You Have Homework To Do!

With all of the cold, snowy, bitter weather we are having (brrrrrrr), I thought it was a really good idea for us to revisit a homework assignment we had last year at this time...  

Here are the three simple steps:

Step One: Pick a place in your house where you spend a lot of time--a spot that is visible to you most of the time that you are home... (the picture below is of my office windowsill...what I am looking at right now as I type this).

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Step Two: Put a pretty vessel there with some with water in it...(anything will do--even a drinking glass from the kitchen).

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Step Three: Plunk some pretty stems in it...perhaps ones that caught your eye at the grocery store as you did your weekly shopping.

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TA DAAAAH! Homework done, and I bet there is a smile on your face. :)

At this dreary, drab, cold time of year, I think this simple and inexpensive task is the most important thing we can do around the house to brighten things up and lift our spirits.

HOORAY!

Be sure to do your homework! I know it will lift your spirits and help chase the winter doldrums away.  Once you have your beautiful blossoms, snap a picture of them and share it with me on Revealing Redesign's Facebook page! (Have you "liked" Revealing Redesign yet??)

Creating Peace & Flow For 2014

Back in November, a hike I took with my husband along the Little River just outside of Asheville, NC got me to thinking...

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The water rushed along beside us as we traveled on foot, sometimes roaring with whitewater, other times quiet in pools that seemed almost completely still. A lot of things were deposited on the river's journey--leaves, branches and other items were lodged along the banks, swirling in little pools or stranded high on rocks by receding floodwaters.

With the coming of the new year, we pay attention to time passing, old habits we would like to leave behind, and new goals we set before us. Our lives can be much like a river and as our days rush past, lots of things are also pushed aside because we don't have the time or energy to deal with them. In our homes there are physical items that are washed into the shallows: rooms that seem tired and out-of-date sit there awaiting our attention, our closets, drawers, and corners fill up with items that we haven't had the time to sort or make decisions on.

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Recognizing that our souls bloom more fully when inspired by beauty and soothed by simplicity, we can give ourselves time & quiet to sort through some of those things, and make sure we are surrounded by things we love.   This is a way of slowing the current that is rushing past, and smoothing out the stream bed so things can flow with more ease...

We all have the ability to create peace and flow in our lives, but we don't always give ourselves permission to create it as we so busily rush along. I believe that one of the best ways we can direct the stream of our lives (and not be tossed about by it) is to create a home that supports us with loveliness and simplicity--  much like a giant river rock that the water happily glides over, smooth as glass.

If where we live provides us with a rejuvenating supply of beauty, order and balance, all kinds of amazing things will be possible for us in the coming year. What can you do around your house this week that will help things to flow, and your spirits to lift??

Here's to an amazing 2014!

I Was On The Radio!

This week I was interviewed on the Clear Creative Hour on Intention Radio! Karmen Lizzul, a writing/creativity coach and a dear friend of mine, asked if I would like to talk with her and her listeners about how clutter gets in the way of our creativity (ahem…that NEVER HAPPENS, right?!?).  We talked about setting your workspace up so that it inspires you and makes you the most productive you can be….

Check out the interview here! Lots of fun, and it may just inspire you to try something new in how you work and create.

Let's Go Watch A Movie!

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A few months ago, one of my clients asked if I could help with a downstairs room she hoped could be a more inviting space for her grandchildren to play in, and for her adult children to hang out in when they visited home...

It was just a small space in her finished basement, but I knew that it could be really something special.

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We just needed to find the right elements and this room could become the coziest of places to spend time, maybe watch a movie (popcorn please!), work quietly on the computer away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the house...and of course the little ones could play for hours down here too.  FUN!  Lots of potential here!

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New carpeting, paint, and inviting seating were the first elements to fall into place...

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the desk area was moved to a different wall, and a much loved family toy chest was brought in for the next generation to enjoy...

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The cozy vibe in this space is enhanced by the eclectic mixture of fun elements, such as the collection of art (family treasures as well as new pieces)....

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the addition of interesting textures in the fabrics,  and also the combination of colors and neutrals.

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Wouldn't you love to spend some time in this inviting snug space on a cold winter's evening? I know I would!

Next Thursday!!!

I am SO EXCITED to be starting out 2014 with this!:SO, after the holidays our houses can feel a little DRAB and FORLORN-- or maybe where you live feels that way to you all year??

Next Thursday, January 9th, come and learn how to deal with the Discomforts of Home--a fun evening class wherewe will focus on clearing clutter, creating comfort and finally discovering a home that nurtures and inspires you--YES, your house can do that!!

When: Thursday January 9th, 2014 at 7:30pm Where: Locust Hill Professional Center 327 W Baltimore Pike Media, PA 19063 (across from Wawa Corporate Center) Admission: $12

Email me TODAY to register--especially if you are interested in creating a whole new feeling of possibility and peace in your home in 2014! Spots are limited, since I want to keep the class small and intimate--so don't delay!

Contact: erin@revealingredesign.com

Hope to see you there!!