Tag Archives: home decor

Feb6

Organic Aromas Aurora Nebulizing Diffuser Unboxing & Review

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Organic Aromas Aurora Nebulizing Diffuser Unboxing & Review

Hello everyone! We interrupt your regularly scheduled programming from my TJMaxx Winter Haul again because I have an exciting product to share with all of you! Today, we are going to be discussing my gorgeous new Aurora Nebulizing Diffuser by Organic Aromas. I have had it on nonstop in my apartment since I received it in the mail. In fact, it’s on right now as I write this post! Check out my unboxing and continue reading on for the review:

Peep this video to see it in action:

My Aurora Nebulizing Diffuser kit from Organic Aromas came with everything that I needed for soothing scents to envelope my apartment all of the time. Not only did it include all of the items that I need for cleaning it but it also came with two essential oils to get me started. I am currently using the Signature Blend essential oil, which is a lovely mixture of Elemi, Clary Sage, Cajeput, Chamomile, and Bergamot – it is divine and perfect to use when chilling at home. I also received the Peppermint oil, which will be great to help wake me up in the morning!

The amazing thing about this product is that it is pure scent particles coming out of the diffuser – not water. This provides the ultimate experience for all of your aromatherapy needs because the oils are not being diluted, giving you the full benefits of whichever essential oil you choose. As soon as I turn on my Aurora Diffuser with the Signature Blend, I instantly feel more relaxed, making it the ideal scent after a long day at work.

Not only are the products by Organic Aromas effective, but they are beautiful too. I love the pearl like shape of my diffuser because it reminds me of my engagement ring! The diffusers will enhance your home decor with their simple yet elegant designs. Some of the diffusers can even change colors with the LED lights so you can suit the color palette in your living room or bedroom.

I cannot recommend the Organic Aromas essential oils and diffusers enough. Treat yourself or someone else for a gift because you have the Lil Red Guarantee that it will make a much loved edition to anyone’s home!

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

Feb1

TJMaxx Winter Haul: Go Away Doormat

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TJMaxx Winter Haul: Go Away Doormat

Hello! Thanks to generous Christmas gift cards to TJMaxx, I had an online haul with some darling clothes and shoes which will be discussed later. I did have some returns to make, however, so ended up spending some time shopping in store for the first time in what felt like ages. It was great! I was able to make an exchange for some new skin care, birthday gifts for my niece and mom, a new sweater, and this amazing doormat that I couldn’t pass up on:

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I never go into TJMaxx with set ideas of what I would like to buy, rather, the store tells me what I need. When making my rounds through the home goods section, I wasn’t expecting to find this Fiesta doormat for a whole eight dollars and I just had to have it. I have been looking for something like this since I moved into my apartment and have never seen one in store before. I also didn’t feel like spending twenty plus bucks to order one online.

Not only did I really want this mat, but it was also a necessary purchase. Mine and Johnny’s “Come back with a warrant” doormat has seen better days and basically does nothing to help remove snow from our shoes upon entering the apartment. The nasty slush always ends up making its way into our entryway, which results in a ton of additional cleaning so this was eight dollars well spent. The course bristles and sweet sentiment will go a long way for the rest of winter! 😀

I am so excited about all of my new goodies from TJMaxx so keep it posted for more from my winter haul. Tomorrow, we will be discussing skin care and then all of the fashion afterwards. See you then!

What is one of your favorite TJMaxx purchases? What is your least favorite chore around the house? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan25

Bouquet Beauty

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Bouquet Beauty

Hello! My dad is an excellent gardener and for as long as I can remember, there is always a wildflower bouquet on the kitchen table for my mom in the summertime. It’s pretty much the sweetest thing ever and his flower arrangements are beautiful every time. My grandma also had a green thumb so, between her and my dad, the majesty of flowers is something that I have enjoyed from a young age.

