Category: open concept

Top Tips For Decorating Your Hallway

When it comes to decorating your home, one of the rooms that often gets left until last is the hallway. This is often a mistake because the hallway is actually one of the most important parts of your home. This is where your guests are going to get their first impression of your décor and you need to make use of the space. To help you decorate your hallway, we have put together some tips in this article. Keep reading to find out more.

The Doors

Our first tip for those who want to decorate their hallway is to focus on the doors. You are going to have different rooms coming off your hallway and so the doors are going to draw attention to themselves. This is why you should think about getting some stunning internal oak doors. You might not think that your doors are important, but you could be surprised by how much of a difference they can make to the overall look of your hallway. Make sure that you have some stunning doors and your hallway will look great in no time.

via Shelterness

The Design

When it comes to actually painting or wallpapering your hallway you need to think carefully about how you want the space to appear. Do you want to make it look light and airy or would you like a bold first impression for your guests? For a light and airy feel, you might want to choose some grey or white paint. For a bolder look, you could have one wall as your feature wall so that you don’t immediately overpower your guests. Think carefully about your design as this is the first impression that your guests are going to get of your home when they first walk in the front door.

via HOTR

Storage

Our next tip for those who want to decorate their hallway is to add some storage. Often people struggle with finding enough storage space in their home, but they don’t tend to look in their hallway. A good way of achieving this is to add a nice cabinet that is there right beside the door. You can put whatever you want in this cabinet and even better, you can use it to place your keys, some photos or even a lamp for when you come in at night. Think carefully about storage and you should be able to make something work.

via Shelterness

Mirrors

If you have a relatively small hallway then you should think about adding some mirrors. If you have a big space on the wall, then a large mirror will be perfect as mirrors can actually make a space look bigger than it is. If your wall space is more limited, then you might be better buying a series of smaller mirrors and placing them beside each other. You might be surprised at how much of a difference these mirrors make to how big the space looks.

via Exi5

A Rug

Decorating your hallway is not just about making the walls look amazing. You also need to think about the floor and what you have on there. A good way to make your hallway to look amazing is to add a nice rug that will work as a path to the different rooms in your home. If you are investing in a nice expensive rug you might want to make sure that you have a mat outside your home or just inside the door to ensure that your rug is not going to get destroyed by dirty feet.

The Lighting

Our final tip for those who are trying to decorate their hallway is to make sure that you have the perfect lighting. Lighting can really make a huge difference to how a room appears and if you have the right lighting then you can make your hallway look amazing. Think about the overhead lighting that you have and the placement of it. For a unique effect, you could think about adding some spotlights above the different doors in the hallway. For the times that you don’t want to have the overhead lights on you could invest in a nice lamp.

via Kelli Ellis

Final Verdict

If you are trying to decorate your home, you should think carefully about your hallway. This is a very important part of your home and you should decorate it carefully. Think about whether you want to have a bold design or simply a neutral one. You should also think about the doors that you are going to choose for each of your other rooms. Your guests will be able to see all of these from your hallway so consider getting some oak doors. If you take on board all of our advice, then you should be able to have a beautifully designed hallway in no time.

October 3, 2018
Things to Remember Before Remodeling Your Home
Getting through a home renovation can be tough and exhausting, and no matter how many times you have done it before, you will always end up with new surprises.

The key to performing a successful home remodeling is proper planning, from the total budget to the colors you want to have in the walls, the correct time frame and whether you will require professional help or not.

via Remodelaholic

Things can be daunting yet rewarding at the same time. It is always considered best to take advice from people who have done it before you start working on your project.

Having said all that, we are here to help you with your remodeling project. We are going to tell you important things you should remember before remodeling your house.

5 things you must remember before renovating your house: –
1. Home Improvement Loans: – Not everyone is super rich to take a big renovation project with their own money. If you think that you cannot pay for it all at once then you can get financial help.
There are several home improvement loans available that can help you financially and make the whole process easy. You can visit websites, like Crediful, and check out the best home improvement loans out there.

via Blue River Custom Builders

2. The Budget: – Doesn’t matter whether you have a lot or a little amount of money, you will have to find out the total amount, so you can allocate it properly.

