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Daily Thoughts

Posted on by Distracted Damsel
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The last two months have been a crazy time for me. I left my stressful, unsatisfying, average paying job and I am working toward a much better future. In these two months I have been working on all aspects of my life, from fitness to finances, family to goals. Here are some things that have crossed my mind in the great reset as I call it.

Nothing gets accomplished when you are comfortable.

If this is a duh or cliche sentence for you I chalenge you to take a hard look at the life you have verses the life you wish you had. My job was a flat line in the sense that I leveled out. I was as high in the chain as upper management would let me go (and trust me I made my pleas) and the money was keeping me just at broke. Meaning my bills were paid but living my life was on borrowed credit. I could have stayed there, not reaching my potential as so many have, but that image of where I want my life to be is so much more exciting. In this economy, not having a steady 9 to 5 is uncomfortable, but I have a bigger opportunity.

It is easier to create a new habit than quit a bad habit.

Bad habits are indeed easy to fall back into, whether it’s drinking soda, smoking cigarettes, or binge-watching TV instead of hitting the gym. Cutting things out can make you feel like you are missing out on things. Instead, consider replacing or adding new habits. I haven’t changed my whole diet, but I have lost the craving for soda by adding in drinking water and adding an extra fruit or veggie a day. I still sit and watch tv at the end of the day but before it I add in 20 minutes of reading and one page of journaling. It allows me to focus and relax, clears my mind for sleep as an added benefit.

You have to be your biggest cheerleader.

Another obvious truth. I have friends and family that of course want the best for me, want me to succeed. They aren’t there every day to make my choices though. I have to decide to get up in the morning and do my affirmation routine. I have to submit job applications or work on content or send emails to potential new clients. Determination and inner strength are the only things that keep me on task daily.

set goal, make plan, work, stick to it, reach goal – a success concept presented with colorful sticky notes

Put it all on paper.

This is legitimately the best way for me to organize, get things done and to keep track of my progress. I have a daily planner, that includes space for everything. No joke, to do lists, shopping lists, glasses of water, monthly goals, daily goals. I carry it with me everywhere and every night I plan out my next day. My time is spent very wisely now. My posts haven’t reflected my work yet but there are plenty of irons in the fire and lots of posts will be coming! I want to hit 100 posts by end of April.

You do eat the elephant one bite at a time.

An elephant would be a massive dinner but the only place to start is the first bite. My big goals and my big dreams are made up of smaller tasks and milestones. Website-check! Social media-check! Business started check! Each day I work on a small step to accomplish a big goal. Currently I am working on posts and reels, to grow my audience on all platforms. This included. I am studying, chapter by chapter for my real estate license, which is step one for the next phase of my on-paper plan. Take the time to break it down into manageable bites or you will look at the elephant in front of you and back away. Don’t let that big dream in front of you rot and decay, DEVOUR IT!!

Who really loses if you give up?

This is a deep thought, but it puts into perspective your impact on the world. In a podcast that I will share later, the guest was discussing the impact that a person he never met had on the direction of his life. The short of it is a man had his personal battle with alcoholism. He eventually made it thru the program and was a counselor to the guest’s father, who also struggled with alcoholism. The two bonded because they shared a similar history. Because his father got sober, he set a good example and created a life of opportunity for the guest, who has now reached millions of people with the platform he has created. One person who struggled and overcame set off the chain that led to another making a huge impact in the lives of others.

What I am trying to point out here is that while we are in the drama, in the mud, fighting out battles or our demons, we are strengthening the path for someone in the future. Maybe this blog post I am tying right now on my random website, will inspire someone to keep moving forward. Maybe as I fight to make better habits, someone following me will decide to add in new ones and see how their life will change. Be the Domino!

I am and forever will be an optimistic person. I believe in failing and getting up again. Fear should be our biggest strength, our biggest motivator. Admittedly I am scared to be without a job, but I am more excited and motivated to be building my skills, working for myself and creating. Office life wasn’t for me and if you think it isn’t for you either drop a comment and tell me what you really want to do. If I can help or I can cheer you on, that is what I am here for.

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Sound Panels

Posted on by Distracted Damsel

Have a group of teenagers playing rockstar in your garage? No? Im sure this is one of the things that comes to mind when you think about soundproofing. But be it a drum in the garage or an echo in a lobby, there are many different ways to use sound panels today. Today there is a wide variety of materials, style, shapes and colors available for diverse uses. Any space can be enhanced in design and in function with what is available today. I am not going to get into the technical details of each, just the design aspects. Amplitude and vibrations and thickness of material can all be researched for those truly interested.

