Ankle Bracelets: From Ancient Symbols to Modern-Day Trendsetter!

Lightweight, chic, and oh-so-alluring—ankle bracelets are the ultimate accessory that can make any outfit pop. Whether you’re rocking a boho look or adding a little sparkle to a night out, they’ve evolved from ancient traditions to a must-have fashion statement. But do you actually know the deep meanings behind wearing one?

Let’s dive into the fascinating history of ankle bracelets—you’ll be surprised how much more they are than just a cute accessory!

A Thousand-Year-Old Trend

The story of ankle bracelets is as ancient as civilization itself, and it spans multiple cultures with meanings that go way beyond just looking pretty. Let’s rewind to the very beginning:

Ancient Egypt: Talisman of Protection

In Ancient Egypt, ankle bracelets were more than just pretty jewelry—they were believed to be protective talismans. The Egyptians thought that anklets could bring good luck and prosperity to the wearer. Some field workers even wore anklets with little pendants that would make a jingling sound, believed to keep pesky insects away. Talk about practical fashion!

India: A Symbol of Marriage & Social Status

Fast forward to India, where ankle bracelets took on a whole new level of significance. For married women, they became a symbol of union and status—traditionally made of silver, they told the world, “I’m married, and I’m proud!” It wasn’t just jewelry; it was a statement.

Arabian Nights: Controversial Beginnings

In the world of Arabian Nights, the anklet had a more complicated reputation. Depending on who you ask, it was seen as a sign of sexuality or independence, sometimes linked to prostitutes or homosexual women in certain parts of the Arab world. It was a bold accessory with a mix of mystery and power.

Romans & Sumerians: A Mark of Wealth

Moving to the Romans and Sumerians, where anklets were the epitome of status—worn by the wealthy to show off their luxury and social standing. If you had an anklet, you were making a statement about your affluence and high status.

Today: Fashion Meets Femininity

Now, fast forward to today, where the ankle bracelet is more about personal style than symbolism. It’s all about adding a subtle touch of sensuality and elegance to any outfit. Whether it’s the middle of summer or just a breezy beach day, it’s the perfect accessory to make you feel confident, chic, and a little playful!

Ankle bracelets are everywhere, and they come in endless styles:

• Silver & gold for a classic, timeless vibe.
• Pearls & shells for a dreamy, boho beach look.
• Colorful cords & charms for a casual, fun vibe.

But wait, does it matter which ankle you wear it on?

The short answer: Nope! Left or right? It’s up to your style and comfort! Contrary to popular belief, there’s no hidden meaning tied to the choice. Just rock it however it makes you feel fabulous.

So, why do you wear your ankle bracelet? Whether it’s a statement of empowerment, a nostalgic throwback to ancient cultures, or just for that extra sparkle—the ankle bracelet has come a long way. From protection and status to fashion and self-expression, it’s a piece of history with a modern twist.

Let’s face it – we all have those high cabinets that collect dust and forgotten items, right? Whether it’s the kitchen, the bathroom, or your living room, those towering shelves are often underutilized, left to gather cobwebs and random things we rarely need. But what if these high spaces could become game-changing areas of your home, transforming cluttered rooms into neat, organized havens? Let’s dive into why high cabinets get a bad rap, and how you can unlock their hidden potential to create a storage wonderland.

Out of Sight, Out of Mind: The Curse of High Cabinets

High cabinets are often the perfect storm of perceived inaccessibility and design focus. Because they’re harder to reach, they’re typically ignored, relegated to the role of overflow zones for items we don’t use often but don’t want to throw away either. In our minds, the higher the cabinet, the less convenient it feels to store anything useful. But here’s the twist: with just a few clever strategies, you can transform these vertical spaces into hidden treasures of organization and functionality.

