House Plants

Succulents

Succulents are mainly plants with thick water-filled leaves that store water. They have the ability to survive drought making them a good choice from busy people who forget to water the plants. There are many different varieties with different shapes and sizes including most will bloom indoors. They are related to the cactus family: all cactus are succulents, however, not all succulents are cactus.

Most need direct sunlight (south window) or bright grow lights. Some varieties will take less sun like the sansevieria, mother-in-law plant. There are hanging types like mother pearls and burro tails.

All need a well-draining potting mix with drainage holes in the container. The number one cause of death is not quickly drying out between watering. Edge on lack of water than too much water. You can purchase cactus and succulents soil mixes in stores. In the spring fertilize with a water-soluble fertilizer like Miracle-Gro and again later in the early summer.

There are a thousand varieties to try growing in all types of combinations in all types of containers.

Home Improvement

Ever think of painting your room black?

Ever think of painting your room black? Think of painting a wall in your home black or the whole room. You will see black shades of color being more popular in the next few years. The reason black is becoming more popular is that the color offsets lighter furniture and décor tricking you into thinking the room is much larger.

If you paint all the walls black and leave the woodwork a light brown color or even painting it white creates boldness to the room. When you paint the room black, leave the floor lighter, add brighter wall hangings, or a big mirror and light fixtures.

Black gives a room an intimate feel which works for bathroom, bedroom, and family spaces. It adds accents to through areas like hallways and the entryways. A black wall works great to use as a gallery for pictures.

If you apply black to a wall with a lot of blemishes like nail holes. Fingerprints with sticky hands do not show up like they do on lighter hues.

Home Improvement

Collectibles brings interest and history into your home.

An old piece of furniture or collectibles brings interest and history into your home. That piece of furniture whether a table or chair can be surrounded by other antiques to tell a story. Maybe, it is a family history or bringing in an era into the home like Victorian times.

If you have no old furniture, you can find one at most estate sales, flea markets, auctions, or online. Already have an old piece and was thinking of throwing it away, don’t. You can restore it by restaining, painting, or reupholstery.

There is something in a piece of furniture that was made by someone’s hand and withstood the test of time. If it is a family heirloom, who made it and what events has it witnessed. Look at its beauty as being filled with charm. The beauty is in the imperfect.