BRISBANE, Australia — The cricket stadium that Brisbane Olympics backers pitched as the centerpiece venue for the 2032 Summer Games is set to be demolished and rebuilt.
Queensland state’s Deputy Premier Steven Miles on Friday confirmed the 2.7 billion Australian dollar (US$1.8 billion) redevelopment of the stadium, widely known as the Gabba, would go ahead after the government accepted a project validation report.
Miles said the project would increase the seating capacity of the stadium to 50,000 and connect the Gabba, which has been the state’s cricket headquarters for more than a century, with a new underground rail station.
A local primary school will be relocated to make way for the stadium’s bigger footprint. Cricket teams and the Brisbane Lions, a leading club in the Australian Football League, will also be temporarily relocated during the building phase.
Miles said construction would take four years, starting after the Gabba hosts an Ashes cricket test against England in late 2025, and be completed in 2030.
“That project validation report assessed four possible options for the Gabba and identified that a demolition and rebuild provided the best possible outcome, the best value outcome for the city,” Miles said. “It will be a well connected stadium but most importantly, it will trigger the urban renewal that we want to see … it will be one of the best parts of the city to live in.”
Brisbane was selected as the 2032 Olympic host in July 2021 without a rival bid, making it the third Australian city to host the Summer Games after Melbourne in 1956 and Sydney in 2000.
The Brisbane bid was described by the IOC at the time as “a passion-driven, athlete-centric offer from a sports-loving nation.” Events will be staged across Queensland state, including the Gold Coast, which hosted the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
The Queensland state government is the main backer of the games, along with local councils from Brisbane and surrounding cities and with financial support from Australia’s federal government.
The initial Brisbane bid said the hosts already had 84% of stadiums and event venues in place to fit the IOC’s modern demand of avoiding excessive spending and potential white-elephant projects. Initial plans called for an upgrade for the Gabba.
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AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games
As we move into the colder months, staying home cuddled up on the couch (or in bed!) becomes increasingly appealing. To help set the cozy scene, blankets and throw pillows are a must.
On the throw pillow front, Target has a number of stylish options that are also soft — so you won’t have to remove a mountain of pillows before you can actually get comfortable.
We’ve rounded up some of our favorite options from Threshold, one of Target’s in-house homeware brands, below to help you get started.
HuffPost receives compensation from one or more retailers on this page, and HuffPost and its publishing partners may also receive a commission for purchases made via links. Every item is independently curated by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Because my mother-in-law has hosted Thanksgiving for the last few years, my mom decided she’d try it out this year. She rarely hosts large get-togethers (she’s more into intimate dinner parties), so I figured I could get her something to help on the decor front. My mom has always had great style and taste, which meant I was on the hunt for something functional but ultimately showstopping — and luckily, I stumbled upon the most whimsical Thanksgiving decor at none other than Target. The John Derian Collection is an assortment of autumn-inspired pieces, serving bowls, and trays that give a classic yet magical vibe. One piece in particular, however, stood out as the most efficient and charming for my mom’s table setting: the $15 3-Piece Fall Vegetable Stoneware Cheese Knife Set.
The overhaul will modernize the main terminal concourses and gate areas.
ByThe Associated Press
November 10, 2023, 10:53 AM
MINNEAPOLIS — A $242 million overhaul will modernize the main terminal concourses and gate areas at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, officials said.
The project announced Thursday by the Metropolitan Airports Commission an Delta Airlines, the airport’s dominant carrier, is expected to be completed by late 2025, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported.
Metropolitan Airports Commission CEO Brian Ryks said the goal is to create “an exceptional airport experience for the millions of passengers who travel through” the airport annually.
The plan calls for a unified design for the concourses and about 75 Delta gates, with new flooring, wall finishes and brighter LED lighting. Technology upgrades will improve flight and gate information screens. More power outlets will be added at gate seating.
The MAC is investing $182.5 million in the project, with Delta contributing $60 million. No taxpayer funds will be used.
Most of the work will occur at night so little disruption is expected for flight activity, officials said.
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Curves have been steadily making waves in the interior design world from bean-shaped sofas to swivel chairs and windows, but softer edges are now making their way into the kitchen too — and they just may be here to stay. In lieu of geometric shapes, some designers are opting for rounded kitchen islands, shapely drawers, and even curvy kitchen cabinets. Steering clear of harsh lines can create a more playful cooking, hosting, and entertaining space, while still elevating the room, particularly when it comes to cabinetry. So we talked to design experts about the trend, where it’s going, and how to get the look.