Talk to your relatives or a friend who has already been through a similar renovation. Remember to get at least 20% more for the inevitable issues that will come up, and do check your budget with the contractor you are working with, so he can tell if you are on track or not.

via Architectural Digest

The whole process will be much more satisfying if you know the necessary funds you will need to have for it.
1. Choose the right builder: – The most reputable and established builders will protect their reputations and will deliver a valuable service. It is best to consult a builder who specializes in renovation as it is totally different from construction.
Remember that you want a builder who will take care of everything with expertise and care. You can find reviews of the builders online, but it is best to take advice from friends or family members.

via ?

You can go visit your friends who have been through a similar renovation and ask about the builder they chose. You can see the work he has done and if you seem happy with it, then go for the same builder.
1. Take time: – Take all the time you need to figure out how the renovation will be. You need to make sure that you set things up perfectly.
Most of the time, after people are done with the renovation, they realize that it doesn’t look good. Maybe you find that this wallpaper or wall color doesn’t look good here.

The best way to avoid this is by taking your time and finalizing things.
1. Look for rot: – Remember to look out for rot in the walls. Funguses can destroy timber. Rot basically appears when the ventilation condition is bad and is often found on the roof space or basements.
Keep your eye out for cotton wool type masses on the walls. Getting rid of it might cost you some extra money so remember to allot a budget for it.

Conclusion: –

The whole remodeling process might be long and exhausting, but with proper planning and preparation, you will have peace of mind and the remodeling will go smoothly.

Research as much as you can and keep these 5 things in mind. Good luck.
October 1, 2018
Luxe Home Offices vs. Modest Home Offices

Happy Friday everyone! Today I bring you the battle of the home office. In one corner we have super luxe home offices, in the other, modest home offices. Alright, I know this is silly. What it comes down to is that I’ve compiled a great collection of home offices, some fancy, some simple, and I wanted to share them with you!

Luxe Home Offices

When I envision my future self (this is after we’ve moved from our starter home), my home office isn’t necessarily opulent, but has a lot of windows, and I have a large desk with plenty of surface space.

Super chic and not gaudy

via DecoHomes

Yup. The moving glass wall, amazing cabinets would all work just fine!

via DecorPad

via HGTV

Modest Home Office

When it comes down to it, if you work from home, like I do, you might want to invest a bit more and go for a luxe home office, comfy seating, you perfect desk, and plenty of storage. If you only need a space to work on occasion, you can go modest.

This is actually the home office of one of the big wigs at J. Crew. Even though it is modest, it is still really lovely.

via Dering Hall

2 above via Heart Home Magazine

September 28, 2018
The perfect bedroom AND the perfect mattress

This post is so long, long overdue. I have had my Saatva mattress for about 4 years now, and just last night as I was drifting off to sleep I found myself thinking… “our bed is soooo comfortable….zzzzz.” While we are close to the perfect bedroom (ahem, my husbands desk is in there), we do have the perfect mattress. When Saatva contacted me to see if I’d like to try out there mattress I was really excited because, A. We were sleeping on a full and really wanted a queen, B. Our full was too firm for me (side sleeper), and C. welcome any opportunity to save money. So Saatva hooked me up with a Luxury firm. We’d never had a pillow top mattress so at first we thought it was too soft, but it took just one night for us to adjust.

Want to see our bedroom reveal? See our bedroom

I’ve now been sleeping on the Saatva luxury firm for 4 years and can say with all sincerity it’s one of the most comfortable mattresses I’ve ever slept on. I no longer wake up with hip pain from sleeping on my side and the pressure on my knees has been greatly reduced.

Another thing to love about Saatva is they are eco friendly and the fabric is antimicrobial.

So to sum up, when it does come time to replace our mattress, we will very likely be getting another Saatva, and once the boys are in twin beds we will get them for them. The product is superb as is the whole process of ordering it and having it delivered. Check out Saatva to learn more.

Now, on to some bedroom eye candy…

How about that window?

via Daily Dream Decor

via Anita Yokota via Amber Interiors

via Anita Yokota via Emily Henderson

September 25, 2018
5 Things Which Make Your Living Room Look Over Crowded
Your living room is supposed to be a place that is welcoming and easy to navigate. But, if you have a room that is way too crowded, you’ll find that you’re a lot less likely to want to associate with people. That being said, what makes your living room look overcrowded? What changes do you need to consider when it comes to working everything out? Here’s a quick look at what you should avoid.

