Create a Zen Bedroom

Your bedroom should be a place where you feel relaxed and ready to rest, and your decor will influence your pre-bedtime mindset. Remember as a kid when your mom told you not to study in bed? That was because you would either fall asleep, or not be able to sleep other nights when you didn’t have to study. The same goes for adulthood--your bedroom should be a work-free zone! Here are some other tips from Apartment Therapy on bringing calm to your bedroom.

1. Be natural. Check the tags on your sheets, blankets, pillow covers. Are they of natural fibers? If not, seek out some good, basic sets of natural fiber bedding. Take it a step further with the mattress and your pillows, though this can get pricey. Also consider the materials of your furnishings and rugs. Are there a lot of synthetics like plastic and polystyrene furnishing your bedroom or natural materials like wood and wool?

2. Unplug. Banish electronics from the bedroom. Seriously. That means phones, computers, television. Nothing sucks the lovely out of a bedroom faster than electronic devices. If it plugs in, take it out (except the reading lamps, of course). You'll get better sleep and your room will be a calm respite from digital life.

3. Keep it clean… Furnish and decorate sparely. And clean often. If things are kept simple as far as furnishings and decor, it should be a rather quick job to clean the bedroom. Wash linens at least once weekly and be sure to dust between the head of the bed and the wall.

4. …and serene. Are natural woods and cool colors relaxing to you? Then use them in the decor of your bedroom. Prefer deep, dark black or brown? Incorporate that. Whatever puts you at ease, use it in the decor of your bedroom.

5. Get personal. This is the room for displaying cherished personal possessions. Have an heirloom wedding pic of your ancestors? That could also be well-suited here. If you have personal items you've collected but don't feel comfortable displaying front and center in the living room, make your bedroom the place for these things. The bedroom's a private area of the home and it will make you happy to see things in it that are meaningful to you but perhaps not to everyone.

What do you use to create your bedroom zen? Share your tips with us!

Exploring Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Tomorrow marks the official start of spring, a welcome event after the freezing temperatures! One of the many benefits of living at The Glen at Hunter's Run is its close proximity to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, depending on which part of the park you would like to visit. When you have some extra time, pack up the car and explore this beautiful North Dakota attraction! Here are 8 spots to plan a trip around, courtesy of North Dakota Legendary:

1. Medora
The small Badlands town of Medora is the gateway to the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. But it is more than that; an Old West cowtown with horseback rides, modern museums, the state-of-the-art Burning Hills Amphitheatre, luxury lodging and primitive camping.

Medora, ND 58645

2. Painted Canyon Visitor Center
Visitors get their first real glimpse of the Badlands from the overlook at the Painted Canyon Visitor Center on Interstate 94, east of Medora. The canyon stretches as far as the eye can see into the rugged North Dakota Badlands.

7 miles east on I-94 Medora, ND 58645

3. Maltese Cross Ranch Cabin
At Theodore Roosevelt's urging, the Maltese Cross Ranch Cabin, now at the entrance of the park,was built during the winter of 1883-84. The Maltese Cross Cabin was originally located about seven miles south of Medora in the wooded bottomland of the Little Missouri River.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park - South Unit Medora, ND

4. Prairie Dog Town
While prairie dog "towns" can be found in many areas of the park, the first one encountered is along the road soon after entering the park near Skyline Vista. Prairie dogs communicate with each other by a number of sounds called "barks" or "yelps."

Medora, ND

5. Scenic Loop Drive
A major feature of the South Unit is the paved, 36-mile Scenic Loop Drive with pullouts and interpretive signs that explain some of the park's historical and natural features. Wildlife is abundant along the route that weaves through much of the South Unit.

Medora, ND

6. Elkhorn Ranch Site
In 1884, Theodore Roosevelt left for the Badlands following the deaths of his wife and mother on the same day. Looking for solitude, he started a second ranching site and named it the Elkorn Ranch. The isolated site deep in the Badlands is not easy to find, but there is a map to its location. Other than signage, little remains at the location.

Medora, ND

7. Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit Scenic Byway
The 14-mile Theodore Roosevelt North Unit Scenic Byway provides the colorful North Dakota Badlands as a scenic backdrop with its sweeping vistas of one of the last remnants of wilderness in the Northern Great Plains. Theodore Roosevelt National Park memorializes the 26th President for his enduring contributions to the conservation of our natural resources. Visitors are provided a unique opportunity for wildlife viewing. In the park you will find open prairie, hardwood draws, bison, other wildlife, and the Little Missouri River.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit Watford City, ND 58554

8. Oxbow Overlook
The final overlook along the scenic byway offers a sweeping panoramic view of the Badlands and of an oxbow in the Little Missouri River as is carves a channel through the tree-lined river valley.

Watford City, ND

Finishing Touches for Any Room

"dinning room" by Corina Sanchez is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Once all of your furniture is moved in and the boxes are unpacked, have you ever looked around and thought, “it just needs something else?” You’re certainly not alone. Decorating is a tricky process that you have to get just right in order to truly feel at home. So when a room feels like it’s missing something, try adding one of these five things, courtesy of Apartment Therapy:

1. Art.

A room without art is like an outfit without accessories — just a little bit boring. Take your time and collect art that you love and that is meaningful to you. It'll give your space that extra dose of style and personality that makes the difference between a good room and a great one.

