Posted in Apartment Cleaners, Declutter, Deep-Cleaning, Organize and Clean Service

Streamline Once You Have Lived With Organize

Streamline AFTER you Organize

Not while . . . 

I might be going against the grain here, but I don’t talk about streamlining until my clients have lived in their newly organized space for a bit. I tell them to try sitting in a different spot than usual, like a different chair or part of the couch. They’ll get a new perspective on their space and might be surprised at how adaptable humans are in their environments.

Now, the fun part starts! Labeling, totes, storage containers… People think that the fun part of organizing is all the pretty stuff. Trust me, I’ve broken many hearts with clients who thought this way on our very first day. But after going through the process, they understand that patience and consistency are what get you to that calm living.

Streamlining a space that has already been organized involves maintaining order and optimizing the efficiency of the existing organizational system. 

Here are some steps to help you streamline a space:

  • Assessment:
    • Begin by evaluating the current state of the space. Identify any areas that may have become cluttered or disorganized since the initial organization.
  • Declutter:
    • Remove any items that do not belong in the space or are no longer needed. Be ruthless in decluttering to maintain a clean and organized environment.
  • Reevaluate Storage Solutions:
    • Assess the effectiveness of the storage solutions in place. Consider whether there is a need for additional storage or if the existing storage can be optimized for better use of space.
  • Labeling:
    • If items are not already labeled, consider adding labels to containers, shelves, or drawers. Clear labeling makes it easier to locate items and encourages everyone to return items to their designated places.
  • Routine Maintenance:
    • Establish a regular maintenance routine. Dedicate a few minutes each day or week to tidying up the space, putting things back in their designated spots, and addressing any emerging organizational issues.
  • Optimize Layout:
    • Consider the flow and arrangement of items in the space. Optimize the layout to make it more intuitive and efficient. Frequently used items should be easily accessible, while those used less frequently can be stored in less accessible areas.
  • Digital Organization:
    • If the space involves digital files or equipment, organize digital assets and folders. Delete unnecessary files and create a logical folder structure. Ensure that electronic devices and cables are organized and tidy.
  • Create Zones:
    • Group similar items together to create functional zones. This makes it easier to find things and promotes a more organized look. For example, create a work zone, a storage zone, and a relaxation zone in a multipurpose room.
  • Implement Systems:
    • Establish systems for handling incoming items. Whether it’s mail, supplies, or other items, having a clear process for dealing with new items prevents them from piling up and disrupting the organization.
  • Evaluate and Adjust:
    • Regularly assess the effectiveness of the organizational system. If certain areas still tend to become disorganized, consider adjusting the system to better suit the needs of the space and its users.
  • Involve Others:
    • If the space is shared, involve others in the organization process. Establish guidelines for maintaining the order, and encourage everyone to contribute to the streamlined environment.

Remember that organization is an ongoing process, and regularly revisiting and maintaining your systems will help keep the space streamlined over the long term.

Peace ♥ Harmony, Cheryl

Posted in Faith, Familia, Soothing

Music To Cook By . . .

Music is incredible. It can reach right into our souls and touch us in ways that nothing else can. It doesn’t matter what language you speak or what country you’re from, music can always find a way to connect with you. It’s a magical thing that can make us feel happy, sad, loved, or nostalgic. It can wrap us in a comforting embrace during our darkest moments and lift us to euphoric heights in our moments of triumph. Music is truly a gift, and I’m so grateful for it.

In the grand scheme of life, music is the conductor, creating a harmonious blend of melody and rhythm that resonates with our very souls. It has the power to heal wounds that words cannot reach, soothing the restless mind and awakening the dormant spirit. A soulful ballad can be a balm for a wounded heart, while an upbeat tune can be the motivation for an infectious dance of joy.

Music is a friend that gets us in ways words can’t. It mirrors our emotions, reflecting the full range of human experience. Whether it’s the sad notes of a violin or the happy beats of a drum, music can take us to places of deep thought or wild celebration.

Music is more than just an art form. It’s a universal language that speaks to the soul. It weaves a timeless narrative that transcends the boundaries of culture, time, and space. Music is a sublime mixture for the soul, offering a sanctuary where emotions flow freely and the heart finds its truest expression.

