Category:

Lifestyle

DIY Bedroom Storage Ideas for Your Home. DIY Bedroom Storage Ideas for Your college dorm, DIY Bedroom Storage Ideas for Your apartment

Best DIY Bedroom Storage Ideas for your Home, Apartment or College Dorm

by Deborah Cruz 2021/08/15

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Lacking storage space in a house or apartment is a common problem that many homeowners can relate to, especially at this time of year, as kids are packing up their entire lives and moving into college dorms and houses. In these instances, sometimes your bedroom is the only room that is actually yours. The space inside of a bedroom has its limitations, usually of the space variety.You need creative DIY bedroom storage ideas for your home, apartment and college dorm to maximize your spaces and make it your own. Our bedrooms are where we decompress. You want it to be functional and inviting at the same time. To do this, it helps to have some clever storage solutions.

Here is a compiled list of some of the best DIY bedroom storage ideas.

Install Shelves Along the Perimeter of Your Walls

When you have a small bedroom, like a dorm room, the easiest way to make it look bigger is by adding shelves along the perimeter of your walls. You can also go crazy and install a wardrobe for your bedroom. Not only will this give you more storage space and an uncluttered feeling in your room because there won’t be so much stuff on display, but they’ll also offer some privacy for when you’re changing clothes.

Use Crown Molding as a Shoe Rack

If you’ve got so many shoes (like me) and don’t have much bedroom space for storage, this is something worth considering. Turn your crown molding into an instant shoe rack! All it takes is some mounting hardware to attach the bracket at just the right height off the ground so that you neatly arrange your heels where they belong. Plus, because it’s hidden behind doors or curtains, what more could anyone ask?

Baskets

A basket can be a great way to store things in your bedroom without an immediate home. For example, you might want to keep some lotion or sunscreen on the bedside table but not always within arm’s reach when getting out of bed. Instead of taking up space with multiple items on your nightstand, put them all into one container and place them on the side of the nightstand (in a drawer or under the bed) where they won’t move around too much.

Built-in Nooks

Built-in nooks are a great way to increase your bedroom storage space. If you have an unused closet or wall space that you can fill with shelves and cabinets, this option might work for you.

They take up floor space, but the payoff will be more than makeup for it. You won’t need to worry about getting out of bed whenever you want something from under the bed anymore because everything will be within arm’s reach on built-in shelving units. Plus, when guests come over, it’ll look so cozy with all those books lining your walls. So there’s no downside to taking advantage of available surfaces like these!

Shelf Dividers

To easily organize items on your shelves, it’s a good idea to have dividers. It makes seeing what is in each section much easier than just one big pile of stuff you can’t see through. Plus, they’re cheap compared to buying new shelves and nails for them.

Use Your Radiator As Shoe Rack

If you live in a small space and don’t have much storage, use your radiator as a shoe rack. For example, you can buy a shoe holder that fits your radiator and then use it to store shoes.

The best part about using the radiator for storing shoes is that they’ll be off the ground and out of reach from pets or children who might accidentally get into them.

With these tips, you can have a cozy and neatly arranged room. Of course, some might work better than others, or perhaps a combination of these would be best. Whatever solution you find may require an investment in time and money, but it will pay off with the extra space that comes with it.

What’s your best DIY bedroom storage ideas for your home, apartment or college dorm?

2021/08/15 0 comment

Fashion

Why Luxury Fashion is an Investment in Your Happiness

by Deborah Cruz 2021/07/27

written by Deborah Cruz

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Spending money is something I take very seriously. I’m not cheap by any means but I know how hard it is to earn money and I know what it feels like to not have it so I’m frugal. I don’t deprive myself but if I buy something it has to be worth it to me…in some way. I don’t believe in waiting for special occasions so I want to invest in things I can appreciate every day and I want to appreciate every day like it’s the last day.

I’m don’t usually shop at Walmart or Target for clothes, shoes or handbags for myself (though on occasion I have found some cute, quality items) but as I’ve grown older, I’ve learned to differentiate between quality made and disposable fashion. I know the difference between throwing my money away and making an investment and I’m here to tell you that an investment in your overall happiness and quality of life is just as important as investing in a good piece of jewelry or property.

