Peace ♥ Harmony, Team at Lifestyle by Design
Please & Thank you
Peace ♥ Harmony, Team at Lifestyle by Design
Author: Lifestyle-by-designs
Hello, I'm Cheryl, your professional cleaner and organizer. Are you frustrated with your cluttered and messy home or office? I'm here to help you declutter and organize your space so you can finally relax and enjoy life. With my keen eye for spatial awareness and unwavering commitment to order, I can transform your space into a functional and stylish haven.
Are you eager to simplify your life and create a space you love? Let's collaborate and bring your vision of an organized and efficient environment to life. I'm ready to assist you in turning your dream space into a reality.
Be Prepared . . .
It’s important to be prepared for disasters, no matter where you live. The specific steps you need to take will vary depending on the types of disasters that are more likely to happen in your area. Here’s a general guide to help you get started:
- Know your risks. Learn about the types of disasters that are most common in your area and what the risks are.
- Create a plan. Make a plan for what you will do in the event of a disaster. This plan should include things like where you will go, what you will take with you, and how you will communicate with your family and friends.
- Build a kit. Put together a disaster kit that includes food, water, first-aid supplies, and other essential items.
- Stay informed. Make sure you have a way to get information about disasters, such as a battery-powered radio or a NOAA weather radio.
- Practice your plan. Make sure everyone in your family knows what to do in the event of a disaster. Practice your plan regularly so that you are prepared.
By following these steps, you can help ensure that you and your family are prepared for a disaster.
Identify the Hazards: Determine the types of disasters that are most likely to occur in your area. These could include natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, wildfires, or man-made disasters like industrial accidents or terrorist attacks.
- Create a Plan:
- Evacuation Plan: Know the evacuation routes and shelters in your area. Plan how you and your family will get to safety if needed.
- Communication Plan: Establish a communication plan with your family and loved ones. Have a designated out-of-town contact person whom everyone can check in with. This person can act as a central point of communication.
- Emergency Contacts: Have a list of important contacts, including family members, friends, neighbors, and local emergency numbers.
- Prepare an Emergency Kit:
- Water and Food: Store at least three days (maybe more depending on the disaster) worth of water (one gallon per person per day) and non-perishable food items.
- First Aid Kit: Include basic medical supplies like bandages, antiseptics, medications, and any necessary prescription medications.
- Flashlight and Batteries: Ensure you have a reliable source of light.
- Personal Documents: Keep important documents like identification, insurance policies, medical records, and bank account information in a waterproof container.
- Clothing and Blankets: Have warm clothing, blankets, and rain gear.
- Tools and Supplies: Include items like a multi-tool, duct tape, and a whistle.
- Cash: Keep some cash on hand, as ATMs may not be operational during a disaster.
- Special Needs Items: If you have infants, elderly family members, or pets, make sure you have supplies tailored to their needs.
- Secure Your Home:
- Anchor Heavy Items: Secure heavy furniture, appliances, and objects that could fall during an earthquake or storm.
- Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Make sure they’re functioning properly.
- Board Up Windows: If you’re in an area prone to hurricanes or tornadoes, consider installing storm shutters or boarding up windows.
- Stay Informed:
- Weather Alerts: Sign up for weather alerts and emergency notifications in your area.
- Emergency Broadcast System: Listen to the radio or watch TV for emergency information.
- Community Alerts: Be aware of local community alert systems.
- Stay Organized:
- Maintain and Review Your Plan: Regularly review and update your emergency plan and kit.
- Practice Drills: Conduct emergency drills with your family to ensure everyone knows what to do.
- Help Your Community:
- Volunteer: Consider joining local emergency response or community groups.
- Share Knowledge: Help educate others in your community about disaster preparedness.
- Insurance and Legal Matters:
- Review Insurance Policies: Understand what is and isn’t covered in your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy.
- Legal Documents: Ensure your will, power of attorney, and other legal documents are up to date.
Remember, being prepared can make a huge difference in how you and your family deal with a disaster. Taking these steps can give you a sense of security and confidence in the face of unexpected events. So don’t wait until it’s too late, start preparing today!
Peace ♥ Harmony, Cheryl
Join The Journal Movement . . .
Journaling can be a powerful tool for decluttering your home.
