For the “first time in more than 130 years” there are more young adults” choosing to live with their parents among people “18 to 34” years old (Domanski). Although I’ve been out of school for over ten-years now, I do think there are excellent reasons some Millenials are remaining at home. It isn’t just to mooch off their parents or cases such as in the movie Failure to Launch. For me personally, it’s been bad health.
When I finished university, moving out right away wasn’t an option at 22. Earning $34, 000 dollars a year as a receptionist wasn’t going to pay for rent and food, despite my BA in English. Moreover, I noticed a common trend, especially among young women, who chose to stay home and develop their careers before moving to their own place.
Many friends, and acquittances tried to earn enough money to live on their own first. They stayed home to pay off debts, earn a down payment for a house or condo, or waited until they eventually found the person they wanted to marry an or move in with.
This is what I want to focus on, in this post, those Millenials who have lived with their parents through University (or moved back in) to establish themselves in life and their careers. Sadly, it takes time and money for most of us to create the house or home of our dreams so beware your dream kitchen or living area will probably take a while to create.
8 Things You Should Know or Own After Establishing Your Career Before Moving Out
Credit: HouseBeautiful.com
A Decent Sized Bed and Bedding such as Sets of Sheets, a Duvet, and a Duvet Cover
Credit: Simple Bedroom – Housebeautiful.com
Hopefully by the time you’re in your mid-twenties the twin-bed has been upgraded for a Queen-sized or King- sized bed, whatever fits in your bedroom. But it’s often better to buy this ahead of time as it’s a major expense you don’t have to worry about later on.
Credit: Simons.com – Duvet Set in Vast Ocean Watercolor ThemeAs well, having a couple sets of nice cotton sheets for your bed is a wise purchase. Ensure you’ve bought a couple of regular cotton sheets that match your duvet cover or are neutral colored; as well as, a couple of sets of flannel sheets made of cotton for places with a cold climate. Although cotton costs more than microfibre, it’s much better for your skin as cotton breathes and will not cause you to break out or sweat to death in warm or cold temperatures. Check out these Solid Flannel Sheet Sets preshrunk, made from cotton, and on sale now at Simons.com. Also, take a peek at their Cotton 600 Thread Count Sheets in White or Gray which is an awesome start for sheet set colors as they go with pretty much any duvet set for spring, summer, and early fall.
Credit: Simons.com – Cotton Sheets in White or GrayMoreover, a decent duvet (whether it be goose down feathers, microgel, or polyester filled) is a must. Although goose down feathers will keep you warmer, many people can be too allergic to the feathers. In this case, a well-made duvet filled with polyester or microgel is the way to go. Also, if you’re a person who becomes too hot when they sleep having a non-feather filled duvet is cooler.
Furthermore, you can find a mixture of goose down and microgel duvets which I find work well, despite having allergies to goose down. As well, purchasing a nice duvet set, something casual and elegant, a more ‘adult set,’ is recommended for your new bedroom. Then, you can blend sheets, decorative pillows (etc.) all into this theme or your chosen color scheme.
2. Crystal Wine Glasses, Your Own Wine and Liquor, and an Elegant Bar Cart.
Credit: Thebay.com Riedel Vinum Red and White Wine Glasses (Crystal) – Set of 8If you’re like me, you enjoy the large wine glasses that are much bigger than the wine glasses of our parent’s generation. I found some excellent ones on sale one Christmas from Hudson’s Bay in Canada, that were 40 percent off and a great-make of crystal wine glasses. They’re both sturdy and elegant and can be found here RIEDEL Vinum Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot Wine Glasses (Crystal) – Set of 8. You can also purchase a set of 4 Red Wine Glasses and 4 White Glasses here RIEDEL Vinum Red and White Wine Glasses (Crystal) – Set of 8.
Moreover, large wine glasses will do for any kind of wine white or red until you have the cash to buy smaller glasses for white wine or champagne. Having these around at home is wonderful for friends who come over when Mom and Dad are away and also for yourself on Friday nights. They’re one less thing you have to buy when moving out because they aren’t the cheapest thing to buy either.
Credit: Hometalk.com – Refinished and Repurposed Bar Cart
Moreover, if you’re like me, your wine and liquor stash at home was in your bedroom so if you know you’re moving out that year, collecting a few kinds of wines and liquors is a great thing to have for both you and the guests you will have at your new place. Also right before you move out, if you can find yourself an inexpensive but elegant bar cart, or piece of furniture that can be turned into a bar cart, this is an excellent purchase.
3. Bathroom Items – A Couple Full Sets of Soft Towels Good For Yourself and Male or Female Company along with Basic Hygiene Items for Guests
Credit: Simons.com – Mini Embroidered Mint Green Polka Dot TowelsHopefully, if you’ve made some money from working a couple of years, you’ve had enough of it to invest in a couple full sets of towels thinking of your color scheme. For instance, my duvet has colors of blue (as do my sheets) so I have purchased a couple sets of towels (4 of everything) for myself and in the future, for guests. You don’t have to use them all at once but if you see the right towels in your decor colors, at a good price, they’re wonderful to pick up and stash away until you’re moving out.
If you know you’ll be leaving home soon, having other basics such as a matching shower curtain (if needed), a tooth brush holder, foaming hand soap, and spare hygienic items for guests such as body wash, toothpaste, mouth wash, shampoo, conditioner, disposable razors, and deodorant, are great items to have. They do not need to be the most expensive brand but nice smelling drugstore brands. Extra face clothes are also items that are always needed!
Furthermore, ensure you have the cleaning products you like using, if you’re moving out soon. Choose ones that are environmentally friendly and won’t cause you to be choked-up by noxious chemicals. CLR Kitchen and Bath is a good bet for the main product to use in the Kitchen and Bathroom areas. It works for dusting too.
4. Dishes for Your Kitchen & Basic Kitchen Supplies
Credit: Bedbathandbeyond.ca – Wedgewood Butterfly Bloom 5-Piece Place SettingSome KitchenSupplies you can buy as you go along, each month, adding to your kitchen stash. One of the best things to have first is a set of dishes. They can be new, old, or inexpensive but having dishes and having enough of them so that when family and friends come over you have a full set of dishes ( 8 to 10 places settings) is important.
Additionally, if you’re getting married you might wait and ask for these on your Guest Registry; however, if you’re single and making enough money you might want to choose more affordable dishes for now. For instance, you can look at these place settings made of bone China called Wedgewood Butterfly Bloom 5-Piece Place Setting found at BedBathandBeyond.ca, better for wedding presents and special occasion dishes.
But for a much smaller price point you can look at Walmart.com and buy 8 to 10 of these Red Vanilla Freshness 4 Piece Place Setting, Service for 1, that won’t be so costly to replace if a child drops a few pieces. They can be mixed and matched and are made of porcelain.
Credit: Walmart.com – Red Vanilla Freshness Place Settings for 1 PersonIf you have your grandma’s or mom’s old dishes you might consider matching these with more modern dishes. For instance, my Baba gave me her old dishes that have bright pink flowers on them and gold around the edges. Finding white dishes with a gold trim to match with these dishes might help them seem less gaudy when an entire table is set.
Also, consider going somewhere that sells quality but not too expensive glasses that will last. You can go to IKEA but every time a glass slips or falls, it will shatter. Better to buy more durable glasses to start out with and not have to buy more later. As well, I find myself, often larger glasses or better than smaller ones as they encourage you to drink more water and are better for larger portions or alcoholic drinks.
Credit: Walmart.com – PACIFIC ROUND SERVING DISHES 6.3″ SET OF 4 MIXED PATTERNSAlso, although my Baba’s set includes these, serving dishes are important to have. They can be plain white and inexpensive and are significant along with cutlery (enough for company 8 to 10 people and doesn’t have to be pricey). Moreover, knives, mixing bowls, whisks, serving spoons, tea towels, oven mitts, spatulas, a kettle, a microwave, and other common kitchen items you’ll use often need to eventually be purchased.
