Dream Home Series 7: Staircase to Heaven

Thank you all who continue to read, stumble, and gaze in utter awe at my blog.  I want to get a start back on this series which I have neglected for some time. I really like doing this one because it shows the variety of choices we can make when designing our living spaces. This week I am wanting to share some very interesting staircase designs in which I would love to have in a my dream home if it was ever big enough. Staircases that bring me to heaven have non-traditional features varying from bright color, follow around in circular or geometric patterns, and are intricate in their detailing. Let me know what you think and feel free to share some of your dream home features!

What to do about Monsanto Protection Act

*Sigh* this Monsanto Protection Act gives me a major headache and makes me sick literally. Its not something we should be wrangled into like cattle. Soon our perceptions about growing tomatoes is going to be like growing marijuana in your basement. Ridiculous, on both ends. So you can either stock up on uv lights or join this ridiculous fight for food security and accessibilty. What can we do about it? The first step I’m taking is to sign this petition in the small hopes that maybe it’ll get someones attention. I encourage you to do so also. http://bit.ly/14ouvTU

What’s the other alternatives. Make a stink about it. You know how to take things into your own hands right? Get people together and get involved with/or create more community gardens. Where? Do it at your school, your university, outside your house, inside your house, at your church, or in that weird lot behind where you work. Better yet, support small local farmers by going to farmers markets. Get to know who is growing your food and how. But to give a fair warning, in some cities and states even if you start growing food in your own yard you can get fined. http://nyti.ms/VXWQav

12 Movies for the 12 Days of Christmas

imagesIn light of the holiday season, I thought that I would post some of my favorite festive films. Tell me which ones are your favorites?

The Little Drummer Boy

 Home Alone

A Miracle on 34th Street

Grinch

Rudolph the Red Nose Raindeer

Elf

Scrooged

 

A Christmas Story

  Its a Wonderful Life

Babes in Toyland

 

Chevy Chase National Lampoon

The Nut Cracker

Snuggle Up with Your Book In these Cool Reading Nooks

If reading can be transformational why shouldn’t the space you read in follow suit?

Finding a good reading spot is like finding money with a metal detector. The idea of a good reading spot varies because its inherant with the reader. Some people can read in a desk and chair, some outside under a tree, and some on a crowded subway. Personally, I  find nooks to be ideal and think that there are some overarching elements that make them a great  addition to have in every home, office, or school.

The best reading nooks need to have the perfect combination of comfort, light,  and cave-like secret privacy that causes you to manifest an anti-social fervor that reads, “I’m too cool for you.  I’m reading.”

In this safe space, the reader can fully escape into the throws of the story and feel no shame doing the following:

theatrical masks with range of emotion sad surprised mad annoyed scaredCrying
Laughing
Gasping
Throwing down your book with anticipation.

Why? Because its expected here. That is what you do.

So where can you create these spaces?

 

By Your Favorite Window

This is one of the easiest places to create your nook. All you really need is a body pillow or old cushion and maybe spice it up with some candles on the sill. Also, its portable so if the time of day is too harsh or you discover you want a different window to sit under than its as easy as 1,2,3.
reading loft at end of stairwell with ladder to reachwhite cushions  and books near arched window looking over Mediterranean

By The Fireplace

red adobe fire place with large shag ottoman and librarySnuggling up with a romance book is always pleasant. Even while your fantasy lover may break your heart, you can be comforted in your nook by the fire. While the first image illlustrates a luxurious room this can easily be recreated by throwing down a blanket, shag rug, ottoman, or bean bags.

Closet

 –The homeowner here took the door off which provides for easy and accessible lighting.
— They Installed some shelves which can be optional and fairly quick to do.
green trim closet with no door and bookshelves–Lastly they made a custom platform with cushion. You could supplement that feature by squeezing in an ottoman or comfy chair instead.

Loft It

Have a weird loft space you have been using to store your vases? Kick those things off and make it a reading nook. Just attach a ladder and you’ll be far from all your problems.

empty room with closet and loft space no doorsreading nook lofted above and office space white

Under The Stairs

reading nook under staircase colorful pillows and cushionTransform that broom closet under the stairs into a unique little retreat for you and your best books to get away. The space already exists so no add ons other than maybe installing some shelves or placing a bean bag, pad, or bench. Take off the door for more lighting or stick up  one of these babies.

 

Ye Old Guest Room

dark pink room with library bed and reading nook
Unlike your own bedroom in which you visit every night,  no one really goes in here and sometimes you even forget it exists.  Yet, by repurposing the room as a nook and guest room you come out getting a multifunctional space and a great escape. Once you secure the door you can  lock into your book.
As always I appreciate feed back on this lil posts of mine. If you find them helpful tell me about them! If you have a few tips drop me a email! In either case I hope you enjoyed.