Bold Decor Moves For Your Home

Photo courtesy Wicker Paradise

We have all seen something on Pinterest that we thought would look so cool, but then said, “I could never do that.” Yes, you can! Aside from things that you may have to ask your landlord for permission for, there are still many things you can do to take risks as you decorate--from furniture, to rugs, to accessories. So here’s that motivation you need to actually put those Pinterest boards to use, courtesy of Apartment Therapy.





1. Decide to do it — This is both the easiest and hardest part. You've thought it through, debated endlessly and now it's time for a simple yes or no. It's liberating! No more, "Gee, I'd really like to have..." or "Someday I'll try a..." That day is today! Don't dawdle, say yes and don't look back.




2. Get inspired — Time for the eye candy. You have a general plan, sure, but browsing some great inspirational images will help you really nail down what you love and what turns your stomach (and with risky decisions, it's usually one or the other). This is also when you'll start to get really excited about your project, which will further cement your decision to do it. Remember: this is fun!




3. Tell everyone — Now that you've made your decision, it's time to share. Telling everyone your plan is an insurance policy that you'll actually follow through. You're accountable, see? Sure, people will have their own opinions (and may decide to share them, unsolicited) but that won't bother you because you're solid in your knowledge that you've made the right decision for you.




4. Baby steps — Don't get overwhelmed and derail your decision. No matter how big or small, breaking down your project into baby steps will help you see a clear, do-able path to the finish line. It may be scary to paint a wall pink, but it's not scary to drive to the paint store — you can do that. It's not scary to grab some paint samples, piece of cake! Now, wash your wall, no problem. Baby steps are everything.



5. Repeat after me: nothing is permanent — There's nothing you can do to your home that you can't undo; it's as simple as that. Don't overthink this. If you don't like it, you'll try something else. Yep, you've spent some time and money to learn what you don't like (a very valuable lesson by the way) and next time you'll do better. The journey to your perfect home is never-ending and that is part of the fun, so don't be afraid to make a mistake once in a while.

Make Your Apartment The Home Of Your Dreams

Apartments should be your home. You should come home and feel relaxed and comfortable in your rented space. Here are four ways to make your home the most comfortable area in your life. Apartment Therapy has some great ideas for all budgets.

Lounge-ability

I used to have this apartment with an eat-at bar at counter height. I rushed out and found a set of stools I loved the look of, dreaming of hosting breakfast for guests and lounging every morning to enjoy a cup of tea. But, boy they were uncomfortable. You don't have to turn every room into a giant floor-level bed, but you should evaluate every seat in the rooms you find yourself not spending a lot of time in — they could use a comfort makeover. And don't just consider the seat; sometimes an addition of a footrest can help make an existing seat more lounge-able.

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How easy it is to get to stuff

Usability is a close second to whether or not you can lounge in a space in terms of enjoyability. How is easy it to use your space? Get to the things you want to use? Pull out chairs to sit at a table? Reach your board games? Do you have to rearrange the room when you want to watch some TV? A functionality-based makeover is something everyone should undertake from time to time to make sure it's not a poorly-working space keeping them from enjoying their entire home.

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Whether the light hurts or helps

You've got to evaluate both the artificial light in a room you want to spend more time in, as well as the natural light. More natural light is usually a good thing, unless the sun is beating down on a seat and you aren't in the mood to bake. You might want to invest in some shading options so you have more control over the sun as its position changes throughout the day.

When it comes to artificial light, you want to do everything you can to ban overhead lighting from dominating your space since it's pretty unpleasant and often too glaring. Spreading warm light evenly through your space will create an inviting atmosphere you'll want to stick around in.

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The temperature

You're probably already doing your best to regulate the temperature throughout your entire home, but thanks to the way your home is positioned on its lot, you just might need a little more help when it comes to getting the temperature just right. The addition of fans and small heaters are a great way to help this element get to just-right, but for the winter months don't doubt the power of some cozy blankets on hand, as well. If the trouble is you're trying to keep the bills down, consider implementing energy saving ideas to help keep you cooler or warmer.

Get Rid Of Those Pests

With over 10 quintillion insects in the world, it’s no surprise that some of them find their way into our homes. If you find them crawling in corners and shacking up in your pantry it’s time to do something about them! If you’re looking for ways to keep them out without expensive bug sprays and traps, you can try these much more aesthetically pleasing options. Head here for more info on the best plants for keeping critters out of your home.




