Three weeks ago, after being out of our home for more than 2 years (it was destroyed & took forever to get on the same page as the insurance company) we moved back home! The amazing thing, even though I teach how your environment impacts you in significant ways, I was astounded by the level of impact moving back home had on our family!

During those 2 years we lived in a beautiful rental in a country club community… but something about the space never felt quite right.

We didn’t love to be there and named the time, “A year of travel.” It was interesting that even spiders stayed out of the home. Actually, on a side note, there is an important reason for me to share that fact… spiders will not reside in a home that is too toxic, especially if it contains high levels of radon. This made perfect sense given that the rental was built on a quarry and there is tons of ledge in the community. So, if your space doesn’t have pesky spiders, you might want to have it checked for radon or other toxins.

No matter how beautiful, clutter-free, and Feng Shui-ed your environment is, it will never feel quite right if it is too toxic.

Here are some of the changes that instantly happened when we moved back home…

-I have more energy, focus, and creativity. There have been days where I am able to get through mountains of work projects feeling like I was floating down a river with ease instead of trudging up the Himalayas.
-My morning runs instead of having them feel like a grind have energized me.
-Shedding a few pounds have just naturally come off.
-My creativity is at a whole new level that I haven’t felt in a few years.
-Even though I have more going on than ever before I feel a deep sense of peace, gratitude, and happiness.
–Family harmony is at a new level.

These are just some of the areas in your life that shift when your home environment is set up to create success, harmony, and happiness in your life.

Begin to connect to whether your environment (home or office) is a strong foundation for you or not. Sometimes it can be hard to assess your environment and it’s impact on you when you are caught up in your regular routine. Taking time to pause, notice, and reflect on your environment can help you determine if you have a strong or weak foundation. Ask yourself these questions…

-Are you feeling energized, happy, feeling less stress, and living your best life?
-When you come home from being away do you love walking into your environment?
-Take a minute to draw a floor plan diagram of your home. Rate each space on a 1-10 of how it truly makes you feel (10=inspired & energized – 1= depleted & frustrated.)
-Also, do you have spiders in your home? (As much as I don’t love spiders, I have a huge appreciation for the information they give us about our homes.)

Taking the time to determine how your home impacts you and whether it is set up to help you create a strong foundation that will support the best version for your life or not, is critical for you feeling less-stressed, vibrant, and overcoming overwhelm.

Happy Soaring!

XOXO

 

 

PS… Did you hear about the FREE Clutter Clearing 14-Day Challenge? Challenge members are saying things like, “It literally took me only 5 min yesterday and another 5 min today. I feel better already!” Click here to join!

Are you beginning to feel like spring is just around the corner?

During this season it is natural to feel an urge to clean and clear. Our brains are innately wired to have this impulse. That is why spring is often synonymous with Spring Cleaning.

In today’s article I am going to share a few Simple Solutions to help you begin the process to clean and clear the air in your home and work environment. (Both are important!)

Also, for those in Boston and the New England area, I will be speaking during Boston Design Week at the newly renovated Junior League of Boston. Join me on the topic of “Happy Home” and see the latest luxe interiors! Click here for your ticket!: https://bdw-christaoleary.eventbrite.com/

Studies have shown that the indoor and outdoor air you breathe is filled with toxins. Unfortunately, the indoor air quality is sometimes 5x more toxic than the air outdoors. So, let’s look at a few Simple Solutions to help you clean and clear the air in your home and work environment.

1-Open Windows
Let that spring air in! Studies show that indoor pollutants get trapped in our indoor environments. Make it a practice to open up the windows and let the fresh air in!

2-Toxic Overload
Speaking of toxins, cut back on the amount of toxic ingredients you allow to enter your environment. We are inundated by toxins in our indoor environments that are found in the cleaning supplies, beauty products, furnishings and building products that are used today. Begin to swap out toxic items you use on a regular basis and exchange for natural products.

3-Toxic Test
If you live in a home that was built before the early 80’s, have it tested for products that were allowed in that era. Although our standards in the US are not that stringent in comparison to Europe, we have improved some criteria in regards to toxins that are part of the building process. Lead and asbestos are two building materials that come to mind. Have your home tested so that you are aware of what you are breathing in each day.

4-Plant Purification
There are several ways to purify the air in your indoor environment. One fabulous way that will also add to the ambiance is to include plants. Plants are a natural air purifier and will help remove chemicals from the air you breathe.

These 4 Simple Solutions will set the tone & tempo for your spring and help you begin to clean and clear the air in your environment so that you can live your best, most healthy, vibrant life!

Happy Soaring!

XOXO

 

 

Photo Credit: Artist Alice Dalton Brown – Blues Come Through, Oil on Canvas, 1999

If you have heard me speak at any point, whether in person, on the radio, Internet or TV you have inevitably heard me say, “Your home either supports and nurtures you or it drains your energy.” This is true on all levels… psychologically, physically, and spiritually. Today I want to make the connection between your home and your physical body. Most people don’t realize what an important role your home plays in your level of health. In this article we will focus on the health of your home & body and give you simple solutions to create the healthiest environment for you.