They could include a Tassimo coffee maker, toaster oven, hand blender, mix master, and other items. You’ll probably need to buy basic items first, and add more expensive appliances to your kitchen as you live in your new home.
5. Painting Your New Place
Credit: Benjaminmoore.com – Idea for Living Room Painting Colors that are Neutral
Whether you’ve bought a new condo or home or are living in an apartment you plan to remain in a while, painting your new home can really make it feel like home. There is nothing more calming and homelike than having your rooms painted on your own, with friend’s and family’s help, or professionals, to make your place feel as if it’s yours.
If you have an apartment you’ll need to talk to the manager first before painting so they can approve the colors. Lighter colors that are more neutral in this situation are better choices as they’re easier for you or your apartment manager to paint over (if needed) when you move. Paint before you move everything in. Check out the article 10 Paint Colors That Will Never, Ever, Ever Go Out of Style on the House Beautiful Website.
Moreover, if you own your condo or home, paint your home whatever color you choose, but remember that once you paint the walls, it’s harder to paint them a second time when you have to move out all the furniture again or cover it up so it doesn’t get paint on it. Consider a color scheme that you will not become bored with. Feature walls (painting one wall a vibrant color or say covering it in a nice wall paper) is a good idea as you only have to change one wall later and not the entire room or space.
Credit: Housebeautiful.com -Rustic Living Room
As well, many people become sick of walls that are too bright quickly, especially in colors such as red or bright green. Keeping your paint color neutral or light, allows you to play with your home decor in other ways — with interesting artwork, dark or colored furniture, and decor items that are more unique and bright. Remember to buy good paint. Some of the best I’ve used is the Behr Paint from Home Depot that comes with a built in primer. Benjamin Moore is also a wonderful brand but more expensive.
Credit: Bejaminmoore.com – Benjamin Moore Aura PaintEnsure you buy enough paint to give the walls two coats if needed, or to go over spots that get scraped off later accidentally. Also ensure if you paint different rooms diverse colors, the colors flow into each other and do not create choppiness in your home. Warmer colors will also make a room bigger while cooler colors tend to make rooms smaller. Also painting the ceiling a dark color is not recommended as it causes the ceiling to ‘come down’ and make a room significantly smaller.
6. Displaying Art Work and Photographs
LauraRowStudio Vintage Art Print Marilyn Monroe Etsy.comAdditionally, for those of you who read my last interior design piece HERE, you’ll know I’m a big fan of purchasing art you like that is also more unique. I enjoy buying prints off Etsy.com because far fewer people will have these prints and because you’re supporting local and home businesses. Here’s an example of OldStyleDesign’s Alice and Wonderland Themed Prints and Frames.
As well, LauraRowStudio’s Hollywood Icon Prints are made from paintings of actresses such as Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn. Additionall, events such as Art Walks, craft shows, MakeIt.ca ” The Hand Made Revolution,” and other craft and design shows are fantastic for finding authentic art.
Moreover, if you’re a decent artist yourself it’s also more inexpensive to buy canvases, brushes, and nice paint to paint more impressionistic or modern pieces of artwork such as flowers, shapes, or picture’s you’ve seen but can easily mimic in your own artistic style. Also on Etsy.com I found some paintings of wonderful abstract art by MichelleDinelleArt on canvas. Below is an example of one of her works in a purple color scheme.
MichelleDinelleArt Purple on Canvas Etsy.comAs well, consider that when buying prints and works from local artists, you do not have to spend a great deal of money having them framed. Often, you can find beautiful frames yourself at the various home decor and craft stores to create a photo wall with various kinds of frames. In Canada, you can look at HomeSense in store or Winners in store to find various frames along with your local craft store. Another wonderful place to check out would be Ikea.com as they carry many kinds of frames instore and online.
Also, you want to think about what family pictures you want to show off and how you would like to frame those photos.
Since we are such a technologically based society and we’re always taking photos on our iPhones of our latest get-togethers, you can keep in mind an awesome concept for a picture frame below. It’s an intuitive frame I enjoy myself!
Credit: Auraframes.com – Digital Photo Frame – Blue and SilverThe first thing I loved about this frame was that it downloads your favorite and ‘best’ photos from your iPhone and Ipad. The pictures in your frame alter as you take new photos everyday. Moreover, what I adore about this frame is its unique technology that ‘curates’ your photos, meaning that none of your flawed or embarrassing photos will appear on the frame’s screen in your new home.
In addition, I adore the frames sleek elegant design found in three colors including Ivory with a Rosegold trim, Charcoal with a Black trim, and Crystal Blue with a Silver trim. The first color combination is my favorite! As well, the frame uses ‘smart technology’ so that along with photos from your Iphone, the best pictures taken by your friends and family, on their Apple devices, will appear on the screen of your frame. The current frame I have is about 10 inches high and almost 12 inches wide, but I’m hoping bigger frames become available.
Moreover this exquisite and modern frame, from Auraframes, is designed to be a classic piece of home decor to exhibit the wonderful times you’ve had with friends and family, as well as, the special moments that have, recently, occurred in your life. More information about the tech aspects of the frame are available on the products site. You can also watch the video about Auraframes and/or purchase a frame right here.
7. Changing Lighting and Hardware
Credit: Restorationhardware.com – Bistro Triple Sconces for Bathroom Mirror LightingSome of the most worthwhile changes you can make to modernize your condo or new home are to change your lighting and hardware before or while you’re moving in. You can change lights in the bedrooms, kitchen, and bathroom; as well as, faucets in the bathroom and kitchen.
Credit: Restorationhardware.com – Goose Neck Silver FacetIn the bathroom, you might want fantastic lighting over your mirror from these Bistro Triple Sconces with 5 available finishes. A Flushmount light on the ceiling might also be a good idea such as this Caden Flushmount in 4 diverse finishes. Sink Faucets such as these Lugarno 8″ Widespread Faucets in four finishes may be your thing. Or Lugarno 8″ Widespread Goose Neck Faucets may be more your cup of tea in diverse finishes as well.
Credit: Restorationhardware.com – BelleVille Pendant for Bedroom of Dining roomIn your bedroom, you might consider a more opulent kind of light such as this simple but elegant Simone Chandelier or the more decorative Paige Crystal Chandelier. For the dining or the kitchen, a modern put fabulous looking Chandelier to consider would be the Bellevue Pendant or the Explosion Chandelier. In addition for kitchen faucets, you can look at the Deck Mount Kitchen Faucet in four finishes or something more interesting such as the Moen Edison Mediterranean Kitchen Faucet in two available finishes.
7. Repurposing Old Furniture and Buying New Hooks and Handles
Credit: Anthropologie.com – Rose KnobAnother great thing to do when first moving out is to find old furniture relatives don’t want and repurpose it. Paint it and replace it with new handles that give the piece a whole new look. Changing hardware on old furniture passed onto you or that you’ve found, is a wonderful way to reuse it and change its design along with new handles on drawers and closet hooks throughout your new place. You can also find interesting hooks along with new handles for the kitchen and bathroom as well.
Credit: Anthropologie.com – Glass Etoile Hooks in Pink or BluePainting with good wall paint works on furniture but you might want to consider the finish of the paint, whether you want the paint finish to be shinier or more eggshell and easier to clean. You can rub away some of the paint after it dries to give your repurposed or refinished furniture more of an antique and worn look. Remember to stay within your chosen color scheme and use colors of paint that are neutral or match this scheme when reprinting wood furniture. Also, sand your furniture down before painting it so the paint sticks.
Credit: Anthropologie.com – Ceramic Handles in Light Pink or Light BlueAdditionally, you can use these beautiful delicate feminine handles for repurposed or refinished furniture called Entomology Knobs here with different knobs for different finishes of gold, silver, and bronze. Also, these Galaxy Knobs are more angular and geometric but still interesting and not so girly. Moreover, these Gardening Indoors Knobs are great to add color to a more neutral furniture piece.