Feverfew

Feverfew is great for repelling mosquitoes and other flying biting insects. It is ideal for planting around outdoor seating areas, pathways and close to doorways and windows; for maximum benefit, plant in conjunction with citronella grass and lavender (see below).

In addition to its insect repellent qualities, feverfew also has many medicinal uses. It is historically used to help treat nervous disorders, headaches and it also works as a laxative and helps ease bloating.


Pyrethrum also known as Chrysanthemum

Pyrethrum helps to repel a whole host of insects and bugs, including: aphids, leafhoppers, spider mites, harlequin bugs and ticks.

Pyrethrum is best used as a ‘companion plant’ to protect other plants with its insect repellent properties. It is planted close to plants which are affected by the insects above.

Additionally a natural pesticide can be made with pyrethrum flowers. The flowers need to be dried and crushed and mixed with water. It is beyond the scope of this article to give specific instructions on potency etc., so please carry out further research before trying this, as even though the pesticide is completely natural, it can still be harmful to humans in certain situations.




Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal helps to repel mosquitoes, gnats and also ticks and fleas!

Pennyroyal is often used in commercial natural insect repellent creams and sprays. Pennyroyal is great to plant in the garden, but it is best utilized as a topical insect repellent applied to the skin.

If you crush pennyroyal leaves and rub them onto your skin, this acts as an effective insect repellent. Additionally, you can also crush the stems and put them in pockets, bags and hats.

Crushed pennyroyal leaves and stems can also be rubbed on dogs to help repel ticks and fleas. Actually you will often see dogs rubbing in pennyroyal patches when outdoors.



Lavender

Lavender is most useful for repelling mosquitoes and gnats when planted in the garden; it can also be planted in pots and placed by doorways and windows. As with feverfew and citronella grass; lavender is best planted in the garden around seated and eating areas and also around windows and doors.

Cut and or dried lavender can also be placed on windowsills to stop mosquitoes entering the house. Additionally, dried lavender flowers can also be used in wardrobes to repel moths and keep clothes smelling fresh.

Lavender also smells amazing and has many medicinal properties, it aids relaxation and helps promote restful sleep.



Marigolds

As with pyrethrum, marigolds are best used as a ‘companion plant’ to help protect other plants; however, marigolds do also have some mosquito repellent properties, so it’s a bit of an all-rounder.

Marigolds contain a chemical compound called thiopenes in the roots. This plant repels aphids, cabbage maggots, white flies and many other pests. Marigolds are particularly good at protecting tomato plants.


Citronella grass

Citronella grass is an old favourite; everyone knows it is commonly used as an insect repellent in outdoor candles, which are used around outdoor eating and seating areas. Citronella grass is a great mosquito repellent and it can be planted and used in a similar way as citronella candles, to keep flying insects away.

For best results, plant citronella grass in the garden and use in conjunction with feverfew and lavender.

Additionally, citronella grass has also been found to have a calming effect on barking dogs, which is worth considering if you have a dog which barks excessively day and night. Your neighbours might thank you for at least giving it a try!

Second Semester Blues

The second semester of any year is when the lack of motivation starts in college students. However, it is important to stay motivated all the way up to your last final. We have some tips on how to help you ace your second semester! These tips will make sure you finish well, and make sure you enjoy your summer! You can learn more here.

1) Do stay organized from the start

A messy living space can perpetuate equally messy academic habits. Don't shrug off the unpacking process; though it seems tedious and unimportant at your return to school, your neatly unpacked and stowed away possessions will allow greater thinking space in your dorm room. Clutter often prevents productive work, so aid your academic progress with a tidy environment.

2) Don't empty your wallet to buy brand new textbooks

Tuition often excludes the cost of books, and a semester's worth of textbooks can amount to far greater than the cash you received from your babysitting gigs over break. Rather than squandering $600 and depleting your savings, rent textbooks when possible, or purchasethose marked "used." You can start off the semester a bit less broke than the last.

3) Do give the Student Club/Activity Fair a second chance

If the excited bustle of fall semester left little room for non-academic activities, begin your pursuits at the spring semester Student Club/Activity Fair. Now that you know how much necessary time to allot to your studies, sign up for a few campus organizations to try something new or satisfy the hobbies you deserted in high school. Join a club soccer team, audition for an a cappella group, or participate in a volunteer program. Not only will you feel fulfilled, but a more structured schedule often encourages productive schoolwork.