I love receiving flowers as gifts and I even still have the dried roses from mine and Johnny’s “one week anniversary” of dating and an arrangement from a Valentine’s Day together. In my opinion, dried flowers are just as pretty as fresh ones and I have endless bowls on my knick knack shelf filled with dried petals.

A couple of weeks ago, Johnny’s mom surprised me with a lovely Christmas bouquet. While it looks like it has seen better days now, I still love it just the same:

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Flowers are such an amazing any time gift and they are always special to receive. It shows such thoughtfulness on behalf of the bouquet giver and I was so appreciative to Johnny’s mom for this gift. Although I am constantly cleaning off dried petals from the floor, I just can’t part with the arrangement. It also makes a fine centerpiece on my coffee table with my other vases of dried flowers. Plus, how pretty are those Lil Red blooms?! 😀

Dried or fresh, flowers are the best and I smile every time I look at mine. Talk about a gift that keeps on giving! ❤

What is your favorite flower? Who else has a green thumb? 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

Jan11

6 Features You Need In A Modern Apartment   

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6 Features You Need In A Modern Apartment   

If you’re looking for a new modern apartment, there are some features that you shouldn’t skimp out on to make your place the ultimate place to be. Modern means comfort as well as aesthetic so look out for the following during your apartment hunt:

Built-In Closets:

When you live in an apartment, built-in closets are important. Not only are they space-saving, but they also help to declutter your home. What’s more, you don’t have to go to the expense of buying your own shelving and chests of drawers – it’s all done for you. The best built-in closets have sliding doors for extra space-saving and mirrored surfaces for extra primping. Lots of storage options tends to be high on the list for what people want when moving into a new apartment. When you enter a search for “Studio Apartments in Downtown Los Angeles” (or your local area), you will be able to see pictures or virtual tours of the properties. Take the time to look through them thoroughly so you can focus on the locations with your preferred storage options.

Ice Maker Refrigerator:

Most apartments come with kitchen appliances as standard. However, the vast majority of them do not have ice makers. While having an ice maker might not sound like an essential feature, you’d be surprised how often you need it. Whenever you entertain or make yourself a cold drink in the summer months, it comes in handy. Don’t overlook it.

A Balcony:

Most apartments near me, especially the new ones, have balconies. These days, they’re almost standard. The reason for this is simple: people want outdoor spaces where they can lounge in the summer and enjoy themselves. They don’t want to feel claustrophobic while looking at the fine weather through the window passing them by.

In some situations, you may also be able to make do with a Juliet balcony. Just make sure that it is safe, particularly if you have kids.

A Walk-In Shower:

When it comes to shower facilities, modern apartments can be quite appealing. That’s because many of them are now offering buyers walk-in showers. These get rid of the shower cubicles of old and replace them with a more natural, functional design. They’re particularly helpful for anyone living with a disability. The way they work is pretty simple too. Instead of using a cubicle to create a drain for the water, walk-in showers use the entire floor of the room. The whole thing is graded downwards towards a central drain that scoots all of the wastewater off into the plumbing. Most come with non-slip flooring too, helping you to keep your balance.

If you are updating your apartments for rent, replacing a bath with a shower is a great place to start. It will instantly modernize the bathroom, offer some additional space, and fits in better with the on the go lifestyle of your tenants.

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^^^ Unsplash Image

Programmable Lighting:

If you’re buying a modern apartment, it will almost certainly come with programmable lighting. This feature allows you to change the color and intensity of the light with the press of a button. Programmable lighting can also be a lot of fun. You can create sequences that dance through different types of light or react to the music you’re playing.

Hard Floors:

While carpeted apartments can be nice, you’re often better off with hard floors. They’re easier to clean and far less prone to damage which could affect your deposit. Of course, if you want it to feel soft under foot, you can always put down rugs. Just remember to attach sticky tacks to the back so that they don’t slip and slide across the floor.