Here’s how it can help:
- Setting Clear Goals: Before you start decluttering, it’s essential to set clear goals. Journaling allows you to articulate what you want to achieve. Write down specific objectives like “Clear out the bedroom closet” or “Organize the kitchen cabinets.” This clarity will give you a roadmap to follow.
- Creating a Plan: Once you’ve set your goals, create a plan of action. Write down the steps you need to take to achieve each goal. For instance, if you’re decluttering the bedroom, your plan might include tasks like “Sort through clothes,” “Donate or discard unused items,” and “Organize remaining items.”
- Tracking Progress: Use your journal to track your progress. List the tasks you complete and mark them off as you go. This visual representation of your progress can be incredibly motivating.
- Reflecting on Sentimental Items: Often, decluttering involves making intentional decisions about sentimental items. Journaling can provide a space for you to reflect on the emotional attachment to these items. Ask yourself why they are important and if they still serve a purpose in your life.
- Recording Insights and Lessons: As you go through the decluttering process, you’re likely to gain insights about your belongings and your attachment to them. These insights can be valuable in preventing future clutter. Write down any lessons you learn, such as “I tend to accumulate too many clothes” or “I should be more mindful of what I bring into my home.”
- Identifying Problem Areas: Use your journal to identify specific areas in your home that tend to accumulate clutter. It could be a certain drawer, closet, or room. By recognizing these problem areas, you can focus your efforts on them.
- Noting Strategies That Work: As you declutter, you’ll likely discover strategies that are particularly effective for you. Maybe you find that categorizing items before organizing them works well, or perhaps setting a timer helps you stay focused. Write down these strategies so you can use them in future decluttering efforts.
- Addressing Emotional Attachments: Clutter often has emotional attachments. Journaling provides a safe space to explore these emotions. Write about why certain items are hard to let go of and consider whether those emotions are valid or if they’re holding you back.
- Celebrating Achievements: Celebrate your successes in your journal. Record how you feel after each decluttering session. Acknowledging your accomplishments can boost your motivation to continue.
- Planning for Maintenance: Decluttering is an ongoing process. Use your journal to plan how you’ll maintain a clutter-free environment. Set regular intervals for reviewing and tidying up your spaces.
Hey, fellow Journalers, remember that journaling is a personal thing, so feel free to do it however you want. Whether you prefer to write with a pen and paper or use a computer or phone, the important thing is that you use journaling as a tool to help you declutter.
When journaling, it’s important to be real with yourself and write about whatever’s on your mind. You might want to write about your thoughts, feelings, experiences, or goals. You can also use journaling to brainstorm ideas, plan for the future, or just relax and de-stress.
Keeping a HOME JOURNAL: I’ve been journaling since I was twelve. My family was military, so we moved every two years. I would journal about the base apartments, townhouses, or homes we lived in so I could remember what we called “home.” As I got older and lived in my own apartments, condos, or mobile homes, I would journal about those spaces too.
I used to live in a tiny little mobile home where the sunlight would stream through my bedroom window every morning. It was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. It was like Mother Nature was saying, “Good morning!” every day. I’ve never seen anything like it since.
Once you get started, you may find that journaling becomes a regular part of your routine. It can be a great way to connect with yourself and improve your mental health.
Peace ♥ Harmony, Cheryl
Take a Stroll . . .
Want to create a moon garden?
It’s a great way to enjoy your outdoor space in the evening, especially when the moon is out. Moon gardens are designed to be enjoyed primarily at night, and feature plants with light-colored or silvery foliage, as well as those with fragrant blooms that release their scent at night. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create your own moon garden:
1. Select a Suitable Location:
- Choose a spot in your garden that receives partial to full moonlight. Avoid areas with excessive artificial light or shade from buildings or large trees.
2. Plan the Design:
- Sketch a layout for your moon garden. Consider factors like plant height, spread, and color when arranging them in the garden bed.
3. Choose Moonlight-Reflecting Plants:
- Opt for plants with light-colored or silver foliage. Some popular choices include:
- Artemisia (Silver Mound)
- Lambs’ Ears (Stachys byzantine)
- Dusty Miller (Senecio cineraria)
- Hosta varieties with light-colored leaves
- Liriope muscari
- Silver Thyme ( ‘Silver Queen’)
- Silver Sage (Salvia argentea)
- Snow-in-Summer (Cerastium tomentosum)
4. Incorporate Fragrant Plants:
- Include plants with fragrant blooms that release their scent in the evening or at night. Some good options are:
- Night-blooming Jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum)
- Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)
- Moonflower (Ipomoea alba)
- Nicotiana sylvestris
- Angel’s Trumpet (Brugmansia spp.)