The High Cabinet Hack: Turn Forgotten Space into Purposeful Storage

High cabinets don’t have to be neglected or purely decorative. With some ingenuity, they can become the most functional part of your home. Here are some viral-worthy ideas for how to make the most of these often-overlooked spaces:

1. Seasonal Rotation Station
Don’t let your holiday decor or seasonal dishware clutter your kitchen or living room. High cabinets are perfect for storing seasonal items like holiday dishes, tableware, or decorations that only come out once a year. When it’s time for the next season, simply rotate items in and out! Pro Tip: Use labeled bins or clear boxes so you can quickly identify what’s inside without digging through them. This hack will save you time and keep your main spaces clean.

2. The Secret Stash for Valuables
Need a place to store your important documents or valuables? High cabinets are perfect for keeping things safe and out of sight. From heirlooms to emergency cash, these elevated spaces offer a natural layer of security. Pro Tip: Use lockable containers or disguise your stash behind decoy items (like old books or decorative boxes) for an extra layer of protection. Only you will know the true secret!

3. Pantry Overflow
We all know how a pantry can quickly become overloaded with bulk items like cereal boxes, snacks, or canned goods. High cabinets can be a lifesaver for storing excess pantry items that don’t need to be accessed daily. Pro Tip: Use stackable bins or baskets for maximum organization. This will keep everything tidy and easy to access, even in the highest of shelves.

4. The Appliance Garage
Counter space can get cluttered fast, especially with all those appliances we use maybe once a week. High cabinets are ideal for storing bulky items like blenders, air fryers, and mixers, keeping your counters free from distractions. Pro Tip: Install pull-down shelves to make even the heaviest appliances easy to reach and retrieve. A simple design upgrade can totally transform your kitchen organization.

5. Memory Keeper
High cabinets are perfect for storing sentimental items like photo albums, scrapbooks, or keepsakes. These cherished objects are safe from daily wear and tear but are still easily accessible when you want to relive those special moments. Pro Tip: Use acid-free storage boxes to preserve photos, letters, or anything delicate. Not only will your memories stay safe, but they’ll also be neatly tucked away out of sight.

6. The Toy & Game Zone
If you have kids, you know the struggle of managing toys and board games. High cabinets can be the perfect solution for storing toys out of sight but still easily retrievable when needed. This helps maintain a tidy living space while ensuring playtime is never far away. Pro Tip: Add step stools or low furniture nearby so the little ones can safely reach their things. This makes it easy for them to access their favorite toys without creating a mess.

7. Emergency Preparedness Hub
High cabinets are also a smart spot for your emergency supplies, like flashlights, batteries, first aid kits, and non-perishable food. They’re out of the way but always ready when you need them the most. Pro Tip: Use clear bins or labeled containers to keep everything organized and easy to find in case of an emergency. You’ll be prepared for anything—without the clutter.

Optimizing High Cabinets: Make Every Inch Count

Now that you’ve got some killer ideas for using high cabinets, here’s how you can take it one step further with simple organizational hacks:

• Pull-Down Shelving: Install pull-down shelves or lazy Susan systems to make reaching high spaces a breeze. No more scrambling on a step stool to get to the back of your shelves.
• Stackable Bins: Use clear, stackable bins to maximize vertical space while keeping everything visible and easy to grab.
• Label Everything: Whether it’s a bin, basket, or shelf, labeling will save you time and frustration. No more digging for what you need.
• Invest in Step Stools: Keep a sturdy, collapsible step stool nearby to safely reach those high places without straining yourself.
• Light It Up: Install battery-operated LED lights inside your cabinets to illuminate dark corners and make finding items easier.

