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 Credit: Style My Soul, www.stylemysoul.com | Musical Artists and Musical Genres Music has a unique power to transform moods, strengthen connections, and bring unexpected joy into everyday life. This article draws on insights from music experts and cultural commentators to explore eight artists and genres that consistently deliver these benefits. From David Bowie’s office-friendly energy to the contemplative beauty of acoustic folk, these musical choices offer practical pathways to emotional richness and shared experience.
Spin Disco and Funk for Shared Joy If I had to pick one, I’d say classic disco and funk. It’s hard to find another style of music that brings people together so quickly across different ages, because the groove is immediate and the joy feels shared instead of forced. I love it because it gives people permission to loosen up, have fun, and stop overthinking for a few minutes, which is a pretty special thing to watch from behind the decks. - Callum Gracie, Professional Event DJ, DJ Callum Gracie Explore The Meters’ Jazz-Funk Groove I’ve spent my career helping performers find their voice through jazz and rock performance. My background in jazz guitar and fronting Santa Cruz bands has taught me that music is most powerful when it’s experienced as a collaborative, live conversation. I encourage everyone to dive into Jazz-Funk, specifically the work of The Meters, for its incredible ability to blend complex theory with an irresistible, human groove. This music brings joy because it prioritizes “living in the moment” and improvisation, which are the core principles I use to help my students overcome the pressure of perfection. In our Real Jazz Funk Band program, I’ve seen students’ confidence soar after they take these grooves into professional environments like Santa Cruz Recording to track original songs. By moving from private practice to a high-energy band setting, musicians experience a deeper sense of community and a much faster path to discovering their own unique artistic identity. - Matt Pinck, Owner, Be Natural Music Let Nusrat Stir Deep Emotional Clarity If I had to share one artist people should experience, it would be Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan — his music is something you don’t just hear, you feel. What draws me in is how his voice builds emotion layer by layer, almost like designing an event where every detail intensifies the experience. I remember playing his qawwali during a late-night setup before a big wedding install, and the entire team shifted from stressed to completely in sync within minutes. There’s a raw, spiritual energy in his music that cuts through noise and brings clarity, which I find incredibly grounding. It reminds me that great experiences — whether music or events — are about emotional connection, not perfection. If you give it your full attention, it stays with you long after it ends. - Nezhdeh Parsanj, Owner, Opus Event Rentals Savor Acoustic Folk Outdoors among Friends I’d love for everyone to experience acoustic folk and country music, especially enjoyed outdoors. There’s something about sitting outside at a dog park on a warm Texas evening with gentle guitar strumming in the background while dogs play freely around you. We sometimes host small community gatherings where local musicians play acoustic sets, and the effect on both people and their dogs is remarkable. The dogs seem calmer, the owners are more relaxed, and conversations flow naturally. Artists like Willie Nelson and John Prine capture that easygoing, soulful energy perfectly. Music like that strips everything back to what matters: connection, nature, and simple joy. It’s the same reason people come to dog parks in the first place. They want to unplug, feel grounded, and share a moment of happiness with their best friend. That’s what good music and good dogs have in common: they both make the world feel a little lighter. - Rina Gutierrez, Part-time Marketing Coordinator, Doggie Park Near Me Play Bowie to Spark Office Camaraderie I would like others to experience David Bowie, especially the Best of David Bowie collection. When I started my company in 2009 we would work late nights and jam out to that album with the whole team. It was the one album everyone in the office agreed on, from 20 year olds to 60 year olds. His music always puts everyone in a good mood and now hearing Bowie brings me back to those long nights and the camaraderie we shared. - Evan McCarthy, President and CEO, SportingSmiles Experience A.R. Rahman’s Expansive Immersive Fusion One artist I always encourage people to experience is A.R. Rahman, especially his fusion of Indian classical music with modern orchestration. What makes his music so powerful is the emotional range. It can feel deeply spiritual in one moment and incredibly uplifting in the next. There’s a richness in the layering, traditional instruments, vocals, and contemporary production, that creates something immersive rather than just something you listen to in the background. For me, his music brings joy because it feels expansive. It doesn’t just entertain, it shifts your mood and creates a sense of calm and inspiration at the same time. If someone is new to his work, I’d suggest starting with a few of his film soundtracks, where storytelling and music come together beautifully. The biggest takeaway is that great music doesn’t need translation. Even if you don’t understand the language, you feel it, and that’s what makes it universal. - Monesh Sahu, Finance Analyst, RadCred Find Quiet Solace with Lana Del Rey I always go back to Lana Del Rey. Her music feels very close to my heart. I usually listen to her songs at night or when I want some quiet time. There’s something calm and soft about her voice, but at the same