5. Add Texture and Contrast:
- Mix in plants with different textures and leaf shapes to create visual interest. This can include plants like ferns, ornamental grasses, and variegated varieties.
6. Consider Water Features:
- A small pond or water feature can enhance the sensory experience of a moon garden. The sound of trickling water and the reflection of moonlight on the water’s surface can be enchanting.
7. Include Garden Ornaments:
- Decorative elements like statues, birdbaths, or decorative stones can add a touch of magic to your moon garden.
8. Install Ambient Lighting:
- Add gentle, low-level lighting to enhance the moonlit effect. Consider using solar-powered lights, string lights, or LED pathway lights.
9. Care for Your Moon Garden:
- Regularly water and maintain your plants according to their specific needs. Prune and deadhead as necessary to keep the garden looking its best.
10. Enjoy Your Moon Garden:
- Spend time in your moon garden in the evening, especially when the moon is full. Take in the beauty and serenity of your carefully curated space.
Remember that moon gardens are meant to be a sensory experience, so take the time to sit, relax, and enjoy the sights, scents, and sounds of your garden under the moonlight.
Peace & Harmony, Cheryl
Take It With You When You Go
𝓟𝓸𝓻𝓽𝓪𝓫𝓵𝓮 𝓟𝓲𝔃𝓪𝔃𝔃
“Portable pizazz” for rental spaces involves adding elements that are visually appealing, functional, and easily movable to enhance the overall experience for renters.
- Modular Furniture: Invest in furniture that is versatile and can be easily rearranged to suit different layouts and purposes. This allows renters to customize the space to their liking.
- Accent Lighting: Use portable floor lamps, string lights, or LED strips to add ambiance and personality to the space. Consider smart lighting options for customizable color schemes.
- Art and Decor: Hang artwork, mirrors, and decor items that are lightweight and can be easily repositioned. This adds character to the space and allows renters to personalize it.
- Textiles and Cushions: Provide a selection of cushions, throws, and rugs that can be used to add color and texture to the space. These items can be easily switched out to create different moods.
- Room Dividers: Use screens, curtains, or shelving units to create distinct areas within a larger space. This gives renters flexibility in how they utilize the space.
- Portable Bars and Counters: Offer movable bar carts or counters for entertaining. These can be easily wheeled into different areas of the space to create a focal point for social gatherings.
- Plants and Greenery: Incorporate potted plants or vertical gardens to bring nature indoors. These elements add freshness and vibrancy to any space and can be moved around as needed.
- Flexible Storage Solutions: Provide shelves, cabinets, or storage units on wheels that can be rearranged to accommodate different storage needs.
- Modular Wall Systems: Consider using modular panels or boards that can be easily adjusted to create a dynamic and changeable wall space for art, shelving, or displays.
- Interactive Features: Integrate elements like whiteboards, corkboards, or chalkboards that allow renters to engage creatively with the space.
- Projection Screens: Install a retractable or portable projection screen for presentations, movie nights, or immersive visual experiences.
- Thematic Decor Packs: Offer themed decor packs that renters can choose from, allowing them to quickly transform the space for events or special occasions.
- Flexible Seating Options: Provide a mix of chairs, stools, and floor cushions that can be easily moved to create different seating arrangements.
- Technology Integration: Include portable speakers, smart home devices, or charging stations that enhance the functionality and entertainment options of the space.
- DIY Kits and Crafting Supplies: Offer kits for DIY projects or crafting supplies for renters looking to add their personal touch to the space.
Remember to balance aesthetics with functionality and ensure that all elements are easy to move and arrange. This way, renters can truly make the space their own, and you can attract a wider range of clientele seeking a dynamic and customizable environment.
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
Should I Sell or Stay?
Why Should I Sell My House Now? The current real estate market is favorable for sellers. Home prices are high, and inventory is low, which means that you could get the perfect price for your home. An organized home can significantly impact its marketability and potential to sell quickly.
