Home Sanctuary

Happy Valentine's Day

I've always believed that Valentine's Day is way too commercialized. I mean, when you see television ads showing women getting cars from their sweethearts, you can pretty safely say our expectations have been raised to unrealistic levels.

Now, I love chocolates and flowers just as much as the next girl. Chocolates more than the flowers, actually. I will never turn them down.

But I choose to make Valentine's Day more than a duty for my hard-working dude to fulfill. It is a day to celebrate the love that is all around us....and not just between the two of us. We've always made this day about filling our kids' "love tanks," with a special meal and cards for them. Some years, I've done all the work to put together something nice, and other years my husband has mysteriously received the "Valentine anointing" and taken it upon himself to come up with ideas.

This year, for the first time in forever, it will be just the two of us again. Them kids just up and left us to go get edjucated. I will make a nice dinner, complete with dessert(!), but cards will be optional. I've got myself a winner of a man and that is enough. I cannot possibly ask for more.

Today, I want to wish YOU all the love in the world. You, my gentle readers, are the reason I pop out of bed in the mornings to put the finishing touches on  a blog post and answer emails.

I look forward to seeing you here each day, and you all brighten my life with your wit, your realness, and your sweet, sweet hearts.

Thank you for your friendship and love, and for your faithful presence here. I feel like I've been on a grand journey with the greatest company of friends a girl could ask for.

I love you.

 

To celebrate, I've got some Valentines for you to download and enjoy. If you are needing some last minute cards, you can print these and give them away! Each is a 4" square and would be best printed on cardstock.

 Download Valentine1

 

Download Valentine2

 

And three more, with smaller Valentines to cut out:

Download ValentineA

 

Download ValentineB

Download ValentineC

Today's Small Thing is to share some love. Reach out to someone around you and wish them a Happy Valentine's Day. Bake something, write a note, make a phone call, give a hug....it's up to you.

POINTS: 60 sloppy, sappy lovely points to help you enjoy your day

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Love Note

How to Arrange Clutter So it Looks Good

Clutter is a problem. It's my problem and it's probably yours too...just guessin'!

In fact, clutter is main cause of Decorating Fails. I've been sharing with you the simple decorating mistakes I see as I visit with clients in their homes: #1 is poor lighting choices, and #2 is furniture scale and placement. Go check those posts out if you missed 'em. It was fun to tackle those two together, wasn't it?

Now, Decorating Mistake #3 is this: Too durn many cluttery decor items...which pretty much defeats any decorating scheme you're aiming for.

There are three solutions for cluttery knick-knacks and collections.

1. Remove them. Have a garage sale or call a dump truck.

2. Store them.

3. Arrange them.

I'm going to focus on arranging "cluttery decor" today because it's so much more fun than the first two, which we all know we need to do anyway. And sometimes, when I start arranging things into a pretty display, it helps me "remove or store" the other clutter joyfully because I'm so jazzed about how the room looks!

One of my favorite tricks is to give tchochskys an anchor.

An anchor can be a piece of fabric, a tray, a plate, a basket, a large book..anything that pulls a bunch of different items into ONE cohesive arrangement.

 

Below is my coffee table. I've used a simple runner as my anchor to 8 items. Without the anchor, it would look like I threw a bunch of things on it without any forethought. The runner brings everything together and gives me a perameter for my arrangement. I won't set a random knick-knack on there now because it won't "fit" the grouping.

 

Here, I've used a woven placemat to anchor a vase and lamp. The color and texture "warms" the black side table and glass vase, and makes them work with the rest of the room.

 

In the photo below, I've used a vintage tablecloth to anchor well, pretty much anything I decide to put on my table. It is a FIGHT to keep junk (mail, purses, keys) off of it, but because I've gone to the trouble to arrange three items from my kitchen, it is worth the effort.

