How cute is this little dude? He sits on my 11-year-old daughter’s nightstand. She wanted him because the blue and green “matched” her room. (Typical tween.) I agreed to buy him for her because I loved his message.

Hopefully our homes, in general, serve as our Worry-Free Zones, our comfort zones, filled with people and things we love. But I think each of us also deserves our own individual Worry-Free Zone.

I have one: a certain chair in my living room with a view of the front yard. It’s private and quiet, mainly because my kids have no interest in anything in that room so they rarely wander in.

I go there to “re-group.” If I’m lucky, it’s a 3-minute break.  If I’m luckier, I stay longer.

After some time in my Worry-Free Zone, I have a bit more energy, focus and calm. I’m ready to put out the next fire without losing my cool. I’m pretty sure if I did some research, I’d find a scientific study or two to back me up on this. But who has time for research? I do know this: it works for me, especially when I follow these simple rules:

Activities Allowed in the Worry-Free Zone:

• Drinking coffee or other beverage.
• Breathing In.
• Exhaling.
• Thinking (optional.)

Activities NOT Allowed in the Worry-Free Zone:

• Watching TV.
• Using a computer.
• Reading a newspaper.
• Talking on the phone.
• Texting.
• Paying bills.
• Reviewing homework.
• Working of any kind.

So there you have it. And I hope you have it, your own Worry-Free Zone, that is. 

Post a comment and tell me about yours.

Love Your Home,
Sue

Furniture by Hannamint and Target.com

Have I mentioned I love being at home?  I especially love the summertime version of my home.  I love when my wicker furniture is cushioned, my fountain is trickling and the fan in my patio room is spinning. That outdoor space is my sanctuary. I can drink coffee (or wine), read magazines and relax while I watch my kids run barefoot in the backyard, ride their bikes a gazillion times around our property then tire themselves out on the trampoline. 

Inside our homes we love fireplaces, hardwood floors, granite stone counters, and big, bright windows.  That’s because of our innate desire to bring the outside in.  So, doesn’t it make sense to take full advantage of our outdoor space, be it small or spacious, whenever possible?

As a Home-Aholic, I’m saddened when patios, decks, balconies sit vacant on beautiful summer days and evenings or worse, are used simply for… storage .   Ignoring your outdoor space can mean losing out on valuable (and often fabulous) extra square footage for your home. 

I think the trick is to apply indoor design concepts to your outdoors area:

• Create separate functional spaces (for larger outdoor areas) including a conversation area where a few comfy chairs are gathered around a small (coffee) table; an eating area with a table and chairs, a cooking area, a lounging area, and don’t forget a play area for the kids with a storage container for their toys/gear.

• Fire is good and adds romance to outdoor spaces.  If a fireplace or fire pit is not practical, candles are a terrific way to add glimmer to an evening under the stars.  

• Just add water to your space.  Large or small (table-top) fountains are an easy way to create Zen-ness (and can drown out road noise, buzzing AC units, etc.)

• Mix and match furniture.  ”Patio sets” with matching chairs, tables etc. are functional but don’t forget to spice them up with a variety of interesting and useful accent pieces.  Mix a wicker set with a tile-top table and a wrought-iron beverage stand.

• Add fabulous fabric.  Rarely can you go wrong when you toss some brightly colored throw pillows around your space.  Fun outdoor textiles are abundant at most home stores (and Target.)  

• Privatise. If too-close neighbors are an issue, install a simple lattice panel (available at home stores) or a privacy screen using outdoor fabric.

• Cozy it up. If you have only small space like a balcony, pamper yourself with a comfy club chair (and an ottoman) and a few potted plants.  

Step outside the box, take a deep breath (and your favorite beverage) and enjoy that part of your home on the other side of the door.

Love Your Home,
Sue