Sweet Silly Sara: 2024

What's Missing From Your Bedroom Design?

Bedroom design is a pretty big deal. This is probably the most private room in your house, but it’s also the space that should be most reflective of who you are. It’s an area that will ideally invite relaxation and comfort, and it should be somewhere that you enjoy spending time.

For many of us, though, lacklustre bedroom designs mean that this simply isn’t the case. It makes no sense – you’ve used calming pastel colours and plenty of soft furnishings, and have even researched how to choose a mattress and a striking bed frame but, still, your bedroom doesn’t feel quite right.

You wouldn’t be alone – many of us struggle with bedroom design. In reality, though, bedroom niggles often come down to the absence of a few vital additions that you might not even realise you need. Keep on reading to finally find out what’s missing from your bedroom design.

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# 1 - A Seating Area

You’ve got your bed sorted, but have you incorporated any seating into your bedroom? This addition makes it far more likely you’ll spend time here and can be great for everything from applying your makeup to curling up with a good book.

Luckily, there are loads of different seating options for bedrooms, including dressing tables, hanging chairs, and even a bench at the end of your bed. Equally, it’s possible to turn generous windowsills into window seats or to place a cushion on top of items like a low storage chest which could double up as a stylish seat.

# 2 - A Big Enough Wardrobe

Your bed is likely the main focal point of this room, so it’s not unusual to go small with things like your wardrobe choices. It’s better than overshadowing the main event, right? Wrong. In truth, a big enough wardrobe is a key bedroom consideration and can ensure the space is never cluttered or overwhelmed with additional clothes.

If you still want your bed to be the most eye-catching item in this room, then avoid things like heavy oak wardrobes in place of clothes rails or options like these Rauch wardrobes, which offer the addition of mirrored doors that reflect attention back to the centre of the room. That way, you can ensure plenty of clothes storage and a great-looking bedroom design overall.

# 3 - A Pop of Plant Life

While seating and wardrobe space might not be the most outlandish bedroom suggestions, few of us consider introducing bedroom plants. But, we probably should!

Plants can brighten our bedrooms with a pop of natural colour, while also providing a wide range of health benefits such as air purification and even stress relief.

Plants like lavender and peace Lily can particularly help to promote sleep, though there are a wide variety of potential bedroom plants to choose from, including trailing plants for shelves, succulents for your bedroom table, and larger floor plants that could look great in a sizable bedroom.

Are you worried that something might be missing from your bedroom design? Ask yourself whether you’ve included these crucial things.

Throw The Best Wedding Ever With These Simple Suggestions

If you are getting married, then the first thing that we want to do is to extend our congratulations! A wedding can be such a good day if it’s planned properly, but there’s a lot to do if you’re not much of a planner. That’s okay though, because we’ve got your back on some of the more important stuff so you can make it a day to remember. Keep reading if you would like to find out more about how to do this!

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Get The Right Food

First thing that we’re going to look at is getting the right food for your wedding. We know that most people end up choosing a wedding breakfast and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. When deciding though, try to determine what will appeal to the largest number of people, and then order a vegetarian meal as well for those who require one.

It’s advisable before you taste everything before you settle though, ensuring that you like the flavor. So, you can look into various companies that offer wedding catering, see if there is anything special that sticks out on their menu. Or, perhaps someone you love might be used to making a certain dish that you adore, so you may ask them to make this for you, whether it’s Italian Wedding Soup, or something entirely different, as long as it’s hearty and will fill people up.

Keep People Dancing

If you want a successful wedding then you don’t want people turning around to go home at 8pm. You want to keep them dancing all the way through the night until you are done which is why a DJ might be a better option than a live band. Chances are that the DJ still stays later, plays a variety of music, and generally keeps things happy and relaxed.

Choosing the right entertainment can be tough, but we know that you can do it if you put your mind to it. Check out reviews, and go from there.

Don’t Have Massively Long Gaps

One of the worst things about a wedding is that there are these massive gaps throughout the day. For the best results for your wedding, both for you and your guests, try to ensure that you are not leaving these huge gaps. You can take photos but you don't have to spend hours doing so to get the right shot. Hire the right photographer, and you will get this anyway without having to keep your guests waiting.

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now know a little more about how you can throw the best wedding ever. Sometimes it might not feel like it’s going this way throughout the planning process, but stick to your guns. You need to do what you need to do to make it the most enjoyable event possible for both you and your guests. If you do not do this, then you’re going to have a problem on your hands because everyone is likely to leave.

Deck the Halls (and the Table): Your Guide to Effortless Holiday Entertaining

The holidays are a time for joy, family, friends, and of course, delicious food! But between the gift shopping, decorating, and travel, hosting a holiday party can feel overwhelming. Fear not, fellow merrymakers! With a little planning and these tasty recipes, you can throw a stress-free and festive gathering that will leave your guests raving.