 

I grabbed a little metal bread plate to put under the loose coffee and creamer in my kitchen. Without the plate, those two things were always running away....now they look like ONE object instead of two, making my counter FEEL less cluttered, even though I actually added an item. It's like magic.

 

A serving tray works great! A grouping of three things at various heights is perfect.

 

I love baskets, and use them wherever I can. Wire baskets are my current fave and this one holds some things from my daughters' weddings.

 

A chicken-wire basket holds several of my paintings in my office. It takes the "messy" out of it and makes it look charming. I've even got an anchor for my anchor: a weathered piece of wood gives it a little more "weight."

Are you getting the idea?

 

Today's Small Thing is to PLAY with your decorative items that just look cluttery right now....and make an arrangement using an anchor.

This is fun! Move some items to another room (or closet) so can think straight. Now, make an arrangement with what's left by adding an anchor or container. Shop your house to find things with different heights, shapes and textures and see what works together. Stand with your hands on your hips and eyes slightly squinted as you consider the possibilities. Cock your head to one side and purse your lips. Yes, your arrangement is truly INSPIRED.

POINTS: 50 for getting to play with pretties! Your sanctuary should be a reflection of YOU - your things and your interests. Use "just enough" of them at a time so you can truly enjoy seeing them.

I'd love to see pics of your anchored arrangements! You can email them to me (rachelanne @ homesanctuary(dot)com) if you'd like. And leave a comment....are you inspired to take your cluttery decor to a new level? What are you playing with today?

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Furniture Scale and Placement - Decorating Mistake #2

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No Small Thing Today

Good Morning, Company Girls! I went beyond my limits last night, trying to work on a technical web project for which I am wholly unqualified for. I looked at the clock at 9 pm, and only a few minutes later it was midnight! I'm not sure if I entered a time warp or if my brain got warped, but something happened in those few minutes. Anyway, I've got a bunch on my plate today so I will see you back here on Wednesday. With love, Rachel

Permanent Base Camps

Like the experienced climbers of mountains, such as Everest, I know the value of setting up base camps. Base camps are established at locations part way up the climb, for climbers to acclimate to the altitude, gather supplies and wait for weather to clear for their final assault on the summit.

Sadly, some climbers and supplies never have a chance to make it past the base camps. They might have a great view of the distant peaks, but the weather conditions are never perfect enough continue further. So there they sit, day after day, waiting for their chance at glory. They have gone to all the trouble of bringing their freeze dried food and oxygen. Their gear and supplies are completely assembled and ready, but it will do them no good as they cool their heels half way up the mountain.

I've got several base camps set up at my house. They are deliberate stopping places for things I intend to sherpa on to their ultimate destinations. The corner of the kitchen counter, the top of the dryer, the dining room table, to name a few. The bottom step of our stairway seems to be the most frequently used camp. I set items there as I pick up around the house so that I can take them upstairs to their true resting places where they belong. Shoes, books, backpacks....neatly stacked and waiting. Sometimes, the items make it to the top of the steps and then have to wait at another base camp before continuing on. Tops of dressers, the end of the bed, the bathroom counter. 

So close.....and yet so far.

The base camps serve an important purpose. These areas allow me to assemble miscellaneous items that need to be put away so I can be efficient with my efforts.  Why make 5 trips up the stairs when one trip will do?  The problem is, these camps are meant to be temporary, not permanent. 

Today's Small Thing is to break down a base camp at your house. Take those items you've assembled and put down part way along the trek, and ferry them to the summit of their existence. The top of the world! Their destiny! The very places they belong.

I will tackle the corner of my desk, the bottom step and the edge of the counter today.  Rather than taking those supplies half way and leaving them at yet another base camp until perfect conditions arrive, I will don my courage and make a final assault to victory!

Each!

POINTS: 20 per base camp disassembled, limit 4 (80 pts max)

Where are your base camps located? 

