Tag: Family

Posted in New Beginnings

Our New . . . Newsletter

Posted on by Lifestyle-by-designs

Transform Your Home: The Power of Organization 

Welcome to our monthly newsletter THE GRACE NOTES, where we bring you tips and inspiration to help you create a more organized, harmonious living space. This month, we’re diving into the transformative power of the home organization process and how it can enhance your daily life.

As we embrace a new month, let’s focus on the power of a well-organized home. 

Here are some impactful tips to help you transform your space:

Step-by-Step Tips for a Clutter-Free Space

  1. Start Small, Think Big: Begin with one room or even a single drawer. Decluttering in manageable chunks prevents overwhelm and fuels motivation.
  2. Declutter with Purpose: Assess each item’s value. If it doesn’t serve a purpose or spark joy, it’s time to let it go. Donate or recycle to reduce waste.
  3. Create Functional Zones: Designate specific areas for different activities—cooking, working, and relaxing. This makes everything easier to find and use.
  4. Maximize Vertical Space: Use shelves, hooks, and cabinets to utilize wall space. This keeps surfaces clear and the room feeling more open.
  5. Regular Maintenance: Set aside 15 minutes a day for a quick tidy-up. Consistent maintenance prevents clutter from accumulating.
  6. Personalize Your Space: Make your home uniquely yours. Incorporate items that reflect your style and personality, while maintaining a clutter-free environment.

A well-organized home not only looks great but also boosts your mental clarity and productivity. Start your journey today and feel the transformative impact of an organized living space.

If the thought of organizing your entire home feels overwhelming, remember you don’t have to do it alone. As a professional organizer, I am here to help you every step of the way. Together, we can create a customized plan that suits your lifestyle and transforms your home into a space where you can thrive.

Why Organize?

A well-organized home is more than just aesthetically pleasing—it’s a catalyst for a healthier, more productive lifestyle. Clutter and chaos can lead to stress, reduce your efficiency, and even affect your mental health. On the flip side, an organized home can create a sense of calm, improve your focus, and give you more time to enjoy the things you love.

The Benefits You’ll Experience

  1. Reduced Stress: A tidy environment can help lower anxiety levels, making your home a true sanctuary.
  2. Increased Productivity: With everything in its place, you’ll spend less time searching for things and more time being productive or relaxing.
  3. Enhanced Creativity: An organized space can inspire new ideas and creative thinking.
  4. Improved Health: Less clutter means fewer places for dust and allergens to accumulate, contributing to better indoor air quality.

Get Started Today

If the thought of organizing your entire home feels overwhelming, remember you don’t have to do it alone. As a professional organizer, I am here to help you every step of the way. Together, we can create a customized plan that suits your lifestyle and transforms your home into a space where you can thrive.

Ready to take the first step towards a more organized life? Contact me today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can bring order and tranquility to your home. Let’s make your dream space a reality!

Happy organizing!

Resources & Tools

Great List! Tidy.com – Cleaning Checklist

I love these products! I have been using them since 1998! Speed Cleaning Products

This is the best product! The Pill (You can purchase at Lowes or Amazon)

After cleaning your fiberglass shower, wax it! Rain Dance Car Wax

Posted in hope

Resilence Is Our Anchor

Posted on by Lifestyle-by-designs

In times of uncertainty, resilience is our anchor and hope, our compass. Life’s challenges can be overwhelming, and feeling lost or defeated is easy. But resilience isn’t about never falling; it’s about standing back up each time we do, drawing strength from within and from those around us. As winter eventually yields to spring, tough times give way to brighter days, revealing our capacity to grow through the struggle.

Hope, meanwhile, is that quiet voice that whispers, “This too shall pass,” even when everything feels heavy. It’s not about ignoring the difficulties but believing that better things are possible—that there are paths to healing, joy, and renewal. Even in the darkest moments, if we keep that hope alive, no storm can truly shake us.

In unity, we have the power to elevate one another during challenging times. While our circumstances may differ, some individuals navigate life’s journey with ease and comfort, while others struggle to stay afloat in stormy seas. However, these disparities should not prevent us from extending our support and compassion to those in need. Together, we can serve as a beacon of hope during these dark days.

 Let’s face each day with courage and a heart open to the possibility of positive change. Resilience and hope aren’t about having all the answers; they’re about trusting in the journey and our ability to adapt, learn, and thrive.

Peace & Harmony, Cheryl ♥

Posted in Loneliness

Moments of Loneliness

Posted on by Lifestyle-by-designs

In moments of loneliness, we lose sight of the interconnectedness of all beings. The illusion of separateness from the collective whole emerges.

