Tag Archives: bright

Mar26

Spring Flowers

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Spring Flowers

Howdy!! One of my favorite times of the year is right now. Winter is almost over, the promise of spring is so close, and it feels like anything is possible. The thing I look forward to the most is seeing spring flowers begin to pop up because it just makes me happy. After the grey, snowy days of winter, there is nothing better than seeing beautiful blooms and spring flowers are some of my favorites too. Daffodils, crocuses, and hyacinths brighten my day and I always try to take a moment to appreciate them. This past week, I was thrilled to see yellow daffodils in my parents’ yard – even though it was snowing!

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Last week was a bit of a doozy for yours truly. I, unfortunately, had to stop going to therapy because mine and Johnny’s insurance is garbage. As you can imagine, this was really disappointing for me. It felt like I had literally just found a therapist I was comfortable with and then it got taken away. However, there wasn’t anything I could do after paying over seven hundred dollars in under one month. And, on top of that, my beloved Little Red Love Machine started making some crazayyyy noises so it was an expensive repair on top of the medical expenses. Talk about stressful!

As I left my mom and dad’s house feeling not my best, I noticed the daffodils in the yard and couldn’t believe I didn’t see them on my way in. I guess I had my blinders on! Instead of getting in my car and going straight home, I took some time standing as the snow fell to take it in. Even though the flowers were getting snowed on, they were still adding gorgeous color to the world. It was a nice metaphor for what I was going through in that immediate moment. Despite feeling sad, I can still do my best to continue to shine and that made the situation a bit more bearable. ❤

Spring Flowers are short lived and I am glad that I took those extra moments to let that fleeting beauty sink in. I needed some daffodils that day and I left chez parents feeling better than I did before.

What is your favorite flower? What is your favorite time of the year? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar27

Let The Light Shine In Your Home

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Let The Light Shine In Your Home

If your home feels dark and cramped, you may be interested in learning how to achieve a brighter, airier look. This can be done by doing some simple decorating and home improvements. Here are a few tips to get you started:

Paint the walls a lighter color:

Painting the walls a lighter color is an easy and effective way to brighten up and air out your home. Lighter colors such as white, pale gray, and taupe give rooms a feeling of spaciousness, while deeper colors can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. To maximize the light reflection in any room, opt for glossy paint finishes instead of flat or matte paints. Additionally, using a semi-gloss finish on the trim around doors and windows will help to enhance the brightness of the space.

For maximum impact, consider painting just one wall in an accent hue to create visual interest without overwhelming the room. When selecting lighter colors, it’s important to look at sample chips in different lighting conditions throughout the day so that you’re confident that they will work with your existing decor. With a few simple changes like these you can easily achieve an airier home with plenty of light.

Install some bigger windows:

Installing larger windows or increasing the existing window sizes can significantly brighten up a space. Natural light is key to achieving an airy feel and making small spaces appear bigger. When selecting new windows for the window company to install, opt for designs that have multiple panes of glass, as this will help to maximize sunlight in your home while also helping to trap warm air during the cooler months. You could also consider installing some skylights, as they’ll provide more natural light and add character to any room.

Add more lighting fixtures:

Adding additional overhead lights is another way to bring much-needed illumination into the dark corners of a room. Consider replacing old light fixtures with modern ones that direct the light downwards for maximum brightness without being too stark or overwhelming the space. Installing dimmers is also a great way to conserve energy while allowing you to adjust the lighting in each room depending on how much light you need at any given time.

Hang some mirrors:

Mirrors are great for reflecting light around a room and making it feel more spacious. Place one near a window to make the most of natural sunlight and to help create an airy ambiance in any room. Alternatively, group several small mirrors together on a wall for maximum reflection and visual impact.

These simple tips can help you achieve a brighter, airier home with minimal effort. But if you want to go the extra mile, consider adding indoor plants or nature-inspired art pieces that will bring life and energy into your living space while adding color and texture to your decor. With these few changes, you’ll be able to enjoy the bright, open atmosphere of your newly refreshed home in no time!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Mar14

Brighten Up Your Home With These Simple Tricks

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Brighten Up Your Home With These Simple Tricks

If you feel like your home is gloomy and dark, then you will know how frustrating this can be to work with. You may feel that anything you do to your home doesn’t work and this can work against you. If you want to brighten your home today, check out these simple tricks to put some sunshine back in your step and decor:

Use White Furniture:

Where possible, you should try to use white furniture over dark colors. Think about using white bookcases, cream couches, or even tables. If you have dark wood or dark floors then you may not want to replace it. That being said, adding a white, or light rug is a fantastic way for you to make a positive change here. If you are scared about getting your rug dirty, then think about getting one that can be washed for a no muss no fuss option.