The band in the garage is definitely something that you want to soundproof for loud obvious reasons. But what about intimate areas, or public spaces? Often times in new commercial spaces, the floor is decorative concrete and the walls are high or made of glass causing echoes. Decorative panels can blend the style and lessen the clack clack of foot traffic thru the space. Boardrooms to keep discussions private and not distracted from outside goings on. Home offices can be enhanced by putting panels on adjoining walls, this way if the kids are home and in their room, mom or dad can still quietly work. In dining areas that are open but still need to feel inviting for a nice dinner, panels can be placed behind tables or as dividers in the space. Bedrooms and spas will often use panels to help with the quiet Zen affect. There may not be music playing but that does not mean that there is no unwanted sounds.

For starters, the materials range from fabric panels to fiberglass, felt or foam panels and even woods. The material will depend on the type of sound proofing needed and the aesthetic of the space. At a basic level, wedge foam panels can be used in most spaces to dampen sound. They come in different sizes but commonly are 12×12 or 14×14 and can be egg carton , pyramid, or hexagonal. You can create patterns and some are even available in different colors.

Of course as the style or design gets more in depth or fancy, the materials and the pricing does increase. Wood panels and decorative foam tiles will cost more but they will offer you a wider variety of colors and shapes. Fabric panels are unlimited in the design aspect, you could pull any pattern or print and have custom panels made. Panels are also not limited to walls. They can be mounted on ceilings and doors depending on the sound needs of the space. In high rise business buildings this is often seen, for design and to dampen other offices above.

Wood panels can be very simple or a piece of art. Often times they are grooved or perforated. This allows the sound to enter the wood and essentially get trapped. Wood of course can also be templated or cut into embellished patterns. It can also be stained to unique colors depending on the wood species.

There are many more ways and many more designs that I could go on about. I have personally done these two. My boyfriend is a gamer and he likes a certain ambiance while he is sinking battleships in World of Warships. We kept it simple for him using black foam egg carton panels on the three walled sides of his computer. In my last office, the main wall was windows and as mentioned before the flooring was concrete. We put up 4 fabric panels on the interior wall and made it a conference room. Take into consideration the use of your space, what sound factors are in the room and the rooms or hallway adjoining. Each space will be unique. We dont think about sound until it bugs us, now maybe you have some future ideas.

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Two Toned Rooms

Posted on by Distracted Damsel

The other day, a friend asked me what my definition of a two toned room is. There are a few different versions out there. Different ways to create, using two colors, using trims or chair rails, adding cutouts etc. Unique styles range from formal and elegant such as in a dedicated dining room or office to adding a bright and fun secondary accent color.

A very simple way to create a two tone room is to divide the walls by using a decorative trim, using two materials for above and below. Usually, the trim is positioned at 1/3 or 2/3 of the room’s height and creates a border. The base can be painted, paneled, dimensioned with picture moldings or even wall papered if so desired. Often times, the trim and base is painted in a bright white, however natural and stained woods can also be used. The function and style of the room will determine the color scheme.

Many clients will choose a neutral color pallet and will pull colors in that same family, working within the different shade levels. To ground rooms while using a chair rail, a mid tone to dark rich color is chosen for the base. The upper color is one to three shades lighter than the base, essentially moving up the color card. As you can see in this room, there are two shades difference between base and upper walls.

Moldings can be added to the base in many different styles. They can be painted white, accented picture framed, paneled and even use wainscoting. Here are a few examples.

Sometimes, builders will create cutouts or recesses in the walls that can become perfect opportunities to two tone. Alcoves, tv or fireplace recess can be different color paint or can be enclosed by cabinetry giving off two tone looks.

Believ it or not, wall paper is making a comeback. There are a variety of styles from full floor to ceiling prints, half wall murals and accent images, some can even be custom printed. Advancements with wallpaper include less surface prep as adhesives are better, they are easier to work with for the everyday home owner, and some are peelable and removable if a client is in a temporary living situation such as in an apartment. Below are some examples.