Hidden Storage Ideas with a Twist: The Ultimate High Cabinet Hacks

Ready to level up your high cabinet game? Here are a few creative storage hacks that will make your high cabinets even more of a secret weapon:

• False Backs for Secret Compartments: Create hidden compartments behind removable panels or false backs in your high cabinets. This will give you a stealthy storage spot for valuables or sensitive documents.
• Magnetic Strips: Attach magnetic strips to the inside of cabinet doors for storing small items like spices, knives, or tools. It’s a genius way to free up shelf space and keep things organized.
• Vertical Dividers for Trays: Use vertical dividers to organize large, flat items like baking sheets, cutting boards, or serving trays. These dividers maximize space and keep your items from getting bent or damaged.
• Disguised Decor: Who says storage has to be ugly? Place decorative items like faux plants, books, or vases in front of your stored goods to combine function with style.

Unlock the True Potential of Your High Cabinets

High cabinets don’t have to be a dead zone for dust and forgotten junk. By thinking outside the box, you can transform these vertical spaces into organized, functional storage that not only keeps your home tidy but also elevates its style and security.

So, next time you look at those towering shelves, think again. What’s hiding up there? With a little creativity, you can unlock a world of possibilities that will make your home feel cleaner, more organized, and truly efficient.

Have you ever found a creative way to use high cabinets? Share your tips, ideas, and hacks below—let’s keep the conversation going and help each other optimize every inch of our homes!

With their kidproof lids, waterproof design, and that bright orange color that makes them easy to spot, pill bottles can be repurposed into a variety of clever, life-enhancing tools. Once you see the many ways you can use them, you’ll wonder why you were ever so quick to toss them out.

Ready to give those pill bottles a second life? Check out these surprising and creative ideas to get organized, save time, and make your life a little bit easier. After reading these, you’ll wish you’d tried these hacks sooner!

1. Jewelry Holder

Are your rings, earrings, or necklaces tangled in a drawer somewhere? Repurpose a pill bottle to store your jewelry neatly. The small size makes it perfect for organizing individual pieces, and the childproof lid keeps everything secure. Plus, you can easily label them for quick access!

2. Shower Bottles
Heading to the gym or on vacation? Pill bottles make great mini bottles for your shampoo, conditioner, body wash, or even face wash. They’re waterproof, compact, and leak-proof, so you can toss them in your bag without worrying about spills.

3. Portable Sewing Kit
Never be caught without a needle and thread again! Fill a pill bottle with small sewing essentials like needles, thread, buttons, and a few safety pins. The compact design means you can keep it in your purse, glove compartment, or travel bag for emergencies.

4. Hide a Key
Looking for a safe place to stash a spare key? Pill bottles are perfect for this task. Just place your key inside, seal it up, and hide it under a rock, in your garden, or inside a shed. With the waterproof bottle, you won’t have to worry about rust or wear and tear.

5. Survival Kit
Pill bottles are the perfect size to create a mini survival kit. You can fill them with tiny essentials like a fire starter, matches, bandages, a few coins, and some antiseptic wipes. It’s a compact, portable solution to being prepared for the unexpected.

6. Nail Polish Remover
If you’re looking to reduce clutter, use a pill bottle to store nail polish remover. It’s small and easy to carry, so you can throw it in your bag or travel case without the bulk of a larger bottle.

7. Makeup Holder
You can use pill bottles to organize small makeup items like cotton balls, makeup sponges, cotton swabs, or travel-sized beauty products. They’re easy to label and keep everything neat and tidy in your bathroom or travel bag.

8. Purse Trash Can
Are you tired of finding crumpled receipts and wrappers in your purse? Repurpose a pill bottle as a mini trash can! It’s the perfect size for small trash items like gum wrappers, receipts, and tissue, keeping your bag organized and clean.

9. Earbud Container
Say goodbye to tangled earbuds! Pill bottles are an excellent storage solution for your headphones. Simply coil them neatly, slip them inside, and you’ll always be able to find your earbuds easily and without the knots.

10. A “Love Rx”
Why not turn a pill bottle into a fun, quirky gift? Fill it with little love notes, affirmations, or even small candies and give it as a “Love Rx.” It’s a thoughtful and creative way to show someone you care.