In moments of loneliness, we often succumb to the illusion that we are solitary entities in a world of disconnected individuals. However, this notion is fundamentally flawed. Our interconnectedness with our surroundings mirrors the inseparable bond between a fish and the water it swims in. Just as a fish cannot exist outside of its aquatic environment, we cannot truly be separated from the world we inhabit.

Upon closer examination, the boundaries we perceive as rigid and unyielding reveal themselves to be porous and fluid. Consider the intricate interplay between our skin and the surrounding air. Where does our skin end, and the air begin? This distinction becomes blurred when we observe how our skin responds to changes in air quality. When the air is dry, our skin becomes parched and rough, and when the air is humid, our skin becomes moist and supple. This dynamic relationship challenges our conventional understanding of fixed boundaries and highlights the interconnectedness of our bodies with the environment.

Furthermore, distinguishing the boundaries between individuals can be challenging, particularly when our actions create an unbreakable bond between us. Each action we take has an impact that extends to everyone around us. On a deeper level, when we share a space with another person, we often absorb their energy, subconsciously attuning to their emotions, regardless of our intentions.

When we say that a mood or feeling is contagious, we mean that it can spread from one person to another. This is because we are all connected to the same energetic force that unifies all life. As a result, we are influenced by the realities of the people around us, and we can take on their moods and feelings. The great mystics and gurus encourage us to move toward this unifying force, which is the light that we will dissolve into when we transcend our egos.

When loneliness results from a limited understanding of our true nature, it can act as a catalyst for self-exploration and an opportunity to challenge our perceptions of reality. By questioning the boundaries we believe isolate us from the world around us, we discover that these barriers are not as impenetrable as we thought. This realization dispels the illusion of isolation, reminding us that true solitude is an impossibility.

Peace & Harmony, Cheryl

Posted in New Beginnings

Sharing Our Spaces

Posted on by Lifestyle-by-designs

By opening our homes and sharing their warmth, we spread radiance instead of confining it within closed doors.

Within the sanctuary of our homes, sharing our space with familiar faces brings comfort. However, the intrusion of outsiders, such as unfamiliar cleaners, contractors, or technicians, can disrupt the serenity. Additionally, acquaintances of our partners and friends of our children introduce unforeseen elements that may challenge the established dynamics of our domestic environment.

To fully embrace the presence of spirits, we must refrain from treating them as unwelcome intrusions. By resisting their presence, we impede the natural flow of energy and potentially miss out on the gifts they offer. Alternatively, we can choose to perceive their energy as a valuable exchange and an opportunity for acceptance.

In preparation for their arrival, we can engage in visualization practices. Envisioning a radiant light surrounding our bodies and extending outward from the heart of our homes can help create a welcoming and serene environment. Additionally, we may choose to enhance the atmosphere by playing meditative music or lighting incense, fostering a sense of peace and receptivity.

To alleviate tension for everyone involved, it’s beneficial to securely store our valuables beforehand. Upon their arrival, we can establish and maintain our boundaries by gently guiding them through their visit. This may involve requesting that they remove their shoes, providing a designated area for their tools, and setting an example by speaking softly and avoiding harsh language.

In summary, keep in mind that we gain life lessons through meaningful connections with others. Our homes shouldn’t serve as barriers isolating us from the outside world. Instead, they can transform into welcoming sanctuaries where we embrace and appreciate the presence and gifts of others. By sharing the joy and warmth of our homes, we radiate our inner light rather than concealing it behind closed doors. The more we engage in this practice, the greater the potential for the external world to mirror the peaceful and harmonious environment we have cultivated within our homes.

‘Hospitality is opening your home the same way you open your heart”

Peace & Harmony, Cheryl

Posted in Family

Happy Labor Day Weekend

Posted on by Lifestyle-by-designs

Labor Day: A Celebration of Grit, Gratitude, and the Human Spirit

As summer gently fades into the golden embrace of autumn, Labor Day arrives as a cherished pause—a moment to reflect on the profound significance of work in our lives. For many, it’s a long weekend, a final hurrah before the crisp air of fall settles in. But beyond the barbecues, the parades, and the sales, Labor Day stands as a poignant reminder of the sweat, sacrifice, and spirit that have shaped the world we live in.

Labor Day is more than just a day off; it’s a tribute to the working men and women whose hands have built nations, whose dedication has powered industries, and whose resilience has weathered the storms of economic uncertainty. It’s a day to honor the spirit of those who have toiled in fields, factories, offices, and homes, often with little recognition, to provide for their families and contribute to the greater good of society.

