There is a secret recipe to designing your dreams & making them a reality!

Passion is a start, but it won’t keep you motivated when times get challenging or you begin to feel overwhelmed. In those moments you need to dig deep and stay committed to your dream. You also need to have the integrity & grit to follow through even if it feels overwhelming, scary or uncomfortable. If you don’t push through, you won’t be able to design that dream!

Part of my dream for Home in Harmony is for my client’s to know that they are the center of our world. We don’t want them to just like their spaces, we want them to LOVE their homes! I know that when I return from one of my trips away I want to pinch myself because I love every inch of my space. I want my clients to feel that way about their home! It should be a nurturing nest that rejuvenates and inspires you to be the best you can be!

Our clients must be feeling our commitment, love, meticulous tendencies, and integrity because Home in Harmony just received Best of Houzz 2019 for service! In this week’s article let me explain why these 4 ways of being are integral in designing a life you love. Help us celebrate by going to Houzz and following our page! You can also see our latest design project labeled Hingham!

Last Monday, Boston was having a snow storm that was creating havoc with the flights going out of Logan International Airport. The first leg of my flight to CA was delayed by over an hour which meant that I was not going to make my connecting flight in Phoenix. As I realized there was little chance we would make up time in the air my American Airlines App was telling me that I had been rebooked on a 3:30pm flight the following day. I knew this did not bode well for my 8:30am design client meeting in San Diego! The 3:30pm flight would get me in hours after the scheduled meeting. I began searching my options (thank goodness for inflight wifi!) to see what, if anything, I could do.

Option 1 was to stay in Phoenix overnight and catch the 3:30pm flight the airline had already rebooked me on. Of course, I would make the best of it by finding a beautiful hotel! My search concluded that The Phoenician was a great option. I always love checking out luxury hotel décor and the spas at this type of resort are usually a great resource for bathroom inspiration!

Option 2 was to figure out what the last flight was that headed to San Diego, knowing that I would continue on without my luggage. It would be me, my pocketbook and laptop. At that late hour, I would have to find a 24 hour pharmacy to pick up a toothbrush, hairbrush and a few other essentials.

As uncomfortable as it was… I chose the option #2.

Why?

There were a few drivers that led me to my decision.

First, I knew my 8:30 a.m. client had a limited window that she had rearranged to see me before she was flying out to Nashville the next day. I was making the trek out to the West Coast and although I thoroughly enjoy sitting in a luxury spa being pampered, I love designing beautiful spaces that recharge my clients!

Designing beautiful spaces is my passion & definitively my purpose! This love, excitement & commitment guides my inner GPS that keeps me moving me towards my dream, even when things get uncomfortable.

What drives you even when it is uncomfortable?

Can you name it?

Because of Home in Harmony’s growth & expansion, we recently hired a new design assistant.  I knew that she was the right fit when we started talking about time commitment! I told her that it might be a good idea to put a structure in place so that she didn’t feel like she needed to be at Home in Harmony Headquarters all of the time and that I didn’t want her to “burn out”. She insisted that this was energizing her and she could eat, sleep and breathe design. (Don’t worry, I won’t let her actually do that!) But, it was so refreshing to be in the presence of someone who feels as passionate as I do about my craft! I know that working actually nourishes my inner spirit. It is important to find something that uplifts and energizes you.

What energizes you so that you could do it all day?

I am often asked what subcontractors I use for painting, electrical, plumbing, flooring, etc. I am very choosy with whom I will refer. That said, I have a go-to hardwood flooring guy (let’s call him Alex) that I am always happy to send client’s his way. Alex and his team go above & beyond when they are installing or refinishing hardwood floors. A few years ago, they were doing my home… they had arrived at the home to inspect the finished product of their work and to ensure that after 3 days it was fully cured (dried).  I will never forget how respectfully adamant Alex was about the floors not being fully dry and he did not want us to walk through the house in our socks. He didn’t want any dust from our socks to ruin the beautiful dark finish. We respected his wishes because he was so meticulous and proud of his creation! He was a true craftsman. True craftsmanship is becoming harder & harder to find.

What are you meticulous about in your life and proud to do?

Integrity allows you to be in a mindset & spiritual space of alignment. When you are in alignment things gracefully flow and the people you connect with feel your sincerity. Coming from a place of integrity allows those that surround you to feel a sense of trust & security. This is a game changer for every relationship in your life! When people trust you, they know that you will do what is right in all circumstances. You have their back. You say you’re going to do something, and you do it. Without excuses.  This is a foundational pillar of the Home in Harmony business model. Integrity. Integrity is one of my favorite words.

Are you in alignment with your integrity?

