Category: Blog- Mind Full Melissa

Style Starter Up: 1

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Everyone has one; a room you just don’t know how to make special. Why not draw in that wow factor by creating a unique accent wall with a vibrant wallpaper or wall decals for a cheaper option?! Currently, my favorite sites to shop for such goodies are Design Your Wall and Blik Art. And lucky you, both of these sites host the following featured products.  Feeling inspired? Just click on the host link or on the product name for additional information or just some more options!

WALLPAPERS 

Dream Home Series 4- Cozy Attic Spaces

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The attic was the space in my home that always held the most mystery to me because I was rarely allowed to go in it due to the exposed nails in the ceiling and insulation. But I dreamed of a space where I could explore for hours. Remember the movie the Goonies circa 1980 something when the kids went up and found one eyed willies map to buried treasure. Well, I wanted that but alas I am hear projecting my design desires in this weeks post. 
 In my dream home I aspire to create a cozy intimate space that has an ere of mystery while is reminiscent of the the past. Functionally, it will serve as a get away where I can relax reflect and feel very safe as well as a place to read. Aesthetically, I wish it to maintain some kind of rustic element in the roof and flooring and have an inter play or light and darks. Well, I hope these images inspire you. Please feel free to share comments and thank you!
This image holds has a fantastical feel. I love the exposed dark ceiling, white curtains, and light coming through the patio door. 

I am drawn to this image because it really appeals to my inner child and its desire to explore through nostaligic and handed down family pieces. While junky, its almost a comfortable mess.

The third image is a screen shot from the movie the A Little Princess. Its the attic at on top of the boarding school/orphanage. What really appeals to me is the flooring and massive amount of space and HUGE windows! The following  image is what the girls were able to create with their imagination and help from a nice man next store who also seemed to have impeccable taste. 

I am drawn to this fifth  for mainly the same reason as the first. However, the amount of transparency the space has due to the amount of windows really adds an element of creativity. I say creativity because there is something about being at the highest point of your home  able to look out endlessly that evokes a sense of fantasy which for me at least goes hand in hand with fantasy.

The sixth and seventh image is a bit more modern than the others with its contemporary style and renovated ceiling and floor. But, it still appeals to me because I really enjoys the idea of the attic serving as an additional media/ lounge room to the house. 

I like this space because it has multiple functions as a bathroom and bedroom. In this particular space the exposed beam and that darned exotic wood screen really get me. I mean isn’t the idea of the attic as a spa get away in your own home a seductive one?

I like the slanted ceiling look when its accompanied by windows and this room that is what I am most drawn too…I would have to say that having the attic as your master/ guest bedroom would be a unique feature in your house and would free up other rooms for other purposes. Imagine how snug a rainy morning would be.

I just see this as the epitome of snug.   Sometimes windows are not needed just warm lighting and texture.
Lastly I think the attic serving as an additional office in the home is a great way to gain desired work space in an often under utilized area. This homeowner leaves the bones of the structure exposed giving it a slightly rustic feel in an all around clean cozy looking room. Well done. 

Please notice. I do not own any of these photos. ALL images were acquired through unknown sources utilizing google image search engine. If anyone has a claim to know where these are from feel free to message me or leave a comment so I can give proper citations. Thank you.

Dime Saver DYI: Series 1

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Design aspirations know no budget but your bank account does! That is why I  have decided to start posting some of my favorite DYI projects that can help you satiate your need for change without you having to spend your last dime. Need not be put off!


The first DYI is one I found many years ago. My mother wanted new granite countertops in the kitchen but couldn’t afford so I tried this out on her laminate! Before your begin I suggest trying out different techniques on a piece of project paper (you know the kinds kids use for school presentations) this way if you don’t like your colors you didn’t risk everything.
I guess that what I’ve been doing other people have thought of as well so if your a visual learner here’s a CBS video I found that shows you the basic process. Take a look!


http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=5239293n






Materials Needed:

Faux granite kit or

Three paint colors ( I used cream, brown, and lighter warmer brown)

Polyurethane

Primer

Paint roller
Foam brush
Old towel
Sponges (different textures)
Work or rubber gloves
Masking tape
Fine-grit sandpaper
Wood or plastic filler

Prep Work: Tape off any surfaces.


1) Sand down the surface. The purpose of this is to take of any protective layer on the formica or laminate. Second is to provide track for the primer to grip.


2) Wipe clean of dust. You don’t want weird clumps in your final product.


3) Prime. Use the larger brush or roller. You can use any multi-purpose primer and if there are any minor damages (we had a burn mark that left a dent) just fill it in with the plastic filler or coats of primer and sand down to even out surface. Now let it dry!





4) Sponge on color from lightest to darkest, occasionally going back over with a lighter color. Use separate sponges for each color. Let it dry.


Tip: Decide on the look your going for by referencing a picture or going to Lowes or Home Depot and taking a sample back with you. While I recommend using more spontaneous gestures to create a natural look, this reference will help you keep on track.


5) 3-4 coats  of polyurethane.


6) Sand again to smoothen.


Dream Home Series 3- Patio and Pool Spaces

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Hey everyone! I am back again with another entry for my dream home series. By this point I have a collection of inspirational photos found using stumble and google. However, this time I feel like these really capture what I would I would want my outside space to look like…As you see my eye really is drawn to open but intimate spaces that have a nice lounging area and infinity pool. The space as a whole would be awesome if it blurred the line between outdoors and indoors on some secluded property. I don’t know why but this part is so much easier to envision. I hope you enjoy.
What I like about this first space a photo from the Kona House…is that the infinity pool isnt too deep but acts as a functional pool as well as water feature. I also like how the indoor outdoor lines are blurred with the outdoors furniture, rug, and kitchen.

