I had my first child when I was 25. After she grew up, my husband suggested we have another baby. At 45, I had our second daughter, and in a way, they are both only children. I had my first child, Daniella, at 25. Before her, I'd had a mobile disco a business as glittery as a mirror ball and twice as busy. It had included children's parties, which meant I'd always had a miniature audience to charm and exhaust. With my own child, there were mermaids to marvel at and karaoke duets for me to sing to. Daniella, or Danny as she preferred, was a pint-sized marvel a firework in the shape of a child. Life became a permanent source of fun, an unending string of confetti-covered moments, usually cut out and scattered by Danny.At 45, I had my second child, and in a way, they were both only children. Danny had a life of her ownBirthday cakes came in garish shades, sunken in last-minute mishaps, and filled with jelly to create an animal pond. I carved Halloween pumpkins with the determination and skill of a blindfolded drunk, but Danny was thrilled. There were talking teddy bears who secretly ate the shortbread, red-haired trolls with a knack for gobbling chocolate cake, and ornamental reindeer with noses as red as toffee apples. Of course, there was Santa, the magical burglar who could sneak into houses with locked doors and chimney spouts the size of a fist. We'd whisper about presents as we sat with sticky tape and wrapping paper. I was the queen of glue and glitter.And then Danny grew up, fell in love, and became a digital artist with an Instagram account that made my head spin. Friends assured me I had a rich repository of memories to draw on, but memory isn't a substitute for presence. It's a snow globe with no one to shake it or an unexpected pang when you see the cooldrink you no longer need to buy. I watched other people's children grow up through the slow-motion lens of social media, and there it was a niggling that felt embarrassingly like jealousy. I was thrilled for Danny and gutted for myself. Danny and I were still close, but for me, the glitter of childhood had all settled.My husband suggested a baby in our 40sSo when my husband mentioned that a baby would be the cherry on top of our very fine cake, I was thrilled. Who wouldn't be? We were happy, settled, and crucially I'd stopped trying to discover who I was in every reflective surface. A baby felt like a dream. And, remarkably, at 45, we got our miracle. A July lockdown baby, no less born into a world of masks and hand sanitizer, where a mask muffled first lullabies. We called her Ava, a name suggested by her sister. From the moment she arrived, she's had a fire in her soul.Ava's magic is in how she makes you move. Not just physically, though, she's certainly skilled at getting you off the chair, even if it takes a few extra groans and strategic knee adjustments now that we're in our 40s. No, she makes you really move heart and soul. She's the kind of child who laughs with her head thrown back because the puppy is so wild. Life with her is loud, chaotic, and utterly worth it.They are both only childrenIn many ways, my children are both only children, separated by the better part of two decades and united by a shared adoration. From the first moment Ava entered Danny's world a whirlwind of peanut-buttered hands and chaotic affection they've been inseparable. Ava chased Danny's dignified cat through the house with a fistful of purloined kibble, an act of high comedy Danny met not with outrage but with handmade toys and laughter. Ava repaid her with sticky hugs and the kind of uninhibited love only toddlers can muster.Raising a child in your 20s is like being handed a surprise pop quiz every morning you're winging it, caffeinated and hopeful. Raising a toddler in your 40s is more like showing up to an exam you know well, only to find the questions have changed and the paper is heavier. Parenting Ava is both easier and infinitely more exhausting. I'm more relaxed, yes, but my knees would very much like a word.Still, there's joy in both seasons of motherhood: the first, wide-eyed and frantic, and the second, measured but no less magical. I've made cakes that flop in both eras but don't care much for perfection. And the best part? The nest isn't empty. It's full of laughter, peanut butter smears, and life.