11. Matchbox
A pill bottle can easily serve as a mini matchbox. Store matches, a small striker, and even a tiny candle inside. It’s a handy item to keep around in case of emergencies or for camping trips.

12. Coin Holder
Tired of loose change rattling around in your bag or pockets? Use pill bottles to organize and store your spare change. You can even label them for different denominations (quarters, pennies, dimes, etc.), making it easier to grab coins when you need them.

As you can see, your pill bottles have so much more potential than simply being tossed in the trash. Whether you’re looking for more organization, convenience, or just a little creativity in your life, these repurposed bottles can help you in ways you never imagined. So, the next time you have a pill bottle lying around, think twice before tossing it. It could be the key to a more organized and efficient day-to-day life.

Give these ideas a try and let us know how you use your pill bottles—who knows what new tricks you might discover!

It turns out, there’s an unusual yet effective way to transform those old coins into unique decorative pieces that can enhance your home—thanks to a mixture of salt, vinegar, and a little bit of elbow grease.

Here’s how it works:

What You’ll Need:

• A jar of coins (preferably old ones)
• Pan
• Strainer
• White vinegar
• Salt

Step-by-Step Process:

• Clean the Coins: Begin by washing the coins with soap, water, and a pinch of baking soda. This initial cleaning removes grime and tarnish, giving the coins a fresh base.
• Strain the Water: Once your coins are washed, strain the water so that only the coins remain in the container.
• Salt and Vinegar Solution: Now, add a mixture of white vinegar and salt to the container with the coins. Stir it gently, ensuring that the coins are well-coated with the solution.
• Let It Sit: Allow the coins to sit in the mixture for about 30 minutes. This will help the vinegar and salt react with the coins, enhancing their rustic, aged appearance.
• Dry and Decorate: After the 30 minutes are up, drain the coins and spread them out to dry. Once dried, the coins will have a weathered, vintage look—perfect for creative projects!
• 

Creative Uses for Your Refurbished Coins:

• Decorative Letters: Use the rustic coins to decorate wooden letters or shapes, which you can then hang on your front door or display around your house.
• Lawn Decorations: Glue the coins to a glass dish and place them outside as a quirky, eye-catching decoration for your lawn or garden.
• Craft Projects: You can also use these coins for a variety of other home crafts, like creating coasters, framed art, or even using them to add a bit of flair to old furniture.
• 

While it might sound like an odd DIY project, the results speak for themselves. Old coins, when given a touch of salt and vinegar, transform into charming little pieces that can add a vintage feel to your home decor. Whether you’re into rustic design or looking for a fun project, this technique offers a creative and practical way to repurpose old currency into something beautiful.

So next time you find a jar of old coins gathering dust, remember that a sprinkle of salt and a splash of vinegar could turn them into something truly unique!

Among the most curious architectural features of this era were the servant staircases—narrow, often hidden stairways that allowed staff to move quietly and discreetly between floors without being seen by their wealthy employers or guests.

These staircases were a vital part of the social hierarchy of the time. While the upper class moved freely through the grand, sweeping staircases of their opulent homes, servants were relegated to cramped, service-focused corridors and stairways.

Often tucked away behind walls or disguised within the structure, these hidden stairs were a physical manifestation of the strict class distinctions that defined the era.

The design of servant staircases was often practical, serving as both a means of access to different parts of the house and a tool for maintaining the separation of classes.

Some were made so narrow that two people could hardly pass each other, while others spiraled up into tight, forgotten corners of the mansion. The secrecy surrounding these stairways was part of a larger effort to keep servants out of sight, maintaining the illusion of grandeur and refinement for visitors.

In many cases, these staircases were placed behind walls or hidden in corners of hallways where they could be accessed by the staff alone. In the event of a gathering or party, servants could easily slip away unnoticed to tend to their duties without crossing paths with guests or masters.

