Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

The state cabinet today extended the jurisdiction of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS or Indian Civil Protection Code in English) 2023, which is meant to replace the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), in Meghalaya.

Government spokesperson and cabinet minister Paul Lyngdoh informed that the extension of the BNSS to Meghalaya has been done by issuance of a notification under Subsection 2 of Section 1 of the act with effect from July 1, 2024.

The central government had notified that by that date the BNSS 2023 should come into force and replace the CrPC.

Under the BNSS, forensic policing should receive a boost as it will become mandatory for forensic experts to examine crime scenes in categories of crime that are heinous in nature and where punishment is seven years imprisonment or more.

The state government, through the Directorate of Forensic Sciences, had submitted a proposal seeking the approval of the cabinet to notify the guidelines for compulsory forensic crime scene investigation.

The cabinet, therefore, considered and approved this proposal and under this, there will be mobile vehicles that will serve as forensic science investigation teams available at all district headquarters, Lyngdoh said. The process of recruiting more officials in the Directorate of Forensic Sciences is ongoing.

Cyril Diengdoh, Secretary in the Law Department, said that the BNSS 2023 will not be applicable in the district council courts as per Para 4 and 5 of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Even the CrPC was not extended to the district council courts as they have their own procedures.

Read more:
Cabinet okays BNSS replacement of CrPC - Highland Post

If nobody will say it, I will: most restaurant patios are overrated. I know, I know. Nice weather is precious here. You want to eat outside, and thats fine. But personally? Im kinda tired. Patios are fine except for when youre breathing in exhaust from passing cars and shielding your eyes and exposed skin from the sun when it moves beyond the shade of the umbrella. Securing a table is competitive in some places and a form of exile in others. Throw in a bit of weather and youve set yourself up to face many an unknown.

I am, however, not opposed to eating outside in general. In fact, eating outside is an animalistic pleasure I consider on par with looking into a fire or swimming naked in a stream. Im not advocating for indoor dining forever, but maybe for a little more connectivity between the great outdoors and eating. And since the weather is finally agreeable, I decided to explore this concept by eating handhelds in Milwaukees most noteworthy urban spaces. The assignment was simple: get a handheldwhich I defined as anything consumable and meant to be gripped in your pawsand take it to the nearest park, chew it over in a philosophical manner, and report back. Heres what I ate and where.

This Italian institution on the East Side has been peddling old-world specialties, from mortadella to Montepulciano, since 1946. And their sandwich menu is legit. I am not sure why the deli spells the sandwich name this way. My theory is because we are not in New Orleans, so it cannot be labeled a true muffuletta. Either way, the Milwaukee Muffalatta contains thinly sliced mortadella, genoa, ham, and provolone folded over a muffuletta mix on a sesame seed hoagie roll. It is slick with oil and sharp with vinegar, crowded with the titular olive salad containing celery, sport peppers, red peppers, and Italian herbs. The oil soaks into the meat and spills off the edges of the roll.

I took this sandwich to McKinley Marina and ate it between the Lakefront Colectivo and the Roundhouse Beer Garden. This was a pretty good choice. You cant really go wrong eating a sandwich on the Lake Michigan shoreline. Benches and hills and places to sit in the grass are plentiful if youre willing to trek the short distance from Brady to the parkway. 8/10.

Optional alternatives: Dogg Haus hot dog, La Masa empanadas.

I arrived at Oscars hungry to the point of disorientation, and ordered the patty melt in a rushed fugue state. Immediately I wished Id have tacked on an order of onion rings and custard as well, and I waited for my number, stewing in regret and approaching a hangry state that made the edges of the room blur. It felt criminal to drive all the way here and not leave with frozen custard, our citys pride and joy. Why did I pick this place? Why didnt I order the special of the month (queso burger)? On the other hand, my bill was under $7 and I was laid off in May.

Getting from Oscars to Greenfield Park is not really possible without a car in this part of Milwaukee, despite them being deceptively close to one another on a map. Initially, I wanted this article to include only parks and handhelds that were within walking distance of each other. This proved much more difficult than expected. Most of our loveliest parks are far enough from quality sandwiches to necessitate driving. The city density just is not there. The to-go bag in my car smelled like vanilla custard and I was so mad at myself for not getting one to go. This park was a mile away. Why did I do this?

