Mind Full Melissa: December 2012

Monday, December 17, 2012

12 Movies for the 12 Days of Christmas

In light of the holiday season, I thought that I would post some of my favorite festive films. Tell me which ones are your favorites?

The Little Drummer Boy

Home Alone

A Miracle on 34th Street

Grinch

Rudolph the Red Nose Raindeer

Elf

Scrooged

A Christmas Story

Its a Wonderful Life

Babes in Toyland

Chevy Chase National Lampoon

The Nut Cracker

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Dream Home Series 6: Snuggle Up In These Cool Reading Nooks

If reading can be transformational why shouldn't the space you read in follow suit?

Finding a good reading spot is like finding money with a metal detector. The idea of a good reading spot varies because its inherant with the reader. Some people can read in a desk and chair, some outside under a tree, and some on a crowded subway. Personally, I find nooks to be ideal and think that there are some overarching elements that make them a great addition to have in every home, office, or school.

The best reading nooks need to have the perfect combination of comfort, light, and cave-like secret privacy that causes you to manifest an anti-social fervor that reads, "I'm too cool for you. I'm reading."

In this safe space, the reader can fully escape into the throws of the story and feel no shame doing the following:

theatrical masks with range of emotion sad surprised mad annoyed scared

Crying
Laughing
Gasping
Throwing down your book with anticipation.

Why? Because its expected here. That is what you do.

So where can you create these spaces?

By Your Favorite Window

This is one of the easiest places to create your nook. All you really need is a body pillow or old cushion and maybe spice it up with some candles on the sill. Also, its portable so if the time of day is too harsh or you discover you want a different window to sit under than its as easy as 1,2,3.

reading loft at end of stairwell with ladder to reach

white cushions and books near arched window looking over Mediterranean

By The Fireplace

red adobe fire place with large shag ottoman and library

Snuggling up with a romance book is always pleasant. Even while your fantasy lover may break your heart, you can be comforted in your nook by the fire. While the first image illlustrates a luxurious room this can easily be recreated by throwing down a blanket, shag rug, ottoman, or bean bags.

Closet

Most of us probably are trying to capitalize on our storage space, but if you are one of the lucky few or simply have a closet thats not really working for you why not try converting it to a reading nook.

--The homeowner here took the door off which provides for easy and accessible lighting.

-- They Installed some shelves which can be optional and fairly quick to do.

--Lastly they made a custom platform with cushion. You could supplement that feature by squeezing in an ottoman or comfy chair instead.

Loft It

Have a weird loft space you have been using to store your vases? Kick those things off and make it a reading nook. Just attach a ladder and you'll be far from all your problems.

empty room with closet and loft space no doors

reading nook lofted above and office space white

Under The Stairs

reading nook under staircase colorful pillows and cushion

Transform that broom closet under the stairs into a unique little retreat for you and your best books to get away. The space already exists so no add ons other than maybe installing some shelves or placing a bean bag, pad, or bench. Take off the door for more lighting or stick up one of these babies.

Ye Old Guest Room

dark pink room with library bed and reading nook

Unlike your own bedroom in which you visit every night, no one really goes in here and sometimes you even forget it exists. Yet, by repurposing the room as a nook and guest room you come out getting a multifunctional space and a great escape. Once you secure the door you can lock into your book.

As always I appreciate feed back on this lil posts of mine. If you find them helpful tell me about them! If you have a few tips drop me a email! In either case I hope you enjoyed.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Fortune Cookie Fun

Oh really !!?

Mirror Mirror On My Accent Wall

Mirror mirror on the wall, please help spruce up my home this fall. Sometimes putting a simple mirror on your wall can easily add that contemporary, traditional, country, or eclectic touch you've been trying to nail. Not only will they provide something cool to look at but by choosing the right frame shape and size you can reflect more light in a darker space and give the illusion that a room is larger/ higher in height.

But you don't want just any ordinary mirror. MadeGoods is one of my new favorite sites to shop for accessories. Scan below to get a glimpse at a few of my favorites:

But a word of caution. Mirror hangers there's a possibility that the slightly narcissistic people in your household may hog up "mirror time" which could lead to some nasty fights. Better hope that it doesn't turn out like this scene from one of my favorite shows this season Once Upon A Time.