time, her words feel deep and real. I remember a time when I was feeling a bit lost, and her music just became my comfort. It didn’t change anything around me, but it helped me feel understood. Like I wasn’t the only one feeling that way. What I like most is that her songs don’t try to cheer you up in a loud way. They just sit with you, and somehow that feels enough. For me, her music is like a small escape where I can just slow down and be myself. - Cynthia Lee, Lead Clinical Research Coordinator (LCRC), AAA Biotech Choose Gospel to Restore Perspective I would like others to experience gospel music. As a Black cultural strategist whose work centers on moving and uplifting people, gospel’s blend of honesty and communal energy feels essential to me. Its storytelling and collective voice remind me why culture is the most powerful way to connect people. Listening to gospel brings me joy because it restores perspective, fuels resilience, and continues to inspire both my work and life. - Victoria Anderson, SVP, Cultural Strategy & Communications, 160over90, a WME Group Co.
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 Credit: Style My Soul, www.stylemysoul.com | Culinary Essentials for Home Cooks and Professional Chefs Every kitchen, whether at home or in a professional setting, relies on fundamental tools and practices that make cooking more efficient and enjoyable. Here are essential elements that transform any cooking space into a more functional environment, backed by insights from culinary experts who understand what truly matters.
Use a Sharp Chef’s Knife You can’t do much in a kitchen without a solid chef’s knife. In my restaurants, sharp blades make prep work go faster and the food just tastes better. Take your time finding one that fits your hand. Once you have the right weight and balance, cooking every day gets a whole lot easier. - Allen Kou, Owner and Operator, Zinfandel Grille Keep Microfiber Towels Within Reach A quality microfiber towel set is the one culinary essential I think every cook overlooks. It sounds humble, but the ability to handle hot surfaces safely, dry hands quickly between tasks, and wipe down prep areas without cross-contaminating flavors completely changes kitchen flow. In professional kitchens, the towel is a constant extension of the cook’s hand; it’s what separates confident, clean execution from frantic, sloppy cooking. At home or in commercial settings, having a fresh dry towel within reach means you stop hesitating, stop burning yourself on damp cloths that conduct heat, and stop reaching for paper towels that scratch and waste. It’s the simplest upgrade that immediately makes cooking feel more professional. - Marcos De Andrade, Founder & Owner, Green Planet Cleaning Services Implement a Clear Label System A simple but essential tool every home cook and professional should have in their kitchen is a good labeling system. It might not seem like a traditional “culinary” tool, but it makes a big difference in how efficiently a kitchen functions. When ingredients like spices, grains, baking supplies, or pantry staples are clearly labeled and easy to find, cooking becomes much smoother. Instead of digging through cabinets or guessing what’s in a container, everything is visible and accessible. This saves time, reduces food waste, and helps people stay focused on the cooking itself. As a professional organizer, I often see how small systems like labeling can completely change how someone uses their kitchen. When ingredients have a clear home and are easy to identify, people tend to cook more often and feel less overwhelmed in the space. Overall, it helps culinary professionals and home cooks work more efficiently and spend less time searching for what they need. - Olivia Parks, Owner + Lead Organizer, Professional Organizer New Orleans Weigh Ingredients with a Digital Scale I can’t live without a solid digital scale, whether I’m at Dirty Dough or baking at home. It took some time to get used to weighing ingredients instead of guessing, but it made a huge difference. My batches are finally consistent and I waste way less dough. If you want the same results every time, put down the measuring cups and get a scale. - Bennett Maxwell, CEO, Franchise KI Choose Durable Kitchen Countertops One essential that often gets overlooked in kitchens is high-quality countertops. Whether you’re a home cook or a professional, the countertop is the surface where almost everything happens. It’s where ingredients are prepped, dough is rolled, dishes are plated, and appliances are used. Having durable, well-made countertops makes a big difference because they can handle constant use without staining, cracking, or wearing down over time. Materials like granite or quartz provide a strong, stable surface that holds up to heat, knife work (though, you shouldn’t cut directly on these surfaces), and heavy cookware while still being easy to clean. Good countertops also improve workflow. When you have a spacious, reliable prep surface, cooking becomes more efficient and enjoyable. For anyone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen, investing in quality countertops supports both function and longevity, which ultimately makes the entire cooking experience better. - Greg Fox, Owner, Fox Granite Make a Nonstick Pan Essential Honestly, if you only buy one kitchen thing, make it a solid nonstick pan. I finally threw out my scratched up old ones and got a safer option, and it actually makes a difference. I can whip up a stir fry with barely any oil now, and the vegetables actually taste fresh. It sounds weird, but having a pan that works makes it so much easier to cook at home instead of grabbing takeout. - Max Marchione, Co-Founder, Superpower  Credit: Briony Montgomery — Founder of The Somatherapy Collective Meet Our Guest!