Two toned in its most basic form is creating a divide with the use of color. It is not limited to dividing horizontally as you can also vertically divide a space, I personally am a fan of contrast and bright, intense colors. You can see in these images how a simple clean line of paint transforms a room.

I know that there are more ways out there to create a unique two toned design. I do hope however that this brief post will help get your ideas going. Change up the look of your room or your hallway, add in that divider or wallpaper. I hope that as I continue to help customers color their walls I will have examples of my work posted here for you to enjoy. In the mean time, don’t be afraid to experiment, Distracted Damsel signing off.

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Nature’s Color Pallets

Posted on by Distracted Damsel

All you have to do is look out the window, see the beautiful scenery and you can put together so many color combinations. The same view will even change with the seasons as new growth of spring turns to vivid fall. It can change from coastal blues to mountain forest greens as you move through the countryside.

Today, I left behind the Las Vegas desert for the high desert in New Mexico and Arizona. I am taking a few days to gather my thoughts, take a breathe and spend some much needed time with a good friend. Spending 9 hours, solo, on the road gives you freedom and reflection, and if you are in the right spot, some fantastic views. I highly recommend roadtrips, they are good for the soul.

Anyways, what I would like to point out here is the color pallet of the hills and desert I drove thru today. It’s hard to get the greatest pictures while driving, but here are a few shots that I took.

The red rock and red sediment from these hills can be so vibrant despite my shots. It contrasts with the sand colors, the green of the foliage, and of course the endless blue sky.These burnt colors bring in a richness and depth, almost a personality in this season of snow and cold light.

I will be creating and designing custom color pallets in the weeks to come, but for this quick trip, I did pull a few from Pinterest.

Most people think of the desert as dry and boring. But if you just give it a second look, you can see that it goes deeper. There is more life in that sand, and I hope this exposed a little bit of its treasure trove of color to your eyes.

Now, off to your own tour thru nature’s beauty!

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New Business

Posted on by Distracted Damsel

For those of you that dont know, my background is Interior design. I have always been interested in architecture, design, art and new trends in those industries. Yesterday I worked my last day at Sherwin Wiliams, a major market supplier of residential, commercial and marine paint products. While I was there, one of my positions was a Design Product Specialist. A fancy word for a designer who goes into people’s homes and helps them choose their paint colors. My degrees and personal experiences helped me in this role.

Despite not staying in that role for more than a year, I have maintained steady referrals and have kept doing color consultations on the side. I have built great relationships with a few realtors and paint contractors. As it is something that I am good at and enjoy doing I have now officially gone into business for myself doing just that. My website is a work in progress, but it is up and active for people in the Las Vegas areas. I am going to continue to write posts about whatever inspires me but will also be posting more about new trends, new colors, design topics etc.

You can check out my new website here. I am keeping in line with my brand and the business name is Distracted Damsel Design. I am excited to send it out to my contacts, leave cards with new stores and continue to get business the best way through word of mouth.

http://www.distracteddasmsel.com

I wont go into too much detail about what I do. The goal is for you to check out the website. If you know someone in Las Vegas send them my way! 100 consults by June is my goal and I would love your help getting there!

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New Horizons

Posted on by Distracted Damsel

I do not know about you guys but 2024 has been coming at me like a freight train on fire headed off the tracks. I have been sick, moved houses, resigned from my long-time job, flooded our bathroom and it is just now two full weeks into the year. I was not prepared for what has been coming my way. Without change and challenges we dont grow so this year must be my growth year. This is the sunset view from my new but temporary digs. Its hard to worry when you see the world for its beauty.

For me, things have been stirring for the last few months. I have fought battles and changed paths, and I am ready for the next chapter. Yes, the new year always brings new goals and resolutions but for me this year it has closed all the wrong options for me and is pushing me in one direction. It’s time to go out on my own and really give this business a shot. The Distracted Damsel Blog has now finally become Distracted Damsel Design. I am going to keep using this blog for whatever inspires me, articles related to design, projects that I work on if clients will let me use their photos.

Distracted Damsel Design will focus on helping customers select colors for their homes or business spaces. Many people know what they like but making the final decision is daunting. There are so many options and so many factors like lighting, flooring, undertones, style, that a customer might not even want to do the project if they can’t come to a choice. It is my job to help them with this, as I have the experience and can explain to them why they do or do not like a color or show them how changing one accent wall can create a whole new space. I am there to offer color expertise, while hearing them out. I want to transform each space with color and make every room inviting or inspiring, cozy or moody. There are so many possibilities.