Today you can find clothes, shoes, handbags and watches ranging from a few tens of dollars to hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on if it’s an original piece of couture by Dior, a high-end luxury piece off the rack like Zimmerman, a midrange dupe by a less expensive designer like Steve Madden, fast fashion like Primark or a mega mass-produced copy of a dupe sold on Shein. You choose your own fashion adventure but keep in mind, that not all products are created equal but they all have their place. Most people own reasonably priced pieces with a few luxury pieces interspersed within their wardrobe. Owning luxury items is not easily accessible to everyone and to be honest, not everyone cares about the brand name.

But thanks to many amazing brands, you can still have a quality fashion wardrobe on a budget if you are an intelligent and patient buyer without always paying the highest price. For example, just look at the GMT Master II guide. But the question remains: why buy a luxury item, when you can get it for less? Here are some valid reasons to wear a luxury watch!

1. To be at the forefront of technology

When we talk about being at the cutting edge of technology in the watchmaking sector, some will quickly think of the famous Apple Watch. Yet the largest watches are a thousand times more complex. Owning a luxury watch means having years of innovation, research and testing on your wrist, each more complex than the next. In short, wearing a luxury watch means having an object designed and built down to the last detail, thanks to decades of know-how. The big brands carry out all the stages of production: from the casting of gold alloys to the assembly of the movement elements, the case, the dial and the bracelet, including machining and finishing. It is a sign of the times, and a sign of fashion.

2. For social status

Wearing a luxury watch is an indescribable feeling. A feeling of confidence, exclusivity, specialness which can only be found with the biggest brands. This is valid for you, but also for others. Your high-end watch is more than just a watch. It is a symbol. It says to the world that you belong in all the rooms. When you wear luxury fashion you know who you are and it shows.

3. For the universe that goes with it

Having a luxury watch on your wrist encompasses a whole universe. You don’t just walk into a Rolex store. You enter the world of the brand. Specific smells, watches displayed in a certain way and salesmen dressed in costumes. It’s an experience. In addition, the greatest watch models have a unique history. The Rolex Submariner for example highlights its crossing of the Atlantic. Omega’s Speedmaster and his conquest of the moon. These watches do more than carry a story: they feed the legend.

4. For an irreproachable quality

The precision of assembling a luxury watch is comparable to that it takes to plan the trajectory of an earth-moon rocket. In other words, surgical precision. Wearing a luxury watch means having all risk insurance on your wrist. You have gone away for several decades with your timepiece, if not several generations. To give you an idea of the performance of these little jewels of watchmaking, NASA has equipped an astronaut with an Omega. This one remained 365 days in space.

5. To make an investment

When you buy an after all mundane watch, you are spending money. This is called a liability. On the other hand, the purchase of a luxury watch, on certain models, is a real investment. The watch will gain in value over time. After a few years, you will be able to resell it with a nice added value. This is called an asset.

2021/07/27 0 comment

Lifestyle

Easy Tips to Grow Your Savings Today for a More Financially Secure Tomorrow

by Deborah Cruz 2021/07/09

written by Deborah Cruz

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

As I get older and I have time to breathe, out from under the weight of all the firsts of being newly married and a new mother, my dreams are once again growing. I can see clearly and I know what I want for our future. The time for pressing on, pushing through and getting by is over. I want to live in abundance without fear of how to get through the next catastrophe. I want all the easy tips to grow your savings today for a financially secure tomorrow.

I’ll be honest with you; I’ve never been one to want to be rich. But I want enough money to not worry about how to afford the life I want to live. I grew up in a blue-collar family with a stay-at-home mom and 6 siblings. We learned to get by that was our state of existence. Savings is not an option when you are living paycheck to paycheck. Don’t get me wrong, we were happy and we had food, shelter and love. When it comes down to it, we were luckier than most but I don’t like the anxiousness that comes with being the adult in the situation. I want to be financially comfortable.

Whether we want to admit it when we’re younger or not, saving money is important for securing our family’s future. It’s the very thing that can help you move to your dream home, ensure you have an emergency fund saved up and pay for things like your kids’ high school and college tuitions, quinceañeras, memory-making family vacations and their weddings.

Having savings goals gives you something to work towards, helping to motivate you to stick to your budget. It might not be fun saving but it’s extremely satisfying reaching a savings goal or paying off bills, but what happens when you get there? Growing your savings can boost your assets and provide you with even greater financial security for the future.

Do you want to be more financially comfortable? Tired of living paycheck to paycheck. Sick of feeling like you’re working your butt off and have nothing to show for it? Could you do more to grow your savings? Take a look at some of the following ideas.

