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Why the Latest Tech Trends Are Embracing Nostalgia

When you take a moment to think back to your childhood, you’re likely flooded with memories. Maybe you can smell your mom’s home cooking, or you can hear your dad snoring in the living room as the TV drones on.

Nostalgia plays a big role in our lives, even as technology continues to advance at a faster rate.

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Famed media studies scholar Marshall McLuhan stated that technology would lead to a global village. And he was right!

We walk around with small computers in our pockets that let us communicate with anyone in the world on a whim.

So why is nostalgia selling better than ever, especially in the tech world?

Read on to find out why it’s such a big factor in today’s market.

Why Nostalgia?

There are a few key reasons why nostalgia is becoming such a hit. But ultimately, it revolves around creating an emotional hook.

For instance, many people hear the words Spice Girls and Pokemon and immediately think of the 90s. These brands are almost synonymous with their time periods.

If you’re still skeptical, let’s take a recent example. Last year, Nintendo set the marketing world on fire with the introduction of the NES Classic.

It was essentially a miniature version of the famous 1980s Nintendo Entertainment System. It sold out immediately. Stores couldn’t keep the thing in stock, and Nintendo was forced to address supply issues.

People went absolutely crazy over it.

But why was everyone trying to get one of these gadgets on their TV stands? After all, a quick Google search shows that most of these games were already attainable in a dozen or so ways.

The NES Classic succeeded because it hearkened back to an era of simplicity. Even the device’s box used several of the original colors to remind users of the past.

At the end of the day, that’s what nostalgia is banking on: memories and emotion. We want ways to connect with our past while enjoying the convenience of modern technology.

Sometimes Simplicity is Better

If emotion is one-half of the answer, simplicity is undoubtedly the second half.

Last year, Nokia announced that it would bring the Nokia 3310 back to the market. If you’re in your 20s, you likely had one of these bricks to get you through your teenage years.

Sure, it’s a baffling move, especially since the phone functions on 2G technology in a 4G world. But let’s face it, you look at the phone and know exactly how to operate it.

There isn’t a need to head online just to figure out how to access certain settings. Everything is presented front and center in a simple user interface.

Most brands are embracing the future with waterproof phones and powerful devices. But Nokia is taking the exact opposite approach. So much so that a large part of their marketing strategy revolved around the game Snake.

Is it a smart move? Absolutely. After all, this article is discussing the phone in depth, which is exactly what Nokia wants.

Nostalgia is all about marrying simple technology in modern ways. It creates a strong sense of emotion that immediately makes a product stand out.

And at the end of the day, who doesn’t want to go back to the good old days?

How Millennial Talent Is Driving Digital Media Growth

Millennials get the blame for a lot (looking at you, fidget spinners) but in one specific way, the kids are alright.

With new practices and approaches, millennials are helping grow the digital media industry.

Through talent, experience, experimentation, and a little bit of good luck, the digital generation is living up to their name.

Let’s take a look at how exactly the youth is accomplishing it.

Visuals

With smartphones becoming more and more popular, people are walking around with a portable TV in their pocket.

As a result, the emphasis on visual content is growing. From streaming TV to getting news from Snapchat stories, there are many new mediums to present media and a wider audience to reach.

Visuals offer an opportunity to get right to the point. For example, Facebook Videos are on the rise as one of the best ways to reach an audience, and companies are starting to shift their focus there and other online platforms.

Millennials are keeping up to date with the latest trends and methods, and from there become more accomplished with direct response media.

Purpose

A common knock against millennials is that they’re lazy and unmotivated.

On some levels, that could be true, but the truth is that while previous generations were fine with the daily grind in a job that didn’t give them anything back, millennials are looking for some sort of purpose at their workplace.

They want to feel encouraged while they work, and they want to feel a purpose.

Millennial-led companies have started to make sure that they place an importance on work-life balance, and the result has been highly motivated and dedicated workers.

If millennials feel like they have a reason to care, then they’ll thrive.

Millennials also are looking for a place where they can move up and advance in their career, and when companies harness that they start to see results.

Versatility

As a result of it being harder and harder to get into the digital media industry, millennials are taking on more and more responsibility to make themselves as talented and prepared as possible.