via Good Housekeeping
1. Too Much Furniture. One of the biggest reasons that so many people end up feeling like their living rooms are crowded is because there’s way too much furniture in the space. You don’t need 3 or 4 chairs, a loveseat, and a couch if it’s only you, your spouse, and 2 kids. You want to have one or two extra seats past how many people live in your home, otherwise, the space will look and feel too crowded.
via House Beautiful

2. Furniture that is Too Large for the Space. This is a big problem in some homes and apartments. You get a piece of furniture so that everyone can sit, but it barely fits in the space that you put it. You also want to keep in mind how you have the furniture arranged, because if it’s taking up too much of the floor space, you may have some problems with looking cluttered.

via Copycatchic.com

3. Coffee Tables. Coffee tables are great when you want to be sure that you’ve got space for people to put their drinks – but the fact is, if you have a small space, the coffee table can eat up a ton of that space, making the area look cluttered. There are alternatives to coffee tables nowadays – folding TV dinner trays are a great option and you can put them away when you aren’t using them. You can also get small ottomans that double as storage areas to put your feet up on.

via Carla Aston

4. A Lack of Storage Space. Do you have lots of books and other items just sort of hanging out all over your home? Maybe you always have mail sitting on the coffee table. Or maybe your kids’ toys just don’t have a place where they can all go when they’re done playing. If you don’t have storage space in your home so that you can put things out of sight, your living room may look more crowded.

5. Having Nowhere to Sit. This is the opposite of the first issue, and has something to do with storage space as well. If you need to take 5 to 10 minutes to clean off a spot to sit when you have visitors over, it’s likely that your living room looks a little bit cramped.

There are a lot of ways to deal with your living room looking crowded, but finding public storage near me where you can store extra furniture until you sell it or move into a bigger place is a good first step that you want to consider. Look at what may be involved, see what you can accomplish and help your living room to be that much more comfortable.

Thanks to usselfstorage.com for collaborating with us!
September 5, 2018
Decor Tips for Your Home

Are you tired of your home having the same look or simply want to mix it up by trying something new? Giving your home a new look doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. In fact, all it takes is a little decorating know-how and some patience and you can have your home looking showroom ready in no time. Here are some tips to get you started.

Start at the Door

You can make a lasting first impression by starting with a welcoming front door. Try something new and go for a little pop of color, such as red or yellow, to make your door stand out against your home’s exterior. Use a glossy paint and nix the privacy screen to really get your door to stand out

See the Light

Having the right lighting can make a huge difference in any room. If you want to open up your room and give it a fresh, natural feeling, take advantage of your windows to let in the sunlight. If you have heavy drapes hanging on your windows, it may be time to toss them out in favor of sheers, which can give your room a light, airy feeling.

In addition to natural lighting, you should also take advantage of other forms of lighting as well, such as ambient lighting, which gives you a nice illuminated look from your ceiling, task lighting, which usually fit well in corners and are good for activities such as reading, and decorative lighting, which you can accomplish with some fairy lights or a small lantern.

Declutter

One of the quickest ways to improve your homes look is to get rid of unnecessary clutter around your home. If you tend to save old magazines, photos, and other trinkets, it may be time to consider purging them to open up your space. Getting rid of excess clutter can make your space feel larger and more inviting and it can also decrease the amount of dust that collects on your surfaces.

Clean Old Fixtures

If your rooms have old fixtures in them, consider giving them a little TLC to brighten up your home and make it look more polished. Wipe down old chandelier lighting, polish up your brass fixtures and knobs, and give your windows a good scrub and watch your rooms transform to their former original glory.

Reposition Furniture

Rooms like the living room are often not very conducive to conversation, as people tend to point their furniture towards the television set. Break out of this tradition and instead reposition your furniture so your sofa and chairs face each other. This can encourage conversation with guests while making your home feel warm and more inviting. If your room isn’t set up to allow this type of arrangement, consider taking your television out and putting it into another room such as a playroom or the basement, to turn your living room into an entertainment oasis.

Using these simple tips, you can give your home a fresh new look without having to sink thousands of dollars into it. Your guests will love how inviting the finished product looks and you’ll have an easier time entertaining.

Thanks to ABC Cooling, Heating, & Plumbing for collaborating with us on this post!