Easy Tips to Grow Your Savings Today for a Financially Secure Tomorrow

Choose the right kind of savings account

Is your savings account providing you with benefits? If you’re using an ordinary savings account, you could be missing out on valuable interest that could help you grow your savings. Learning how to choose the right savings account can help you find an account with great interest rates, helping you earn money on your savings. Work smarter not harder.

Try a side hustle to put more money away

Starting a side hustle is a great way to add to your savings. But know going into it that side hustles take work, a lot of work. It won’t be easy but it will be worth it. I’m a freelancer so I am a queen of side hustles. Many people take on a side hustle to generate an extra income that can help them reach their savings goals quicker than expected. Have you considered mining Bitcoin as a way to earn some extra money? It could be an enjoyable and profitable side hustle that could even turn into a full-time venture. Explore different side hustle ideas to find a good fit, and see how it could benefit your finances.

Invest your savings wisely

Investing your savings is another way to grow them. You’re never too old to learn how to invest, with some options that are ideal for novices, as well as more experienced investors. Some employers provide investment schemes that can help you invest a portion of your salary, or you can work with a broker to help you find the right sort of investments for you. Having investments can be a great way of boosting your savings, but it’s important that you make yourself aware of the risks before you commit.

Find ways of cutting back to allow you to save more

Is there more that you could be doing to save more? There are ways you can save money every month you might not have thought about. From haggling with your phone and internet provider to cutting back on your energy use, you could make a lot of additional savings each month. Take a look at your outgoings and set yourself a target that will help you spend less so that you can save more.

Being able to save is a huge achievement – a lot of people struggle to save money successfully. But once you’re in the habit of saving, you can take things to the next level by finding ways of maximizing your savings to boost your family’s finances. With so many ways to grow your savings, make sure you take advantage to help ensure a bright future for your family.

What’s your best easy tips to grow your savings today for a financially secure tomorrow?

2021/07/09 0 comment

Home

When a Settee Holds the Stories of Your Life

by Deborah Cruz 2021/03/31

written by Deborah Cruz

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

It’s funny how changing something as simple as a throw pillow, a blanket or a chair can change the whole vibe of a room. Don’t even get me started on a paint color or art. When we bought our current home, it was a fixer-upper but we saw the potential because it “had good bones” as my Father-in-law would say. It wasn’t going to be instant gratification; it wasn’t our dream home but it had a charm and was in the perfect neighborhood for a young family. So we bought it.

Disclosure: This is a compensated post written in partnership with Wayfair, but, as always, all opinions are my own.

We’ve grown with the house. As we’ve renovated and changed every single thing in this house in the past 9 years, we’ve also changed in every single way except for one, we are still that oversharing, possibly co-dependent family who does everything together. We laugh, cry, scream and shout together. We lift each other up and face change head on, just like this old house. We’ve got good bones.

Latina, Latinas, Stereotypes, DEvious maids, Latinos, racism, business, motherhood, raising daughters

This house has welcomed friends and family for dinners and holidays, it’s hosted several Halloween and Ugly sweater parties. Echoed the sounds of newest additions to the family and enveloped the cries of pain and sorrow of loss. It’s witnessed love in more ways than I ever thought possible. With its meager structure, it’s brought us through a pandemic. Now, it will see our daughters turn 15. In fact, our Bella turned 15 during the first week of the pandemic. Out Gabs will turn 15 next spring.

15-years-old is the age a Latina girl becomes a young woman in the Latino culture. It is the same age that the Catholic church recognizes children as adults. Being a Quinceañera is something all little Latina girls look forward to from the day they attend their first Quinces party and realize that someday, they will get to wear the big dress and crown and be the princess in not just their parents’ eyes but to everyone. She will be celebrated in a way that most girls may never get the chance to be.

We had such a beautiful celebration planned for Bella. It was as big and grand as any wedding and years in the planning. Friends and family for all over the country were planning to come. Bella, who is a shy and humble introvert, was ecstatic to celebrate this Latina rite of passage. I wasn’t able to have my own Quinceañera because my parents couldn’t afford to throw that party 3 times, and they had 3 girls so it’s something I’ve always dreamed of giving my girls.

She had the dress, crown and shoes. Months of practicing professionally created choreography by her world-renowned ballet teacher with her damas and chambelanes. Decorations, food, outfits and even a special settee for our princess, to serve as her throne for the night. Months of organizing and planning, saving and working towards goals all to be taken away by a global pandemic.

