Oh, Bama!

Alright, this has nothing to do with my apartment but it's just so exciting that I have to share it with everyone. Last night Sen. Barack Obama held a campaign rally at the University of Wyoming, where I am a senior journalism student. I really wanted to go, but I was exhausted after spending the last two days in Denver and upon seeing the line to get into the Arena Auditorium that was literally hundreds of people long, I decided I just wasn’t up for it.

But thanks to my connections from my former internship with the UW Media Relations Office and the fabulous Kristen, who is currently an intern there, I was able to get in without waiting in line at all. And not into the stands, but into the media area, complete with my own press pass. It's moments like these that remind a girl why she got into journalism: for the awesome hook-ups and free food!

There is no word to describe the experience other than “thrilling.” It was so exciting to know that I was seated a mere 50 feet away from the man who might (I hope) be the next president. Going to a political rally seems like such a seminal college experience, I’m so glad that I got to participate in something like that. And although Obama didn’t say anything I hadn’t heard before from him, he is an amazing orator and I felt very inspired.

Here are some more pictures I took last night:

There was a ton of national media there. It was weird seeing people from places like NBC, CNN and AP in little, ol' Laramie.

Kristen and me in the press box. Note the unwashed masses above us.

There were about 5,000 people there. Not as many as I expected, but it was still a big crowd. Especially for Republican Wyoming.

Yes, that is Ok Go! They were standing about 5 feet in front of me, but I was too chicken to ask for a picture. They are crazy for Obama!

One of Kristen's photos. She got really close! Check out her blog for her take on the event. She touched his hand, folks!

http://www.barackobama.com/

http://news.aol.com/elections/story/_a/barack-obama-wins-wyoming-caucuses/20080307232409990001

The Art of Simplicity is a Puzzle of Complexity

This next idea isn’t actually something I’ve done in my home. It comes courtesy of my friend Kristen, who has done some amazingly cute things with her studio apartment. One day I noticed a lovely new piece of art on her kitchen wall. When she told me the print I was admiring was actually a puzzle, I couldn’t believe what a great idea that was. Not only is it a very cool idea to hang a puzzle on your wall, but from a distance, you can hardly tell. So here is how to create your own:

Just like working with tapestries over slip-covers gives you a lot more range in playing with patterns, using puzzles as wall art opens up a whole new world of choices. Try what Kristen did, and choose a puzzle that is based on a piece of art or a vintage poster. A good backing to use is foam board. It is cheap and can easily be cut with a craft knife to the exact size of the puzzle.

Once the puzzle is assembled, use puzzle glue (about $3 for a bottle) to adhere the puzzle pieces together. Coat the front, and once it has dried, flip the puzzle over and coat the back. Repeat the process. Then use craft glue to mount the puzzle onto the foam board.

Once the glue is dry and you are satisfied that the puzzle is secure on the board, you can mount it on your wall. For a no-fuss and temporary wall mount, try removable wall tabs, which can be purchased for under $5.

And that's it, your very own puzzle art! Puzzles are a great way to spend quiet time with a friend or someone you love. Now instead of throwing the finished project back in the box, you can have it to keep and enjoy for years.

I'm Ashamed of My Furniture

Finding a furnished apartment is great. That is until you realize that you don’t actually want to touch any of the furniture, particularly the upholstered parts. Who knows who’s been sitting in that chair or what’s been spilled on that couch. Plus, you may have scored an apartment like mine, with furniture that looks like it was lifted from the Murderville Motel.

For simple shapes, like an armless dining-set chair, a slip-cover can be a stylish and inexpensive solution. At stores like Target and Bed, Bath & Beyond, nice slipcovers can be picked up for under $30. But things get more complicated with more complex shaped or larger furniture. Finding an affordable cover for an armed chair or sofa can be difficult.

So instead of wasting hours trying to find a moderately priced slip-cover, only to bring it home and find that it doesn’t fit, consider using tapestries and even blankets to cover your unsightly furniture. It may sound kind of low-rent, but it actually gives you a lot of freedom to experiment with colors and patterns. Even better, if you shop around at small, local stores or vendors, they are generally going to be cheaper than any slip-cover.