Through internships and college courses, millennials are getting hands-on experience in an industry that is already well-suited for them.

It’s easier to get a direct response from a client in the digital media industry when it’s something you feel natural in, and the millennial generation has grown up in a digital media environment.

Social media is part of their everyday life, where they’re shooting photos and videos and creating written content for huge audiences.

Another way that the millennial generation is succeeding is by making sure that they’re as involved as possible.

Some digital media companies are making sure that they have portfolios that include several different websites that all work together to boost the overall product.

So What’s The Secret?

At the core of it, millennials are just well-prepared to take on the digital media industry.

It’s an industry that they feel comfortable in, as well as respected, and the result of their presence is growth.

Bringing in the right talent, giving them the tools to succeed, encouraging them, and giving them a work environment that feels like home is the recipe for success when it comes to millennials.

3 Kinds of Dining Room Tables that Never Go Out of Style

Planning to redecorate your dining room?

The focal point of the room, due to its function, is the table. If you’re not sure what kind of table you want to get, you’ve come to the right place.

In this guide, we’ll look at dining room tables that never go out of style, and when you might want to use them. The style, of course, starts with the shape, and there are three shapes that offer timeless popularity:

Remember that some tables are convertible–for example, rectangular tables can become square tables, and round tables can become rectangular–with rounded ends. The type of table you choose will be dictated in part by the available space, but also by your goals.

If you have a small dining area…

For small areas, a rectangular dining table might simply look too large, even if it actually fits in the space. A square or round table might better suit your needs.

The number of people you’d like to sit can help determine what size table you choose. A square or round table tends to look smaller in the room than a rectangular table.

If your dining room is narrow…

Many dining rooms are built as off-shoots of the kitchen or living room. For this reason, they may be quite narrow.

A round or square table in a narrow room will either look too large or too small. For narrow rooms, a rectangular table is best.

If you want to facilitate conversation…

Have you ever sat down at a long table, only to find that you converse with the people on either side of you and across from you, and no one else? In fact, you might not even talk to anyone at the other end of the table unless you need the salt.

And if the table is that big, two salt shakers (or more) may be necessary anyway.

If you want to get people to talk to one another, a round table is your best bet. Everyone can see others’ faces.

In the middle ages, dining tables were often large and round. Maybe this is where the notion of the knights of the round table came from–King Arthur would have been able to see and speak with all of his knights while they dined.

If you want a modern look…

For modern, there’s no table shape like a square. The only downside to square tables is that they tend to seat fewer people than the rectangular or round.

For a modern every-day look with the option to seat larger groups, a square table that can convert to a rectangle with leaves may be your best option.

Legs, Pedestals, Decor, and Materials

There are other elements to take into consideration. Do you want legs around the end of your table or a pedestal in the middle? Do you want simple lines or ornate carvings?

What kind of materials do you want your table made out of? Stone is heavy and formal. Glass is light and formal. Wood is a great choice for everyday use and function, and it can be gorgeous depending on the type of wood and stain you choose.

No matter which dining table you choose, if you put some thought into it ahead of time, you’re sure to love your new dining area.

5 Dazzling Jewelry Trends From the Met Gala

The Met Gala is known for celebrities showing off over-the-top fashions that will have the world talking. The fashions that take the world by storm often appear here first.

This event is an annual fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Arts Costume’s Institute, which is in New York City. Every year has a theme, with this year’s being Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons.

This year raised 12 million dollars for the institute.

Many of the biggest jewelry trends are started by celebrities that show up dressed to impress. Which of these stunning looks from the Met Gala will lead to the trends that will take over fashion for the next year?

Read below for 5 of the best dazzling jewelry trends from this year’s event!

1. Diamond Chokers

These chokers serve as a centerpiece to any outfit and will “wow” onlookers. Seen on many celebrities at the event, no one wore it better than Lily Aldridge.

These are seeming to pop up everywhere, and for good reason. Many jewelers can take a diamond necklace and make it any length to form a choker. They can also be incorporated into any type of style, from the subtle to the extreme.

