5 simple ways to customize a bathroom space

5 simple ways to customize a bathroom space

5 simple ways to customize a bathroom space (BPT) – Bathrooms are one of the most frequented rooms in a home. It’s where you start and end your day, and can be a room to relax and recharge in. This special space should reflect your personality and unique preferences. If you don’t feel it adequately does, there are a few simple ways to refresh this room so it feels one of a kind. If you want to update your bathroom with customized features that suit your personality, consider the following five ideas: Lighting: Bathroom lighting should be functional and fashionable, enabling […]

Envision Distinction composite decking in Rustic Walnut.

How to create an outdoor living space you can enjoy all year long

How to create the outdoor sanctuary you’ve always wanted (BPT) – The dream of a perfect outdoor space where homeowners can enjoy the beauty of nature while still being completely comfortable is no longer limited to a specific climate or time of year. A one-of-a-kind all-seasons deck is possible if the right features are included in the design. The key is to combine features that protect from the elements, and then use the right materials to make it happen. Whether you’re revamping an existing area or creating a brand-new outdoor living space to enjoy all year long, the following deck […]

Money-saving roofing secrets every homeowner should know

Money-saving roofing secrets every homeowner should know

Money-saving tips about roof shingles (BPT) – Replacing an aging or damaged roof is an important step in providing crucial protection from the damage the elements can dish out — from heat, wind, and rain, to snow, sleet and hail. But homeowners may not realize that the type of roof shingle they choose can make a big difference, not only in the protection it offers to the home, but also in the cost of their homeowners’ insurance. Here are a few things homeowners should keep in mind when looking to save money with a new roof. Roof replacement can save […]

Natural Tick and Mosquito Repellent by DA Aromatherapy

Spring is here! Hiking Adventure Awaits! Hiking tips and more from the Hudson Valley Style Magazine and DA Aromatherapy

Getting ready for an outdoor adventure? Here is a Companion you can count on: DA Aromatherapy Natural Insect Repellent is made with 7 Organic Essential Oils, it provides powerful protection and naturally repels mosquitoes and ticks, fleas and many other pesky insects when sprayed directly on your skin or clothing. The Best Natural Tick and Mosquito Repellent Spray is 100% DEET-free and is safe for Humans and Pets. Unlike other (cheap big-box) brands, Our Natural Bug Spray smells amazing (see reviews below) and features the most powerful (on the market) blend of Organic Lemongrass, Eucalyptus Lemon and Globulus, Cedarwood (Cedar Oil), Rosemary, Clove Bud, and Lavender Essential Oils. Our signature Natural Tick […]

Priceless pics: 5 ways to capture better photos on your next vacation (BPT) - If you’re already planning your next fun vacation, congratulations! New places, people and experiences await. Whether you’re into adventuring, sightseeing, bonding with friends and family or just relaxing, anticipating an upcoming vacation can be a great way to soldier through the colder days of the year. Being able to look forward to new destinations can make our regular, staid work routines easier to navigate. Part of the appeal of a vacation can be the chance to gather meaningful photos that preserve treasured memories. That's true whether your goal is fun family memories at a theme park or breathtaking shots of exotic flora and fauna. Regardless of your level of expertise and destination, you can bring home better photographs if you use the following tips on your next journey. • Don't rely on your smartphone. It may come in handy for occasional snapshots, but pictures meant to preserve precious memories call for an actual camera such as a DSLR or mirrorless that enables creative, high-quality images, better low-light performance and faster auto-focus. • Invest in a capable camera lens. Regardless of the quality of your camera, the functions enabled by your lenses will dictate the scope of photos you’re able to take. Whether you’re shooting inside, outside, close up or far away, your lens will make the difference between a professional-grade photo and something best left in your camera roll. Fortunately, a range of high-quality, multi-use lenses are available from Sigma at prices that won’t ruin your vacation budget. Don’t pack your bags without including the tools that can help capture the best shots of your life. • Choose highly photographic locations. Naturally, you’ll feel more inspired to get out your camera when vacationing in a visually compelling locale. Research places that will motivate you and challenge you to use your skills. The New York Times reports that travel companies are increasingly offering photo op excursions especially for hobbyists, thanks in part to the popularity of photo-sharing apps. “The travel industry is catering to this growing interest in a fun way,” says travel consultant Janine Yu. “After all, what more enjoyable way to learn how to improve your camera skills than by exploring a great destination at the same time?” • Time photo sessions for optimal natural lighting. When planning your travel agenda, slot in plenty of time to take advantage of the daylight hours. The so-called “golden hours” most optimal for photographers are the two to three hours after sunrise and before sunset. • Protect your equipment. If you’re flying, plan to carry on your camera bag. If airline restrictions require it to be checked, insure it well against loss and damage. Choose a sturdy but lightweight bag that offers padded compartments for your camera body, lenses and flash units, seeking ergonomic features that make it comfortable to carry. Disassemble and cushion all removable parts to protect them en route. Remember your charger, lens wipes and cleaning supplies, but limit your lithium batteries to two to meet TSA restrictions. • Learn the best techniques for photographing people. You could spend years studying this topic, but basic strategies might include starting with a 50mm prime lens for its wide capabilities, and perhaps switching to an 85mm prime for more classic portraiture. Shooting at a speed of 1/125 sec or more helps you avoid blurry eye and facial movement. Note that all skin tones look best in early morning or early evening light. Great photos are one element of your vacation you can enjoy long after you've returned to your normal routine. Make preparations ahead of time that allow you to capture the best possible images while you're off on your next adventure.

