One of my favorite interior designers is Meg Braff. I fell in love with her years ago when I saw her beautiful bedroom at the Kips Bay Palm Beach Show House. I recently visited her fabulous new showroom in West Palm Beach on Georgia Ave. If you are in the South Florida/Palm Beach area, it is a must-see. The space is filled with furniture, chandeliers, lanterns, Meg Braff fabrics and wallpaper, and other fabulous pieces from mirrors to decorative objects and everything in between. Here is a sneak peek into the gorgeous space. Each room was more incredible than the next. For more information or to visit Meg’s website, click HERE.
When times get tough, do the tough really get going? Or is the old adage outdated and only meant for short sprints, and not three years into a pandemic? We understand that a lot of global citizens are dealing with an alarming rate of mental health challenges. From feeling exhausted from trying to show up and maintain the status quo, to struggling at keeping up with your productivity- these signs are your body asking you to pay attention. When left unattended, you may feel completely depleted of your lifeforce, which can lead to burnout. Instead of waiting for things to change, why not take control of your mental health? Here are five ways to keep your mind healthy in 2022.
- Tune out the noise: When we talk about noise, it means the endless chatter of news reports and breaking stories that never seem to stop. Over-consumption of news and such pessimistic stories can significantly drop your hormonal levels, creating a stressful situation even you’re personally safe. It is good to hold compassion for those affected, but draw a line and limit your exposure to these headlines. When you tune out the chaos, you can truly work on yourself.
- Seek professional help: If you’re struggling to keep your life balanced and can’t hold your inner world together, it’s perfectly fine to seek help. Healthcare professionals are excellent at treating anxiety, jitters, and depression with medications as well as counseling. Since CBD has emerged as a mental health savior, the number of people being aware of lowpricebud and high-quality strains has increased. Make sure that you use your prescription to buy from certified dispensaries.
- Lean on nature: It may seem like a piece of underrated advice, but the power of nature is incredible. Take the time to go out and walk in nature, or spend time at the park. If you have a lake near your vicinity, watch the water flow. These activities with the combination of fresh air will help you ground your energy and stay present in your body.
- Reignite hobbies: What were the activities that brought you innate joy? It’s time to tap into your inner child and rediscover the joy of simpler things in life. Make some time in your schedule to let your creativity flow through art, exercise, or other things that you enjoyed earlier. Pursuing hobbies also helps in improving neuroplasticity.
- Restrict your scrolling: One of the most toxic habits we’ve developed over the years is incessant scrolling on our devices. Thank the internet, the algorithm shows you more of what you’ve been seeing. This means, your lens is highly distorted online. Go offline from time to time and keep a limit on scrolling to stop intrusive thoughts and overconsumption of social media.
Wrapping Up:
At the end of the day, we’re accountable for our mental well-being. By using the tips mentioned above, you can gain control of your surroundings by mastering your mind. We hope that our advice helps in reinstating your life’s balance, enhancing a better state of mind.
I saw this book in a little book store over the weekend and the title stopped me in my tracks, One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle.
When Katy’s mother dies, she is left reeling. Carol wasn’t just Katy’s mom, but her best friend and first phone call. She had all the answers and now, when Katy needs her the most, she is gone. To make matters worse, their planned mother-daughter trip of a lifetime looms: to Positano, the magical town where Carol spent the summer right before she met Katy’s father. Katy has been waiting years for Carol to take her, and now she is faced with embarking on the adventure alone.
But as soon as she steps foot on the Amalfi Coast, Katy begins to feel her mother’s spirit. Buoyed by the stunning waters, beautiful cliffsides, delightful residents, and, of course, delectable food, Katy feels herself coming back to life.
And then Carol appears—in the flesh, healthy, sun-tanned, and thirty years old. Katy doesn’t understand what is happening, or how—all she can focus on is that she has somehow, impossibly, gotten her mother back. Over the course of one Italian summer, Katy gets to know Carol, not as her mother, but as the young woman before her. She is not exactly who Katy imagined she might be, however, and soon Katy must reconcile the mother who knew everything with the young woman who does not yet have a clue. – Amazon
For more information or to order this book, click HERE.
The rustic decor trend has taken over, and everyone wants to bring in the cozy vibes that come with it. But the common misconception is that you need to invest in prized handcrafted elements to get this decor trend right. Moreover, the idea of accentuating your home with the right natural patterns sounds daunting when running on a tight budget. But the truth is that you can get a perfectly rustic look for your home without spending a fortune. Here are some budget hacks to give a rustic makeover to your living room.
Start with a paint project
The rustic transition begins with a paint project. You have to choose a neutral and natural color palette to secure the right vibes for a modern farmhouse style. The good thing is that you have the choice to pick warm or cool hues or even blend the two. Creamy buttermilk, serene grays and blues, and soft sage green are the best color options. Earthy tones also make an ideal choice. Once you decide on the palette, get to work with a DIY paint project!
