School days have begun and with it comes the stress of routine changes, high expectations in all areas and the daunting workload of the year to come.  I am often asked how to best set up a desk for success both in the academic & professional world. Clients also question how to do this when the space or budget is tight. Here are some ideas on ways to launch your student (or you) and set them up with a chic space, no matter the size, and give them the foundation of a space that supports optimum performance.

Studies have shown that your environment impacts your performance. It can help you with the task at hand aiding your productivity, creativity and distractibility. Or, it can hinder all those factors that go into effective work. This determines whether you or your student achieve optimum results. Let’s look at some simple and cost effective solutions for a chic and savvy work space that will help you and those you love get the grades or work performance you hope to achieve.

1. Color

Color is often used to design inspiring interiors but it also can help create an organized space, helpful habits and clear thinking.  Color coordinate subject binders with needed accessory storage containers so that you help your student develop an habits of organization.  For example, if your student has a blue binder for math, make sure that all items associated with math are blue and pick up a blue container to place calculators, protractors and in my case ample erasers.  This will help them focus on the task at hand, math, without getting side-tracked and distracted hunting for needed items.

2. Differentiate the Space

From a psychological perspective it is important to differentiate between spaces to help one’s mind shift into the mindset of the activity ahead.  Maybe you have a favorite reading or relaxation chair, your brain adjusts to the feeling and physical state just by thinking about it.  Creating a space that is designated for a specific activity can help your student get into study mode.  One way to do this in a small space that might be multi-functional is to place a carpet under the desk. This helps to differentiate the space and help trigger the mechanics in the brain that will tell your student it is time to study.

3. Clutter

Clutter is a big distraction to optimum academic or professional performance.  In today’s world we have an abundance of cords that contribute to clutter around our work spaces. Creating plug-in spots that eliminate the cord chaos is ideal. Tying up loose cords with elastics a or ties can calm the commotion.

4. Utilize all Surfaces

Sometimes study spaces can be tight and it is important to utilize every nook and cranny.  Realizing that you can use the walls and ceiling to free up space is key. And, it can help you make a unique statement with your space!  Hanging baskets, dry-erase or cork boards can double your useable area.  Hanging lights from the ceiling can help you free up much needed desk space.

5. Colorful Boxes

Again, I love color! One clever way to make your space vibrant, colorful and organized is to incorporate hat boxes that can hold workspace essentials like paper, envelopes or ink cartridges. There are so many stacking box options in a variety of shapes and colors that can help you manage the items needed to successfully navigate academia or execute professional prowess.

These are just a few ideas to create a chic workspace that will support optimum performance.

If you would like guidance to begin living your Inspired Life feel free to connect with me for a FREE 20 Minute Home in Harmony Lifestyle Private Call by clicking here!

Happy Soaring!

XOXO

I recently had an ad come through my inbox from a furniture company that read, “ A new formula against clutter.” I thought, “Wow, I love the idea and wonder what they could be offering that would be new to someone’s clutter clearing woes?” Even someone who is as orderly and clutter free as I am can have clutter issues creep into their home from time to time… especially with four children who love to collect, collect and collect. Do you ever face the clutter gremlins in your life? In this week’s article we will look at a formula that can tame the clutter!

Excitedly, I clicked on the link that would divulge the new formula.  Well, unfortunately the ad gave me the same square, cubby style bookshelves that have been popular forever. The new formula meant that the company changed the baskets & bins and designed lively colors and patterns that would help make a space unique and fun.  My attention was drawn to this email ad and it made me realize that we all need reminders of when, why and how to tame the clutter gremlins before they grow and takeover your space.

When

For those that consider their space clutter free it is still important to put strategies in place that will ensure that clutter won’t become an issue. Begin BEFORE the clutter gets out of control. For those that know clutter is already an issue creating a strategy to manage the clutter is key. The answer for those that land on either end of the spectrum and those that fall somewhere in-between is the calendar.  Utilize your calendar to create a course of action… a plan.  Depending on your needs determine what needs to be done and by when. Putting a timeline in place to clear clutter or assessing your clutter situation will help you to tame clutter gremlins that can knock on your door.

Why

Why does it matter? I get asked this question on a daily basis. “Mom, why do we have to clean the kid’s office?” or “Why do we have to clean my room?” The answer is simple. Clutter depletes your energy. What do I mean when I say that? It affects you on a conscious and unconscious level. When you have a pile of clutter that needs to be dealt with, it is an item on your to-do list that needs to be completed. It robs you of your energy and weighs you down until you tackle it. It also can create roadblocks for you affecting your life, goals and aspirations. When you can’t find your keys and you are late to work, or the important document that needs to be handed in or sent out is nowhere to be found, or you become frustrated because your favorite shirt is missing. All of these scenarios deplete your energy and create a negative spiral affect on your mood, day and life.

3 How’s

Everything you have in your space should have a place!  Label the place if it will help you or the people you live with! This might be a great time to get some of those storage spaces that can help you to organize your things. When bringing new items into your living environment think about getting rid of something you know longer need or use. This can help cut down on the surplus and overwhelming inundation of items that can pile up in your home. Pick up some fun bins or baskets in your favorite fabrics or colors that will motivate you to keep your space looking great!

I think when it comes to a “new clutter clearing formula” the famous Nike ad that says, “Just Do It!” is more appropriate! Take action today to keep the clutter gremlins at bay!

