Have you ever thought about what summer smells like? If you spent your childhood summers near the water, your summer scent preferences will be very different than someone whose summers were spent surrounded by blossoming trees and waving meadows. But one thing is for certain: the fragrance you choose today is often rooted in either memories of the past or desires for the present. Even though you’ll find fragrances labeled with summery terms, like ocean breeze, salt air, and sunscreen, it’s best to choose a scent that speaks to you on a personal level. Having trouble choosing? Here are a...

Appreciating our mothers as well as the other women in our lives who have nurtured us and helped us grow shouldn’t be relegated to just a single day. You probably tell your mom or mother-in-law how much she means to you throughout the year while still doing something special on the day dedicated to honoring her efforts, sacrifices, and achievements. Mother’s Day 2023 is on the horizon, so here are some creative gifts to celebrate her this year. Give the Gift of Luxury Self-Care We take self-care personally at Acca Kappa and believe that holding the finest quality brush makes...

In many ways, the vernal equinox (aka the first day of spring) signals the return of outdoor activities, seasonal vacations, and the need to change up your skincare routine. As much as we’d all love to have a set of products and practices that work year-round, weather and activity play an ever-changing role in our lives. Winter skincare keeps chapped skin at bay, but using thick, rich products in transitional weather can trigger breakouts and other signs of skin distress. Here are some easy skincare tips that will ensure you look your best in spring break photos and feel your...

How much time do you spend thinking about your personal impact on the planet? Most of us don’t think about climate change on a daily basis, but we’re all aware that our actions have both positive and negative effects on the world we live in. Leave a leftover sandwich in a Styrofoam container for a week in a hot car, and you’ll quickly understand that greenhouse gas is a real thing.   When pondering your carbon footprint, the simplest actions can make a difference. These six suggestions are easy to implement, and they can save you money as well. #1...

Spring is a great time to travel, especially if you’re lucky enough to have a week off in late March or early April for Spring Break. Whether you’re planning a trip to a resort destination or a family trip to visit loved ones, it’s important to get your travel essentials in order ahead of time. Start by outlining your plans, so you’ll know what things you should pack and which things you can purchase on the fly. Here are some necessities to tuck in your bag, so you will look, feel, and smell great during your mini holiday this spring....

After months of chilly weather, the arrival of spring fills our world with blossoms, foliage, and Easter celebrations. In a perfect world, we could move from season to season without worrying that our habits – and Mother Nature’s – could be putting our pets at risk. As you begin to welcome warmer weather and more time outdoors, take care to protect your pets to ensure they enjoy the season, too. Save Easter Treats for Your Two-Legged Friends If your family celebrates Easter with chocolatey goodies, be sure to keep them far away from your fur babies. Chocolate is toxic for...

After a long, cold winter, the spring (or vernal) equinox marks the emergence of flowers and foliage on a once barren landscape. As these tiny hints of life lift their leafy heads up to the sun, so, too, do many of us as we prepare for more time outdoors. If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, embrace March 20, 2023 and the beginning of days with more abundant sunlight by visiting one of these great places. Explore Your Own Backyard How much do you know about where you live? Most of us put down roots but spend our lives missing...

The way you celebrate Valentine’s Day – or don’t – has a lot to do with where you were raised. In the U.S., children exchange Valentine’s cards with their classmates while lovers exchange chocolates, jewelry, and flowers. But these “traditions” aren’t the same worldwide. In Italy, young couples may profess their love on Valentine’s Day, but their elders rarely follow suit. And as for Galentine’s, Malentine’s, or Friend’s Day, those celebrations have been in existence for less than a generation. What does all of this mean for those who want to honor the importance of love in all of its...

After a month of celebrations and gatherings with familiar faces, you may be tempted to hunker down and hermit for a while. We get it. Everyone needs a little R & R, but a brand new year is also cause for celebration and experimentation. Stepping out of your comfort zone – in a controlled way – helps expand your world and your life. Here are some things we’re going to try this year and some words of wisdom that remind us of the benefits of such efforts.  Learn to Be a Better Cook  If you’ve made a resolution to change...

Among your many senses, your ability to perceive scents, like freshly baked bread or a floral bouquet, brings joy to your life. These scents can evoke happy memories and even warn you of danger, in the case of smoke or a gas leak. Most of the time, our sense of smell functions normally, but a variety of things can cause your sense of smell to waiver. The Nose Knows The olfactory sensory neurons that interpret scents are located high inside the nose. When the neurons detect molecules in the air, the information is relayed to the brain for interpretation. While...