Spring clean up

So the Holidays are over, and the sun is shining, your thinking about spring and what always follows, spring cleaning. "But where to start?" Having done this in the past week myself, I know it can be a daunting task to take on, there are books off the shelf, new goodies from Holidays, cards, and of course gift cards to spend.

I like to start with garbage bags and bins, a box, and a fabric shopping bag. The garbage bags for the obvious, the trash that just needs to go and recycling that is last years news,  the box for storage items, donations or consignment and the fabric shopping bag for re-gift items. Start in one section and go.  This may take more than a day and sometimes even a weekend, but the end result is worth it. There are many options out there for items that are still good but no longer needed in your home. There are many Shelters, homes, donation locations, and Charity's that can always use good household items. If you prefer making a few $$ instead,  there are websites that are like on line garage sales, eBay and Craigslist are to mention a few.

When tackling your closet there are always shoes, bags, clothes and accessories which just do not work for you anymore. Consignment stores are a great way to clean out your closets but without feeling wasteful, if you select one that has items in it that interest you for a new style, most consignment stores will sell your clothes and you benefit in one of two ways, in store credit for more items or cash.  Now I know there are many for women, but I have heard of consignment locations that take men's clothes as well. If the idea of getting rid of clothes but not knowing which ones haunts you, there is help out there. Many consignment stores will know of people who specialize in closet orginzing or Asking a friend over to share a bottle of wine and try on outfits. They can give you honest opinions and you can make a fun evening of it, you may even be able to trade a few items if your both the same style and size.

And the re-gift bag, this is a great idea, items around your home- never used or lightly used, just received but not suiting to your personal taste will most likely work for someone else. This bag is great to have on hand for on the spot dinner party invites where a host or hostess gift has not yet be thought out, or maybe you discover in friendly conversation that a new or old friends has been looking to purchase that book, DVD or food steamer that aunt Lil gave you last year for your birthday.

I know it feels great to get your home in order, and by donating, trading with friends and selling a few items you feel good about the work you have put in.

Good Luck and check in next week for - Surround yourself with the things you love!

Cheers,
Rebecca

Design for your space

In the last few days I have been reciting a phrase - A home is a direct reflection of the people who live there. This is one of the reasons why  I am passionate about Interior Design. When you come home at night after a long work day, your home should welcome you with relaxation and comfort, not stress and anxiety.You should not feel like going into your home is a job, or the last thing you want to do. Clutter, the wrong paint colour, too much stuff, not enough stuff, surrounded by things you do not like, bad layouts and furniture placement, all these things affect how you feel in your day as well as about yourself.

Your home should make you feel beautiful, strong, empowered, energised, and ready to take on the world each and every day. "But how do I do that?" you ask, with Interior design. A designer can help you select the paint, fabrics, furniture, lighting and "stuff" that will make you want to come home everyday and even better have your friends and loved ones over to show off your homes personality.

Stay tuned for more Design ideas and inspirations weekly.

Cheers,
Rebecca