2. The right lighting.

Lighting is something we tend to think of as an afterthought, but it can make a huge difference in the way you perceive a room. If your space only has one source of light, you're definitely missing something.

3. Window treatments.

Window treatments are essential for controlling light and protecting your privacy, and in addition to practical considerations, they also soften the look of a room and keep your windows from looking naked. Depending on your window situation and the look you're going for, you may have curtains and a valance or something simple as a roman shade — but don't make the mistake of neglecting window treatments entirely.

4. A little bit of texture.

A whole room full of smooth, shiny things can come across a bit cold. Adding something with a little bit of texture — a fluffy throw, a worn old wood table, even a plant — will give any room a little extra warmth and depth.

5. Something you really love.

A room that only looks great will never truly feel like home. In order to feel like a space is truly yours, you need a little extra personal touch. Whether it's a special find from the flea market in Paris or a souvenir from an amazing vacation or a painting of your dog (or even an actual dog), don't get so hung up on getting your look just right that you forget to include at least one thing you really love.

Eliminate Your To-Do List

"Dawa's Designed To-do list" by Juhan Sonin is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Spring is quickly approaching, and it's the perfect time to get organized, especially if the kids have new activities starting. Whether your to-do list is digital or handwritten, there are ways to cut down on your time and increase your productivity. Follow these tips from Apartment Therapy and get those tasks crossed off today!

Include sub-tasks in your lists.

Getting things out of our heads and onto paper (or digital "paper") quiets the nagging anxiety that can creep up, that feeling of I have so much to doooo that can make us twitchy with stress and downright irritable. Channel the energy required to remember what you have to do into actually getting it done by freeing your head space through a list. Make your list detailed, including sub-tasks. For instance, instead of just Make key lime pie for office party also write everything you have to do to be able to make that happen: buy limes and whipping cream, make crust, etc. Your detailed lists give you the info you need to combine tasks and save time.

Combine tasks to save time.

The last thing we need to do is waste time. If you know what you have to get at the store for projects by having created a complete list, you can get them all at once rather than stopping by multiple times. If you're making more than one of something, combine these tasks as well. Sewing new curtains for two rooms, for instance? Buy all your fabric ahead of time, and parcel out the tasks across both projects into groups (for instance, all the measuring and cutting for both projects at once, before even getting out the sewing machine).

Multitask, multitask, multitask.

One excellent way to check a few items off your list — once you have a clear picture of what these items involve — is to work on a task while doing something else. Calling your great-great-aunt to wish her a happy birthday? Fold the laundry you need for your road trip while you're on the phone. Been meaning to have a get-together with some close friends? Turn it into a post-closet-clean-out clothes-swap party. You'll enjoy the company of loved ones and get the pleasure of finishing a task that's probably been hanging over all of you.

Use down times to update your lists and continue planning ahead.

Your list should be a constantly evolving road map of what you have to do. Crossing things off, updating notes (ask Sue to pick up the bread), and adding to it should be happening regularly so your list is always a snapshot of where you are and what you have to do to get where you're going. Use the time while you're on hold with Amazon, or while you're waiting for your bakery order to be filled to check your list again and again.

Where to See North Dakota Wildlife

The winter months are almost over, and with spring on the way, it is the perfect time to plan a family weekend trip to one of North Dakota's many wildlife refugees! From bighorn sheep to elk, see some of our native wildlife up close and personal! It's also a great educational opportunity for the whole family! North Dakota Legendary recommends these wildlife refugees:

National Wildlife Refuges 
North Dakota has 63 wildlife refuges – more than any other state in the nation and most offer visitors services. These are just a sampling of some of North Dakota's site to enjoy nature at its finest. Find them all online at www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/refuges/nd

Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge Rolling hills mantled in short-grass and mixed grass prairie interspersed with numerous wetlands in the highly productive prairie pothole region that produces more ducks than any other region in the lower 48 states.

Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge Made up of lakes, marshes, prairie grasslands, wooded coulees and cultivated fields. Managed primarily to attract waterfowl during migration periods, but also contains excellent habitat for ducks, geese, grebes and shore birds, along with many other forms of wildlife.

Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge Established as one of the country's first wildlife refuges in 1908 by executive order of President Theodore Roosevelt. An important habitat for the native American White Pelican.

Audubon National Wildlife Refuge Thousands of waterfowl, sandhill cranes and shorebirds pass through the refuge during spring and fall migration. The refuge is home to 243 bird, mammal, five reptile, four amphibian and 37 fish species.

Tewaukon National Wildlife RefugeOffers many recreational opportunities for people who love the outdoors. Activities to enjoy include hunting, fishing, bird watching and wildlife photography.

