INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2023
In life there are constant changes, so too in the world of interior design. Trends are always shifting. The themes for 2023 seem to be: Sustainable living and health & wellness designs. There has been a move away from minimalism to individualism which has created more personalized and decorative styles. In this new, post-Covid world, there have been many changes to the way we live, both inside and outside of the home. Many of us spend much more time in the house, so people have adjusted their priorities in the way the home is used.
With a new focus on wellness and healthy living, more attention is paid to comfort and overall well-being.
Kitchens are central to this new lifestyle and the open kitchen is an important aspect of this new trend. Most desirable are large islands that seat the family comfortably and provide lots of workspace. Upper and lower cabinets of different colors are in fashion as are stainless steel cabinetry and fixtures. To update a kitchen, a coat of paint can completely change the feel and be extremely cost effective. Lighting is also a key component, particularly if natural light is not available. A growing number of homeowners are installing led lights underneath their cabinets to illuminate the kitchen counter top.
With so many people still working at home, a designated office is often a necessity and needs to be incorporated into the design of your home. First of all, it should be comfortable and functional. It is desirable to have natural light and natural materials wherever possible. Try colors that are inspired by nature for a calming environment. For a more dramatic approach, an interesting background wall color can be useful for
all of your zoom meetings.
Furnishings will feel more organic with the use of cotton, wool, and velvet fabrics. Of course fabric decisions can depend on the location within the home; it’s recommended that the home match its natural environment. There is still a movement toward coordinating the indoor and outdoor environments. Arches and architectural details are in as are soft edges, curved sofas, and personal pieces.
Multi-function rooms that cater to entertainment and exercise are in vogue. More people will want media rooms for movies and games as well as gyms and saunas.
Mud rooms and laundry rooms are no longer just utilitarian spaces. Today, homeowners want these spaces to coordinate with the rest of the home. Sometimes they even want to accommodate a pet with a special tub. Think about maximizing natural light throughout your home. Big open
The focus of home design in 2023 is a calm, comfortable environment in harmony with nature that incorporates work, entertainment and relaxation spaces.
windows which bring in natural light can improve mood, focus and sleep patterns which will improve one’s health.
It looks like 2023 may bring with it the end of the white wall trend. Currently, designers are reporting
clients wanting jewel tones in blues, greens and even rust, which creates a cozier environment. This is part of the eco-friendly trend of the last few years which incorporates elements of nature. Gold will also be popular as an accent color.
- TRAVEL TO -
If you haven’t been to Africa and are looking for an amazing experience, consider a safari. The only question is where to start, as there are many African countries with amazing national parks and various wildlife, all of which can provide a once-in-alifetime vacation. The top countries for safaris are Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Namibia and Botswana.
MASAI MARA
JUNE - OCTOBER
Masai Mara National Reserve is the most famous. It is known for its herds of plains’ game which include Masai lions, African leopards and Tanzanian cheetahs. The park is also home to the annual migration of zebra, gazelle and wildebeest to and from the Serengeti in Tanzania.
Lake Nakuru National Park is known for pink flamingos flocking along the shore of the lake. Also notable are the park’s white rhinos, warthogs, giraffes, zebras, hippos, ostriches and lions.
Amboseli National Park is best known for its view of Mount Kilimanjaro and over 300 species of birds. You will also see zebras, wildebeests, hyenas, lions, cheetahs, buffalo, jackals, giraffes and leopards.
Tsavo National Park, which is made up of two smaller parks, is the largest in Kenya and also the most remote. Famous for elephants playing in the Galana River, you will also find 500 species of birds and also giraffes, gazelles, lions, antelopes, impalas, hyenas and oryx.
Samburu Game Reserve is known for rare species such as Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, and the Beisa Oryx. It is also home to around 900 elephants as well as lions, leopards, cheetahs and over 450 bird species. It is also famous for Kamunyak, the lioness that adopted 6 baby oryx.
Tanzania
There are 22 national parks in Tanzania, making it difficult to decide where to go. Serengeti, which is a UNESCO world heritage site, and Ngorongoro are the largest and most popular destinations and are often toured together along with Lake Manyara National Park. You will spot the big five mammalsbuffaloes, elephants, rhinos, leopards and lions as well as giraffes, zebras, hippos and 500 species of birds on your nature walk, game drive, or in a hot air balloon.
