When I was 5 years old, my family moved from Mobile, Alabama to Oak Ridge, Tennessee. We then spent most vacations each summer driving back to Alabama to visit relatives. I was the youngest of three and often spent my time with one of my parents during these trips, but I usually enjoyed it. My mother would take me to visit her cousin Annie. Annie and her husband never had children. Every visit we sat in the 3 season glassed porch where Annie felt I would do the least damage. She was very nervous when we sat in the living room with her beautiful glass decorations. If I actually even slightly moved my shoulder, she reacted. Needless to say, I didn’t enjoy our visits. My mother always complimented Annie on her beautiful home. I didn’t like sitting on a sofa covered in plastic.
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How To Have An Eco Friendly Kitchen
Yesterday I shared a review of kitchen design trends. Today I’d like us to consider ways to make our kitchens more environmentally friendly. Even the smallest of choices we each make can create a massive impact on the environment when combined with others. If you’re looking for ways to be eco-friendly, you can easily start right in your own kitchen. Designing a kitchen that incorporates sustainable materials like stone, granite and wood, is far better for the planet and will give a natural, organic aesthetic. Natural stone and wooden cabinets are not only sustainable, but long-lasting, durable and offer timeless style.
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9 Ways To Bring Light Into The Home
The summer season will be coming to an end shortly. Many of us are looking forward to fall color and the change in seasons after a really hot summer. I know I am. Then for many people the skies become dimmer and even sometimes grey. The lack of light when I lived further north is really one of the reasons I moved to Florida decades ago. Winters with cold nights and long evenings and little light make me sad as it does many other people. (See Seasonal Affective Disorder for more information on dealing with SAD.)
It’s time now as you plan and transition into another season to consider how to bring light in your home during the months ahead. Nothing compares to the warm feeling of sunshine across your face especially during a cold, dreary winter. Natural light is important for so much more than aesthetics. Natural light helps to regulate your body’s sleep-wake cycle. Your sleep cycle is regulated by circadian rhythms, where you begin to wake and rise when you are exposed to natural light (sunrise) and where you begin to wind down when natural light reduces (night). According to The Active Times, there are 15 Health Benefits of Sunshine.. It is advised to get at least 10-15 minutes of sunlight daily. Sunlight has a huge impact on depression, seasonal affective disorder and sleep quality and can help you lose weight.
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Ideas for Adding Greeenery to Your Home
During the holidays many people bring greenery into the home. It is an ancient tradition in many countries. Designers seem to effortlessly create their dreamy, calming, welcoming spaces. Today let’s look at ways to add greenery to your home not only for the holidays, but also for year round enjoyment. I hope we all get inspired. Your house is the ultimate reflection of your own unique personality, so why not make some much-needed changes to suit your tastes? Consider all of the ideas below, and hopefully you will find inspiration for small additions to your space.
5 Ways To Find Home Decor Inspiration
One of the most difficult things about decorating your home is often coming up with decor ideas. Inspiring ideas look great and can transform your home from mediocre to something that is so impressive that everyone will want to copy your style. I know many of us spend a lot of time watching shows on HGTV and getting inspired by home makeovers. I also love visiting other blogs for a different perspective in seasonal decor. Today let’s look at other ways to find home decor ideas that rock…
Decorate Your Home for Happiness
It’s been almost a year of the pandemic. Boredom is a result most of us are familiar with. Life awaits us with adventures to be had, relationships to forge and nurture, new experiences and opportunities behind every corner. Yet we still have fears and limits to what we can do safely during this time. The result is we spend most of our time within our homes. Last Sunday I wrote about how my home is my haven and asked what is your refuge. Today let’s consider how our home affects our happiness and mental health.
Roses & A Stone Bird
When I feel like I can’t stand another day staying at home, I try to find something that brings me joy. It can be a simple thing – like flowers. Roses are one of my favorite flowers. You can grow roses in Florida but it’s really hard and takes lots of work. Roses really aren’t happy when it’s always hot. They can burn out and must be fed constantly. I’ve not had luck growing them here and just buy my roses.
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