Then the pandemic hit and snatched it away from her on her actual birthday, 1 day before her the biggest party of her life, the CoVid pandemic caused the country to come to a screeching halt. She was inconsolable. I didn’t even know how to reason it with her. How do you reason with a 15-year-old who just lost something she was looking forward to for years? Think of trying to reason with a bride who just lost her wedding the night before the wedding because the world had other plans.

We tried to reschedule for August but, as we all know, the pandemic was not done (still isn’t). Family and friends sent her well-wishes and tried to cheer her up. But the dress still hangs in the corner and all the decorations are boxed up in our theater room. Champagne flutes and Mexican candy for 200 are collecting dust next to the decorations and atop all of it there are two crowns and a last doll, as a constant reminder of what never was. But the settee, the one that was to hold her in her big dress on her big day, now sits in our dining room and is where she sits to do virtual school. It’s where she often naps when she’s feeling down. It’s where her and her sister sit, cut up, laugh and plan their TikToks.

This settee is more than just a place to sit, it’s a place to reflect and feel your feelings. It not only changed the room in this old house, it occasionally changes the moods of my daughters. Most importantly, next June, it will hold my Bella on the day we celebrate her and her sister, Gabs, in a post-pandemic double quinceañera celebration like you’ve never seen. I guess now, I’ll have to order another one so each princess has her own thrown. When they move out someday, I will send these settees with them so they can always remember their big day and the family who loves them more than they can even imagine.

2021/03/31 0 comment

Home

Moving? It’s Time to Get Things in Order

by Deborah Cruz 2021/03/28

written by Deborah Cruz

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

When you decide as a family to move, for a new start ( and who hasn’t), or for a job change, there are many things that need to be considered, including our children’s well-being. I know because I lived that commuter marriage life for almost 3 years. While moving away is an exciting idea, it can be stressful especially if you’re moving abroad with your family.

Take advantage of the opportunity to be present that moving has given you, it is for the best!

It’s the perfect time to take advantage of the move to make further changes in the child’s life, such as expecting them to learn a new language (if needed) or perhaps wanting them to take up new hobbies. Their rationale is that it does not matter so much to the child if there will be one or two changes because it will be difficult for them in any case; so the key to transition is to ensure it is done smoothly. Just make sure they know that you’ve got their back and use all the moving hacks you can find.

Moving to a new house may end up being a much harder change for the child than the parents imagined. If the child is required at the same time to adapt to additional changes such as learning to walk if they are a toddler or being expected to help out more with other siblings, this could be overwhelming to them. Therefore, it is best to wait patiently for the child to successfully adapt to the new home and only then carry out further change processes.

Things take time, and that is OK.

In conclusion, parents have two particularly important roles with their children when moving away: helping the child to part well from the previous place, and at the same time helping them to adapt well to the new place. You should also note that this change will be hard for you too, so don’t pressure yourself.

Especially when moving abroad, take things slowly and keep the spirits and mood lifted as much as possible, after all this is a positive change you’re making. In essence, you must allow the child to carry out a gradual process of separation from their friends and educational environment.

Talk to them clearly and empathetically about moving home, and do so at the right time – not too early when the child is young and not too late when the child is older.

Introduce them to the new home and the new environment; as well as their new school as this may be the toughest challenge.

Encouraging them to make new friends is good but you should never force them to adapt immediately as change takes time. It also depends on the age of the child, the younger the child, the easier it will be for them to make the change. If they are older, there may be more resistance.

Communication is key as well as having them involved as much as possible, without too much stress arising!

2021/03/28 0 comment

Lifestyle

12 Tips To Help You Get Ready Fast Each Day

by Deborah Cruz 2020/11/05

written by Deborah Cruz

The sad truth is that time is a luxury that most of us don’t have these days. From the moment some ladies get up to the time they go to sleep, they must cram their waking hours with many tasks and activities.

You’re likely reading this article because you don’t have much time to do things every day. It doesn’t matter if you work long hours or have to juggle work and family life. Keep reading this article to learn about 12 ways that’ll help you get ready fast each day:

1. Get your outfit ready the night before

There’s no denying that one of the most time-consuming things that anyone has to do is spend time picking some clothing to wear in the morning. Unfortunately, choosing the right outfit sometimes mean being late for work or any other appointments!

That’s why it makes sense to pick what you’re going to wear before going to bed the previous night. It doesn’t sound very spontaneous, but it means you won’t have to rush around in the morning to get dressed.

