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TESTIMONIALS
“It’s cool and light. Not too loud. Comfortable color (especially if you want people who come into your office to feel “chill”... shoutout to raging parents or intimidated students).”
“I will definitely recommend you to my friends. I’m also excited to see their reactions when they see the dining room.”
Famous Paintings & Where To Find Them
Have you ever wanted to see these famous paintings in person? Read on for my museum guide.
Europe and the arts are virtually synonymous. So yes, most of the famous painters come from Europe and they’re mostly Rennaissance artists. Here’s where we can find them segregated by country, and by museum. All information is accurate from date of post. Pls. refer to museum's website for more information. Photos can be taken without flash, and without a tripod. Do watch out as I will update this post once in a while.
FRANCE
Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci
Raft of The Medusa by Theodore Gericault
TIPS: One of the most popular painting is the Mona Lisa, make sure to book this early!
HOURS & ADMISSION:
- Daily (except Tuesdays): 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Wednesday, Friday: 9 a.m.–9:45 p.m.
Rooms begin closing 30 minutes before museum closing time.
- Closed on Tuesdays, January 1, May 1 and December 25
- Please note that on December 24 and 31 the museum will close at 5 p.m.
- Admission on Sunday:
From October to March: access to the permanent collections is free for all visitors on the first Sunday of each month.
TICKETS
- € 17 (Full price)
- Free admission for under 18 years
- Free for disabled and the person accompanying them
Whistler's Mother by James Abbott McNeil Whistler
Bal du Moulin de la Galette by Pierre Auguste-Renoir
Olympia by Edouard Manet
Van Gogh Self Portrait
HOURS & ADMISSION:
- open from 9.30am to 6pm
daily, except Mondays
late night on Thursdays until 9.45pm
last tickets sold at 5pm (9pm Thursdays)
museum cleared at 5.15pm (9.15pm Thursdays)
group visits, pre-booked only, Tuesday to Saturday, 9.30am to 4pm (Thursdays until 8pm) - closed on Mondays, on 1 May and 25 December
TICKETS
- € 12 (Full price)
- € 9 (concessions)
ITALY
Image via WikiMedia Commons
The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci
TIPS: Book months online. Tickets sell out quickly.
HOURS & ADMISSION:
- From Tuesday to Sunday 08.15 am - 07.00 pm.
- open from 9.30am to 6pm
Last admission 6:30 pm
Max. 25 admitted every 15 minutes.
Closed Monday, New Year's Day, May 1st and Christmas Day.
TICKETS
- € 36 (Full price)
- € 28 (concessions)
- € 16 (1-17 yrs. old)
IV. Vatican
The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo- Sistine Chapel Ceiling
School of Athens by Raphael
TIPS:Being one of the most visited sites in Rome, this one should be book months before your trip.
HOURS & ADMISSION:
- From Monday to Saturday
9.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m. (final entry 4.00 p.m.) - Every last Sunday of the month (provided this does not coincide with Easter Sunday, 29 June Sts. Peter and Paul, 25 December Christmas Day, and 26 December Feast of St. Stephen)
9.00 a.m. – 2.00 p.m. (final entry 12.30 p.m.)
Free entry - Visitors are required to leave the halls 30 minutes before museum closing time
- 2018 closure
Sunday (except the last Sunday of each month), 1 and 6 January, 19 March, 2 April, 1 May, 29 June, 14 and 15 August, 1 November, 8, 25 and 26 December
Image via WikiMedia Commons
The Birth of Venus by Botticelli
HOURS & ADMISSION:
- From Tuesday to Sunday
8.15 a.m. – 6.50 p.m. Closed on Mondays, 1 January, 25 December
Closure starts from 6.35 pm
The ticket office closes at 6:05 pm
TICKETS:
- March 1 to October 31
Regular €20, reduced €10 November 1 to February 28
Regular €12, Reduced €6Free entry on the first Sunday of each month
GERMANY
Image via WikiMedia Commons
Sistine Madonna
HOURS & ADMISSION:
- From Tuesday to Sunday
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Closed on Mondays
TICKETS:
- Normal €12, reduced €9, Under 17 free
Free entry on the first Sunday of each month
VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Image via WikiMedia Commons
The Kiss by Gustav Klimt
The Kiss is located in the Upper Belvedere. TIPS: You can’t take photos with the original. They actually have another room setup with a copy of this.
HOURS & ADMISSION (Upper Belvedere only):
- Daily
9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Friday
9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
TICKETS (Upper Belvedere):
- Adults €15, reduced €12.50, 18 years old and below are free
UNITED KINGDOM
VIII. National Gallery, London
Image via WikiMedia Commons
The Arnolfini Portrait
The National Gallery in London is the only museum here that is actually free!
HOURS & ADMISSION:
- Daily
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. - Friday
10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Closing commences at 5.55pm and 8.55pm
Closed 1 January and 24–26 December
TICKETS:
- Free admission
AMSTERDAM
IX. Rijksmuseum
The Persistence of Memory by Salvador Dali
Nightwatch by Rembrandt
HOURS & ADMISSION:
- Daily
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Open all days of the year.