The Somatherapy Collective is a trauma-informed somatic healing space devoted to helping people reconnect with the wisdom of their bodies and restore their nervous systems. Founded by somatic therapist and guide Briony Montgomery, the work centres matrilineal repair, emotional healing, and reclaiming the body as a place of safety, truth, and belonging. Drawing on somatic therapy, attachment work, parts work, and rage work, The Somatherapy Collective supports people to gently meet the layers of themselves that were shaped by trauma, disconnection, and inherited patterns. Through body-based practices and polyvagal-informed nervous system support, individuals are guided back into flow, capacity, and vitality, allowing grief, anger, and stored emotional pain to move and metabolise through the body. Through 1:1 sessions, courses, circles, and resources, the collective supports people in finding their power, purpose, and pleasure, while cultivating deeper connection to self, community, and the living world. Credit: Briony Montgomery. 🎤 Tune in to learn about Briony’s journey here.  Credit: Style My Soul, www.stylemysoul.com | Wardrobe Upgrades for a New Seasons Refreshing a wardrobe for a new season doesn’t require a shopping spree or a hefty budget. This guide presents practical strategies to transform existing clothes into fresh outfits, drawing on advice from fashion professionals and styling experts who specialize in sustainable wardrobe management. These methods range from simple alterations and creative accessorizing to community swaps that breathe new life into forgotten pieces.
Switch Jewelry to Refresh Basics Want to refresh your clothes for a new season without spending money? Just look at your jewelry. I’m a jeweler and I still do this all the time. I’ll swap my usual studs for drop earrings or add a chunky silver ring, and suddenly my basic tee and jeans feel completely different. Try layering a few pieces you already own. Sometimes it’s just about one small change. - Ben Hathaway, CEO, Wedding Rings UK Choose Pieces That Truly Fit One no-cost way to upgrade your wardrobe for a new season is to focus on fit. Revisit what you already own and choose pieces that sit cleanly on your shoulders, waist, and hem, since a well-fitted look immediately feels more polished. Even simple staples like jeans and a basic t-shirt can look elevated when the fit is right. That single adjustment can make your existing outfits feel fresh and more put-together without spending anything. - Seneca Connor, Attorney and Founder, The Bag Icon Deep Clean to Restore Favorites Deep clean and properly care for what you already own. Most people don’t realize how much better their clothes look after a thorough hand-wash with the right products, proper steaming, and careful stain treatment. A yellowed white shirt or dingy sweater can look almost new with the right eco-friendly cleaning approach. Before buying anything new, pull everything out of your closet, give each piece the attention it deserves, and you’ll rediscover items you forgot you had. - Marcos De Andrade, Founder & Owner, Green Planet Cleaning Services Mix Seasons for Extended Wear The best idea for me to upgrade my wardrobe is to mix seasons. For example, putting together a mini skirt and a vest with patterned tights and a turtleneck in winter, or (my fav) is wearing a summer maxi dress with a cardigan and putting leggings underneath — these tricks keep my summer outfits working long after the heat has left! - Dana Prophet, Empowerment Coach, Author, Speaker, Dr Dana K Prophet Get Groomed Then Restyle Forgotten Items Honestly, the best thing you can do costs nothing: go through what you already own and actually look at it with fresh eyes. Most guys have pieces buried in their closet they forgot about, and a lot of times those pieces are solid, they just haven’t been