Today, many of these staircases still exist in historic homes and castles, some even preserved as part of the structure’s historical integrity. Visiting one of these homes now can give a glimpse into the complex social systems of the 18th century—where grandeur was for the few, and invisibility was the fate of the many.

Though these staircases were built for function, they also carry an air of mystery and intrigue. In some ways, they represent the physical embodiment of a time when social mobility was severely restricted, and class divisions were rigidly enforced—often hidden just out of view.

Halloween is the one time of year when you can transform your home into a creepy haunted house or a spooky graveyard without anyone batting an eye.

But finding Halloween decorations that aren’t just the typical cheap plastic spiders or inflatable pumpkins?

Now that’s a real challenge. Sure, it’s fun to get into the spooky spirit, but it’s easy to fall into the trap of buying mass-produced, over-the-top decorations that just feel… cheesy.

This year, however, some homeowners are taking their Halloween game to the next level.

While most of us are scrambling to assemble a half-hearted spooky scene in our front yard, there are some neighbors who are going all-out with innovative, jaw-dropping decorations.

Think you’ve seen it all?

Think again. Imagine stumbling upon a “zombie apocalypse” scene in the front yard or a lifelike skeleton spewing “acid” from its guts.

These aren’t your average haunted house props, these are next-level creepy creations that are bound to leave your neighbors talking (and maybe even a little scared).

To help you get inspired for this year’s Halloween celebrations, we’ve rounded up a collection of the most surprising, hilarious, and downright eerie Halloween displays that have caught people off guard.

From a skeleton vomiting neon “toxic goo” to lifelike dioramas featuring gruesome zombie attacks, these homeowners are clearly making sure their decorations not only go viral online but also become the talk of the neighborhood.

I had just finished setting up the Halloween decorations at my new house, feeling a little proud of how it all looked. Orange pumpkins, spider webs, and cute ghosts lined the front yard, ready for the kids who would come trick-or-treating.

It felt good to be settled after moving to this town just a month ago. My job was great, the house was cozy, and the town itself seemed charming—except for one thing: my neighbors.

Since the day I moved in, it felt like they had it out for me. It started with small things—comments about where I parked or how I didn’t trim my bushes the “right way.”

They would glance at me disapprovingly if I said “hi” in a way they didn’t like. It didn’t take long for the hostility to grow. One evening, they even called the police because I had my music on—at 7 p.m.! I couldn’t believe it.

The worst of them all was Catherine, who lived across the street. She was relentless, always coming over to complain about something. Once, she even stole my flowerpots, claiming they “didn’t fit the neighborhood vibe.”

I was beyond frustrated. Still, as I looked at my newly decorated house, I hoped at least this would be left alone. Just one thing that could bring some joy.

I’ve loved Halloween for as long as I can remember. It wasn’t just about the decorations or the candy; it reminded me of simpler times, warm childhood memories.

But this year, it felt different—darker. There was a hole in my heart where my dreams of having children used to be. It hurt to know I’d never create those special memories for my own kids.

Halloween, though, allowed me to heal a little, one bag of candy at a time. I poured it into a pumpkin, setting it out for the kids, and went inside, hoping for the best.

The next morning, my heart sank. All my decorations were gone. The only pumpkin left had been smashed, and the candy stolen. Tears welled up as I covered my mouth, overwhelmed by frustration and sadness. This was too much. I wasn’t going to let it slide. I knew who had done it, and I was determined to make her pay!

I stormed across the street and pounded on Catherine’s door, my anger bubbling over.

“Catherine! Open up! You’re a real witch!” I shouted, not caring who else heard.

After a few moments, the door flew open, and there she was, glaring at me.

“Have you lost your mind?” she yelled, hands on her hips.

“What did you do with my decorations?” I demanded, my voice shaking with fury.

“I didn’t touch your stupid decorations! Though they looked awful, if you ask me!” she shot back. “But I’m not ruining Halloween for the kids.”

“Just like you didn’t steal my flowerpots?” I screamed, stepping closer.

