#self interior

[liberaljane]

it can be hard to leave a toxic environment, but you deserve to be safe.

Digital illustration of a young Asian woman sitting on a staircase in a green tank top and pants. Text reads, 'you deserve to be in an environment that brings out the softness in you -- not he survival in you.'

[the-joy-of-knowledge]

Becoming an Intelligent Woman

My Dears,

There is no greater goal than being a fine woman who is intelligent, kind, and elegant. As much as we all want to be described with these adjectives, it takes a great amount of discipline to get there. It is very doable only if you are ready to put in the work.

Here are steps you can add to your routine in the next 4 weeks that will make you 1% more intelligent than you were before. This is a process that should become a habit not a goal. It is long term, however, I want you to devote just 4 weeks into doing these steps first and recognize the changes that follow.

Watch documentaries: This is the easiest step, we all have access to Youtube. Youtube has a great number of content on art, history, technology, food, science etc that will increase your knowledge and pique your curiosity. I really did not know much about world history especially from the perspective of World war 1 & 2, the roaring 20s, Age of Enlightenment, Jazz era, monarchies etc but with several channels dedicated to breaking down history into easily digestible forms. I have in the last 4 weeks immersed myself into these documentaries. Here are a few I watched:

The fall of monarchies

The Entire History of United Kingdom

The Eight Ages of Greece

World War 1

World War 2

The Roaring '20s

The Cuisine of the Enlightenment

2. Read Classics: I recommend starting with short classics so that you do not get easily discouraged. Try to make reading easy and interesting especially if you struggle with finishing a book. Why classics? You see, if you never went to an exclusive private school in Europe or America with well crafted syllabus that emphasized philosophy, history, art, and literary classics, you might want to know what is felt like and for me this was a strong reason. Asides that, there is so much wisdom and knowledge available in these books. In these books, you gain insights to the authors mind, the historical context of the era, the ingenuity of the author, the hidden messages, and the cultural impact of these books. Most importantly, you develop your personal philosophy from the stories and lessons you have accumulated from the lives of the characters in the books you read. Here are classics to get you started:

Animal Farm by George Orwell

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald

Candide by Voltaire

Paradise lost by John Milton

3. Study the lives of people who inspire you: I dedicate one month to each person that fascinates me. I read their biography (date of birth, background, death, influences, work, style, education, personal life) For this month, I decided to study Frank Lloyd Wright because I was fascinated by the Guggenheim Museum in New York. I began to read about his influence in American Architecture (Organic architecture, Prairie School, Usonian style), his tumultuous personal life, his difficult relationship with his mentor (Louis Sullivan), his most iconic works etc. By the end of the year I would have learned the ins and outs of people I am inspired by through books and documentaries. Here are other people I plan to learn more about:

Winston Churchill

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

Ada Lovelace

Benjamin Franklin

Helen Keller

John Nash

Isabella Stewart Gardner

Caroline Herrera

Ernest Hemingway

Catherine the Great

Ann Lowe

My dears, I hope you enjoyed this read. I cannot wait to write more on my journey to becoming a fine woman. I urge you to do this for four weeks and see what changes you notice. Make sure to write as well, it is important to document your progress.

Cheers to a very prosperous 2024!

[sojutrait]

first couple months officially single

[keepingitneutral]

"Shire," Buenos Aires, Argentina,

Atelier Matias Mosquera,

Plantation Design: Carolina Pell

[ziskeyt]

I keep seeing non-Jews respond to Jews saying how we can be Jewish and atheists like "I don't understand" and vaguely demanding a defense or explanation for how this can be. and you know what, it's actually totally acceptable to not understand the intricacies of a culture that you aren't part of! You don't need to understand how someone else's culture and faith intersect to respect them!

And like, good on some people on jumblr for answering these questions but to be honest, none of them actually owe you an answer! You are not entitled to know everything!

There are atheist Jews, this is not a statement that contradicts itself, nor requires more explanation.

[peonypyxels]

little thrift shop

[fairytaleprincessart]

Dream Spaces 🌿✨

[random-brushstrokes]

David Oyens - The painter and his model (1890)

[unpersoniverse]

modern! clicks Korra chilling in a park

[disease]

STEINBERG & AYLAH PETERSON PHOTOGRAPHY: BRYAN LISTON [SELF SERVICE N°52 | FEB 2020]

[andypantsx3]

hope every tech director knows that no one thinks they are impressive or driven or admirable for working 24 hours a day. we are just embarrassed for them that they have 0 hobbies and what can only be an extremely shallow family life :)

[huariqueje]

Self-portrait , in the studio - Claire Tabouret , 2020.

French, b. 1981 -

Acrylic on canvas

[thunderstruck9]

Alison Watt (British, 1965), The Artist and her Sister, 1986. Oil on canvas, 40 x 36 in.

[champagnexowishes]

[keepingitneutral]

Happier Camper's !

[curatedbyondrea]

Create a *Luxurious* Atmosphere at Home on a Budget

Decluttering and deep cleaning are fantastic starting points for creating a luxurious atmosphere on a budget. Here are some ideas:

Declutter for Tranquility:

Focus on Surfaces: Clear surfaces like countertops, tables, and shelves. This creates a sense of calm and allows decorative items to shine.

Embrace Storage Solutions: Invest in stylish baskets, bins, and ottomans with storage compartments to keep clutter at bay.

Elevate Everyday Activities:

Upgrade Your Tea Ritual: Invest in a beautiful teapot and teacups, even if it's just one set for special occasions. Fresh flowers or a sprig of rosemary adds a touch of elegance.

The Power of Scent: Scented candles are great, but explore diffusers with reeds or essential oils for a longer-lasting fragrance.

Luxurious Touches in the Kitchen: Use a beautiful tray for your morning coffee or breakfast. Invest in a stylish soap dispenser and attractive containers for dry goods like coffee beans or flour.

Beyond the Basics:

DIY Decor: Hit thrift stores and flea markets for unique finds. Repurpose old furniture with a fresh coat of paint or new hardware.

Bring in Nature: Houseplants not only purify the air but add a touch of life and serenity.

Warm Lighting: Harsh overhead lighting can feel sterile. Invest in some strategically placed lamps with warm bulbs. String lights or fairy lights can add a touch of magic, especially for evenings.

Classic Touches: Choose neutral tones for walls and large furniture pieces. This creates a timeless foundation you can personalize with pops of color and trendy accents.

Remember, luxury isn't just about expensive things, it's about creating a space that feels inviting, comfortable, and reflects your personality. By focusing on thoughtful touches and creating a serene environment, you can achieve a luxurious atmosphere in your home without breaking the bank.

Want to dive more into this topic? Watch How to bring *luxury* into your life while on a budget