If you would like guidance to begin living your Inspired Life feel free to connect with me for a FREE 20 Minute Home in Harmony Lifestyle Private Call by clicking here!

Happy Soaring!

XOXO

Are you beginning to feel the heat of summer sizzle along with barbecue grills and s’mores on the bonfire? As the warm winds of summer arrive, people traveling distances to visit family and friends increases. So you might find yourself as a host for the lucky recipient of travelers at your door. If you do, there are ways to be a fantastic host that your visitors will be raving about for years to come! Lets look at the tricks of the trade! In this article we will focus on how to be a hospitable host! Wishing you joyful moments with all those that show up at your door this summer!

Prepare Ahead

When hosting company it is important to be prepared.  There are times in life when “going with the flow” is an essential skill. However, in some situations, like hosting guests, being organized and having a plan is important. Creating a strategy for sleeping arrangements, meal time and itinerary can help make having guests a breeze.

Special Requirements

In today’s world it seems like there are many more allergens than ever before. Asking guests before they arrive if they have any types of needs can help the time spent together flow with ease and grace. It would be unfortunate to only have bagels for breakfast if there is a gluten allergy or to have planned on a seafood restaurant to realize upon arrival that someone has a shellfish allergy.  Avoid the unnecessary scramble and ask before your guests arrive!

Personalize the Space

A thoughtful way to make a guest feel more at home is to take the time to think of a few meaningful things to place in their space. If they are an avid gardener but some books at their bedside about gardening or if you know they love home décor a few home design magazines will uplift their spirit. This extra little touch will make them feel cared for which is nice when one is away from home.

Check the Essentials

Make sure the guest towels and linens are readily available and clean. Place them in a spot that is easy to access and they know is for their use.  An extra blanket can ensure comfort.  I also like to have a basket of extra toiletries for my guests. I often will bring home extra bottles of shampoo and conditioner from hotels around the world. This is a fun way for my guests to choose a smell they love from a destination that speaks to their soul.

My Home is Your Home

Let them know that your home is their home. Show them around your home, especially the kitchen, and let them know they can help themselves to whatever they need. This is especially helpful if they like to have an early morning tea or late night snack.

These are a few simple solutions on being a gracious host. I hope you are able to spend time with courteous, fun and fabulous guests making summer memories that fill your heart and soul.

To read part 1 – Summer Sizzle: How to Avoid Being an Unwanted Guest click here!

If you would like guidance to begin living your Inspired Life feel free to connect with me for a FREE 20 Minute Home in Harmony Lifestyle Private Call by clicking here!

Happy Soaring!

XOXO

Did you know that you can “use” your home to help you change things in your life! Perhaps you are hoping to find a sense of peace, manifest your dream partner, attract abundance in your life, motivate you to be the best you can be, create more self esteem, learn to relax, achieve your personal goals in life, think and act in a positive way, increase your creativity, find fulfillment, stop procrastination, have less stress, achieve success and improve your health! Your home can help you with all of these! In the following article we will begin to uncover how you can use your home to begin designing your ideal life!

Your home is constantly sending you messages on an unconscious level. These messages either support you and your hopes & dreams –Or– they create obstacles that hinder optimal vision. Think of it a bit like a nagging aunt who might tell you again and again that something you are doing is bad. This makes you feel uncomfortable, resentful and brings up a whole assortment of negative feelings. Eventually you tune out that person… but, unfortunately your unconscious is still getting those messages loud and clear! This brings down you and your energy. It is like a tire being deflated every time you see the person or are reminded of them in some way. This is analogous of your home.

This little exercise will help you determine what your home is whispering to you:  As you walk through your home think of it as if it were speaking to you. What is it saying? Does it match your vision, hopes and dreams for your life? Or, is it sabotaging you at every corner?  Are you feeling energized, relaxed and fortified? If not, why not?

The good news is that know matter what the current vibe it is giving you, you can begin to make changes today to support you in any area of your life. For example, if you are trying hard to lose a few extra pounds for the coming season, begin to really notice the items in your home and ask yourself, “Are they supporting my ultimate plan?” If you have cookbooks lining your bookshelves filled with pie and chocolate cake, maybe it is time to put those away and replace with a series on seasonal salads or smoothie recipes. Unfortunately, those calorie-ridden cookbooks literally ‘scream’ at your unconscious sending out messages that block your ardent attempts at weight loss. The same could be said if you are feeling down. Notice what items in your home align with these despondent feelings. Maybe it is time to remove the beautiful picture of the women wistfully looking out at the horizon trying to get a glimpse of her long lost love. Despite the regal beauty of the picture the unconscious connection to love lost and loneliness is evident when you begin to become aware that the items in your home speak volumes to you on many levels. Begin to notice what these items are saying!

Begin to fill your space with colors, furniture and items that bring you pleasure and delight! Find items to put in your space that uplift and align with your dreams & goals. Your home can inspire you to begin living the vision of the best version of you!

If you would like guidance to begin living your Inspired Life feel free to connect with me for a FREE 20 Minute Home in Harmony Lifestyle Private Call by clicking here!

Happy Soaring!

XOXO

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.

If you would like guidance to begin living your Inspired Life feel free to connect with me for a FREE 20 Minute Home in Harmony Lifestyle Private Call by clicking here!

Happy Soaring!

XOXO