Inventory is Low The National Association of Realtors predicts a low housing inventory throughout 2023. This is a sign you should sell your home because it means homes are in high demand. You’ll have more power to negotiate a better contract.
Possible Decline in Home Prices in the Future The latest read on home prices shows they hit an all-time high, rising 2.3% from the same month last year. That’s a more significant annual gain than the roughly 1% recorded; this comparison will likely be even more critical because prices began falling last August.
Home Sale has Increased One great bonus of a strong seller’s market is that your home value may have increased with demand. Suppose your home appraised for a higher value than previously. In that case, consider cashing in on your home’s equity by selling. If your home value has increased and you have built equity, you can make the profits by selling or renting your home.(Key Takeaways from article www.realtor.com)
With tight inventory levels and still-high prices, the Connecticut housing market shares many similarities with the national market. Here’s a closer look at Connecticut’s current real estate trends and where the market might go for the rest of 2023.
Here are several ways in which an organized home can help sell faster:
Creates a Positive First Impression: When potential buyers walk into a well-organized, clutter-free home, they are more likely to imagine themselves living there. This positive first impression can set the tone for the rest of the viewing.
- Highlights the Home’s Best Features: An organized space allows buyers to see the home’s features clearly. They can appreciate the layout, size, and potential without distractions from clutter.
- Facilitates Better Photography: A tidy, organized home photographs better. High-quality listing photos are essential for attracting potential buyers online, where many home searches begin.
- Maximizes Perceived Space: A clutter-free environment can make a space feel larger. Buyers tend to be drawn to homes that feel spacious and open.
- Easier for Buyers to Visualize: When a home is organized, buyers can more easily envision themselves living there. They can mentally place their own belongings and see how the space would work for their needs.
- Highlights Storage and Functional Spaces: Well-organized closets, cabinets, and storage areas demonstrate the home’s functionality. Buyers appreciate ample storage options.
- Reduces Distractions: Clutter can be distracting and may prevent buyers from seeing the true potential of the space. An organized home allows them to focus on the features and layout.
- Implies Good Maintenance: An organized home often gives the impression that the property has been well-maintained. This can instill confidence in potential buyers that they won’t face hidden issues.
- Suggests the Home is Move-In Ready: A clean and organized home implies that it’s ready for a new owner to move in without the hassle of extensive cleaning or repairs.
- Foster Emotional Connection: A well-organized home can create an emotional connection with potential buyers. They may feel more comfortable and “at home” during a viewing.
- Encourages Higher Offers: When a home is well-organized, it’s easier for buyers to see its value. This can lead to more competitive offers and potentially a quicker sale.
- Stands Out in the Market: In a competitive real estate market, an organized home can stand out from others that may be cluttered or less well-maintained.
Remember that organizing a home doesn’t necessarily mean removing all personal touches. It means creating a clean, tidy, and inviting environment that allows potential buyers to see the space’s full potential. If needed, consider consulting with a professional stager/organizer like Lifestyle by Design to help prepare the home for sale.
Yours in Clutter & 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
Completion is Not Final . . . it’s Transitional
“Closure is just another word for acceptance, and acceptance is the key to moving on”
The period of completion, rather than being just an act of completeness, is also one of transition.
Life is a collage of beginnings and endings that run together like paint drippings on a canvas. But before we can start a new chapter in our lives, we sometimes need to close the old one. That’s because many of life’s experiences call for closure. We often can’t see the importance of an event or lesson until we’ve reached closure.
Closure is what allows us to move on to new things. It ties up loose ends, quiets the mind, and acknowledges that something has changed. It’s like a door closing behind us, letting us know that we can’t go back but that we can keep moving forward. . . To the new door.
The end of something is not always the end. It can also be a new beginning. When we seek closure, we’re not just looking for a finish line. We’re looking for understanding and the chance to learn from our experiences.
Without closure, we’re left hanging, unable to move on. We might dwell on the past, get stuck in negative emotions, or feel like we’re still tied to people or situations that are no longer a part of our lives. But when we accept that we’ve done everything we can, we can finally feel a sense of peace and completion.
If you can’t officially achieve closure with someone, you can create completion by participating in a closure ritual. Write a farewell letter to that person and then burn your letter during a ceremony. This ritual allows you to consciously honor and appreciate what has taken place between you and release the experience so you can move forward.