LAKE MANYARA
JUNE - OCTOBER
Lake Manyara Park was established to protect large herds of elephants and is also famous for tree-climbing lions. With its beautiful setting on the lake, it is perfect for viewing pink flamingos and over 400 species of birds.
NGORONGORO
APRIL - MAY
The Ngorongoro Conservation Centre (world heritage site) is known for the Crater which was formed when an ancient volcano exploded and collapsed on itself, creating vast plains that attracted wild life. The big five can be viewed here as well as black rhino. The Massai tribe still grazes their livestock here. Also, the Olduval Gorge is found here. This is where the Leakeys, in 1959, discovered evidence of human origins, fossilized bones, and stone tools dating back millions of years.
2023 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
DATES
JAN 5 - 8, 2023
JAN 12 - 15, 2023
JAN 19 - 22, 2023
JAN 25 - 28, 2023
FEB 2 - 5, 2023
FEB 9 - 12, 2023
FEB 16 - 19, 2023
FEB 23 - 26, 2023
MAR 2 - 5, 2023
MAR 2 - 5, 2023
MAR 9 - 12, 2023
MAR 16 - 19, 2023
MAR 22 - 26, 2023
MAR 23 - 26, 2023
MAR 30 - APR 2, 2023
APR 6 - 9, 2023
APR 13 - 16, 2023
APR 20 - 23, 2023
APR 27 - 30, 2023
MAY 4 - 7, 2023
MAY 11 - 14, 2023
MAY 18 - 21, 2023
MAY 25 - 28, 2023
* Schedule subject to change
Sentry Tournament of Champions Plantation Course at Kapalua, Kapalua, Maui, HI Cameron Smith $1,476,000
Sony Open in Hawaii Qu Waialae Country Club, Honolulu, HI Hideki Matsuyama $1,350,000
The American Express Pete Dye Stadium Course, La Quinta, CA
Farmers Insurance Open Torrey Pines Golf Course (South Course), San Diego, CA
AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am Pebble Beach Golf Links, Pebble Beach, CA
Swafford $1,368,000
List $1,512,000
Hoge $1,566,000
WM Phoenix Open TPC Scottsdale (Stadium Course), Scottsdale, AZ Scottie Scheffler $1,476,000
The Genesis Invitational The Riviera Country Club, Pacific Palisades, CA Joaquin Niemann $2,160,000
The Honda Classic PGA National Resort (The Champion), Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Puerto Rico Open Grand Reserve Golf Club, Rio Grande, PUR
Sepp Straka $1,440,000
Ryan Brehm $666,000
Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Orlando, FL Scottie Scheffler $2,160,000
THE PLAYERS Championship The Country Club of Jackson, Jackson, MS
Valspar Championship Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead Course), Palm Harbor, FL
World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play Austin Country Club, Austin, TX
Corales Puntacana Championship Puntacana Resort & Club (Corales Golf Course), Punta Cana, DOM
Valero Texas Open TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course), San Antonio, TX
Masters Tournament Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, GA
RBC Heritage Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head Island, SC
Zurich Classic of New Orleans Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head Island, SC
Mexico Open at Vidanta Vidanta Vallarta, Vallarta, MEX
Wells Fargo Championship Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte, NC
AT&T Byron Nelson TPC Craig Ranch, McKinney, TX
PGA Championship Q Oak HIll Country Club, Rochester, NY
Charles Schwab Challenge Colonial Country Club, Fort Worth, TX
Smith $3,600,000
Burns $1,404,000
Scottie Scheffler $2,100,000
Chad Ramey $ 666,000
J.J. Spaun $1,548,000
Scottie Scheffler $2,700,000
Jordan Spieth $1,440,000
P. Cantlay/X. Schauffele $1,199,350
Jon Rahm $1,314,000
Max Homa $1,620,000
K.H. Lee $1,638,00
Justin Thomas $2,700,000
Sam Burns $1,512,000
DATES
JUN 1 - 4, 2023
JUN 8 - 11, 2023
JUN 15 - 18, 2023
2023 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
TOURNAMENT
The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday Muirfield Village Golf Club, Dublin, OH
RBC Canadian Open Oakdale Golf & Country Club, Toronto, Ontario, CAN
U.S. Open The Los Angeles Country Club (North Course), Los Angeles, CA
JUN 22 - 25, 2023 Travelers Championship TPC River Highlands, Cromwell, CT
JUN 29 - JUL 2, 2023
JUL 6 - 9, 2023
JUL 13 - 16, 2023
JUL 13 - 16, 2023
JUL 20 - 23, 2023
JUL 20 - 23, 2023