In this turbulent world we’re living in currently, it’s important to find some time to sit and enjoy listening to music at the same time listening to your soul. Music can be a great way to relax and de-stress, and it can also be a way to connect with your inner self. When you listen to music, pay attention to how it makes you feel. 

  • Do you feel happy, sad, angry, or peaceful? 
  • uncheckedWhat does the music say to you? 

Allow yourself to be open to the messages that the music is trying to send you. Listening to music can be a great way to connect with your inner self and find peace and tranquility in this turbulent world.

“Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to loneliness.” ~ Maya Angelou

Peace ♥ Harmony, Cheryl

Posted in Healthy, mindfulness

Slow living lifestyle series – Slow Food

Why embrace the slow food movement?

Slow living is all about enjoying the little things in life, and slow food is all about enjoying food in the same way. Slow food is about savoring local, traditional, wholesome, and, whenever possible, organic and homegrown food. It’s about taking the time to cook and eat your food mindfully, and about appreciating the flavors and textures of each bite.

Embracing the food culture around you is all about cooking with what’s in season, using locally sourced ingredients, and sharing the deliciousness of carefully chosen foods with your loved ones.

Slow food’s focus on quality is more important than you might think. And I’m not trying to be cliché, but we really are “what we eat.” I’d like to add that we are also “how we eat.”

Eating slowly and mindfully allows us to savor our food and appreciate its flavors. It also gives us a chance to connect with the people we’re eating with and the environment around us. When we eat quickly and on the go, we’re more likely to make unhealthy choices and overeat. We’re also more likely to miss out on the social and environmental aspects of food.

So next time you eat, slow down and savor your food. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it!

If you’re always grabbing whatever is fast, easy, and convenient, you’re probably living a fast-paced, stressful life where you’re always multitasking. Eating slowly just makes sense when you’re trying to live a slower, more intentional, and enjoyable life.

CREED OF THE SLOW FOOD MOVEMENT

  1. Good: a fresh and flavorsome seasonal diet that satisfies the senses and is part of our local culture
  2. Clean: food production and consumption that does not harm the environment, animal welfare or our health
  3. Fair: accessible prices for consumers and fair conditions and pay for small-scale producers

PLANT AN HERB GARDEN

If you wanna start small, planting some herbs in indoor planters or even in a small flowerbed is a great way to build your confidence while adding natural, homegrown, and organic flavor to your cooking. Your family can help with caring for the small herb garden, learning together how natural the process of real food is and how the earth can nourish our bodies. It’s a fun and rewarding activity that everyone can enjoy.

PLANT A VEGETABLE GARDEN

Vegetable gardens are the way to go. They’re one of the best ways to connect with nature, the seasons, and the earth. Growing your own vegetables is a great way to learn about what’s in season locally, and it’s also a fun and rewarding way to add fresh, tasty veggies to your diet. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of satisfaction you get from eating a meal that you grew yourself!

Peace & Harmony, Cheryl

Posted in Faith, Focus, Goals

Those Who Wander Are Not Always Lost

Going with the flow doesn’t mean we’re clueless about our destination. It just means we’re open to

different paths to get there.

The expression “going with the flow” is like floating down a river. When you go with the flow, you let the current take you downstream instead of trying to swim against it. Some people think that people who go with the flow are lazy or passive, but it actually takes a lot of awareness, presence, and the ability to blend your own energy with the energy around you to truly go with the flow.

Going with the flow doesn’t mean we just give up and let things happen. It means we relax our grip on our plans and expectations, and pay attention to the energy around us. We can then tap into that energy and move with it, which is much faster than trying to fight against it.

Going with the flow doesn’t mean we don’t have a plan. It means we’re open to different ways of achieving our goals. We’re also open to changing our goals if we realize that what we originally wanted isn’t what we really want. The important thing is that we keep moving forward, even if we don’t know exactly where we’re going.

We know that things don’t always go according to plan, and that’s okay. Sometimes we need to let go of our expectations and roll with the punches. Going with the flow means being open to change and trusting that things will work out in the end. It’s about being present in the moment and accepting whatever comes our way.