“Maeve, you’re crazy! You have no proof it was me!” she shouted, her face red. Then, with a loud slam, she shut the door in my face.

I stood there, shaking. “Witch!” I yelled at the closed door.

As I stood there, I realized that some of the neighbors had come outside, watching the whole scene. Their curious eyes were fixed on me, and I could already imagine the whispers behind my back.

They probably thought I was the crazy one now. I just wanted to do something nice for Halloween, and it had all been ruined. My throat tightened, and I could feel the tears building up again. Without another word, I turned and walked back home, my chest heavy with sobs.

Inside, I sat down, wiping my eyes. I couldn’t let this go. Halloween meant too much to me. I refused to let Catherine or anyone else destroy it. That evening, I made up my mind.

I went to the store, buying new decorations and candy. When I finished putting everything back up, I carefully placed a small camera among the decorations. This time, if she messed with them, I would have proof.

In the middle of the night, I woke up to a strange noise. My heart raced as I looked out the window. All my decorations were gone. Again. Anger bubbled up inside me as I quickly threw on my slippers and rushed outside.

The cool night air hit my face as I ran to grab the camera I had set up earlier. This time, I was sure I would catch Catherine in the act.

I hurried back inside and turned on the video. My eyes narrowed, ready to see Catherine, but to my shock, it wasn’t her. Instead, it was a boy—no older than 12—taking my decorations and candy. I stared at the screen, confused. I didn’t recognize him from the neighborhood.

Without thinking, I grabbed my coat and followed the direction the boy had gone. I passed house after house, but none of them seemed like his home.

I knew all the local kids, and he wasn’t one of them. Finally, I found myself standing in front of an old, abandoned house. A strange feeling came over me, urging me to go in.

Inside, it was dark and cold, the air damp and heavy. I pulled my cardigan tighter, my steps careful on the creaky wooden floors. Suddenly, I saw a faint light coming from a room. I walked in and froze.

There, huddled together, were two children—the boy from the video and a little girl, barely four years old. They were trembling, surrounded by my Halloween decorations.

“Please, don’t turn us in to the police!” the boy cried, his voice shaking. “My sister loves Halloween, but we don’t have any money. I didn’t want to steal, I swear! You just had the best decorations,” he said, his eyes wide with fear.

I stood there, staring at them. Two small kids in this awful, broken house. They looked so scared, and to be honest, I was scared too. The decorations didn’t matter anymore.

“Why are you here? Where are your parents?” I asked.

“We don’t have any,” the boy replied. “We ran away from our foster parents because they weren’t treating us right.”

I knelt down to their level, trying to understand. “What are your names?”

“I’m David, and this is my sister, Nicole,” he said, putting his arm around the little girl.

“My name is Maeve,” I told them, trying to sound reassuring. “You can’t stay here. It’s too cold. Come with me.”

David looked up at me, fear in his eyes. “Are you going to call the police?”

I shook my head. “No. I’m going to take you home,” I said, reaching out my hands to them both.

David and Nicole had been staying with me for several days now, and during that time, I had learned more about them through social services. It broke my heart to hear that their foster parents hadn’t even reported them missing.

How could anyone just forget about two children? I knew right then that there was no way they could go back. So, I filed the paperwork for temporary custody.

It was a bit of a process, but the social worker said the kids could stay with me even while we waited for everything to go through. That was a relief—I wasn’t ready to let them go.

The kids were amazing. At first, Nicole was so quiet, barely saying a word. She would just sit by herself, hugging her little stuffed bunny. But as the days went by, I saw her slowly start to relax.

She began to smile, laugh, and even talk a little. David, too, seemed happier. He helped me around the house, always asking if there was anything he could do.

Having them there made the house feel different—warmer, more alive. I hadn’t realized how empty it had felt before. It was as if David and Nicole had always been a part of my life.