Closure can help you move on from negative feelings about your past. It’s a way to accept what happened and let it go, even if it was bad. It’s also a way to honor your experiences, both good and bad, as a part of who you are. When you have closure, you can stop dwelling on the past and focus on the present and future.
When you create closure, you’re basically saying that you’ve done all you can, you’ve learned a lot from your experiences, and you’re ready for whatever comes your way next.
Yours in Clutter & 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!
PHONE # 860-941-8630 / A TEXT gets to me faster: Name, Issue, the Best time to call / Email: envisionsdesigns@gmail.com
When an Open Door Appears . . . Kick That B*tch Open!
When a Door Opens
Our lives are made up of all our choices, and we’ll only keep growing if we keep choosing to move through the doors that open for each of us.
When opportunity knocks, open the door! Don’t overthink it. Trust that the opportunity has presented itself for a reason, and you’ve been guided to it. It’s easy to get bogged down in analysis paralysis, but sometimes the best way to find out what’s on the other side of a door is just to open it and see for yourself.
Even if it doesn’t seem like the right choice at first, opening a door might lead to another door that takes us where we need to be. Life is an adventure, so let’s explore all the possibilities!
When the time is right, doors open to new opportunities. It’s okay to have faith that walking through them is the right thing to do, even if you’re scared of leaving your old life behind for something new. It’s normal to linger in the doorway for a while, but don’t stay there too long. The best is yet to come!
We all have those voices in our heads that try to hold us back. Maybe it’s our own self-doubt, or maybe it’s the negative things people have said to us. These voices are known as Threshold Spirits, and they’re all about fear and doubt. They try to convince us that we can’t do something, or that it’s not worth trying. But you know what? They’re wrong. You can do anything you set your mind to, and you don’t have to let those voices hold you back. So next time you hear a Threshold Spirit trying to talk you out of something, just remember that they’re wrong. You can do it!
Life is full of doors, opening up new relationships, jobs, friendships, and creative inspirations. The life we have now is the result of all the doors we’ve walked through.
Every time we walk through a new door, we create a memory that encourages us to keep exploring fearlessly. Stepping into a new space almost always gives us a thrill and a new sense of confidence in ourselves and the world around us.
We have stepped across the threshold into a new life.
Yours in Clutter & 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
Create a ‘Soft Landing’
Create a soft place to land in your home a refuge from the stress of the day.
Our daily lives can be pretty demanding, and it’s easy to get stressed out if we don’t take care of ourselves. One way to make sure we have a chance to relax and recharge every day is to create a “soft landing” place when we get home. This could be a whole room or just a small corner, but it should be a safe and comfortable place where we can unwind and de-stress from the day.
Once we’re home, we feel a sense of security that helps us forget about any problems we might have been dealing with. Our homes are also a place where we can shift our focus from the outside world to our inner selves.
To create a cozy spot in your home, start by scouting out some potential locations. Or, if your whole house is your happy place, you might just need to declutter a bit. Your habits can often give you clues about the perfect spot, as you might naturally gravitate to a certain area of your home when you’re feeling the need for comfort.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when creating your soft place to land:
- Choose a spot that is quiet and relaxing.
- Add some comfortable furniture, like a sofa, armchair, or chaise lounge.
- Make sure the lighting is soft and inviting.
- Add some personal touches, like throw pillows, blankets, and plants.
- Create a space that is just for you, where you can relax and unwind.
Any space that helps you relax and de-stress can be your own personal sanctuary. A basement, attic, spare room, or even an unused storage area can be transformed into a calming oasis with some cozy furniture and your favorite items. And if you’re lucky enough to have a garden or patio, spending time outdoors can be a great way to unwind and let go of the day’s worries.
To prepare these spaces, just declutter and add a few beautiful objects that make you feel relaxed. Choose a spot that’s quiet and away from the hustle and bustle.
Your personal sanctuary should be a place where you can relax and feel safe. When you come home after a long day, you should be able to exhale, relax, and know that you are in a safe space. You should feel a sense of peace and tranquility as you settle in and center yourself.
Peace & Harmony,
Cheryl ~ Organizer & Coach
If you’re looking for help to create your ‘landing pad’ contact me! envisionsdesigns@gmail.com
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