Yearly Archives: 2016
Bedroom Design: 4 High-Tech Gadgets for Your Bedroom
Post by Tracy Kaler.
Even if you’re not techy, some of the gadgets today might appeal to you. Gadgets are invented to make our lives easier, and we can all use a little help with the way in which live (and sleep), so I say, why not? And some are just plain fun to use too. Here are four high-tech gadgets you might want to purchase for your bedroom.
Programmable thermostat
When the weather’s cold, especially, this gadget really comes in handy. Most people like to sleep in a cooler temperature, like 60 or 65 degrees, but then they want a warmer room when they’re ready to get out of bed in the morning. A programmable thermostat will allow you to set the temperature on a timer and your heating and air conditioning will come on at the specified time. Hence, no more waking up in a chilly bedroom.
Lutron dimmers
Dimmers will spoil you, especially if they’re Lutron. Not only are these light control gadgets energy savers, but they allow you to get the right amount of light you need at all times. Hate snoozing in a pitch black room and need just a touch of light when you sleep? A dimmer can accommodate.
Automatic aromatherapy diffuser
Aromatherapy has been proven to remedy stress, and by adding essential oils to an automatic diffuser, not only will your bedroom smell wonderful, but you’ll feel calmer and might sleep more soundly through the night. Some diffusers also work as humidifiers and air purifiers. Most models come with automatic shut-off.
A sleep tracker/monitor
If you’re having a tough time sleeping, a sleep tracker can provide insight as to the quality of your sleep and might even help you improve it. Sleep monitors can tell you how many hours you’ve slept, how long you were restless and which stages of sleep you’ve slept in on a given night, keep track of your heart rate, and more.
Movies in Bed: Legend
Post by Mark T. Locker.
Do you like unicorns? Forces of darkness? Tom Cruise? How do feel about completely confusing plotlines? If you said “yes” to two or more of those questions, then Legend is the movie for you
Legend is a classic 1980s fantasy movie starring a young Tom Cruise. He plays Jack, a young man—possibly a wild child? He definitely hangs with faeries and dwarves—who is in love with a woman named Lili (Mia Sara, better known as Ferris Bueller’s girlfriend). But when he takes her to see the amazing magical unicorns, he’s made a big mistake. For Lili touches one of the beasts and then these goblins come and hack off the unicorn’s horn to bring to their master, Darkness (Tim Curry with a LOT of prosthetics and paint) who will use the power of the horn to lord over the world.
So, Jack gets together with his dwarf and faerie friends to go recover the horn and restore order.
If you grew up in the 80s and watched this movie, maybe it made a lot of sense to you. I was constantly confused by what was going on. That said, it’s an enormously entertaining movie, partly due to its incredible badness, also due to its liberal use of glitter and the soundtrack by Tangerine Dream. Bear in mind that Ridley Scott made this film and he also cut 52 minutes from the film which may explain some of the confusing transitions.
If you have a kid who likes fantasy, or if you haven’t watched this movie since you were a kid, pick up a copy and watch it. Perfect bedtime watching material!
Bedroom Design: 5 Stylish Greenwich Village Bedrooms
Post by Tracy Kaler.
New York City’s Greenwich Village, also called “The Village” by locals, has long been known as a vibrant, funky neighborhood where artists live, work, and play. It’s no surprise that some of the city’s most creative interiors come from apartments and townhouses in the area. If you’ve ever wondered what the inside of a Village home looks like, now’s your chance to take a peek. Let’s get inspired by these five stylish Greenwich Village Bedrooms.
This somewhat industrial guestroom in an 1840s Greek Revival townhouse keeps the décor simple but adds a touch of funk in the accessories. The ceiling fan is especially interesting.
Compact yet complete, this Village bedroom boasts masculine colors. The bed against the window would normally be taboo, but with the layout of the space, it’s probably the only option. The windows hit above the top of the bed, so the design works well.
A Greenwich Village loft celebrates exposed brick. Sheers allow light to filter through tall windows, and built-ins keep the room clutter-free and save space. Notice the tiny bedside lamps.
This cozy guest room uses a small bed and keeps extra throw pillows on hand. A shag area rug, large armoire, and floor-length draperies finish off the space nicely. Since there’s not enough room for bedside tables, a shelf above the bed can hold necessities
This bedroom is the work of legendary designer David Easton. Colors are soothing, and the lighting is warm. The paneled bed wall makes for a soft backdrop, setting the stage for the straightforward yet elegant furnishings.
Bedtime Stories: The Rest of Us Just Live Here
Post by Mark T. Locker.
The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness.
So many young adult books these days are about reluctant heroes, boys and girls finding themselves battling monsters and unspeakable evil. This book is not about those people. This is about the kids in the background. The “normal” kids. It’s a really interesting twist on this classic trope of YA fiction.
Something weird is happening in this small nameless town somewhere in western Washington. Kids are going missing, strange blue light is bursting into the sky. But this isn’t what Mikey is worried about. He’s a teenager gearing up for the end of his school year. He’s in love with his best friend. His sister has an eating disorder. He has OCD. They really don’t have time for monsters, inter-dimensional portals, or any of that stuff. That stuff is for the Chosen Ones; known in this book as the indie kids. They have names like Satchel and Finn. All we know about the fight against otherworldly evil is explained in the titles of the chapters. For once they are the background characters.
I love this unusual twist on YA fantasy fiction. I’ve read many books about chosen kids, balancing school and relationships with a fight against evil. What about the other kids? The ones who just want to get through finals, go to prom, find love? The Rest of Us Just Live tells their story. And it’s a really good story. It’s all about the angst of absentee parents, of leaving high school and the friends who have kept you going. It’s about love and jealousy and family. The mysterious blue light infecting the people and animals of town certainly doesn’t help. But Finn and Satchel and Finn and Finn will take care of that. Mikey and his friends are too busy cramming for final.
A fun and thoughtful book for teens who enjoy the monsters and zombies but want a little more.
Bedroom Design: Stylish Mobile Home Bedrooms
Post by Tracy Kaler.
A mobile home might not seem glamorous or even desirable, but for nomads who prefer not to be tied down to one place, living in a camper or RV is the ideal lifestyle. What’s more, compact spaces, including shotgun trailers, can still be incredibly chic. These four mobile home bedrooms prove it.
Midcentury in style, his Avion camper renovation provides all the comforts of home but in a small, movable space. The owners keep the Airstream well stocked so they and their friends can show up with their personal belongings at any time. Owning a camper like this one is almost like owning a vacation home but at a fraction of the price.
Another Airstream, but this one in Salt Lake City, takes modern design to a new level. Sleek and practical, the interior uses plenty of warm wood, laminate, and lacquer, and the designer threw in some faux fur, which adds an element of surprise.
Believe it or not, this tiny bedroom is indeed in a mobile home. Damask wallcovering, a simple white headboard and bedding, and a turquoise blue door complete the understated design.
This Strathmere, NJ camper is the perfect example of “trailer chic.” As you can see from the photo below, the home boasts two sleeping spaces. McMullin Design out of Haddonfield created the fashionable and practical interior, proving that size and budget don’t make a great space. Obviously, in this camper, home really is where the heart is.
