mrs_mouse's Profile

Oh, and for people with kids... why not get their "help" while you are cleaning? What kid doesn't love to "dust" with a real feather-duster?? Or "wipe" the front of the kitchen cabinets for you with a dry cloth? I have a friend whose toddler gets upset if she doesn't let him "vacuum" when she is cleaning. It's only 20 minutes of keeping your kid entertained by your side, and it will set them up with GREAT habits for the rest of their lives.

GREAT post! Thanks!!
I'm a designer, and it has always been hard for me to "choose a style" for my own space, because I love elements of EVERY style! I am equally drawn to modern, clean, minimalist spaces and opulent, broken-in, traditional ones... Do I love something a bit earthy and eclectic, or something slick and techy? Roller shades or swagged velvet??
I have finally gotten some guts at home, and begun to incorporate ALL those elements into a unique and quirky space that truly represents my hubby and I. I discovered there ARE ways for my books, alpaca wool throws, and eames chairs to play off against his dutch family heirlooms, action figures, and home-made tv stand (yes, those are all ACTUAL things in our living room right now) in a way that is both visually appealing and makes us both feel at home in our space!
I agree wholeheartedly with the advice to use magazines, Pinterest, and AT to gather ideas and inspiration, but then to suck up the courage to step back and "forget" all that you've learned, and just honour all the things in your life that you love and that make you feel like YOU!

I have a black powder room and I LOVE it. It doesn't look cavelike... it looks moody and dramatic. Because the ceiling is still white, and the floors, vanity, and fixtures are light, it doesn't overwhelm the space. We use warm lighting, not too bright, and decorated with brightly coloured towels (orange, currently), soaps (lime) and black and white photography in stainless steel frames. It looks GREAT (if I do say so myself)!

My name is Natalie and I am an addict!

I have learned over the years to keep my investment pieces neutral (gray sofa, charcoal carpet, white drapes, natural wood & white furniture, wood floors) so that I can completely change the room by moving around accessories and changing a few toss cushion covers.
I also have my whole place painted a nice warm neutral that goes with everything, and I have a few accent walls that I can easily change with a quart of paint when I'm ready for a refresh.

My most recent upgrade was a whole wall of "built-in" bookshelves (DIY on the cheap with IKEA Billy shelves and crown molding - looks like a million bucks!). Now I can change my whole living room just by rearranging my books and objects! :)

I also get secretly excited when something wears out or breaks, because it means time for a new look!! My husband has (jokingly) accused me of breaking zippers on duvet covers on purpose... he may be onto something......

The flooring in #1 is likely carpet.
I love the oranges in #6 and #8... so rich and sophisticated. A really great alternative to red!

So fun! Would never have thought of this either, but what a great idea... I have some cushions that go on my outdoor sofa, and I have been tossing around the idea of buying some really expensive outdoor fabric to re-make them in a fun pattern (they are a natural canvas colour now)... maybe I will buy some cheap fabric paints instead, and see what I can come up with! At the very least it will get me through one more season before shelling out for new ones!

isn't daily exposure to these kinds of bacteria what builds a strong immune system though? Don't get me wrong, I wash my hands, and I clean my keyboard periodically.... but over-sanitizing our environment is what causes us to get MORE sick when we DO inevitably encounter those every-day germs.

LOVE. Love EVERYTHING. :)

@dmanciniaz
I had to think about that one for a minute, before realizing that the 90s are not, in fact, the last decade... we ARE old!!!

I'd like to add:
You're still driving your first car, and it has not an ipod dock, not a CD changer, but a tape deck... and you still use it to play mix tapes.

and/or

You remember making mix tapes... hovering in front of the double tape deck of your stereo, pressing play and record at just the right moments to catch your favorite track.

I agree with Nerves... there is something skeevy about the idea of putting food in the washing machine. Also, knowing my skills with laundry, I'd probably wash the lettuce in hot water by accident and make a big old mess!!