Snappy Dresser and Company Girl Coffee

An older gentleman friend passed away a couple of years ago, and it was a true “home going” for a wonderful Christian man.  Asa Holleman had come to know Jesus in his thirties and gave his whole adult life to serving him through his business and vocational life.  He was 82 when he died, and he left behind a wonderful family and the great love of his life, Billie, his wife of 62 years.  He sure knew how to love that sweet lady, and those two gave all of us something to talk about. They were still flirting with one another until the end. I believe he was caught pinching her bum in the church kitchen when he thought no one was looking. How great is that?

Besides being known for how he loved his wife, Asa will always be remembered for being a snappy dresser.  I think I’ll always picture him in his bright green sport jacket and cream colored pants.  Not everyone can get away with an outfit like that, but he sure could.  It went well with the twinkle in his eyes and the smile he always sported. He pulled it off with warmth and charm.

I’ve always kind of wanted to be a snappy dresser myself, but the truth is, the closest I’ll ever come to it is by HAVING a snappy dresser. 

I love this dresser (and the stuff on it) from Pottery Barn:

Mine (cough) is not nearly as stylish. It’s is currently under a layer of dust, littered with receipts and loose change, and in desperate need of an overhaul. Today it’s more like a gauche dresser.

Today’s Small Thing is to clear off your bedroom dresser in a snap!

  I know mine will only take a few minutes to look dapper again. A light dusting, a quick removal of the miscellany and a deft straightening of the decor will have my dresser back in style.

POINTS: 40 for having a snappy dresser today

Oh, alright. How about 30 MORE points for BEING a snappy dresser today? Put something on with a bit of style! A necklace, a scarf, a bright blouse....who says heels are just for going out? Sometimes I dress up a little when I'm around the house because it makes me feel professional and productive - you should try it! 

Have fun...and then tell us: what will you put on that says "snappy?"

 

 

Now, how about a little bit of Company Girl Coffee? I got SO behind on everything this past week...emails, art, visiting last week's blogs....I can hardly believe that it's Friday again! If I owe you an email, I apologize! I'm trying to catch up.  This weekend I'll be out of town, visiting our college son but I'm going to really try and get around to visit everyone. Link up! It's a fun and easy way to get to know some really great ladies and their blogs.

 

 

I Missed Groundhog Day, Again

In honor of Groundhog Day several days ago, I thought I'd repeat a task we've done before...because it's worth repeating. And repeating.

I flipped my head over to blow-dry the back of my hair upside down. That's what the beauty experts always tell you to do in order to give your hair some extra oomph. While I was upside down, I got a perfect view of the vanity space beneath the bathroom counter, where there is supposed to be a chair for sitting in to apply makeup. 

"Huh!"  I said to myself. "There's a hair clip on the floor. I should pick that up." But I finished drying my hair, brandished the curling iron around my head, damaged the ozone layer by spraying my "freezing" aerosol hairspray, and promptly forgot about the lone hair clip.

The next day, I flipped my head over to blow-dry the back of my hair upside down. While I was upside down, I got a perfect view of the vanity space beneath the bathroom counter.

"Huh!" I said to myself. "There's a hair clip on the floor. I should pick that up." But I finished drying my hair, brandished the curling iron around my head, damaged the ozone layer by spraying my "freezing" aerosol hairspray, and promptly forgot about the lone hair clip.

The next day, I flipped my head over to blow-dry the back of my hair upside down............well, I'll bet you know where this story is going.

Yes, the lone hair clip.

I ask you: How many times must I stare at the same items, left day after day, without so much as MOVING A MUSCLE to pick them up??  When I finally picked up the hair clip and popped it into the drawer, I realized that it took no effort whatsoever to do something that has bothered me longer than that horrid Sonny and Cher song, "I've Got You, Babe."

Today's Small Thing is to make the "Groundhog Day Syndrome" disappear by finally doing something different: picking up that receipt that has sat on the edge of your dresser since Christmas, or straightening the lamp shades that bug you day after day. Maybe you see a piece of painters' tape on a baseboard or still have one Christmas pine cone that never made it to the storage container. Maybe it's an old razor in the shower or a coffee cup that is in the garage. Every. Single. Day. you look at that small thing and think, "I really should do something about that," and then.... you walk on by.