“I think the standard kitchen cabinets and boxiness of kitchens have gotten boring to some,” says Amber Guyton, the interior designer behind Blessed Little Bungalow. “I’m a big fan of adding curves and non-traditional, unique elements to kitchens that will give visual interest without affecting its functionality.”
Etsy Trend Expert Dayna Isom Johnson has also noticed an uptick in curves and rounded shapes when it comes to general kitchen decor like twisted candles and rounded lighting fixtures. “We started to see wavy, curvy, and relaxed edges in home decor gaining popularity late last year, and it’s only grown since,” explains Johnson. “It’s become a go-to trend because it brings together elements of fluidity, texture, and personality that can be carried out throughout the kitchen space.”
Trends come and go, so if you’re skeptical about a more rounded kitchen renovation, especially if you don’t have an open floor plan, straying from traditional clean lines may actually offer some added practicality in addition to aesthetic appeal. Guyton uses a curved cabinet — seen above — for extra storage space to store wine, barware, cookbooks, and seasonal dining decor, keeping the objects closed off from the room, but also visually open with glass doors.
“Their design facilitates efficient space utilization, particularly in corners, maximizing storage capacity in areas that might pose challenges for standard, rectangular cabinets,” explains Ginger Curtis, designer and CEO of Urbanology Designs.
Particularly with open-concept floor plans, the curves create a softer transition between spaces such as your kitchen and your living area. However, while the space will look more blended, the curvy shape will undoubtedly become the centerpiece of the room.
“Curved cabinets can also soften the overall design, fostering a welcoming atmosphere. Their high degree of customization allows for integration into various kitchen styles making them a versatile choice,” says Curtis. “A curved cabinet can serve as a focal point, drawing attention and imparting a touch of sophistication to the kitchen, showcasing an innovative and unique design choice that adds a sense of freshness and creativity.”
Despite their sophisticated beauty, curved cabinets can be a larger expense than their sleek and boxy counterparts, especially if you’re looking to get them custom made for your space. If you’re not, there are plenty of options on Amazon like this arched bookshelf, and on Urban Outfitters like this stunning storage cabinet.
There are some alternative ideas if you want to add more curves to your kitchen without doing an entire cabinetry renovation.
“If this cost is too much to swallow, consider just doing the kitchen island or a curved statement piece like a wine or china cabinet, buffet, or stools to add to the space,” suggests Guyton.
Johnson also recommends keeping the look cohesive by incorporating curvy objects like round cutting boards and circular decorative dishes. “This makes the rounded edges in the space look purposeful and pleasing to the eye — and the curvy designs add a touch of elegance,” explains Johnson. “We have a feeling that arches are going to be everywhere in 2024.” Time to ride the wave!
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
According to the beloved Buddy the Elf, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is by heading to the seasonal decor aisle at Target — or at least I think the quote went something like that. While the retailer has great finds year-round, it certainly doesn’t skimp on the holiday season — and in case you were wondering, the festive steals hit the shelves early this year. Bullseye’s Playground, previously called the Target Dollar Spot, now has $5 glass jars shaped like gingerbread houses, snowmen, and Christmas trees, and they’re perfect for decorating and organizing this year.
If you’ve never perused the bins at Bullseye’s Playground, you may want to make a pit stop next time you’re at your local store. The section is full of curated bargain finds and seasonal gems, typically within the $1 to $5 range, and the hot ticket items don’t last long.
In the video, which has close to 50,000 views and counting, the creator shows off the “cutest ever” glass containers featuring intricately etched detailing that make for the most festive storage jars. If you’re looking to add some subtle holiday cheer to your home, these are definitely the way to go. Fill the jars up with your favorite holiday treats, whether that’s green and red-wrapped Hershey’s Kisses, candy canes, Christmas cookies, or a bag of green and red M&M’s for a stunning kitchen counter decoration. The tight seal on the lid will keep your treats fresh and ready for munching throughout the season (if they’ll last that long).
If you’re hosting this year, you can also use any of the three jars for silverware, fill them with coffee pods for your coffee bar, or load them up with toppings when you set up a festive hot chocolate bar. You can also take these out of the kitchen and use them in the bathroom or elsewhere to hold toiletries, trinkets, or for some DIY potpourri to make your home smell like the holidays.
Of course, as functional as these jars are, nothing says your decor has to be practical — fill them with festive ribbons, tissue paper, tiny ornaments, or marbles for holiday accents throughout your home. The possibilities are truly endless, so get creative! If you’re not near a Target, they also seem to be circulating on secondhand sites like Poshmark, Mercari, and eBay.
