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.
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Your Launch Pad . . .

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Create Your Soft Landing

Make your home a comfy, cozy haven where you can chill and forget about the daily grind.

Let’s face it, our daily grind can really wear us down if we don’t make some time for ourselves. One way to ensure we have some chill time is to create a cozy spot at home where we can relax and unwind. Whether it’s a whole room or just a small corner, having a place to decompress and recover from the day’s stresses is key.

At home, we feel safe and secure, and we can forget about all the problems that are going on. Our homes are like a safe haven where we can relax and focus on our own needs and feelings.

If you want to find a cozy spot in your place, just take a look around. You’ve probably got a few places that you always chill in when you need to relax. That’s your landing pad! Just make sure it’s clear of clutter and stuff so you can relax in peace.

Any space where you can totally chill out! and let go of all that stress and anxiety is your new happy place. It could be a basement, attic, spare room, or even a storage area that’s collecting dust. Just add some stuff that makes you feel good, like a comfy chair, a cozy blanket, and maybe some candles. If you’re more of an outdoorsy type, hanging out in your garden or patio might be your thing. Either way, find a spot where you can just relax and be yourself.

There you have it—a few ideas for creating your landing pad. So go ahead and make that space your own, and enjoy some much-needed R&R!

Getting your chill zone ready can be as simple as swapping out all the mess with a few pretty things that make you feel relaxed. When you pick a spot for your landing pad, think about how much noise and movement there is. If you know that the regular hustle and bustle will bug you, find a quieter place.

Your comfy home should be a place where you can let out a sigh of relief and say, “This is my happy place! I can kick back and relax here. I feel safe and secure.” After a long day out there in the wild world, coming home should feel like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket – it’s like everything just gets better. It’s the perfect place to recharge and get your head back on straight.

Peace, Harmony & Chill, Cheryl

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Motivational Monday

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“FEARLESS is getting back up and fighting for what you want over and over again… even though every time you’ve tried before, you’ve lost. It’s FEARLESS to have faith that someday things will change. FEARLESS is having the courage to say goodbye to someone who only hurts you, even if you can’t breathe without them.” ~ Taylor Swift

Peace & Harmony, Cheryl

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Happy Mother’s Day! ♥

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A MOTHER’S LOVE ~ BY ERMA BOMBECK

Some day when my children are old enough to understand the logic that motivates a mother, I will tell them:

I loved you enough to ask about where you were going, with whom and what time you would get home.

I loved you enough to insist that you buy a bike, that we could afford to give you, with your own money.

I loved you enough to make you return a Milky-Way— with a bite out of it—to the drug store and to confess “I stole this.”

I loved you enough to stand over you for two hours while you cleaned your room, a job that would have taken me 15 minutes.

I loved you enough to let you see anger, disappointment, disgust, and tears in my eyes.

I loved you enough to admit I was wrong and ask for your forgiveness.

I loved you enough to let you stumble, fall and hurt.

But most of all, I loved you enough to say NO when you hated me for it. That was the hardest part of all.

“”A Mother’s hug lasts long after she lets go”

Peace & Harmony, Cheryl

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Meet The Boss . . .

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Where is your Vagus Nerve?

Don’t look down there . . . 

The vagus nerve does more than just keep our bodies ticking. It’s also a key player in helping our bodies heal and get back in sync.

There’s this super cool nerve called the vagus (pronounced like VEGAS) nerve that’s the longest of all the cranial nerves. It starts in the brainstem and then goes on a wild adventure through your body, touching all sorts of organs.

The vagus nerve is the boss of our body’s healing and relaxation processes. It’s involved in everything from keeping our heart beating and digesting food to helping our bodies fight off infections and managing our emotions. When it comes to calming down and feeling more relaxed, the vagus nerve is like a magic wand.

Here’s the deal with the vagus nerve: it’s this super-important nerve that has a huge impact on how we feel. It’s like this cool bridge between our brain and the rest of our body, and it lets them talk to each other. When life gets stressful, the vagus nerve helps us chill out and stay calm. It’s like the nerve version of a stress ball!

So, here’s the deal: we’ve got this vagus nerve, which is a superpower for our body. When we kick back and chillax, or take some time to meditate, we’re giving this nerve a boost. This can be a real game-changer when it comes to dealing with long-term stress, anxiety, and even trauma. It’s like giving your body a spa day from the inside out. You’ll feel calmer, more balanced, and all-around better.