A blue oasis if ever one! I just love this idea and layout. I believe that this pool is located inside and further pictures reveal that it can be covered up with glass during the daytime to  walk. Imagine if this was your bath??? Or even if it was a pool how baller would it be to be able to wake up in the morning and take a dip. How heavenly!

I will admit I am a sucker for this type of architecture. This set up is so grand but at the same time relaxing looking. I mean look at the columns and the roof. Plus I am in absolute love with the outdoor bed! Now this may just be silly but for some reason I am reminded of that movie the King and I. And lets just say that if I was rolling in that type of money I would surely share this space with my king.

Do I need to say anything about this!!!?? I mean this is just spectacular. I don’t think it would ever get old! I am really in love with the vibrancy of this photo and the color scheme of the decor. It simply compliments the natural environment to the full.

If I could take on a character from Sex and the City I would save up my money and live here in a second!!! What an awesome view! Although there is not a pool in this outdoor space I do like the quaint size as well as the many feature (sculpture, greenery, fire pit?) incorporated. I feel this is just a very good use of space!

What draws me into this space probably draws from my fascination with tree houses…but its really is the marvelous tree and deck. I mean the infinity pool is just floating on this thing! How fun would it be to wake up drink your coffee on this bed then climb the tree for a view. 

Pool over ocean …need I say more! KOOOOOOL!

Gasland: A Environmental Justice Movie Review

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So over the weekend I watched the film Gasland by Josh Fox and felt the need to comment on it This ones a little long but I think that I give a fairly good explanation. I thought it was successful at introducing the topic of natural gas extraction and its negative affects on the environment, the people, and the animals that are exposed to it. The film begins with his description of how his land is sitting on the edge of a major natural gas shell that gas companies want to lease to drill on in exchange for money. Curiosity about what that process would really entail takes him on an investigative road trip across the state of New York and then across the country. He soon finds himself pulled into a world of contaminated water sources, flammable water, toxic vapors, undiagnosed medical problems, animal deaths, unregulated corporations, government cover-ups, and terrified, frustrated citizens. Here’s the trailer!!!!

According to the film, the main ways contamination occurs is through the fracturi process where chemically laced fluid is pumped into the drill shafts to aid in forcing out the gas. The fluid contains unidentified chemicals as well as 596 chemicals known to compromise human health. The second method is the illegal dumping of production wastewater into nearby fields and streams. The water then leaches into the ground water or dries and is spread to other areas in the form of dust. Lastly, through a process called venting, chemical vapors are released from the rigs into the atmosphere and then fall onto fields sometimes in the form of acid rain. The affects of these acts are both immediate and long term and are intensified by the billions of gallons of water used in each extraction process.
Overall, the film, through a more personal approach, does a good job at inciting strong emotional responses from the viewer. Visually, I felt that the strongest scene was when a resident in one of these communities lights the water from his kitchen sink on fire. The invasiveness of the issues was just so outraging and spectacular that it made me wonder why authorities needed proof after proof.
Albeit the emotional pull to persuade, the film was also successful at underlining larger issues regarding the organization and proficiency of our government, its agencies, and the general public. For instance, corruption seems to extend in all areas of the government even all the way up to the presidency.  Fox explains that this push for natural gases has been ongoing since the 1970’s. What I was not aware of was that after meeting with gas and oil companies one time an alliance was made under the energy task force program initiated under the Bush Administration. Furthermore, in 2005 a loophole in a bill proposed by Cheney that exempted the oil and gas companies from many of the environmental policies invoked in the 1970’s. I was outraged by this particular fact but not surprised as I realize politicians have their own personal agendas that tend to revolve around money.

On a similar note, the EPA also seems to be compromised. As of now, it appears that the EPA is too small and too spread out to manage all issues with 34 of 50 states affected by these industries. Even with citizens making claims and providing their own evidence the film suggests that there is a tendency to ignore them which to me defeats the whole purpose of having a protection agency. Another scene from the movie emphasizes this point. In it, Fox pulls out sample jars for the secretary of the department of environmental conservation of Texas to drink from but he refuses after claiming that there was nothing wrong with the water in those communities. It was later explained that three months after interview the budget along with a number of jobs for that state’s departments of environmental conservation were cut. The irony was that it was done while the biggest drilling operation was underway. It seemed all too systematic and signified that the state government really had their priorities twisted.

Lastly, I was left thinking about these affected communities. How were these people hoodwinked so easily? Was it because most fracturing occurs in rural, sparsely populated areas and the people are probably red state supporters who want government regulation out anyway? If that were the case would it not be there fault partly? The movie suggests that its not really as information is near impossible to get from other citizens and the industries themselves. In the film, there are countless shots of him on the phone trying to get a hold of anyone to talk to about the issues. He is only left with answering machines and false promises to call him back. I can only imagine what it would be like for those facing these issues. Fox also mentions that the word is buried further as anyone who has gone to court and made settlements with these industries are forced to sign disclaimers prohibiting to talk any further.
These types of films always make me feel a bit hopeless by the end and Fox’s film was no exception. The picture did not really offer any resolutions to the problem or my questions other than mentioning a bill proposal that would place some type of regulation on fracturing. Still, with all the support by gas and oil lobbyist, lawyers, and congressmen I do not anticipate a win. Even if it does win there is fear it will stand as a hollow law or be overturned in the future.  Thinking back though, there were some experts who offered words of advice. Award winning environmentalist, Theo Colborn, said that there will be no way to monitor these companies as long as they are given the privilege not to divulge all the chemical their using in their industry. Another expert stated that government agencies as well as grassroots organizations need to look at the issues as they happen instead of once they have occurred.  It seems that there is only one possible solution to this daunting issue; a unified voice of those affected and switch to an alternative energy sources to replace our dependency on natural gas.