2. Pastels Are In

Pastels flatter almost any skin tone and add color to your outfit in a more subtle, soft way. If you are looking for something that will show your flirty side, pastel colored jewels are it.

Jennifer Lopez and Jessica Chastain are two stars who rocked the pastel look with their dresses and their jewelry. These colors should be used carefully, however. There is a fine line between subtle and bland.

3. Colorful and Exciting

Many stars opted for a less subtle style, matching daring flamboyant dresses with equally elegant pieces of jewelry. This jewelry will leave everyone in your vicinity speechless.

Julianne Moore showed off this trend, showcasing 144.36 karats of diamonds in her earrings. These yellow and red sapphire briolettes matched perfectly with her outfit, exuding both luxury and grace.

4. Studded Diamond Earrings

Many of the top celebrities at the Mets gala went for a simpler look when it came to their jewelry. The focus was on smaller pieces that accentuated an outfit instead of larger pieces that dominated them.

Reese Witherspoon took the simple look to the extreme, choosing to wear diamond stud earrings without a necklace. This allowed her natural beauty to shine through without the distraction of excessive jewelry.

5. Vintage Looks

The gala featured some trendy new modern styles with hip and edgy dresses and accessories. Many of these looks attempted to push against the lines of what is considered fashion.

While these looks might steal the attention of many fashion magazines, there were also stunning vintage looks that deserve just as much attention. Vintage jewelry with a modern twist made a major impact at the event.

Miranda Kerr’s vintage look coupled with classically inspired accessories showed that sometimes a simple look is better.

This vintage jewelry can accent natural beauty and show a graceful, sophisticated side that will make you feel fabulous.

Top 5 Football Chants of All-Time

We love watching a great football match. There is nothing like the drama and excitement of crafty competitors leaving every ounce of effort out on the football pitch during a match.

Football is like no other sport for the excitement of the crowd too. Part of the thrill of watching a match is hearing the roar of the crowd.

More than most sports, a great crowd can contribute to football goals. A perfect football chant can throw the opposition off their game.

And sometimes the right chant can even be part of making more football goals happen during the course of a match.

Let’s remember some of the all-time best football chants together. Here’s our top 5:

1. His Bite Is Worse Than His Bark

When Luis Suarez tried to take a bite out of an opponent, Man U fans wouldn’t let him hear the last of it.

The chant “Your teeth are offside” haunted the Liverpool player thereafter.

Manchester United fans are traditionally the most loyal. Their imagination when it comes to making chants is almost as legendary as their team’s ability at scoring football goals.

2. This Means War

This means Viking war, that is.

The Iceland team made headlines for its phenomenal run in the Euro 2016 matches. And their fans recognized this achievement.

The Iceland fans crafted a magical Viking War chant to support their team. They even greeted the players with a homecoming party after the tournament.

Since Iceland gave such a memorable showing in the tournament, it’s fitting their football chant was just as legendary.

3. Make Way For AC Milan

Football fans know there is nothing so powerful as an AC Milan football chant. Their stadium tends to shake with the intensity of their crowds singing and chanting in unison.

With so many to pick from, it’s tough to single out just one.

But you have to love their chant of “Non vincete mai.”

Or, “You’ll never win.”

With support like that you’ll be calling on 138 Bet to make a bundle on a match!

4. Variations on a Theme By Duran Duran

If you love 80s throwback music than the West Ham chant about Rio Ferdinand has to warm your heart.

Forget the sailors in suits from the infamous 80s music video. The chant about Ferdinand missing games due to drug use still makes us laugh.

“His name is Rio and he watches from the stand!”

Plus, it’s fun to watch Man U fans get the business from time to time too!

5. Marching On Together

Those of us who love football history have to appreciate the Leeds fans using “Marching On Together” as their anthem.

There’s nothing quite like watching 40,000 fans sing off key together to support their team!

That’s the stuff football goals are made of. Nearly anything can be adapted as a great football chant.

 

Make Your Own History

We know we aren’t alone in having favorite football chants. Everyone has 1 or 2 they like to hum along to.

Tell us yours in the comments below! Or, if you’re working on a new one, let us know!

5 Ways to Know You Need Drug Rehab

Have drugs or alcohol taken over your life?

