April 2023 - SUN HOUSES

The Hawaiian Islands are home to some of the world’s most epic resorts and beautiful beaches. Waikiki, a neighborhood in Honolulu, is known for having it all: It’s easy to get to, has beautiful hotels, offers great food and, of course, boasts access to that breathtaking turquoise ocean. Unsurprisingly, a combination like this comes at a price.

If you’re desperate to experience Oahu without breaking the bank, we have a hotel for you.

What is the Wayfinder Waikiki?

The Wayfinder is a newly refurbished boutique hotel in Waikiki and re-opened in late December 2022. It’s a secret oasis tucked two blocks away from the beach, along the Ala Wai (a man-made canal running parallel to Waikiki Beach). Like the flagship Wayfinder Hotel by Dovetail + Co in Newport, Rhode Island, this tropical outpost is focused on as much local influence as possible. If you’re like me and could use a break from the luxury shops and mass of people in Waikiki but still want to be close to the action, the Wayfinder is for you.

Even when using points, Hawaiian vacations are often pricey because of the daily expenses; food and drinks are not cheap due to tourism and the importation costs required to supply the state. So, the Wayfinder Waikiki is the perfect way to save a few dollars without sacrificing your accommodations.

The lobby is tropical and chic

When I checked in, it was dark outside, but the hotel entrance was well lit with real flame tiki torches. The lobby featured an indoor-outdoor style without any doors or official enclosure, allowing me to enjoy the balmy air with a slight breeze from the fans above.

As you walk in, you’ll notice there is a coffee shop and a gift shop

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Get up to 80% off furniture dealsss

April 27, 2023April 27, 2023 Maria J. Glover

HOME DECOR

Hi. Yeah, discount retail stores are popping up everywhere. You’ve probably seen them and if you’ve never stepped inside of one, you may be surprised the stuff inside is on deep discount. How deep I’m talking about stuff that you’re paying full price for in the regular store could be up to 90% off. It’s the same stuff. Exactly the same stuff. Let me show you how it all works and how much you can really save. Imagine Black Friday every single day. Well, that’s true. At discount retail stores, like dirt cheap bargain hunt. Ali’s bargain outlet at here at New News, hot bargains or you can just Google bargain store near me and they are in almost every city in town. Ok. So I’m inside the store right now and this is what it looks like. I mean, we’re talking about 14,000 square feet here of just endless bins and stuff you can get on sale. So, what is this stuff? Where does it come from? *** few places? One overstocked items from the big box stores like Target Walmart. Even Amazon online retailers, two returns people return the stuff but it still works. They check everything here. You’re not getting garbage. They check the stuff before they put it out there. It works even though it’s been returned and the third holiday stuff that’s out of season. Not bad. Right. The bins are full. Things like face wash for five bucks. Kids toys, just two bucks and check it out. Pet accessories. These dog jackets retail for 16 bucks, but here they’re $2 *** piece and they have bigger ticket items too, like furniture and electronics. And how do you find out how much you’re actually saving? There’s an easy way to do it. Let’s say … Read the rest

Black-owned Momentum Coffee expanding to West Side

April 26, 2023April 26, 2023 Maria J. Glover

HOME DECOR

Decorated with a large mural featuring titans of Black cinema, Momentum Coffee in North Lawndale doesn’t look like most cafes.

The beans from a local Black roaster and actress Pam Grier looking down from a mural on the wall are a MacGuffin for what the Black-owned coffee shop is really about.

“Our mission has always been to create spaces in underutilized communities,” said Tracy Powell, who owns the cafe with his spouse Nikki Bravo.

The North Lawndale cafe, on Ogden Avenue across from the Sinai Medical Center, is their fourth and the first on the West Side. The others are in the South Loop, Englewood and downtown.

It’s a needed oasis in the West Side neighborhood, an area with few bars, restaurants or other cafes.

A mural by artist Cujodah of Black cinema and entertainment icons is at Momentum Coffee on Ogden Avenue in North Lawndale. — A mural by artist Cujodah of Black cinema and entertainment icons is on a wall at Momentum Coffee on Ogden Avenue in North Lawndale.

The menu includes espresso drinks, teas, smoothies and sandwiches. The cafe also sells equipment for making coffee at home. The decor was inspired by its proximity to Cinespace Chicago Film Studios and the predominantly Black neighborhood. It opened in late February.

Powell hopes it can become a buzzy cafe, but for him, a cup of joe is just a way to welcome folks to the place.

“Once you get in the door, then you can see what kind of stuff we have going on,” Powell said.

For Powell, the idea is to create a space where community can form and for community programs, including the adult entrepreneurship programs and youth technology education classes hosted by Powell and Bravo’s nonprofit, Ignite Technology and Innovation.

So far, they’ve hosted only programs associated with the hospital but expect to branch out.