I can't promise that your life will suddenly come together, like in the movie with Bill Murray, but maybe you'll feel so happy about taking care of that silly, niggling little item that you'll be ready to accept that job promotion or find love right before your eyes! Hopefully, you'll never have to hear "I've Got You, Babe," again.

It could happen!! POINTS: 40 for taking care of some little thing that's been bothering you.

BONUS POINTS: 20 for letting us know what you've been ignoring, even though you've thought about doing something about it.

Water

I'm looking out for you, ladies.

That's why today's post is about helping you do the right thing. I don't want you to shrivel up into a little dried up raisin-woman who can't take care of business because you're dehydrated.

That's right. I'm going to stand here and make sure you drink your 8 glasses of water today. As women, we are often so busy taking care of everyone else - and everyTHING else, that we don't take care of our own selves the way we should. Plus, you can't order your kids around with your tongue stuck to the roof of your mouth because you haven't been drinking enough water.

Here are just a few benefits of drinking water, courtesy of Fitday:

1) Drinking Water Keeps You Young

Drinking plenty of water is great for your skin. If you don't drink enough water, you'll suffer from dry skin, and you'll be likely to use more creams and lotions to moisturize. However, creams and lotions don't strike at the root of the problem. Drinking plenty of water keeps your skin moisturized and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

If you don't drink enough water, your body will try to retain it in order to conserve resources. This retention makes your skin puffy and can even lead to bloating.

2) Drinking Water Helps You Lose Weight

There's a reason why most diets and fitness programs ask you to drink a lot of water. One of the benefits of drinking water is that it helps you lose weight.

Water suppresses your appetite, so you don't eat as much. Drinking plenty of water also prevents fluid retention, because your body won't try to retain water if it's getting enough.

Drinking water also helps your body burn stored fat. If you're not drinking enough water, your liver will be forced to help your kidneys detoxify your body. When you drink plenty of water, your kidneys don't need any extra help, so your liver will be able to metabolize stored fat more efficiently. Drinking water flushes toxins from your body and prevents constipation.

3) Drinking Water Helps You Build Muscle

Another benefit of drinking water is that it makes your muscles stronger. That's because water carries oxygen to the cells of your body, including those of your muscles. Drinking plenty of water enables your muscles to work harder and longer before they feel tired, and this can help you build muscle.

4) Drinking Water Makes You Smarter

Drinking water can increase your cognitive function. Your brain needs a lot of oxygen in order to function at optimum levels. Drinking plenty of water ensures that your brain gets all the oxygen it needs. Drinking eight to ten cups of water per day can improve your levels of cognitive performance by as much as 30%!

Drinking plenty of water also supports nerve function. It ensures that your body's electrolyte levels remain high enough to allow your nerves to relay messages to and from the brain in the way they were meant to.

5) Drinking Water Is Good for Your Joints

One of the lesser known benefits of drinking water is that it helps keep your joints strong, healthy and lubricated. Your joints need moisture in order to remain strong and flexible, so that your movements are smooth and pain free.

Today's Small Thing is to drink at least 8 glasses (8 oz ea.) of water. That's only 8 cups - so you don't have to fill your giant 16 oz. iced-tea drinking glasses 8 times - and it is very doable. Are you with me??

EACH GLASS

POINTS: 20 for each 8 oz glass of water - up to 8. That's 160 points for doing what you should be doing anyway!

You're welcome.

Do you drink enough water on a regular basis, I mean when you're not getting points for it? How do you keep track, and what are some tips for helping you stay hydrated?

Furniture Scale and Placement - Decorating Mistake #2

Find Your Living Room Style

Last week, I shared the #1 mistake people make when home decorating. Do you remember what it was? It was a great opportunity to assess my own lighting situation, and I found that changing out a couple of lightbulbs made me feel like I was living in HGTV. It was magical.