Plan a Fun Night In

When the wind chills are in the negatives, the last thing you probably want to do is leave your home. Even though it's the weekend, and you may want to do something different, you can still accomplish this in the warmth of your own place. If you're tired of spending your evenings in front of the TV, Apartment Therapy has some ideas on how to have fun with your family or significant other.

1. Play a game. 
Dust off that old game of Clue, or Trivial Pursuit, or Monopoly (ok, maybe not Monopoloy unless it's a really long night) and challenge your housemates to some good old-fashioned intellectual competition. I always forget, until I'm playing them, how much board games can bring out people's personalities and show you new sides of people you already thought you knew. Just try not to let rivalries or hard feelings linger after the game's over. In my house, one of our rules is that the winner always picks up the game, which tends to take the edge off gloating.

2. Put together a puzzle. 
Jigsaw puzzles, I think, are incredibly underrated. Sure, working on a puzzle may not be as immediately gratifying as say, watching a car chase, but it has a certain slow joy that is a nice antidote to the chaos of modern life. When you're piecing together a puzzle, you can explore a bit, try different combinations, take your time. If you work on a puzzle with someone else, you'll wind up having all kinds of conversations that you might not otherwise have had. Puzzles are like alcohol. They relax people.

3. Have a cook-off. 
Cooking is fun: competitive cooking is even more fun. Rummage through your cabinets for random, leftover ingredients, and challenge one of your housemates to a cookoff, iron-chef style. Winner gets bragging rights, everyone gets to eat something.

4. Draw each other. 
No, this doesn't have to be some kind of sexy Titanic thing (unless you really want it to be). Some of the most fun I've had with friends at house parties involves just paper and pencils: turns out, drawing people you know is really, really fun. You can have one person pose and all draw that person, or just have everyone in the room draw someone else. And you don't have to all be Da Vincis: having participants with a range of styles and skill levels makes the end results especially entertaining.

5. Make something.
Crafts are like Sudoku for your hands. And you don't have to make a lifelong commitment to knitting to procure an evening's entertainment. Trying searching online for instructions for origami, or even towel art. Or heck, just decoupage something.

6. Bake something really difficult that you've never baked before. 
Make dumplings. Or macaroons. Or a pie-crust from scratch. Now's the time to try one of those notoriously hard recipes that you've heard takes forever. After all, you've got plenty of time. And, as a bonus, it makes the house warmer!

7. Build a pillow fort. 
You may think that you are too old to build a pillow fort, but you are wrong. Building pillow forts is a joy that knows no season, and when you're an adult you don't have to worry about your mom coming into the room and having a fit when she sees the couch standing on its side. Once your pillow fort is complete, you can sleep inside of it. Or eat macarons. Or play a board game. Or make towel art. The sky's the limit.

Create a Magazine-Worthy Apartment Home

"Luxury living room with a fireplace." by TNS Sofres is licensed under CC BY 2.0

You don’t have to have an eye for design or watch HGTV 24/7 to create and decorate a beautiful home. Most importantly, your space should reflect you and your personal taste! If you are feeling overwhelmed and in need of guidance, remember these decorating principles from Apartment Therapy and you’ll have a space worthy of a magazine cover in no time!

1. Cut the clutter.

The number one thing that sets blog-worthy interiors apartment from just plain old interiors is the lack of clutter. Over time, it's easy to let things accumulate in your home without thinking about it — and after a while, you can get to the point where you don't really 'see' clutter. Taking a photo of your space is a good trick for helping you see a room with new eyes. Once you've identified the trouble spots, check out our 10 Commandments of a Clutter-Free Life for some game-changing advice.

2. Leave a little space.

It can be tempting, especially when you keep finding pieces you love on the internet or at a flea market or in your neighbor's trash, to fill your space as full of furniture as possible. But often the secret to a more pleasing interior isn't more stuff, but less stuff. If you look at interiors in magazines, you'll notice that a lot of them have quite a bit of negative space. This lets each piece shine, and also makes the room feel more spacious. Try it out at home by removing one or two big pieces from a room — you may be surprised at how much it opens up the space.

3. Add a little texture.

A space without a variety of textures can feel dull and lifeless. This is an easy one to correct — a fluffy throw, an interesting rug, or even an old antique piece can all add a little interest to a room. Check out our advice for transforming your space with texture.

4. Use color judiciously.

Not every space needs to have a 'color' (as in, "what color is your living room?") or have everything match to be lively or interesting. A lot of beautiful spaces get interest from a variety of proportions and textures, and have very little in the way of color at all. Others manage to feel very colorful with just a few colorful pieces. When adding color to your space, try adding one or two pieces at a time and then judging their impact before adding more to the mix. You may find that a little goes a long way.

5. Pay attention to balance and proportion.

The same things that make a lovely, interesting photo make a lovely, interesting home — a mix of pieces of different sizes and proportions. Balancing heavy pieces with more delicate ones makes a space dynamic. Too many small items, without any larges ones to break them up, can feel chaotic and cluttered. This is another area where taking pictures of your own home can help. Pay attention to how your furniture and accessories relate to your space, and how they relate to each other.