Love These Festive Jars? Then You’ll Also Like…
Unfortunately, Bullseye’s Playground doesn’t sell any products online, so you’ll have to head over to your local Target to find these adorable jars. With all the buzz online and the overflow of excited comments on the TikTok videos, you may want to go soon — they could be gone before you know it. Luckily, Amazon has several similar options for each shape — the gingerbread house, the Christmas tree, and the snowman — that ship right to your door for just a few dollars more than Target’s.
Put down the bows and the gift wrap because there’s a new, prettier and more eco-friendly way to wrap your presents. Fresh greenery is the perfect gift accessory, and I’d like to see more of it! Here are some of the best greenery for gift wrapping and how you can use it to top off your presents.
As much as I love the holidays, I hate the wastefulness that can come from it. From faux Christmas trees and presents galore, Christmas has taken on a reputation for overconsumption and the idea that we always need more.
This is a major reason why I make almost all of my own gifts.Homemade gifts don’t have to look like they were made in your kitchen and be an impractical item that will just sit on display. No, they can look artisan-made and become a household essential!
When I make my homemade gifts, I also keep up with the theme by adding eco-friendly gift wrapping. Of course, being the crazy plant lady that I am, I often turn to my own garden for natural gift wrap. It’s one of the easiest, cheapest, and prettiest ways to dress up a present.
Let me tell you all my secrets about using greenery for gift wrapping.
One small clipping is all you need for big impact.
What Can I Use Instead of a Bow on a Present?
Clippings of greenery make for the ideal (and plastic-free) bow replacement. You can take clippings from the plants in your yard and tuck them into your gifts to instantly make them look good.
Yes, it really is that simple. It can save you a ton of time, especially for those last-minute wrappers or those who don’t have any gift wrapping supplies.
It can be as easy as clipping on a leaf to the present to tucking it in, or more complicated as creating mini wreaths, garlands, and posies to place on top.
Greenery is also a great way to wrap oddly shaped items. You can forgo the paper and tape and just add some greenery secured with jute twine to “wrap” your present.
High contrast against neutral backdrops creates the wow factor.
How to Use Greenery for Gift Wrapping
Wrap your gift in paper or a bag. Plain kraft paper and paper bags are great natural options and create a blank canvas for your greenery.
Select a neutral background.
Choose your stems or make posies. If you’re making small posie bouquets, choose a sturdy and large stem as the back and work your way up to the most delicate and small stems on top.
Play around with your clippings. Don’t be scared to trim and layer as needed.
Use string, jute twine, or ribbon to wrap around your gift at least once.
Tuck in the greenery in the center. The leaves should hold themselves around the ribbon just fine without the need for glue or tape.
No tape necessary!
Best Greenery for Gift Wrapping
While you may think of pine and spruce and all things evergreen for Christmas greenery, it can include a lot of other plants. Think beyond evergreens to also include broadleaf evergreens, herbs, flowers (dried and fresh), and other branches for your gift decorations.
When it comes to plant gift wrapping ideas, these are some of my go-to foliage for decorating:
Eucalyptus (silver dollar, seeded, and spiral eucalyptus are all good)
Ruscus
Olive branches
Cedar (an absolute favourite of mine for its longevity)
Holly (burford holly is less prickly than English holly)
Mistletoe
Euonymus
I have a complete list of all the greenery I use for decorating over on this post. This greenery can be used for wreaths, garlands, candle wreaths, and more décor beyond greenery for gift wrapping.
A single cedar leaf and a single bay leaf.
Using Berries as Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping
Berries are also some of the best natural gift wrap. Their vibrance alone is all you need to decorate a present, and you don’t need to combine it with anything else to get a pop of colour.
The contrast of white with these red wintergreen berries is stunning.
Here are some of my favourite berries to use as eco-friendly gift wrapping:
For your gift decorations, you want to avoid using anything that wilts instantly, so it’s best to stick to any of the greenery I list in this article. Avoid any fern, yew, and juniper for this reason.
I also avoid short-needled evergreenslike spruce or hemlock as greenery for gift wrapping since they lose needles quickly. Avoiding sharp needles, like blue spruce, is also a good idea since people will touch it when they unwrap the gift.
Boxwood is a popular decorative greenery, but I avoid it since it can have a stinky smell similar to cat urine, which is the opposite effect I’m going for with my gift wrapping. The variegated varieties tend to be less potent in smell.
Speaking of cats, also be considerate of your pets. If yours are anything like mine, they like to investigate the tree and the presents beneath it. It’s best to keep any greenery away from pets, especially those considered poisonous to them.
You can always try taking a few test clippings from your yard and seeing how they fare outside of water.
How to Make Your Greenery Last Longer
When you’re using greenery for gift wrapping, it’s best to do it last minute or a day or two beforehand to look fresh.