But as soon as I sat on the park bench beside the lake at Greenfield Park, my mood improved among the steady alarm of red winged blackbirds and contented turtles sunning on a fallen log. The sandwich is a thin patty with melted Swiss cheese and sauted onions. The bread is heavily buttered and perfectly grilled. When it was gone, I felt so calm. Whether it was the reliably Zen effects of watching water move in green areas, or the soporific potency of bread, meat, and cheese, I started to feel like this assignment wasnt a total bust. I spaced out for a while on the bench, thinking about how to obtain gainful employment. Would I do this again? I would both eat the sandwich and visit the park again, but maybe not together. 4/10.

Optional alternative: Theres nothing else in this area I feel confident recommending. My only alternative suggestion is just to get more food at Oscars.

This is what I had been waiting for. This pairing is the reason I pursued this story in the first place. If you have not had the Paloma Taco Pocket, consider this a sign to level up your handheld game. Its $13 and massive. A hands-held rather than a hand-held treat. Paloma in Bay View opened in April following the success of their first location. Although I live closer to the flagship Paloma, and Washington Park is high on my list of Good Parks, the Bay View Paloma is open during the lunch hour.

The Taco Pocket is basically a gourmet Crunchwrap Supremea burrito wrap folded over a tostada shell piled with lettuce, cheese, tomato, onions, cilantro, and beef. I think this is one instance in which the facsimile is actually better than the prototypical. You can sub out the gringo beef for chicken, carnitas, or one of several vegetarian options, but the beef has the same finely ground consistency of its inspiration and a spice mixture that passes, with flying colors, for the real deal.

Humboldt Park is a gem in the summertime. Sitting on the verdant hillside with a gooey hexagonal burrito gripped in both hands, I tried to connect the Taco Pocket experience to all remembered nights with a Crunchwrap Supreme. The CS/Taco Bell version is advertised as plump and layered, with cheese spilling out an a clearly defined cut between the healthy stuff and that finely ground pasty meat seasoned with an explosive mix. But to my memory, the CS always comes out a little too flat, the burrito-to-filling ratio all askance. The tomatoes always seem a little too cold, shocked into coexistence with the cooked meat which, when cooled, starts to hide behind a greasy layer of the Taco Bell mystery spice. On the other hand, the Taco Pocket is hefty and unshy. It is hot the whole way through and generously loaded. If you wish to compare the Crunchwrap Supreme to the Taco Pocket, the Crunchwrap Supreme is like meeting someone superhot but ultimately underwhelming, and the Taco Pocket is like meeting your soul mate. 10/10.

Optional alternatives (although I dont know why you would): Anything from Vanguard, a slice from Classic Slice, tacos from 7 Estrellas.

I had a flashback to Oscars, so I did not make the same mistake twice: I went to SmallPie and ordered a slice of pie with the herbed chicken handpie. Aside from the pies, crafted by Honey Pie, SmallPie claims the handpie as their signature item. They are piled up and falling over each other in the display case like stacks of poker chips anted in a game.

South Shore Park was not crowded on a Tuesday afternoon. Groups of twos and threes gathered on blankets in the grass. A family fed a gaggle of geese at the small beach along the bay. Someone meditated near the water. The wind swung the sailboats on their moorings, and the skyline to the north sparkled in the clear day, showing-off and pretty by this magical body of fresh water by which we are so privileged to live. When the beer garden is open, you dont really need to trek in outside food to the park.

The handpie was hot and gushing in a buttery crust. I felt the filling-to-crust ratio was a little low, but this could be for structural reasons, since the handpie maintained its croissant-like consistency all the way through. It was nicely herbed with small cubes of chicken, a flaky and toasty exterior, and just the right size for a quick lunch on the run. For dessert I had a slice of the chocolate hazelnut pie. It was a rare miss for me, more pure sugar-forward than mellow and custardy, which would have paired better with a bitter espresso than my pastry and Topo Chico. 7/10.