A lot of us are scared to go with the flow because we don’t think it will lead us to where we want to be. This leads us to stick with plans that aren’t working, stay on paths that are blocked, and obsess over relationships that aren’t fulfilling.

But sometimes, the best way to get where you want to go is to just let go and see where the journey takes you. You might be surprised at where you end up.

If you find yourself stuck in a rut, do yourself a favor and let go of the need to control everything. Trust that the universe has a plan for you and go with the flow. Let go of the things that are holding you back and be open to new possibilities.

Take a deep breath and lean into the current!

Peace & Harmony, Cheryl

Posted in Uncategorized

Slow-Living Lifestyle Series – Slow Money

Slow money is all about shifting your focus from material things to things that bring you true happiness. We’re all taught to chase after the next big thing, but it’s never enough. We’re always looking for something better. But what if there was a way to break that cycle? 

Slow money is about finding joy in the simple things and living a more meaningful life.

Slow money asks you to evaluate yourself and your philosophy of money to see if a never-ending pursuit of more is what will really bring you happiness and contentment. 

  • Do you want to spend your life chasing bigger and better, or live sustainably, happily, and generously with what you have? 
  • Do you want to thoughtlessly pour your money into big, cookie-cutter companies that generate waste and work against small-town economies?
  • Do you want to support your local community?

It’s definitely a big change to move towards a less consumeristic, more intentional way of making and spending money. But it’s worth it. I can tell you from experience that it’s a lot less stressful and a lot more rewarding. You’ll feel better about yourself and your impact on the world. And you might even save some money!

“Slow Money is basically two things. It’s a new vision of reconnecting money to the soil and investors to local economies, and it’s the network of people who are bringing those ideas into action.” – Woody Tasch (Slow Money Institute)

SLOW MONEY PRINCIPLES

  • Choose to invest in a fulfilling life rather than a life of accumulation.
  • Intentionally supporting local businesses and agriculture to help local communities thrive.
  • Spending carefully to prevent waste and promote a slow lifestyle

Investing in local farms and communities is a great way to support your local economy and ensure that your children have access to healthy food and a vibrant place to grow up. It’s also a great way to build community and connect with your neighbors. When you invest in your community, you’re investing in your own future. So next time you’re thinking about where to spend your money, consider investing in your local community. You won’t regret it!

If you’re getting into the slow-living mindset, you’ll know that any aspect of it, including slow money, is all about enjoying life to the fullest. That means that slow money isn’t about making more money, it’s about making more out of the money you have.

Here are some tips for slow money:

  • Spend less on things you don’t need.
  • Invest in experiences rather than material possessions.
  • Support local businesses.
  • Live below your means.
  • Save for the future.

Slow money is about living a more mindful and intentional life. It’s about making choices that are good for your wallet and your soul.

QUESTIONS YOU CAN ASK YOURSELF

  • What’s standing between me and a slower lifestyle less reliant on money?
  • Do I have debt that I need to tackle?
  • Are there any spending habits I need to change?
  • What would my life look like if I conquered my biggest obstacles?
  • Where and how do I want to live?

Don’t forget what’s really important in life. Don’t chase a higher salary just to make more money. Joy and peace of mind are important too.

Loving your job isn’t just a cliche. It’s a mantra for people who want to enjoy life and not just chase the almighty dollar.

Peace ♥ Harmony, Cheryl

Posted in Slow-Living, Slow-Reading

Slow-Living Lifestyle Series ~ Slow-Reading

Slow-Living Lifestyle Series – Slow Reading ____________________________________________________________

In today’s digital age, where information is constantly at our fingertips, we’ve all gotten used to skimming through texts, looking for quick answers and instant gratification. The vast ocean of online content has trained us to move quickly from one piece of information to the next, often without really taking the time to understand what we’ve read. But in the midst of this whirlwind of rapid content consumption, a counter-movement is emerging: the art of slow reading.

This approach encourages readers to slow down, enjoy each word, and really understand the material like you would savor each bite of a delicious meal.

Slow reading has a ton of benefits, not just for understanding the text. For one, it really helps you comprehend and remember what you’re reading. When you take the time to really think about each sentence, you can absorb all the little details and nuances, which makes for a much richer reading experience.