2. Opt for a low-maintenance hairstyle

Does your hairstyling routine take a large chunk out of your morning ritual? If so, you should probably consider opting for a low-maintenance hairstyle. Getting hair extensions from a hair extensions specialist is also a good option to save time in hair preparation and styling. The good news is there are plenty of hairstyles out there that you’ll like yet won’t take a long time to prepare each morning.

One such example is the French bob. They are chin-length hairstyles that are both chic and elegant and take less than five minutes to prepare. Here’s how to style a French-girl bob in 3 easy steps!

3. Wake up 15 minutes earlier each morning

You might think to yourself that waking up 15 minutes earlier each morning is a bit pointless. After all: what extra things can you do in those 15 minutes? Well, it turns out there’s quite a lot of things you can do in that time.

For instance, you’ve got extra time to spend under the shower to ‘wake yourself up’ properly. Or if you’ve got kids, you could use that time to get their lunch boxes ready for school and not panic about leaving late to drop them off!

4. Prepare your lunch the evening before

Do you take in some home-cooked or prepared food for your lunchtime at work? If so, it can add to your stress levels, preparing your lunch in the morning before setting out your front door.

That’s why it makes better sense to prepare your lunch during the previous evening. In the morning, all you have to do is grab it from your refrigerator and take it to work with you! Plus, your food will stay cooler for longer if you don’t have a fridge at work.

5. Use an in-shower moisturizer

Ladies, if you use a moisturizer as part of your morning ritual each day, you need to start using a product that you can apply to your skin while you shower. Why? The answer is simple: to save time, of course!

That’s because the conventional approach involves drying yourself off, applying moisturizer, and then waiting for it to ‘sink in’ before getting dressed. There are plenty of hydrating moisturizers you can use in the shower.

6. Use one product for your eyes, cheeks, and lips

Some women use a variety of beauty products each morning. As you can imagine, having several products you need to apply means more time spent on your morning beauty routine. You would be better off cutting down on the products you use to save time.

Of course, that doesn’t mean you must sacrifice enhancing your look each day. There are time-saving products you can use that’ll achieve the same results that you want each morning. One example is to use a single product for your eyes, cheeks, and lips.

7. Don’t set your alarm next to your bed

One of the most dangerous things any woman can do is set their alarm on their phone or alarm clock next to their bed. You should make sure your alarm goes off far away from your bed, such as on a dressing table.

Why? You have to make yourself get up to turn off that ‘annoying’ alarm! And once you’re awake and on your feet, you can immediately begin your morning ritual.

So, why is it dangerous to have your alarm go off within arm’s length of your bed? You could quickly turn it off and doze back to sleep. Telling yourself that you’ve got an extra ten minutes in bed is never a good idea!

8. Invest in a programmable coffee machine

Are you the type of lady that needs a morning cup of coffee before the day can truly begin? If the answer’s yes, and you enjoy drinking filtered coffee, you must invest in a programmable coffee machine, along with the coffee pods of your heart’s desire. They don’t cost much more than standard coffee machines. But, they’ll offer you a whole heap of benefits. For instance, you’ll have one less thing to organize in the morning, as you’ve already prepared the coffee in the filter during the previous night.

Secondly, once you’ve had your shower and got dressed, you can instantly enjoy a hot, fresh cup of coffee before leaving your home. And thirdly, if you’re feeling incredibly sleepy, you can always have a second cup of coffee if you’ve got enough time!

9. Don’t “catch up” on things on your phone

Whether ladies like to admit it or not, they will often waste time catching up on things on their smartphones before leaving their homes. If that’s something you are guilty of doing, it’s time to stop it.

If you travel to work via public transport, you can always check your email or social media accounts en-route. Otherwise, wait until you get to work before you start doing stuff on your phone.

You might wish to put your phone on silent or airplane mode to avoid distracting notifications during your morning ritual.

10. Keep everything you need in one place

It doesn’t matter whether you travel light to work each morning or need to take a few different bags with you. What does matter is you keep everything you need in one place in your home.

You’ll save plenty of time doing that versus searching your home for the things you need. Plus, you won’t have to start your day in a panic or feeling stressed out before the day’s proceedings have even begun!

11. Avoid working during your morning commute

A surprising amount of women start working before they’ve even got to their workplaces! You might assume that you’re productive in an otherwise monotonous journey. However, the only thing that will happen is you’ll end up feeling stressed out and even anxious.

Instead, use the time in your journey to prepare for the day ahead mentally. And if your trip is a long one, you could always sneak in some extra sleep if you’ve had a late night.

