Latest news with #NoraEphron
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
My cultural awakening: I watched Sleepless in Seattle and realised I had to cancel my wedding
When my boyfriend proposed, I said yes – not because I was madly in love with him, but because it seemed like the correct thing to do. We'd been together for eight years and all of our friends were getting engaged; my life felt like a constant cycle of hen nights. I knew something was wrong but I suppressed it. Sometimes I'd get these flashes of anxiety. I'd worry about the fact that I no longer felt excited when my boyfriend walked into a room, or that we didn't have sex any more – but I was 28, which at that point felt ancient to me, and I was frightened of being alone. I told myself I was experiencing nothing more than a classic case of pre-wedding jitters. I threw myself into buying the big white dress and designing the invitations. I planned to stash a bottle of gin in the church, so I could have a shot to calm my nerves before I walked down the aisle. About three months before the wedding, I was home alone one evening and decided to watch Sleepless in Seattle. It was my father's favourite film – he loved the classic jazz soundtrack and Nora Ephron's dialogue. It had been on in the background a lot during my childhood and teenage years, so I was expecting it to be a comfort watch; something to almost lull me to sleep. I'd remembered the film as being about a man (Tom Hanks) and his cute son grieving the death of his wife. But that night I interpreted the film completely differently. I was sucked into the perspective of Meg Ryan's character, Annie, who is engaged to a perfectly decent but slightly boring man – and deciding whether or not to call it off. I'd always seen Sleepless in Seattle as being about bereavement, but that night on my sofa, it felt like a film about one woman's decision whether to get married, and play it safe, or give it all up and take a leap. My wedding venue was booked, the deposit paid. But as the film went on I began to feel this overwhelming sadness There's a scene towards the beginning where Annie is trying on a wedding dress at her family home. Her mother is talking about the 'magic' she felt when she first laid eyes on her own husband, and Annie's face just goes completely blank. You can tell she doesn't feel anything close to 'magic' with Walter, her fiance. Watching that scene, I felt the familiar squirm of panic, but I squashed it down. I did love my boyfriend, in a way. We trusted each other and were good friends and he cared for me. I told myself: I'm not going to be the person who has the magic, and I'm OK with that. I'm going to be the person who has a sensible, kind husband, and children, and a life that is beautifully mapped out. But as the film went on I began to feel this overwhelming sadness. My wedding venue was booked, the deposit was paid – but watching Annie agonise over whether or not to leave Walter, I began to realise that the way I was feeling about my own wedding couldn't be ignored. Right at the end, Annie tells Walter about her doubts, and he has a line that illuminated everything for me: 'I don't want to be someone that anyone settles for. Marriage is hard enough without bringing such low expectations into it, isn't it?' I realised, listening to that, how selfish I was being. My boyfriend was good and generous. He didn't deserve to be 'settled' for. He didn't deserve to have a wife who had to get drunk to force herself down the aisle. That night when he came home, I said I wanted to postpone the wedding. I wasn't brave enough to outright ask to call it off, but he told me that if I didn't want to marry him now, he didn't want to be with me. I like to think perhaps he was having doubts too, but wasn't able to voice them – I hope that's true. I emailed all of our guests and told them that the wedding was cancelled, and people were generally supportive. I remember being so grateful that I didn't have to 'face' anyone. I could call the whole thing off while hiding behind a screen. I told my father that Sleepless in Seattle had inspired me to make the decision, but I kept that part a secret from everyone else in my life. He understood, but I suspected other people would think I'd gone mad. I spent about 11 years being single after the breakup, so I definitely had to face my fear of being alone. Often it was hard, feeling like a spare part at my friends' parties, but as I got older, being 'coupled up' and safe lost some of its allure. I saw the cracks in the marriages around me, and I realised coupledom doesn't actually insulate you from loneliness. I am married now, but I don't completely buy into the idea that there has to be 'magic' in a romantic partnership. I don't believe in the Disneyland, mind-altering, life-completing version of romance – that part of Sleepless in Seattle just doesn't ring true to me. But I still believe you should never settle for anyone.