Optional alternatives: Anything from the South Shore Terrace menu.

I have been a Rupenas customer for a long time. This family-operated grocery store and deli in West Allis is approaching its 100th year in business and is still managed by members of the Rupena family. It maintains a neighborhood deli feel and carries esoteric grocery items not found in bigger stores. Their shining beacon is the butcher counter and the knowledgeable staff behind the cuts. Rupenas has yet to steer me wrong.

In addition to the house sandwich menu and a build-your-own option, Rupenas rotates daily specials on a chalkboard at the counter. I visited on a Friday during their fish fry special, but thats not my beat in this town, so I ordered the Taste of Milwaukee. This roast beef sandwich is served on a flat and crispy ciabatta with an even spread of horseradish cream, melted cheddar and provolone, and coarsely chopped fresh red onions. It is pressed in a panini maker until the ingredients heat and meld and the bread is lightly toasted. As I waited for my sandwich, I hovered over the meat cuts at the butcher section, admiring tenderloin and rump roasts and hefty pork shoulders, familiar main courses at family gatherings in my clan. I stopped to snap a picture of the ticket number specifically for Milwaukee Record.

Can I helpoh! A woman walked into my shot.

SorryIm just taking a picture, I stammered. Its forits a long story, I said.

I bet it isnt, she replied and grinned. I offered a quick explanationIm eating sandwiches for a publication that has made a running joke out of 69 degree days via the Allen Bradley temperature tower. She chuckled.

Our butcher never changes the number. Its our inside joke.

Perfect! I immediately felt more at ease. This was Maria Rupena, after all.

I collected my sandwich and made my way across the street to a cluster of picnic benches at McCarty Park. The grass had been recently mowed, flattening the green expanse and revealing mud traps in the shade. Kids tore around the nearby playground, but the tennis courts and baseball diamonds were still empty. My Taste of Milwaukee sandwich was warm and creamy, the ciabatta crunchy and lightly buttered, the roast beef and cheese nicely intertwined. The park is just okay, at least on the side I found myself on. Eating beside busy Beloit is not super relaxing. 6/10.

Optional alternative: A different Rupenas sandwich.

At the end of this assignment (which I assigned to myself) I had some thoughts about what I would do differently. Traveling from the origin of the sandwich/handheld to the nearest worthy park was a hassle just to eat one item, so next time Id order an entire meal or a bigger variety and make sitting in the park a bigger part of my day. I may not have this luxury for long. Id also bring a friend along. Not for reasons that facilitate my research, but because friends are great and eating alone in a park while taking notes blocked some pure human pleasure from the experience. It also taught me to always keep a blanket in my car, something to toss out on a grassy hillside and dish out a midday meal.

And there ya have itno patios required!

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See the original post here:
A case against patios: Eating sandwiches in parks - Milwaukee Record

The popular JazzBuffalo Summer JazzMondays on the rooftop patio of Tappo Restaurant will return for the summer of 2024 for its 9th season! My Cousin Ton will be back to perform on the rooftop patio every Monday night through Labor Day!

Voted as the favorite Jazz Large Ensemble in the 2023-2024 JazzBuffalo Annual Poll, My Cousin Ton promises to entertain you with tunes from its repertoire of jazz standards from the Great American Songbook and straight-ahead jazz classics. Sit back, relax, and enjoy dinner and a bottle of wine while soaking in the live jazz music.

The weekly JazzMondays have become a beloved tradition during the summer months. We take joy in the celebrations it brings and in providing the musical backdrop to make each gathering special. Whether youre planning a birthday, anniversary, reunion, or simply getting together with friends, JazzMondays is the perfect setting to create lasting memories.

Please note that the rooftop patio will be open weather permitting. So pray for no rain on Mondays!

The Summer JazzMondays will kick off on Memorial Day, starting Monday, May 27th, and will continue every Monday through Labor Day. My Cousin Ton, together for over 12 years, features Jim Matteliano on keyboards, Bill Savino on bass, Andy Peruzzini on trumpet, Dalton Sharp on saxophone, Pete Dauphin on trombone, Bill Basil on drums, Tony Zambito on percussion, and Kathy Carr on vocals. And who knows? You might even catch a surprise guest dropping by to sit in for a song or two!

