INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If the water is too warm, it may release some of the flower's aromatic oils before you collect them. Rinsing will remove fertilizer, dirt, insects, and any other contaminants you don't want inside your perfume. Don't worry about trying to rinse thoroughly between the petals. Do not dry the petals after rinsing. You can also use a bowl if it comes with a lid too, but whatever option you choose must be able to hold at least 5 cups (1,200mL) of liquid and be sealable. A mason jar with a screw-top lid would work well. Once a day, stir the petals and mash them again with a cooking spoon. Do not add more distilled water. Replace the lid quickly after you stir. Use a fine mesh strainer to remove the spent petals from the liquid and transfer the liquid to a glass bottle with a tight lid. To best preserve the perfume, keep it in the fridge and shake it before each use. It will last up to a month. The scent will be strongest if you spray it on the warmer places of your body like your wrist and neck. You could also use a sieve or a cheesecloth for straining.

SUMMARY: Rinse the roses gently in cold water. Place the petals in a large glass jar with a lid. Cover the jar and place it in a cool, dark location for 4-7 days. Strain the mixture into clean glass perfume bottles.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Because creativity flourishes during moments of solitude, you may benefit from selectively choosing periods to boost this aspect of yourself. When you are not distracted by the demands of others on your time, your mind opens up to greater possibilities. Being alone is a great time to brainstorm a new business idea, write a novel, develop a new song, make pottery, improve your photography skills, and so on. Even if you do not work in an obvious creative field, you can still benefit from this creativity boost. Although you can pursue passions and interests with others, you can also have fun pursuing them alone. Whatever it is that makes you feel relaxed and happy, do it by yourself. This brings with it the added value of allowing you to relax and de-stress on your own. You can also do things that maybe your friends or partner are not interested in or do not have time to join in on. Solo activities cover the full spectrum of hobbies. You can go for a hike, read a book, visit a museum, or shop at a flea market. Just because you're not spending time with any humans doesn't mean you can't enjoy time with an animal companion. Caring for pets can help you overcome a multitude of ills, such as loneliness, depression or anxiety. Pets influence us to go outdoors, they provide companionship without requiring conversation, and they help us make healthier decisions. Alone time is a perfect opportunity to do activities that are nurturing and soothing to your mind, body, and soul. Many people neglect self-care because they are so busy with other obligations. However, tending to your mental and emotional well-being can allow you to perform better, concentrate better, and even fight stress in your daily life--no matter what your career involves. Self-care activities can be anything you enjoy doing that restores you. It could be meditating in the mornings before starting your daily routine. It could be relaxing in a hot bath after a long day of work. Choose a few activities that you find soothing and do them during your alone time each week. You might find, after doing this for a few days/weeks, that you have actually come to like solitude!

SUMMARY: Develop a passion for art. Engage in a hobby. Play with a furry friend. Perform self-care activities.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Most living rooms contain a sofa, armchair, side table, and coffee table. Look for these basic elements before adding extra pieces such as ottomans and additional tables. Look for solid furniture with sturdy wood frames and sinuous steel springs. High-quality pieces may cost a little more, but they tend to hold up better and last longer. Luxurious, high-quality materials will keep you feeling more comfortable and tend to last longer than cheaper fabrics. Stain-resistant fabrics are especially useful if you have young children, but they might still be a good idea even if you only plan on using the space for guests since spills and stains can happen to anyone. Foam is comfortable and durable. Some cushions may be filled with down, but down usually breaks and wears quickly. Lift one leg of the piece about six inches (15 centimeters) off the floor. If the adjacent leg has not risen as well, the frame is too flexible and too flimsy. Each piece of furniture in your living room should complement the others. Otherwise, your room will look chaotic and thrown together. If you have an interior design theme, such as modern or traditional, stick with pieces that fit with your theme. There are a number of ways to divide up interior design themes, but the main ones often include modern, contemporary, traditional, casual, and Old World. Modern and contemporary furniture has sleek, clean lines and usually makes use of white, beige, or other neutral colors. Glass, metal, and shiny black lacquer are used more often than traditional woods. Traditional furniture is elegant. It tends to look a little more formal and may include details like rolled arms and skirted bottoms. Colors range from ivory to rich hues of red and other colors. Casual furniture is friendly and cozy. Many pieces make use of plaid, small prints, and other patterns. Old World furniture combines styles from French, Spanish, and Italian designs. Rustic, antique pieces are especially appropriate, and you should look for deep, earthy colors. Loveseats typically provide seating for two individuals. If you have a small family or only intend to use the space for entertaining an occasional guest, a loveseat could save you space while providing you with as much as you need. Chests, flat-top ottomans, and extra tables or seating can add a lot to a large living room, but too many of these pieces will crowd out a smaller space.

SUMMARY:
Start with the basics. Buy investment pieces. Look for high-quality, stain-resistant fabrics. Look for cushions made of wrapped foam. Test the strength of the frame. Coordinate your pieces. Know your themes. Opt for a loveseat instead of a sofa if you have a smaller space. Fill the room in with additional pieces as space allows.