Ticket desks close at 4:30 p.m.
TICKETS:
- Adults €17.50, 18 years old and below are free
SPAIN
Image via WikiMedia Commons
Las Meninas by Diego Velasquez
- From Monday to Saturday
10 a.m. – 8 p.m. - Sundays and Holidays
10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Closing commences at 5.55pm and 8.55pm
Closed 1 January, 1 May and 25 DecemberLast admission 30 minutes before closing
Reduced opening hours
January 6, December 24 and 31: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.Collection, free access:
From Monday to Saturday, 6 pm - 8 pm, December 24 and 31: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sundays and holidays, 5 pm - 7 pm
via Wikipedia
Guernica by Pablo Picasso
HOURS & ADMISSION:
- Monday, Wednesday- Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- Tuesday Closed
- Sunday Check the opening times*
*On Sunday the sale of tickets at the ticket office will finish at 1:30 p.m., apart from advanced bookings
**Closing days: January 1 and 6, May 1, May 15, November 9, and December 24, 25 and 31
TICKETS:
- Adults €8, 18 years old and below are free, 65 years old and above are free
NORWAY
Image via Wikimedia Commons
The Scream by Edvard Munch
TIPS: Entrance is free with an Oslo Pass.
HOURS & ADMISSION:
- Monday:Closed
- Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday:10–18
- Thursday:10–19
- Saturday and Sunday:11–17
TICKETS:
- Adults NOK 120
- Students/pensioners/concessions: NOK 60
- Free from 18 years old and below
NETHERLANDS
XIII. Mauritshuis
Image via WikiMedia Commons
Girl with a Pearl Earring by Jan Vermeer
HOURS & ADMISSION:
- Monday 1 pm - 6 pm
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday-Sunday 10 am - 6 pm
- Thursday 10 am - 8 pm
TICKETS:
- Adults €15.50
- Students €12.50
- Free from 18 years old and below
UNITED STATES
Starry, Starry Night by Van Gogh
Water Lilies by Monet
Les Demoiselles d’Avignon, Picasso
HOURS & ADMISSION:
- Open daily, 10:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
- Open until 8:00 p.m. on Fridays
TICKETS:
- Adults $25
- Seniors, 65 and over with ID $18
- Students, Full-time with ID $14
- Children, 16 and under are free
- Admission to The Museum of Modern Art is free for all visitors every
Friday evening, 4:00–8:00 p.m., during UNIQLO Free Friday Nights.
Links will take you to the official website of the museums. Since these are famous paintings, it is best to always buy the ticket early to avoid the long lines.
PORTFOLIO
5 Easy Ways to Create a Character-Filled Home
One of the most basic human needs is shelter. You spend practically your whole life living in a house. Whether you rent or own, a house should always be a home you'd enjoy going to. Find out how to give your home more personality!
A house can be lived in by anyone but a home is personal and unique to the homeowner. It shows your taste, your likes, where you’ve been, your loved ones and prized possessions. Wouldn’t it be better to live in a place that shows you who you are? Not one that is simply generic or looking like a showroom. Make it your own!
via Personal Creations
1. Personalize.
Everything personalized is so now. From guest towels, to coasters, to trays. Personalization will always be timeless.
2. Add photos.
Display family photos! Nothing beats personal more than that. Hire a good photographer and have some professional photos taken. Blow it up and make it an accent.
3. Add your favorite art.
If you’re just starting, why not add your own artwork? If you have kids, frame their art pieces! If you’re an art collector, that’s even better! Place your favorite piece in the area where you spend time the most- it may be the living area, or maybe your bedroom.
4. Display your travel souvenirs.
Are you a traveller? Do you collect items from your travels? Why not place them in your living room to show your collection?
Pro tip: Have one space to display your mementos. It will look better all together than scattered throughout your room. Make it look more professional by adding lights to enhance the look.
5. Got heirlooms or antiques?
Display heirlooms from your grandma. If you’ve inherited any furniture, accessories, vintage appliances and the like, combine these with a few modern ones to create an eclectic look, one filled with character.
PORTFOLIO
Decorate with Intention
I've always believed in making your home personal. Don't you want a home that reflects you and not some trendy Pinterest board that probably everyone has?
There are so much guides out there that talk about what to put on your coffee table, bookshelf, or any other place where you want to put decor. But have you ever thought what is right FOR YOU?! Yes, I don't believe in adding décor just because it's trending. Although, to be honest, yes, I've gone with trends too. Problem with my passion project is that I see plenty of pretty things! Ugh, the dilemma!
You know, you don't really want everything you see in a trendy inspirational photo to also be in your home. Although if you like trendy, no one's stopping you! Just beware that trends come and go. Your home should showcase your personality and that of your family. It's not a model unit meant to be showcased for all but for you to enjoy your life so you can live exactly the way you like it.