The vagus nerve is part of your parasympathetic nervous system, which is in partnership to help control mood, digestion, heart rate, and immune response. When you do things like mindful breathing, it turns on this nerve and makes your vagal tone stronger. This means you’re better at handling your feelings and bouncing back from tough times. Exercises like meditation, breathing exercises, humming or chanting, yoga, somatic movement, massages, and even smiling or laughing can all help improve your vagal tone.

Here’s a simple breathing exercise you can try: Take a nice, deep breath in through your nose for four seconds, hold it for two, and then let it out slowly through your mouth for six. To give your vagus nerve an extra boost, try humming a soft sound, smiling, or chanting “OM” while you exhale. Repeat as many times as you like. You’ll be amazed at how this simple breathing exercise can help your body heal and thrive!

Peace & Harmony, Cheryl

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Morning Meditation

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Back in the days when I was a Meeting Service Concierge at Mohegan, there were times when things were so hectic, and I felt like a spinning top. To escape the chaos, I would sneak away to the spa. I’d ditch my name badge, take off my uniform jacket, and just chill out. I’d close my eyes and listen to the soothing music that greeted guests in the lobby. It was like hitting the pause button on life. Taking a moment for yourself to relax and recharge is so important for enjoying both your life and your job.

Peace & Harmony, Cheryl

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𝓕𝓻𝓲𝓭𝓪𝔂 𝓕𝓾𝓷𝓷𝔂

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Laughing through struggles can be a powerful coping mechanism, allowing you to find moments of light even in the darkest times. Remember, laughter is not about ignoring your struggles or pretending everything is fine. It’s about finding moments of joy and connection amidst the challenges of life. So don’t be afraid to laugh, even when times are tough. . . That is where you find your true strength.

Have a great weekend!

Peace & Harmony, Cheryl

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Do Meditation At The Beach

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Ocean Meditation

The ocean is like a giant mirror, reflecting back to us the depths of our own inner world.

The sea is a lot like us – it’s always changing. From afar, it might seem steady and the same all over, but if you get closer, you’ll see that it’s unpredictable, sensitive, and powerful. It’s like we have a lot to learn from the ocean, ’cause it’s kinda like a reflection of our inner selves. The waves crashing and the salty air can be really calming and refreshing.

Not everyone gets to live by the beach or even visit the coast, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the ocean. We all have pictures of the ocean in our heads, from things we’ve seen and read. We can use those mental images to help us chill out and feel better.

So, to get started, grab any beachy stuff you have lying around. Seashells, some sand in a jar, ocean glass, rocks that the waves have smoothed out, or a recording of the ocean’s sounds can help you get deeper into this meditation, but they’re not a must. Just sit back, chill, and start picturing the ocean in your mind. Let all your senses join in on the imaginary adventure.

Picture yourself standing there, on the beach, sand between your toes and the ocean breeze keeping you cool. The waves crash against the shore, making this crazy rhythm that’s so calming. Take a deep breath, and smell that salty air. Look up, and you’ll see the sun reflecting off the water, creating this amazing mix of colors that you can’t even believe are real. And if you’re lucky, you might even see some dolphins or whales playing in the waves. They’re there to make your day even better. Just chill out there for a few minutes and take it all in.

So, you’re chilling on the beach, gazing out at the ocean, and watching the waves come and go. Each wave brings with it healing vibes, you know? It’s like the ocean’s sending you love and light, the sun’s got your back, and Mother Earth’s grounding you in the present moment. Don’t forget to bring your journal!

Once you’re done, take a moment to be thankful to the ocean for its help. Don’t forget to thank the sun, the sand, and anything else from your imagination that guided you. Do this every day, week, or month to get rid of negative feelings and bring your emotions back into balance. The waves in our mind’s eye can clean our souls, just like the ocean’s tides wash away debris and keep the environment in check.

Peace & Harmony, Cheryl

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Avoid Negative Vibes!

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Avoid Negative Vibes!

To make sure we don’t pick up bad vibes from others or tough spots, we can learn to block them out.

Sometimes, hanging out with certain people or groups of people can leave you feeling drained. It’s like having a friend who sucks up all your energy, or a coworker who always brings the bad vibes. And don’t even get me started on toxic or angry people—they’re like energy vampires! Even being in a crowd can sometimes zap my energy instead of giving me a boost.

It’s not uncommon for people to radiate energy and be affected by the energy of others. It’s like we’re all little magnets, attracting and repelling vibes. The thing is, it’s important to learn how to protect yourself from taking on someone else’s energy. Not everyone knows how to do this naturally, so it’s something we might need to learn and practice.