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^^^ Unsplash Image

A modern apartment should include all of the extra touches that make your living experience more enjoyable. Don’t be afraid to shop around until you find the place perfect for you!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Jan11

Happy Haulidays: Bestie Edition

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Happy Haulidays: Bestie Edition

Hello! This past Wednesday, my best friend of fourteen years, Lea, and I had our holiday gift exchange. It may have been a bit late but it still felt like Christmas magic to me. As soon as she walked in the door, we immediately began opening presents and spent the evening girl talking away. I am so in love with what my best girl gifted me with and my new flower pressed coasters she got me from Etsy already have a very special place on my coffee table:

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Lea and I both know the value of receiving bath and body care during gift exchanges so I was very excited for some eos brand goodies to add to my beauty hoard. I have only ever used their lip balms before, which are fabulous, so I can’t wait to test out the lotion and hand cream. Eos is a brand that I have always been interested in, but would never buy for myself so it was a perfect present.

Of course, the piece de resistance were the handmade coasters that she purchased off of Etsy. We both share an affinity for shopping on Etsy and my gifts from her were actually ordered on there too. I have never owned coasters before so it definitely felt like moving up in the adult world. And, what an amazing place to start because they are beautiful! 😀

For over fourteen years, Lea and I have participated in gift exchanges and it will never get old. It is so special to share holidays and birthdays with her and, oh yeah, half of our lives too. She is the best friend a gal could ask for and I love her so much! ❤

How do you celebrate holidays with your bestie? Do you have a favorite Etsy shop? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan3

How Your Location Affects Your Home Design   

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How Your Location Affects Your Home Design   

Many things can influence your design choices when you decorate your home, or even when you renovate or build a home from scratch. One of the things that might affect your home design is your location, which can have an impact on your choices for both practical and aesthetic reasons. You may need to consider the local environment and weather when designing your home, among other things. Your location can affect your home design in several ways, whether consciously or through having a less direct impact on your choices.

If you’re thinking about how to build, renovate, or decorate your home, you might want to consider some of these things:

Design in Keeping with Local Style:

Designing your home so that it’s in keeping with other homes in the area is something that may or may not concern you. For some people, it’s an essential thing to think about, especially if there are any local ordinances or you’re part of a homeowners association that might set rules for what your home should look like. Others might not be so concerned with fitting in and making their home look like others in the neighborhood. But the preferred local style can help to inspire you.

Of course, if you are considering new construction homes in Las Cruces (or your local area), the appearance of your home’s exterior is predetermined. This isn’t a bad thing, though, because you can add your own style into the popular local appearance. That is part of the fun of being a homeowner! Grow gorgeous rose bushes for a pop of color. Have your kiddos paint flower pots and planters. Perhaps you will add twinkling fairy lights on your front porch. Don’t think of homes like this as lacking style, but an opportunity to make it your own.

Being Prepared for Weather Events and Natural Disasters:

Your home’s location can influence design in very practical ways too. If you live in an area that experiences storms, hurricanes, earthquakes, or flooding, it’s important that your home is protected. This can lead to you searching for hurricane windows near me, hurricane shutters, pumps for your basement, strong guttering systems, and other essentials to protect you and your home. Of course, these things can affect what your home looks like and how it’s constructed. However, they don’t have to prevent you from making stylish choices.

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^^^ Pixabay Image

Be Influenced By the Environment:

The environment surrounding your home might influence your design choices, whether consciously or not. You can use the colors and textures of the world that surrounds you when making decisions for the design of your home. You can also find that the local environment affects your home design in terms of what natural resources are available or which plants grow best in the local soil and climate. If you want to use your local environment for inspiration, it could help you to choose the right color scheme for your decor.

Using Locally Produced Goods:

Using locally produced goods for your home can be a great way to incorporate elements of your location into your home design. For example, you can look for furniture that has been crafted in the local area or choose art and home accessories that have been created by local artists. This will not only give your home more of a local flavor and connect it to the region, but it will also mean that you are supporting local businesses and your local economy.