Once again, the Tappo Rooftop Patio will fill the downtown sky with the sounds of jazz, complementing the outstanding menu and drinks of Tappo Restaurant. JazzMondays has brought new life to downtown Mondays and we hope you can experience it!

View post:
JazzMondays on the Tappo Rooftop Patio ft. My Cousin Ton - All WNY News

At the first sign of the sun breaking through, BBQ enthusiasts dust off their best grills to get them up and running for a summer of outdoor cooking. No longer limited to eating indoors, we can all enjoy freshly cooked, sizzling food al fresco.

While the warmer weather encourages us to get outside into our yards, it also inspires us to create an attractive outdoor space to relax and spend time with friends and family. So, once youve invested in outdoor patio landscaping, garden furniture, and the best plants for your patio, youll want to ensure you take good care of them.

However, although your patio area may be fit for a BBQ banquet, Andy McLaughlin, landscaping and paving specialist at RF Paving, warns that hosting a barbecue could be detrimental to your garden and paved areas if not done safely and correctly. He reveals where in the garden you shouldnt have your grill, what materials can be damaged, and how to clean up ash and food stains from your paving.

When using a grill, McLaughlin says that (apart from the obvious caution that the user needs to take to protect themselves), care should also be taken of the surfaces and surroundings where the grill will be used. It is advised never to place the grill directly onto any surface or paving; the direct heat that is generated may cause harm to the surface.

Surfaces such as wood and plastics, and grass may be the obvious ones to avoid, but even with natural stone and external porcelain, grills should never be placed directly on the surface.

He explains how high temperatures can cause damage: Although some materials may be more tolerant to higher temperatures, if the temperature is too high, this may cause material like natural stone to crack. Even with porcelain, which is produced at around 1300C/2372F, it will likely scorch the finished surface, spoiling the aesthetic appearance.

However, McLaughlin adds that the mistake of grilling directly on surfaces is more common with disposable BBQs. In this scenario, he suggests raising it off the ground. Use a spare piece of non-combustible material, supported by other pieces, such as a spare piece of paving supported by house bricks, he explains.

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Its less of an issue with standard grills, as he says they are raised off the ground on stands, adding, Although there may be some sort of heat transfer through the stand, it is very unlikely that the heat is enough to harm the surface.

When youre grilling outside, your patio will inevitably become stained with food spills and ash from the grill. Although McLaughlin says that most marks can be easily removed, he adds, Attention should be given to the type of mark you want to remove from the paving and what type of paving is being cleaned. If using cleaning solutions, check with the manufacturer that the cleaning substance is suitable for removing the stain, and that it is also suitable to be used on the type of paving.

He says that fatty foods and drinks are often dropped whilst guests enjoy the hospitality and can stain the paved area. Often there will be substances that can remove these if staining occurs, but removing these early is key to minimizing long-lasting marks.

McLaughlin also mentions that some materials are more porous than others, and once stains impregnate the surface, they can become more stubborn to remove. He advises, Checking with manufacturers regarding application methods and suitability is a must when using any cleaning materials, as some cleaners may not be suitable for the stains.

When oils or fats are spilt on the patio, McLaughlin says the simplest and often most cost-effective way of removing the marks is to simply use household dishwashing soap.

This should be applied neat to the affected area, scrubbed with a stiff brush, and then rinsed with water after a short period (15 20 minutes) to help remove marks, he explains.

Household detergent contains sodium hydroxide, otherwise known as caustic soda, which breaks down fats and greases, turning them into a water-soluble solution that can be easily washed away.

The same approach can be taken with cleaning ash or soot spillages from the patio. However, if there are any more stubborn stains or marks, he advises that a specialised cleaning fluid may be required, but adds, Always check with the manufacturer that it is the correct solution for the stain being remove and that the solution is compatible with the paving.

One of the main concerns when using a grill in your yard is safety, which is why McLaughlin says, Having a flat and even surface where the BBQ is to be placed is essential.