JUL 27 - 30, 2023
AUG 3 - 6, 2023
AUG 10 - 13, 2023
AUG 17 - 20, 2023
AUG 24 - 27, 2023
Rocket Mortgage Classic. Detroit Golf Club, Detroit, MI
John Deere Classic PC Deere Run, Silvis, IL
Barbasol Championship Keene Trace Golf Club (Champions Course), Nicholasville, KY
Genesis Scottish Open The Renaissance Club, North Berwick, SCO
Barracuda Championship Tahoe Mountain Club (Old Greenwood), Truckee, CA
The Open Championship Royal Liverpool, Hoylake, Wirral, ENG
3M Open TPC Twin Cities, Blaine, MN
Wyndham Championship Sedgefield Country Club, Greensboro, NC
FedEx St. Jude Championship TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN
BMW Championship Olympia Fields Country Club (North Course), Olympia Fields, IL
TOUR Championship East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta, GA
* Schedule subject to change
DEFENDING CHAMPION
Billy Horschel $2,160,000
Rory McIlroy $1,566,000
Matt Fitzpatrick $3,150,000
Xander Schauffele $1,494,000
Tony Finau $1,512,000
J.T. Posto $1,278,000
Trey Mullinax $666,000
Xander Schauffele $1,400,000
Chez Reavie $666,000
Cameron Smith $2,500,000
Tony Finau $1,350,000
Tom Kim $1,314,000
Will Zalatoris $2,700,000
Patrick Cantlay Patrick Cantlay
Rory McIlroy
2023 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
* Schedule subject to change ** Purse subject to change
2023 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
2023 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
* Schedule subject to change
Session Date
2023 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
TimeFeatured Matches
1Mon,January16,202311:00amMen'sandWomen's1stRound
2Mon,January16,20237:00pmMen'sandWomen's1stRound
3Tue,January17,202311:00amMen’sandWomen’s1stRound
4Tue,January17,20237:00pmMen’sandWomen’s1stRound
5Wed,January18,202311:00amMen’sandWomen’s2ndRound
6Wed,January18,20237:00pmMen’sandWomen’s2ndRound
7Thu,January19,202311:00amMen’sandWomen’s2ndRound
8Thu,January19,20237:00pmMen’sandWomen’s2ndRound
9Fri,January20,202311:00amMen’sandWomen’s3rdRound
10Fri,January20,20237:00pmMen’sandWomen’s3rdRound
11Sat,January21,202311:00amMen’sandWomen’s3rdRound
12Sat,January21,20237:00pmMen’sandWomen’s3rdRound
13Sun,January22,202311:00amMen’sandWomen’s4thRound
14Sun,January22,20237:00pmMen’sandWomen’s4thRound
15Mon,January23,202311:00amMen’sandWomen’s4thRound
16Mon,January23,20237:00pmMen’sandWomen’s4thRound
2023 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
Looking for an elegant and classic wedding venue to celebrate your big day? Country clubs are ideal for a variety of reasons.
Here are some reasons why country club wedding venues are among our favorites.
It’s a classic venue.
A country club wedding has long been a time-honored tradition for couples with family ties to a members-only venue. Childhood memories of playing tennis or learning to expertly hit 18 holes can add sentimental meaning to a country club wedding. A country club also provides a familiar, picturesque venue. Expansive green spaces pair up with a stately ballroom to offer a magazine-worthy setting for a large indoor-outdoor wedding. Not a member of a nearby club? Some clubs are open to the public for events, while some private clubs will allow non-member weddings if the couple is “sponsored” by a member—meaning you just have to know someone who can connect you with the club’s in-house wedding planner.
It offers a one-stop-shop.
Like a hotel, a country club often has many wedding services on-site. Catering, flowers, linen rentals and even the wedding planner may all be available for one package price that can reduce planning time and stress. All you have to do is worry about finding the perfect country club-appropriate wedding attire for you and your wedding party.
It’s a great place to have a rain backup plan. Maybe you’ve always dreamed of getting married in an outdoor ceremony—but then the skies open up right before you walk down the outdoor aisle. A country club offers the peace of mind of a rain plan with multiple ballrooms, dining rooms and other suitable indoor venues that can work as a stand-by on your big day.