The Guardian
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
My cultural awakening: I watched Sleepless in Seattle and realised I had to cancel my wedding
When my boyfriend proposed, I said yes – not because I was madly in love with him, but because it seemed like the correct thing to do. We'd been together for eight years and all of our friends were getting engaged; my life felt like a constant cycle of hen nights. I knew something was wrong but I suppressed it. Sometimes I'd get these flashes of anxiety. I'd worry about the fact that I no longer felt excited when my boyfriend walked into a room, or that we didn't have sex any more – but I was 28, which at that point felt ancient to me, and I was frightened of being alone. I told myself I was experiencing nothing more than a classic case of pre-wedding jitters. I threw myself into buying the big white dress and designing the invitations. I planned to stash a bottle of gin in the church, so I could have a shot to calm my nerves before I walked down the aisle. About three months before the wedding, I was home alone one evening and decided to watch Sleepless in Seattle. It was my father's favourite film – he loved the classic jazz soundtrack and Nora Ephron's dialogue. It had been on in the background a lot during my childhood and teenage years, so I was expecting it to be a comfort watch; something to almost lull me to sleep. I'd remembered the film as being about a man (Tom Hanks) and his cute son grieving the death of his wife. But that night I interpreted the film completely differently. I was sucked into the perspective of Meg Ryan's character, Annie, who is engaged to a perfectly decent but slightly boring man – and deciding whether or not to call it off. I'd always seen Sleepless in Seattle as being about bereavement, but that night on my sofa, it felt like a film about one woman's decision whether to get married, and play it safe, or give it all up and take a leap. There's a scene towards the beginning where Annie is trying on a wedding dress at her family home. Her mother is talking about the 'magic' she felt when she first laid eyes on her own husband, and Annie's face just goes completely blank. You can tell she doesn't feel anything close to 'magic' with Walter, her fiance. Watching that scene, I felt the familiar squirm of panic, but I squashed it down. I did love my boyfriend, in a way. We trusted each other and were good friends and he cared for me. I told myself: I'm not going to be the person who has the magic, and I'm OK with that. I'm going to be the person who has a sensible, kind husband, and children, and a life that is beautifully mapped out. But as the film went on I began to feel this overwhelming sadness. My wedding venue was booked, the deposit was paid – but watching Annie agonise over whether or not to leave Walter, I began to realise that the way I was feeling about my own wedding couldn't be ignored. Right at the end, Annie tells Walter about her doubts, and he has a line that illuminated everything for me: 'I don't want to be someone that anyone settles for. Marriage is hard enough without bringing such low expectations into it, isn't it?' I realised, listening to that, how selfish I was being. My boyfriend was good and generous. He didn't deserve to be 'settled' for. He didn't deserve to have a wife who had to get drunk to force herself down the aisle. That night when he came home, I said I wanted to postpone the wedding. I wasn't brave enough to outright ask to call it off, but he told me that if I didn't want to marry him now, he didn't want to be with me. I like to think perhaps he was having doubts too, but wasn't able to voice them – I hope that's true. I emailed all of our guests and told them that the wedding was cancelled, and people were generally supportive. I remember being so grateful that I didn't have to 'face' anyone. I could call the whole thing off while hiding behind a screen. I told my father that Sleepless in Seattle had inspired me to make the decision, but I kept that part a secret from everyone else in my life. He understood, but I suspected other people would think I'd gone mad. I spent about 11 years being single after the breakup, so I definitely had to face my fear of being alone. Often it was hard, feeling like a spare part at my friends' parties, but as I got older, being 'coupled up' and safe lost some of its allure. I saw the cracks in the marriages around me, and I realised coupledom doesn't actually insulate you from loneliness. I am married now, but I don't completely buy into the idea that there has to be 'magic' in a romantic partnership. I don't believe in the Disneyland, mind-altering, life-completing version of romance – that part of Sleepless in Seattle just doesn't ring true to me. But I still believe you should never settle for anyone. Sign up to Inside Saturday The only way to get a look behind the scenes of the Saturday magazine. Sign up to get the inside story from our top writers as well as all the must-read articles and columns, delivered to your inbox every weekend. after newsletter promotion You can tell us how a cultural moment has prompted you to make a major life change by filling in the form below or emailing us on Please include as much detail as possible Please note, the maximum file size is 5.7 MB. Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian. Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian. If you include other people's names please ask them first.
Irish Times
14-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Times
My post-cancer treatment hair reminds me of boxing promoter Don King. It makes me laugh
I Feel Bad About My Neck is a collection of essays by Nora Ephron that I read or listen to every now and again. It's a great title, extremely relatable for many women of a certain age when hairs start to sprout in unexpected places and brown spots appear on our hands. It's all down to this phenomenon called ageing. A beautiful thing. But it's also a transition and like any transition, it can take time to adjust. I don't feel bad about my neck. I've always had a couple of extra chins, more visible from certain angles than others. They would surprise me sometimes in the photos other people took of me - who is that person with generous neck undercarriage? I take a lot of selfies, because I know the angles that work best for my chin area. I don't feel bad about my neck (chintastic) or my belly (generous) or my hands (they look older than I feel) but lately I feel funny about my hair. It's been on quite a trip. I was lucky enough to avail of life-saving chemotherapy treatment in the Mater hospital last year after I was diagnosed with cancer . Before starting the treatment, I knew my long, thick, highlighted hair, the kind of hair people rave about when you've had it professionally blow dried, was not long for this world. [ Róisín Ingle: I did a good bit of 'maevesdropping' in the shop. It's what Binchy would have wanted Opens in new window ] In preparation, I got my enviable mane cut into a bob in a hairdressers in Terenure . I found the place after I went to a Maria Doyle Kennedy concert in my local Protestant church in North Strand. I was on crutches at the time, having broken my ankle in a fall because cancer wasn't enough to be dealing with. From my pew, I spied a woman a few rows behind with such a beautiful short haircut that I made my soon to be husband , an introverted person who doesn't routinely have the chats with strangers, get up and ask her where she'd got her hair done. She was delighted and told my soon to be husband about Jacqui in L'OmBré in Terenure. The short-haired woman told him Jacqui was so good that she followed her around from salon to salon for years. The next day I made an appointment. READ MORE I brought my mother along, for moral support. It was a strange, emotionally turbulent time now I look back. Anyway, Jacqui turned out to be the perfect person to give me a new 'do'. She had helped a lot of women with pre- and post- cancer hair conundrums and had a close friend with a similar diagnosis to mine, breast cancer that had spread to the bones, who she told me was doing well years after she first got her own shocking news. My mother got her hair done too, promising our new friend a copy of her memoir ( Openhearted , she'd obviously kill me if I didn't plug it) and a jar of her homemade marmalade. So, thanks to Jacqui I went into my chemotherapy adventure with a bob and then a few weeks later on Valentine's Day, when my bob started to fall out from the expected side-effects, I got my brother-in-law Killian to come into hospital (I was in there again for an operation on my other leg, cancer still not being enough drama for me) and he shaved it all off with his clippers. I felt only relief. Sometimes, I went around the place with my shaved head, even though it meant I'd get strange, sympathetic looks from people who took one look at me and thought: cancer. Sinéad O'Connor modelled this hairstyle so well, but all these years later people still don't believe a woman would shave her hair off unless there's a tragic reason - see Britney Spears . Sometimes, the sympathy was useful. One night, rushing for a train that was leaving the platform in Galway , I'm convinced the Irish Rail worker stopped the train and let me on because he felt sorry for the woman with the cancer head. Other times, I'd wear a wig. With the wig on I'd feel inconspicuous and normal and a bit like my old self even though my old self was dead. [ Róisín Ingle: We will have two 16-year-olds in this house soon which is blowing my mind a bit Opens in new window ] I wore a wig when I got married last July. Stephanie came to my hotel room to style it. We both cried when she was finished. After the wedding, I hardly ever wore the wig again and when I got my byline photo done, to illustrate an article in which I came out about my cancer, I felt cool about my hair in an Olivia Colman or Judi Dench kind of way. We transition. We adjust. And now I feel funny about my hair. It's been growing. Vertically. It's a grey skyscraper rising from my scalp, defying gravity. It had been bugging me, who my hair was reminding me of, and then the other day I put an image of boxing promoter Don King alongside a picture of me in the family WhatsApp with the caption 'separated at birth'. My children could not get over the hair likeness. I don't feel bad about my neck, I feel funny about my hair, by which I mean that when I look in the mirror these days my hair makes me laugh. And, oh, it feels good. Down with that 'skort' of thing / Celebrating Tina Turner Listen | 45:28
Telegraph
24-04-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
How to de-age your ‘tech-neck' if you're over 50
I admit it, I've been fretting about my neck. Not in the Nora Ephron wrinkles and sag sense (ok, maybe a bit/lot of that). But a few months ago, it began aching, intrusively. Occasionally it has been Voltarol-worthy. I should have done something about it years ago. Every masseur/facialist I've ever encountered has juddered to a halt when they reached my neck. 'My Gaaad, it's like rock/stone/wood/concrete . I assumed everyone who sits at a computer or has a smart phone has a traumatised neck. I let things slide. Vanity brought me to my senses. To be precise, a photograph of myself in semi profile. I looked like a chicken, my neck's so far forward. We all know bad posture is a chief culprit when it comes to making us look and feel older. But those tense neck muscles may also be contributing to the pesky marionette lines that make one look so miserable. I don't fancy surgery. Besides, a friend in her early 70s who has an un-touched neck that's cross hatched with lines is still one of the most beautiful, elegant women I know. Good posture, among other things. I'm hydrating with oils rich in Vitamins E and A, and SPF-ing like there's no tomorrow. I've even tried a neck cream, which smells divine, but won't do what I need, which is to strengthen my upper back and remind me to pull my head back. I'm paying extra attention in my Pilates classes to protect my neck and wearing reading glasses whenever I'm at my computer, so I don't strain forward to see the screen properly. I spend five to ten minutes in front of the tv gently massaging the large muscles (trapezius and SCM since you ask) at the side of my neck with my people like to use fascia balls . You don't need a fancy oil for this – good old almond or jojoba will do. I'm also enjoying trialling Keren Bartov's The Wand, a light weight hand held tool that combines Radio Frequency (RF) technology, infrared and red light therapy in the optimal ranges to deliver targeted heat deep into the skin's layers, purportedly stimulating collagen production and boosting blood circulation. It's easy to use, good for applying gentle pressure where you need it, and has attracted a lot of celebrity support, but it's a steep £1,650. More affordably, Currentbody's light mask specifically designed for necks is £359.99. Other steps I've taken: sleeping on a memory foam U-shaped pillow which supports my neck and ensures crease-free cheeks if I turn on my side, and seeing an osteopath specifically about my neck tension. He's also giving me acupressure and showing me correct ways to exercise without straining my neck. The dull ache has gone. Meanwhile, I think the marionettes are softening. Is it the pillow, better posture, hydration, massage, osteopathy? All of it, probably. But drawing my neck back, tucking in my chin slightly and that old fashioned method of feeling a string coming out the top of your head and lifting you to the ceiling is a game changer.
CNN
09-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- CNN
The best peel-and-stick wallpaper of 2025, tried and tested
The best peel-and-stick wallpaper we tested Best peel-and-stick wallpaper: Chasing Paper Flower Garland Sometimes, living in a rental can limit your decor options — unless you have a few handy renter-friendly hacks up your sleeve, like using the best peel-and-stick wallpaper. Arbitrary rental rules and ever-present landlord aside, finding your new home can also feel like the start of something fresh. A blank canvas. Designing a space you love, from the furniture to the magnets on your fridge, can quickly lead to a delightful rabbit hole of decor possibilities. There's even something slightly romantic about the process. Nora Ephron once wrote that every time she walked into her New York apartment at the end of the day, she fell in love all over again. That's exactly how I feel about my apartment. As a self-proclaimed design maximalist, I threw myself into decorating my first apartment as if it were my full-time job. It may be small, but my space is bursting with vibrant colors, patterns, textures and quirky knickknacks that bring me joy. One of the first things guests often say when they walk in? 'I love your wallpaper!' Peel-and-stick wallpaper transformed my space with minimal effort and commitment, and I didn't have to worry about damaging my precious walls. Whether you're looking to update a small accent wall or overhaul an entire room, peel-and-stick wallpaper is a cost-effective and hassle-free way to inject character and personality into any space. And the best part? You can take it down and carry all those memories to your next home. Related article 20 ways to refresh your home for the new year — all under $50A post shared by CNN Underscored (@cnnunderscored) Chasing Paper Flower Garland In addition to its unique artisan prints, Chasing Paper's peel-and-stick wallpaper was the easiest to apply to — and remove from — bare walls. Unlike other flimsy wallpapers I tested, Chasing Paper's poly-woven material felt high quality and durable, even after reapplication. Plus, the brand has a wallpaper for every room and style preference. Chasing Paper earned its bragging rights as the top wallpaper in my book. It was the easiest to apply to bare walls, all while feeling sturdy and secure and — dare I say — being an absolute delight to look at. Most importantly, the peel-and-stick material didn't rip off any underlying paint or leave behind gooey residue. This wallpaper was crafted using a rich, heavy texture typically found in traditional wallpaper but with the convenience of an easy-to-apply peel-and-stick fabric. It was easily removable while maintaining a high-quality, permanent look, complete with a fun and floral pattern. The self-adhesive poly-woven fabric wasn't too heavy, making for smooth application and a near-seamless finish. And it stayed up too. The wallpaper held well after application, so I didn't have to break out my ladder to reapply droopy corners. For those seeking a more eco-friendly option, the wallpaper is also available in premium paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (i.e., paper from forests managed by strict environmental, social and economic standards set by the FSC). If that wasn't enough, Chasing Paper also offers faux grass cloth and matte vinyl options for a more durable and long-lasting feel. Printed with GreenGuard Gold-certified ink, the wallpaper has a beautiful matte finish that's both fade- and stain-resistant, which could be helpful when designing a room that's bound to get messy, such as a kitchen or playroom. Truthfully, Chasing Paper's range of patterns and artwork stood out from the rest. I tested the Flower Garland wallpaper, designed by independent artist Fariha Nasir. I appreciated Chasing Paper's collaboration with smaller designers, especially this partnership that celebrated the rich heritage of South Asian artistry. From its thoughtful initiative to work with independent designers to the high-quality paper to the easy application, Chasing Paper's wallpaper was a clear winner. When researching peel-and-stick wallpaper, I looked far and wide to find a range of wallpapers at all price points and patterns. I applied each panel onto a bare wall and evaluated the paper quality, ease of application and endurance of each. I made sure to peel it off my walls to test the removal process and evaluated the following features to ensure its quality and durability: Wallpaper application Adhesion strength: How well does the wallpaper adhere to the surface upon first application? Ease of application: How simple is it to peel off the backing and apply the wallpaper without wrinkles or bubbles? Are the edges easy to align and press down smoothly, or do they curl up or lift? Removal process: Does the paper come off easily without damaging the surface or leaving behind sticky residue? Durability: Does the wallpaper withstand wear and tear, such as accidental scratches and scuff marks? Wallpaper quality Feel: Does the wallpaper have a pleasant texture, or does it feel flimsy and cheap? Color accuracy: Does the wallpaper look true to the color shown in the product photos or descriptions? Value for money: Does the wallpaper justify its cost in terms of quality and design? Before embarking on your home improvement project, you'll want to double-check that you have all the tools needed to apply your peel-and-stick wallpaper. Here's what you need to know before getting to work: Gather your tools Applying peel-and-stick wallpaper is relatively simple and doesn't require many tools, but using the right ones can ensure a smooth, professional-looking finished project. Here's a list of essential tools you'll need: Measuring tape Level Utility knife or scissors Wallpaper smoothing tool or plastic card Pencil or chalk Tape Ladder or stool A damp microfiber cloth (optional) Home tool kit (optional) Art3d Smoothing Tool Kit If your wallpaper doesn't come with a tool kit, you'll want to invest in your own. This package includes a craft art knife with replaceable blades, smoothers and measuring tape, all designed for smoothing bubbles, creases and gaps. Related article I've opened thousands of boxes with this handy little $10 toolErase-A-Hole Drywall Repair Putty Don't have the time (or energy) to spackle and sand small holes? Drywall putty is designed to quickly fill those tiny nail holes, cracks and dents without leaving a mess. Prep your surface This may be a no-brainer, but your wall should be smooth, flat and even. Fill in any pesky holes or cracks with spackle or sand the surface if needed. Make sure the wall is free of old wallpaper, loose paint or any peeling materials. Depending on the type of wall and the specific wallpaper you're using, you may need to prime the surface. For particularly porous walls, applying a primer will help the wallpaper adhere better and ensure it can be removed without damaging the wall. Start at a corner edge Start by peeling a small section of the backing paper from the top of the wallpaper. Stick this portion to the wall and gradually peel away the rest of the backing as you press the wallpaper onto the surface. Don't burst your bubble Unless you're a professional, it's almost guaranteed you'll encounter air bubbles when applying wallpaper. Use a smoothing tool, like a plastic card, to gently push the air out toward the edge of the panel. This practice takes patience, especially when trying to eradicate larger air pockets, in which case you'll need to peel back and reposition the paper. Have fun picking your paper Unlike traditional wallpaper, which can require a lot of time and effort to install, peel-and-stick wallpaper isn't permanent, which can unlock all of your creative design side quests. There's an endless array of patterns, textures, colors and styles to choose from — all available at your fingertips. Whether you're into bold geometric prints, spring florals or vintage-inspired designs, there's a wallpaper for every home office, living room, kitchen or studio. It's almost like shopping for art but with zero commitment. Plus, there's something inherently satisfying about a DIY project, especially one where you see immediate, impactful results. Wall Blush Margot Wallpaper If you're hunting for a pop of color, Wall Blush is brimming with beautiful, zany wallpapers. The self-adhesive vinyl is a renter-friendly option, designed to be easily applied and removed. Although I loved the colors and creations available online, I didn't love the flimsy feel of the paper itself. There was a lot to love about the Wall Blush wallpaper. I appreciated the matte coating, which made the paper look luxurious upon unboxing and application, and I also liked the overlapped joint (1/2 inch) in the design, which helped create a seamless look during installation. Another impressive feature is how the material is wipeable for easy cleaning and maintenance. Although I salivated at the range of patterns and designs available, I ultimately found the paper had a lighter weight, making it more prone to nicks and scratches. After peeling the paper on and off my walls, it felt impossible to remove without scathing the product. Peel & Paper Madelyn Wallpaper From tropical prints to floral designs, Peel & Paper's luxury peel-and-stick wallpaper impressed me with its range of options. Crafted from real nonwoven paper, its wallpaper had a high-quality, premium look and feel with unique patterns. Peel & Paper uses a premium matte finish that sets its wallpapers apart from other options. The paper was fully removable and left no residue, making it easy to change or remove without damage. Designed for regular painted walls, it didn't require a special primer for installation and was easy to apply overall. It earned bonus points for getting paper from FSC-approved sources, in addition to being VOC- and solvent-free. Spoonflower Cranes Wallpaper Spoonflower's peel-and-stick wallpaper is undeniably beautiful. Made from a unique linen texture, it was easy to apply to a non-textured wall. Interestingly, the wallpaper is removable and washable, making it a versatile option for temporary spaces or decorating bookcases and other furniture. Talk about a showstopping piece. The Spoonflower design options were hard to beat; out of all the wallpapers, Spoonflower's felt the sturdiest and most luxurious. In addition to its design (a 35-inch vertical repeat that comes in 24-inch-wide panels), this peel-and-stick wallpaper felt like traditional wallpaper. With its self-adhesive, removable and repositionable backing, installation felt simple for the most part. However, the heavier paper made the process trickier. Because of the added weight, I felt the paper was prone to sagging, air pockets and small tears. It was hard to apply without tearing the edges, which was difficult to grapple with, considering the beautiful look and feel of the paper itself. Despite that drawback, the matte finish ensures a modern look. Again, this wallpaper earned bonus points for using eco-friendly inks that are formaldehyde-, phthalate- and PVC-free. Wiseal Vintage Floral Wallpaper I couldn't leave out an Amazon pick. This floral wallpaper from Wiseal features a beautiful pink and white design, which was true to the image I saw online. The seamless repeated pattern was easy to line up, making it perfect for wall decoration and adding an easy pop of color. However, the paper felt thin and rubbery compared to other wallpapers I tested. Although the peel-and-stick wallpaper was quick and easy to install, the paper didn't feel as thick as some of the other vinyl materials I tested. However, it was helpful that this one came with a grid and measurement markings on the backing paper, allowing precise cutting to fit any size. I thought it was a fine budget-friendly pick for various applications, maybe to coat a bookcase or a small accent wall. However, removing this wallpaper was trickier than anticipated. The wallpaper left a sticky residue and was difficult to gently peel off my walls. I'd recommend this one for a smaller wall, not an entire room. How do you apply peel-and-stick removable wallpaper? How do you apply peel-and-stick removable wallpaper? Ensure the wall is clean, smooth and dry. Fill any pesky holes, cracks or imperfections, and remove any old wallpaper or paint that might prevent adhesion. Is peel-and-stick removable wallpaper easy to remove? Is peel-and-stick removable wallpaper easy to remove? Yes, but it depends on the type of wallpaper and adhesive used. Can I use wallpaper in high-moisture areas like bathrooms? Can I use wallpaper in high-moisture areas like bathrooms? Yes, but consider looking into moisture-resistant wallpaper, such as vinyl, to prevent peeling and mold growth in humid areas. What should I do if I have a wallpaper seam that's lifting? What should I do if I have a wallpaper seam that's lifting? Fear not! This can happen if your wallpaper is on the heavier side. Use wallpaper adhesive to reattach the seam, ensuring it's smooth and aligned. CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors backed by years of testing, researching and recommending products. They ensure each article is carefully edited and all products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. Associate testing writer Carolina Gazal is a home decor enthusiast and homebody who spends her spare time rearranging her beloved studio in Queens, New York. She has spent many years perfecting her space, only to spruce it up every season. For this article, she carefully researched all kinds of peel-and-stick wallpaper and tested each one on her bare walls to find which one emerged as the winner.