If this cannot be achieved in the desired area, then consideration should be given to an alternative area to carry out the grilling. Having an uneven surface could be hazardous, leading to the BBQ being unstable, possibly falling over, and potentially spilling hot coals, he adds.

Apart from being dangerous, leading to burns and possible objects catching fire, it can damage the grill, while also giving you the task of having to clean a stained area, if the grill was positioned on paving.

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Excerpt from:
How to save your patio from cracks and stains this BBQ season advice from an expert - Tom's Guide

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CLEVELAND - With summer here, patio season is officially in full swing.

And while it may be tempting to enjoy the weather with a beer or glass of wine, its important to be mindful of how much youre drinking.

Drinking is really engrained in our culture, and we see a lot of it especially in the summertime, said Akhil Anand, MD, addiction psychiatrist for Cleveland Clinic. I encourage everyone to try their best to reduce their drinking consumption because of the medical, mental and social consequences of it.

Dr. Anand stressed alcohol has been found to contribute to more than 200 health conditions.

In fact, its tied to an increased risk for several types of cancer and can lead to other chronic conditions like liver and heart disease as well as stroke.

Dr. Anand added drinking may make you feel good in the moment, but it can ultimately cause long-term mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

Alcohol can also impact the quality of your sleep by disrupting your overall sleep cycle.

If you do decide to drink this patio season, Dr. Anand said moderation is key and recommends keeping a few things in mind.

Alternate between drinking alcohol and water and make sure you have a good meal before because drinking on an empty stomach is very hazardous. There are also apps you can now use to track your drinking, Dr. Anand said.

Although its safest to avoid alcohol altogether, its recommended men should not have more than two drinks in a day, and women should not have more than one drink in a day.

Read the original:
Reasons to Drink Less this Patio Season - Cleveland Clinic Newsroom

Summer is officially here and that means its time for the Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom summer patio concert series. The beloved Denver live music venue will supplement its already-loaded two-stage setup with additional outdoor concerts throughout the season.

The Cervantes summer patio series is already off and running, beginning last month withKorby Montgomery Band andDirty Byrds and continuing withJake Leg and Timberline Troubadours. This past weekend also witnessed the second annual Cervs-Stock, featuring some of the Mile High Citys best local tribute bands including Steely Dead,Yachty Got Back,Runaway Gin,Nothing But Flowers,Revelator, andJohn Prines Illegal Smile.

Looking ahead, Cervantes has plenty more up-and-coming acts set to take over the patio stage, established in 2014. Up next on the outdoor stage is local jam bandVanimal Kingdom (6/28) followed by Chicago soulfunk phenomenonZoofunkyou (6/29) and a special daytime b2b pairing of Denvers own Phyphyr and Kaptain (7/6). The series will pick up steam in July with performances byPaul McDonald & The Morning Doves (7/13),Sounds of Honey (7/25), Phoebe Katis (7/26), and a to-be-announced act that will support a Ballroom show byPink Talking Fish (7/27).

Related: Phish Dicks 2024 Late-Nights At Cervantes: The Phunk Sessions, Keller Williams Grateful Grass, More

Cervantes Summer Patio Series finishes strong through August, beginning on the 2nd with A Very Jerry Band who will kick off a night of tributes including Phish cover band Phix and Allman Brothers Band tributeOther Brothers indoors. Finally, the summer will wind down with Jesh Yancey & The High Hopes supporting Bloodkin (8/8),Moonradish (8/9), and Sun Jr. andBottlerocket Hurricane (8/15) before closing withDrew Dvorchak Band opening for Illiterate Light (8/17).

All tickets to shows at Cervantes Other Side include access to that evenings patio concert. While enjoying the fading Denver daylight, early birds can enjoy hand-crafted showtime bites from the recently launched Cosmic Snacks fast-casual restaurant at the Other Side, open every Thursday through Saturday.

Check out a full lineup of summer patio concerts at Cervantes and visit the venues website for tickets.