Paint won’t be the only thing that I will offer. My background is Kitchen & Bath. I can help with textile selections, cabinetry designs, closets, flooring. Not really into furnishings like sofas and tables, things like that but I can visualize and give suggestions. It’s all really a creative fun process to me.

Distracted Damsel Design may grow into more as I gain clients and more field time. Working with realtors, painters and homeowners alike. The website is in this blog and will be on my Instagram bios also. If you or anyone you know is in the Las Vegas valley and in need of color help, please send them my way. In the meantime, I will keep posting and sharing my stories and tips. Hope you will keep following me on this new adventure. Happy New Year!!

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Football Night in America

Posted on by Distracted Damsel

I don’t look forward to fall for pumpkin spice lattes. I look forward to NFL football. 32 teams, 16 games a week, 4 downs, one Super Bowl! Its a fun game to watch and cheer for. But really I think the best part is bringing people together, whether its friends and family at home or strangers in a bar or in the stands.

The last couple of years I haven’t been able to go to an actual game. There are a few this season that I am considering going to. I could see my team the LA Chargers here in Vegas at Raiders Stadium but who wants to see the Raiders? They are in my division so we are natural enemies haha. I would rather drive to LA to cheer with my Charger family.

Tonight I am watching at home, not feeling to good today. But I checked to make sure my dad has got the game on. His team the Detroit Lions are going up against the Super Bowl defending champs the Kansas City Chiefs. As we speak, Lions drew first blood with the first official touchdown of the season. It’s on.

I have many fond memories of games and watch parties, chili cook offs, etc. The friends and family have changed over the years, just like the players on the field. Life goes on, and new plays are called, injuries happen, and strength is built. See where I’m going with this? I won’t go there, I know you get the metaphor. Anyway, I hope you grab your team, grab your snacks, grab your drinks, turn it up, and root for your NFL team! For me it’s Go Chargers!!

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Weekend Refresher

Posted on by Distracted Damsel

Hey guys! It’s Labor Day Weekend, what are you up to? Hope you have some fun things planned as it’s our last summer holiday. I am lucky and this time I am able to take a four day weekend.

Usually, I would plan all four days with events but lately I realize I need to take it a bit slower and just enjoy the time. I spent the first day of it napping while listening to the thunderstorms outside. Nevada is finally getting those monsoon rains. Instagram is lit up with the memes about floods in Vegas. Believe it or not, it does rain in the desert lol

Last night I was able to attend my friend Amanda’s bridal shower. I have told you about or Colorado excursions before. She is getting married in November and I can’t wait to attend. Her bridal shower was at a fancy restaurant at a hotel on the other side of town. The outdoor seating of the restaurant was surrounded by an artificial pond with a waterfall, twinkle lights and coy fish. Definitely the romantic atmosphere for the happy couple. We enjoyed friends, family, toasts, and cheers. Not to mention a buffet of delicious Italian dishes and desserts.

Today is different. Today I tried to get something done for me while still relaxing. I worked on my business things like my website and my updated contacts. Plan is to get the new website fully functional and running by end of the month. As for contacts, I definitely recommend keeping personal and professional contacts in good standing. You never know when someone can give you an opportunity. Easy to do from my laptop all while watching a movie marathon. So far it has been throwback classics. The Three Amigos, The Blues Brothers, The Goonies. “Goonies never say die!”

None of that is over the top party weekend. Tomorrow I am getting out the grill, heating up the hot tub and having a few friends over. We will crack a few cold ones, splash in the pool, probably have some laughs. With no restrictions or plans just lazing around. But really that is the best when you can just enjoy the quality time. I am going to soak in the sun and the stress free day and be ready to go back to work Tuesday refreshed. This awaits me tomorrow 🙂

All I can say is try to find your relax this weekend. Maybe tomorrow is your only downtime. Don’t feel pressured like I have before to have something minute to minute. Kick back, have a drink, take a nap, play a round of volleyball with friends. But just roll with the day, no plans just chill. Have a good one!

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Push through it!

Posted on by Distracted Damsel

Tonight, I am going to keep it short and say push through it! And by it, I mean that excuse that is keeping you from what you want to do or what you need to do. It is easier said than done, I 100% know it. And I won’t lie to you. Sometimes, I let the excuses get me, and the next day, I kick myself for it. Who else? Anyone?