1. Greenery is King
Nowadays, the trendy thing is to have plants and cacti in your home. Oh boy, I do loooove plants! But before you even plunge into the plant craze, please do some research and find out what plants will actually thrive in your home. Admittedly, I've had some plants die on me... Sometimes, you just can't help the bad weather.
What do you do? Research, research, research... Different plants have different needs. If you want a cactus, don't even dare put it in a place with little sunlight. Cacti thrive in the sun and so be mindful or your poor plants will die and you'd think you have a black thumb. The oh-so-trendy fiddle leaf fig, on the other hand, is one that likes bright filtered light. Direct sunlight will burn the leaves!
2. Flowers are Simply Gorgeous
Who can resist a bunch of fresh flowers? If you have flowers in the garden, that will be ideal. If not, even though plenty designers shudder with faux flowers, there are beautiful silk flowers you can use! Don't get the cheap plasticky ones because they are really tacky. The key to decorating within your budget is to do it a section at a time. Whoever said you need all the décor right now?! So wait a bit and buy when you have the savings!
3. Art and Books Always Add Character
What other things should you consider to add some style? Art and sculpture will always be timeless. Books are always good to add height to your objects of art and yes, for someone to actually read! I love reading books and magazines.
4. Photos are Lovely Personal Touches
People nowadays don't print photos but how about considering it? A family photo will always be something you will treasure. If you're really not into the printed photo, there are digital frames that show different photos you've taken. Your guests will love looking at these personal stuff. Or even if you don't have guests frequently, aren't they a good reminder of you and your loved ones?
5. Travel Mementos to Remind You of Your Favorite Places
Finally, if you travel a lot (or maybe even if it's a few times only), consider pretty travel mementos to add some spice to your space.
6. Nothing Says You More Than Your Collection
Are you a fan of Stranger Things? Maybe you have a collection of wine bottles? Even perfume bottles can be a collection. That always reminded me of my grandma. She had a really pretty doll in her closet together with her numerous collection of perfume bottles. I saw it occasionally when she opened her closet but why keep it out of sight when you can admire them on a place you can see everyday?
So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and decorate your space!!! It's so therapeutic to see a well-styled space!
“Decorate with intention!”
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SAVE OR SPEND???
SAVE OR SPEND? Find out what to splurge and what to save on!
One of the things I'm sure you want to know more of is what to invest in and what you can buy cheaply!
Here are some pointers on what to save and what to spend for your place:
FURNITURE - IT DEPENDS
Ok. Why? If you have a very tight budget, if you're still in the process of saving to acquire your furniture, then, by all means, start with lower priced items. However, if you are at the stage where your income is more substantial and you want something that will really last, I suggest looking for sturdier furniture. How will you know the quality? Well, honestly, it takes a while to learn. I myself started with cheaper furniture when I first got married because that is all I could afford. Now that we've built up our savings, I do invest in higher quality furniture. Knowing what types of furniture are of high quality and those that are less quality will take another blog post though.
PLANTS - SAVE
Plants are all the rage nowadays. What I love about this is that they naturally soften the place and makes it look inviting. If you are a new plant collector, I do suggest taking the time to learn which ones are sturdy! Air plants haven't died for me yet. Try tillandsia-- beautiful and I only water twice a week.
ORGANIZERS - SAVE
These are life savers in making your day better by ensuring that everything is at its right place. I say save on the organizers. There are expensive ones but trust me, you'd need a ton. Before buying any, find out first what items you will store, then categorize them and count the number you need. Oh and do be resourceful-- there are plenty of things you can use as organizers even if it wasn't meant for that purpose.
PILLOWS - SPEND
Ok. This might be personal for me... Maybe it's my age! I do prefer a soft (but not too soft) fluffy pillow. I have been searching for the best one ever since and so far what I have always loved are those Shangri-La pillows. Arghh! They are fluffy and has just the right softness. The problem with that is they are custom made for Shangri-La. Maybe I should just buy it there. Believe me, I've collected a ton of pillows over the years. If you have the perfect pillow, do comment below.
DÉCOR AND ACCESSORIES - A MIXTURE
Some say don't spend while others like to do so. I think this is more personal. I have collected décor over the years... sometimes, I just cannot resist! Some came from my travels while others are from my local jaunts. For items like throw pillows and table linen, you should not spend a fortune because these are the ones that are easy to change depending on the season or for occasions.
ART - SPEND
I believe art is subjective. However, having said that, in your most prized areas, let's say your living room, a piece of well-chosen art can totally make or break your space. No prints please! If you've never owned any painting or sculpture before, maybe this is the time to go for it. You don't need to spend hundreds of thousands to find something you love. You just have to be resourceful. Perhaps start with looking at galleries. Do it in person, not online... Yeah, I know... but for you to truly find one that is worthy of your attention, you must see it LIVE. Not to worry, in future posts, I will discuss more on collecting art.
Alright!!! This is my first post for the blog. I will be having more posts about what to save or spend. Let me know your thoughts or questions below.
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