The rest is here:
Cervantes' Summer Patio Series To Bring The Heat To Denver All Season Long - Live for Live Music

Back pay and more for BK workers. When the Van Ness Burger King closed abruptly in late December, 2022, many of its workers were just as surprised as the community. NBC4 reported at the time that they had a days notice if they had any at all. The sudden layoffs did not necessarily violate DC worker protection laws, but the Office of the Attorney General now says franchise owner Potomac Foods failed to promptly pay workers their final paychecks after closing and failed to consistently pay an overtime premium to its eligible employees from 2020 to 2022. Under the OAG settlement, Potomac Foods will pay $24,020.76 to impacted workers and $22,500 to the District.

The Burger King property now has the DC governments attention. Notices posted at 4422 Connecticut Avenue warn of fines to be paid through liens for the vacant building, which by law must be registered as such in the District, and the awning, which is not stable.

The awning supports on the left side are angled, and are no longer bolted to the sidewalk.

Missing from the Department of Buildings notice is the date by which the awning supports must be repaired before the city does the work and charges the owner for the service. A copy of the notice was mailed on May 31st to an address in Rockville that is the headquarters of property management company Alvin L. Aubinoe, Inc.

Comet Ping Pongs patio is now an all-weather spot.

It's patio season and we have never been more prepared at Comet Ping Pong! Our patio has gotten an all around glow up with a brand new AMAZING awning! Sit outside and enjoy pizzas and brews all season long, rain or shine pic.twitter.com/l8x6aDeYie

Comet Ping Pong (@cometpingpong) May 24, 2024

Its the kid-friendliest. Families have flocked to Comet since day one, so its no surprise (to us, at least) that its the first restaurant listed in a recent Washington Post article about the area restaurants that are most welcoming to kids.

Rosemary Bistro Cafe has added a kids menu. Besides the beef tips noted below, kids ages 12 and under can order chicken fingers, salmon pasta, spaghetti, steamed vegetables and fries. Theres also ice cream for dessert.

Cart cleanup on Connecticut Avenue. Giant Food grocery carts tend to travel. Van Ness Main Street saw this employee taking a bunch of them home.

Thanks @GiantFood for todays work in retrieving a multitude of abandoned grocery carts along Connecticut Ave in #VanNess. pic.twitter.com/JI3Tl5GeWA

Van Ness Main Street (@VanNessMainSt) May 16, 2024

Feed your breakfast taco cravings. Muchas Gracias brunch offerings make Washingtonians list of some of the best around.

And a September preview. Van Ness Main Street is hosting Celebrate VNMS! on September 14th, a day-long celebration with activities starting at Forest Hills Playground, continuing along Connecticut Avenue from 2 to 8 p.m., and ending with a 7:30 p.m. screening of Spy Kids during the last Movie Night in the Park of the season at the UDC amphitheater. The festivities will include a pop-up market, and VNMS is accepting applications from vendors until July 31st.

Forest Hills Connection is an editorially independent program of Van Ness Main Street.

Original post:
Business in Brief: Burger King back pay settlement, Comet patio, VNMS call for vendors - Forest Hills Connection

Summer is officially here, which means its time to bask in the sunshine, start a lush garden, and connect with mother nature. The onset of the summer season also makes way for plenty of outdoor relaxation and entertainment, whether you love getting cozy by a fire pit or enjoy hosting parties for friends and family. No outdoor space is complete without patio furniture, and with the help of a secret Amazon outdoor furniture hub, you can make your deck, patio, or backyard summer-ready without spending a fortune.

Amazons Bring on Outdoor Living storefront is a treasure trove of outdoor furniture, decor, and accessories that can upgrade your outdoor space and enhance your curb appeal. As you shop, expect to find summer essentials, including luminous string lights and stylish patio umbrellas, from popular brands like Christopher Knight, Best Choice Products, and Devoko.

Welcome summer and embrace outdoor living with our top furniture and decor picks, with prices starting at just $14.