In the evenings, I would read them bedtime stories. Every time, I felt tears welling up. I never thought my dream of having children would come true in such an unexpected way. But here we were, and it felt right.

On Halloween night, there was a knock at the door. Expecting trick-or-treaters, I smiled as I opened it, but instead of kids in costumes, I saw two police officers standing there.

“Can I help you, officers?” I asked, feeling my stomach drop a little.

“Your neighbor reported some strange screaming coming from your house,” one of the officers said. I followed his gaze across the street, where Catherine stood, arms crossed and a smug grin on her face. Of course, it was her.

Just then, a loud shout echoed from inside my house. I smiled sheepishly. “Oh, that. I’m showing the kids a scary movie for Halloween. You know, something fun for the night,” I explained, stepping aside. “Would you like to come in and check?”

The officers nodded and followed me inside. As we walked into the living room, one of them asked, “Are these your children?”

“Yes,” I said, the word slipping out naturally. “These are my children.”

It was the first time I had said it, but I realized it was true. In such a short time, they had become my family. I couldn’t imagine my life without them now.

The officers glanced at David and Nicole, who were sitting on the couch, eyes wide as they watched the scary movie. Every so often, they would pull the blanket over their heads, then peek out again.

The officers smiled, clearly seeing there was nothing wrong. “Have a good evening, ma’am,” they said, heading out the door.

As they walked out, I stepped onto the porch and waved at Catherine, who was still watching from across the street.

She looked furious, her face red with frustration. With a loud huff, she stomped her foot and marched back inside. I couldn’t help but smile to myself.

The next morning, I did what I had been thinking about for days—I applied to adopt David and Nicole. From that point on, I never spent another holiday alone. Every day was filled with laughter, love, and the warmth of family. I finally had what I had always dreamed of: I could call myself “Mom.”

However, just because Halloween is near doesn’t mean we can’t show kindness. One Halloween fan shared this message in a TikTok video that has since gone viral.

Salena Webb loves Halloween. She is a mother of four from South Carolina, and like many others, she celebrates by decorating her yard with Halloween items. Salena created a whole graveyard scene in her front yard, complete with ghosts, spiderwebs, pumpkins, a witch, tombstones, and skeletons carrying a casket. It took a lot of time to set up the display. But when her neighbor came to ask her to take it down, she agreed.

Her neighbor asked her to remove some decorations to make things easier for his elderly father.

Salena shared the moment her neighbor visited her to make the request in a TikTok video. In the video, the neighbor explains, “Hey, I know you’re celebrating Halloween. My dad just got diagnosed with lung cancer. He thinks the decorations are a bit scary.” He then points to the graveyard scene and asks, “Would you mind taking just the casket out?”

Salena felt sympathetic right away. Since her neighbor’s dad often spends time in his garage, which faces her yard, she understood why removing the casket was important. “I didn’t want to be a reminder of what could happen if he doesn’t beat cancer,” she told Insider. “I didn’t want to add stress to someone else’s life.”

Salena removed the casket and gave the skeletons badminton rackets instead. She moved the more scary decorations to her backyard. “I was a little sad at first,” Salena wrote in her TikTok caption, “But I realized that taking away the casket wouldn’t hurt me, but it might help my neighbor feel better as he deals with this news. Kindness is free, and compassion goes a long way.”

Many people praised Salena for her kindness. She posted the video and asked her followers what they would have done in her situation. While some said they wouldn’t have taken down their decorations, many praised Salena for her compassion.

@thatsnorthsense

My family knows i loveeee Halloween and my decorations took me awhile to make and put up. I had just purshased the skeleton carrying the casket to go along with my graveyard to really set my halloween decor off this year I was a little sad at first but i thought about the bigger picture. Me removing my casket isnt hurting me at all but it may ease and bring my neighbor a little bit of peace as he adjusts to this news. Kindness is free and compassion goes a long way. Now what to replace it with#Thatsnorthsense #dailyvlog #compassionforothers #halloween2023 #loveyourneighborasyourself

♬ Kindness Is Free! – Music with Michal

“Now this is what being a good neighbor is all about. Kindness doesn’t cost anything. Thank you!” one user commented.