Today, I share the second mistake I see over and over again as I visit real people's homes in my job as an artist:

Incorrect scale and placement of furniture (and decor.)

Often, in the erroneous notion that "we don't want to make the room look smaller," people will line their seating arrangements along the walls. Yes, you might have a nice open floor space for wrestling, but it can make for awkward conversations when everyone is seated at odd angles and with too much distance in between them.

Instead, think: Conversational Style and Balance. Group seating in "conversational" arrangements. Don't face all the seating toward the TV set. (Sorry, men!) Imagine how a fancy hotel lobby has groups of chairs facing each other, with tables within reach to set drinks and lamps on. They want you to linger and talk! Hey, what a novel idea! Home should have the same effect, only moreso.

 

I love this HGTV article and slideshow  because it has some great tips! 

 

When it comes to scale, most of us use things that are too small in scale for decorating and furnishing. Antiques are almost always "too" dainty looking for today's decor styles, and need to be used judiciously when combined with current pieces. Using a few pieces that are "oversized," like a large armoire, a big coffee table, and generous lamps make a room look expansive and luxurious, rather than cluttered with a lot of little things.

I believe furniture pieces should be similar in scale, i.e. don't pair a huge overstuffed leather couch next to a dainty antique chair. Pull the tiny chair into another arrangement and use a chunky side chair, maybe with  with ottoman, instead. This will give the room a more cohesive look and again, aids that "conversational" appeal.

Today's Small Thing is to look at the furniture arrangement in your living room.

No, you don't have to REARRANGE furniture today, unless you want to and have a strong enough back. (Sit down, Anna Marie! You've got a pinched nerve, so don't attempt it!) Simply consider your options and make a plan - that is all for today!

Then, just as soon as you can, grab an extra set of muscles and get to work. Create a conversation area by pulling chairs and sofas into a group, rather than lining the walls with them. If your room is large enough, a diagonal arrangement of your main pieces might be a fun change. Balance the room by making sure that not all the "heavy" or dark pieces are on one side, and remove the small, cluttery things that detract from a "sanctuary" feel. Shop the other rooms of your house for lamps, pillows and accessories....and you may find that you have a whole "new" living room without spending a dime!

When you look at your living room, what rearrangements can you make that will make it feel conversational and balanced?

Points: 40 for assessing your living room arrangement

OK, OK! Bonus Points: 40 for moving a few things around. PLAY! Move a lamp, bring in a new pillow, retire those dusty silk flowers. Take a picture of your room and look at the photo with a critical eye....you'll see things differently that way! (80 points possible today!)

Next week - I share Decorating Mistake #3!

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How to Choose Furniture & Choosing Furniture | Pottery Barn

Love Note

 

Simply Love. ©Rachel Anne Ridge

 

One of the most important aspects of having a place of sanctuary for yourself, family and friends is creating a home where people feel loved and appreciated. You communicate this in thousands of ways every day - often without even realizing it! You're giving love through serving, through your actions and through your words. You love through the laundry, the chauffering, the sack lunches, the boo-boo kissing and the toilet scrubbing. The backrubs, the listening ear, bedtime stories, meals, discipline....why, the list is endless. Let's face it: you're a regular FOUNTAIN of love! And what a gift that is to those around you.

Today's Small Thing is to express your love in a written note.

Even better than simply saying the words, letters on a page or in an email or text can be read over and over and savored indefinitely. It doesn't have to fancy or lengthy, just a few words to let someone know you are thinking of them and that you love them. It can be a spouse, a child, a parent, a friend - anyone in your life that could use a boost today!

POINTS: 50 for sharing your love. Let's start the month off right by spreading warmth, acceptance and love all around us! Give "sanctuary" to someone you love today.

Who will receive your note today? How will you send it? Text, email, handwritten notecard?