Credit: Anthropologie.com – Galaxy knobsFor interesting and beautiful hooks you might consider these Pronoun Hooks or you might consider simpler hooks in either silver, bronze, or gold in these Harvey Hooks or consider this Fretwork Hookrack as a sturdier piece near the door, in your bedroom to hang clothes, or in the bathroom to hang towels. These Glass Etoile Hooks are both pretty but sturdy as well.
Credit: Anthropologie.com – Pronoun HooksThere is also a plethora of handles available for making armoires, dressers, kitchen, and bathroom cabinets more interesting such as the Hammered Serina Handles in gold, silver, or bronze. As well, the Tangier Ceramic Handles in blush or turquoise are superb. Also lovely clear handles with silver called Glass Bubble Handles are pretty but less girly handles to choose. Especially, at Anthropologie.com there is such a variety of these hardware items to pick from in all kinds of fabulous designs and metal finishes.
8. Ensure Your Furniture Fits Into Your New Space: Measure 3 Times to Make Sure it Fits
Credit: Wayfair.com – Hampton Wooden Cabinet With Glass InsertWhen you move into your new place, you should make sure that any furniture that’s been passed down, found at garage sales, flea markets, or other places will fit in the rooms you want to put the furniture in. If you think it’s going to be too big, better to wait and not purchase the piece than to refinish or repurpose it and not be able to get it through the door or into a room.
Measure where you want certain pieces of furniture to go 3 times to get the correct measurements,jot the measurements on your phone and carry a tape measure with you, wherever you go, to ensure you don’t purchase the largest furniture in the store when your condo is a mere 800 square feet.
Credit: Chintz.com – Blue Floral Charlotte Fabric for Curtains or Pillow CoversAs well, when you measure for curtains measure 3 times as well to make sure you have them sewn the right length and width or to ensure you buy the right length of curtains and panels and only buy decorative items you love 100 percent and pieces that represent you, just as much as your artwork or photography does. A wonderful place to purchase fabric for curtains and have them made is Chintz.com. You can choose from an array of fabrics that suit your decor colors.
Chintz.com White Dupioni Silk for Curtains or pillowsThrows, candles, cushions for couches and bedrooms, pillow cases for cushions (and the insides), can all easily be found online and in stores, or on places such as Etsy.com.
If you plan to replace these items often don’t throw away your money on items that have little meaning to you or that you don’t like but buy because they are cheap. Wait to buy items that you love unless they’re inexpensive festive items such as for Christmas.
Also, remember you’re the one dusting your entire place now so don’t clutter it with too many knick-knacks, you’ll end up hating yourself later.
Credit: Bouclair.com- Candles and Decorative Vases
Remember to check out some of my past interior design posts under the category of the same name. Thanks for reading!
Credit: Amanda Eifert – My Picture Wall with Emma Litograph Focal Point
It was years ago that I found this litograph of Emma made from the words of the Jane Austen novel. Moreover, Jane Austen is arguably one of most loved Victorian authors. Additionally, Emma’s litograph poster was most appealing to me due to its colors. The poster I chose was in baby blue and light-gray and is a focal point on the picture wall of my bedroom.
When I thought about how I would design this picture wall, I knew I wanted the artwork to be authentic and not the average prints you find in many design stores: hence, I chose the lithograph poster and prints of artwork mainly from Etsy.com. On Etsy, the artists are not mainstream. As well, I used smaller prints, mostly 8.5″ x 11″ to go around the large Emma litograph to achieve balance in my design.
Credit: Amanda Eifert – Litographs.com – Emma Litograph Poster
Furthermore, when I chose my Emma poster, I was able to choose the colors I wanted my lithograph to be from several options. There are a larger variety of color combinations available online for this specific style of Emma poster. As well, you can buy this litograph poster matted in the 12″ x 16″ size.
When I purchased the litograph years ago, matting was not an option. I decided to go with the poster that was the largest size, 42″ x 63″ because I was using the poster as my picture wall focal point. Also, only the largest size contains the full text of Emma on the litograph including all “157, 422 words” from the novel.
The litographs website has a variety of t-shirts, posters, totes, and scarves of your most beloved literary works. There are a plethora of options for posters for example. You can also choose literary items that aren’t litographs but are based off your favorite literary works.
Credit: Amanda Eifert Litographs.com – Close up of The Emma Litgraph Poster
To frame my poster I went to the craft store Michaels and bought the largest silver poster frame I could find. I use silver in my bedroom as it goes well with my light blue walls. I brought the poster with me to ensure it fit the frame. I loved the look of the poster with the silver as opposed to black or white poster frames. The silver and gray in the litograph matched.
As well, when I began to purchase smaller prints of artwork to surround my Emma litograph, I purchased frames of the 11″ x 14″ size to fit prints that were 8″ x 11″. I found these frames at Winners and/or HomeSense stores in Canada. What I love about both of these stores, is that you can find many decor items for your home at a reduced price that are still stylish and often brand names.
My goal was to have artwork and frames that were more eclectic so the frames and prints were not all the same. Shopping at Winners and HomeSense lent itself well to this as they have a variety of frames in all colors available.
Additionally, having diverse frames and artwork styles made my wall of artwork more interesting. Since my walls are painted a cool light blue, frames of white, black, and silver all matched the paint color well and were cohesive. Black frames on their own, even silver frames on their own, would have been too overpowering in a small bedroom.
Credit: Amanda Eifert from ISeeNoise Etsy.com
Two of my first purchases (using black frames from HomeSense) were sterling silver prints from a wonderful shop on Etsy.com called ISeeNoise. I bought both a picture of the Miss Dior Stirling Silver Perfume Bottle and an iconic Audrey Hepburn Stirling Silver print (see below). These metallic prints are handmade and can also be purchased in other metallic tones such as gold.
The shop is on break right now, but I recommend checking out their excellent hand made prints. I love how the black frames make the sterling silver images pop, even though the inside of the frames are more of a white-ivory tint. Also, I was pleased to be able to find prints that were glamorous, stylish, and feminine.
Credit: Amanda Eifert from ISeeNoise Etsy.com
Furthermore, one my favorite items on my picture wall, is not a picture at all; in fact, it is a spice rack purchased from Modcloth.com in their Vintage Inspired Home Decor and Gift section. The spice rack is a pretty place to store and display my perfume bottles. I’ve also been able to display a few of my favorite cuffs (bracelets). Instead of displaying bracelets or cuffs you could also hang necklaces.
Credit: Amanda Eifert – Spice Rack Used as a Perfume and Bracelet Display and Storage – Modcloth.com
Moreover, I have not seen this spice rack (perfume display), on Modcloth.com for awhile. But ModCloth does have other interesting decor items if you enjoy a Vintage Style. As well, you can find similar spice racks at Walmart and Amazon , but I wasn’t able to find the same one in white, with hooks on the bottom. Your best bet is to explore the web or a store such as Bed, Bath, and Beyond, to find a spice rack that works well to display perfume and jewelry.
Credit: Etsy.com – Lauren Bolshakov Art – “Vintage Aqua Trio”
In addition, I purchased a couple prints off of Etsy.com from an artist’a shop called Lauren Bolshakov Art . I was thrilled to find more feminine and stylish pieces that added brighter color to my picture wall.
The first print is in the same color family of blues and greens as much of my bedroom. It’s an 8″ x 10″ size and called Vintage Dress Painting. It’s not available anymore but she has some other beautiful pieces of watercolor work.
The second print I purchased from Lauren was called Red Red Wine (see below) and the bright color of the red wine and the movement within the watercolor print drew me to it. Both prints I chose went well with slightly different white frames I found at Winners, in an 11″ x 14″ size because they had to be big enough for 8.5″ x 11″ prints. The red wine print is also a bright pop of color on my picture wall, which I adore.
Credit: Etsy.com Lauren Bolshakov Art – “Red Red Wine”
As well, I did purchase a print (and later a frame) of a lovely print from a blogger I follow, Kelly Van from Le Zoe Musings, which is a “creative lifestyle blog.” Kelly no longer has an Etsy shop but her printing sayinging to ‘Just Breathe and Drink Tea’ was relaxing and cute. Also it’s in a reddish-pink shade.