And don’t stop with just your chairs. Consider using tapestries to cover ottomans, cheap plastic organizers, or even the tops of bureaus that are stained or scratched. Have fun, get creative and save some money!

For some fun ideas, check out these sites:
http://www.target.com/
http://www.simply70s.com/

Picture This

I may not be the most talented at them, but I love do-it-yourself projects. And if they are really easy like this one, you don’t have to be talented! This is an idea I got from Real Simple magazine. The article in the magazine was on interesting and inventive ways to use pictures frames. One of my favorite ideas from that article was using picture frames as refrigerator magnets. I’ve made several since, and I’m going to share with you some tips that I’ve learned.

The basic idea is that you take a small or medium sized frame, put a picture in it and glue a few magnets on the back to make a cute refrigerator decoration. You can use any frame you like, but unless you want about 15 magnets on glued on the back of it, lighter is definitely better. Medium-sized (about 5”x7”) wooden frames or smaller (3”x5”) metal frames seem to be about the right weight.

To get the magnets on the frame, you will have to remove the stand on the back. Since most are made of cardboard, it is pretty easy. Once the cardboard part of the stand has been ripped off, you will be left with the metal hinge. The best way to get this off is to use a paper clip or needle to force out the pin that holds the hinge together. Once the pin is out, the main part of the hinge will come off and the back of the frame will be almost flat.

Placing one small magnet on each corner of the frame is usually enough. You can buy plain round magnets and superglue them on, or you can also find magnets that have a peel-off adhesive on one side. Once you think you have enough magnets on, stick the frame on the refrigerator and make sure it sticks. Give the frame a wiggle and if it feels a little loose, even if it doesn’t slide down, add a few more magnets.

The fun part is deciding what picture to put in. Postcards, greeting cards, CD sleeves, your own art, photographs—you can put anything in. Try going to a thrift store or flea market and looking through their collection of old postcards. Three of the magnets on my fridge have vintage 1950s postcards in them that I picked up at a local flea market.

This project makes a quick, fun Saturday afternoon project. And remember, the holidays are upon us. Because they are cheap to put together and you can make them unique as the person receiving them, these magnets make great gifts!

Reed It and Weep

If you live in an old apartment building or house like me, you might not be able to use candles. I love candles, not only for decoration but also for--of course--the scent. Unfortunately, they aren’t allowed. But there is an alternative that functions both as decoration and aroma: reed diffusers. They are great because unlike candles which have to be lit, they release scent constantly and last for months. I have compiled a review of a few different kinds of reed diffusers and my personal favorite:

Best decoration: Pier 1 Imports

This one gets my vote for best design. The tear drop shaped glass vase with a long, slender neck is the perfect compliment to the striking twisted reeds that reach a height of 17 inches. It comes in most of the classic Pier 1 scents like Asian Spice, Buttercream Vanilla, and Island Orchard. While the design is beautiful, these reed diffusers are better suited to smaller rooms because the scent isn’t as strong as other brands. At $23, they are a little more expensive than others, but the unique curled reeds make it worth the price.

Best scent: Beauty Bureau Stick Scents

For only $12, this diffuser puts out a powerful aroma. Scents like Morning Dew, Sea Petals, Orange Blossom, and Fresh Air are light, but definitely noticeable. And at only 11 inches tall, it is small enough to fit on some bookshelves. But given the cheap price you don’t get as much oil, only four ounces, so it will probably only last a couple months.

Best overall: Henri Bendel Fragranced Reeds

These diffusers make the grade on both design and scent. The shallow, frosted vase is a contrast to the clear, tall cylinders that are used for most reed diffusers. Scents like Firewood and Lemon Verbena offer complex aroma combinations that are lovely. You get the least oil for your money, $28 for 3.5 ounces, but the unique fragrances and beautiful, understated vases set these diffusers apart.

To check out these diffusers and others visit these sites:
http://www.pier1.com/
http://www.target.com/
http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/

Where did you get that fountain? I made it!