Your immediate answer may be “no, of course not.” You could quit anytime you want. While you may say that to yourself, you know that you slip deeper and deeper into addiction every day.

If you or a loved one is abusing substances, you may try to turn the other cheek at first. Eventually, it gets to be too much.

Here are five definitive signs that drug rehab is the best option.

1. You Spend All Your Money on Drugs

Before addiction took over, you used to spend your money responsibly. Now, most of your finances go toward paying for your addiction. Depending on which substance you’re abusing, you could be spending hundreds of dollars a day.

You’re running out of money. You’ve started to sell belongings just to afford your next high. While you know you could lose your home and/or car, you’re not concerned with that right now.

This is very risky behavior. You’re putting your future in danger.

2. You’ve Cut out Friends and Family

Your friends and family don’t understand your life since you’ve become addicted. All they do is judge you, so you don’t see them anymore.

As time goes by, you become more and more isolated. The only people you speak to are your drug dealers and fellow users. This keeps your downward spiral going.

3. You’ve Lost Your Job (or Are at Risk of Losing Your Job) Because of Your Addiction

When you were sober, you never missed a day of work unless you were sick. Now, you couldn’t care less about your attendance.

It’s hard for you to get out of bed in the morning when you’re hungover. You regularly show up to work late. Sometimes you don’t show up at all.

If you’re there, it’s tough to concentrate. You’re always thinking about your next high.

You know you’re going to lose your job soon. That will make it much more difficult to pay for your addiction.

4. You Can Never Get Enough

Your body can become used to drugs and alcohol. That means the usual amount just doesn’t do it for you anymore. You need more to feel the buzz.

Your addiction becomes life-threatening at this point. You could overdose, which can be deadly.

5. How Do You Know It’s Time for Drug Rehab? You Can’t Quit Alone

Perhaps you tried to stop using drugs or alcohol once. You realized your addiction was taking over your life so you withdrew at home.

Within a day, the pain and cravings were so strong you went right back to using again.

It’s generally inadvisable to withdraw at home without medical supervision. A rehab facility can help you through the difficulty that is detoxing from drugs. Once you get past that point, getting sober is a lot easier.

Do you need help overcoming your addiction to drugs or alcohol?

Find help now.

5 Ideas for Fun Custom Bobbleheads

A doll with a head that bobbles: that is the classic bobblehead doll. And that could very well be the end of the story.

But it’s not.

The fun begins when bobblehead dolls are customized to represent something or someone in particular. A custom bobblehead doll is the perfect blend of art and laughter.

But before the fun begins, you have to decide what or who your custom bobblehead doll is supposed to represent. You will never run out of ideas for custom bobbleheads.

Here are 5 to get you started:

1. Your Favorite Pet

Who says bobbleheads have to be modeled after humans. Pets are people too. If not, at least they are great subjects for custom bobbleheads.

Make this gift card out to yourself.

You likely can’t take your favorite pet with you to the office. But you could put a bobblehead of her on your desk.

It will be like she’s right there with you, except without all the barking, territory marking, and… You get the idea.

2. Bobblehead Selfie

All of the power, science, chemistry and engineering that goes into smartphones these days has been reduced to one thing by the masses, taking selfies.

If you are going to take selfies, why not take them to the next level?

A custom bobblehead selfie is a great gift that reminds friends, family, spouses and other domestic partners that you are always there for them. So don’t hesitate to give the gift of yourself.

3. Confidence Boosters

If you think self-esteem is tough for adults, try being a kid again. It is harder than ever to navigate the grade school social highway with your ego intact.

Parents can give the gift of self-confidence by presenting a child with a bobblehead of themselves as their favorite superhero. It can be a reward for good grades on an exam, or politeness, or neatness, or any good thing that can be called out in a special way.

Because it is a custom bobblehead, your child’s likeness could be them ripping open their shirt to reveal a superhero emblem underneath.

Just know that some places charge extra to customize the body. There will also likely be a separate charge for glasses, masks, and head gear. When pricing your custom bobblehead, be very specific about what you want.

4. Sales Incentives

Sales rooms are powered by egos and incentives. Custom Bobbleheads of your sales team can help you tap into both.