Credit: Amanda Eifert
One last painting (or a copy of a painting) I bought because I loved the impressionist feel to it, was from a shop called Prebrulee.com. The pop of pinkish-red in the painting, ties in with the red wine and tea prints. They all share an accent color on an otherwise serene picture wall and waveguide bedroom in general.
Prebrulee is a neat store that has a great deal of fun jewelry, clothing, stationary, and sometimes, home decor. Their Home and Office Section often has need collectibles, however, I’ve not seen paintings on the website in a long while.
My final framed work around my Emma litograph is my university diploma which I am extremely proud of; nevertheless, I’m searching for the right picture to replace it with, and move my diploma to my home office space.
Credit: Amanda Eifert – Emma Pictograph with Dresser items from Various stores Including HomeSense, Papyrus, Bouclair, and Indigo.
Finally, I do have a few items on my dresser. As well, I painted both dressers in my room seal gray to match the Emma Litograph. The dresser items, however, are from HomeSense, Winners, and a variety of other decor stores. I find it’s a matter of knowing what you want to display in areas of your home, such as your bedroom, and waiting until you come across the perfect items that are both practical and beautiful.
In addition, if you’re searching for some help in designing your own house or a particular room in your home, such as your bedroom, I encourage you to take a look a theHavenly website for actual Interior Design expertise.
Take their design quiz to determine the decor styles you like best, then choose an interior designer who best matches the decor style for a specific room.
You can receive interior designer aid through a Design Quickie option for free. This provides you a small amount of help in designing a space in your home. It includes a 30 minutes chat session with an interior designer, product recommendations, style advice, and a concierge buying service.
As well you can consider A Havely Mini including 3 initial designs, 1 design concept, 1 design revision, a curated design list, 1-2 weeks of design time, a concierge buying service, and 2-weeks of post design support.
Your third option is the Havenly Full adding on 4-weeks of design support (instead of 2-weeks), 3D Room Visualisation, and a Floor plan, along with everything you receive in the Havely mini.
I would recommend the third option as it provides you with the best value for your money. 3D Room Visualisation and floor plans are incredibly helpful in decorating a room in your home as ‘visuals’ always give a person a better idea of what their decor scheme will look like in the end.
Nonetheless, if you’ve knowledge of how to design a floor plan and can easily visualize how your final design will appear, the second option is also great.
See you next time and thanks for stopping by today’s special post!
“I’ve learned some interesting things about chess lately,” Karley said.
Tyler smirked and made his first move, the frosted glass pawn advanced, “What did you learn?”
“Well, way back when there was no Queen. Beside the King was an Advisor.”
“That Advisor must have had a lot of power if in chess he could move any direction on the board, diagonal or straight. Why did the Advisor become a Queen?”
Karley grinned, “Well, for one, Queen Elizabeth I. But around her time and after, there were many powerful Queens. The Advisor becoming Queen was meant to please Queens, rulers who weren’t male.”
“Do you think Queens in the monarchy were as ruthless as Kings?” Tyler asked watching Karley bring out her Bishop.
“Of course. Queen Elizabeth I had no trouble executing those who opposed her. She also never married. I think power was her raison d’être,” Karley said placing her finger on the clear glass Queen.
“But yet the Queen still protects the king?” Tyler mused.
“He doesn’t really get to move much, though, does he?”
“No, just a space here and there.”
“Checkmate,” Karley said.
“What, what does that mean? How’d you do that so fast?”
“It comes from Arabic and French. Literally, it means, ‘He is Dead’ or ‘The King is Dead.’ I did it so fast because I’m the Queen.”
Welcome to another week of my interview series. Today I’m so excited to share with you an interview with my talented and caring friend, Carolyn Shelton (JoyRoses) who has been writing many wonderful tales for adults and children on her blog with Colin Chappell of A Dog’s Life (Stories of Me and Him). I interviewed Colin earlier this year HERE.
Many of Carolyn’s tales and her new book with Colin are about a Cat named Dewey, a Jackalope named Jaxon, an owl named Odessa, and a human helper for them on Moonbeam farm they live, known as the ‘manservant.’ You can also find Carolyn’s interview on The Go Dog Go Cafe,where I will be posting a writer interview each Tuesday (the same one here and on there). It is a wonderful writer’s community on WordPress so please come and explore.
As well, all watercolor paintings illustrating the characters from Carolyn’s (and Colin’s) book Odessa’s Chronicles,are done by Jodi of The Creative Life In Between. She’s such a talented artist and I would recommend following her blog for her art, recipes, poetry, and blog posts narrated by her dog, Charlie. She also has an Etsy Shop, on break at the moment, but when it’s not, you can purchase cards, paintings, (etc.) of Jodi’s beautiful work.
My name is Carolyn Shelton and I live in Southern Pennsylvania. I am the Mother of two teenagers which explains why there are days that I feel like my brain is missing! I love having fun with my family and friends, whether we are just chatting or on an adventure together. I also enjoy being able to curl up with a good book and shutting out the world. I was a total bookworm when I was young. Was not easily bored, for I always had a book that I could read.
Humor is a big part of my life! I have serious posts on my blog, but a lot of humorous ones as well. And there are days, where you may get more humor from the comment section. I have a good friend that likes to express his wit at times. I am always up for a battle of wits, do I win? Well…. onto the next question.
My biggest writing goal is to touch others with what I write. I want to make them smile, laugh and also ponder on deeper things at times. I am thankful for my gift of writing, but it doesn’t do a lot of good if I keep it to myself. This is why I share it on my blog with for everyone and anyone to read.
Credit: Jodi – A Life In Between – Dewey the Spoiled Cat!
2. When Did You Begin Writing and Blogging and Why? What Does It Mean To You?
I began blogging in the Fall of 2014. It wasn’t something that I had planned on doing. I was browsing on the internet one day and I saw something that piqued my interest.WordPress was offering a free writing course. I loved to write and felt that this course would be fun to take and see what happened. I signed up for it and well, here I am. 🙂 I enjoyed the course a great deal and was excited seeing what I could do with a blog.
I enjoyed meeting other bloggers and interacting with them. I was still learning but felt as if I had found my niche in the wonderful world of blogging.My love of writing had been rekindled.
” I also enjoy being able to curl up with a good book and shutting out the world. I was a total bookworm when I was young. Was not easily bored, for I always had a book that I could read.” – Carolyn Shelton
Credit: Jodi – A Life In Between – The Humble Manservant
3. Where Do You Find Your Inspiration and Motivation to Blog and Write? Why is it Important to You to Keep Writing and Blogging? Do You Have Writing Habits? A Time of Day It’s Easier for You to Write?
My inspiration comes from my life. Writing is a form of therapy for me, through the rough times. My motivation to keep writing is easy because it is a part of me, and I can’t imagine not writing. It’s like breathing and it’s my passion. I will keep blogging because of the relationships that I have formed with my readers. It has been such a wonderful surprise. I wasn’t expecting these relationships when I started blogging. Blogging and writing are something that I will definitely strive to keep doing throughout life.
Writing is me letting my heart speak and it can be so freeing expressing my emotions through writing. Late at night seems to be my best time to write. The house is all quiet, the phone is not ringing, and it’s just me and my Sheltie who lays at my feet.
4. What Are Your Most Current Writing Projects, on your Blog or Otherwise? Have You Published Any Writing?
I am currently co-authoring a The Odessa Chronicles,with fellow blogger, Colin.I’m so excited about it! The process of writing it readying it for publication has been a true adventure! The front cover of the book has not yet be decided on and the book is not quite ready for publication and release to my readers but it will be available on Amazon when it is completed. Stay tuned to my blog for updates on Colin and mine’s book release!