styled right. At The Gents Place, we talk about this with our members all the time. A well-groomed guy can make a five-year-old outfit look intentional and sharp. When your hair is clean, your beard is lined up, and you carry yourself with confidence, people notice you before they notice your clothes. Grooming is the foundation that makes everything else work. So before you spend a dollar on new clothes, get a fresh cut, clean up the details, and then go back to your closet. Pair things differently. Try that jacket you haven’t touched in two years with something unexpected. You will be surprised how much your existing wardrobe opens up when you are showing up polished. The upgrade most guys need isn’t in the clothes. It starts with how they present themselves from the neck up. - Ben Davis, CEO, The Gents Place Revive Heirlooms with Tasteful Patches One simple way to upgrade your wardrobe without spending money is to revive a favorite jacket or hat by repairing and embellishing it with patches or labels. At The Monterey Company we see how durable, repair-friendly patches give heirloom pieces new life and make them feel fresh and personal. Focus on cleaning, fixing small tears, and adding a single tasteful patch to change the piece’s character. This approach honors the item’s story while extending its wear and relevance for the season. - Eric Turney, President / Sales and Marketing Director, The Monterey Company Host a Community Closet Swap Our office did a clothes swap last fall. I walked away with a patterned jacket I never would have bought, but it became my go-to all season. The whole idea wasn’t about shopping, just having fun with what we already had. It’s a great way to get a new look for free. - Polina Haryacha, CEO, Cloutboost Tailor Every Garment for Clean Lines Get everything tailored. Seriously. The single biggest wardrobe upgrade that costs almost nothing compared to buying new clothes is taking what you already own to a tailor. A fifteen-dollar hem on pants that are slightly too long, a ten-dollar sleeve adjustment on a blazer that bunches at the wrists, or taking in a shirt that billows at the waist transforms how clothes look on you without spending a dime on new pieces. Most people own clothes that fit them about eighty percent right and just accept it. That last twenty percent is what separates looking put-together from looking like you borrowed someone else’s wardrobe. I started doing this two years ago when my wife pointed out that my best-fitting shirt was actually the cheapest one I owned, it just happened to fit properly. Now I buy fewer clothes but everything gets adjusted to actually fit my body, and the compliments I get on outfits that cost half of what I used to spend are proof that fit matters infinitely more than brand or price tag. - Wayne Lowry, Marketing coordinator, Local SEO Boost Add a Versatile Budget Accessory One simple way to upgrade your wardrobe for the new season is to add an under $20 accessory that can be worn in different ways. For example, the Clipa bag hanger can often be worn as a bracelet, which adds a fresh focal point to outfits without buying anything new. Its slim, minimal shape makes it easy to pair with jackets, sweaters, or dresses to change the overall look. Try stacking it with bangles or a watch, or simply leave it on your purse strap for fast use anytime. - Patricia Sweeney, Vice President, Topcor  Credit: Style My Soul, www.stylemysoul.com | Repurposing Cheese; Cheese Dishes Blocks of cheese sitting in the refrigerator don’t have to go to waste due to its expiration date. According to culinary experts and food professionals, there are multiple creative ways to transform excess cheese into satisfying meals before it spoils. From simple pasta dishes to hearty soups, these practical strategies help reduce food waste while creating delicious dinners.
