Making the Most of Your Living Room Space

Does it ever feel like your living room gets smaller every year? As the kids get bigger and the family accumulates more “stuff” it just seems sometimes like your house is shrinking. But before you start looking to knock out a wall, follow some of these tips to maximize the space you’ve got.

 

1. Find Functional Furniture

Look for furniture that can multitask. Use end tables to strategically hold lamps or accent pieces but also as a means of storage with shelves or drawers underneath. You can also place magazine bins or baskets underneath open tables. Similarly, look for ottomans or couches that can double for additional storage spaces to keep kids’ toys and television remote controls out of site.

 

2. Don’t Add On, Build In

Rather than adding more furniture or shelves to a room, think about building into the space you already have. Built-in cabinets can add dimension to a small room and double as both a display space or for added storage. A recessed day-bed or window seat can eliminate the need for added couches or chairs while still allowing for plenty of seating options.

 

3. Think Big

Sometimes there is the idea that if the room is small, you need to fill it with small furniture. However, several small pieces can make a room feel cramped. Opt instead for one or two larger pieces that serve as a main focal point and keep the room feeling clean and clutter-free.

 

4. Go Vertical

Rather than several shorter shelves or tables, choose taller pieces that take advantage of the height of the room. Look for tall book shelves and store your “already read” books on the uppermost shelves. Add a hutch with drawers and shelves to your desk or workspace rather than cabinets that take up more floor space and look for shelving with an extra tier or two to hold those picture frames and accent pieces you accumulated over the years.

 

5. Find Your Own Nook

If you haven’t a separate office or den, avoid making the living room your workspace. Not only is it important mentally not to work where you rest, but you’ll find the room will quickly fill with extra office clutter. Instead, find an unused corner to create a workspace all your own where papers, computers, books and other office supplies can be kept. Utilizing space by a window will allow you to use the natural light and keeping your desk facing away from a television will keep you from getting distracted.

Hair Extension Handbook: Everything You Need to Know

Hair extensions can be a great way to add length or volume to your hair. But with so many options available, it’s hard to know which route to go. Here’s a look at a few different techniques that can change up your look in no time flat!

 

Clip-in hair extensions are an easy and quick way to add length and volume to your hair without any long-term commitment. The best part is, you can easily buy them online from reputable sellers like Hershesons who use 100% real human hair. These easy-to-use extensions are practically invisible and can be styled as if they were your own hair. There’s also no damage to your existing hair. Simply clip them into place you’re ready to go!

 

Sewn-in extensions are another option if you’re looking for a longer commitment. They generally last two to three months and you have the option of selecting any texture of hair you want since your own hair is hidden under extension. The only drawback is that this technique can be somewhat more bulky and noticeable than others.

 

Malaysian extensions are a newer technique that works similar to sewn-in extensions. While sewn-in extensions utilize braids to add the piece, Malaysian extensions are sewn in via a track pattern created from your own hair. Once the track pattern is created, the extension is sewn in and should last for a few months. This method may not be ideal for ponytail-wearers, but it is a less-bulky option than the traditional braided sewn-in method.

 

For those looking to avoid salons altogether, tape-in extensions are a great DIY option. The hair is on a track with tape. You simply sandwich your own hair between the tape for added volume and fullness. The method is easy enough to do at home and generally lasts about two weeks before the tape starts to loosen. This isn’t a technique for those looking to change up their current texture since your own hair is still visible. Rather, it’s good way to add volume or length to your current style.

 

Another quick method to add some length or volume to your do is to incorporate the use of ponytail extensions or wig fringes. Ponytail extensions come in a variety of styles. Choose from added waves or curls or longer braided pieces to add some flare to the traditional up-do. Or, if you’re looking to change up your look but don’t want the commitment of snipping your locks, opt for a wig fringe. These clip-in bangs let you try a wispy side-bang or a fuller chic style without any fuss.

I Wish I had a Home Cinema System

I love to watch movies. It’s one of my absolute favorite things to do. I don’t like going the theaters much for a few reasons. It’s too expensive, there are other people there, I can’t press pause it if I need to, and I can’t wear my jammies.  Not to mention I eat way too much popcorn and then get a stomach ache.  Noah has started to like movies a little bit, but I remember one time we went to the movies.  He cried and talked during parts of it. He wouldn’t watch it, he ate too much popcorn. He is much better now but man oh man. I prefer to stay at home in my jammies and watch movies.  I can relax and I don’t have to worry about making noises or dealing with people who kick my chair.  One thing I do miss when I watch dvds at home is the surround sound and the THX capabilities.

 I don’t have a home theater. I hope to some day to have home cinema speakers from MK Loudspeakers. I remember when I would go with my dad to look at the show homes some of them had movie theaters in their houses. They even had the theater seating.  I thought that was the coolest thing.  I don’t think that I would want to have theater seating because I am too old for that but a nice surround sound system would be great. As big as a movie buff I am I should already have one.  Some TVs especially older ones don’t have great sound so in order to hear the movie or show you have to have it turned up really loud depending on what channel you are watching. When you change the channel it scares you because it is so loud it makes you jump.  I think that if you are however watching a scary movie or a thriller, those loud noises are meant to make you jump and make your heart race.  It can really lose its scare factor when you are watching it at the movies vs. watching it at home without surround sound.  My ex husband and I had made our own home cinema speakers. We used  a big speaker that also dubbed as our coffee table and an old radio receiver hooked up to our TV.  It was nowhere near as nice as an actual system but it worked for a while.  I will have to wait until I am no longer living in an apartment because I wouldn’t get the full effect of having it.

Do you have a home theater system in your home?