Val2012's Profile

Thank you! You touched on quite a few of the anxieties that haunt me while traveling. I also find that the constant online documentation (Facebook, twitter, instagram) of everyone's travel experiences contributes to the unrealistic sense that there is a "perfect" and photogenic moment at every turn. I'm an avid researcher and that will not change; I enjoy it too much. But I am printing this article, placing it on my fridge, and reminding myself that many of my best travel experiences have been when I let others, or fate, take the wheel. Taking a few steps back and taking this piece to heart. Thank you!

Hands down my favorite home ever on Apartment Therapy. Perfectly modern and clean, yet warm and inviting. Congratulations!
How do I get an invite for dinner?

I started practicing these tenets a couple of years ago out of economic necessity and a desire to exercise some common sense over my spending habits. One of the notable upsides is that my friends constantly compliment the cleanliness and tidiness of my home. I am not a neat freak at all, but I just don't have unusable junk and unwearable clothes cluttering up my living space collecting dust. In contrast to how I used to live, there is a freshness and an energy in my home that comes from only owning things we use on a regular basis. I too echo the efficacy of written lists and waiting a day or two to make impulse purchases, however small. Thanks for the post! I needed a reminder to stay on track.

I just powered through season 2 of the Swedish Wallander. It's fantastic and gripping. Waaay superior to the BBC snoozefest, which feels contrived and clunky. Plus Krister Henriksson acts the hell out of the role. Season 1 is not available on instant so I am currently debating Amazon Prime for the free download aspect. One of my favorite Netflix marathons ever.

I just did this. I highly recommend living with samples for at least a day or two. Ditto on the Navajo White---it's very rental and unflattering. We were going to go with White Dove as I wanted something warm, but for my taste it was a little too pink at certain times of day. I ended up with Snow White, which was much cooler than I thought I would like, but it has worked out perfectly on both the walls and trim. It's a great neutral backdrop to our bright rugs with very warm tones, and also our cooler items. Good luck!

Me three :)