Amazon

The right lighting can make any space warm and inviting, and this set of string lights from Brightown will transform your backyard into a cozy destination for reading, unwinding, and gathering with friends and family. With nearly 54,000 five-star ratings and over 10,000 sets sold just this month, the lights are a sure winner among shoppers due to their sleek design, convenient features, and price point. For starters, the $14 set features 12 energy-saving, Edison-style LED bulbs that are fully dimmable, so you can adjust the lighting to fit your desired mood and save a few bucks on your electric bill. Speaking of bulbs, the lights are made from shatterproof plastic and can withstand extreme temperatures and severe weather conditions, like rain, snow, and wind. Plus, you can connect up to 60 strands to illuminate your fence, pergola, or gazebo.

Amazon

When the temperatures begin to climb, nothing compares to a crisp, refreshing drink to help cool off. Whether youre enjoying a glass of iced tea while you dive into a new book or serving up cocktails at a garden party, this set of retro drinking glasses get the job done in style. The set includes six 12-ounce glasses with a hobnail-style design reminiscent of the glassware your grandma kept in her cupboard decades ago. Some glassware known as vintage just looks old and dated, one shopper shared, but they said, This set has that elegance and style that elevates any gathering. It looks like a high quality set, and it is. The stunning blue glasses are constructed with high-quality, durable glass that is resistant to shattering and cracking and is even safe for putting in the dishwasher.

Amazon

Patio umbrellas often feature a more plain and utilitarian look, but this darling umbrella is stylish, chic, and provides plenty of shade on sunny days. When the sun is especially strong, the umbrella is designed to block out 98 percent of UV rays to keep you protected from the heat and harmful sun exposure. For extra style points, it features classy fringe around the edge of its upper fabric for a vintage-style look, and its steel pole is painted with a brown color to resemble natural wood. One five-star reviewer praised the umbrella for its design, and wrote, This added a whole new feel to my backyard. Like a fancy resort. Absolutely beautiful product. Along with its beautiful design, the umbrella also comes with a corrosion-resistant tilting mechanism to adjust the angle as the sun moves throughout the day. If you prefer something with extra pizazz, other colors are also available, including navy striped, sage green, and coral pink options.

Amazon

At just $170, this Acacia wood conversation set is a steal. The set includes two chairs, a loveseat, and a table, making it the perfect addition to your backyard. Unlike some outdoor furniture sets that are made from synthetic materials, this set is crafted with 100 percent Acacia wood that, in addition to looking premium, is exceptionally durable and naturally water-resistant. One five-star customer compared the set to pricier alternatives at big-name retailers, and wrote, Solid wood materials, attractive, comfortable cushions, easy to assemble, unbeatable pricethese are unbelievable. If the price and material isnt impressive enough, the set also comes with cushions, so you can sit comfortably on the chairs or loveseat right away.

For more of our favorite outdoor essentials, keep scrolling to browse what else Amazons secret Outdoor Living storefront has to offer.

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This Secret Amazon Outdoor Living Hub is Filled With Furniture Essentials - Better Homes & Gardens

Anybody who has ever thrown a party in an older NoVA split-level home knows the challenges. It can seem as though theres never enough prep space in the tiny kitchen and never enough room for people to gather.

To make their Falls Church home a better gathering place, Jeff and Cadence Weber opted to renovate their kitchen. Working with Fairfax-based Design Pro Remodeling, designer Susan Sutter changed the flow by taking down living room and dining room walls. As people come up the stairs to the main floor, they now see a large kitchen island anchoring the space, and thats where amateur chef Jeff spends time preparing food and drinks for parties.

When hes in there cooking or mixing drinks, what have you, hes not hidden behind walls, so tearing down those walls really allows them to be more involved in their entertaining and with their guests, says Sutter, owner and principal designer at Susan Sutter Interiors.

Honestly, the island has been the biggest change because its given us some additional storage capacity for things, as well as just having a space for us to be able to lay things out, says Jeff. It is sort of like a common landing area where we can serve things. We can have that be where things are prepped and then provided, and then its wide open to the rest of the room.

The island, Kemper Marimac Narrow Rail cabinetry in a maritime blue, is topped with Calacatta Laza quartz and complements perimeter cabinets in morel. One side has a Zephyr French-door wine and beverage cooler while the other has a rollout tray for the amateur mixologists necessities. They no longer store everything on a bar cart that rattles as people walk by.