Having moving water to your home can be very beneficial, and I don’t mean the kitchen sink or the toilet. In fact, feng shui, the ancient Chinese art of achieving harmony through the manipulation of objects and energy in your environment, is translated as “wind-water.” Followers of feng shui believe that having a moving-water element in your home can increase the flow of positive energy, especially in the areas of wealth and career.

A good way to add a moving-water element to your home is by having a fountain. There are plenty of fountains, both outdoor and indoor, out there, ranging from the low $20s to $200 or more. But if you can’t find one that exactly fits your tastes—try making your own.

It is very easy, and pretty cheap to make your own fountain. First start with a bowl, preferably copper or ceramic, and definitely not porous. It can be as big or small as you want, but not so shallow that a two or three inch tall pump will stick out over the edge.

Next, choose something to fill the bowl with. Putting in small stones or marbles will make the trickling water sound more interesting and will also help hide the motor. Choose something that complements the color and style of your bowl.

Then you need a pump. Small fountain pumps can be bought at most stores that have home and garden sections for usually less than $20. You will also need to get a small amount of clear plastic tubing to fit around the opening of the pump so that you can control and direct the water flow.

Now you are ready to assemble. Put the pump in the bowl first and cover the opening with about an inch of the tubing. You can adjust the length of the tubing until the water flows as high or low as you want it to. Then pour in your rocks or marbles around the pump, covering it the best you can. If you are having trouble hiding the very top of the pump, consider using a small decorative incense holder in the shape of a leaf or shell to sit on top of it.

Then fill the bowl with water. Too little water will strain and possibly damage the pump, but too much water will make your fountain very splashy. Ideally, the motor of the pump should be completely submerged and there should be at least ½ inch between the water level and the edge of the bowl. But experiment until you find the perfect depth.

And there you have it: your own home-made fountain, easily assembled for under $50. Enjoy the peaceful trickling water sound and hopefully wealth and luck will flow into your life!

For more information, see these Web sites:
http://paradise1987.blogspot.com/2007/09/feng-shui-tips-for-your-home.html
http://traditionalfengshui.wordpress.com/2007/09/29/the-power-of-water/

Go Green!

If you are living in a small space, such as a one bedroom apartment or a studio, sometimes it can start to feel a little stuffy. During the cold winter months when everything outside is dying, you might start to feel a little low. Then you should consider the advantages of keeping plants in your home.

One of the most basic benefits of plants is that they are natural air purifiers. Instead of filling up your air with “deodorizers” or “purifiers” that are really just adding more chemicals and buildup to your air, try keeping a few plants around. Actually, plants are capable of absorbing some pretty nasty stuff, such as trichloroethleyne, a chemical found in lacquers, varnishes and adhesives—and a known carcinogenic. This isn’t saying that your recently refinished armoire is going to give you cancer, but why have those potentially dangerous chemicals floating around the air if you don’t have to? Plants can also help with the build-up of naturally occurring irritants such as molds and bacteria. Of course, some plants are better purifiers than others. A few that are particularly good are spider plants, chrysanthemums and ficuses.

Going back to elementary school science, plants also give off oxygen. The addition of plants can help you feel more energized and add a spark of life to your home, especially during the long winter months.

If you have no plants, a spider plant may be a good place to start. They are very easy to maintain, and grow incredibly fast, allowing you to start enjoying their benefits sooner. They also do very well as hanging plants, good if you are working with limited table or counter space. And they don’t need to be watered everyday. Plus, they’re fun to watch grow! They grow upward and outward, and well, look like spiders. Personally, I am also a fan of bamboo plants; they are exotic looking, low-maintenance and are supposedly lucky.

So if you don’t have any plants, try one! Not only will your air quality improve, but living things can brighten up and add a more positive energy to any living space. And if you take good care of them, they could last years. I have had one my bamboos for more than four years, and I plan on having it around for many years more.

For more information about the benefits of plants, try these sites:
http://www.groupgp.com/plantscape/benefits.htm
http://www.cityandsuburbs.com.au/benefits/