Develop Empathy

Another benefit of slow reading is that it can help you develop empathy. When you really immerse yourself in a story, you connect with the characters and their experiences on a deep level. This emotional connection helps you understand different perspectives, experiences, and cultures better. Slow reading can help you broaden your horizons and appreciate the diversity of voices in literature.

Stress Reduction and Escapism

In our hectic lives, it’s important to find ways to relax and de-stress. Slow reading is a great way to escape the everyday grind and find some peace and quiet. When we immerse ourselves in a book, we can forget about our troubles for a while and just enjoy the story. This can help to lower our stress levels and improve our overall well-being. So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, pick up a book and let yourself be transported to another world.

Here’s a pro tip: creating a cozy reading environment can make your reading experience even better. Find a comfy spot, maybe with a cup of tea or coffee, and dedicate some uninterrupted time to your reading. It’s a great way to relax and de-stress, and it can even transport you to different worlds. I love reading Jane Austen’s books because she always makes me feel like I’m in some sort of romantic whirlwind. So cozy up with a good book and enjoy!

The Role of Physical Books in Slow Reading

Sure, e-readers and audiobooks are great, but there’s just something about holding a physical book in your hands that can’t be beaten. The smell of the pages, the feel of the binding, the way the light shines through the pages…it all just adds to the experience. Plus, there’s something about being able to see how far you’ve come in a book by looking at the stack of pages you’ve already read. It’s just a different feeling than reading on a screen.

  • The Tactile Experience: There’s something about holding a book in your hands, feeling its weight, and turning its pages, that just makes reading more enjoyable. It’s a more tangible experience than reading on a screen, and it forces you to slow down and savor each page.
  • Seeing Progress: There’s something really satisfying about seeing the progress you make as you read a book. Watching the left side of the pages get thicker and the right side gets thinner is like a visual representation of your accomplishment, and it can motivate you to keep reading.

I too was one of those readers who had two to three books started all at once, or I had a few chapters left in finishing one when I would start another. Since 2020, I have been doing the “Slow-Reading Stroll” and I do believe I have read more books than previously.

Peace & Harmony, Cheryl

Posted in Uncategorized

The Energy of Your Home

Everything and everybody that enters your home creates energy and leaves a footprint.

Our homes are full of energy, energy that we create and let flow. We often have a passive relationship with the energy in our homes, rather than an active one, because we don’t pay much attention to it. It’s only when we start to see our homes as unique entities that we begin to understand why it’s important to take charge of the energy in them.

Here are some tips for taking charge of the energy in your home:

  • Declutter and get rid of anything that doesn’t spark joy.
  • Add plants and fresh flowers to your home.
  • Light candles and incense.
  • Play music that makes you happy.
  • Spend time with loved ones in your home.
  • Open your windows and let in the fresh air.
  • Practice gratitude for your home.

Bad vibes can creep into our homes in a lot of ways. Previous owners, builders, visitors, and even the people who clean and maintain our homes can leave behind a lingering energy. Objects and symbols can also have an effect on the energy of a space. So, it’s important to be aware of all the things that can influence the energy of our homes. When we know what to look for, we can create harmonious homes that are more than just a place to live.

One of the easiest ways to keep your home a loving and supportive space is to be careful about who and what you let in. It’s not always possible to keep potentially harmful people or things out, but you can take precautions. For example, you can keep certain people out of private spaces like bedrooms and meditation rooms, and you can cleanse or smudge your property to purify it.

Here’s a cool idea: if you’re remodeling or building a new home, you can print Reiki symbols and other positive imagery on the surfaces that will be covered up by walls, flooring, or paint. Even though they’ll be hidden, they’ll still attract good energy and cleanse the existing energy in your home. You can also draw blessings in plain sight to remind you of how powerful your home’s energy can be in affecting your own.

A house can look nice, cozy, and stable on the outside, but still be filled with negative or even harmful energy. If you take good care of your home, you’ll naturally start to look beyond its surface qualities and pay attention to how it makes you feel. And if you actively protect your home from negative energy, you’ll be better equipped to deal with it if it ever does come your way.

The energy of your home will reflect the way you treat it. If you take care of it, it will take care of you. So be mindful of your actions and make your home a place you love to be.