September 4, 2018
Here’s how you can save money when moving

Purchase of a new property is always heavy on the pocket. You make investments in survey, transport and finally the property. But, once you’ve made the final decision, you must take some measures that would help you save money. A few savings here and there could increase your budget for décor and furnishing.

via Deluxe Design Studio

We’re not talking about taking charge of all things by yourself and not hiring professional assistance. You may be wrong when you think you can handle things on your own. Think about the cost of fuel, the time it takes and how you may damage some items while moving.

Following are a few tips that would help you limit costs when moving:

De-clutter delight!

This process involves getting rid of all the broken, unnecessary items. The fewer items you have, the fewer boxes you’ll need and the less you’d have to pay for moving company.

You can either opt for the dumping or charity centers to take care of these items. On the flip side, how about setting up a garage sale where you make some extra cash by selling the pre-loved things?

via Deluxe Design Studio

Look out for a reliable moving company

As the days of the final shift comes near, you’d better start looking for a reliable moving company. A wise move would be to get quotes from various companies, compare their prices and get feedback online or through your social network.

Although you’re seeking a discount moving process, it’s vital to find out trusted professionals.

via Deluxe Design Studio

Look for discounts

A few removal firms out there offer discounts for students, people associated with certain organizations and armed forces. Surf through their websites and check if you fit in for any of these discounts.

via Deluxe Design Studio

Save on removing boxes

It is quite obvious that you’d need loads of removal boxes. Look out for cheaper options such as second-hand boxes or renting out from your relocating agency. Once used, the boxes could be thrown away or returned to the company.

Booth Photographics Madison wedding photographer

Save on packing products

The idea of wrapping products neatly in a plastic or bubble wrap is quite tempting. However, when it comes to being real and saving a few bucks, you may go for items that you already have rather than buying some extra stuff. Instead, you can use soft furnishings, blankets, towels, clothing and any other materials to protect your items.

Booth Photographics Madison wedding photographer

Eat to save

When you’re preparing to move and clear out your cabinets, you’d be surprised to find food that you’ve stored. Use up these items and the ones you’ve kept frozen. Eating up these foods will mean you’d have fewer items to pack and you won’t have to waste them.

An important element to ease up the moving phase would be to plan your entire schedule. Time management through the process is essential to avoid any last-minute hassles. Make sure you’ve organized everything and labeled all boxes correctly. Look for cheaper options at all stages of the process but also make sure you’re not compromising on the quality or reliability of each.

All imagery via Deluxe Design Studio

August 20, 2018
The Best Interior Design Trends for 2018

Decorating your home is no easy task, getting everything right the first time can take a lot of planning and a lot of money. A good place to start when you are coming up with a new design for your bathroom or living room is to have a look at some of the current interior design trends. You can ask your friends for advice or even look online at some of the ways that people have transformed their homes.

Interior design trends are always changing, and it can be hard to keep up when you need to plan ahead before decorating your home. Here, we are going to take you through some of the best interior design trends for 2018. If you think that this is something that you could benefit from, keep reading to find out more.

via coastalbeachhomedeecor.club

Statement Ceilings

One of the biggest trends that have been taking the interior design world by storm this year has to be statement ceilings. Ceilings are often the part of the room that gets ignored and people don’t really seem to be interested in spending money on decorating something that no one will look at. The good news is that if you create an amazing statement ceiling then people are definitely going to stare. When it comes to your ceiling you’re going to need to get creative, you can decorate it with nice wallpaper or paint or even add something that hangs to create a beautiful effect. People in the past have added umbrellas, tapestries and even baskets.

via mydomaine.com

Spa Bathrooms

People all over the country have always visited spas to have some deep relaxation time. Well, in 2018 spas are coming home and spa bathrooms are popping up all over the place. If you’re willing to fork out a little money, creating a spa bathroom for your home isn’t too difficult. Of course, you’ll need an amazing bath, a great sink and a huge mirror but you’ll also need to work on the décor itself. Before you start buying bathroom furniture, choose a relaxing colour scheme, marble works really well with this theme if you want to create the perfect spa atmosphere. When you get your new bath in, you should add some candles and scents that are going to really turn this into a home spa.

via cocokelley.com

Earthy Neutral Colours

Another great interior design trend that is coming through in 2018 is the use of earthy neutral colours. These make homes seem a lot calmer and they are a little less boring than the usual white or beige neutrals that people have been opting for over the years. If you want to make this look work, invest in some pale green furniture or spruce up your old curtains with some earthy neutral ones from https://curtains.com/. You should also consider adding some wooden furniture and pairing it with jades or other earthy neutral colours. Once you’ve got this design in place, you’ll love how it looks in your home.