4) Do attend the first week of classes

Yes, these courses can still be dropped. But how can you be sure they are classes worth replacing if you don't attend the first week of lectures? It is tempting during this period of relative academic lull to spend long evenings out with friends, and consequently sleep through your series of morning alarms. However, getting acclimated to your schedule early as well as keeping up with homework will assist your later success.

5) Don't abandon your New Year's Resolutions


This semester, pair academic health with physical health. No more candy bars at 2:30 a.m. while you're hunched over your chemistry textbook, or sugary cereals for all three meals. Stick to those New Year's Resolutions that you established a few weeks ago; set aside time in your day to work out at the gym, and incorporate fruits and vegetables into your diet. Just because you have new obligations at school doesn't mean you have to renounce those you planned over break.

6) Do reserve time to reconnect with friends

Academic and extracurricular focus is important, but don't forget to enjoy yourself. During college, social endeavors are arguably as significant as academic. Be sure to see the friends that you've missed during winter break - just don't waste inordinate amounts of time. Ask them to pursue those New Year's resolutions with you, and catch up while jogging the track or bicycling at the gym.

7) Don't disregard offers to meet with your academic advisor

Although classes have just begun, it is never too early to seek help from your advisor. Any inquiry about scheduling, switching majors, or satisfying credits is better off being solved ASAP. Don't allow your small questions to become monumental issues.

8) Don't form hasty judgements of your professors

You remember that professor from a previous semester - the quirky intellectual who spoke too quickly and seemed to assign an abundance of reading. Didn't your immediate narrow view of that prof cloud your ability to find the silver lining in the class? Enter this semester's classes with a clear, open mind and disregard bitterness; students tend to excel at what they enjoy.

9) Do learn from past experiences

You have been blessed with at least one semester's worth of knowledge regarding the ins and outs of surviving college. Don't repeat past mistakes: scrambling out of your dorm five minutes before class begins, attempting to write the entirety of an essay the night before it is due, consuming six cups of coffee in one day, etc. Amend unhealthy behavior and emphasize constructive habits.

10) Do keep a positive outlook

You've done it all before. Late night readings and early morning classes may seem close to impossible after a month of mental relaxation, but just remember that you possess all of the abilities to accomplish the challenges of this semester. It's easy for apprehension and stress to weigh you down, so be sure to frequent study locations that are conducive to calm and productive work - like a quiet corner of the library.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Do you have your green on today? How do you celebrate St. Patrick's Day?

Quick Easy Pizza

We all love a good night of Netflix and Pizza. However, instead of calling your favorite pizza place, you should try this easy recipe. This BBQ Chicken Pizza will quickly become your favorite. You can learn more at The Kitchn.

Add These Steps To Your Morning Routine

After you get ready in the morning, do you go to the kitchen? Getting your day started can be tough. However, these five steps may get your day off to a great start in the morning. Keep reading to learn about the five things you should do in your kitchen. You can learn more at The Kitchn.


1. Have some water and lemon.
What? No coffee or tea? We'll get there, don't worry. But before you grind those coffee beans or drop that tea bag in your mug, drink a glass of water. Add a slice of lemon if you want. It's good to rehydrate after a long night's sleep. If gulping down a tall glass of cold water in winter doesn't sound like a good time, sip on hot water with lemon. We all know drinking more water is a good idea, so this is a great way to get that habit going.


2. Put all clean, dry dishes away.
If you followed our suggestion here, then you have no dishes to put away in the morning! Yay! However, many of you said you prefer to let dishes air dry overnight, so if that's the case, put those dishes away first thing so you free up your drying rack and dishwasher for the day.


3. Water the plants or change water for herbs and flowers.
Have anything plant-like living in your kitchen? Take a few minutes first thing in the morning to pay attention to them, and you won't have to worry about forgetting later. Water the plants and refresh the water in any herb glasses or flower vases you have going.



4. Take five minutes to think through your day.
Before the day gets crazy and you suddenly find it's 5:00 and you haven't thought about dinner plans yet, take five minutes in the morning to think about what you plan to cook and eat that day. Make sure you have everything you need, or make a list of anything you need to pick up at the store. If something for today or tomorrow's meal needs to start defrosting, take it out of the freezer and put it in the refrigerator.



5. Set out any necessary cookware for the day.
After you've thought about your cooking plans, go ahead and pull out any cookware you're going to need and set it on your stove. You might keep your slow cooker on a high shelf in your pantry, or your heavy Dutch oven on the bottom of a stack of pans. Take the effort to get it all out now, and you'll save yourself a little time later. That pot or pan can be a cheery, welcoming invitation to cook as you walk back in the door.