Decorating For Real People

Written by © LaJoyce Kerns of www.decorate-bedrooms-for-less.com


Continued from page 1

I want to know whatrepparttar rooms inrepparttar 110745 photographs look like a week later. Arerepparttar 110746 same three Granny Smith apples still in perfect position onrepparttar 110747 glass-topped table? Isrepparttar 110748 fringe onrepparttar 110749 cashmere afghan still draped just so overrepparttar 110750 arm ofrepparttar 110751 rocking chair inrepparttar 110752 baby's room? Doesrepparttar 110753 kitchen counter look bare withoutrepparttar 110754 tureen of soup andrepparttar 110755 matching soup bowls? I mean,repparttar 110756 soup was eaten, wasn't it? Am I losing my perspective here?

Show me a playroom afterrepparttar 110757 children have been forced to put awayrepparttar 110758 toys. I'll bet there are no cunning arrangements of stuffed animals having tea, andrepparttar 110759 blocks aren't stacked into just-right pyramids with one block placed in front and a little torepparttar 110760 side. The pillows are all overrepparttar 110761 room andrepparttar 110762 bedspread is trailing ontorepparttar 110763 floor. That's real.

I realize thatrepparttar 110764 decorating magazines present rooms and arrangements that are idealized and stylized. They are intended to give our imaginations a jumping-off point; we are meant to adapt their ideas to our own needs. They do a wonderful job and I will continue to peruserepparttar 110765 glossy pages of each publication. Occasionally, however, I'd appreciate a view of a real room, spiffed up for company, perhaps, but real. I want to be able to imagine waking up torepparttar 110766 clock radio, to see myself sitting atrepparttar 110767 computer and actually getting some work done, to know where I would storerepparttar 110768 supply of makeup without which I cannot facerepparttar 110769 world. I want to think that I could actually live inrepparttar 110770 room. Isn't thatrepparttar 110771 point ofrepparttar 110772 whole exercise? Don't we all want comfortable homes that suit our life styles, organized and better looking, maybe, but still us?

Go take a look atrepparttar 110773 pictures in a decorating magazine. See if you agree with me. I think I'm going to go clean out a couple of drawers and straighten a bookcase shelf or two. It won't end up picture perfect, but it will be real.

LaJoyce Kerns is the creator of the website: www.decorate-bedrooms-for-less.com. She provides tips, ideas and techniques on decorating bedrooms for real people. LaJoyce believes that you can achieve beautiful results without breaking the budget.


Ten Tips to Help You Save Your Sanity During the Holidays

Written by Marie M. Roker


Continued from page 1

5. Shop Wisely.

Buy people what you know they'll want forrepparttar holidays. You'll end up wasting your money and time for a recyclable gift. If you know your husband doesn't like skiing, don't buy him a trip to a Ski Resort. People usually drop hints duringrepparttar 110744 year, so pay attention when they are talking. Have alternatives for gifts. Let your children know in advance that there might be a chance that you won't find their gift.

6. Don't Overspend.

Give yourself a budget and stick to it. Need to compare prices? Use an online tool such as http://www.shopping.com, http://www.bizrate.com, http://www.activshopper.com or http://www.pricegrabber.com. Limit yourself to gifts for people on your list. If you need extra gifts (just in case someone gives you one), buy a basket and fill it with candles, and other goodies.

7. Avoid too much alcohol consumption.

Alcohol and family gatherings are a lethal combination. You can not control whatrepparttar 110745 people around you do, but you can control yourself.

8. Stop Wishing for a Perfect Holiday.

If you want to avoid disappointment, don't have expectations of perfection. Everyone has flaws andrepparttar 110746 holidays may not go as plan. Go withrepparttar 110747 flow while being optimistic.

9. Take Care of Yourself.

This is notrepparttar 110748 time for you to slack off of your self care. Exercise, eat right and get adequate sleep. Don't overindulge at parties or family gatherings.

10. Socialize.

The holidays can be lonely or you may not be in a celebratory mood. Instead of sulking, go out with a friend or do something that makes you happy. Keep yourself busy and make plans to treat yourself. If you need spiritual guidance, try visiting a church, mosque or synagogue.

Marie Magdala Roker is a mother, an Academic and Personal Development Coach, and a Certified Breakthrough Parenting Instructor, and a private tutor with Tutor.com. You can get more information at: http://www.smartbecoaching.com or http://www.successfulchild.com


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