Priceless pics: 5 ways to capture better photos on your next vacation

Priceless pics: 5 ways to capture better photos on your next vacation (BPT) – If you’re already planning your next fun vacation, congratulations! New places, people and experiences await. Whether you’re into adventuring, sightseeing, bonding with friends and family or just relaxing, anticipating an upcoming vacation can be a great way to soldier through the colder days of the year. Being able to look forward to new destinations can make our regular, staid work routines easier to navigate. Part of the appeal of a vacation can be the chance to gather meaningful photos that preserve treasured memories. That’s true whether […]

Hudson Valley Style Magazine - Spring 2019: The Real Estate Edition

Hudson Valley Style Magazine – Spring 2019: The Real Estate Edition

Hudson Valley Style Magazine – Spring 2019: The Real Estate Edition In the Spring’19 Issue of the Hudson Valley Style Magazine, we are introducing Duncan Avenue Group’s brand new enterprise: Alexander Maxwell Realty and the latest home design project by Duncan Avenue Studio. Thank you for getting a copy of the Hudson Valley Style Magazine! We appreciate your support! Editors Maxwell & Dino Alexander Hudson Valley Style Magazine™ is a flagship publication of the Duncan Avenue Group™ and Hudson Valley’s Premiere Style & Design Publication with a Global Audience with focus on highlighting examples of high-end design, style, sustainability, and social responsibility concepts in the Hudson Valley and beyond. […]

5 smart ideas to refresh your deck

5 smart ideas to refresh your deck

5 smart ideas to refresh your deck (BPT) – As seasons turn, your focus begins to shift to the outdoors. Your deck or patio becomes your new living room — an ideal setting for memorable moments with friends and family. If you look at these spaces and long for a refresh, the time to start planning is now. You have options, and many you can do yourself with minimal effort. To start, if you don’t have a deck or patio, research materials carefully before making an investment. One prevalent building trend involves making the smart choice toward natural, environmentally friendly […]

ToughConstruct - Hudson valley's best general contractor

High-quality, market-conscious renovation may increase your home’s value.

Convert to Landida™ Smart Landscapes Landida™ landscapes are designed to reduce or completely forgo the use of precious energy, fresh water, harmful pesticides, herbicides or synthetic fertilizers. Yet they are human- and pet-friendly, visually pleasing, evergreen, eco-conscious and virtually maintenance free. Convert to Landida™ smart landscape with ToughConstruct™! HVAC Split Systems Installation Keep it cool in the Summer and warm in the Spring/Fall with the top of the line heat pumps or AC split systems. Modern Split Systems are much more efficient than other types of gas, oil or electric heating/cooling. Take advantage of the utility bill savings and conserve the energy! […]

Modern Rustic Luxury in Cornwall on Hudson, NY - Interior Design project by Duncan Avenue Design Studio

Custom-built Modern Rustic Hudson Valley Style Barn Doors – 2019 Trend

Barn doors are no longer an outdoor feature, but a stylish yet rustic Hudson Valley Style interior design trend. Known for their functionality and space-saving features, they are in high demand among ToughConstruct clients in Hudson Valley’s Cornwall on Hudson, New Windsor, Newburgh, Wallkill, Goshen, Pine Bush, and Beacon areas. With the help of ToughConstruct (voted in 2018 Hudson Valley’s best contractor by Hudson Valley Style Magazine readers), discover why adding a barn door is an ideal home improvement project that will bring modern rustic style into your home. Custom Barn Doors by Hudson Valley’s best contractor – ToughConstruct Barnd doors are a […]

The best natural tick and mosquito repellent for humans and pets - DA Aromatherapy Collection

The Sun is Out and warm weather is here! Hike Hudson Valley Trails and Stay Protected from ticks and mosquitos!

Enjoying Warm & Sunny Weekend in the Woods? Bugs are now officially out too! Here are a few tips to stay protected while exploring Hudson Valley hiking trails: If hiking or camping in an area known as a tick & mosquito habitat, try to protect yourself, and children in particular, by wearing bright colored, long-sleeved tops and pants, tucking the bottoms of the pant legs into long socks. Apply a generous amount of DA Aromatherapy Collection Natural Insect Repellent Spray, as a deterrent, onto clothing and skin. For best results apply frequently. Inspect the entire body after hiking.

