Redecorate, Revive and Stimulate

Many times when we think of redecorating our homes, we often just move through it as if it is just another project. Often, as we begin new projects, they start with excitement but soon turn into just another project and another task on our already endless life list. Before it is over, we are overwhelmed and stressed about the money we have spent trying to create the atmosphere we want.
During this time last year, while working full time, caring for two children as a single parent and operating a business. I then decided to load my plate even more and redecorate to organize my life. Becoming more overwhelmed, I developed insomnia, migraines and was simply at my peaked point. One night while unable to sleep, I picked up one of the many unread books I purchased and began reading hoping to offset the insomnia.
Picking up that book was one of the most life transforming things I could have ever done. The book was called Heal Thyself for Health and Longevity, by Queen Afua http://www.stylistemporium.com/hethforheand.html . As I began to read, it felt as though the pages were speaking directly to me. This book touched on every negative aspect of my life that was causing me stress. It spoke to me about my home, mind, health and spirit.
Therefore, in moving forward with my blog message, I am using a few lessons I learned regarding our homes and redecorating. The first and most important lesson is that, just as our bodies and our minds are temples, so is our home. It is meant to be a place of tranquility, peace and serenity. Our home should be our retreat from the daily grind and pressures of life.
However, before undergoing a major redecorating transformation, you have to put your mind in a peaceful state. Thus, you may find these tips so useful that the transformation is actually minimal. The first thing you should do before redecorating is to clean your home temple, releasing it from clutter, negativity, and loud intrusive sounds.
One of the best ways to relieve stress is getting rid of clutter. We all accumulate items the longer we reside in a place, unaware of how much it really accumulates until we either move or begin cleaning. Simply put, clutter creates stress.
So, how do we begin this daunting task? We start by creating an atmosphere that is peaceful. Start by playing perhaps some smooth jazz or classical music when winding down your day. Many people think that smooth jazz or classical music is a stimulant to relaxation. However, it is also an energizer. Perhaps, you are picking up after your child and playing the soothing music. Time will have passed and before you know it, you have done more than you realized.
Next, get everyone in your home on the path to peace. One of the great ways to accomplish this is by burning perhaps scented oil. My preference happens to be sage because it cleans your home and the scent is surprisingly effective on your mental out look. It revitalizes the mind and burning it in your home will assist in revitalizing every member in your home. The best way to burn sage oil is to use only the purest essential oil you can find. Sage is extremely potent oil, so even a small oil burner will serve as an effective device. You can buy an oil burner http://www.stylistemporium.com/oilwarmers.html and place a tea light candle in it and let it fill your home or you can try my preferred method and get and old saucepan, and fill it with half way with water. Place the pan of water on the stove and pour a few drops of the oil in with it. Let the water and oil come to a roaring boil and turn the fire off. The scent of the oil mingled with the steam will fill your entire home unlike anything you have ever experienced, creating a lasting scent an immediate peaceful environment.
Here are a few more tips that worked when cleaning and redecorating my home. They proved less stressful and actually enjoyable. In addition, unbelievably, they were economically reasonable.

Take it down a notch - This simply means, learn how to speak in a quiet calming matter in your home. Moreover, because we lead by example, soon everyone in the home will follow suit.


Clear the clutter - Move tables and furniture to open space up, creating a less cluttered feel. That simple act takes stress down tremendously while adding a new look.


It is all in the display - Invite guests into your home with a welcoming wreath on the front door. These are easy to get or you and your children can have fun making one, allowing for a conversation topic with your guests.


Cut the Distractions Out - Remove televisions and video games from the space where you often have guests, like perhaps your living room and attractively display magazines and books. This will provide or a less cluttered feel as the family moves to other areas of the home for entertainment and it will provide your guests a more warm and inviting atmosphere. In addition, it can serve as your place of retreat. The magazines will allow for great conversation pieces, which allow you to really visit and converse with your guests. They will leave your home feeling wonderful especially, if you have the sage scent lingering in the air.


It is all in the display - Place candles attractively throughout safe areas in your home http://www.stylistemporium.com/candles.html . Use the candles to replace the many knick-knacks we may collect over time but are now collecting dust. Display those treasures in one place like a glass enclosed curio cabinet where they will attract less dust and minimize your chore time. The candles not only provide beauty, but will also add to creating that soothing effect.


You Can Love your Kids without their Arts & Crafts - Now, this is an extremely serous one. School age children spend more time creating art at school than they do learning. I have come to the conclusion that this must be true, because my home was so full of their projects that I just knew they were going to be world renowned Artists when they grew up. And, the more kids, the worse it was. We mothers especially feel as if we have to keep everything to show our undying love and devotion to our little Artists. In addition, we can actually do it. Simply put them to work with your assistance and create an art board. Make your children in charge of it and have them post their projects on it and keep it updates. In addition, help them create an art trunk. You can accomplish this by purchasing the large plastic totes with the tops and having the kids decorate it to match their personality. As the art board becomes full, the kids can take the oldest art down and place it in the art trunk sliding it under their beds in their rooms. By the time they turn 18, the art board will be empty and you will have their treasured keepsakes stored in one place.
I hope you enjoyed these little tips and tricks and sincerely hope you try them. Once you have accomplished some of these ideas, you should feel less stressed and your home should have taken on a new vibe.
My next blog will continue to take us on the journey of home transformation and redecorating. We will discuss low cost, time saving, tricks and tips to make everyone entering your home think you did an entire make over.
Warm Regards,
www.stylistemporium.com
Here are a few reference links to revert to in transforming your temple home:
http://www.stylistemporium.com/candles.html
http://www.stylistemporium.com/beautifulglass.html
http://www.stylistemporium.com/puesoi.html
http://www.stylistemporium.com/hethforheand.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_12018_place-houseplants-around.html