cocokelley.com

Textures

The final trend that we are going to take you through is textured furniture and designs. In 2018, people are loving adding some textures to their home and often bold colours work well with some of the great fabrics that are on offer. If you really want to make a statement in your home, you need to invest in some velvet. Velvet furniture and décor is really big right now and it will look great in your living room. If you’d rather opt for leather, now is the time. Get some leather furniture or headboards for your bedroom and you’ll love how it looks and feels.

cocokelley.com

Final Thoughts

If you are thinking about redecorating your home, it is important that you plan everything out carefully. You don’t want to start buying furniture only to find out that it doesn’t match your chosen décor or that it is not on trend. Staying on top of the current interior design trend is really important if you want to impress your friends or family with how you have designed your home. Make sure to opt for some earthy neutral colours this year if you are investing in some wallpaper or paint or get some textured furniture that will stand out in your living room. Don’t be afraid to get creative and add a stunning statement ceiling to that room that doesn’t have much else going on.

It is important that you set yourself a budget and make sure that you only spend what you can afford to on your new design. You should remember though that your home is the place that you spend most of your time so don’t be afraid to splash out. If you take some time to follow all of our guidance on how you should decorate your home, you won’t be disappointed.

July 23, 2018
Caveat Emptor: What You Should Know Before Buying a Prefab Home

A prefab or modular home is not an idea born in the 21st century. As early as 1908, people already had a taste of the innovation. But with the latest technologies, production of these structures is made quicker and less costly. And with sustainable development on the rise and short term financing options, prefab homes just got the nod of some buyers in the real estate market.

via whitsonmodularhomebuilders.com

If you are looking to buy a house, a new one or a replacement, a prefab home is one in the basket of options you may choose. Just like any purchase, you need a caveat and know in-depth the details of the product. Pricing and quality are equally important but, you require more than just the two before entering into a sales contract.

Here’s a succinct list you can go over to speed up your knowledge about modular homes:

via whitsonmodularhomebuilders.com

Timeframe

Speed is a trademark known for building modular homes. They defy delays caused primarily by weather because they are built in factories offsite, in a climate-controlled environment with a stable workforce. They only need to be assembled onsite once modules are completed. Production cuts around half of the time it takes to build a traditional home. But still, project completion depends on the size of the house, the intricate design and the complexities involved including limitations, like slope areas, on site conditions.

via whitsonmodularhomebuilders.com

Budget

Costs usually vary from one project to another, be it a modular or a stick-built home. As to budgeting though, expenses associated with a prefab home are more predictable. Service providers like Stillwater Dwellings undergo a streamlined process broken down into different phases allowing cost predictability. This, in turn, gives you a better figure for personal financing. Although you can get a fixed bid, total project cost varies with your needs.

via Stillwater Dwellings

Design

A common misconception about prefab homes is its design restrictions. Just like any home, modulars can be custom-tailored based on your pre-defined layout, fixtures and unique needs, even the set of appliances! You have the control to choose whatever details you have in mind. In case you need expert advice, companies have a pool of professionals, including architects and interior designers, who’ll craft solutions dedicated to your preferences. No need to problem a future renovation too. A prefab company can tweak a flexible option to make it simple for you to do modifications.

via marcusdesigninc

Utilities

Site work for utilities greatly depend on particular conditions such as topography, soil type, slope geometry and geologic conditions. You need to address these to a professional during pre-consultation so that appropriate solutions will be undertaken from planning to completion. It seems to be a much-dreaded concern especially if you have uneven land. But, a prefab company normally take cares of these details too.

via Stillwater Dwellings

Financing

Pricing plans differ to all providers. Talk to your prefab company about the financing options they offer, the upfront payment they ask and other charges that might be incurred in certain cases like design changes and land challenges. You need to establish your financial capacity first to see if you can meet maturing obligations.

via luxe

Sustainability

A modular home is a praiseworthy example of a sustainable product. Production promotes waste reduction by half. Raw materials used are recycled or recyclables and non-toxic. House design maximizes natural resources. Fixtures are energy efficient and water outlets are low-flow.

A prefab home is a package of your dream home. The cost and quality of which are tailored to your needs and how much you are willing to write in a paycheck. If you are ready, or unsure but keeping your options open, you may browse over a basket of service providers in the market. Know them well. Ask for recommendations. Note red flags. Tour their facilities and their clients. Feed yourself with as much relevant information you can take. Sooner than later, you’ll get that perfect package delivered right at your doorstep.