However, if you’re too busy and want it all done now, you can try to keep your greenery as fresh as possible.
Keep your plants in water until you’re ready to add them to your gift wrap.
After pruning or buying your greenery, you will want to condition the greenery before you use it. This means you’ll cut off ½-1 inch off the bottom with sharp clean pruners and place it in a bucket of water for 24 hours. This allows the whole stem to rehydrate and be in the best condition possible before you start taking smaller clippings to use as natural gift wrap.
You can also spray your clippings with anti-descant, like Crowning Glory. This spray will seal the pores in the needles and the bark, helping them to retain the moisture inside the boughs for longer.
Some greenery, like cedar, will last for weeks before it begins to dry out.
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
I’m a fall girlie through and through, and like many, the first crisp day of the year gives me an indescribable thrill. And since I do the bulk of my grocery shopping at Trader Joe’s, I look forward to the rollout of fall items every year. Pumpkin Greek yogurt, apple cider, a melange of squashes — but my favorite fall item at TJ’s isn’t even food. If you follow your nose towards a distinctly spicy aroma, you’ll find the cinnamon brooms.
A cinnamon broom is basically what the name implies — though it’s not used for cleaning like the brooms we keep in our utility closets. It’s a bundle of raw pine twigs usually tied together with twine, then pressed with cinnamon oil. Cinnamon brooms are said to have origins in the Middle Ages and connections to witches who believe that pine cleanses dwellings of harmful energy and cinnamon oil heals and protects. When combined and hung on the back of your door, the cinnamon broom is meant to bring luck and good fortune into your home.
But for me? I just love the smell. I do indeed hang the cinnamon broom on the back of my front door, that way I get a big welcoming whiff of fall spice when I walk in the door — a much warmer and more welcoming scent than other autumn scents, in my opinion. It’s sort of like a reed diffuser in the way that it starts out with a strong scent and gradually fades, so I usually replace them every two to three weeks during the fall (luckily they’re only $4.99 and I’m at TJ’s once a week to grocery shop). If you find the scent to be too strong at first, try leaving the broom in the plastic packaging for the first week, then open the bag or take it completely out when the scent has dissipated a bit. Trader Joe’s also sells cinnamon whisks, mini versions of the full-sized brooms that add a milder scent to your home and can be easily hung all over your kitchen or dining room.
According to the Trader Joe’s megafans online, the store starts selling the cinnamon brooms around September 1, and they likely start to disappear from shelves around the time holiday items hit critical mass, around mid- to late November. If you want to snag this spicy piece of festive decor that fills your home with what I’d call the scent of joy, go now!
Love the Cinnamon Broom, but Not Near a Trader Joe’s? Then You’ll Love…
Fear not, if you end up missing the cinnamon broom season, you can also find them at Michael’s, Joann, or Home Depot, and if you’re not near any of these (bummer!), you can purchase this similar style of scented broom from Amazon. (Aldi sells their own version, too.) You can also refresh your cinnamon broom or make your own with foraged twigs sprayed with cinnamon oil, or put a simmer pot on the stove with cinnamon sticks and any other additions you prefer for a delightfully light autumn scent.
It’s time to deck the halls and turn your home into a cozy winter wonderland. Rather than pull out the dusty, plastic garland that sheds or shell out the big bucks for a custom-made garland, try making your own cedar garland. Here’s how to make a cedar Christmas garland using minimal materials.
From Christmas trees to wreaths, it’s no wonder we love to decorate our homes with fresh greens during the holidays. In the darkest days of winter, we like to be reminded of the lush greenery of spring and summer. Luckily, we have evergreens to keep us company in the winter!
Fresh garden greens aren’t just for wreaths. An evergreen garland, or swag, can instantly cheer up a porch, banister, or fireplace. Garland can be made from many types of evergreen boughs. Generally, anything you can use for outdoor wreaths can be used for outdoor garlands.
But some greenery is better than others.
If you plan to bring your garland inside, the conditions are much drier, and watering will be difficult. I like cedar because it holds its leaves when dry and doesn’t turn brown for a very long time. I also love the look of the draping cedar leaves as they flop over the edges of a banister or fireplace.
If you want to make your own whimsical and natural cedar garland, keep reading!
Here’s what we’ll be covering today…
First, a Note on Accessibility
I have a bone to pick when it comes to garlands. For a long time, I’ve avoided posting a Christmas garland because I didn’t want to encourage people to block off railings for those who might need them.
Hand railings are essential for accessibility. People with mobility issues rely on them to get up stairs and avoid slips and falls. There are many invisible disabilities, so never assume your space is exempt from the rule.
