Sharing the nest...

My boyfriend and I recently purchased our first home. It's been a whirlwind experience filled with lots of laughs, smiles and just a few little fights : ) Below I've listed some tips for anyone who is newly sharing their nest.

1. Acceptance. If you're moving in with someone, you obviously love and care about who they are. You accept and appreciate them better or worse....and worse can sometimes mean a different design sense! Realize that their style may not be completely compatible with yours, but learn to appreciate (or look beyond) it. If they have something that you find truly unacceptable, discuss it openly and be sure to ask if you have anything they would like you to reconsider hanging on to.

2. Compromise. Realize that you both are going to have to give up some things that you've grown accustomed to. If you both have a couch and only have room for one, you're going to have to decide whose to keep. Remember that your love and relationship are more important than furniture!

3. Bring in some new. Another fun, exciting and sometimes stressful part of moving in is purchasing new items together. Be sure to remain open minded and don't get offended if your partner isn't drawn to what you were hoping for. Finding a solution that meets both of your needs is much more important for the long run.

Hope these tips are helpful! Have fun decorating : ).

Boost Self-Esteem Effortlessly : )

1. Be positive! Practice positive self-talk. So many of us list all our flaws the second we look in the mirror. Instead, make a conscious effort to practice positive (or at least neutral) self-talk. Recognize the blueness of your eyes, the beauty of your posture or the curl of your hair. Positive self-talk is key to a healthy relationship with your body.

2. Smile! Smiling is a wonderful way to improve your mood and feel better about yourself. So, when the blues are setting in, put a smile on your face and feel the effect ripple throughout your body.

3. Practice Yoga. Studies show that women who practice yoga regularly (at least 2-3 times per week) have much higher self-esteem and lower instances of eating disorders and mid-life weight gain than women who do not practice. So, grab your mat and say "Om" and revel in your new found mind-body connection.

For more information about Cailen Ascher Design or my book, Well-Designed Living, visit www.CailenAscher.bravehost.com or email CailenAscher@gmail.com.

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3 Living Room Must-Haves

1. Great couch. A great couch anchors the seating arrangement in any living room. Opt for a piece that is streamlined and relatively neutral in color so that it can transition with the space over time. Add pops of color with accessories like pillows and lamp shades.

2. Eye-catching art. A statement art piece is a wonderful way to express your signature style. Hang an over sized work (or a collection of smaller "related" pieces) above the couch or fireplace as a focal piece. With art, always go with what you like - you're the one who has to live with it!

3. Functional tables. As for coffee/cocktail tables, I always recommend really thinking about how you use your space before you purchase. Do you want a comfortable foot rest? Perhaps go with a leather bench or ottoman. Do you need extra storage? Go with a table that has shelves or hidden interior storage. Need flexibility? A collection of small stools or cubes can be bunched together to work as a table or separated to use as extra seating.

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Live Healthier Starting Today!

These simple tricks can leave you feeling happier and healthier starting today! And best of all, they're easy to incorporate into your current lifestyle : )

1. Stay hydrated. Especially in winter months, our skin can really take a beating. Be sure to drink around 5+ 8oz glasses of water daily to replenish lost moisture.

2. Use lotion with a built-in SPF of at least 15. Even in the winter, you have to think about protecting your skin from the sun - especially exposed areas like your face!

3. Move more! Think you don't have time to exercise? Start small! Park farther away from your destination and walk or opt for the stairs over the elevator. Small changes can have big results!

4. Get enough sleep. Try for 7-8 hrs/night. Lack of sleep leaves us irritable, tired and makes us prone to eat more!

5. SMILE : ) When the blues set-in, the best policy is "fake it til you make it". Put a smile on your face (or turn to your favorite youtube video or SNL sketch for help) and see how quickly you can turn that frown upside-down. Happiness is the key to health!

Hope these tips leave your happier and healthier in 2010! For more healthy living advice, drop-in on one of my Lifestyle Classes. For more info visit www.CailenAscher.bravehost.com/lifestyle.html.

For more information about Cailen Ascher Design or my healthy lifestyle book, Well-Designed Living, visit www.CailenAscher.bravehost.com or email CailenAscher@gmail.com.

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