The origins of Labor Day lie in the labor movement of the late 19th century, a time when workers were fighting for their rights, their dignity, and their lives. The laborers of that era endured grueling hours, dangerous conditions, and meager wages. Yet, they persisted. They organized, marched, and protested, demanding fair treatment and respect. Their courage and determination laid the groundwork for the labor laws and protections we often take for granted today.

But Labor Day is not just a historical marker; it is a living celebration of the human spirit. It is a reminder of the power of solidarity, of the importance of standing together in pursuit of a common goal. It calls us to remember that every job, no matter how big or small, contributes to the tapestry of our society. From the nurse who cares for patients through the night to the teacher who inspires young minds, from the housekeeper who keeps our spaces clean to the farmer who grows our food—each one plays a vital role in our collective well-being.

This day also serves as a moment of gratitude. Gratitude for those who came before us, paving the way for safer, more equitable workplaces. Gratitude for those who continue to work hard, often in challenging circumstances, to provide for their families and communities. And gratitude for the opportunities we all have to make a difference through our labor, whatever form that may take.

Labor Day is a celebration of resilience. It’s a day to acknowledge the challenges we face in our work lives, the sacrifices we make, and the strength we find within ourselves to keep going. It’s a reminder that even in the face of adversity, we have the power to create change, lift each other, and build a better future.

As we gather with family and friends this Labor Day, let us take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of this holiday. Let us honor the contributions of workers past and present, and let us recommit to the values of hard work, fairness, and community. And above all, let us celebrate the indomitable human spirit that drives us to strive, to overcome, and to achieve. For it is in our labor, in our collective efforts, that we find the strength to build a brighter tomorrow.

Here are ten family-friendly events and activities perfect for Labor Day weekend:

Outdoor Movie Night: Set up a projector in your backyard or head to a local park that’s hosting a community movie night. Bring blankets, and popcorn, and enjoy a film under the stars.

Family BBQ or Picnic: Gather the family for a BBQ or picnic at a nearby park or in your backyard. Include games like frisbee, cornhole, or a water balloon toss.

Visit a Local Fair or Festival: Many communities host fairs or festivals over Labor Day weekend, featuring rides, games, live music, and food stalls. Check for local events in your area.

Camping Trip: Whether it’s a full-blown camping trip in the wilderness or setting up a tent in your backyard, camping is a great way to bond with the family. Don’t forget the s’mores!

Beach Day: Spend the day at the beach building sandcastles, swimming, and playing beach volleyball. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy by the water.

Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore local trails and parks by going on a family hike or nature walk. Bring along a guidebook or app to help identify local plants and wildlife.

Labor Day Parade: Attend a local Labor Day parade. These events often include floats, marching bands, and various community groups celebrating the holiday.

Outdoor Arts and Crafts Fair: Many towns host arts and crafts fairs over the long weekend. It’s a fun way to explore local artists’ work, and kids often enjoy making their crafts at these events.

Family Bike Ride: Find a scenic bike trail and take a family ride together. This is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors.

Visit a Museum or Zoo: Spend the day exploring a local museum, zoo, or aquarium. Many offer special activities or discounts for families over the holiday weekend.

Happy Labor Day, Cheryl

Posted in Uncategorized

Embrace Yourself

Posted on by Lifestyle-by-designs

Self Love. . . Embrace Yourself!

Through consistent acts of self-kindness, you establish a solid foundation of resilience, strength, and self-assurance. This empowers you to effortlessly navigate life’s challenges and obstacles, allowing you to approach them with unwavering confidence.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, prioritizing self-care might appear like an insurmountable task. Our schedules are brimming with responsibilities, family commitments, and countless obligations that often leave scant time for nurturing our well-being. Nevertheless, dedicating even a few precious moments each day to self-care can have a transformative effect on our overall health and well-being.

Integrating self-care into your daily life doesn’t require drastic overhauls or significant time commitments. Simple actions like taking a brief meditation break, savoring a peaceful cup of tea, having a picnic on the beach, engaging in a short workout, or stepping outside for a few deep breaths can suffice. These micro self-care moments provide opportunities to reset your mental state, enhance energy levels, maintain physical fitness, reduce stress, and foster happiness. It’s crucial to recognize that self-care is not a privilege but a fundamental necessity for achieving a harmonious and balanced life.