Whether it’s the postman delivering your holiday packages or Christmas carolers who come to brighten your day, you never know you may be visiting your space and using the railing. Plus, you always want them something to grab in an emergency, like slipping on ice.
So please, if you’re making a Christmas garland with cedar, do not use it to decorate and block railings.
Add garland to railings outside that won’t be used, draped over windows, or lining the porch.
How to Make a Cedar Christmas Garland
You don’t need many materials to create this cedar Christmas garland. You can keep it as simple as you like, using cedar alone or adding in other greenery and decor for texture. And if you have a cedar tree in your yard, this is the perfect opportunity to prune it back and make something out of its branches.
Materials
A thick wire can also act as a base, helping to hold the garland shape if you’re winding it around something.
Make It!
Start by cutting the jute or rope to the length of the garland that you want to create. If you plan on hanging your garland, add extra length on either end to make loops for hanging.
It helps to tie my rope to something sturdy while making my cedar garland, allowing me to pull the rope tight.
Wrap your floral wire a few times around the base of the bunch until it feels secure.
Gather a nice handful of cedar and align the stems. If you’re adding more greenery than just cedar, alternate your types of greenery for a more natural look.
Secure this first bunch to the top end of the rope by wrapping it with floral wire. With one hand, hold your bunch and the rope tight while you wrap the base of the bunch with floral wire with the other hand.
Green floral wire gets hidden under the leaves.
Then, you’ll continue snipping cedar branches and securing bunches to the rope. As you layer them, overlapping and hiding the wire of the previous bunch. Alternate the direction that the bunches face for a more natural look.
When you get to the end of the garland, tie a few smaller cedar branches pointing the opposite direction of the other branches. Tie with floral wire to disguise the stems of the end branches.
It’s easy to tuck in the last bunch and hide the end of the rope.
Add Décor to Your Christmas Garland
This garland has a casual form and makes a wonderful backdrop to display holiday décor: natural elements, such as oversized sugar pinecones, mixed with unexpected items, such as sparkly, vintage mason jars lit with a string of fairy lights, create an eclectic-natural look.
You can make pinecone spheres to add to the cedar garland by gluing the bases of many mini pinecones onto a Styrofoam ball with a hot glue gun. Be sure to dry the pinecones first, so they are fully open.
Pinecone spheres are best made with small pinecones.
Garland Not Kindling
Take caution if you decorate your fireplace with soon-to-be-dry plant material (AKA kindling). Do not build a fire if there is any spark danger at all.
In my home, the gas fire is completely behind glass. Even still, the fireplace is kept on a low setting and is never left unattended. Safety comes first and beauty second.
Yes, fresh greenery is flammable still! So be safe.
Frequently Asked Questions About Making a Cedar Garland
Why you should use a real cedar garland?
Christmas garlands with cedar are quite simple to make. You can even forage for the clippings, making it an affordable option. The best reason to opt for a real cedar garland instead of a faux one is to avoid plastic. Faux Christmas greenery doesn’t usually have as long a lifespan as we might think; most faux Christmas trees are only used for six years.
After the season, you can compost the leaves and even the twine, saving the floral wire for another project or next year’s Christmas garland.
How long will a cedar garland last?
Cedar garlands should last about two weeks indoors if they’re kept away from heat sources. Cedar keeps fairly well compared to other evergreens. If you place your garland outside, it will last much longer, upwards of a month.
How do I keep my garland alive?
The key to making your cedar Christmas garland last is to keep it from drying out. Avoid placing it by any heat registers or fire. So yes, while it may look good above the fireplace, it’s probably not the best spot for the garland if you intend on having a fire. It’s also a major safety concern.
To keep your cedar garland hydrated, you can spritz it daily with a spray bottle on a misting setting. If possible, aim for the base of the plant.
What’s the best way to add lights to a cedar garland?
You’ll want to add lights (and other décor) once you’ve made the garland rather than wrapping it in the garland itself.
Start at one end of the garland and start zigzagging the lights across the garland. Tuck in some lights to be nestled in the greens and have others sitting on top.
Brittany Romano contributes to Apartment Therapy’s Kitchn, focusing on shoppable content. She holds a sociology degree from New England College and started her career as a freelance market assistant at Marie Claire. She’s held positions as an editor at Future PLC, overseeing their five home brands, and most recently, as a Celebrations Editor at USA Today’s Reviewed. She contributes to Forbes Vetted, Glamour, and Teen Vogue. When she’s not writing or editing, you’ll find her trying out yet another DIY project or changing her removable wallpaper in her apartment for the millionth time.