12. Avoid watching TV

The thing about watching something on TV as you get ready to leave your home is that it’s distracting. And it can be so distracting that you might end up losing track of time and potentially leaving your home late!

Instead, listen to the radio or your favorite morning routine playlist. If you’re thinking of doing the latter, consider adding some upbeat, high-tempo tunes to make you feel energized and ready for anything the day will throw at you.

Good luck!

2020/11/05 0 comment

back to school, office envy, wayfair, virtual learning,

Home

Easy Back to School Virtual Learning Area Update

by Deborah Cruz 2020/10/02

written by Deborah Cruz

Back-to-school looks a little different this year for many families, mine included. I’ve been a work-from-home for the past 13 years, so I’m used to the rigorous scheduling of being a stay-at-home mom while balancing working full-time, only this year, I decided to add going back to school to earn a Master’s degree in the middle of a pandemic. On top of that, and the world being on fire, my girls are embracing virtual learning because I have a dreaded “underlying condition”. We had to make some concessions and tweaks on expectations because it’s hard, all of it, for all of us.

Disclosure: I am a Wayfair homemaker ambassador and this is a compensated post, however, all opinions are my own.

I’m sure that we can all agree that the “new normal” is not normal at all. My girls are learning from home because it’s the safest option for our family. I actually love having this extra time with them, when our time is so limited. In a couple of years, Bella will be heading off to college and that fact is not wasted on me. I know these CoVid days at home are a gift to us. Still, working from home while going to school with both girls learning virtually and not being able to do the things we normally do or even the simplest things like vacation, is absolutely exhausting.

So, we try our best to find the extraordinary in the ordinary moments and appreciate the challenges for giving us fresh perspective on our blessings and still, even with all the positivity we can throw at it, it’s still been really hard on all of us. I’ve learned to pick my battles, as a wife, mother, student and freelancer, let things go and give grace to others. I’ve become more forgiving and understanding and even still, there are days when it’s almost too much to bear.

One thing that has helped me throughout this pandemic and not leaving our house has been to be able to change our spaces. It sounds simple but some plants, some paint, a little blood, sweat and tears and a few new pieces of furniture can be a simple way to create a completely new feel in an old space. Aside from refreshing bedrooms to make them more calming and relaxing, streamlining bathrooms and scrubbing kitchens, the most important refresh I’ve done is creating functional schooling areas for the entire family. For mi kids, I discover a list of the best Adderall alternatives which improved their focus, this has been the most effective since learning at home makes them easily distracted.

I have a home office but normally, there is just me at home. With three people going back to school in a pandemic, in Zoom meetings, trying to read, write papers and stay focused, there had to be more than 1 office. We can’t all squirrel away in our bedrooms and work, that would be too depressing. I spruced up the office with a mini makeover and the cutest Ghislain daybed because during a pandemic, even big kids need naps sometimes. We also got another HVAC installed, which you can get from CM Heating’s services.

back to school, office envy, wayfair, virtual learning, My latest spruce-up efforts have been directed towards the virtual schooling oasis AKA our living room. It just didn’t feel particularly uplifting and definitely not inspiring. The furniture is big, heavy and dark-colored. The walls were actual 1970’s brown paneling. PANELING! It felt like being stuck in the past. We removed the paneling and primed and painted the walls in a more contemporary grey with bright white molding. We painted the brown shelves and beams white. I covered the brown leather couch in a teal couch cover. Covered the cold hardwood floors in a white furry shag rug and placed a matching throw pillow cover on the sofa. We also upgraded our internet connection with EATEL – wi-fi since the kids can’t lag during their classes.

back to school, office envy, wayfair, virtual learning, In addition to that I updated the look with, my favorite piece, the Janelle End Table that replaced the oversized wood tables. Since it was going to be transformed into a study area for one of us, I also added a new lamp to provide better lighting and added some plants for fresh air. Throw in a small modern shelf with some classics and inspiration is everywhere. I love the way it feels and looks. The more open, bright design and concept feels like a breath of fresh air when your brain feels too tired to go on.

What would you do to freshen up your virtual school area?

2020/10/02 0 comment

Life in the time of Coronavirus Lifestyle

Things to Learn About in the time of Coronavirus

by Deborah Cruz 2020/03/31

written by Deborah Cruz

Suddenly finding yourself with a lot of spare time? Never thought I’d ever say that after having children but thanks to coronavirus, that’s exactly what’s happened. Normally, I’d fill that time with webinars to up my game in SEO or social media or just take on more work in general. There are so many things to learn about in the time of coronavirus just to keep your occupied.