These 4 concepts guide, move and fuel me as I lead Home in Harmony and as a team, we navigate the world of interior design and travel along this path striving to be the best we can be for our clients, the homes we make an imprint on and the lives we touch.

 

 

 

I want to take a minute to say “Thank You!” for your patience!! You haven’t seen or heard from me in a bit (about 11 months) and I wanted to give you an explanation! I know that some of you have reached out to say, “Where are you?” and “I miss you”. Thank you for the constant reminders that this is an important part of Home in Harmony!! That said, there is a reason that I took the time off from writing my blog & newsletter, let me explain…

I believe in focusing on one thing at a time and doing it really well. We live in a culture that is scattered & frenetic… this can be overwhelming! Can you relate? Do you race from one thing to the next, never fully completing your goal or at least, not completing the things well? When things in your life are not completed well, you lose the opportunity to be satisfied with each endeavor or proud of your accomplishment. When you don’t actually complete the things or opportunities that come up it creates clutter & overwhelm in your mind and energy. Both of these things deplete, create stress and anxiety.

My number 1 goal for 2018 was to open Home in Harmony Design Studio & Store. I plunged in head first. I knew that I would need to let some things go to make space for this new endeavor… especially if I wanted to do it well.

So, I wanted to say “Thank You” during this time of year which can be reflective and full of gratitude. In honor of these sentiments.. here are some simple ways to include gratitude into this season…

The message of gratitude can sometimes get lost as the holiday decorations come out and the marketing machine of consumerism has one thinking thoughts that have moved beyond the Thanksgiving pumpkin pie to contemplation of festive Egg Nog. Let’s look at what gratitude is and living in a state of gratitude as we move through the season ahead.

Gratitude is an emotional state of appreciation and thankfulness. This is often confused by a consumer-driven emphasis placed on needs and wants. It is interesting that the Thanksgiving holiday based on gratitude is juxtaposed with the consumer driven frenzy of current-day Christmas. When thinking about the two holidays I am amazed at the range of sensations that arise within me. Emotions range from calm to overwhelm while physical responses run the gamut from deep breathes to a clenched jaw. Moving into the season of stress light, it is important to incorporate practices that will foster a sense of gratitude that encourages balance and calm.

Gratitude Journal:

My personal favorite gratitude practice is the gratitude journal. For me, it is a beautiful way to begin each day. It sets the tone for the day ahead and reminds me what I am grateful for, what went well the previous day and makes me walk through my day consciously looking for things that fill me with gratitude.

Gratitude Share:

We have a family gratitude ritual with our children on the nights we are able to incorporate family dinners into the rigorous extracurricular schedule. We go around the table with each person mentioning something they are grateful for. This could be something that happened that day or a continuous circumstance that they are thankful for. There are some nights where they aren’t excited to share anything and instead revert to “I’m thankful for mom’s dinner”. Regardless of what is shared it gives my husband and I a good barometer for where they are mentally. It also instills the practice of being consciously connected to gratitude.

Gratitude Tablescape:

A few years ago we began a tradition during Thanksgiving Dinner to write what we are grateful for on the family tablecloth. I found a neutral ivory linen cloth (you can use a tablecloth or runner) and some fabric markers to begin this tradition. We would write the one thing we were grateful for during the past year, sign it and date it. The fabulous thing about this tradition was that each year you could look back and see what your thoughts were in previous years and it also made you think of what truly filled you with gratitude that was important enough to place on the cloth for your future self to see. I am also able to see what thoughts inspired my beloved grandmother, with her wisdom and grace. This reminder warms my heart and makes me thankful for the years of love and guidance given by this beautiful angel who now watches over our Thanksgiving Dinner.

Including the practice of gratitude in your life can help to move you from overwhelm and stress to a state of blissful balance. Daily, weekly or yearly habits and traditions can consciously connect you to gratitude, which is directly linked to a sense of happiness and well-being… the perfect gift during the holidays.

Happy Soaring!

XOXO

 

 

Picture credit: buyerselect dot com/blog/fall-home-decor/

Happy New Year!

The New Year is an obvious time of reflection and a chance to decide what we want to create for the year ahead. Both are important, otherwise you get stuck in the same place (figuratively and literally) year after year.

So, what were your dreams that you envisioned would come to fruition in 2017?

Can you remember back to 1/1/2017 and what your hopes and dreams were on that day? Take a moment and really connect to what that was.

Was your goal or resolution to get more organized, feel less stress, lose weight, quit a bad habit, work out more often, travel more, make better financial decisions, self improvement, create success in your work world, live in a beautiful space or meet your soul mate?

Did you make it happen?

