're wondering if maximalism is more on trend than minimalism, we spoke to interior designers to get their take on this playful and popular trend.

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Anthropologie Averill Organic Cotton Quilt

2

McGee & Co. Elwynne Floral Pillow Cover

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McGee & Co. Orchid Floral Pillow Cover

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This Emily Henderson-approved bedroom is endlessly cozy | - Homes & Gardens

Gallery walls are generally a colorful and eclectic type of decor. On the other hand, the Kardashian style has become popular for its warm minimalist, and modern edge. Kourtney Kardashian shows that the two don't have to be mutually exclusive. Recent photos of the socialite's dining room reveal that she has installed a black and white gallery wall in her contemporary dining room.

Kourtney's dining room has a full warm minimalist look. Her deep brown hardwood floors compliment her textural beige walls, emphasized by the frosted glass of her oval dining table. On the wall, black and white photographs in similarly sized black frames create an artistic look that fits perfectly with the rest of her decor.

Kourtney Kardashian's modern wall decor is a beautiful and eye-catching addition to her dining room.

Interior designers love the look of a gallery wall. Vivianne Chow, interior decorator and founder of Viv and Tim Home, states: 'Installing a gallery wall in a room allows you to easily fill up an empty wall with curated wall art or photo memories. Keeping frames all the same color helps create a modern monochromatic design.'

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Vivianne Chow is an interior decorator and the founder of the home decor blog Viv and Tim Home. Vivianne, along with her husband, Tim, recently builta dream custom home and are tackling decorating roomby room and sharing design tips and everything theyve learned along the way.

Tyler Del Vento, interior designer and founder of TDV adds, 'Gallery walls are a great way to give a room or wall a personality! They can provide warmth, reflect the homeowner's passions and interests, and illicit an emotion.'

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Interior Designer Tyler Del Vento is a graduate of NYCs Fashion Institute of Technology, and has spent many years working as a designer in Paris and NYC. Tyler is well-known for her ability to mix bold pieces with functional furnishings to create striking designs.

Furthermore, the experts say that Kourtney's dining room wall decor colors create a stunning result. 'Black frames provide a lot of contrast to beige walls which really makes the gallery wall pop and stand out as a feature in the room,' says Vivianne.

Tyler continues, 'I love using black frames against beige or white walls because the contrast "pop" adds a fun edge to the overall look of the gallery wall. Black frames also give a more modern, updated, and sophisticated look vs. wood or metal which can feel casual and dated.'

This sculptural piece combines an ivory stone base with a circular glass top for a warm modern look.

These stylish, minimalist frames are perfect for creating a gallery wall. The uniform allows for a very neat look.

This stylish set can be placed in a fireplace to create a chic design, even when a fire isn't lit.

Kourtney Kardashian's dining room walls prove that a gallery wall can be a stylish and chic addition to any design style by making the classic look so effective in a modern space. If you're nervous about implementing the look, our list of common gallery wall mistakes walks you through exactly what to avoid.

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Kourtney Kardashian's dining room reinvents the gallery wall | - Homes & Gardens