💌 Baltimore travel guide, gifts for home, wellness products to try

TODAY IS WEDNESDAY, NOV 27

WHAT TO EXPECT

• stories: no furniture against the wall, Barnes & Noble’s comeback, everyones sober-
ish
• listen to this: Renegades
• gift guide: gifts for your home this holiday season
• job seekers: influencer marketing coordinator, senior brand/UI designer, brand stylist
• extra stories
• quote: on life
• bon voyage: Baltimore

HOME: NO FURNITURE AGAINST THE WALL, EXPERTS SAY
Contrary to what we see a lot in home decor, pushing furniture against walls can actually make a room feel smaller and less functional. Interior designers suggest floating furniture away from walls to create better flow, help promote conversation within the room, and improve movement throughout the space, AKA no one left in a corner. By leaving some space between furniture and walls, rooms can feel more balanced also, since each piece stands out and contributes to the overall design. We know this approach might not always be feasible in very small spaces, designers recommend at least trying to float some smaller pieces like accent chairs to break up the monotony of wall-hugging furniture. Ultimately, the goal is to create a dynamic, engaging space that feels comfortable and allows for easy interaction.

BUSINESS: BARNES & NOBLE IS MAKING A COMEBACK
Under CEO James Daunt's leadership, America's largest retail bookseller is experiencing a renaissance! He essentially adopted an indie bookstore model that prioritizes individual store managers' book selection and curation. This moves B&N away from the previous "one-size-fits-all" approach and has paid off because their foot traffic has increased 7%+ in 4 years. By embracing social media trends and creating community-focused events, Barnes & Noble has successfully rekindled customer excitement about book shopping, turning store visits into more of an experience.

LIFESTYLE: WHY IS EVERYONE “SOBER-ISH” ALL OF A SUDDEN?
It’s pretty noticeable that people are drinking less due to the increasing awareness of alcohol's health risks and changing social dynamics. Not to say that alcohol hasn’t always been dangerous when consumed excessively, but with the prevalence on social media, more people are learning about the problems even a little bit of consumption can cause. Individuals are adopting more moderate drinking habits, such as limiting alcohol intake or choosing non-alcoholic alternatives, which is shifting social interactions and party dynamics. This shift is driven by health concerns, aging, and a desire for clearer, more intentional experiences, which has led to shorter social gatherings and new social etiquette around drinking. This is a large cultural transition towards a more health-conscious and mindful approach to social drinking.

This is that song you hear at an event or on the radio and can’t wait to listen to again. It’s a feel-good, soul song, and you’re bound to sing along because it’ll get stuck in your head!

Influencer Marketing Coordinator, GLAMNETIC (remote): You will be responsible for assisting on all tasks related to influencer marketing ranging from paid partnerships, gifting, and outreach to relationship building. You should have fluency in all social platforms: Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Senior Brand/UI Designer, MOONDREAM.AI (remote): The company is looking for talented, opinionated, and passionate designer to take the UI/Brand to the same level of the AI tech. They’re heavily inspired by bold, clean, text-centric, minimalist site.

Brand Stylist, QUINCE (SF, CA): You will be responsible for shaping the visual identity of the brand across all digital platforms, ensuring consistency in product presentation, campaign styling, and editorial content. You will also lead the styling for ad campaigns, product pages, and creative assets, collaborating closely with the merchandising and creative teams to ensure that all looks are cohesive, on-brand, and aligned with customer preferences and product availability.

💅🏻 nail the perfect red mani with our tips

🥿 if you don’t have flats in your wardrobe, WYD? These are it-girl approved

💊 we’re recommending wellness products so you can revitalize your life

ON LIFE: That's the thing about life. A lot of the time, it isn't easy at all. We just have to try to make the best of it. — Nicholas Sparks

Life is truly what you make of it. It’s not meant to be a breeze, but a journey full of experiences that become memories + lessons. Take it as you will!

BALTIMORE, MD

EAT: Cinghiale is an upscale Italian restaurant in the Harbor East neighborhood known for exceptional Northern Italian cuisine and an extensive wine list. If you’re more of a local/historic dining type of person, try Faidley's Seafood. It’s a historic Baltimore institution in Lexington Market, famous for their crab cakes and quintessential Baltimore seafood experience. Woodberry Kitchen is different from both of these, it’s a farm-to-table restaurant featuring Chesapeake regional cuisine with a focus on local, sustainable ingredients.

STAY: For luxury & a splurge, the Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore is your go to. It’s a waterfront hotel in Harbor East with stunning Inner Harbor views and top-tier amenities. The Kimpton Hotel Monaco Baltimore on the other hand is a boutique hotel in the historic downtown area with stylish rooms and a great central location.

DO: If aquariums make you happy, visit the National Aquarium. It’s a world-renowned aquarium that features diverse marine life exhibits and a stunning multi-level design. If history is your jam, you’ll have to go see the Fort McHenry National Monument. It’s a historic site where the Star-Spangled Banner was written!