” My inspiration comes from my life. Writing is a form of therapy for me through the rough times. My motivation to keep writing is easy. It is a part of me, and I can’t imagine not doing it. It’s like breathing and it’s my passion. I will keep blogging because of the relationships that I have formed with my readers. It has been such a wonderful surprise. I really wasn’t expecting these relationships when I started blogging. Blogginh and writing are something that I will definitely strive to keep doing throughout life.” – Carolyn Shelton
Credit: Jodi – A Life In Between – Jaxon the Jackalope with Magical Powers
5. Do You Prefer Certain Writing or Reading Genres? Do You Have Any Helpful Advice for Writers or Bloggers Starting Out?
I enjoy writing serious posts and posts written for fun. I enjoy reading both as well. Also, I like reading stories in the genre of fiction and some nonfiction stories as well when I am choosing novels to read.
As for advice for new writers or bloggers: I encourage them to be patient with their self and write what comes naturally. Don’t think that your blog has to be like another blogger’s blog. Your blog is unique just like you. Don’t get caught up in how many followers you have or don’t have. Your number of followers will rise as you continue to blog and write. Be your true self when you write and relate to your readers through the comment section on your blog posts. Respect your reader’s comments and be honest with them. Most importantly, have fun with your blog. Don’t push yourself to post every day if you cannot manage to do that. I didn’t post each day in the beginning and there is no rule that says you have to post every day. You need to write when it fits your schedule.
6. For Fun, Do You Have Any Favorite Blogs? Top Three? What Do You Like About Them?
Oh, my this is a hard question. There are a lot of blogs I enjoy! The blogs I have followed the longest though are Jodi’s, Ameena’s and Colin’s.
Jodi’s blog makes my taste buds tingle when I see pictures of the wonderful recipes she is cooking up. She is a wonderful cook and there are sometimes I attempt her recipes, though I am sure she does them better. She also does beautiful paintings and puts lovely poems to lovely photographs she takes together in a post. I enjoy reading her blog because of her cheery outlook on life.
Ameena (Randoms by A Random) is a gifted poet and her poems tug at my heartstrings. She has put me at a loss for words more than once. You can read the interview Mandibelle16 did of Ameena HERE
Colin writes about life with Ray, his wonderful Rescue Dog that he adopted. He also has “Just Thinking” posts that give you things to ponder. It is always interesting to read his perspective. He includes some poetry on his blog; in fact, he has a book of wonderful poetry coming out soon. His dry wit comes through in his posts as well. A blog that can make me laugh will be one I keep going back to.
Most importantly all these blogs do have something in common. Although they post about various topics, they all have become special friends of mine.That is what I feel is at the heart of blogging, the friendships that are formed from a mutual interest.
” Don’t get caught up in how many followers you have or don’t have. Your number of followers will rise as you continue to blog and write. Be your true self when you write and relate to your readers through the comment section on your blog posts. Respect your reader’s comments and be honest with them. Most importantly, have fun with your blog.” – Carolyn Shelton
Credit: Jodi – A Life In Between – Odessa the Wise Owl Whom Carolyn and Colin’s book is named after.
7. Can You Share With Us Some of Your Favorite Blog Posts?
Here are some of Carolyn’s posts that she and I like a great deal. I hope you enjoy them too!
Written April 2013, by Carolyn Shelton (JoyRoses13)
*****
Credit; Carolyn Shelton (JoyRoses13)
Good Morning! Today my husband and I will bid a final farewell to a dear friend of ours. His body was ravaged with cancer and now he is free from pain. Though we are happy that he is now at peace, there also is pain, as he will be dearly missed!
Pat always had a smile for you and could make you laugh with his wit. Even when his wit was at your expense, you couldn’t help but laugh. Shaking your head, trying not to smile, as your mind was racing for a comeback. No joke was ever old. We had met over 20 years ago, and there was something that had happened to me in that first year that Pat and Sherry were dating. Something that he still loved to throw out there whenever he would get the chance, and yes it still had a way of heating up my cheeks. His humor is something that stayed with him, even as his body grew sicker. He kept his spirits up and fought hard. He was an inspiration.
In yesterday’s post, Dewey and Jaxon Follow Their Hearts, I told about when we heard the news about cancer and how Dewey took over my pen. Took over my pen for my broken heart. Today I am sharing a poem that I shared before. A poem that seems fitting for today. It has been revised a little to help it flow more smoothly, thanks to a friend.
My heart poured it out on a night when it was breaking. Breaking because the prognosis was not looking good for my friend and the tears fell as I didn’t know what to say. What could I speak to my precious friend and his wife? How could I encourage her? I felt that I had no words.
Credit: Carolyn Shelton (JoyRoses13)
*****
Come Away With Me My Friend (Let Us Run To The Ocean)
Come away with me my friend
***
Let us run to the ocean,
Where you can let the pain in your heart
Be overpowered by the roar of the waves.
Let us go where you can shout ”Why?” to the sky,
And scream as loud as you need.
Where you can fall to your knees on the soft sand.
Thank you so much to Carolyn for allowing me to interview her for this week’s blogger/writer interview. She is a wonderful and kind hearted person and I’m so excited for the book she and Colin will be releasing on AMAZON soon. Here is the link to her blog one more time: Nuggets of Gold.
If you are a writer, blogger, author, or someone who blogs for a cause or special organization and would like to be featured in my interview series here and on the Go Dog Go Cafe please reach out to me through my CONTACT PAGE on my personal blog. Thank you and see you next week!
Each Christmas it is traditional for my family to watch Judy Garland’s Meet Me in St. Louis. The more times I watch it, the more it and Garland’s dazzling voice pull me in. By now I know the songs by heart and if not all of them, then at least the well-known “Trolley Song.”
The scene of Judy Garland’s character singing on the trolley is what comes into my mind whenever I see one and why today, I feel that I need to ride the trolley, wherever it may be going. Sure, it may take me places I have no idea where I am or why I ended up where I did. But it will also lead me to unexpected and interesting city jewels, waiting for discovery.
As Garland’s character in the movie did not want to leave St. Louis but at the same time possessed a yearning to explore, I have a connection to the trolley and wanting to explore the city because of Garland’s famous song and her character’s adventurous spirit.
Thanks to Bikurgurl for hosting #100WordWednesday.
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Credit: William Stett via UnSplash
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It’s 1962 and Miss Parker’s exotic beauty temporarily shocks her grade seven class into silence. She has lovely dark skin and striking eyes lined with kohl. The boys are held speechless by her attractive appearance. Her bold cranberry lipstick and a fashionably revealing outfit are what her female student’s desire to wear.
Her student’s realize how interesting, knowledgable, and outgoing their new teacher is and walk home each day telling their parents Miss Parker is wonderful. The parents are thrilled for their children.
Nevertheless, things change when the parent’s realize at parent teacher interviews, Miss Parker is black woman. Race was not a feature of Miss Parker their children noticed as racism is not ingrained within a child — it is taught.
Coastal style interior design can be defined diversely depending on where a person lives in the world. The Tropical coastal style emerged from “Hawaii, Polynesia, and many places near the Pacific” Ocean. It is decor style that is popular in homes across the world. Tropical coastal style, also known as ‘Island style,’ usually “reflects the customs, colors, and beliefs of a place’s native peoples” such as in the Hawaiian islands. “Bright, tropical patterns, natural elements such as teak and other woods, and cultural and nautical decor,” define this coastal style.
Moreover, Mediterranean Coastal style, in particular, is a home decor style with history going back for centuries. It has been used and adapted all the world but especially is found where it originated in Greece, as well as coastal towns in Spain and Italy. Mediaterrian coastal style includes a great deal of natural light, brilliant “sunbaked colors” with “terra cotta, heavy woods, black iron or metals, and carved detailing.”
American coastal style or Florida style (which I am discussing in this post) is about “relaxation and comfort,” at it’s core. It is currently, “one of the most popular decorating styles” in the U.S and in Canada and is also “quickly growing and branching” out into “sub-styles such as ‘Cottage Coastal style,’ and ‘Contemporary Coastal style.'” American coastal style as a whole may include aspects from these branches.
Florida style incorporates clean lines and materials that are natural with simple textures. A neutral background including smooth steel, wood, and woven materials are also key to achieving this look. Textiles and surface materials used in coastal style are durable and include colors such as “clear blues, sea greens, creamy whites, beiges,” other tints and shades of white and even soft gray. While coastal style homes are usually warm and relaxed some people do prefer a cooler color pallet.