The winner of your weekly contests can be represented by their triumphant bobblehead prominently displayed.

5. Bobblehead Family

As the old saying goes, the family that bobbles together… Well, you get the idea.

Next time, instead of a family portrait, why not try something a little different?

Why not do family bobbleheads every few years. The kids will love them, the grandkids will adore them. And for the first time, the Joneses will want to keep up with you.

There is no end to the creative ways to customize and utilize bobblehead dolls. If you are an out of the box thinker, give one firm bobble for “yes!”

How to Lose Weight (Without Going on a Diet!)

Did you know losing weight is the #1 new year’s resolution for 2017?

Yes, 21.4 percent of Americans can’t help but resolve to shed some pounds gained over the festive season.

But, losing weight the healthy way is easier said than done. A simple how to lose weight search on Google pulls up several methods to cut those pounds, including going on a diet.

Truth be told, dieting sucks. And, it really isn’t the best way to get weight off. Today, we’re revealing tips on how to lose weight without going on a diet.

Let’s dig in!

Eat Less

If you want to lose weight without staying away from your favorite meals, you’ve got to eat less. This prevents you from taking in more calories than your body can burn.

So, how do you eat less?

Use smaller plates for your meals. It’s hard to serve small portions on large plates because we naturally love our plates full.

Drinking one or two glasses of water before eating also helps. This tricks your tummy into feeling full.

You can also try eating using your non-dominant hand. If you’re left-handed, for instance, use your right hand. This way, you will eat more slowly and remain mindful of your meal.

Slow eating can help you feel fuller faster. The faster you feel full, the higher your chances of kicking that plate away (with some food on it).

How About Eating with a Partner?

Our partners can influence our eating habits.

But, the biggest beneficiaries of this weight loss hack are ladies.

Well, if you’re a lady, you want to cut the image of a delicate and soft person, especially when you’re in the company of men. Can we agree smashing a plateful of food in their presence isn’t good for your image? Right, you get it!

In a 2013 study, the Journal of Applied Social Psychology established that college women purchased fewer calories when in the company of male students!

So, if you’re a lady, eating with men more often can help you lose weight without dieting.

Dinners Out? Stay Away

An average restaurant meal contains about 1200 calories. Worse, 92 percent of restaurant meals are high-calorie meals.

This is bad news, especially when you’re trying to decrease your calorie intake in order to lose weight.

Perhaps you are thinking, “Well, I can go for a dinner out and have a small bite!”

Let’s be honest: Nobody goes out for dinner to have a small bite, particularly if you’re out with friends.

Can you afford sitting there as they sample chunks of exotic steak? My guess is you will start with a bite and before you know it, you’ve taken a whole plate.

However, you can still have occasional dinners out. Just be disciplined, and be sure to go out with people who’re also committed to losing weight.

Combine Your Diet Efforts with Physical Activity

To get the best out of your new dieting style, combine it with some physical activity.

No, you don’t have to hit the gym like a fitness maniac.

Start simple. Jog or bike around the neighborhood, walk to the park, join a dance class or go swimming.

In Conclusion…

Going on diet is challenging and it has its disadvantages.

If implemented incorrectly, it can cause a decrease in body metabolism, extreme hunger, loss of macronutrients and dehydration.

You don’t have to risk all that. With these weight loss secrets, you can shed those pounds without sticking to a diet plan.

What’s your take on losing weight without going on diet? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

How to Market Your Home to Luxury Buyers

Looking to sell your luxury home? Your marketing needs to be on point. Here’s everything you need to know about how to sell it quickly at a competitive price.

Luxury Homes for Sale – What’s Your Price?

It’s important to sell your luxury home at a competitive price.

A competitive price is found by your real estate agent through comparative market analysis.

This takes into account the value of your home while being cognizant of the other luxury homes for sale in your area. Your real estate agent will sift through data, tour comparable homes, and call on brokers for insight.

Buyers in your area have more to spend than most. This doesn’t mean they won’t deliberate and negotiate.

This is why listing your home at a competitive price is essential.

Marketing Materials

The price of your home is just one part of your marketing plan.