Appetizers: The Art of the Finger Food

The key to effortless entertaining is serving appetizers that are easy to make and eat. A beautiful platter of cheese and crackers is always a crowd-pleaser, but why not add a touch of holiday flair? Consider whipping up some bacon-wrapped sweet potato bites for a sweet and savory twist, or try elegant grape, walnut, and labneh crostini drizzled with spicy honey.

Don't Forget the Classics!

For those who crave tradition, there's always room for classic hors d'oeuvres. Deviled eggs get a festive makeover with a sprinkle of paprika or a dollop of caviar. Miniature quiches filled with sausage and cheese are a hearty option, while crostini topped with pesto and cherry tomatoes offer a burst of fresh flavor.

Here are some tasty holiday appetizer ideas to try. Click thru the links to find the full recipe. You will want to pin a few to your holiday party board.

Now, let's get cooking! Here are some recipe ideas to get you started...

Filet Mignon Skewers with Rosemary by Give It Some Thyme

Fried Crab Claws by The Cagle Diaries

Lemon Asparagus Tart by Barth Bakery

Zucchini Pastry Cupcakes by DIY Candy

Lentil Stuffed Mushrooms by Cook Eat Live Love

Cream of Sardine Tapas by A Taste For Travel

Chicken Liver Mousse with Bacon Jam by Went Here 8 This

Creamy Asparagus Puffs by Ketchup with Linda

Potato Roses by Curry Trail

Pesto Toast with Cannellini Beans and Potatoes by The Pypers Kitchen

Spicy Pork Tenderloin with Lima Crema Crostini by Cook What You Love

Whipped Goat Cheese Crostini by Tao of Spice

Mississippi Sin Dip by Spend with Pennies

Grilled Shrimp and Avocado Appetizers by The Castaway Kitchen

Baked Pears with Gorgonzola by Happy Kitchen

The Main Event: Make it Merry and Make it Easy

For the main course, you have options! A slow cooker is your best friend during the holidays. Toss in a roast with vegetables and let it simmer while you decorate or wrap last-minute gifts. Stuffed shells or a vegetarian lasagna are great crowd-pleasers, and can be prepped ahead of time.

Think Outside the Box (or Casserole Dish!)

Feeling adventurous? Offer a selection of international flavors! A platter of hummus and pita bread with various toppings is a crowd-pleaser, and pairs well with festive cocktails. For a heartier option, consider a sheet-pan curry with roasted vegetables and chickpeas.

Sweet Endings: A Delicious Tradition

No holiday party is complete without dessert! Opt for a classic like chocolate chip cookies or sugar cookies cut into festive shapes. Mini cheesecakes or a cranberry crumb pie add a touch of elegance, while a simple fruit salad with a drizzle of honey is light and refreshing.

The Final Touches: It's All in the Details

The key to effortless entertaining is creating a festive atmosphere. String some fairy lights, put on a playlist of your favorite holiday tunes, and light some scented candles. Don't forget to set out festive napkins and plates – even small details can make a big impact!

With these recipes and tips, you're well on your way to throwing a holiday party that's both merry and manageable. So relax, gather your loved ones, and savor the delicious memories you'll create together!

Find my favorite holiday posts here:

Mickey Mouse Gift Tags

Holiday Breakfast Recipes

Christmas Cheesecake Recipes

Christmas Gnome Craft

When You Should Buy Faux Plants Over Real Ones

In interior design, faux plants sprout discussions among enthusiasts and homeowners alike. But although there’s always noise around these creations, there hasn’t been a conclusion about whether they’re better than real plants.

The positive aspects of natural greenery are undeniable, but faux foliage has gained substantial ground in recent years.

So, should you opt for faux plants instead of real ones?

Let’s talk about it.

Should You Decorate with Fake or Real Plants?

Unfortunately, we’re not here to solve this dilemma and tell you what you should do. Like most things, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

In many ways, there is no superior option because both have their merits and appeal to certain lifestyles. Ultimately, the choice hinges on what you value most in your home decor and how much free time you can dedicate to maintenance.

Real plants bring an authentic connection to nature with seasonal changes and subtle imperfections. On the other hand, faux plants bring convenience and a polished appearance regardless of the time of year.

When Should You Go Faux?

If you’ve never bought faux plants before, we can help you decide whether they’re right for you. The best way to do this is by looking at different aspects of your life.

Although your choice between real and artificial is a matter of personal taste, your lifestyle will play a big part in your decision.

So, you should go faux if:

You’re Busy

When you’re chronically strapped for time and the world seems to spin faster each day, low-maintenance decor becomes more attractive. If you have a hectic schedule and limited time for plant care, fake plants would be the perfect option.