(BPT) - So, you’ve been running your business from your home for some time now, and with the busy holiday season upon us, you find yourself overwhelmed, stressed and your office is a mess. When running a business, there are so many things you need to think about to maximize efficiency, from having a clean setup to ensuring that you are well equipped with the supplies you need to get things done. First things first. To help increase productivity and get things started, it’s time to tidy up your space. Start by going through any old files you may have and determining whether you really need them, then get rid of things that no longer are relevant. Next, start organizing and getting your layout set. Arrange your space in a way that is functional and will ensure that you are able to access the things you need easily, like your phone and computer. Once your office is cleaned up, it’s time to take a step back and ensure that your office is equipped with the latest equipment and stocked up on supplies. Your technology and hardware are key components to running things efficiently, so making sure your computer and peripherals are up to date will be crucial. A printer is a critical component in your home office setup and it’s important that it is compatible with the latest technology and that there is enough ink to fulfill your business needs. When it comes to smoothly running your business, there are many things you need to help maximize productivity, and replenishing office supplies should not be a worry. As it is, the holidays are a stressful time, and buying office supplies is an added stress you don’t need on your list. Say you need to print an important document for a meeting and you’re alerted that you are low on ink, but you are completely out, and you don’t have time to get to the store to replace it. According to a new independent study from YouGov, 57 percent of Americans find that it’s a pain to buy new cartridges for a printer. That is where a replenishment service comes in. Having your items delivered right to your doorstep will help alleviate the time it would take to do this on your own and eliminate the guesswork in knowing when you need to stock up on supplies. In fact, over one-third of Americans think that ink and toner replenishment is a good idea. All you need to do is enroll in the service and you are guaranteed to get your items right when you need them. You don’t even have to know what model your printer is and what kind of cartridge it takes. Services like Amazon Dash, Brother Refresh and Best Buy Easy Replenish allow customers to quickly and easily replace their ink and toner without having to think about it. “Running out of ink is always frustrating but it’s especially infuriating when it happens at an inconvenient time, like when you are in a rush to get a print out,” said Rafi Haqqani, Marketing Director, Brother Genuine Supplies and Auto-Fulfillment at Brother. “Through our Refresh service, we are helping office users run their business more efficiently by removing the bottlenecks and stress that comes with running out of ink and toner.” Don’t let the busy holiday season bog you down. Get your office set up right and your supplies and equipment in order so you can get your work done efficiently and enjoy your time with the family.

Setting up your home office for efficiency

(BPT) – So, you’ve been running your business from your home for some time now, and with the busy holiday season upon us, you find yourself overwhelmed, stressed and your office is a mess. When running a business, there are so many things you need to think about to maximize efficiency, from having a clean setup to ensuring that you are well equipped with the supplies you need to get things done. First things first. To help increase productivity and get things started, it’s time to tidy up your space. Start by going through any old files you may have […]

Modern Rustic Luxury in Cornwall on Hudson, NY - Interior Design project by Duncan Avenue Design Studio

Historic (Circa 1870) Hudson Valley Home Reimagined by Duncan Avenue Design Studio

Welcome to the historic (circa 1870) home in the heart of the quaint Village of Cornwall on Hudson, NY. Completely reimagined by the award-winning Duncan Avenue Design Studio the home was transformed into architecturally inspiring yet energy efficient masterpiece. It was fully renovated with design, sustainability, functionality and comfort in mind. Contemporary open concept floorplan and two-story-high foyer bring an abundance of light in the space. Wake up to the sunrise shining through double glass doors on the east side of the house and watch the warm sunset rays shining through plenty of energy-efficient windows on the west. High-end finishes such as […]

Natural Tick and Mosquito Repellent by DA Aromatherapy

DA Aromatherapy Collection — The spirit of the weekend warrior and the expeditionary alike.

At DA Aromatherapy, our line of natural insect repellents embodies the spirit of the weekend warrior and the expeditionary alike. Maybe you’re training for an Everest Summit or thru-hiking the Continental Divide—as for the rest of us, we will take what we can get with what little time we have. Both ends of the adventurist spectrum share a common center point, and that is to preserve the environment which enables us to do what we love. In many cases that means making a sacrifice, but when it comes to our natural bug repellent with 7 organically sourced essential oils, it […]

The best natural bug, tick and mosquito repellent you can buy - Bees Thank You for not using harmful pesticides

The best natural bug repellents you can buy

Thanks to Global Warming and the Climate Change, Spring is coming to Hudson Valley earlier this year. Hudson Valley’s wine industry and eco-conscious tourism are booming thanks to this shift in climate. But what is the other side of the equation? The area becomes slightly warmer and proximity to the ocean, rivers, and lakes create perfect humidity and temperature condition for growing wine grapes. At the same time, these conditions are very comfortable for ticks and mosquitos as well. Mosquitos and ticks aren’t just annoying bloodsuckers, they’re also dangerous because of the diseases they carry. To avoid getting bitten, you […]