Whisk Eggs Into a Frittata One of my favorite ways to use up cheese before it turns is a simple frittata. It works with almost any variety, from cheddar to feta to whatever soft cheese is lingering in the back of the fridge. You just whisk eggs, pour them into a pan with whatever vegetables you have on hand, crumble or scatter the cheese on top, and finish it in the oven for about 15 minutes. It’s a genuinely nutritious meal: high in protein, easy to portion, and flexible enough to work for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. From a nutrition standpoint, it’s also a smart way to avoid food waste without sacrificing a balanced plate. - Barbara Smith, Nutritional Consultant, Lasta Assemble a No-Cook Protein Plate One simple way to repurpose cheese before it expires is to make a no-cook protein plate of cheese paired with nuts, seeds and fresh berries. Personally, when I am too exhausted to cook I prioritize protein and anti-inflammatory whole foods that require minimal prep. I tear or cube the cheese and arrange it with a handful of nuts and seeds and a few berries for freshness, and sometimes add a spoonful of Greek yogurt for extra protein. This uses the cheese before it goes bad while keeping preparation quick and nourishing. - Doreen Nunez, Founder & Wellness Publisher, Carnivore Cycle Create Versatile Cheese Sauce One of my favorite ways to repurpose cheese before it expires is making a homemade cheese sauce that can be used across multiple meals throughout the week. I stumbled onto this approach out of necessity when I had several different cheeses in the fridge that were all approaching their expiration dates at the same time. The process is simple. You melt the cheese with a little butter, milk, and a pinch of flour to create a smooth, creamy sauce. The beauty of this method is that you can combine different types of cheese to create a richer flavor profile than any single cheese would provide on its own. Cheddar, mozzarella, gruyere, and even cream cheese all work well together. Once you have the sauce made, the versatility is what makes it so practical. You can pour it over broccoli or cauliflower for a quick side dish, use it as the base for homemade mac and cheese, drizzle it over nachos, or thin it out slightly and use it as a dip. I have also used it as a topping for baked potatoes and as a base for breakfast egg bakes. The sauce is kept in the fridge for about five days in an airtight container, and it reheats easily in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to bring back the creamy consistency. You can also freeze it for up to two months if you make a large batch. This approach has become a regular habit in our household because it eliminates food waste while creating something that actually tastes better than the cheese would have on its own. It turns what would have been a toss into the trash into the foundation of several great meals. - Wayne Lowry, Marketing coordinator, Local SEO Boost Top Bowls and Wraps A simple way to repurpose cheese before it expires is to add it to a leftover protein rice bowl or wrap. Chop your protein, add a starch like rice or potatoes and a handful of spinach, beans, or frozen vegetables, then grate or crumble the cheese on top and warm briefly so it melts into the dish. Season to taste and toss everything together for a refreshed meal. This approach turns leftovers into a satisfying new plate and helps you avoid throwing out an ingredient that still has life left. - Talib Ahmad, NASM Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC), Same Day Supplements Press a Mix-and-Match Melt One of the easiest, lowest-waste moves is to turn it into a “clean-out-the-fridge” grilled cheese or melt. It’s forgiving with mixed cheeses, it uses up odds and ends quickly, and it feels like a real meal instead of a snack. I’ll grate or slice whatever’s close to expiring, add something simple for balance (mustard, sliced apple, caramelized onions, or a leftover protein), then press it in a pan until the cheese is fully melted. If it’s a harder cheese, I’ll add a lid for a minute to trap heat and melt it evenly. - Damien Zouaoui, Co-Founder, Oakwell Beer Spa Bake a Quick Pasta Grate it and turn it into a quick baked pasta. Whenever I see cheese getting close to its date, I shred all of it at once. It does not matter if it is cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix of small leftover blocks. I toss cooked pasta with a little olive oil, garlic, and whatever vegetables I have in the fridge. Then I fold in the grated cheese, sprinkle some on top, and bake it until golden and bubbly. The oven brings everything together, and even small pieces melt into something comforting. It feels like a planned meal instead of a rescue mission. Plus, once it is baked, you can portion and refrigerate it for a few more days, which stretches it even further. - Omer Malik, CEO, ORM Systems Simmer Lasagna Soup One simple way to use cheese before it expires is to turn it into lasagna soup. Combine tomatoes, beef, lasagna noodles and the ricotta or leftover lasagna in a pot, then slow cook with the rest of the soup ingredients. I recommend slow cooking so the cheese and flavors seep into the broth and the texture softens rather than remaining solid. This yields a warm, satisfying meal that uses the cheese while it is still fresh. - Hunter Garnett, Managing Partner and Founder, Garnett Patterson Injury Lawyers |