1 . Refresh Your Bedroom

Whether you’ve outgrown the theme of your bedroom or just want to make a few changes to give it an updated look, you don’t need a big budget to make it happen.     1    

Clear out the clutter (杂乱)

Before you start freshening up your space, take a look around to see what could give away to someone who could use it. Ask an adult for two bags or boxes, one for items you want to donate and one for anything that can go directly in the trash.     2    

Think about light

One simple room update that has a big impact is switching up your lighting.     3     Or you could try neon wall lights or a retro lava lamp on a nightstand or desk. Moving a lamp to your room, with permission from an adult, can also add soft lighting to your space.

Consider color

    4     Ask an adult if they’re willing to help you paint an accent wall in your room. An accent wall is a good chance to take a risk with color since it’s only one wall. You can choose to paint the wall behind your headboard or even a closet door. If you don’t want to paint, you could check out peel-and-stick wallpaper in fun patterns.

Layer your space

Ask a parent whether your family has extra blankets or pillows you could use in your room. They will add new colors, textures, and patterns that will instantly liven up the look and feel of your space.

    5    

Personalize your room with photos of family and friends. You can ask a parent for any spare picture frames or pick some up together at a shop. Print out photos and frame them for display. You could also frame your own artwork to hang on a wall or prop up on a dresser.

Report on travel mode preferences

5 . My mother took an annual vacation all by herself. It was just two ________ visiting an out-of-town family and perhaps a little sightseeing on the way. It ________ when I was thirteen and old enough to look after my younger brother.

Why couldn’t we ________? I couldn’t get across the idea. My mother’s answer was always frank and to the point: “I need a ________ from you guys for a couple of days.” I couldn’t ________ that reasoning until twenty-five years later.

I am ________, responsible for most of the household tasks. I also hold a job and ________ my family and old parents. My husband asks about the vacation this year. I look up at the bathroom sink, ________ again. “Anywhere,” I answer, “as long as it’s ________.” He doesn’t understand, looking ________.

But now I do. I understand the need for every solo (个人的) vacation my mother ever took. My first ________ was to Bermuda. For five days, there were no blocked sinks, grocery lists, work deadlines, or ________ family members. Instead, there was only peace and the opportunity to do ________ what I wanted to do. It was amazing. I ________ three pounds and came home with perfect dark skin and renewed ________. I decide in the future whenever I feel overwhelmed (不堪重负) or like I need a break, I take one.