Upgrade to Lateral Living

In our fast-paced lives, self-care has become increasingly important to maintain our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Your apartment can be a sanctuary for practicing self-care and recharging your batteries. In this blog post, we will explore various self-care activities that you can indulge in right within the comfort of your apartment, with a special focus on the joy of reading.

1. Create a Cozy Reading Nook:

Transform a corner of your apartment into a cozy reading nook, where you can escape into the captivating world of books. Set up a comfortable chair or a plush cushion, surround yourself with soft blankets and cushions, and arrange a small table for your favorite beverages or snacks. Dim the lights, light some scented candles, and create a serene ambiance that invites relaxation and introspection. Curling up with a good book in this cozy nook will transport you to different realms and provide a much-needed escape from the stresses of daily life.

2. Discover New Worlds through Reading:

Reading offers the perfect escape and a chance to broaden your horizons without leaving your apartment. Dive into various genres, whether it's fiction, non-fiction, fantasy, or self-help. Explore diverse cultures, unravel mysteries, or embark on adventures through the pages of a book. Reading not only entertains but also enhances knowledge, empathy, and perspective. Immerse yourself in the written word and let it transport you to new worlds and ignite your imagination.

3. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation:

Your apartment can serve as a serene space for practicing mindfulness and meditation. Designate a quiet corner or create a dedicated meditation area. Settle into a comfortable position, close your eyes, and focus on your breath, allowing your mind to unwind and find inner peace. Engaging in mindfulness and meditation practices regularly can reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and improve overall well-being. Embrace the tranquility of your apartment and let it be a haven for inner calm and reflection.

4. Pamper Yourself with DIY Spa Treatments:

Transform your bathroom into a personal spa oasis by indulging in DIY spa treatments. Fill the air with soothing aromas using essential oils or scented candles. Run a warm bath and add some luxurious bath salts or bubble bath. Treat your skin with nourishing face masks or body scrubs made from natural ingredients. Put on some soft music and take your time to relax, rejuvenate, and pamper yourself. These self-care rituals will leave you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to take on the world.

Conclusion:

Your apartment is more than just a living space; it can be a sanctuary for self-care and personal well-being. Whether you create a cozy reading nook, immerse yourself in the world of books, practice mindfulness and meditation, or indulge in DIY spa treatments, your apartment offers a wealth of opportunities for self-care activities. Prioritize your well-being, carve out dedicated self-care time, and embrace the nurturing environment your apartment provides. Remember, self-care is an essential aspect of leading a balanced and fulfilling life, and your apartment can be the perfect backdrop for that journey of self-discovery and self-love.

Reduce, Reuse & Recycle

We know, you've heard this a million times before. But following this mantra means more than just tossing your waste in the right bins. Next time you're throwing something out, consider why you have it. Is it a grocery bag you could replace with a reusable bag? Is it a plastic straw you could replace with a glass or metal one? Is it another soggy paper towel, even though your dishcloth is sitting right over there? All of these little actions can make a big impact on the environment, so every time you make one of these switches, you're doing your part!

For items that are used more often, try sharing the love! Set up a clothing swap with your friends, so your overused t-shirt becomes someone else's wardrobe staple. Donate unwanted and gently used items. Anything you can do to keep things out of the landfill!

Conserve Energy

Save a tree, save a buck! Flicking off your light switches not only helps conserve energy, but it also helps cut down your utility bills. Installing energy-efficient light bulbs, like CFL or LED, has the same effect without causing you to sacrifice strong lighting, even in a small apartment. Also use cold water in your washing machine, and turn down your heat or air conditioning during the day when everyone's out of the house.

Renting your first apartment means independence, but it also means setting your own rules. 

Don't get overwhelmed! Luxe is here to help.

Plan Your Budget

The first thing you should do is pick a budget and stick to it. Choose an apartment where rent costs a third of your monthly income, at most. Resist the temptation to splurge on new accessories and appliances while you're getting settled in. Take what you can from your previous home, and let the rest come slowly. Keep an eye on your monthly spending, and always be sure to live within your means. 

Be Courteous

Sharing your apartment building with other renters is nothing like sharing a room with your younger sibling. The people in your building may live very different lifestyles than you do, so cranking up the volume on your music after midnight may be disturbing the person next door who has to wake up for work in a few hours. Be respectful of your neighbours, and you'll see the same level of respect being sent back to you!

Get Renters Insurance

Renters insurance protects you from life's unexpected accidents. Fires or floods can do a lot of damage in a little time, and without renters insurance you may find yourself suddenly having to replace all of your belongings on your own. Plus, renters insurance helps protect you if any of these accidents happen to be started in your apartment! It's a small monthly expense that may end up saving you loads of money in the future. 

You don't have to break the bank to give your apartment a brand new look and feel.

We're giving some of our favourite DIY tips and tricks, inexpensive products, and ideas to spruce up items already laying around to make your apartment feel more like home!

Freshen up Those Walls

A new coat of paint is a quick way to completely change the look of your apartment. But for something quicker and less permanent, try using some washi tape to spruce up the walls around your apartment! Washi tape is fairly inexpensive to pick up, and comes in all sorts of different sizes and colours. Stick with simple patterns on an accent wall, or let your creative side shine and build an entire wall mural with this handy tape. Going this route also means you can change your mind again and again - simply peel off the tape and start over! 

Tapestries are another great way to quickly bring life to your walls. Try hanging a tapestry behind your couch or bed as a centerpiece that is sure to impress. Make sure you choose a tapestry that incorporates the colours of the room to really tie everything together. 

Bye-bye Blinds

Switching up your window treatments is a small change that makes a big difference. Use lighter coloured and more sheer curtains in smaller rooms and during the summer months. Choose thick, bold drapery paired with a black curtain rod for a cozier feel. 

Add a Pop of Colour

Too many colours competing for attention? Choose one, but make it vibrant! White walls with grey accessories spring to life when you sprinkle a bright blue or fluorescent green colour around the room. Try hand towels and candles in the bathroom, or some coloured cooking accessories and small appliances in the kitchen. Just remember to keep it simple, and to stick to the same shade as much as possible.

It's the Little Things

Kitchen or bathroom looking a little outdated? Don't fret - just pick up some new hardware for your cupboards! This inexpensive little change will make a big difference in the overall look of your kitchen or bathroom.

Leave yourself little surprises by adding strips of wallpaper or vinyl wall stickers in the backs of your cupboards. Bonus points if you have open cupboards, so your guests can feel your personality vibe from every corner of the room, too!

Adding a bar cart to your living room is a classy way to show off some of your favourite knick knacks without using up too much space. Plus, it's mobile, so you can easily try it in a few spots, or move it out of the way if you're having guests over and need just a bit more room.