Modern Life & Style

  Anyone who has ever used a chalkboard can tell you what a relief it is that dry erase markers have overtaken the market. There’s no dust, little mess, and none of that horrendous sound. However, have you ever wondered how dry erase markers and boards actually work? Probably not, but it may just drive you crazy not knowing now that you’re thinking about it.  How Does Dry Erase Work? To put your brain at ease, let’s talk about the chemistry that makes dry erase markers work the way they do. First, what’s in a dry erase marker. The Ingredients The liquid coming through the felt tip of your dry erase marker contains  four primary components . A fast-drying solvent A pigment for color A release agent  A resin What the Ingredients Do The pigment and the resin work together to create the ink you see when you use a dry erase marker. The pigment creates the color, and the resin helps to make sure that color is evenly concentrated throughout the ink.  The solvent helps ...

  “It takes a village to raise a child.” This well-known African proverb is often artificially limited by the American obsession with individualism. Of course, being a self-sufficient individual can be incredibly empowering, but we ultimately live in a society where we inevitably help to shape the experiences of those around us. We all benefit when our society is secure, healthy, and well-educated.  Nonprofit Impact on Communities Nonprofits take this reality very seriously and work hard to  provide services that benefit our communities  at large. Depending on their mission, nonprofits help provide food, shelter, health care, educational opportunities, and dozens of other services that improve our communities. As a result, we all benefit even if we don’t directly need those services ourselves.  A Case Study The  Giving a Smile Foundation  is one example of this phenomenon. This particular nonprofit is dedicated to providing oral health education and de...

  Sofas and sectionals are both highly sought-after pieces of furniture that can add a lot of value to any living space. Nothing beats the feeling of relaxing your body into a soft sofa or cushion after a difficult day, especially when you have family or friends to share the space with. But when it comes to redecorating your living room, which piece of furniture should come first?  Buying Guide for Sofas Vs. Sectionals Our A. Rudin pros know that you have a lot of options when it comes to high-end living room furniture and  luxury sectional couches . If you are stuck trying to figure out what big piece to add to your living room next, take a look at our buying guide for sofas vs. sectionals. You can discover whether a larger couch or a smaller sofa would be better for the space you have in mind.  Sectionals A sectional couch is probably the largest type of seating you can purchase for your living room. Sectionals usually consist of two to four pieces of a sofa put to...

  Mall shopping may seem like a simple task, but the sheer size of South Coast Plaza in  Costa Mesa  immediately changes that. South Coast could be a city in itself, and it has something to offer everyone. But knowing how to go mall shopping requires some strategy. How to Go Mall Shopping From your typical fast-fashion chains to the most expensive designers in the world, South Coast is full to the brim with options. Therefore, if you’re going to make the most of your trip, you have to have a  plan of attack .  Step 1: Preparations Taking on a mall that’s bigger than most midwestern towns is a daunting task, and you should be prepared. Orange county people are known for their relaxed but expensive fashion, so dress up but opt for walkable shoes. In addition to looking the part, you’ll want to pack pandemic essentials. This includes a mask, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes. Big bags may not be as popular as they were ten years ago, but you’re going to want a...

  Creating a home that is functional, comfortable, and beautiful is important. Starting the new year off by updating your space and giving it new life can set the tone for a great year. Despite the major benefits, updating your space may feel overwhelming. Instead of trying to DIY your space, consider hiring an expert. Below you will find why an interior designer is worth it. Why an Interior Designer Is Worth It Consider readjusting your budget and hiring an interior designer. It will likely save you money in the long run and the results will show. Focus on Function and Design:   While designers often have a reputation for making a space look great, they are also highly skilled in creating a functional space. This dual focus can be highly beneficial for your home. Working with an interior designer and sharing your expectations in the beginning can help your interior designer understand your vision.  With that information, they can create a space that functions the way you...

  The modern office has drastically changed over the last few years. The pandemic has had a major impact as working from home has become the norm for many. However, even before the pandemic started, changes to the modern workspace included embracing virtual meetings. While there are countless benefits to working remotely, keeping employees engaged during virtual conference meetings can be challenging. Below are some of the best ways to boost engagement during your conference meetings. Ways to Boost Engagement During Your Conference Meetings Keeping your employee’s attention during a conference meeting is critical. Efficiency is the key to a successful team. Consider the following tips to ensure your team is engaged during your next meeting. Time Limited: While most meetings are scheduled for one hour or more, research shows that attendees check out after 10 to 20 minutes.  Limiting your work meetings to the amount of time necessary to complete your meeting is integral to keepi...