One of my favorite things is my tiki cabinet, which is an entire cabinet in the island allocated to my collection of rums and my collection of liqueurs that are used for drinks, says Jeff, whose bevy of booze tops 30 bottles. You pull out the drawer and its kind of like, Wow, look at how organized it is and where everything is, and that makes me very happy.

Jeff loves to cook. New appliances include a 36-inch Monogram induction cooktop with a 42-inch range hood, a GE convection wall oven, and a GE built-in microwaveconvection oven, which comes in handy when foods require different baking times and temperatures. The wider cooktop allows him to prepare more foods at the same time or to use larger pans.

His spices and cooking oils also have a dedicated cabinet. Im able to pull that out and select right away without having to rearrange things without having to hunt and search, says Jeff. Previously, we maybe had to take a bunch of stuff out just to be able to get to what I wanted to use.

Cadence says with the open floor plan, they worried about exposing the kitchen to guests. Their holiday party typically draws more than 70 people. How messy will it look if people are over? Because, of course, theres the chaos of entertaining on top of the fun. The big sink for me was something I was really keen on because it enabled us to have a spot to hide stuff, Cadence says.

A 45-inch Ruvati workstation sink, which sits below an enlarged pass-through window that opens to an adjoining deck, allows for easy cleanup. The width really does allow you to do multiple things, says Sutter. You can have dishes drying and be chopping and slicing and dicing, and you can use it as an ice trough. If youre having a party, you could fill it up with ice from the pellet icemaker and have drinks and bottles in there for service.

A 15-inch high-capacity GE nugget ice maker, something Sutter suggested and the two questioned because of hefty price tag, turned out to be a time saver. They no longer need to make ice a week ahead of a party, worry about running out of it, or require a Lewis bag to crush ice for exotic drinks. That was really probably the No. 1 splurge, says Jeff. But that was just something where I was thinking, If were going to be going through doing this, I would love to be able to have what is effectively an endless supply of ice.

The renovation gave the kitchen better storage. Cadence says she no longer plays Tetris to put things away. For example, she was horrified when they finally rounded up their tea bags. They were so shoved in so many different places, she says, adding that all tea supplies and mugs are now organized. Its all very close to where we have the kettle tucked away. Its really nice to have all of that together.

Small appliances and other items no longer clutter countertops. Previously, all of our cooking utensils were in a jar on the countertop because putting them away somewhere would have been such a nightmare to get them back out. Its just nice that we have all that space to keep everything hidden, but very, very open and accessible, she says.

Seeing a bunch of things out kind of adds stress to us, Jeff says. So, we like it being open and clear and clean.

With a little less stress, the parties are more fun. Cadence says, Everyone is saying, Oh my gosh, your whole upstairs looks so much bigger than it did before.

Feature image by Markus Melborn MW Concepts

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This Falls Church Kitchen is Party Ready - Northern Virginia Magazine

Stooping, crouching, or reaching deep shouldn't be the way you interact with your kitchen, which is why swapping out your bottom cupboards for drawers could be the answer to some of your storage problems. If you like the idea of using drawers to supplement lower cabinets, it's important to consider all the variables. Cost is, of course, at the forefront, but so is space.

Price-wise, you can expect to pay between $70 and $200 an hour for labor, according toAngi, but up to a few thousand to cover the full replacement. New cabinets with drawers don't cost the same as a cabinet with doors for a fully assembled piece: The most basic designs retail for about $320 for a model with drawers atLowe'sversus around $410 for a similarly sized model with doors fromLowe's. A larger, three-drawer piece fromLowe'scosts about $840, while a similarly sized model with doors fromLowe'sis cheaper, costing about $560.

Materials, color, texture, and the number of drawers alter the overall cost. Standard installations usually include a shallow top drawer and two deeper bottom units. The top is great for cutlery or cooking utensils, while the larger ones can hold anything from plates and dishware to pots and pans. Drawers also complement your top units, especially if you have open shelving. They look cleaner and provide a uniform sense of symmetry, since their lines and those of the shelves all run horizontally.

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Lower Kitchen Cabinets Are The Outdated Design Trend Being Replaced In 2024 - House Digest