Let your home’s location influence and help inspire your design for the best looking home on the block!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Jan2

Awesome Apartment Ideas To Improve Your Space

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Awesome Apartment Ideas To Improve Your Space

It can be challenging to find time for yourself between work, school, and trying to keep up with friends and family. And when you finally find some free time, there is always something else that needs attention at home! Today, we are going to look at some quick and simple fixes to improve your apartment space so you can spend your free time on you and you alone. Let’s get to it:

Upgrade Your Furniture:

One of the easiest ways to make your apartment feel new is upgrading your furniture. This can be as simple as buying a new couch or bed or it can be more complex, like installing built-in shelving or cabinets. By upgrading your furniture, you’ll not only make your home look nicer, but you’ll also have added storage and seating options.

Create a Functional Space:

If you’re short on living space, you can create a functional space. This could be anything from setting up a home office to creating an extra storage area. By utilizing every square foot of your apartment, you’ll be able to keep your home more organized and make it feel larger.

Decorate Your Exterior:

The exterior of your home is just as important as the interior. One way to spruce up your apartment is by adding a new mailbox, painting the front door a bright color if you’re allowed, and planting flowers in planters on either side of the entrance. Adding these components to the exterior will provide curb appeal and make your apartment feel brighter with homey touches.

Don’t forget functional ways to improve your exterior space too. This could be adding fairy lights to brighten up the porch at night, creating a wildlife window, or some fun doormats. If opting for the latter, you will want to look for waterproof doormats for the outdoors that will provide a pop of color as well as somewhere to clean off dirty shoes before coming inside.

Add Greenery:

Adding greenery to your home is a great way to improve the air quality and reduce stress levels. Not only that, but plants can also get used to decorate your house. Some easy to maintain plants perfect for apartments include spider plants, aloe vera, and bamboo palms.

Hang Up More Mirrors:

Mirrors have a way of making any space feel larger. So by hanging up more mirrors in your apartment, you’ll be able to reflect light and create the illusion of more space. Not only will this make your home look nicer, but it will also help to brighten up any dark corners.

Install Track Lighting:

If you’re looking for a way to instantly improve the look of your apartment, installing track lighting is equally a great option. Track lighting can be used to highlight specific areas in your home or to provide general illumination. Plus, it’s a relatively easy DIY project that you can do with minimal tools and skills.

Refresh Your Decor:

One of the easiest ways to give your apartment a fresh look is by changing your decor. This can be as simple as repainting a wall or adding new throw pillows. By changing your decor regularly, you’ll be able to keep your home looking new and stylish. Updated art installations are also a great way to change things up. Perhaps with these cool High-Quality Metal Prints- Expertly Crafted, a smart canvas display, or photography wall to showcase your favorite memories.

When you implement these awesome apartment ideas, you’ll be able to quickly refresh your space for a more relaxing and enjoyable home experience.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Dec31

What To Consider When Installing A Water Fountain In Your Yard

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What To Consider When Installing A Water Fountain In Your Yard

When looking for ways to make the front yard more beautiful, many people might consider adding a water fountain. Usually made of stone or metal, these fountains are available in different shapes and sizes. Not only will they add something nice to look at to your yard, but they have several benefits that will help you in the long run.

Although the costs of installing a fountain can be steep upfront, it is generally affordable afterwards. The only costs will be in the initial fountain purchase and in water expenses over time to maintain it, which in most cases, is extremely minimal.

Of course, there are considerations to take into account before spending your hard-earned money. For one, you’ll want to make sure there is an electrical outlet nearby or that you can put one in. You also want to make sure the area surrounding the fountain is level and free of any rocks, plants, or hard materials. Here are some things that you should consider when purchasing a fountain for your front yard:

What are the benefits of having a water fountain?

