It’s summer, and for many of you, thing are heating up — not only in temperature, but in energy, excitement and movement. Summer is a very active season. It’s a time when things grow, culminate, blossom and come alive. It’s a very external time, far different from winter when we come indoors, tuck ourselves away, and conserve energy for the coming spring. It’s a time when we enjoy life, celebrate, go on vacation, and suck up all that life has to offer. Summer is a time when we shed lots of clothes, as well as a few pounds. And just like our bodies, our homes also enjoy lightening up right along with us!
With all this hustle and bustle, sometimes it’s hard to focus on our home environment though…simply because we’re spending less time indoors. But our homes still need our love and attention, no matter what time of the year. So let’s take a look at some quick ways you can help your home lighten up and support you this month:
1. FABRICS
Consider switching out heavy drapes for lighter sheers or billowy cottons. Change your bedding from the heavy down comforters, to soft and airy sheets and blankets. And for those of you with wood floors, perhaps consider removing some of your larger, heavy rugs to allow your feet to glide along cool, smooth natural surfaces for a month or two. This can bring a lighter, fresher feel to your home.
2. COLORS
Consider changing dark or saturated colors on your tablecloths, bed linens, pillows and throws for lighter pastels or fresh, trendy colors. These brighter colors can definitely add a zip to your step, and be the cheapest way to give your home a design-face-lift! Try out a pop of chartreuse, a punch of pink, or adjust with aqua — the brighter, the better! These fun accent tones can help bring all of summer’s energy indoors so that your time spent inside still feels like a day at the beach. Simply store away your winter-wears and pull them out again in the cooler months!
3. CLEANING
This might be your least favorite tip to hear…but cleaning is important, no matter what the season. And when we’re at a loss for what to do in our homes, or don’t have the finances to redecorate, this is always an invigorating and inexpensive option. Are your windows washed? Is your toilet twinkling? Is your freezer feeling fresh? Are your cabinets captivating? Is there magic under your microwave? Is your patio lookin’ pretty? Are your floors looking fierce? Just like your clutter-clearing, pick one spot per week that rarely gets the TLC that it deserves. Then turn on some great dance music, pull out the sponge, and go cleaning-crazy! The love you put into your home comes back to you ten-fold, so let’s get cleaning!
Stephanie’s cleaning tip: I love the “Young Living” products, and think they are some of the highest quality items I’ve ever used. Their specially formulated “Thieves” line of cleaning products is the only thing I use in my own home — whether it’s household cleansers, tooth paste, hand soap or disinfectant, I can’t recommend this line enough. Full of the purest and highest-quality essential oils and no toxic substances, you get that clean smell and feeling, while doing something great for the environment. To learn more, click here.
4. KITCHENS
Clear out all the old, outdated food, crusty condiments and dusty dishes, and replace them with fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables. Our bodies are naturally drawn to lighter, fresher foods in the warmer months. Even though we live in artificially-adjusted environments like indoor heating and air conditioning, we still want to honor the cycles and rhythm of nature. But that can be challenging to do if our cabinets are overflowing with artificial, processed, colorized and pulverized packaged foods. Clearing out the fake-food clutter and replacing them with colorful bowls of apples, cherries, blueberries and watermelon can not only boost your body, but also your spirit. Bring in bundles of broccoli, asparagus, kale, collards and chard will also add energy and zip to your step…literally. Full of necessary vitamins, minerals and antioxida nts, these foods can keep our moods up, our minds focused and our blood sugars balanced. As I often say, you can’t hide in feng shui — what’s on the outside is as important as what’s hiding on the inside. The same goes for your body!
5. LIVE WITH LESS
Most everyone I meet is living with far, far too much stuff! The more things we acquire, the more these things tend to own us…simply in terms of the time it takes to care for, mend, clean, organize and track all of them. When we take a hard, cold look at where our precious time goes, it often times can be quite shocking. Unlike money (which we can make more of in the future if we’re so inclined & clever), we can NEVER, EVER get back our time. Once it’s spent, it’s over. So it’s important to get clear on where your time and attention in life is going.
We’re also becoming more and more emotionally attached to our stuff. So many people believe that their status or happiness lies in owning the latest gadget, shoe, accessory or furnishing. While nothing could be farther from the truth, clearing clutter can be one of the most emotionally challenging experiences for so many of my clients. But it’s a vital and important step in taking charge of your environment, and designing your home to reflect your deepest priorities.
So, to get started on what can often times be an overwhelming task, try clearing out just one cupboard, drawer, closet or shelf per week. Make a chart if you need to, breaking down all the small areas of your home that need your time and attention. Then sit with each object, one at a time, and ask yourself from a deep, quiet place: “Do I NEED this? Do I LOVE this? Does this reflect who I WILL become?”, and then determine if it should stay or go. But remember to make the process fun! The more enjoyable the experience, the more likely you are to do it. Have a girlfriend come over who will make you giggle (while setting you straight!). Perhaps get the kids involved so that you have more family time, as well as the opportunity to instill important values. Or if your marriage is needing a zip, sorting your stuff in the buf f can make for a passionate and playful day! Do whatever you must to lighten your load and have fun in the process. You’ll be amazed at how you and your home feel in just a few short weeks!