Keep Tall Items Away from Natural Light:

If you have a large bookcase, plant, shelf or any other furniture that is blocking the light in your home. then you need to move them. It is recommended that you put big pieces of furniture at the opposite end of the room to where your windows are. If you can do this, then you will be able to let in a lot of natural light and this will work in your favor.

Use White Curtains:

Having thick curtains is always nice but at the same time they can block out a lot of natural light. If you want to do something about this, try and buy some white, sheer curtains. When you do this, you will be able to let a lot of natural light into the room and you can also add a lot of drama, which will spice things up. If you feel as though your windows are looking a bit old and tired, then now could be the time for you to look up the best window replacement brand so you can give your home an instant face lift..

Add some Mirrors:

Mirrors come in very handy, especially when you look at home decor. They help to make your home look bigger than it actually is and they also reflect any natural light. If you want to make a big difference here, think about adding a mirror to your dark room to see what a change you could bring about.

Paint:

This is an obvious, but important suggestion. If your home has very dark paint then you may be giving off a dark feel overall. Paint can transform a room, so try and add some white paint or even light grey. When you do this you will be able to see a huge change in the way that your home feels. Why not experiment with some lighter tones and see what happens!

The bright days of spring will soon be upon us. Let the sunshine into your home by enhancing the natural light with the tips above!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Mar26

Happy Spring!

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Happy Spring!

Hello everyone! I know I’m a little late to the party but Happy Spring! After what felt like an eternity of winter, I am so happy that spring is finally here. It feels so good to get into my car every day for work and not freeze my nads off and for that, I am thankful lol. I have already been enjoying the high sixties weather with trips to the park with my niece, coloring with chalk on the driveway with her, and helping my dad in the yard.

I know that spring is officially here when all of my dad’s flowers begin popping up:

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Throughout the pandemic, Johnny and I have stayed hunkered down to do our part in keeping ourselves and loved ones safe. Come springtime, it feels so good to be outdoors after spending so much time inside. Not to mention all of the delightful fashion options that comes with nice weather. Goodbye bulky winter coats and hello sweet sweaters, skirts, and dresses!

This spring, I am looking forward to outdoor drinks and dining with Johnny and our friends, pretty flowers, and running around the yard with my niece. Nothing is better than feeling sunshine on your face to kiss that seasonal depression goodbye until next winter lol. Despite never getting back the hour of sleep that we lost, which is the only downside of spring, I am so ready for bright, beautiful days ahead and I hope the same goes for all of you. ❤

Happy Spring!!

What are you most looking forward to this spring? What is your favorite outdoor activity? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan20

Making A Small Home Feel Spacious

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Making A Small Home Feel Spacious

There are plenty of benefits to having a small home, one of the biggest would be the fact that smaller homes are significantly more eco-friendly compared to larger ones. Less energy is used to warm up the space, and this on its own means there is less of a chance of furnace repair or high energy costs. While small homes have their perks such as being more sustainable, it’s understandable why people would prefer to gravitate more towards larger spaces.

Larger spaces tend to make people feel happy. There is more breathing more in a large space and more privacy. Larger spaces also tend to look better from an interior design perspective. But what about living in a small space? While small spaces are far more eco-friendly, is there a way to make them feel more spacious? These tips can help:

Add a lot of lighting:

Lighting is one of the best ways to create a spacious look for your home. Most (but not all) smaller homes, especially apartments, will tend to have low ceilings. Low ceilings essentially add fuel to the fire of having a space look far too small. So you’ll want to think about creating illusions and how to maintain them.

When it comes to spaces, it’s best to utilize natural lighting whenever possible, but it’s also acceptable to have artificial lighting too. You’ll want the space to be very bright. One idea for carrying out this bright space can include adding some lamps in corners of the room, removing curtains, and placing mirrors on the wall where they can easily reflect light. Doing all of this will help in achieving an airy space.

Be wise with your furnishing choices:

When it comes to furniture, it can be quite tricky. Sure, you want a style in your home that feels right for you. That’s completely understandable but you should also keep in mind what your options are too. If your furniture is too big and bulky, then it’s only going to cut down on the free space that you have in your home. You may be better off cutting down on the statement pieces that you have and pick pieces of furniture that have multiple functions such as a couch with storage space or an ottoman-chair combination.

Always declutter:

You should make a habit of decluttering on a regular basis. This can also help with your mental health as tight and cramped spaces tend to make people feel anxious. Decluttering allows you to give yourself the mental challenge of what you can and can’t part with and will help open the space up. This is not to say to clear out your entire home but to limit the objects that are making your space feel cramped.