One of the benefits of a fountain is that it can help keep mosquitoes and other pests away. Mosquitoes breed in moist areas, such as ponds or streams. If you fill your water fountain with mosquito-repelling plants, then you’ll help reduce the number of mosquitoes around your yard without having to use any harmful chemicals.

Another benefit to a water fountain is that it will contribute to the beauty of your front yard. Adding a water fountain to your yard can be as simple as finding one that fits in with the natural landscape and features of your yard. But you could also go all out and have a custom-made fountain designed for your yard specifically.

Where should you put the water fountain?

Now that you know why a water fountain might be a good idea for your front yard, you should consider where to put it. You want to make sure that it’s properly situated against your home or another object to avoid having the water spray right onto the side of your house or into someone’s yard. You also want a spot with good visibility so everyone can enjoy it.

If there isn’t a space for your fountain that inspires you, you can always create one. Hardscaping with paving can form a spot that will tie the aesthetic together rather than the fountain looking randomly placed. Professionals like sanantoniopavers.com or an expert in your local area can help you realize this vision to make your backyard the place to be.

How much does it cost to install a water fountain?

Depending on the size and style of the fountain, you might pay anywhere from $100 to $5,000 for it. Keep in mind that if you want something custom made or made of rare materials, then you’ll probably end up paying more than you would if you went with something more generic.

You’ll also have to pay for labor unless you’re installing it yourself. Aside from the people you’ll be paying to install the fountain, you might want to hire paving contractors to install pavers around the area. This way, your fountain won’t scratch up the lawn, and you’ll also be able to add a nice touch by having lights added underneath.

How long will it take to install a water fountain?

The installation time for a water fountain can vary depending on what kind you get and whether you have it installed professionally or by yourself. If you have hired professionals, they’ll usually be able to install your fountain in one day. However, if you’re installing it yourself, it will probably take several days to complete the installation process.

There are many benefits to adding a water fountain in your front yard. Not only do they look beautiful and keep pests away, but they also make soothing sounds to replace the noise of cars and kids playing. What a wonderful way to relax!

Dec22

Welcome, Friends! Improving Your Entryway

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Welcome, Friends! Improving Your Entryway

In a previous post, we have touched on the importance of the entryway of your home. Today, we are going to delve further into this with some tips to make your place appear even more welcoming to your guests and friends this holiday season. Let’s get started:

The Front Door:

Your entryway, of course, begins at your front door so you will want it looking its best.
It is an essential investment to get energy efficient entry doors. Not only will it boost the appearance but it will help keep the cold air out and the warmth in. So important in the wintertime! Think carefully about the color you choose, too. A bright yellow or blue offers a playful vibe while a deep red or chocolate adds a touch of sophistication.

Outdoor Lighting:

When considering your front door, you must also think about the lighting going on outside. From an aesthetic and safety perspective you will certainly want some type of lighting installed if you don’t already have it. Especially if you have stairs that lead to your front door – you don’t want anyone tripping. A glowing light by your door will also turn into a beacon when you have guests over and they are having difficulty finding your house!

Accessories:

Both indoors and out, accessories are important. A wreath on the door and welcome mats are a great place to start. Welcome mats are also a fun way to let people know that you have dogs! My personal favorite being “knock and let me sing you the song of my people”. Ha! You will also want an indoor mat for guests to wipe off their shoes before treading mud into the home.

For your indoor entryway, consider a coat and shoe rack, a key or purse holder on the wall, and a basket with extra phone chargers for the ultimate welcome into your place.

Clean Regularly:

For your outdoor entryway, make sure you sweep around it regularly. Leaves and debris can cause a safety hazard. Don’t forget to salt it during the winter months to help prevent delivery people and guests from slipping. For your indoor entryway, contain the clutter not just in the actual space but rooms that are visible when walking into the door. It’s a little thing but it makes a big difference.

Roll out the welcome wagon with the tips above as you prepare your house for guests this holiday season!