I work at Coach as a sales associate, and spotting fake bags is pretty easy.I often check the story patches and hang tags to see if a bag is actually authentic.Fake purses usually have sloppy stitching and too-shiny, lightweight hardware.I've been a fan of Coach for a while, and I now work as a sales associate for the brand.I wasn't fully taught how to spot fake bags during my training process, but I've found many employees learn as they go. Throughout my time with Coach, I've encountered a few fakes, and spotting them is easier than you might think.There are exceptions for example, some types of Coach bags don't have style patches or were released before the hang tag became a staple but here's what I look for when authenticating a bag.Story patches are a key feature of most Coach bagsMost Coach bags have a leather creed or story patch, which is a leather patch inside a bag that's embossed with the bag's serial number and history.Some people try to make fakes of these patches, but they don't really work.One time, a customer brought in a bag for repair. When inspecting it to find the bag style, I noticed the story patch had a serial number that had never existed in the Coach database.The leather and material of the bag can help me determine if a bag is fake I've gotten good at being able to feel the quality of a Coach bag in my hands. Isabella Merchan Quality and material play a big factor in determining a fake.First, I check the material of the hang tag, which every Coach bag has come with for decades.An authentic bag should have a tag made of the exact leather used on the bag. It should also feel thick. To me, a flimsy, low-quality hang tag often screams a bag is fake: The leather often doesn't match the bag and is very thin.If you choose to remove a hang tag from your real Coach bag, you might want to hold onto it anyway to help prove authenticity later on.Also, just touching a bag can be telling. For example, fakes I've seen of the popular Tabby bag, which has a "C" on the front, has leather that isn't pebbled or smooth and buttery it has a plastic-y feel.It's also good to compare the bag's color to the official Coach listings online. Fakes tend not to be quite the right shade.I check for sloppy stitching and edgesCoach takes pride in the craftsmanship of its products, especially when it comes to its edges, stitches, and zippers.When looking for a fake, I look at the edges and tips of the bags since that's where the sloppy overstitching tends to be most visible.Most times, when a fake comes in, the stitching is very sloppy and/or crooked.Hardware often makes the real bags heavier Many Coach bags have brass hardware, not gold-plated pieces. Isabella Merchan Hardware seems to be a giveaway for a lot of fakes I've seen, even when it comes to other high-end bag brands. Sometimes I can spot a fake just by looking at its clips and clasps.One of Coach's main choices of hardware is brass, which isn't very shiny. However, a lot of fakes I see have plated-gold hardware, which looks super bright and shiny.Brass and nickel, another popular Coach choice also tends to be heavier, so I've found many fake bags are lighter in weight.When in doubt, check your sourcesBuying directly from Coach is a safe bet if you want an authentic bag.Other trustworthy sites include Coach.com, Coachoutlet.com, and department stores that are official Coach retailers.If you're shopping secondhand, make sure to research who you may be purchasing from and how they authenticate items.This story was originally published on February 29, 2024, and most recently updated on January 1, 2025.

