Cleaning Day - Make Your Home Cozy

A cozy home is the result of mixing comfortable surroundings to create a nurturing and relaxing atmosphere. One doesn't need expensive furnishings but a cozy, welcoming home can be developed during your cleaning day.

I'm a junker. I love finding treasures at sales and using them to make my home cozy. But you don't have to run out to a sale to find treasures; clean out that closet or rummage around in the basement and attic. Look for items such as an old lamp that with a bit of elbow grease will shine a new light. Gather some photos and put them in some old frames to arrange a new display on a boring wall. Rescue vintage plates and display them as artwork.

If you're not in the mood to wrestle with a large project such as cleaning the attic; then tackle the washing. Wash your comforter or bedspread in lavender scented detergent for that cozy feeling in the bedroom. Wash those dingy curtains and look at a different way of hanging them; try some tiebacks, a new valance, or perhaps a homemade grapevine & silk floral swag. Take some old throw pillows, throw them in the dryer with a scented sheet then recover them with lovely silk or sheer scarves; attach a vintage pin for a fabulous new look!

Speaking of scarves... I love to drape them on tables for a romantic look. I also use them as a valance on curtains. Depending on the size and shape, you can create many items from scarves. I collect ones that catch my eye from rummage sales and Goodwill.

So, today while you're cleaning look for the small things you can change to add a little comfort to your home. Make your space the refuge from the busy world and the shelter from the storms of life. A cozy home is a place where you can be yourself and spend some valuable time be cozy with someone you love.

Cleaning Day

Mondays are "Change the Bed Day" here at my house. This is the day of the week I catch up on cleaning the house and the laundry created from the weekend. So in honor of this eventful day, I decided to blog every Monday with the theme of cleaning. Perhaps I can inspire others, dole out tips to help with the strenuous task of cleaning, or simply add a bit of humor to the day. Cleaning is certainly not my favorite thing to do, but the task can be made fun or easier. I will do my best... so here we go!


Now I have preached before on turning the task of cleaning into a spiritual experience. As you throw away useless papers, throw away bad feelings to cleanse your mind and soul. But today lets have some fun... turn on the stereo.

You don't have to put on white cotton socks, and play an air guitar... but it is encouraged. Any music will do... as long as you enjoy it. Feel the music, let yourself smile and your spirit lift.

I like to play some blues at a high volume and sing along with the black master who tells the tale about getting dressed for his date. As I'm gathering discarded sweatshirts and smelly socks, I sing about putting on freshly pressed pants of a zoot suit, polished shoes, and don't forget that silk handkerchief for the breast pocket. Not all blues tunes are sad, many are very humorous... one can sing the blues with any words, the music simpy comes from the soul. I dance with my broom and the dog cocks her head in a curious manner while watching me. I try to encourage her to dance but she prefers to "sing".

A selection of light Spring Jazz is playing on my computer speakers...for now. There is a load in the washer, one in the drier, three other sorted piles in line on the floor waiting for their bath. When I return to the mud room, I'll play some fun jazz with birds and other nature sounds. Once a wren outside the window had an intersting coversation with the bird featured on the CD. I wonder what they discussed.

Currently, the house is quiet,the toddler is still asleep, the coffee pot just turned off. Today is my last day of drinking coffee; I'm switching back to tea. Coffee upset my constitution a bit too much. Speedy, the office guinea pig is even quiet at the moment; perhaps he knows his cage will be changed today and isn't bothering to complain.

Well, I'm headed downstairs to sweep. I think I'll tune in my favorite blues station and put on some cotton socks. Have a Happy Monday!

Clear the Clutter

Is your desk piled high with papers? Is your purse disorganized? Does your closet look like a tornado hit? Does clutter make your life feel like a constant obstacle course?

Clutter and disorganization can distract you and waste your energy.

Take a deep breath and make the decision to begin clearing the clutter in your life. Start small; organize one small area such as a shelf, a drawer, or your purse. You don't want to overwhelm yourself! Work your way to the big things.

As you clean that desk or the closet you may also be clearing the clutter of old attitudes, grudges, and negativity. This simple cleaning will also cleanse your spirit.

When you clean out a closet, attend to paperwork, organize your personal life, you'll find you have more energy to focus on the things that are important to you.

I find that after cleaning my desk, I have a burst of creativity, my writing muse is happy, and I write like crazy.

Don't get me wrong... I still wish I had a maid!