While you may love the appearance of real plants, you must contend that they can become a pain to look after. You need to water them consistently and keep track of a watering schedule. Besides that, you may also need to prune and trim them.

On the other hand, with faux foliage, you can have an evergreen plant that mimics natural growth with less than a few minutes of maintenance a month. Choosing faux will preserve your precious time and ensure your home remains green and beautiful.

You Have Pets

If you have furry friends in the family, you’ll know how much mischief they can get up to when you’re not looking. Unfortunately, many houseplants can be a threat to your pet. Many common indoor plants are toxic to pets, so curious nibbling and chewing can lead to unwanted trips to the vet.

Fake plants are a good solution for pet owners who seek a safe option as a compromise. By opting for artificial greenery, you can create a pet-friendly environment without sacrificing aesthetics. And if your pet gets into the leaves again, you won’t have to worry about them vomiting or falling ill.

You’re On a Budget

Real foliage is stunning. But buying more than a few houseplants for your home may burn a hole in your wallet. Real plants can often be costly because you’re not just paying for the plant itself. Instead, you're paying for ongoing expenses like soil, fertilizer, pruning and watering equipment, etc.

So, if you want to tighten your purse strings, artificial greenery may be your way out - an economical yet satisfying alternative. Once purchased, fauxliege requires no extra investment. In turn, this makes it a budget-friendly choice for improving your decor and staying within your means.

You’ve Got Allergies

While real plants contribute to improved indoor air quality (albeit not as much as you’d think), they may not be the best choice for allergy sufferers. Pollen and mold from live plants can trigger discomfort, sneezing, and coughing for sensitive people.

On the other hand, fake plants are hypoallergenic, i.e. they don’t aggravate allergies and don’t release pollen. Besides this, fauxliege doesn’t attract bugs and critters, either, so you won’t have to worry about insects or bacteria flying around in your home.

You Lack Natural Light

Sadly, ample natural light can’t be front and center in every home. In some homes, you may lack the brightness live plants demand. So, if you chuck your live plant in a dimly lit corner and expect it to thrive, you might be disappointed, to say the least.

But, if you decide to go the artificial route, your faux plants won’t rely on sunlight for survival. This means you can prop it up anywhere without the environment affecting it. Even if you get a fake green wall panel, you won’t be bound by location, light, or temperature.

In situations like these, going faux can bring brightness into the darkest corners. And who wouldn’t want that?

Conclusion

All in all, your choice should reflect your lifestyle and your individual preferences. In situations like these, you shouldn’t succumb to peer pressure.

Take a long, rounded look at various aspects of your life and try to determine whether you really have time to commit to new obligations. If any of the points in this blog resonated with you, maybe you’d be better off with a fake plant.

Chocolate Espresso Cookies

Deepen Your Chocolate Fix with Espresso Cookies!

Calling all chocoholics and coffee lovers! This recipe for Chocolate Espresso Cookies is the perfect meeting of your two favorite indulgences. The rich, dark chocolate pairs beautifully with the subtle kick of espresso, creating a delightful flavor combination that's both sophisticated and satisfying.

These cookies are easy to whip up, requiring just a few bowls and common pantry staples. They're chewy on the inside and crisp on the outside, offering a textural contrast that's impossible to resist. Plus, with a touch of espresso powder in the dough, these cookies will give you a little afternoon pick-me-up alongside that decadent chocolate flavor.

Here's what you'll need:

1 cup of melted butter

½ cup of dark cocoa powder

1 cup of granulated sugar

2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup

1 egg

1 teaspoon of vanilla

1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder

1 ½ cup of all purpose flour

1 teaspoons of baking soda

A pinch of salt

For rolling:

½ c sugar and 1 teaspoon of espresso powder

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Add cocoa and maple syrup to melted butter.

Mix until well blended.

Add 1 cup of sugar, vanilla, and egg to the mixing bowl, and beat for 1 minute.

Add flour, baking soda , espresso powder and salt.

Stir until all ingredients are well blended.

Using a cookie scoop, form balls of dough.

Drop them one at a time into the espresso and sugar mix.

Roll each ball around until completely coated with sugar.

Place the dough balls 3” apart on the prepared cookie sheet and bake for 11 minutes.

Allow to cool for 5 minutes before removing from the cookie sheet.

Tips for Success:

Don't overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Once the dry ingredients are incorporated, stop mixing.
Chill the dough (optional): Chilling the dough for 30 minutes to an hour can help the cookies spread less and create chewier centers.
Play with the chocolate: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark, milk, or white chocolate chips, or even chopped nuts.

The reward? A batch of irresistible Chocolate Espresso Cookies that are perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea, sharing with friends, or indulging in all by yourself.