Thanks to Stillwater Dwellings for contributing to this post

July 20, 2018
Warm and Eclectic Home Tour

Warm and Eclectic

This house tour is one of the best I’ve come across in a really long time. The home is so warm and eclectic, mixing furniture and decor from different styles and times. I really love a home that seems to be decorated with objects over time from travels and life well lived.

The home belongs to stylist Natalie Nassar (she does a lot of work for Ballard Designs, so you might recognize a lot of their stuff). The textiles through out the home are amazing, and all the rugs are from an antique market in Atlanta. You may recognize the photo below from a post last week, which is when I discovered the tour.

I’ve included some of the Q+A’s from the house tour, which can be read in full at How To Decorate by Ballard Designs.

Ballard Designs: There’s an immediate warmth when we step into your home. How do you create that warm feeling with furniture pieces and accessories?

Natalie Nassar: I really like to mix different styles of furniture and accessories. I have a lot of mid century modern things, antiques, classic pieces and global looking pieces. I have found that I like the mix because it makes my home feel more collected and not so stale.

BD: It seems like there’s no space in your home that’s too small to be styled or given proper attention. What are your strategies for giving mundane or functional areas personality?

NN: As I mentioned before adding plants like cacti and succulents really helps a space. Green life can change everything! Also I use a lot of trays and containers to wrangle accessories or functional things in. For example, I keep my kitchen scrub brushes in a cylindrical vase and my soaps are sitting on a tray so it looks neat. I love to use different decorative bowls for accessories and for functional use.

BD: So many people struggle with making their home both stylish AND functional for their busy families. You seem to have struck that perfect balance! How has your home changed since your 18-month old Noura has joined the family?

NN: I have tried to keep the house in the same state that it was pre-Noura with just some alterations. Of course you have to baby-proof once they start to move about but there are a few little adjustments I have made for organization and ease for her and me. I am naturally a very neat and organized person but once Noura came into our lives a lot of that went out the window! I had to learn to relax and realize that things can’t be perfect all the time in the house. Usually the house is a wreck until we put her to sleep at night and then I straighten up. I find that cleaning up at the end of the day De-clutters my brain and refreshes the space for the next day to begin.

1. Baskets are key! I have 2 large baskets from ikea that look great and hold a lot of toys. Makes for easy clean up to throw toys into baskets at the end of day.

2. If you’re like us, furnishing your home seems like a constant thing so make sure you’re making smart purchasing decisions. When choosing upholstery, go for something not too light in color and that is durable. I know Ballard offers a lot of great outdoor fabric options that don’t even look outdoor. These fabrics hold up well to stains and are great for high traffic areas. Also Scotchgard your new pieces! For picking coffee tables, I recommend choosing things that don’t have sharp corners. Our coffee table is not an upholstered ottoman but there are no sharp edges to it.

3. Choose a pretty throw or blanket to cover up the seat cushions on your couch. We are always on the couch with snacks or crayons or things that can be messy which is just real life- a pretty covering is great because it looks good/can add color and style and protects your couch!

BD: You mentioned in our podcast episode that you typically choose more neutral colors for your large furniture pieces so that they’re more versatile long term. How often do you move things around or switch up accessories?

NN: I personally like to choose my big pieces in neural colors. If you ever want to move pieces around, it makes it easier. I always keep in mind that we might move one day. Of course, I move accessories around all the time. It freshens things up and makes things look new and different. I change the pillows and textiles out on the couches and swap bedding probably once a year. It really can make a difference!

BD: So many people struggle with making their home both stylish AND functional for their busy families. You seem to have struck that perfect balance! How has your home changed since your 18-month old Noura has joined the family?

NN: I have tried to keep the house in the same state that it was pre-Noura with just some alterations. Of course you have to baby-proof once they start to move about but there are a few little adjustments I have made for organization and ease for her and me. I am naturally a very neat and organized person but once Noura came into our lives a lot of that went out the window! I had to learn to relax and realize that things can’t be perfect all the time in the house. Usually the house is a wreck until we put her to sleep at night and then I straighten up. I find that cleaning up at the end of the day De-clutters my brain and refreshes the space for the next day to begin.

April 9, 2018