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  Home & Garden

  Versatile Magic of Adding a Coffee Table to Your Space

  When it comes tohome ornaments and utility, few pieces of furnitureare as versatile or transformativeas a humblecoffee table. Thisoften-overlooked piece of livingroom furniture can be so much more than a holder of your morning cup ofcoffee. With these factors in mind, we’re breaking down the importance of a coffee table for yourspace, how it can add an unexpected lift to both the looks and functionality of yourroom. Hereis the reason why a coffee table is a must-have and how itcan do wonders in your home.1.An Aesthetic Anchor for theLiving RoomAs a matter of fact, it is the visual centerpieceof your living room, bringing the seating arrangement together and keeping it in balance.To help you dress and transform the room, a sleek modern table or rustic wooden design might fit your existing decoration. The right coffee table will make your room feel cohesive and intentional and, most importantly, like home.2.Surface with Effective for SteadyUseThe most straightforward function of a coffeetable, of course, is to provide a surface on which to set drinks, snacks, books or decorative objects. It’s a handy placeto set your coffee mug down as youread, toput down a plate on movie night or to house a beautiful vase of flowers. This functionalitymakes it a must-have furniture piece for everyday living and entertaining guests.3.Extra Storage SpaceSome coffee tables may even have storage options, like drawers or shelves or even hidden compartments. All of these make for agame-changing way to keep your living room organized. Use the storage to tuck away remote controls, magazines, board games, or even blankets, to keep your spaceclean and functional.4.AvailabilityofCreativity and IndividualizationThe coffee table is a blankcanvas to showcase your personal style.You can style it with coffee table books, candles, plants or funky trinkets that reflect your aesthetic. Seasonal decorative accents — a bowl of pine cones in winter; a tray of seashells in summer — add an element of charm, and keep your decoration from getting stale.5.A Social Hub for GatheringsHaving acoffee table really promotes socializing. It’s a community space where people can gather, play games, or share snacks. At parties or family gatherings, it sits in the middle of the room as a springboard for conversation and connection and transforms your living room into a more hospitable, communal space.6.ASpace for Purpose and PlayFor families with kids,a coffee table can be a spot for arts and crafts, homework or the building blocks. Choose a durable, easy-clean table thatwill stand the test of daily life. It is a functional add-on that can adapt as your family’sneeds evolve.7.Enhancement of the Comfort and ConvenienceFinally, a coffee table brings some comfort into your living room. It’s not far to reach when you’re reclining on the couch, so you can grab what you need without having to stand up. This simple convenience can radicallychange the way you experience and enjoy your home.All in all, these are just a few reasons thatexplain why the coffee table you choose for your living room matters.From storage and surfacearea to aesthetics and social bonds, a coffee table is asmall piece of furniture with a lot of potential. So, if youare redecorating, or simplylooking to spruce up your space, and all the different ways a coffee table can do its magic at homeare talked and mentioned above, are you ready for adding a coffee table in your room?
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  Travel

  Discovering America's Heartbeat: Traveling With Amtrak

  In an age of jet travel and interstates, there is something sorefreshing about the idea of traveling by train. If you want to see the United States at a slower, more immersive pace, however, Amtrak is a mode of transport that can also be an experience instead of simply a means of getting from point A to point B.Amtrak, our national passenger railroad service, is a lifeline woven through the fabric of America. Its routes crisscross the continent, carrying passengers from bustling cities to peaceful pastoral backroads, privy to the nation's soul. From the iconic Northeast Corridor, which runs in-turn from Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., to the expansive views of the Southwest aboard the Southwest Chief, every Amtrak ride is a story waiting to unfold.One of the best parts of traveling by Amtrak is the chance to slow down and enjoy the ride. Train travel, so different from the frenetic pace of flying, gives you the chance to watch the slow-change of scenery. As the train rattles along, you may sit up gazing out the window at the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, the arid, sprawling deserts of Arizona, or the dense, green trees of the Pacific Northwest. Each look is a moment in America's natural beauty, unfolding right before your eyes.You feel quite at home in the onboard ambiance, modern with a touch of timeless. Whether you're spending your hours shut up in a roomette or a bedroom, or in one of the open seating sightseeing cars alongside fellow passengers, the train's various interior spaces are all created to cater different forms of needs, from the public to the private. You'll also be able to look forward to a dining car, where you'll be able to enjoy a gourmet meal while the train glides across the countryside. Whether you are enjoying a homey breakfast as it rises over the Great Plains or a fine dinner under the stars in the sky above the Rocky Mountains, Amtrak dining is a culinary experience unto itself.Amtrak travel is also a social experience. In contrast to the forced solitude of a car ride or the cold indifference of flying, train travel invites communion. Passengers of all stripes come together, bonded by the shared experience of the journey. At these places, conversations come easily as strangers become friends, sharing stories about their destinations and the experiencesencountered along the way. It's not unusual when traveling to exchange advice with another traveler on the best things to do in Chicago or the historical significance of the Grand Canyon with another passenger.The most memorable part of Amtrak travel is the connection to America's past. A number of the train routes trace historic rail lines that once served as the arteries of the nation's westwardexpansion. One such trip is the California Zephyr, which follows pioneer trails westward in search of opportunities for fortune. When you visit small towns and across the rural hinterlands the remnants of the past will reverberate, the tales of the people who have gone or are going before or after you and the dreams that built this great nation.Overall, Amtrak is a way to experience America in its entirety.It gives you a window into the country's beauty, allows you to experience its pulse and meet its residents. In an era where everything races past, Amtrak allows us to slow down and savor the ride and helps us understand what it is that makes America the rich, varied tapestry that it is. So, the next time you're planning a trip across this great land, I can't help butrecommend the allure of the rails. Board an Amtrak train and let the journey unfold!
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  Travel