Making a smaller home feel larger is all about making smart choices and creating illusions. Using storage spaces will be your friend, too, and there is no shame in tucking away those odds and ends you don’t know what to do with!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Dec17

Face Mask Festivities: Burt’s Bees Brightening Sheet Mask Edition

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Face Mask Festivities: Burt’s Bees Brightening Sheet Mask Edition

Howdy! We are nearing the end of the Face Mask Festivities posts from my Target Haul and I hope that they have proved useful to you as you purchase your last minute stocking stuffers for the holidays. I know that I have enjoyed the extra pampering! 😀

Today, we are going to be discussing the most expensive mask that I purchased – a brightening sheet mask by Burt’s Bees. I didn’t even know that this brand had face masks too and at five or so dollars, it felt like a splurge. I thought that this mask would work well considering its price but it ended up being one of my least favorite ones from my haul. Let’s discuss:

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^^^ Lol

While most of the masks that I bought were specifically for dry skin due to the cold, I never say no to some extra brightening and added the Burt’s Bees mask to my cart. I was really excited to try this mask because I had such high hopes for it and this probably left me even more disappointed with the results – or lack thereof.

I will start by saying that this mask stayed put on my face very well, which I was impressed by. It fit nice and snug and once it was on, there was minimal sliding off for the ten plus minutes of wearing it. Unfortunately, that’s about all that the Burt’s Bees Brightening mask had going for it. -_-

After removing the mask, I couldn’t wait to see how my skin looked and I noticed no visible differences. When it comes to judging the effectiveness of a mask, I hope to see my skin looking better than when I complete my normal skin care routine. While the mask did feel good, the results were pretty much nonexistent and is one that I wouldn’t buy again.

Five dollars is incredibly cheap for a face mask but the ones from Target that I was most impressed with were over a dollar less. You are not missing out by not buying this mask so five dollars saved is five dollars earned… You’re welcome! ❤ Haha, tune in tomorrow for the last face mask from my haul!

What are your thoughts on this mask if you have used it? What is your favorite drugstore brand? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun23

How to Easily Brighten Up Your Home On a Budget

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How to Easily Brighten Up Your Home On a Budget

If your home is looking a little dull, what are some of the things you can do to brighten it up without spending much? If you want to get creative with your living space but don’t have a huge budget, there are plenty of ways that you can change the look and feel of your house without breaking the bank. Here are a few suggestions for easy ways to brighten up your home on a budget:

Paint the Walls:

A fresh coat of paint can significantly brighten up space and, when on a budget, you don’t have to work on the entire house but can paint one or two walls in each room. Make sure to choose bright colors that coordinate well with your decor. For a more professional outcome, consult interior painting companies. You’ll make fewer mistakes and end up with satisfactory results. For affordable color schemes, try pastels or choose a single color for the whole space.

Add Plants or Flowers:

Plants add life to any setting and are an affordable option when livening up space. You can also use plants and flowers to hide out-of-place furniture in your living room, hallway, or kitchen. Choose vibrant flowers that will make the space feel fresh, new, and elegant. Flowers and plants also make a room look expensive without spending a fortune. If you have some extra time, try planting some vegetables in containers for decoration inside the house. For the best results, place the plants at strategic locations near the windows and the front door to give your home a more natural look.

Buy New Curtains or Rugs:

One of the easiest ways to change a room is by replacing the curtains with new lighter or brighter ones. Switching your rugs up is another good option too. If you can’t replace all of the curtains or rugs in your house, start with the ones in the living room, then move on to other rooms such as bedrooms and kitchen. The most used rooms should come first.

White and Off-White Décor:

Just about any color scheme looks good with white or off-white décor, so it’s a great way to create a new look without spending much money. To get the most out of your investment, buy furniture, wallpaper, and artwork in coordinating but bright colors. This will make your home feel more spacious and radiant.

Lighting:

Think about the colors of light bulbs you use. Warm-colored light will create a cozy atmosphere that can make any room feel more inviting. This type of lighting is better in rooms for relaxation like the living room and bedroom. Brighter white lighting is good for rooms with high activity like the kitchen. You may also want to consider adding decorative lighting like table lamps or wall sconces for an even softer glow.

Refresh Carpets:

Vacuum and shampoo carpets, then add a deodorizer to keep smells at bay and refresh the color so they don’t look dull. If you’ve had the carpets for a while, replacing them eventually would be a worthwhile investment.

As you will realize, these suggestions don’t require much money and most of them are easy DIY projects – no local professional required!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Mar30

A Sunshiney Day

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A Sunshiney Day

Hi! I had a random day off this past week and it just so happened to be on the most glorious spring day with weather in the seventies. The only thing on my agenda other than writing was dropping off some laundry to my sister and, instead of going to her house, she suggested we meet at the park so my niece, Valerie, could play. This sounded like the perfect plan to me and I was counting down the hours until our meeting because I knew it would be fun!

In the greater Akron area in Ohio, there are countless places to enjoy the weather when it’s nice out like Metro Parks for hiking, lakes for swimming, and playgrounds for the little ones. My sister, Kristen, and I actually ended up taking Val Gal to one of the parks that we used to play at all the time when we were kids and it hit right in the nostalgia. With Valerie and Kristen’s senior foster dog, Baby, in tow we spent over an hour at the park running around, swinging, sliding, and teeter-tottering.