Prioritize natural fibers
Earthy hues give you the right start, and natural fibers take the farmhouse feel a notch higher. You have plenty of options to use them for, from upholstery to curtains, rugs, and decor elements. Pick textiles such as burlap, wool, cotton, and homespun linen. They do not cost a lot, bring in the right feel, and are eco-friendly as well. There couldn’t be a better way to deck up your hall.
Invest in new decor elements
A makeover requires some investment, and you will probably be prepared for it no matter how tight your budget is. But you can be a smart shopper and buy rustic decor & wall art without pinching your wallet. Luckily, you can find quality products at discounts online. All you need to do is find the right website to go on a shopping spree without worrying about the cost. Look for timeless pieces that complement your living room and add charm to the decor.
Think minimalist
With rustic home decor, less is always more, so you can actually get a makeover without spending a lot. Ensure that your place does not have too many accessories because they can create a cluttered appearance. Take a minimalist approach and buy attractive pieces that enhance the aesthetic value of your living room. Consider the size of the room and leave enough room for light and air as you furnish it.
Bring in some plants
Greens are an indispensable part of rustic decor, so you shouldn’t miss out on indoor plants. The best part is that you need not spend a lot on low-maintenance indoor plants, and they bring more than beauty to your living room. You get positivity and fresh air as a bonus. Get creative with the greens and think beyond placing potted plants in the corners. You can even create a vertical garden in your living room.
A rustic makeover on a budget is easy to achieve, provided you know the rules. Implement these wise ideas, and you can have the coziest-looking living room to flaunt.
In its fifth year, the Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm Beach is located at 3001 Spruce Avenue, West Palm Beach. Affectionately labeled “The Mansion of Northwood,” the elegant Mediterranean Revival estate was built in 1923 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The main house consists of four bedrooms, three and a half baths, and two primary suites. The Show House is open to the public from March 5, 2022, through April 3, 2022.
Proceeds from the show house will benefit afterschool and enrichment programs for youths ages 6 through 18 who belong to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County.
When you tour the house you will see 25 gorgeous brightly colored rooms filled with bold patterns and unique “old world Florida” accessories. I highlighted some of my favorite rooms below. But I was most taken with the outdoor space. I loved the pool area with the pink accents and block print umbrellas.
If you are in the South Florida area and want to visit the show house, you can purchase tickets HERE. There is also a VIRTUAL TOUR coming soon.
Discipleship is an integral part of Christianity. Jesus showed the way to make more disciples and help the world become a better place. The best way to grow the reach is by forming an intentional community of people who want to imbibe the teaching and values of Christianity. But mentoring a discipleship group requires more than commitment and conviction. You have to teach and nurture the people in your community to transform them into more mature Christians. Here are some effective measures to mentor a discipleship group effectively.
Understand your strengths
As a mentor, you must understand your strengths and work on your weaknesses. Everything boils down to good preparation to play a leadership role. Know the type of leader you are naturally by digging deeper into your good and bad qualities. Focusing on yourself first is crucial because it is the only way you can guide others confidently. Search your heart through reflection and prayer, and God will show you the way ahead.
Choose apt content to educate
Choosing relevant content to educate your disciple group is an equally significant aspect of discipleship. It gets easy if you know the group well before beginning because you will be in a better place to decide the best passages to teach them. Even if you don’t know them well, make efforts to understand what would be most beneficial to them. Avoid picking random passages but ask yourself what will be right for the age and stage of the people in the group. Studying the Bible is the best option as all passages or studies can be fruitful.
Go the extra mile with training
Although you may be great at your work, mentoring people is a different ball game. Consider taking up a discipleship training program before leading a group. Formal training helps you dive into deep lessons, develop your skills, and share experiences. It also enables you to consolidate your strengths and address your weaknesses to become a better leader in the long run.
Facilitate rather than dominate
Even as you lead a group of learners, do not try to dominate them. Your role is that of a facilitator of God’s work, so be humble in your mission. Start by working on your body language and conversation. This way, people will be happier to listen and stick with your group as followers. Be authentic and warm, just like a friend rather than a leader. Involve the group members more by encouraging them to share thoughts and experiences.
Let disciples lead
After establishing your group, you must give the disciples an opportunity to lead. This way, followers are likely to hold their interest in discipleship because they have a more proactive role. Ensure you treat everyone as equals. Provide them with a fair chance to lead the group. Let them choose their topics and lead conversations. Be there to provide them with feedback or constructive criticism.
Mentoring a discipleship group should not be a major challenge. You can follow these measures, and do it the easy way.