Peace ♥ Harmony

Yours in Clutter to Clarity, Cheryl

If you’re looking for more help than what I can provide here, my personalized coaching programs might be just what you need. Book a free consultation to chat about what’s holding you back and how I can help you achieve organized spaces in your lifestyle. I look forward to working with you!

NEW PHONE # 860-941-8630

A TEXT  gets to me faster: Name, Issue, the Best time to call

Email: envisionsdesigns@gmail.com

Posted in Uncategorized

Slow-Interiors – From The Slow-Living Lifestyle Series

Have you ever followed the latest interior design trends only to be left feeling underwhelmed? Or worried about the environmental impact of your purchases? Slow interiors, like slow food and slow fashion, offer an alternative approach to designing, decorating, and styling your home. It’s about making slower, more considered, and thoughtful decisions.

Outshine trends with slow interiors

Homeware trends may move slower than fashion trends, but we’re all still susceptible to buying the latest look without thinking it through. We might regret it later because it goes out of style quickly, doesn’t match our other furniture, or is just plain impractical. These are all things we didn’t consider when we were caught up in the moment.

Adopting a slow-living mindset for your home means creating a space that is uniquely yours. It’s a great way to personalize your home and make it feel like a true reflection of your personality. So take your time, be thoughtful about your choices, and create a home that you’ll love for years to come.

  • Decorate in your own style and don’t worry about trends.
  • Appreciate craftsmanship and design.
  • Buy less but buy better quality.
  • Do your research on sustainability.
  • Take care of your stuff.
  • Upcycle and buy vintage.
  • Make your home for you and your needs.

Slow interiors are all about taking your time to think about how you want your spaces to feel. It’s about creating a nurturing home that truly reflects what’s important to you. Before you make any purchases, take some time to consider who and what purposes your home will serve. Choose the most sustainable options within your budget, or make the most of what you already own. Slow interiors is about creating a space that you love and that makes you feel good.

Identifying the true usage of your home and interior spaces

Kate Watson-Smyth, author of Mad About The House, says you should ask yourself six key questions before decorating a room. She says if you don’t, you’ll “end up with a room that doesn’t really work for the people who live there – which means they won’t use it.”

Here are the six questions:

  1. What do you want to use the room for?
  2. Who will be using the room?
  3. What style do you want?
  4. What colors do you like?
  5. What furniture do you need?
  6. What’s your budget?

Watson-Smyth says it’s important to answer these questions honestly so you can create a room that’s functional and stylish.

If you don’t think about what you want to achieve in a room and who it’s for, you’ll probably end up redecorating sooner than you want to. And that’s no fun!

Decorating true to your own stylishness!

Do you buy things because you saw them in a magazine or on Instagram, or because they actually reflect your personal style?

If you see a piece of furniture or decor that you love, don’t buy it right away. Walk away, or close the tab. Come back to it in a few days, or even a few weeks, and see if you still love it just as much. It’s easy to get swayed by the way items are styled in other people’s homes, but it’s important to make sure that the piece will actually work in your own space.

Don’t rush into decorating your home! Take the time to create a mood board and slowly find the right items. You’ll be living with your décor for years, so it’s important to be happy with it. If you buy something you’re not entirely sure about, you’re likely to end up feeling discontented and wanting to change it again soon. So take your time, be patient, and create a home that you love!

Choosing quality and craftsmanship

This means choosing items with simple, timeless designs and sturdy materials that will last for years to come. This is a good idea because it will save you money in the long run, as you won’t have to replace items as often. It will also help you create a more stylish and cohesive home, as your items will complement each other.

Fast Interiors is all about cheap homewares brands and mass production. On the one hand, it’s great because it allows more people to design a stylish home on a budget. On the other hand, it can lead to a throwaway culture where people buy things without thinking about how long they’ll last. That’s why we’re big fans of slow interiors. With slow interiors, you focus on buying the best quality items you can afford, even if they cost a bit more upfront. This way, you can be sure that your home will look stylish and last for years to come.

If you buy quality hardwood furniture, it will last longer and you won’t have to replace it as often. When you’re shopping for furniture, think about how durable it is and where you’re going to put it. Furniture in high-traffic areas of your home will wear out more quickly.