My preference for both paint colors and major living room furniture, especially pieces such as couches or large comfy chairs, would be to choose neutral colors in durable fabrics as a background for more colorful decor. Neutral furniture works well for indoor or outdoor living areas as brighter colours can always be added through decorative pillows, nautical or sea themed objects, (etc).
As well, paint colors could be a warm antique white or a clearer nautical white. Subtle tints of blue, sea green, and coral would also work well for paint colors that provide a soothing feeling as if you were in an elegant but comfortable cottage.
I have always found shades of light blue, turquoise, and soft green to be luxurious and peaceful so it is not surprising that these colors are especially found in coastal design. Despite the lakeside or seaside cottage ambience, this style is also uncluttered and decorative pieces and textures should be chosen carefully. As well, if colors of the sea in light blues and greens against neutrals are not your cup of tea, coral shades and tints can create an interesting Florida design style with a more brightness.
As well, coastal style often includes prints stripes and patterns that can be bold and large, based around navel and seaside themes as well as items synonymous with Florida, and other cottage decor. As in any living room or seating area, a chair or two that contrasts against neutral colors is key outside or inside. As well, decorative pillows in a range of the color pallet can provide a room with more vivacity, texture, and key focal points. A blue or gray rug on the floor can also add subtle color and pattern. Rugs in sand shades with a beachy texture like a beach mat or some a courser material are wonderful too.
My own preference for larger pieces of furniture in the Florida style that aren’t coaches or chairs but actual wooden furniture, leans towards restored furniture or furniture that has the appearance of being restored. Colorful light blue and turquoise mid-century furniture made out of natural wood can pop against neutral walls and couches.
If you prefer, beach-like drift wood furniture works well and as does worn looking dark wood. Considering the flooring of a coastal home would also be important to determine what kind of larger cabinets, tables, (etc)., a person would choose. A darker stained wood floor for contrast with neutral walls would be anchoring. But a lighter floor that is more like a ‘sea worn’ wood would keep your home more peaceful. I enjoy painted wood furniture that has been repurposed or has that appearance myself, with darker wood floors.
Moreover, focal points or places that draw the eye to them can be created with statement art, special furniture pieces, and carefully chosen decorative ornaments. As well, nautical and beach accents such as shells, coral, sea creatures, and sea or cottage themed paintings or artwork, brighten up the laid back coastal style. I’ll note again that an uncluttered appearance is key to the style so no hoarding ornaments or decorative items and placing them everywhere. A refined cottage style retaining a tranquil and relaxing environment with an elegant sense of design is the vital. Pops of color here and there are important; however, because they help to avoid manotomy and to provide visual appeal.
Light through large windows is also significant in the contemporary coastal look because we want to keep a house bright and airy so if you are designing a home or looking for a home to decorate in the Florida style, large windows would be a wise investment. Not to mention, new windows will save you money on your power and heating bills in places where the weather becomes colder.
As well, sufficient indoor lighting is beneficial to creating the perfect ambiance. A mix of elegant metal and nautical inspired chandeliers over the dining table and in various rooms, contrast with the laid back Florida or coastal style. Table lamps for lights near chairs to read as well as to provide more lighting at night are also essential.
When designing a coastal themed kitchen it is important to keep things light and airy, carrying in color schemes from other rooms in the house. The kitchen should feel open while maintaining a coastal themed color pallet such as light blue, coral, ocean-like colors, or nautical themed hues.
White or off-white is a great choice for cupboards perhaps some with some glass in the cupboard doors. Also kitchen paint colors in light tints of blue, green, coral, in sand, and white or off-white keep a room neutral in the background.
As well, having a kitchen bar enhances the refined cottage look providing a casual place eat, but also to incorporate bright pops of color on the bar stools or on the bar top. A backsplash is also a vital place to play around with brighter shades of light blue, turquoise, navy, or coral. Perhaps only certain tiles could be vivid acting as accents in the kitchen or in a bathroom.
As well, curtains or shades in the kitchen and everywhere in the house, can contribute to having a light airy feeling through out. Curtains should not be too heavy or dark but in lighter shades or tints of the colour scheme. Sheer curtains, cotton-like, or fabrics reminiscent of nautical sails and or other nautical materials, all contribute to the coastal style.
Also, a similar design in the kitchen can be followed in places such as the bathroom and laundry room, incorporating coastal colors, textures, and tones while keeping most of the space neutral. Remembers pops of color or accents are essential in neutral spaces but should not be overdone.
Florida or coastal themed bedrooms share similarities with the other rooms in the house creating more continuity of style. The key if you are decorating your entire home in coastal style is to keep the flow from room to room without overdoing the trend. Oceanlike, comfortable, and calm surrounding are essential to recreating the effect of the luxury or a refined cottage theme for the Florida style in your own home. Bedrooms in particular should be cozy, comfortable, yet stylish.
All in all the coastal or Florida style throughout a home should keep a color palette in mind, think about flow, and how certain Colorado and hues blend with each other and neutral walls and bigger pieces of furniture. As a whole coastal style seeks to be a place people can return home to and feel at rest as if they can relax and forget about their day in their own place of a seaside haven.
Whether you prefer coastal decor or the the use of tropical vibrant colors, you can find inspiration by checking out Florida real estate for more ideas of how to bring an outdoor feeling into your home.
I feel like I’ve been distant on here lately. But sometimes you need a break from the usual. I have always found it easy to pull a lot of inspiration from myself and those around me. From past experiences and from my friends and events around the world. Christianity too can be something encouraging as well as a vivid imagination.
I have been trying my hand at some freelancing but it’s been a lot of effort. It saddens me to see how little a writer’s words are worth be they for blog, article, or essay. But at least where I am now pays a better than where I started at which was doing short pieces of writing for experience only. So I have been trying to do some other writing as well as blogging. Some days it’s works and others not so much. I know I’ve had to cut back on my prompts recently so my blog schedule will be based on how much I have to do each week for freelancing. I’m not earning much of a thing but at least I feel like I’m contributing a bit more and learning new ideas.
I also continue to look for and submit poetry and some short story fiction to some different sites and magazines as well as edit my novel when I’m able to focus on a couple of chapters at a time. If anyone enjoys writing and is interested in being a beta reader for a paranormal romance please let me know. I would appreciate your opinions very much. My book is on Wattpad so you’d have to read it in their, but it has an app and allows a person to comment on each chapter after they’ve read it. Or you can go to the site on your computer HERE. Just check it out and if you’re interested in reading my book, let me know in the comment section below. I appreciate it! 💕❤ My user name is @mandibelle16.
One thing I love about writing is that I am always acquiring more knowledge. Recently, I have been doing more academic writing and I have been relearning citation and rules for academia. At the same time I think about my novel and my other creative writing in the back of my mind, finding distance has given me a better perspective on my plots, characters, and stories.
Also sometimes watching your favourite TV or Netflix programs, reading books, and walking outside in the warmer weather we’ve been having, makes one feel well and helps me think things through and visit different angles. “Suits” is an excellent and entertaining legal drama if anyone’s interested in watching the seasons on Netflix. As I’m going through my own case right now, it drew me in but its characters are witty, charming, and funny except for the character of Louis. But you have to hand it to the actor, he does a superb job of being slimy and repulsing lol.
Additionally, I’ve also been drawing, working on portraits, and colouring using various mediums. Art very much inspires me so it’s been fun to play around with that a while. I’m also working on a few technical glitches with my blog and the WordPress app, trying to figure some of those things out as well. I do want to make some changes to my blog. It’s only a matter of sitting down, figuring them out in the little time I have concentration well enough — along with everything else — and then doing those changes. Eventually, I’ll figure it out 🙂
As well, I’ve been working on my health. This year I have tried to learn a more basic healthy recipes and I’ve researched my health condition a bit more. I’m doing this 5:2 Diet which means five days a week you eat how many calories you would eat for your body and amount you exercise. It’s recommended for CFS/ME patients as medication can cause significant gain. As I can do little beyond a small walk now and then and some weight loss yoga, I eat just over sixteen hundred calories a day but of course a woman who exercised more or was just out and about more would eat around two thousand calories or more on a normal day.