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Pvilosta Residence / OADSave this picture! Alvis RozenbergsHouses, ResidentialPvilosta, LatviaArchitects: OAD - Open Architecture DesignAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:276 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2023 PhotographsPhotographs:Alvis RozenbergsManufacturersBrands with products used in this architecture project Manufacturers: Grohe, 41zero42, Cielo, Delta Light, Giulini, Molto Luce, Ruegg, Wow Design Lead Architect: Zane Tetere - Sulce More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. Nestled within the charming town of Pvilosta, this residence masterfully marries tradition with contemporary aesthetics. Drawing inspiration from the historic fishing village's vibrant wooden homes, the design imbibes the colorful essence of small streets lined with quaint, painted houses.Save this picture!Save this picture!Capturing the essence of a sea breeze in a structure, this home emerges as a luminous oasis for a family. Echoing the rhythms and strength of the Baltic Sea, every aspect of this home's exterior is meticulously designed to sync harmoniously with its natural surroundings. The careful positioning and overall layout of the home pay tribute to the sea, facilitating a connection that lets the occupants feel its tranquil yet invigorating presence, even from afar. Every architectural detail has been considered to encapsulate the panoramic views, the refreshing breeze, and the distinct coastal light, transforming this structure into a living portrayal of the Baltic coastline.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Guided by the town's building regulations, the residence boasts a dual-sloped roof and embodies the coastal architectural language. Despite its size, a human touch permeates its essence, allowing the home to harmoniously meld with its established surroundings. With a location parallel to the sea, the home champions transparency. Floor-to-ceiling windows not only punctuate the structure but also invite views of the sea from even the cozy courtyard.Save this picture!Save this picture!The building's wooden composition, a nod to local tradition, doesn't merely end at its facade. The interior thrives on simplicity and authenticity. Using materials like wood, veneer, concrete, and metal, the design weaves a narrative rooted in Latvian sensibilities and the raw beauty of the coast. Color becomes a storyteller, with the hue of the house inspired by Pvilosta's characteristic marine blue, reminding one of a time when the town was a canvas of vibrant tones.Save this picture!Save this picture!Beyond aesthetics, the home also integrates a recirculation system, emphasizing a commitment to sustainable practices. The attic rooms, dedicated to guests or children, add a layer of versatility to the design. Functionality meets form in details like the window shutters, perfect for ensuring privacy and safeguarding the vacation home during off-seasons. The kitchen represents a harmonious fusion of design, location, and thoughtful simplicity.Save this picture!Every element within the interior is intentional, devoid of excess, and carefully chosen to emphasize purity in design. The selection of materials, such as plywood and wooden planks, further underscores this commitment to simplicity. The result is more than just a space; it's a living experience, where the majestic exterior landscape seamlessly integrates with the minimalistic interior. The views of the sea and coastal meadows enrich the overall experience, transforming an otherwise simplistic design into a profound connection with nature.Save this picture!Save this picture!The sauna exemplifies an integration of architecture and natural landscape. The expansive glass wall, a deliberate architectural choice, serves not merely as a window but as a conduit between interior and exterior, human and nature. The wildness of the sea, captured through this transparent boundary, accentuates the minimalistic design within. Each wave, each tide's ebb and flow resonates with the room's purpose, offering both an invigorating connection and a tranquil retreat.Save this picture!Save this picture!Linking the main house with an auxiliary structure, a transparent glass veranda emerges as a sanctuary for relaxation post-sauna sessions. This space is crowned by a dual-sided fireplace, fusing both structures and offering warmth and ambiance. From conception to realization, this Pvilosta residence encapsulates OAD's dedication to creating spaces that don't just fit into their surroundings but celebrate them. Through intentional design and a profound respect for context, this home emerges as a testament to architecture that listens, responds, and ultimately belongs.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessAbout this officeMaterialsWoodGlassMaterials and TagsPublished on January 01, 2025Cite: "Pvilosta Residence / OAD" 01 Jan 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1007659/pavilosta-residence-oad&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

Get Over 300 Blender Add-ons & more https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4-Q7MyUxdZEvTkrEyhzQIBCWrwtZoSmG Interior Design Playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4-Q7MyUxdZFl_1YpXrDGoScl1kKua9RH Visit the Channel @architecturetopics Support My Shop And Get Free Assets https://buymeacoffee.com/architecturetopics Follow Me on Social Media!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/architecturetopics101/ Download Blender 3D https://www.blender.org/ _________________________________________________________________ Sub .........Visit the Channel for more dope jiggly wiggly stuff @architecturetopics ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------#3d #blender #lens

First video in the Blender Basic series to cover the main skills needed when beginning in Blender. I also hope this will cover some elements that more experienced users may have missed when learning with some more advanced tips in the videos toward the end.Blender Basics Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnqmLZKRm5Ca6m4HUgE6IpGYgyXnSDGMd Support the channel on Patreon and get videos a week early: https://www.patreon.com/ArtisansofVaul 00:00 Intro00:35 First time opening Blender01:54 Navigation - Basics03:50 Navigation - Advanced06:34 Orbit Centering Options

Want to join Aziel Arts Academy? Go Here https://www.azielarts.com/academy Unreal Engine 5 Environment Art Showcase from Aziel Arts Academy Members in 2024! Check out more of their work belowMEMBER LINKS! (In order of appearance) Dawid Wrona Artstation: https://www.artstation.com/dawidwrona LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawidwrona/ Alexander Dam Artstation: https://www.artstation.com/alexanderdam Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexanderdam82/ James Brooks (Horse Evolutions - Game in development) Website: https://horseevolutions.com/ Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3328040/Horse_Evolutions/ Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/titandragongaming/horse-evolutions-a-wild-survival-action-adventure-video-game Josh AlfaroMurtaza Tayeb LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/murtazatayeb/?originalSubdomain=ae Donghoon KimCONNECT WITH THADDAEUS WEBSITE - https://tandreades.com/ CHANNEL INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/thaddaeus_makes/ ARTIST INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/azielartsacademy/ ARTSTATION - https://www.artstation.com/thaddaeus #unrealengine5 #ue5 #unrealenginetutorial #environmentart