A new year always means new fashion and a new collection of colors comes to into focus. Pantone, which tracks colors in the fashion and home-décor industries, has named turquoise the color of 2010. Pantone’s executive director said it was the obvious choice because it’s soothing and makes people think of being on vacation, which we all need after the tough year of 2009. The shade is on the cusp of blue and green, which makes it both inviting and serene – characteristics associated with blues – and invigorating and luminous, which comes from green, she says.
Interior designer Charlotte Moss says she turns to turquoise to liven up a look that otherwise seems stilted or conservative – and it pairs nicely with a wide range of colors more typical to home decor: gray, navy, black and white. “We’re looking for things that are that are flexible and more universal, and that is turquoise,” she says.
Pantone’s color for 2009 was mimosa yellow, intended to carry a hopeful, optimistic message. The public is shifting gears as the economy shows some improvement: They are ready to fantasize a bit about the beach resort. How can you make turquoise work for you? In cooler months it pairs with black and navy, and in the spring and summer it can be worn with white or coral.
Here are some ideas of how to incorporate turq1uoise right away:
First off, get a pair of these before they’re gone. These flats are perfect for spring and they are just $12.99 at Target! Find them here.
These gorgeous turquoise beads are at a fabulous price at Kohls. Wear these to dress up your neutrals. Click here to buy.
This bag is great buy for the money.
Have you checked out Lands End’s new Canvas line? It has a very J. Crew feel.
How will you add a splash of turquoise into your spring wardrobe or home this year? We’d love to hear from you!
Keep in touch with Belladerm!
If you haven’t already started preparing for it, Valentine’s Day is JUST around the corner so get moving! We’ll offer some help by dishing out some great date ideas in case you are stumped and feel you are lacking variety.
Dance Lesson: Do you want to get close to your date? Then try dancing! I’m not talking about the freestyle stuff you find at most clubs, but couples’ dances like salsa, swing, or the tango. This type of dancing has been coming back lately and can be a lot of fun to learn with the right partner. A little tip for the guys, you might not understand dancing’s appeal and may even choose to fight it, but you’ll never change women’s love of dance.
Rock Climbing: If you both enjoy being active, give rock climbing a shot, it may develop into something you’ll enjoy doing together regularly. It’s easier if either of you have climbed before, but not necessary, most gyms offer private and group lessons where they will show you how to put on the equipment, proper belaying, climbing techniques, etc. Equipment consists of climbing shoes, a harness, and a chalk bag, and should all be available for rent at the gym. This is a good date idea because you’ll have a lot of fun cheering each other on while you see which climbing routes you can complete together.
Star Gazing: If done right, stargazing can be an amazing date! Think about it, the scenery’s beautiful, no one else around, and you’re lying next to each other in the darkness, looking up at the sky. Mix in cuddling under a blanket, and sipping wine or eating chocolate, and this might be an okay night after all. Unfortunately for those of us who live in cities, we can’t just grab a blanket, a bottle of wine, and drive over to an open field and see much through all the light pollution. If you live in a populated area, try to get even 15-20 minutes outside of town and you’ll have a much better stargazing experience. You really can’t compare the majesty of a brilliantly-lit night sky with what we see in the cities. It’s worth the trip, really!
Live Music for Two: This is the type of date that will score you all kinds of points with a boyfriend, girlfriend, or spouse, but should never be attempted on the first date, or even a second, third, or fourth date. Unless you want to appear insanely needy and drive your date away forever. In an existing relationship, having someone play your guy’s favorite jazz on the guitar or romancing your girl with a classical violinist should have you on the receiving end of some (serious) loving.
Hot Air Balloon Ride: Close your eyes and imagine soaring through the air and holding your date close as the sun sets in the distance. This doesn’t have to be a dream, you can find it all on a balloon ride! Hot air balloon flights are a romantic way to spend time experiencing something different together and seeing the surrounding area from a completely new perspective. They come in two flavors; the popular sunset balloon flight and the less known, but equally fun, sunrise flight. For raw romantic appeal, I’d say choose the sunset flight, but if you’re morning people and just want to have a good time, the sunrise flight is also a lot of fun.
Happy Valentine’s Day from Belladerm!
Did you know that this is the perfect time of year to give blood? What a BIG difference you can make by doing something that is just temporarily uncomfortable for you. Start off the new year right, by donating blood to the Red Cross or your local blood bank in honor of National Blood Donor Month. The process only takes an hour of your time, and results in lifesaving platelets or pints of blood for those in need. All blood types are needed and with more traffic accidents happening during the winter season, clean backup blood is sparse this time of year. In light of what has happened in Haiti, the importance of blood backup is very evident. Our hearts go out to the people of Haiti as they are in the midst of such a harsh tragedy.
The first month of the year has been recognized as National Blood Donor Month since 1970. According to the American Association of Blood Banks, now known as AABB, in the United States every day, “approximately 39,000 units of blood are required in hospitals and emergency treatment facilities for patients with cancer and other diseases, for organ transplant recipients, and to help save the lives of accident victims.” The AABB works in conjunction with the American Red Cross and America’s Blood Centers and their main goal is to help those in need of blood, especially in harsh winter environments due to illness, accidents, and unforeseen weather conditions.
Be in the know:
– One donation has the ability to save three lives. Three!
– Every day approximately 40,000 pints of blood are needed.
– One out of every seven people entering a hospital will require blood.
– Fewer than one in ten people donate blood. Inspire others to give as they’re able. Each of us has blood, many are able to give it, few do. Help change that.
It is easy to donate! Click here to search for a location by zip code or call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) for more information.
In order to donate blood, you have to meet certain donor requirements. The most important is that you must be at least 17 years old in order to give blood voluntarily, although some states do consent at 16 with written parental consent. You must be at least 110 pounds, you should be healthy meaning without infection, not on antibiotics, without a fever, and generally feeling well on day of donation. You may only donate if you have not given blood within 8 weeks.
Now go make a difference out there! Give the gift of life!
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