Luxury homes for sale are not commonplace. Your marketing plan should have a refined, compelling strategy to match.

Create a unique website for your home.

Ensure that your website is mobile friendly. Sites with intuitive navigation, which are gorgeous and clean will charm potential buyers.

Seek out the best, innovative marketing materials to post on your website and other venues your agent deems appropriate.

This means professional picture, video, and drone photography. Hire skilled writers for your ads and brochures.

Showcase your home’s amenities. This includes:

• Design (intricate details and open floor plan)
• New technology: control locks, heat, and AC from your phone
• Pool
• Home theater
• Spa bathroom
• In-home gym

Location

Luxury homes for sale should emphasize their exclusivity and the gorgeous landscape in the marketing materials.

When buyers see your marketing materials, the exclusivity and privacy of your luxury home should be apparent at first glance.

Showcase the land around your home with picture and drone photography. Whether the greenery around your home is beautiful but simple or lush and colorful, ensure that its design matches your home.

Time of Year

Selling at a certain time of year is important for anyone selling a home, however, luxury homes for sale raise the stakes.

Things to consider are school, terrain, and weather.

Being cognizant of schools in your area is important for anyone selling a home. If your luxury home is in a school area, it’s important to consider the children of potential buyers. Be prepared to give some information about the schools.

Many families with children will be looking for a new home in late Spring and Summer. Selling outside this window means that fewer families are shopping.

Fortunately, it doesn’t exclude all buyers.

Potential buyers look for luxury homes outside this window, but they still want an unforgettable viewing.

If you live near water or your luxury home is lake or oceanfront, extreme weather could mean unfriendly cold, wind or even hurricanes if your luxury home is on the Gulf.

Aim to show your home in the right season, when the weather is pleasant.

5 Ways Everyone Can Improve Their Restaurant Management

They say to work smarter rather than harder, and the restaurant industry is no exception to this rule.

Clinging to outdated management processes while the competition continues to innovate will only put you one step behind in the long run.

As a manager, you’ll know that customer experiences hinge on both the food and the service. Recent studies of Yelp customer reviews have even shown that customers react to bad restaurant experiences with signs of mild trauma!

No one wants to be responsible for that, so here are five ways you can help improve your restaurant management.

Gather customer feedback

Collecting customer feedback is, and always will be, the best place to start when you’re looking to improve.

By asking them to fill out a short survey, leave a review online or fill out a comment card, you can see the areas you’re excelling in and areas that might need improvement.

Remember to stay impartial when reading your feedback–hard as that may be! Some things may be more useful than others, but it’s crucial not to discard feedback because you don’t like it.

Bookkeeping software

Is your outdated restaurant bookkeeping software holding you back?

Time is money and efficiency is always key, so you need to look to save time wherever you can.

New, more up-to-date software will allow you to manage your inventory, look at the cost of your menu, digitize your invoices and expenses.

You can even send checks to vendors in just a few clicks, bringing management admin time right down while maintaining the high level of transparency and efficiency.

Give your team the tools they need

This seems simple but really can make all the difference.

Being fully stocked with linens, trays, cutlery, glasses and pads means your team will have all they need to do a good job.

Making sure you’re properly fitted out isn’t just helpful for the team, it also helps to maintain a high level of quality and consistency for customers.

Ratty old linens and mismatched cutlery won’t do your reputation any favors.

Incentivise your team

Even if you’re lucky enough to have a team filled with compassionate, enthusiastic individuals with a natural tendency towards hospitality, incentivisation goes a long way to maintaining high service standards.

Set goals based on your KPIs and customer service targets and reward the staff members that hit those markers.

You can even make it into a competition to help stoke the fires of participation!

Hold a monthly team meeting

It’s not just the customers who have important business insights to share.

Try holding a team meeting every month or every quarter and collect the feedback that the whole team has to offer–chefs, kitchen porters, waiting staff, and hosts.

There could be processes that are causing friction across the teams or slowing down service, so bring the issue out into the open and try new ways of doing things.

It’s important for staff to feel like they have a voice, so let them speak!

Try implementing a few of these ideas and see the difference they can bring to your restaurant efficiency.