On a side note: I so recommend an online subscription to Gaia if you can’t make it to yoga classes at the gym always. They have all different levels and lengths of workouts. From beginner to difficult yoga of all types, to Pilates videos, meditation and breathing videos, and short little videos that relieve back or neck pain in around ten minutes which I love. Everyday new videos are added and you there is such an array of options that it is so worth the subscription about $13.00 (in Canadian currency)/month and I think anywhere from about $7.00 to $9.00 US depending on your subscription.
Anyways, two days a week on the 5:2 Diet, you choose which days you eat only 500 calories as a woman and only 600 if you’re a man. Once you get into it, it’s not so bad and you learn what foods are filling and healthy to eat. I haven’t been able to drop to five hundred calories but about to 600 on fast days. I do yoga of twenty to twenty-five minutes for two and sometimes three days a week and I’ve been able to lose what the diet promises, about a pound a week. So for me after three weeks, three pounds and today was the first time I noticed my clothes fitting better. That’s my hope honestly, for my clothing that I own and like a lot, to fit well. Also, to be able to continue purchasing future clothing in regular sizing. (P.S. I have plans for some spring fashion and makeup blogs so we’ll see how things go later!!).
Once a person gets to their ideal weight on the 5:2 Diet, they can keep fasting two days a week or drop to one day a week to maintain. Out of all the programs/diets I’ve tried I love that this is safe weightless and healthy because it’s four or five pounds a month and about making choices to eat better and to exercise instead just for a little bit at a time.
You don’t receive that instant ‘wow factor’ as fast-diets promise but I believe this is healthier for you because it takes place over months and is doable for ‘life.’ If you mess up, choose another day that week to fast and after the first week you honestly are used to the fasts for the two days. Two days are easier than dieting for an entire week all the time.
I didn’t think it would work as I had read about it before with caution. However, the plan worked for a family member first who showed my some YouTube videos on it and they were quite convincing. He has lost the weight and maitained his level of exercise. So something to check out if you’re interested. I borrowed the book from the library and it’s a simple diet to be sure.
Also, I’m afraid my biweekly interview is going to be a day or two late this week as I’ve got to finish a project first. So apologies there. As for my lack of writing and commenting, I will do as much as I’m able.
So without further ado, here’s a poem I wrote a while back. It’s comforting but also sad. It’s based around, knowing a loved one is facing the end. It’s difficult for the person and their loved ones, but at the same time, relief because that person will never feel pain again in Heaven.
” I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” – 1 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV)
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One last mile, one more Christmas comes to pass,
Praying for ages, memories and lifetimes.
The quicksand buries, but light still yet shines,
A beacon, slowly immersed — death’s paid wrath,
We don’t know how long the present will last.
Keep wide the door, heaven’s gate you’ll enter,
All time converges, earth isn’t center.
We’re a blip, nothing’s linear, we’re the past;
Before glory, laud, and honour shown,
Is to God, in our eternal rest and home.
Someday you’ll go, tears mark your finish line,
But these days you run, pray you’re unconfined;
To be free of your burdens, what you dread,
Your time with us not taken — not the end.
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You’ve run the race my friend, endured the course,
And all our memories are so dear, of your face —
Brightly lit, your smile, a fighter’s proud grace.
You kept it up, as long as you could, and would —
Have had a runner’s chance, enduring pain, stood —
Humbled but kept striding in all you faced.
Every hill with vision, pose, setting your pace;
Life, your race, needed winning; without fear —
Embrace theend engaged; approaching so near,
Throw yourself into battle you’ve waged,
Never to be a victor, not to be caged;
Instead found eternal rest, your end page,
Last word fin, your Lord called: “Come home dear one.”
If you could choose your favorite place to get ready in the morning or when you’re going out to a party or special event, wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a vanity area? Yes, I know for many women (and some men) this seems like a dream.
I would adore haveing a dressing table area where I could have all my makeup and hair tools, have everything organized well, and have my vanity area designed exactly the way I would like it to be designed to my unique preferences.
While modern vanity tables for women and shaving tables for men developed in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries,beauty items such as cosmetic boxes, ointment jars, and perfume jars, were found in 1910, in “inlaid cedar cosmetic box[s]” in the tombs of Ancient Egyptian Pharaoh.
Madam Pompadour of France, however, was one of the first women of the aristocracy to perform elaborategroomingrituals. The french aristocracy had boxes called ‘Neccessaires’ which held perfumes, combs, nail files, and tiny scissors. Madam Pompadour (mistress of King Louis XIV (1638 to 1715)) aided the French king in developing the ‘toilette’ or beauty regime for both men and women in the royal court.
One fantastic example of an early vanity table was used by Marie Antoinette who had a dressing table specifically made to fit makeup items, writing implements, and a mirror. The piece was commissioned as she was due to give birth to her son and the vanity served multiple purposes also being used for eating and receiving visitors.
In the twentieth century, the vanity table developed significantly in the 1920’s and 1930’s. Glamorous Hollywood films made popularskyscrapers with luxuriouspenthouses and “femme fatale [movie] heroines.”
These starlets sat elegantly at their dressing tables which were streamlined in form compared to vanity tables of the past. Many women wanted to emulate these actresses and the vanity table became an essential piece of furniture for the modern woman.
Considering my dreamvanity andhow I would design it and the area around my vanity, I realized there are many vital factors to consider. What I ended up with was a mood board of decor items I would adore in a vanity area. You can find my mood board at the beginning of this post.
There are many aspects I considered when I thought about designing a vanity area. The first being what styleof vanity (the dressing table) I wanted. There is such a variety of styles of vanities to choose from but many are actually writing desks used as vanity tables, not the actual vanities which for instance, my great-grandmother Ida owned.
I tend to love antique vanities which have been repurposed.There is something curvilinear, ornate, and luxurious about the carving and details in the design of some antique vanities. What I love about repurposing old furniture, is that much of it is made from quality hardwoods, not cheap soft wood. Much furniture today is made of wood which easily breaks or splits.
Also, I would choose to paint my repurposed (or designed to appear antique) vanity my favorite color of light-blue. I would make it a feature piece of furniture in my bedroom and would paint the walls a neutral beige or gray with the same warm or cool hue found in the color blue used on the vanity. Below are three examples of vanities which caught my eye would be similar to my dream dressing table. I wouldn’t want such a roughed up quality to the paint but a nice sheen or solid color.
Credit: Home Decorating Trends – Homedit -www.pinterest.com
Another choice for my dream vanity would be to paint it with a pearlescent paint in a light sheen of bronze, gold, or silver. These dressing tables are more glamorous than the blue ones but would also retain a unique but more modern design such as the opulent vanities of the 1930’s.
A significant reason I chose antique vanities versus modern streamlined ones, has to do with my personal aesthetics and especially, drawer space. I think a vanity should have significant drawer space for you to put your makeup, hair tools, lingerie, or whatever else you would like to store in your drawers. My favorite vanities have both slimmerdrawers up top and larger deeper drawers on the sides. Storage is a major issue when choosing a vanity for yourself.
Many of the vanities pictured above have attached mirrors. I would be happy to have one of these mirrors refinished, but I also felt you could remove the mirror and hang a mirror with an interesting frame on the wall, behind your vanity. The mirror might be a little farther away from where you would sit, on the wall, but I don’t think this would be a problem if a person had enough natural and artificial lighting in their vanity area.
Another important detail to consider is the chair you sit on in front of your vanity. Whether you purchase a vanity that’s antique which you refinish yourself, or you find you like already refinished, you can replace what is often a small stool or bench, with a fancy and comfortable chair.
Especially if it’s for a special occasion, I prefer to have back support, personally, and be comfortable while I’m doing my makeup and hair. I want a cozy place to sit and a chair with a cushioned back and seat. Here are a few examples of chairs I like below, the gray one is my favorite chair; however, you can also find yourself a fancy dining chair, or some other kind of comfortable chair which matches your vanity and decor scheme.