The reality is this… 41% of people in our culture create goals for the New Year. Unfortunately studies show that 90.8% of those that set a resolution will fail.  And, nearly half of those individuals who set resolutions will have forgotten about their goals in the first 30 days.

So, how can you make this year different? Better? How can you stick to your ideal vision that is summarized in your New Year’s Resolution?

Well, the answer is simple… you need a plan and a partner!

Let’s use the example of clearing clutter….

Plan:

You need a plan to clear the clutter in your home and brain. You are tired of being disorganized and feeling overwhelmed. It always feels like there is more stuff than space. Can you relate?

It is time to design a plan that is easy and actionable. Something that allows you to do small chunks each day. Each day you choose a space (preferably small) that you can clear and organize. This daily actionable routine helps it be top of mind, which allows it to develop into a positive, life-affirming habit.

Break the pieces down in to small parts. The reason that the Clutter Clearing 14-Day Challenge is so effective is that each “task” is small and simple. I had one mother share with me that her 8 year old did the challenge with her. If an 8 year old can do it, so can you. That’s the point; make each step in your plan so simple that an 8 year old can do it!

Partner:

Having someone hold you accountable to your vision is a tested and proven method to reach your goal… whatever it is!

Similar to the mom who shared that she and her daughter did the Clutter Clearing 14-Day Challenge together, it is important to find someone who knows you have made the commitment and will hold you accountable. Find a friend, family member to cheer you on or hire an expert or coach to guide you. Make sure it is someone who is truly in your corner. Statistics show that having an accountability partner exponentially increases your ability to reach your goals.

Taking the time to assess the achievement and failure of your past New Year’s resolution and goal is a great way to determine how successful your efforts will be in 2018. Don’t let this be another year where, as Alphonse Karr said, “the more things change, the more they stay the same”.

Break out of the mindset trap that keeps you stuck in the same place. You deserve to design a life that is exceptional!

The time is now. The person is you. Make a plan that will work today!

Happy Soaring!

 

 

PS…Now that the holidays are over, let’s focus on you! Let’s make this your best year yet. My goal is to give you a strong foundation starting today to help you feel happiness, less stress and confidently in control of your life!  That is why we created the Holiday Rescue Package! It will give you tools to create a strong foundation for your life now and for all of 2018!

 

Image Credit: wonderopolis dot org

 

 

 

We see the images of people fleeing their homes in the flood soaked communities in Texas. It is hard to imagine the fear and uncertainty that has enveloped their lives and become their new reality. In less than 24 hours their world has changed forever.

Forever.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We all pray that the water will recede and it will end the suffering. But, in reality, it is just the beginning of their journey to put their homes, lives and community back together. Let’s take a minute to send prayers, love and light to those impacted by the hurricane waters that have overwhelmed the lives of those in Texas.  If you can do more by sending needed supplies I encourage you to make the effort to give to those in need. Our Home in Harmony community can make a difference for those that have lost the foundation they call home.

Blessings,

XOXO

 

 

 

Do you have a big imagination?

Your imagination can be a huge asset or it can turn your life upside-down. I share this because often times with the New Year people are excited and nervous about what will transpire in the year ahead.

Take a moment to answer these 3 questions…

• What are you excited about in 2017?
• What are you nervous about in 2017?
• What is the movie reel playing in your mind’s eye showing you what is going to happen in 2017?

The movie reel is your imagination. Sometimes your imagination can leave you tossing and turning in bed at night because you are worried about something and your imagination takes you down a scary path.

At other times your imagination might create a beautiful, grande picture.

Well, it is important to know that what you focus on multiplies in your life. Knowing this and using it to your advantage can help you design the life of your dreams.

Take the three questions above and notice what thoughts, ideas and pictures come into your brain when you are worrying or dreaming about what is on the horizon. Becoming conscious of these different thought processes will help you turn them up or turn them off.

Begin to notice when your imagination detours down the path of negativity and self-sabotage. Shift gears and change that mental picture. Create a positive affirmation that can offset that image.

Allow you imagination to flow gracefully when it moves down the path of designing inspired events and situations that are on the horizon. Turn it into a movie reel where you can hit rewind, and watch over and over again. Make a point to focus on this movie reel in the morning when you get up and at night before you go to bed.

This singular focus will help to expand and solidify what you are hoping to create in 2017. The laws of quantum physics take over when you focus on anything, expanding the possibility and creating more of it in your life.

Begin to notice your thoughts, positive or negative. This will give you a sense for why your current life looks the way it does.

If you want to design a life you love use your imagination to create a movie reel that fits the vision you hope to create in 2017!

Happy Soaring!

XOXO

 

 

 

Photo Credit: shutter stock dot com