  Helpful Tips for an Easy Air Travel

  While air travel can be exciting, it isn't without stress. From navigating busy airports to working with flight delays, it can be a lot to handle. But with some preparation and a change of outlook, you can find ways to make your air travel experience easier and more pleasant. Here are a few tips to fly without any stress.1.Plan and Prepare in AdvanceOne of the best methods of preparing for travel stress is to plan ahead. Make reservations for your airline tickets ahead of time so you can find the best available seats and rates. Check your airline’s baggage policies so you don’t have any surprises at the airport. When traveling internationally, get your passport up to date and learn the visa rules. Be sure to make a list in advance of things you will need, such as travel documents, medication and chargers, so you avoid a last-minute meltdown.2.Pack SmartPacking well can help you save time and headaches. To maximize luggage space and ensure organization, pack with packing cubes. Pack the packages with you if you can, because this can avoid some checked-bag fees and the adventure of luggage loss. Do remember to put clothes, toiletries and any other necessary medicines into your bags in case of your plane is delayed. If you’ll be doing shopping during your trip, save room for souvenirs.3.Arrive EarlyAllowing more time than needed when arriving at the airport will go a long way in decreasing stress. Try to get there at least two hours ahead of a domestic flight and three ahead of an international one. That gives you plenty of time to check in, clear security and deal with any surprises. Take this additional time to kick back, get a snack or walk around the airport.4.Stay OrganizedStore all your travel documents like your boarding pass, your passport, your ID in one easily accessible place. Use a travel wallet, or a digital app, for important information. Having everything organized will help you avoid a fumble through your bag at security or the boarding gate.5.Dress ComfortablyDress your flight in something comfortable, especially if you’re on a long journey. Instead, layersare best, as temperatures do fluctuate on planes. Abjure belts or unnecessary jewelry, to assist security screening in becoming a more efficient process.6.Stay Hydrated and NourishedAvionics cabins can be dehydrating, so you should drink lots of water before and during your flight. Take an empty reusable water bottle for filling up after you clear security. Bring healthy snacks, such as nuts, fruit or granola bars to fuel your energy level, especially if you have dietary restrictions or prefer not to bank on airline food.7.Entertain YourselfLong flights can be monotonous, come armed with entertainment. Download movies, TV shows, podcasts or e-books to your devices. You can amplify your in-flight entertainment and block cabin noise with noise-canceling headphones. If you want to do something offline, bring along a book, journal or puzzle book.8.Engage in RelaxationTechniquesFor nervous flyers or those who typically feel some stress during the flight, relaxation techniques, including deep breathing, meditation or listening to relaxing music, may also help. These practices enable you to remain calm and collected throughout, thus making the flight more pleasant.9.Be Kind and PatientTravel is stressful for all, so keeping a positive attitude and being kind to airline employees and other passengers will take you far. The interaction can become more pleasant for all — so easy to do with a smile or a kind word.10.Prepare for Jet LagIf you’re traveling across time zones, shift your sleep schedule a few days ahead of your trip, to lessen the impact of jet lag. Keep drinking water, limit caffeine or alcohol, and attempt to sleep on the plane if it’s nighttime at the place you’re headed.In general, these tips will change your air travel experience from stressful to seamless. With a little forethought and a positive attitude, you’ll be all set to enjoy your travel time and get to your destination feeling energized and ready to explore.