It can accommodate many sizes of weddings.
Those aforementioned outdoor spaces, ballrooms and dining rooms also mean a country club can accommodate a variety of wedding sizes. Want an intimate wedding for 20? That gazebo in the formal gardens might make a great place for your I Do’s. Is a wedding for 250 of your friends and family more your style? Many country clubs can host very large weddings in their wow-worthy ballrooms, too.
Two words: lawn games
Those green spaces can do a lot more than hold chairs for your wedding ceremony. The large swaths of grass at a country club are a great space to entertain your guests with classic games like croquet, bocce ball and corn hole. And don’t let the golf course go to waste! A round of golf for your guests should definitely be in order at some point during the wedding weekend.
Bianco, Katie (2017, March 8). 5 Reasons to Get Married ... at a Country Club [Web log post]. Retrieved from https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-ideas/5-reasons-to-get-married-at-a-country-club
Identity theft is when someone uses your personal or financial information without your permission. They might steal your name and address, credit card or bank account numbers, Social Security number or medical insurance account numbers. The information could then be used to make purchases, get new cards in your name, open a phone, electricity, or gas account, or even steal your tax refund or medical benefits
No one wants to be the subject of identity theft. If it happens to you, there are steps you can take, and the government is there to help at Identitytheft.com.
The important thing is to take all the necessary steps to prevent it.
Keep your financial records, Social Security and Medicare cards and any other documents that have personal information in a secure place. If getting rid of them, be sure to shred them.
Do not give out your Social Security number other than to the IRS, your bank, and your employer without asking why they need it. If they have a valid reason, try offering just the last 4 digits.
If you are logging in to an online account, use a strong password.
Do not give your personal information to someone who calls, emails, or texts you. They could be a scammer trying to steal your information.
In addition to taking steps to protect your information, there are things to do to detect identity theft.
Track what bills you owe and when they are due. If you stop getting a bill, that could be a sign someone changed your address or other information
Review your bills for charges that don’t belong to you
Check your bank account for withdrawals not made by you
Get and review your credit reports, as accounts you don’t recognize could be a sign of identity theft.
Many companies sell identity theft protection services that may include credit monitoring, identity monitoring, identity recovery services, and identity theft insurance. These services may be offered by your bank or credit union, credit card provider, employer’s benefits program, or insurance company. Also, there are credit monitoring services like Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion that offer these services as well.
Identity monitoring services may notify you of a change of address request, court or arrest records, orders for new utility, cable or wire services, application for a payday loan, information on websites that sell stolen identity information.
Most will not notify you if someone uses your information to file a tax return and collect your refund, get Medicare benefits, get Medicaid benefits, get welfare benefits, claim Social Security benefits, or even claim unemployment benefits.
If you discover that someone is misusing your personal information visit:
www .I dent I ty t heft . gov
TRENDS FOR 2023 Health Food
Rarely do we think about what is trending in the world of food and drink, but there are organizations that study this issue constantly, including Whole Foods, Innova Market Insights and even Martha Stewart herself. The current trend seems to be towards a focus on healthier eating due to an interest in sustainable agriculture, climate change and possibly as a result of correcting those bad habits acquired during Covid lock down.
In the drink space, mocktails, or virgin cocktails, have become more and more popular for health reasons, even spawning a number of new establishments devoted exclusively to alcohol-free night life. This trend expands well beyond Shirley Temples and there is an emphasis on alcohol free cosmopolitans, margaritas, mojitos
and other more original creative drinks. As an example, Whole Foods points to yaupon, a caffeinated plant, to be brewed for tea and also used in new mocktail creations. Also growing in popularity are milk substitutes like oat, soy, almond, and even potato. They are typically lower in fat, sugar and are also cholesterol free.
In the world of foods, there has been significant and growing interest in nutrition and sustainability. We will be interested in more natural less processed foods as well as more traditional ethnic menus. Plant based foods will be a growth area as the number of vegans has increased significantly and most of us have cut down on meat consumption for health and environmental concerns. We will want more locally produced ingredients due to interest in climate change. There is actually a new word for this - glocal. Think global and eat local!