Being an aunt is one of the best things that has ever happened to me and I treasure any time that I get to spend with my lil niece. I love watching my sister be the amazing mom that I knew she would be and we are both constantly in stitches together over Val and her “goofball” ways, as Kristen always says.

Just one hour in the park and sunshine with my sis, Val, and Baby put me in the best mood and it was such an awesome way to welcome the beautiful weather. Whenever I am feeling blue, I always remember that Val can say “Hi, TT” to me now and it instantly makes everything better. My sister and her daughter are my number one BFFs (And my mom, of course!) and I am so lucky to have them and am so thankful for the wonderful time we spent together at the park! ❤

How do you enjoy the outdoors in your area? What was your favorite thing on the playground when you were little? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb11

Dim Lighting In Your House? Brighten Things Up!

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Dim Lighting In Your House? Brighten Things Up!

There is absolutely nothing worse than settling in on the couch with a good book, only to realize that you don’t have adequate lighting to read with. Believe me, I know, because the lighting in my apartment is awful (There is only one usable window.) and reading during the evening and, honestly, sometimes during the day is next to impossible. If the lighting in your place is lackluster, then follow these tips to brighten your space up:

Installing Windows:

If the lighting in your living room or home office is too dim to get your work done efficiently, then how about installing a few windows with Plantation Shutters to let the sunshine in? Not only will this brighten your space and improve your property value but the additional lighting will also make the room appear bigger! It’s a total win/win and your house plants will be thanking you for that extra boost of sunshine! You can shop with Model Space Designs for the finishing touches of curtains and drapery for your new installation.

Improving What You Have:

One of the most simple fixes that you can make when it comes to improving the brightness in your home is replacing your light bulbs with those of a higher wattage. Dimmer bulbs are nice, of course, when you are settling in for the evening. However, they are less than effective when you still have a whole work from home day ahead of you! Experiment with a few different light bulbs to find the one that works best for each space you would like to brighten.

If simply replacing the bulbs in your home isn’t enough to lighten the space, this might be time to call in an Electrician in Mill Creek, WA or your local area. You will be able to design a lighting plan together that will make your home the best and brightest yet!

Accessory Lighting:

Expertly placed table lamps, standing lamps, or fairy lights will not only assist in the brightening process but help to accessorize your space, as well. These are options that won’t break your bank, either. I have had great success at finding budget friendly but effective standing lamps at Target. I even have quite a few table lamps that I found at the Goodwill for a more unique fixture.

If you’re looking to really brighten up your space and make a statement too, neon lighting could be the way to go. I bought my husband a Rolling Stones neon sign for Christmas and he loves it. There are a ton of different signs for different themes in your decor. This astronaut neon light would be especially cool in a space themed room. Don’t forget the star stickers on the ceiling!

If you’re not feeling outer spacey, www.neonfilter.com allows you to create customized neon lights for your home or business. A neon “welcome” sign that leads into your game room will definitely be a cool way to brighten things up.

Change The Room’s Color Palette:

A room with dark paint on the walls and furniture to match is stylish, yes, but it will also make your room feel closed in and dim even with the lights on. Changing the color palette of the room will not only open up your space but will allow the light to bounce around, creating even more brightness. With spring just around the corner, now is a great time to reevaluate the color palette in the problem area.

From big fixes like installing windows to simple improvements like merely changing your light bulb wattage, you will no longer have to live in the Dark Age in your own home! Brighten things up, sink into your couch, and finally crack open that book you’ve been itching to read!

Feb9

Spring Flowers To Brighten Your Day

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Spring Flowers To Brighten Your Day

Hello! Every time I show up at my parents’ house, there is always the most beautiful bouquet of flowers in a vase on the kitchen table. Not only is my dad an extremely skilled gardener but he also can prepare arrangements of flowers like nobody’s business. Whenever I go to chez parents, I look forward to what flowers are going to be on the table next and I was delighted by brightly colored and oh so spring tulips the last time I was there. Check it out:

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Even though we’re barely into February and still have quite a bit of winter to go, it feels so good to think about spring and all of the exciting things that come with it. Warmer weather means flowers, light jackets, and the opportunity to meet with friends outside. It feels so far away but, I swear, seeing these sunburst tulips made me feel like spring was just around the corner – despite the fact that there was a lot of snow on the ground!

My dad has been bringing home beautiful flowers for everyone to enjoy (especially my mom!) for as long as I can remember. The tulips have easily been my favorite arrangement in a while, as I’m partial to his summer flower bouquets, and I just had to share them with all of you. And, just maybe it will help to put a spring in your step on this cold winter’s day. ❤

What is your favorite flower? What makes you think of spring? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah