Author Archives: Jeffrey Scott Thomas

Fully Refresh Your Living Space And Mind During Spring Cleaning

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When does everyone start adopting the mantra, “out with the old, in with the new?” Springtime, of course. When winter leaves us and all of the pretty flowers, plants, trees, and buds blossom, all of us start thinking about reviving our living spaces.

However, spring cleaning should encompass more than straightening up your house and getting rid of things you no longer need. Instead, your spring cleaning activities should also be geared toward refreshing your holistic health.

Your physical health, mental wellness, and emotional well-being benefit when you spring clean effectively. Let’s explore those benefits in-depth and how to fully refresh your living space and mind during your spring cleaning. 

Organize and Declutter

Getting rid of things you no longer need and organizing your living space are critical for a total refresh this spring. It’s one thing to deep clean, redecorate your rooms, refresh paint, and add new accessories to your household. It’s another to organize and declutter it.

Be sure to clean and organize your surfaces while also removing as much clutter as possible. As a result, you’ll be able to do more in your physical spaces. Additionally, organizing and removing clutter from your home will prompt you to declutter your mind. This will improve your focus, productivity, and inner peace.

So, start with one room, go section by section in that room, make a decluttering checklist, and take breaks during the process when needed.

Additionally, don’t just organize and declutter your living space, redecorate and refresh it, as we mentioned above.

Redecorate and Refresh Your Living Space

Redecorating and refreshing your living space is integral to your spring cleaning. It starts with a deep cleaning of every room in your home, from your bedroom to the kitchen to the dining room to the bathroom to the living room, and beyond.

By deep cleaning your entire living space, you can clear any allergens, dust, and other toxins that could’ve been affecting your physical and mental health.

Then, redecorate your rooms with new accessories. Refresh them with new paint on the walls to create a relaxing atmosphere. Experiment with new lighting. Also, re-pot your houseplants and add more greenery to your house for better air quality and natural vibes.

Once you’ve tackled your physical living space, work on fully refreshing your mind.

Strengthen Your Mindset

Fully refreshing your mind is a long-term process. However, you can get started during your spring cleaning. Commit to strengthening your mindset this spring so that it becomes inherently positive over time.

With a better mindset, you start to see life as happening for you instead of to you. You’re able to better embrace change by asking yourself, “what can I learn from this experience?”

Start strengthening your mindset by keeping a journal. Document how your mindset evolves and what your emotions do because of that evolution. Also, begin doing daily affirmations and immediately replace any negative thoughts with positive ones. Don’t allow negative thoughts and vibes to perpetuate this spring.

Also, take self-care seriously when refreshing your living space and mind during spring cleaning.

Take Self-Care Seriously

Your living space isn’t the only thing that needs love this spring. You must focus on taking care of yourself during your spring cleaning. Learning to care for and love yourself is the key to fully refreshing your mind, heart, and spirit.

Valuing yourself more and filling your life with purpose and passion is directly connected to creating a self-care routine and sticking to it. So, first, get rid of bad habits, people, and influences in your life. Then, implement a self-care routine that helps you develop positive habits, surrounds you with good souls, and even better influences.

Also, practice mindfulness and meditation. By doing so, your mind will become more precise. You’ll also be more emotionally grounded and spiritually connected. Start with just a minute of meditation a day to ensure you aren’t taking on more than you can commit to.

Lastly, address how you’re going to fuel your body during spring cleaning.

Pay Attention to How You Fuel Your Body

It’s so important to pay attention to how you fuel your body this spring. This means implementing a regular exercise routine and good nutrition.

Feeding your body the right things and exercising it regularly increases energy, keeps you in peak physical condition, betters your focus, and boosts self-confidence. Focus more on consistency than anything regarding exercise.

In addition, learn about food and nutrition. Dive deep into how to fuel your body with food rather than just eating what tastes good. Explore plant-based, keto, low-carb, and other diets until you find the one you can stick with long-term.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this article gives you a starting point for fully refreshing your living space and your mind during your spring cleaning. Remember, “out with the old, in with the new.” That goes for your living space, mindset, physical health, and emotional well-being. 

How To Reconnect With Nature And Its Immersive Benefits

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These days, it’s not uncommon to be so overwhelmed with various work assignments and chores around the house that we simply don’t have any time for ourselves. While pampering can come in all sorts of shapes and forms, spending time in nature can do wonders for the body, mind, and soul. So, if you’ve lost touch with the great outdoors, here are several ways how you can reconnect with it and experience all the wonderful benefits it comes with.

Spend more time outdoors

One simple thing you can do, regardless of how much time you have, is spend a little bit of time outside. Just 20 minutes a day outdoors can have many perks. You will get plenty of fresh air and your body will get a chance to produce more vitamin D, which is vital in fighting depression and having quality sleep. So, if nothing else, consider walking to work if it’s not too far or cycling to a friend’s house – it will do you good.

Bring the outdoors in

Something else that can be very beneficial is adding houseplants to your living area. Not only will this bring you closer to nature, but it can also purify the air in your home. No matter the gardening skills you might possess, there is a plant for you. So, for example, some low-maintenance plants you can consider include the snake plant, pothos, and ZZ plant. They don’t require much care so you’ll be able to enjoy some nature even if you’re a bit forgetful.

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Start a garden

As your gardening skills improve, you can also consider starting your own garden. While you can have one indoors as well, it might be better to start an outdoor one if you have the space. That way, you will have a reason to go outside every day, as you will need to check on your plants’ progress, water, feed, and weed them. In time, you can start producing your own food too, which will certainly give you a sense of accomplishment. Furthermore, gardening will provide you with a great workout.

Go on a great outdoor adventure

If you have the time, consider going on a longer outdoor adventure. Find a camping site that’s safe and enjoy being surrounded by the trees or gazing at the moon. If you love the beach, just visit a local one and sunbathe while listening to the sound of water. Try mountain biking if that’s something that’s always interested you – it can be great for your mental health. With a bigger budget, you can think about some international trips as well. For example, forest zip-lining in Chiang Mai in Thailand or mountain climbing in Oman will certainly help you feel at one with nature. Opportunities abound if you keep your mind open and are willing to explore new things that will help you reconnect with the planet.

Connect with interesting wildlife

A big part of connecting with nature is also feeling connected to all parts of the environment, such as the animals that have been on this planet for thousands of years. With that in mind, you can consider adopting a pet that will always be by your side and help cheer you up if you’re feeling down. Then, you can also consider volunteering in a local shelter that is in need of assistance. Regardless of whether you have experience or not, a helping hand is always appreciated. On the other hand, spotting and encountering animals during your travels is another possibility. For instance, if you travel to Western Australia, you can look for interesting whale watching tours where you can see humpback whales, blue whales, killer whales, and southern right whales. In Africa, you can find eco-conscious safaris where you can see and learn more about lions, elephants, and wild dogs.

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Escape to a retreat

Another option to consider is going to a quiet and secluded retreat. If you’re not about that adrenaline and prefer something a bit more tranquil while enjoying nature, you’ll be glad to hear that there are countless options to choose from, no matter where you’re from. Whether you prefer to find a cabin in the woods that you can rent for a few days or travel to a spa that comes with various treatments while surrounded by gorgeous vistas, this is an amazing way to escape the everyday hustle and bustle. Moreover, you can also think about having a digital detox while there, to prevent negativity from the news and social media from ruining your experience.

Make your fitness routine green

In case you’re a big fan of fitness, you should not have any problems incorporating nature into your workouts. For example, simply walking and jogging outdoors is beneficial. If you want to take it up a notch, consider hiking, mountain climbing, and cycling. However, you might prefer exercising at home. If you have a yard, why not do it there? A HIIT session, stretching, and yoga can all be done outside as well.

Learn to slow down

In the wake of COVID-19, people are reconsidering what is most important to them. They often realize that learning to slow down and take in the world around them helps them feel better in countless ways. With that in mind, don’t let work overwhelm you. Set some time aside for yourself and do what makes you happy. Live in the present moment and really immerse yourself in your environment.

In conclusion, no matter if you prefer working with animals, exploring the wilderness on a mountain bike, or relaxing on a beautiful beach, there are countless ways that can help you feel connected to nature once again. Find what makes you feel good.

5 DIY Gifts That Kids Can Make

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Are you looking for fun, inexpensive gifts that your kids can make themselves? Look no further! These DIY gift ideas are exactly what you need. Not only does creating handmade gifts help cut costs, but it can increase brain activity in children and help develop creativity. Check out these five simple craft ideas that you can try with your kids. They’ll love sharing their designs with others!

5 DIY Crafts and Gifts

1.     Photos with a Custom Frame

Photos never go out of style and are always cherished. Start by choosing a special picture (perhaps one with your child and the gift recipient), then search for a blank frame of any material that you can fully customize!

For example, decorate a premade foam or wooden frame with beads, glitter glue, and other decorations, or create your own frames from popsicle sticks and other materials that each child can personalize.

These added embellishments help you and your child create a gift that’s specifically tailored to the recipient, whether that’s a parent, grandparent, or a friend from school. The best part? This idea is great for any holiday or special occasion. Make a heart photo frame for grandma for Valentine’s Day or a special Fall photo frame for Thanksgiving. The ideas are endless for this project, allowing your children to dig into their creative designs.

2.     Coasters

Cup coasters are an easy and inexpensive DIY gift for kids to make, and can be a nice option for a parent on Mother’s Day or Father’s Day. Use a corkboard if you want to paint only, or use wood if you would like to engrave and paint your coasters. Here are the steps you need to follow to create these easy DIY coasters:

  1. Using the mouth of a cup, create a circle on your corkboard. Cut the circle out.
  2. Use acrylic paint to decorate the tops of the coasters.
  3. Once the coasters are dry, spray or paint on a clear coat to help seal in your kids’ art designs.
  4. If you use circular wood pieces, carve your designs before completing steps 2 and 3.
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3.     Pincushions

Pincushions have been around for years. Share one with the seamstress in your family to add some homemade love to their crafting area. Make a pincushion out of quilt fabric scraps or old pieces of clothing. Here are five steps to making a pincushion:

  1. Use the mouth of a cup to draw your circles for easy measurement. Cut two pieces of fabric in circles, and place the front of the fabric pieces together.
  2. Sew the edges of the circles together, but leave an opening for the stuffing. Knot your string and cut it at the gap. Turn the fabric right side out.
  3. Stuff your cushion with polyester stuffing until it feels full. You don’t want needles going straight through the cushion because there isn’t enough stuffing.
  4. Sew the opening gap together.
  5. Add some decorations to your pincushion. You can add string from the center around the pincushion—like you are cutting it into pie slices—and add a button to the middle.

4.     Painted Wooden Plaques

Wood design plagues are a home decor trend without an end in sight. These easy-to-do paintings are great for children of any age. This project requires pieces of wood, paints, and fun design stencils.

These are beautiful decorations for your child’s room, play area, game room, or as a gift for a family member. Tape the stencils on the wooden base and allow the children to paint as they desire. When you complete the designs, you can add a layer of clear coating or leave the paint as-is on the wood.

5.     Flower Clocks

Give Grandma a new flower clock made by her little flower. This piece will brighten up the room, give something to help Grandma remember the kids as time goes by, and help the kids learn time while visiting Grandma.

  1. Buy a circular clock that Grandma can hang in her living room.
  2. Add half-circle petals to the outside of the hand clock at each main number.
  3. On the petals, write the number of minutes represented at that time. For example, number one would have a petal with :05, two would have :10, and so on.
  4. Add a stem and leaves to the bottom of the clock to create a floral look.
  5. Let the kids design the flower petals and color around the numbers. Cut different types of leaves to make them extra unique.
  6. When you visit Grandma, hang the clock for her!

Add Love to Your Gifts

Fun homemade crafts can spur memories that will last a lifetime, and these five gifts make excellent home decor items for anyone to enjoy! You can tailor each gift to the particular recipient, adding their favorite colors and designs to the project. These kid-made DIY gifts are an easy way to share love with friends and family members, so start crafting today!

Interior Design As A Form Of Expression

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Your home can be a reflection of your personality and who you are, even if you don’t put any thought into the interior design consciously. Some people like to take control of this creative pursuit to develop an even more cohesive narration of their self-expression. If you think that you’d like to take your interior design to the next level with a more personalized, thoughtful perspective, it might be time to consider how exactly your home decor choices can make a difference. Check out this exploration of interior design as a form of expression and integrate some of these ideas into your space.

Colors Can Change Your Mind

Many people already know that color can affect them on a psychological level. Businesses use this tactic all the time to entice people to utilize their services. Have you ever noticed that fast food places use yellow and red because it makes you hungry, security firms use blue to enhance their authority, and hospitals use green for its soothing aura? These are just some of the ways that colors change your mind.

Wondering what different colors mean to your brain? Here’s some basic color theory to get you started:

  • Red: Energy, Action, Excitement
  • Orange: Uplifting, Friendly, Fun
  • Yellow: Happiness, Confidence, Optimism
  • Green: Hope, Balance, Revitalization
  • Blue: Trust, Authority, Serenity, Intelligence
  • Purple: Creativity, Individuality, Spirituality

Incorporating color into your home can be subtle or showstopping. Use home decor accessories in the colors you love to accent your space and add life to your home. Looking for something bolder? Consider painting one of your walls in an accent color to change the whole feel of the space.

Display Your Hobbies

Changing the colors in your home is a big deal, but it can still feel a little impersonal. So what are the things that really express your personality? Hobbies and passions, of course! Do you love reading? A bookshelf display can showcase your passion, create a cozy reading nook, and ensure your books are accessible at all times. Love crochet? Use your own designs to decorate your space with sofa covers, doilies, and more. From gardening and painting to woodcraft and music, you can use tables, walls, and cabinets to decorate with meaningful accessories and collectibles.

Personalized Rooms

If you have multiple people living in your home, they probably each have their own room. When it comes to kids, especially, you want to help them express themselves within their space by putting up their artwork, asking for their input, and exploring a variety of options for everything from doorknobs and cabinet handles to curtains and bedsheets.

Furniture Made for You

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You might think that you should buy furniture based on fashion trends you find on Instagram or Pinterest, but that’s not the way to express who you truly are. Pick things that make sense in your space, make you happy, and work cohesively to create a stunning design that you can’t wait to use. Don’t forget that mounted light fixtures and chandeliers also have their part to play in your furniture design!

Showcasing Your Past

While you might have spent a lot of time organizing decor accents that show off your hobbies and passions, don’t forget to do the same for your favorite memories. If you have any blank spaces on your walls or empty surfaces on your tables, you can fill them in with framed photos of the most important people in your life. Whether it’s family photos on snaps from adventures with friends, complete your design with souvenirs of places you visited together!

Spotlight Your History

Everyone’s family is different, but if yours is one that passes down special objects through the generations, you might want to make them part of your home decor. Whether it’s a cookbook or a music box, these items deserve a unique display. You can even start your own collection of heirlooms to pass down to future descendants for them to restore or upcycle when the time comes.

Transforming Your Home

All of these home decor techniques are different ways you may choose to express yourself. Whether you do them all or just choose one or two that really speak to you, these changes aren’t made overnight. Take your time deciding which accents, colors, and focal points make sense to you, and consider how they relate and express your personality.

As you embrace every aspect of who you are, from the most quirky to the most mainstream, you’ll find that you feel much more comfortable in your space. When you use your home as your canvas, you’re acting as an artist with control over every element and decision. You might make a conscious effort to bare every part of who you are, or you may choose to limit your self-expression to one or two rooms. Just make sure that whatever direction you go takes into account your entire lifestyle, family, and everyday activities.

Unique Design Features To Make Any Room Stand Out

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When it comes to decorating our homes, personal style is key. Whether it’s traditional, modern, contemporary, or eclectic — adding design elements to your home will make you and your guests more comfortable and happy.

No matter what type of look you are going for in your home, there are a few tips that will help to bring cohesiveness and warmth to any decor. Here are some of our favorite ways to make any room stand out.

Create A Focal Point

When you are decorating any room, the first element of design should include the designation of a focal point or focal points for large spaces.

For example, in most bedrooms the focal point is the bed. In most living spaces the focal point is a sitting area. In a dining room, the focal point is the dining table. Sometimes, special items become focal points, like a piano in a parlor or a projector screen in a theater room.

Once you have decided which area or areas of your room will become focal points, begin to plan your furniture placement accordingly.

Plan For Statement Pieces

Now the fun part — adding statement pieces to your design. If you already own statement pieces of furniture, by all means, utilize them. Whether it be a lounge set, piano, dining room table or bed, select furnishings that are well-designed to fit the needs of your room.

Depending on what type of design style you are looking to bring into your home, you may opt for bold, striking pieces or more subdued furnishings to achieve your desired look.

If you are planning to purchase new items, again, decide on the focal point of your room and allocate your budget to accommodate furnishings that draw the eye.

Investing in high-quality pieces that may include lounge sets, tables and beds is a wise choice to create inviting spaces for years to come. Try to select furnishings that are well made and timeless.

You can save money by finding consignment pieces that need a bit of refinishing or buying second hand. Remember, you can create custom furnishings and design your own must-have pieces if you are unable to source them in brick-and-mortar stores or online.

Look for The Best Lighting

One of the most underrated design elements of a room is lighting. If you happen to have plentiful natural light in the room you are designing, give yourself a clap!

If, on the other hand, the natural lighting in your room is not up to par, you will want to add lighting elements to your room that bring warmth and energy.  Remember that any space will need to provide 100% ambient lighting at nighttime when you are designing lighting to fit your space.

Adding pendant lighting, sconces, chandeliers, and track lighting are great ways to bring brightness to dark spaces. 

Choosing floor lamps and table lamps that enhance a space is another important consideration when working with a room that needs additional lighting during the day (and night). Remember to consider tasks that may be performed in a given space and be sure that you have enough light to accommodate.

Add Interest With Accessories 

Now comes the hardest part of decorating — accessorizing your space. Deciding on color palettes is essential in order to create a beautiful and cohesive space. Choose a small palette of complementary colors to keep your space unified and calming.

Many decorators follow the 60-30-10 rule in choosing how to design and accessorize their rooms. Three colors (and any variations in shade of these three colors) are selected for any given space. The rule states that 60% of the space represents the main color, 30% of the space will be a highlight color, and the remaining 10% of a space will be an accent color.

Choosing a rug or drapes will likely fall into the 60 or 30 colors, while choosing custom throw pillows will likely fall into the 10 color choice.

Adding minimal additional elements is a good way to slowly start to decorate a room — remember less is more when it comes to most interior design philosophies.

Once you have decided to decorate or redecorate a new room, take your time to plan your space before acting. Consider the space, its uses, and its focal points. Use a color palette and follow the 60-30-10 design rule. Add statement pieces, lighting, and accessories to create a timeless room that will keep you and your family comfortable for years to come by following these simple suggestions.

Author Bio:

Carolyn Mitchell is a freelance writer and content strategist with a passion for home décor. She can often be found re-painting and updating the furnishings in her home, and she is also a dedicated cat mom to two adorable kitties.