The cumulative power of micro self-care is its true beauty. Daily practices, regardless of their duration, can have a significant impact when practiced consistently. These small acts of self-compassion gradually accumulate over time, building a solid foundation of resilience, confidence, and inner strength. This empowers you to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease.

By prioritizing self-care, even for a few minutes each day, you not only enhance your own life but also positively impact those around you. By becoming a more centered, content, and present individual, you enrich the lives of others. Prioritizing self-care is a profound expression of self-love. Whether it’s scheduling it in your calendar or finding moments throughout your day, make time for self-nurturing activities. Your well-being is worth it!

Peace & Harmony, Cheryl

Posted in Uncategorized

Streamline Your Schedule

Posted on by Lifestyle-by-designs

Keep Your Schedule Simple

To prevent burnout, it is essential to streamline your daily schedule and reduce the overwhelming busyness of the day.

In the realm of life, many individuals find themselves trapped in a perpetual cycle of commitments, leaving little space for respite. Paradoxically, true health and happiness often elude those who lack regular periods of downtime. While there is nothing inherently wrong with being busy, excessive commitments and overextension can lead to burnout and exhaustion. In moments of feeling overwhelmed, it becomes imperative to introspect and understand the motivations driving the compulsion to take on so many obligations.

Consider the possibility that fear of no one else accomplishing the task or guilt over not contributing enough is influencing your actions. To achieve balance and declutter your schedule, establish clear boundaries based on your priorities. Doing so will help you simplify your life.

Prioritizing starts with creating two lists: one for well-being-related commitments like work, meditation, and exercise, and the other for activities unrelated to your well-being. While some items on the latter list may be enjoyable, you might realize that a significant part of your time is spent on unnecessary activities.

To streamline your schedule, consider which activities add little value to your life and remove them from your agenda. You may need to ask for assistance, decline requests firmly, or delegate tasks to distance yourself from unnecessary commitments. Shedding non-essential obligations that cause stress, lack purpose, or hinder your ability to recharge will enhance your energy levels and overall enthusiasm for life.

Simplifying your schedule might seem daunting, but it’s crucial to consider the impact of each new commitment before agreeing. Evaluating the hassle associated with unnecessary obligations may reveal that your schedule is hindering your personal growth. Gradually paring down your agenda will empower you to regain control of your life and shape the person you want to be.

Peace & Harmony, Cheryl

Transform your space and your life with our expert organization skills & services! 

Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

 Call or Text us at 860-941-8630 /  Email us at envisionsdesigns@gmail.com

Simplify Your Space, Elevate Your Lifestyle . . . 

Posted in Uncategorized

Funky Friday ♪ ♫

Posted on by Lifestyle-by-designs
https://youtu.be/5AX3DKnpKSA?si=XeqgK3Eu3TQ0K74e

“Music always sounds better on Friday.” 

Have a great weekend!

Peace & Harmony, Cheryl

Posted in Uncategorized

Raise Your Child’s Confidence

Posted on by Lifestyle-by-designs

Raising A Child’s Confidence

Giving your kids the power to be happy on their own is like the best gift ever!

All parents love their kids. We want them to be happy and give them everything we never had. But sometimes, we can go overboard and spoil them.

But here’s the thing: buying your kids a bunch of expensive gifts or trying to make up for your emotional baggage by smothering them with attention might not be the best idea. It could be messing with their growth and development.

Let me drop some real talk! One of the best things you can do for your kids is to help them become independent and self-sufficient. Teach them how to work for the things they want and take responsibility for their happiness. That way, when they’re all grown up and ready to fly the coop, you can rest easy knowing you raised a kid who can handle themselves and make a positive impact on the world.

If kids are always taken care of and not allowed to do things on their own, they may start to think they deserve everything without having to work for it. Sometimes we give our kids too much because it makes us happy, or we don’t want them to get mad at us.

Kids who get all the love, attention, and affection they need tend to be nicer, more generous, and more in charge of their lives than those who get everything they want. They grow up knowing who they are, even if they don’t have the fanciest stuff or the most popular friends. And when they’re all grown up, they realize that everyone’s gotta make their way in the world.

So, you’re giving your kid everything they want, huh? Ever wonder why? Turns out, it might have more to do with you than them. Raising kids to appreciate money and be self-sufficient can be tough, but it’s worth it.

It can be tough to see your kid struggling to reach their goals, but it’s awesome to be there for them when they finally do it. You have to be understanding and compassionate and be there for them. That way, you’re helping them grow up into the best version of themselves.

Peace ♥ Harmony, Cheryl