Another person wrote, “This was beautifully handled. The world needs more people like you! God bless you!”

Salena’s neighbor also appreciated her gesture. After she took down the casket, she brought him a card and some balloons. Even though there was a language barrier between them, she could tell he was thankful. He told her, “You’re good people.”

A couple weeks ago, I posted my reveal of my 1990’s bathroom and I promised a follow up with how to stencil that almond ceramic tile floor.

When I told my darling hubster some of my ideas of what I wanted to do with this baby, he was like, “Whaaaatttt????” icon

Again, he was up at the cottage for the majority of this makeover. No meals to cook for this girl, yup, see ya buddy….don’t let the door hit you on the way out…icon

This is what the bathroom floor tile looked like in February.

I couldn’t resist the challenge and I LOVE stencils, so what the heck, after a little research, I jumped in.

It is truly amazing what paint can do for a home. You guys, this is such an easy makeover and the impact is crazy awesome!

Before you start painting…CLEAN! You want to clean the floor really good. I used TSP on my floor.

Once it is dry, sand the floor. You don’t have to get too crazy, you just want to rough it up so the primer will grab it. After sanding vacuum and wipe up all the dust really good. You don’t want anything on this floor before you start.

Looking better already with Primer and Paint!

These are the supplies that I used.

I used the Oil Based Kilz for this project. Prime the floor first, followed with the Behr Concrete and Garage Floor paint.

Leave the floor dry over night. I don’t care if it is dry to the touch, I think you need to leave it sit and cure for the night.

I moved the stencil around so that I would not smudge the paint and in between I would wipe the stencil off with paper towels.

You can see where the stencil bled through a little bit on some of the stars…be sure to dab your brush off on paper toweling to the point of not having as much paint on it and you will get cleaner, sharper lines.

I spent quite some time on this stenciling project and I will add, my hips were killing me by the time I got to this point. I had to touch up a lot of my stars because of bleeding and the stencil not matching up.

It was around 5:00 p.m. and I am sitting back in the door way and I was thinking about how I am going to do the outer edge and the idea came to me, “Why Don’t I paint it black?” icon

I am so happy that I went with the outer edge being black (used the same chalk paint), I felt added a little more character and depth to the floor.

Again, this is a super easy project and I would do it again in a heartbeat! The stencil from Cutting Edge was an awesome stencil to work with and truly, the floor looks fabulous in person.

I hope this post gave you an idea of something different to do for your home. It adds so much of an impact to this bathroom.

Thanks for reading!

Our foyer had a chair rail, but it didn’t have enough character. First thing we did was remove the chair rail.

We needed something to break up and camouflage our wall of many doors and we thought adding shiplap part way up the wall would help

We used our Kreg Jig rip cut to cut underlayment into 8 inch strips. To maximize our materials and minimize waste, we cut on the longer side for the long walls. On some panels we cut on the short side for the shorter walls.

Any edges that were rough, we used the electric sander to smooth out.

For this project we measured up the wall and marked how high we wanted the panels to go. We did this on all the walls so it would be even all the way around. We started with the longest wall at the bottom spacing the boards with nickels and securing them with the brad nail gun.

Once everything was installed, we patched all the nail holes and painted.

To give a finished look on the corners, we used trim pieces for the inside and outside corners. We caulked the seams to give a finished. look.

After the paint had dried we added a 1 x 2 accent piece and stained it Classic walnut to finish off the look. We also updated the door knobs to give more of a rustic feel.

We absolutely loved the way that it turned out and definitely gives more of the coastal farmhouse look that ties into the rest of our home.

Shortly after we finished, we added hooks to the corner by the bench and it was the perfect finishing touch.

Enjoyed the project?