However, my mind has not been on the hustle. My mind has been on overload and I just want to do something out of the ordinary for me. I want to disconnect from the outside world and be present for not only my family but myself. I want to take this opportunity to get reacquainted with myself and learn some new things.

What do you do in your spare time? Perhaps, you are journaling and rediscovering who you are and what you like. For many of us, it’s been years since we’ve made our own wants a part of the equation. Maybe you’re like me and you want to learn new things? I mean, I’m stuck in the house, why not brush up on my French, practice different musical instruments and learn guitar lessons or learn piano online, or start that podcast I’ve been dreaming about. Or maybe you want to take up something entirely new? If so, then I’ve got a list of interesting things that you may want to spend more time learning about. Learning new things is a great distraction and can be a lot of fun. It’s a great way to flex your mind, expand your perspective or get outside and move your body.

Things to Learn About in the time of Coronavirus just to keep your mind occupied

Astrology and the Zodiac

How much do you know about astrology and zodiacs? Perhaps you know your zodiac sign, but that is as far as your knowledge goes. Or maybe you know more information, but you want to learn even more.

What is the zodiac?

The zodiac is a term that is related to both astronomy and astrology. There are 12 zodiac signs, which are “derived from the constellations that mark out the path on which the sun appears to travel over the course of a year.” Since astrology and astronomy are different, though, the dates that are part of a zodiac sign do not always necessarily match up with the dates that the sun passes through each constellation. As you are probably aware, the 12 zodiac signs are as follows: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces.

Moon Phases

If astrology interests you, then you may also be interested in other things related to the sky. For example, you can take the time to learn about the moon phases. The moon is fascinating. Do you know all of the different phases of the moon? If you want, you can even find calendars that show the moon phases for a specific year. In case you are interested, there are eight moon phases, and they are: the lunar moon, new moon, waxing crescent moon, first-quarter moon, waxing gibbous moon, full moon, waning gibbous moon, and the third-quarter moon. The moon is so interesting, so why not take some time and learn about it.

Tarot

Perhaps you have always thought that tarot cards are interesting. If you are not that familiar with tarot cards, then here is some information. Tarot decks are made up of 78 cards. Each card has its own meaning. The deck is divided into the Minor Arcana and the Major Arcana. Tarot is an exciting subject. So, why not try to get a reading done, buy a deck and learn how to read the cards yourself, or look up information about it to learn something new.

Plants

Learning about plants, whether indoor or outdoor, can also be fun. For example, if you have always thought that succulents were cool, then why not look for online resources or find some books about succulents to learn more. You can even purchase some succulents and use your new knowledge to look after them. Or, you can also learn about growing your own food, and then when the time comes, try it out.

Music

Many people love to listen to music, but how much do they actually know about it? If music is something that you are really interested in, then there is so much that you can learn. You can learn to play an instrument; you can learn about the history of different types of music, etc. In college, I took art and music history and I loved it. There are so many different topics related to music that you can find the topics that interest you the most and learn about those.

Yoga

Right now, more than ever, I need to practice yoga and meditation. I need to exist beyond my mind while centering myself. Maybe you practice yoga, but do you actually know about all of the types of yoga that exist or the history of yoga? Expand your knowledge of this practice, and you can not only practice yoga but also be informed about it. For example, some types of yoga include Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Hatha, etc. Since there are so many types, you can learn about yoga as a whole, or dive deeper into a specific type of yoga if there is a particular one that you find interests you most.

There are so many different and interesting topics that we can learn about; the possibilities are endless. Even if none of these are interesting to you, there’s got to be something you’ve always wanted to try and now is a perfect time. Always continuing to learn can be good for your brain. It can give you something interesting to do, and there are so many ways that we can learn these days from reading books to watching documentaries on Netflix, to taking online. You have so many options, so pick a topic you want to learn about today, and start doing your research.

If there was one thing that you’ve always wanted to learn or try but never had the time, what would it be? What are the things to learn about in the time of Coronavirus that interest you the most? What’s stopping you?