Plant based pasta made from chickpeas, cauliflower and zucchini are already popular but new ones made from hearts of palm and green
and other more original creative drinks. As an example, Whole Foods points to yaupon, a caffeinated plant, to be brewed for tea and also used in new mocktail creations. Also growing in popularity are milk substitutes like oat, soy, almond, and even potato. They are typically lower in fat, sugar and are also cholesterol free.
In the world of foods, there has been significant and growing interest in nutrition and sustainability. We will be interested in more natural less processed foods as well as more traditional ethnic menus. Plant based foods will be a growth area as the number of vegans has increased significantly and most of us have cut down on meat consumption for health and environmental concerns.
We will want more locally produced ingredients due to interest in climate change. There is actually a new word for this - glocal. Think global and eat local!
Plant based pasta made from chickpeas, cauliflower and zucchini are already popular but new ones made from hearts of palm and green
It is important to revisit one’s estate planning periodically, as both circumstances and laws can change without notice. If you do not have an estate plan, it is time to create one. You probably have more assets than you think.
First of all, estate planning is an opportunity to designate who will receive your assets upon death or incapacitation. It will also allow you to designate a guardian for your children. With the advice of counsel, your plan will manage assets to minimize estate
taxes, gift taxes and any other tax issues. And most importantly, a good estate plan will avoid disagreements between heirs and probate which can be time consuming and expensive.
Begin with an assessment of all your assets, including your home and other real estate, art, collections, vehicles, and jewelry. List your checking and savings accounts, investment accounts, life insurance policies, IRA or 401 accounts and ownership interests in any businesses. Estimate the value in order to divide among your heirs.
A COMPLETE ESTATE PLAN INCLUDES SEVERAL DOCUMENTS:
POWER OF ATTORNEY
A durable power of attorney allows a person of your choosing to handle financial, legal and other matters if you are otherwise incapacitated. It remains in effect until death or revocation.
REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST
A revocable living trust is an instrument that allows the owner (grantor) of assets to establish a trust for beneficiaries with the help of a trustee. You can be your own trustee with an alternate upon death or incapacity. This document can be amended or revoked as needed. The most important aspect of a
MEDICAL CARE DIRECTIVE
A living will specifies your wishes for medical care. A medical power of attorney gives authority to a trusted person to make decisions if you are unable.
WILL
A will, though desirable, is not essential if you have a revocable trust. The main reason to write a will is to include assets which may not be included in one’s trust. A will is meant to simplify things. You can designate child custody and also the recipients of your most valuable possession, such as cars, jewelry or
PHILANTHROPY OR CHARITY
CHARITY
Charity is the voluntary giving of help, typically money, to those that are suffering or in need. It tends to address an immediate problem and is a compassionate response to a natural disaster, or a token of support for the victim of crime or violence, for example. Charity can also address immediate needs for food, shelter or medical care. It is a short term response, although one may give frequently to a particular cause.
PHILANTHROPY
Philanthropy is more strategic in that it seeks to root out causes of the problem and to develop long term solutions. Striving for long term solutions to problems such as addiction, housing shortages, or hunger takes time, study, and planning. This is where charity comes in, providing direct relief for people in immediate need.
Both charity and philanthropy possess the same goals of addressing needs and making the world a better place but with different approaches. One deals with direct relief and the other with root causes and finding solutions.
Is one better than the other? Of course not! They are just two different ways of solving problems and both are essential to the functioning of a decent society.
Recently, there have been changes to the tax code regarding charitable giving.
Three Acts have been passed recently - The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA), the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE) and the Corona Virus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES). All have some impact on deductibility of charitable contributions. They
also may offer some additional advantages. For example, a qualified charity may receive your IRA with no tax consequences since charities do not pay taxes. Appreciated assets are also beneficial as a gift to a charity, as capital gains tax can be avoided.
Another way to contribute is through a community foundation, which is a grant making public charity that is dedicated to improving lives in a particular community. Individuals, families, businesses and non-profit groups establish funds within the foundation in which they can contribute assets for charitable purposes. The foundation manages the assets and takes suggestions from those that set up the fund on how and where to distribute the resources. There are over 700 community foundations in the United States.
Whether one chooses charity or philanthropy, the ultimate goal is to help the community by using personal skills and resources to make a difference.
This is how you say it’s going to be okay.
Every 8 minutes the American Red Cross responds to a disaster and makes this promise. You can help us keep it.
Donate today at redcross.org