Never Say Never......

I had a close call this month. And the more I reflect on how this situation could possibly happen to me, the more I realize that this recession is simply kicking a lot of us in the butt.

As it turns out I find myself staring homelessness in the face never knowing if I'll have a place to stay from week to week. So far, I've managed to survive 6 weeks since my roommate took the rent money and left me with overdue utilities and a 5 day or quit notice. It has been intense to say the least. However, I've managed to get two part time jobs and a roommate to help me try to stay afloat. We'll have to see.

But in the meantime, I keep my eyes open for affordable housing just in case. And of course I have my favorite property management company Scottsdale Fine Properties conveniently bookmarked on my computer. I can peruse their website in search of luxury homes as well as nicer apartments and more. They can work quickly and I know will help me transition into a new to me home, should I need their services. It's a little comforting knowing they'll take are of me.

But for now, I take things one week at a time until my situation turns around financially. I am quickly learning the art of negotiation and barter. And it is fast becoming more and more pleasant. Perhaps the “thrill of the hunt?” Who knows? Aside from the finances, we're fed, warm, healthy, safe, dry and most of all loved. We will survive even if we do end up losing our home. Yet it still hurts knowing that I'm so close to losing something that I put so much money and effort into.

However amidst all the craziness, I keep certain values and principals in place, trying to make a warm and safe home for my children while still trying to help others who may be in the same boat as I am, even if it is only for this week. I still am decorating for Christmas and doing all the things people do in their homes. But this never knowing if I'll be able to come up with rent haunts me much in the same way a dull ache in the knee never quite lets you forget that it's there.

I find my faith shaken as I bundle up due to not having heat in my home. I try not to be angry nor bitter at my ex roommate while we bathe in cold water and hand wash our clothing in the bathtub. And I've missed a week of work due to car problems that prevent me from getting there. The same job I've had for only a week. The car problems are easy fixes and I will spend the next few days on threads and forums looking for ways to possibly repair it myself and hopefully save my job.

Yes, my faith is shaken indeed.

Please pray.

God Bless....sigh

Decorating With The Color Aqua

It seems that in addition to purples and lavenders being this year's hottest decorating colors, aqua has come back full swing. This soothing cross between blue and green was very popular in the 1950's and was found in painted walls, textiles and even heavier furniture pieces. But like many trends, the obsession with the color aqua didn't stop there. It was found on cars, clothing and on pretty much anything that had a color.

Today, decorating with the color aqua is a little different than it was back in the day. As you can see in the photos, a little goes a long way. Aqua can be used as an accent color to add a touch of softness as in the white bathroom pictured on the right. If you're going to use aqua on the walls, try painting a focal wall first before painting the entire room. Then accent with pillows or vases to bring the color throughout the room. If you feel you would like to add more color, you can always paint more walls starting with the wall opposite the focal wall. If a more modern look is your style, you'll be happy to know that aqua works very well with black or chocolate brown. In fact, there is blog dedicated to the color combination of aqua and brown. It's called Chocolate Blues. But aqua isn't just for modern décor. It works well with cottage and shabby chic themed design as well as luxury or glamorous décor as well.

Another upside of decorating with aqua is that it is a lighter color and reflects light rather well. This means that it will work well with very small rooms and tight spaces. To create the illusion of even more space along with luxury, try using the color aqua with mirrored surfaces and silver items. The effect is stunning! For a fresh mix of color add touches of salmon or melon. The possibilities are numerous.

Proper lighting as I've said so many times before is key when decorating. The wrong lighting fixtures or bulbs can make all the difference between a cold, sterile environment and a welcoming and cozy home. And when decorating with specific colors, great lighting is essential. When looking for lighting be sure to take a look at my favorite lighting store Premier Lighting at shoppremier.com. They have everything you can imagine for any of your lighting needs. The prices are very reasonable, the people know their stuff and they ship almost everywhere!

So you have your awesome aqua décor. Soothing, calming and soooo relaxing. You have your amazing lighting creating the moooood. Now all you need is something cozy to curl up on and either a remote, a book, a drink or whatever you prefer. But for now, take a look at the pics for some ideas.

Namaste & God Bless
Angelica