2020/03/31 0 comment

Fashion

Telic Apres Ski Recovery Boots Perfect for the whole famiy

by Deborah Cruz 2020/03/07

written by Deborah Cruz

Last year, I started working out. I’ve never been one to work out and walk 5Ks every day just because. I was about as fair-weathered a workout friend as you could find. I loved working out. Cardio was my jam but only when it was convenient. I wasn’t about that walking in 110 degrees with 100% humidity. And I definitely wasn’t running in 20-degree weather but here we are. Me walking on ice, rain or shine, hot or cold in the holy pursuit of good health. If I’m going to do it, I’d like to be able to do it the best way possible. Enter Telic Après Ski recovery boots, the one thing I never knew, I always needed. Look at me, learning all the new things about myself.

Disclosure: I gifted a pair of Telic Après Ski recovery boots to experience them for myself but all opinions are my own.

I’ve had to do some pretty substantial research and I’ve learned some hard lessons along the way. I also learned that my teenagers don’t like to wake up early, clean, work out or do anything that involves any effort whatsoever before 10 am, even if they have to. But they are swiftly motivated by Starbucks and shopping for cute anything. If that’s what I’ve got to do to get my teens to exercise with me, well sign me and my silver sneakers up because walking in the mall still counts as walking. Guess what else I learned?

I learned about a thing called sports recovery boots. Sounds made up, right? I thought so too but hey, I love cute shoes and I was sold and so were my girls. When I think of after sports shoes, I think of the Adidas soccer slides my girls wear after soccer games and ballet class. But those are not the sports recovery shoes that I am referring to in this post.

Recently, I was gifted a pair of Telic Après Ski sports recovery boots. When I saw them, I thought they were super cute and what could it hurt to try them out. We’d just spent 7 days walking 20000 steps daily around Walt Disney World. My feet were sore and in desperate need of some relief.

Telic Après Ski recovery boots

Since breaking my leg, most of my day’s end with a limp my legs are sore each night. But when I wear my Telic Après Ski recovery boots to work (I told you they were cute), I’m not limping at the end of the day. If that was not enough, I noticed they keep disappearing. My teens are swiping them to wear themselves. So, I got my oldest a pair and she loves them. She has dancer’s feet and they’ve taken a beating. She says these are one of the few shoes that don’t aggravate her plantar fasciitis and tendonitis.

Let me tell you about the Après Ski recovery boot. It’s not just for after you ski, as the name would imply. It’s for after any sport. It’s great for everyday wear.

Telic is known for its award-winning comfort. The Après Ski recovery boot is also:

Insulated & Water Resistant
Traction Control Out-sole
Pillow-Soft Comfort
Lightweight Stability
Athlete Approved
Dr. Recommended

100% all true and I can attest to it because I’ve worn them a lot since I got them, in the mornings after working out during drop off and for my entire workdays and they truly impressed me. Actually, they blew my mind. I don’t know that I really believed anything could really work, especially with my foot and leg issues from the break but these did.

You can enjoy Telic’s award-winning comfort year-round. They are designed to be worn by athletes to help relax and rejuvenate after training and competition, this recovery series incorporates Telic’s Novlaon Footstrike Technology and offers a soft supportive comfortable fit and feel for year-round Telic comfort.

What does that mean for you?

It means that this really cute pair of boots are comfortable and really do help you recover. To be honest, the fact that my leg hasn’t hurt after work since I’ve started wearing this is enough to convince me to wear these shoes every day of the year but in addition to that, I got so many compliments on the look of the shoe. If I had my way, I’d gift a pair to every teacher in my school because they are absolutely that cute and comfortable.

If you’re an athlete looking for a fantastic recovery shoe or someone who spends long hours on their feet and needs extreme comfort without sacrificing fashion, I would strongly suggest giving Telic’s Apres Ski recovery boots a try for yourself. FYI, it also comes in a recovery shoe if boots are not your jam. Those are next on my list. Plus they got the seal of approval from my teen which never happens.

2020/03/07 0 comment

Fashion Mom Life

How to Upcycle your Maternity Clothes After Pregnancy

by Deborah Cruz 2020/02/15

written by Deborah Cruz

Having a baby changes everything. Anyone who tells you otherwise is a liar. The one thing it changes forever is your body. Even if you get back to the size you were pre-baby, you are changed. But who am I telling? If you’re a mom, you already know this. However, no need to stress out. Just a little change of perspective, some patience and self-love, and everything is back on track. Figuring out what to do about your maternity clothes after pregnancy can be a challenge, your body is still changing but a mom still wants to look and feel stylish. Start with upcycling your way of thinking.

2020/02/15 0 comment

Newer Posts

Older Posts