This morning, I woke up happy as a clam, bouncing and singing and just getting thru my day. Then orders came in, phones rang, life drama came, and threw a punch. It really just knocked the wind out of my sails. I got home tired and defeated, just wanting to binge tv or read and eat something sweet.

But as I sat there, I looked at my calendar on the wall. It’s counting days til my cruise. It also keeps track of other things like days I work out and days I work on my business. And you know what I saw, I saw blank squares this week. One would be ok but not two or three. I couldn’t let today win. I had to win the day.

Took me a few mental minutes to talk and remind myself that I am working on change. Change takes discipline and mental toughness to work when you are tired or to eat an orange when you want a chocolate shake. I snapped out of it and was able to accomplish a lot in the last few hours. Cleaned my room, did some new layouts for my Etsy Shop, and worked on my website. But the toughest thing for me today was getting in that 30 minute work out! Had to literally punch my way thru it. I huffed and puffed, but getting to the stretches at the end was so worth it because I didn’t give in or give up. And here’s the proof. Just a little over an hour ago.

Somedays, if you make it home and to bed, that is all you can do. Some days are rougher than others, but are you at your max? Is there more you can give so that you get something out of the day? Is there gas in your tank you could use to go just a bit farther? Don’t let that Debbie downer or Nancy naysayer voice in your head give you excuses not to give it your all. Push through my friends, we have more to give!! We have more to accomplish!!

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Dungeons & Dragons

Posted on by Distracted Damsel

The classic that many know and enjoy. The wizards and rogues, goblins, and bards. All of the magical and mythical creatures on a campaign to defeat the enemy. Attacking with force, casting spells, trickery, and wit.

Where is she going with this, you might ask? Last night, to my disbelief, I teamed up with my boyfriend and his friends for a campaign to save a small village from a giant, two-headed monster with a hoard of miscreants. The only way to defeat said beast was to find and reassemble a relic, a magical staff hidden by the forefathers.

Our band of heroes broke off into two teams, each to locate one piece of the mighty tool. Ours went in search of the piece buried deep in a valley, entombed with the forefathers. Many had followed the dangerous road to its resting place only to be smashed or shot with arrows from boobie traps. We overcame assailants on the road and braved the tricks and traps to find someone had beaten us there. A goblin, though witty, did not know of the staffs power, only that he wanted to find it first to brag. Trades were made, and we headed back into the city to rondevu with our team.

Upon return, we found our other crew had also had some struggles. A member was lost to enemy fire, but the team had managed to escape with their half of the staff. Reunited forces and a reconstructed staff now magically weilded by a great grandson of the founders, and we were ready to take on our foe.

Giant and ugly, with magic ruins and spells, he greeted our small village with a large boulder right to our main gate. His evil minions and imps sprang thru the decimated gate immediately, engaging our fighters. We had one giant weapon (literally) to counter their attack. Our fighter with magical help grew to 4 times his size and was able to strike some devastating blows to one head of the monster, while the rest of us fought in one on one combat.

Attacks were made with enchanted objects, fairie fire, and stealth moves until all that remained was the two-headed, now mortally wounded giant. With a final team rally, the giant was beaten down with his own bloody decapitated head, launched with great force by huge catapult into its tired body.

Cheers erupted from the team and from the village as townsfolk came out of hiding. Victory was ours! Well fought and well executed, our team walked away as heroes having saved the village from certain death.

And that my friends is my first experience with a Dungeons & Dragons Campaign. We had two Masters guiding us through, answering our heroes questions, plotting turns and twists through our seige, watching and tracking our rolls, and playing the evil grotesque monsters. There is so much to game, so many different dice to cast spells or save lives, to move and to attack. You roll to see if your attack will hit or miss your opponent. Then you roll to see how much of hit your opponent takes, and sometimes you get backlash. All tallied by the Masters.

I did enjoy this trip into the realm of magic. I had a good time learning the rolls of the dice and the rules for the spells, the different characters, and the powers of each. We played the above scenario for 5 hours. 4 hours longer than most games I have ever played, and from what I am told, others play this game for weeks at a time. I am not that vested in it, but a campaign every now and then sounds like a new exciting adventure. If you are a D&D fan, share with me your character. Maybe I’ll get some new ideas!!! And a set of my own dice!!!