Powell and Bravo opened the first Momentum in South Loop in

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These Space-Saving Folding Desks Make WFH Life So Much Better

April 23, 2023April 23, 2023 Maria J. Glover

HOME DECOR

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

If you’re a WFH girlie like me, a designated desk area is the key to staying on track. That, and making sure you get out to work in a coffee shop at least a few times a week. If you’ve been slacking on your work lately, a desk upgrade could be just the thing you need to get back on track. Add in a few fresh pens, a new wood-crackling candle to burn and a little succulent, and you’re sounding more focused already!

Today’s Top Deals

I rounded up the best folding desks of all sorts—think super small ones, floating desks and fancy writing desks galore. There’s something for every aesthetic, whether you like glam vibes or something more low-key and simple. All of the desks on this list are pretty compact too, so they won’t intrude on your valuable square footage ever again.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Walmart is a STYLECASTER sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

YOMT Small White Folding Computer Desk for Home Office Industrial

This is the perfect no-frills desk for small spaces. When it’s not in use, it can completely fold up and slide under a bed or be placed at the back of a closet. Plus, the panel on the side holds books and magazines and can be customized to hang on either side of the desk. It’s

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Get up to 80% off furniture deals

April 22, 2023April 22, 2023 Maria J. Glover

HOME DECOR

Afloral Fake Plant Review: Everyone Thinks My Pothos Is Real

April 16, 2023April 16, 2023 Maria J. Glover

HOME DECOR

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

In 2020, when we were staying at home, my friend bought me three plants — a snake plant, a peace lily, and some sort of ivy — and by 2021, they were all dead. Despite spending most of that year in my extremely small Brooklyn apartment with a bunch of time to take care of these plants, I had managed to kill all three. After that, I decided that I wouldn’t get any live plants unless I had a backyard, a fire escape, or access to a patio. But after visiting my friends’ large collection of (live) plants in their apartments, I started to want a little dash of greenery in my own place.

So when we began testing fake plants for our Best List, I volunteered. I’ve always felt a little hesitant about investing in fake plants because usually, you can tell from across the room that they’re not alive. Not that I want to deceive friends and family into thinking I can cultivate a plant, I just don’t want anything that looks cheap or plastic in my space. Basically, I didn’t have very high expectations.

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I tested two plants for the Best List: One was a total dud that had dried hot glue hanging off of it and the other was the Natural Touch Pothos Artificial Plant from Afloral. It’s become my favorite piece of decor, mostly because it has fooled my friends into thinking that it’s real on several occasions.

The thing I love most about this fake pothos is that the cascade of leaves looks so realistic. The stems feel rubbery, so you

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Great Dane adopts tiny kitten into her litter at Michigan animal shelter

April 15, 2023April 15, 2023 Maria J. Glover

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JACKSON COUNTY, MI – Kela arrived at the Jackson County Animal Shelter pregnant, but even after giving birth to 10 puppies she couldn’t resist bringing another stray into her litter — a tiny abandoned kitten.

Kela arrived at the shelter from a shelter in Van Buran County. The Great Dane-mix is timid and selective of people, especially around her puppies, which are now 2 weeks old, Animal Shelter Director Lydia Sattler said.

The shelter staff kept Kela near the front by the office so she could socialize better, but no one expected her to take interest the abandoned 2-week-old male kitten that came in.

“The kitten came back in a box to see the vet. Kela was on the other side of the door, and this kitten was crying and (Kela) was scratching at the door,” Sattler said. “And I’m like, ‘What is wrong with her?’”

So, Sattler opened the door, and the dog ran right to the box the kitten was in. Sattler tried moving her away at first, worried she might want to hurt the kitten, but Kela was persistent.

“She just wouldn’t take her eyes off it, like it was her own,” Sattler said. “So, I’m like, ‘OK, let me try something.’”

She put the dog on a leash and added the kitten to the rest of Kela’s litter. As soon as she did, the dog laid back down and started to clean the kitten, as if it was one of her puppies.

Since then, the kitten has become an official member of Kela’s litter. He gets along with his doggie siblings, and Kela takes care of him just like she does all of her puppies — cleaning him, cuddling with him and even nursing him.

You can always find the kitten right by the mother’s paws,

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The extremes San Diegans endure to make ends meet

April 14, 2023April 14, 2023 Maria J. Glover

HOME DECOR

“I was relaxing in my backyard,” recalls Amy Conrad [and her husband Randy] “and [my friend] turned to me and said, ‘My ex-husband rented somebody’s backyard to have a pool party for our kids. He spent $500! You should do that! You could make bank!’”

A few months ago, I received one those scam message from a fake Instagram account. The user photo depicted a grinning, bearded man wearing a puffy vest. He looked like someone who owned a cabin in Aspen, someone who fly fished in his free time. “He” asked if I was interested in becoming his sugar baby, promising a $700 a week allowance, shopping, and vacation benefits.