Handmade items are unique and imperfect, just like the people who make them. They’re a chance to slow down and appreciate the hours of work that went into creating them. And when you buy handmade, you’re supporting makers and creatives, and sometimes even helping to preserve long-established skills and trades. So next time you’re looking for something special, consider shopping small and supporting handmade. You won’t be disappointed.

LET’S START A MOVEMENT: BRING BACK HANDMADE ITEMS SHOPS!

It’s easy to get into a disposable mindset when there’s always something new and cheap on the market. But if you really love your home and appreciate the value of the things in it—both your own investment and the designer’s—you’ll be more likely to take care of it.

Buying sustainably and upcycling

Buying furniture from antique shops or second-hand marketplaces is a great way to furnish your home sustainably. Upcycling these pieces, or your own, is another great option. It’s a win-win for the environment and your wallet!

Just like when you buy a new house, you need a little imagination to see the potential in something. And sourcing vintage or rustic items can add real depth and character to a home.

Check out the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, which celebrates the imperfect and authentic. Sure, some vintage and antique pieces can be pricey, but they don’t have to be. You can find some amazing finds on Facebook Marketplace, charity shops dedicated to furniture, car boot sales, and flea markets. The rental economy is also on the rise in the interior space, giving you the option to rent furniture like sofas instead of buying them outright.

Final thoughts on slow interiors

  • When designing a slow-living space, keep your lifestyle and needs at the forefront. This will help you avoid buying stuff that doesn’t work for you.
  • Take your time to make the right choices for pieces that you’ll love for years to come. Don’t buy into every trend that comes along.
  • Choose high-quality, durable items that you can afford. Think about the brands you want to support.
  • Upcycle and buy second-hand whenever possible. Do some research on sustainable materials to help reduce your home’s environmental impact.
  • A slow-living home evolves over time. There’s no such thing as a “finished” room. Enjoy the journey and let your spaces grow with you.

Peace & Harmony, Cheryl

Posted in Uncategorized

Good Thoughts Day

Each morning, send yourself love for the entire day and be sure to collect that love along the way.

It’s easy to get down in the dumps when things go wrong, and that bad mood can really spiral out of control and affect our lives for days to come. Similarly, when we feel bad about ourselves, we tend to act in ways that have negative consequences, which can create a vicious cycle of negativity that can last for days.

It’s important to feel your feelings and be genuine, but you don’t have to let yourself get completely bogged down in a dark mood or feelings of self-doubt. In fact, the more you accept your darkness as a part of who you are, the easier it will be to accept your light. So, try this: for the next 24 hours, send yourself some good vibes. Tell yourself that you’re capable, that you’re loved, and that you’re going to be okay. It might not seem like much, but it can make a big difference.

If you’re feeling down or having a bad day, it’s okay to acknowledge those feelings. But don’t let them consume you. Remember that things can and will change, and you can still have a good day, or a good week if you take the time to visualize those moments for yourself. Picture yourself doing something you enjoy, or spending time with someone who makes you happy. Focus on the positive, and you’ll be surprised at how much better you’ll feel.

Here were my essentials for creating a positive and productive learning environment as a former teacher:

  • Every morning before I walked into the classroom, I would check my tolerance level. How much crap can I put up with today? I would write it down on a post-it note so my co-teachers could see how I was doing. That way, if a student started acting up, one of them could step in and help me out. Or, if I was really feeling overwhelmed, they would let me take a walk and let someone else handle the situation.
  • Then, there were days when we were all at our lowest tolerance levels, including the students. That’s when you put on some rock and roll and just let loose! It always helped to improve our moods and get us through the day. We could then have a fantastic day of learning about the curriculum and, most importantly, about ourselves.

Here’s something you can do before you even get out of bed in the morning: send good vibes to yourself all the way through to the next morning! As you picture your day, take the time to fill in the details – where you’re going, who you’ll see, what you’ll do – and send love and good wishes to yourself, as well as everyone you encounter. It’ll be like arriving in a new place and finding that an old friend has sent a bouquet of flowers from back home to welcome you and remind you that you’re loved.

Peace ♥ Harmony, Cheryl