Friday, June 21, 2024
Chef Geoffrey Zakarian's Half Sour Pickles And BBQ Sauce
Wednesday, June 19, 2024
Lume or Native vs Homemade Body Deodorant
Recent advertisements selling all-over body deodorants have us convinced we all stink. It seems like the main reason to buy them is they work on areas outside of armpits that might be too sensitive for regular deodorant.
Switching from a traditional antiperspirant to a natural deodorant requires a transitional period of 1 to 4 weeks when you may sweat more while your body rebalances itself. Stick it out and you'll sweat less soon enough.
The new body deodorants on the market are much more expensive than most armpit deodorants (including organic varieties), ranging from about $12 - $22.
I bought Lume deodorant in Lavender Sage to pamper my senior mother. Frankly, I see no difference in its effectiveness compared to what I use daily, Crystal™ Mineral Body Deodorant Stick, which is cheaper and lasts and lasts forever! The Crystal™ stick sometimes lands in the beauty aisles of T.J. Maxx for even less.
You may wonder what makes a deodorant natural? According to Healthline, "3 ingredients are common:
- ingredients with disinfectant or antibacterial properties, such as coconut oil and tea tree oil
- essential oils like lavender, sandalwood, or bergamot to provide a pleasant scent
- naturally, absorbent ingredients like baking soda, arrowroot, or cornstarch to combat moisture"
Monday, June 17, 2024
5 Interior Design Styles Part IV
Vintage Interior Design (click photos to enlarge) |
Modern rustic |
Friday, June 14, 2024
5 Interior Design Styles Part III
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Parisian Interior Design |
I'm enjoying putting this series, a tetralogy, together on interior design styles because I'm learning a lot! I've gone from a know-nothing to at least being able to tell the categories of decor apart. How great it is to learn new things! So let's continue with 5 more styles ...
11) Parisian - Parisian interior design came about during the reign of Napoleon III (1852 - 1870) when the French Emperor instructed architect Baron Georges-Eugène Haussmann to tear down Paris' medieval buildings and replace them with 19th-century buildings that had architectural features of the time. Many of today's Paris apartments still have these Haussmann Era details, which include elegant wall and ceiling moldings, herringbone floors, marble mantel fireplaces, and gilded mirrors. Parisian interior design features panels of painted wood molding. Walls are usually painted a creamy white. Ceiling molding trimmings have a repeat design of leaves, fruits, and flowers with an ornate plaster rosette or medallion in the center of the ceiling and often with a chandelier or modern light fixture dangling from it. The overall look is a mix of traditional and modern minimalism. Furniture has clean, simple lines and shapes that are speckled with a few unexpected bold or daring pieces.
14) 14. Farmhouse - Farmhouse style is practical, incorporating traditional with modern design. Old elements are integrated with new pieces for an overall warm and inviting aesthetic. White or earthy neutrals are the main palette with accent colors associated with farms such as barn reds, sunny yellows, sky blues, and grassy greens. Pops of colors can be muted or bold. You can bring in your own shapes as long as the parts keep the totality clean. There's an emphasis on wood in walls, floors, and countertops accented by steel or iron fixtures. Brick or stone fireplaces are widespread and surrounded by cozy couches and chairs. Photographs, paintings, hangings, and swag add personality.
15) Industrial - Industrial design embraces open spaces, open floor plans, natural light, and stripped-down architectural details like bare bricks, exposed metal pipes, and natural untreated wood. A neutral color palette uses whites, greys, blacks, and browns. Large windows are preferred to let in the sunshine. Coffee tables on wheels, bookcases, and dining tables made from recycled wood are also characteristic. A group of bare lightbulbs hanging as a chandelier; graphic lines including windowpanes; or iron wheels on a barstool are themes. Black metal, weathered leather, and linen work enhance this look. The feel is cozy, neat, and lived in!
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
5 Interior Design Styles Part II
A Modern Style Living Room |
As promised here are 5 more popular interior design styles. Expert decorators write books on each one. Allow me to detail several main traits while you consider your favorites ...
7) Modern Mid-Century - Simplicity is the mainstay of the MMC style. The furniture has clean lines, soft curves, and functionality. There's no clutter, accessories are minimal, sleek, and serve a purpose. Earthy color palettes dominate. The focus is on natural textures and wood, especially teak, walnut, or oak. The mood of the room is warm, cozy, and calm. Pops of color, geometric shapes, or vintage lamps complete the look. While Frank Lloyd Wright is the most influential architect of the period, George Nelson is the father of MMC design since he created some of its most iconic designs which are still with us today. Onto ...
8) Contemporary - This style evolved from modern design in the 1970s and continues to grow today. I'm posting not 3, but 4 examples of it as it means "now"! Key features include sculptural lights; exposed construction materials such as steel pillars, wooden beams, brick, or concrete; minimalism of form (for example windows replacing walls); and the use of eco-friendly materials such as bamboo, cork, recycled plastics, glass, aluminum, or clay. These new materials gave what is called "a visual edge'' to contemporary design. An additional influence may come from traveling to Asia, South America, or continents not your own. Therefore there may be a mix of cultures in a room. Colors found in nature including (1) stone grey, (2) sandy browns, (3) charcoal black, and (4) cloudy whites are commonly brought into a home with color accents of (5) leafy greens and (6) rich jewel tones. Artwork is often prominent and pleasing without being overly ornate like a featured wall or a standalone statue. Contemporary design also loves open interiors with less division. An example is a "great room," a combined living and dining room that flows out from the kitchen.
According to the Spruce, texture and shine unite to create a glam room. Mirrors and mirrored tables give the space a glitzy, upscale feel while silk, velvet, and fur fabrics add texture and interest to the space. You might see crystal chandeliers, sequin lamps, or metallic candlesticks. The main palette color tends to be a sophisticated neutral like white, ivory, cream, grey, or black while pastels and jewel tones bring pizzazz to a room along with crystal, marble, gold or silver, velvet, fur, silk, and spectacular light fixtures.
Photo of Maximalism style by Meagan Hopp - NYC Project |