“I’m mainly looking for romantic conversation,” “he” wrote.

I laughed at the absurdity of it. I admit to wondering how the scam worked — probably, they’d request my bank info and social security number, so they could pay me for my sweet nothings — but not enough to reply. I blocked the account, and screenshot the message to share on my friends’ group-chat.

“Send him your Venmo!” my friend Kelly joked.

“I can write romantic emails!” my pal Cori added.

Nicole wanted to know, “What kind of vacations?”

Amber asked, “Does he need five sugar babies?”

Ha ha — but seriously, $700 a week would be pretty sweet. With gas prices hovering near $5 a gallon, a dozen eggs going for $7, and my SDG&E bill exceeding $500, the idea of a fake sugar daddy was, well, not exactly tempting, but intriguing. In recent months, I have needed to pick-up less glamorous side-hustles to pay the bills. I nanny, I write, I resell thrifted clothing bought from the Goodwill bins.

I am not unique in my industriousness. Outside of San Francisco, the San Diego housing market is the

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Dupray Bloom Air Purifier Editor Review 2023

April 13, 2023April 13, 2023 Maria J. Glover

HOME DECOR

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Welcome to The Esquire Endorsement. Heavily researched. Thoroughly vetted. These picks are the best way to spend your hard-earned cash.

I am always congested. No matter how many allergy meds I pop or how much I vacuum, my nose is always stuffed up. I blame my long-haired cat, the air pollution in New York City wafting through my window, and my tiny apartment for its poor ventilation. But no matter where I pass the blame, there’s been no relief for my poor sinuses.

A few years ago, during the height of the pandemic and the height of my allergies, I decided to invest in an air purifier. The claims of all the benefits of owning one were so enticing. It could remove pollutants, eradicate pet dander, and neutralize odors. It sounded like it would be the answer to all of my problems. However, the small, clunky one I got seemed to barely sputter on. I desperately clung to the golden promises of that thin layer of HEPA filtration, because while I adore my cat—some might even call me obsessed—the dander coming off his fur could send me into a fit of sneezing and itchiness that’s truly miserable. But even with the purifier, I was still hopelessly rubbing my nose red with tissues every day. Enter the Bloom Air Purifier from Dupray.

SHOP $249 dupray.com

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Philip Friedman

It’s more than just a purifier, it’s decor

The first thing I noticed when it arrived in the

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Does My Iron Need to Be Replaced?

April 12, 2023May 5, 2023 Maria J. Glover

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Ironing is crucial in ensuring your clothes are well-maintained and look presentable. The iron comes in many variants from different manufacturers, which determines the quality and its performance. Some irons can last 10 to 20 years, while others can last for a year, depending on the usage and maintenance practice.

Even though irons hardly encounter problems, you might experience some significant issues, such as having the fuse blown or your iron refusing to heat. Most of these issues don’t come abruptly; some signs can indicate that they will be faulty. It’s important to know when to replace your iron to avoid major problems and frustration when you need to iron. Some major skills to learn are how to descale an iron and avoid spoiling your fabric. This article will help you know the signs to replace your iron.

1. Iron Sticking to Clothes

One common problem people often experience with iron is sticking to the fabric or clothes. This can ruin your entire outfit, which could be worth some thousand. When this happens, it’s often due to burnt soleplate due to constant usage. You can try cleaning the soleplate with baking soda and 1 tablespoon of water in such cases. If this persists, you can look for a better iron quality that can handle the type of fabrics that you have.

2. Problems with Thermostat

Another common sign that you might need to replace your iron is the iron press is not working due to a faulty thermostat. The thermostat controls the iron temperature, and when it has an issue, it can lead to overheating hence ruining your clothes. You can rotate the thermostat dial to check how it behaves in different settings. If the thermostat has no change, you can consider replacing it or the whole iron.

3. Fuse

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Month: April 2023

Meet the Wayfinder Waikiki, an affordable boutique hotel just blocks from the beach

What is the Wayfinder Waikiki?

The lobby is tropical and chic

Get up to 80% off furniture dealsss

Black-owned Momentum Coffee expanding to West Side

These Space-Saving Folding Desks Make WFH Life So Much Better

YOMT Small White Folding Computer Desk for Home Office Industrial

Get up to 80% off furniture deals

Afloral Fake Plant Review: Everyone Thinks My Pothos Is Real

Great Dane adopts tiny kitten into her litter at Michigan animal shelter

The extremes San Diegans endure to make ends meet

Dupray Bloom Air Purifier Editor Review 2023

It’s more than just a purifier, it’s decor

Does My Iron Need to Be Replaced?

1. Iron Sticking to Clothes

2. Problems with Thermostat

3. Fuse