Another aspect I would consider for a vanity area, if you have space, would be a soft but stylish chaise lounge near your dressing table. I would include this in a dream vanity area because a chaise lounge or sofa, would make you feel more at home and enjoy being in this space, even when you’re not preparing yourself for the day or an event.
A chaise lounge or a couch could be somewhere your significant other sits and talks to you while you’re getting ready, or your kids. It would also be a comfy and plush hideaway to read a book when you have the time, especially if you have a space with excellent natural light or a floor lamp nearby, as I would in my dream vanity area.
As well, it makes sense to have a plush chair of some kind here because a vanity area would be close to my closet as well, so I’d probably need something to throw clothes on as I try on several outfits or change out of my work clothes after arriving home.It’s also a place to sit on while you put on your shoes and zip up your tall boots.
I talked briefly about lighting but it’s one of the most significant aspects of all to consider, not only for aesthetics but because women require fantastic lighting when putting on makeup and doing their hair.
There is no substitute for natural light and in my dream vanity area, I would have many windows nearby. You never want to walk outside and see you’ve put on your makeup too thick for daytime or used the wrong color of foundation for the season so your foundation ends up appearing orange in the daylight.
In addition, having a chandelier or some kind of pendant light above your dressing table makes it the area appear more opulent as well as making it easier for a woman to see what she is doing at her vanity. A small chandelier, for me, makes the area all the more appealing. It aids in creating a space where would enjoy spending more time and I would probably be spending alot of time there, so I want a beautiful light fixture.
I had trouble choosing between three different light fixtures. On the Restoration Hardware website, I found this lovely light made of “tiers of translucent white capizshells” and I love the movement created when light shimmers through these iridescent shells.
Another especially favorite pendant light of mine is the flower pendant light from Arhaus. This light is gorgeous, unique, and sculptural. I think the “Italian glass” crystals hanging down would be perfect for a vanity area. This light fixture is superbly classy with this flower having “dark silver clay finish;” the artist in me adores it.
Lastly, I was drawn to another indoor/outdoor chandelier made from recycled glass andwrought iron from Pottery Barn. The glass circles made me think of bubbles and/or a pair of pretty dangling, bronze and glass earrings. I think for me interior design and fashion often overlap.
A third issue to consider with lighting is actual lighting where you sit at your vanity, on top your table. Here is the place where you or I would apply our makeup or remove it, perhaps along with our jewelry. I’m not a fan of those big bulbs that go around vanity mirrors, to me they’re a bit tacky (my opinion).
I think I would browse for some trendy table lamps which went with my decor scheme and weren’t too large. My thoughts are that they would appear classier and provide morenatural lighting as you can put light bulbs in lamps with more of a warm glow. One lamp might be enough, or you might prefer two, depending on how much space you have. There are a couple of different ones I liked and you can see them below. They’re both from Arhaus, here and here.
One final issue to consider with lighting and mirrors, is a having a magnifying mirror. Yep, the kind where you feel scared when you can see every mark or wrinkle on our face. While I hate that aspect of these mirrors, they can be helpful. They’re especially great when you’re plucking your eyebrows, getting rid of a few stray hairs, or when you’re trying to apply liquid eyeliner or any eyeliner for that matter.
I would buy one of these magnifying mirrors which lights up. It could sit on my dressing table top or be attached to the wall behind my vanity. I prefer one not on the top of the vanity since I need the space for other items.
Certain mirrors with LED lights can be moved closer or a farther away, whichever way you need. There are also various degrees of magnification. You can check out this magnifyingmirror below, from Bed, Bath, and Beyond. Lastly, ensuring my vanity area is near plugins where I could easily plug in a power bar with more plugins for curling irons, a blow dryer, and my table lamps would be a must for my vanity area.
5X Magnifying Mirror with LED Light(www.bedbathandbeyond.ca)
Now to tackle one the largest issues in my vanity area, having the best kind of storage for makeup, makeup brushes, hair devices, and any other products I store in and around my dressing table. A wonderful place for these organizational items is Bed, Bath, and Beyond because they have a ton of well-priced organizational items, many of which are also attractive for certain decor schemes. Home Sense is another excellent place for this.
A third place you might consider buying storage for on top of your vanity is an office supply store, as many of their lines for storing stationary work well for storing makeup and skincare products. You can also use decorated or lovely colored trays and special storage from any home store, these products are easy enough to find.
Hanging a few decorative shelves nearby to house some of your personal items, is also an option I would consider for my vanity area, along with this neat holder I found on Pinterest, which is specifically designed to hold your blower dryer, hair straightener, and curling irons and can be found at Home Depot and mounted on the wall. For specifically made to hold makeup organizers on top of your vanity, Amazon is an excellent place to search for these holders at a great price.
For makeup brushes my favorite storage solution is to find a pretty container, it could be a pencil holder a candle holder (whatever fits your brushes) or a couple of each, and fill them half-full with little rocks/beads or a similar vase filler. Stand your brush handles in these containers along with your mascara and eyeliners. Your brushes and makeup products will stay upright and it works superbly well. I would use the same method on my dream vanity table; however, any pretty container which stores your brushes upright along with eyeliners and mascara, works well as long as they suit your design scheme.
For makeup, you can also find some beautiful trays to put your makeup and skincare products on. Sometimes even trays with divided off sections, so it makes it easier to store certain items such as blush or lipstick. I prefer stylish storage for on top of your vanity, such as silver or gold trays, decorated or colored candle holders, and mirrored makeup supply/brush holders. Below are some photographs of these ideas I liked for my own vanity space.
It’s also helpful to find some see-through jars or containers to hold items such as Q-tips and cotton rounds, used for toner and taking off makeup (etc). For haircare products, a shelf that can fit hairspray, mousse, dry shampoo, and other taller hair products is useful with a shelf on top which leaves you with storage for smaller bottles of hair care products.
The last and hardest part of storage is finding containers which will fit in shallow top drawers and in deeper side drawers for a dream dressing table. Since I would like my vanity area to not look so cluttered, I would like it if most of my makeup could be organized in the top drawers at least.
It is possible to purchase makeup dividers which fit inside draws or find your own little baskets or boxes, which will fit different kinds of makeup. Makeup storage also depends on how much makeup you own and should still be keeping. Amazon is an affordable and easy place to find this type of storage.
Makeup storage also depends on if you want to store your makeup visibly on the wall or hidden (such as I do) in the drawers of your vanity. I prefer drawers, they appear so much neater than makeup storage in wall-mounted containers or on a magnetic board. I can close messy drawers if they need cleaning and if my makeup has dirty cases.
I believe in keeping a vanity top clean and clutter free as possible because it makes it easier for me to find what I need each morning before working or if I was Mom, for instance, before dealing with my children.
For me, I would only keep the makeup I use the most out and put everything else away. I would like the top to be clutter free so I have space to work and to display some of my prettier pieces of jewelry and perhaps perfume.
It would also like to personalize my vanity space with authentic artwork to my taste, which matches my decor in my vanity area. I have chosen some of my favorite watercolor paintings off of Etsy which work into the blue vanity scheme and have this Chanel, posh and classy feel about them. Also, I like how this spice wrack became the perfect place to store perfume and display bracelets.
I enjoy purchasing my artwork prints on Etsy because the prints you buy are less expensive and they are from local artists and small businesses. The prints are more unique than art you would find in most home decor stores. I would order the prints I’ve chosen off of Etsy and then visit Winners/Home Sense or the Craft store to find frames to put my art in.
I could choose to search for frames which are all the same style of frame or look for frames which are the same color. I believe what I would do is mix up frame colors and styles, have frames in black, gold, and silver, as long as they fit in with the vanity area them I’ve created and its ambiance.
For me, this would be my perfect dream vanity area; however, as you can tell, it’s difficult to choose precisely what pieces fit and what pieces don’t. Thanks for reading!
Mandibelle16 
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