The air you breath as you walk around outside is filled with industrial pollutants. Studies have shown that the 5 most toxic industrial chemicals were found in the tissues of 100% of those sampled. 100%! This is an important statistic to understand because it suggests that as you and I go about our day we are inadvertently breathing in toxic substances as we walk down the street or go to the park. Unfortunately these toxins become stuck in our bodies and create havoc including dis-ease. Well, if that statistic isn’t bad enough, studies have shown that our indoor environments are many times more contaminated with pollutants than the air we breathe outdoors. The average person brings home 80,000 chemicals in the products they purchase. Let’s look at two…

Fragrance is in so many products that literally touch our lives. According to the National Academy of Sciences, 95 percent of the compounds used to make fragrances are synthetic materials derived from petroleum or petrochemicals in a laboratory. These chemicals are known to create dis-ease in the body. Fragrance has been categorized with second hand smoke. It is in everything from toilet bowl cleaning products to perfume. Begin to eliminate the amount of items that you bring home that have fragrance in them.

Although there is greater awareness in recent years about VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), ambiguity still exists around what they are and the degree to which they impact health. Let’s clear up any questions. “Organic” in “volatile organic compound” signifies that the substance contains carbon. “Volatile,” means that the compound evaporates easily at room temperature. This means it is easy to breath in. Unfortunately, VOCs are actually linked to cancer; respiratory issues; and damage to the liver, kidneys, and the central nervous system. Unfortunately VOCs are in many household products including cleaning products, hairspray, dry-cleaning, carpeting and paint (just to name a few!) VOCs also have a cumulative effect on the body. The more exposure creates more damage. With so many household items off-gassing noxious VOCs, it is important to be proactive in decreasing their impact—or to eliminate them, if possible. One simple solution to diminish the level of VOCs in your space is to choose no-VOC paint. Milk paints and recycled paints are a great option. When you do decide to paint that perfect hue for your home haven, make sure you throw the windows open and ventilate for as long as possible!

Begin to develop an understanding of what you are bringing into your home and breathing in. Your home either nurtures and supports your health or it depletes you and creates dis-ease. Designing a healthful haven will positively impact your health, vitality and overall well-being.

I would love to hear from you! What unhealthy product did you eliminate from your home? Did you switch to something that was healthier? Please share!

Happy Soaring!

XOXO

 

 

Image Credit: lifestyle dot com dot au

Driving by the gym today I noticed the abundance of cars in the parking lot where there are usually only a dozen at any given time. New Year’s resolutions are in overdrive with people’s excitement and determination full throttle. I wonder how long it will last? Statistics say that only 6% of people who set a New Year’s resolution achieve their goal. And, unfortunately only 75% of people even make it through the 1^st week! That being said, it will be interesting to see how long it takes for the gym parking lot to go back to normal capacity.

Do you usually follow through on your New Year’s resolutions?

Do you remember what your resolution was from last year?

Did you make it happen?

How are you going to create success this year?

Two of the top resolutions for 2016 are good health & getting organized. In today’s blog post I will share 3 simple solution to aide you in your efforts for both of these areas so you can have lasting success!

In the book, Home in Harmony: Designing an Inspired Life, I go into detail about how habits control your behavior. More than 86% of your behavior is (blindly) determined by unconscious habitual actions and responses. You can use this as a tool to help you manage your actions, behaviors and goals. When setting resolutions it is important to think about what you are trying to achieve and determine how you can turn your objective into a habit. This slight adjustment in perspective can make all the difference in whether you are effective or not in maintaining your aspiration and being part of the 6% who achieve what they set out to accomplish in the New Year.

If your goal is to create a healthy body or an organized home than lets look at a few simple solutions to help turn both of these aspirations into reality.

First, go through your kitchen cupboards (or any other area of your home that contains food items) and toss items that are unhealthy. Make a commitment to not replenish these items. Instead decide what would be a healthy and suitable substitute. This will help you exchange the items that are draining with healthy versions of whatever you typically consume.

Next, clear out and donate kitchen gadgets you haven’t used in a year. Ask yourself if you are really ever going to use them.  Then, dust off some of the appliances that will help you stay committed to your goals of health and wellness. Put items like your blender or juicer in a spot that is easily accessible. This will allow you to make your healthy, energy boosting smoothies and green juices easily. Having these items in sight and handy acts as a constant reminder to use them and helps fortify the health and wellness objective at hand.

Lastly, add a beautiful bowl of fresh produce on the counter. This will add uplifting color and energy to the space that will rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit. This will also help remind you of your intentions for health and wellness.

As always, I would love to hear about You! In the comments below, please share your goals and aspirations for 2016!

Wishing you incredible success in 2016!

Happy Soaring!

XOXO

 

 

 

photo credit: happynewyearsms2016 dot com

 

 

Happy New Year! I hope your 2015 is off to a fabulous start!

I love this time of year because it makes me reflect on where I have been and where I hope to go. These four questions can help you be in the small 8% of people who reach their goals this year. (I don’t know about you, but I intend to reach my goals and make this my best year yet!) How about you? Try this, answer these simple questions with one sentence that sums up how you feel…

What was your favorite part of 2014?

What did you hope to accomplish in 2014 that eluded you?

What do you hope to create in 2015?

What will make 2015 different and allow you to reach all of your goals?

For those of you hoping to make 2015 your best year and a healthy year, I have included the video below that gives you a super easy Home in Harmony Simple Solution to jump start your healthy New Year and New You! Enjoy!

 

Happy Soaring!

XOXO

 

 

PS… Let me help you reach your goals and create your ideal home, health and happiness! Sign up here for your Free 20 Minute Strategy Call to make 2015 the your best year!

PSS… Don’t wait and let another year go by… this is your year, your life, make every moment count!