If you’re worried about other people’s energy affecting you, I have a cool trick for you. It’s called shielding, and it’s like wrapping yourself up in a cozy cocoon of protective energy. Just picture this: you’re in the center of this cocoon, all snug and safe. And the best part is, you don’t need any fancy tools or rituals. All you gotta do is set the intention to shield yourself, and boom, you’re protected. Oh, and if you want to make it extra awesome, you can even create a trigger word that instantly activates your shield. So, next time you feel someone’s energy getting a little too intense, just say your trigger word, and bam, you’re shielded and ready to face the world! I envision myself wearing a shield across my chest.

Every time you make a new shield, just say this word out loud until it and the shield become besties in your head. If you meet someone who leaves you feeling drained, you might want to give your energy field a little TLC afterward. Some ways to do that are burning sage, taking a cold shower, singing your heart out, taking a mineral water bath, spending some time in nature, or just taking a break to recharge.

Do you know how we all focus on keeping away from negative energy? Well, there’s a flip side to that. Some energies are worth embracing. Think about it—the giggles of a newborn baby, the glow of someone in love, or the peaceful aura of a wise teacher. These are the vibes you want to surround yourself with, right?

Peace ♥ Harmony, Cheryl

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Healthy Gut . . . Healthy You!

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Your Secret Garden: Your Gut

Like a flourishing garden teeming with diverse plant life, the gut microbiome is a complex landscape that plays a major role in your health and vitality.

Want a thriving garden? Gotta put in the effort to water, feed, and weed it regularly. Think of your body’s gut microbiome the same way. It’s like a garden in your belly, teeming with bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other stuff that keeps you healthy. These little critters help you digest food, soak up nutrients, fight off bugs, and keep your mind sharp and emotions in check.

As a gardener tends to their garden, feeding the soil and keeping an eye on things to make sure the plants stay healthy, we should do the same for our gut microbiome. It needs the right nutrients and attention to stay in balance and function well. If we don’t take care of it, it can get sick, just like a garden can get overrun with weeds or bugs. This can lead to problems like inflammation, leaky gut, allergies, mood issues, and more.

To have a healthy and strong gut, you should eat a bunch of different foods that are good for you. Eat veggies and fruits that are full of nutrients, whole grains, beans, and fermented foods. And don’t forget to drink lots of water! That will give your good gut bacteria the energy they need to grow, and you’ll have a gut that’s so healthy and full of life. Eating healthy and trying new foods can change your whole life. When your gut is happy, you’re happy. It’s as simple as that!

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Healthy Gut! Recipe www.loveyourgut.com

This is a savoury version of French toast with added herbs and vegetables.  Slices of wholegrain bread are dipped in beaten egg, mixed with chopped chives, and cooked in a hot pan with a smear of olive oil. While the French toast is cooking it is given a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese which delivers a delicious savoury crunch to the finished dish.

Method

Preheat oven to 100°C/gas mark 6

Whisk together the eggs and milk and stir in the chopped chives. Pour the mixture into a shallow dish for dipping the bread.

Drizzle a little olive oil over a non-stick pan and heat gently.

Using tongs, dip a slice of bread into the egg mixture, flipping it over so both sides are soaked. Pick up the bread with the tongs, place it into the frying pan and cook for 3 minutes on each side, until the surface is golden brown. While the bread is cooking, sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese over the bread to get an extra crisp, cheesy surface.

When one piece of French toast is cooked, place it on a baking tray to keep in the oven while the other pieces of toast are cooking.

Cook the remaining slices of bread in the egg mixture as above and keep warm in the oven until ready to serve.

Take a second non-stick pan and add another drizzle of olive oil. Add the sliced tomato halves face down to one side of the pan and mushrooms to the other. Strip the leaves from the thyme, chop finely, and scatter over the mushrooms. Stir the mushrooms gently in the pan for 5 minutes until soft. Cook tomatoes until the cut surfaces are just beginning to brown.

Serve the French toast with wild mushrooms, tomatoes, and baby spinach leaves.

Alternative serving suggestion

  • Unsweetened plant milk such as oat, soya or hemp can be substituted for cows’ milk
  • Baked beans could be served with savoury French toast for a quick nutritious breakfast/brunch dish.
  • Chopped spring onions could be used instead of chives

**A personal note: I am gluten-sensitive, I have been living gluten-free since 2014.

I switched out the tomatoes for avocados . . . Yummy!

Enjoy! We’re taking care of your WHOLE lifestyle here at LBD!

Peace ♥ Harmony, Cheryl