HYD Blog
thoughts on dwelling
While sometimes an area in our home needs a good ol’ fashion overhaul, that doesn’t have to be the answer every time. Often what can help us more is small changes based on what we are already in the habit of doing. As they say, we are creatures of habit—so make them work for you instead of working against them.
Morning routines have become our mantra to start the day; whether it's getting some extra zZz's or waking up to workout, we all have our own routines and ways to jump start our days. There is so much out of our control in each day, but we can control how we begin each day. If you are looking for a new way to start your day, we've rounded up a few easy to maintain ideas to get you started!
As organizers, we spend a lot of time thinking about stuff. What to do with it, why we keep it, how we got it, why we continue to buy it... and the list goes on. We live in a culture of fast fashion, gimmicky marketing, and consumerism. If we are being honest, it's incredibly hard for anyone to not feel the the tug of "keeping up with the Joneses" from time to time. Goods are cheaply made and cheaply sold now a days, which makes it that much easier to purchase items that we don't need, won't last, and clutter up our homes.
Because so many goods are made in a foreign country, made cheaply, and mass produced, for the first time in history, prices are affordable enough to make shopping a hobby for people in America. Have you ever hopped in the car for a Target fix when you are bored? Have you ever had a long stressful day at work and then gone home to spend your evening online shopping and sipping a glass of wine? Over at HYD we are not above it--- we've totally been there. Shopping in America IS AN ADDICTION. It's fun, it takes your mind off of other things for the moment, it feels good, and there are endless options--especially if your finances allow you to shop without thinking about it!
We are trying hard to hold ourselves accountable and walking with clients who are trying to do the same. One HYD'er is taking a year off of shopping (inspired by this article), another is taking a new approach to keeping better tabs on spending and sticking to a budget, and others are simply trying to be more mindful about purchases.
Whether you need to do something extreme or just be a bit more intentional, we encourage you to take the time to think through your vision for your home, your style, etc. When you get the urge to shop out of boredom or stress, hit pause and remind yourself of what you want for your home and your life. Over the last few years, a small shift has occurred where people have started to value quality a bit more than in the last few decades. The maker movement is making a come back and we couldn't be more excited! Working towards smarter, more quality purchases is a great goal!
We would love to hear what ways you are working to curb your shopping habits.
If you'd like to support a new local business geared toward selling high quality menswear, check out Felding Co's grand opening on May 4th!
Do you have ideas and big ambitions about how to stay on top of your to-do list, calendar and schedule? If you're like us, we find our brain space full of swirling tasks and goals. We wanted to share some helpful downloads, printables, tips and tools we're loving recently.
Get those things out of your mind... onto paper... into action!
We love these sheets for so many reasons. You can use them as you're thinking through your design taste, creating new habits and writing out goals. And the font and colors are pretty too!
2. My Love for Words - Printable Labels
Looking for a set of labels that are ready to print today? These are perfect for a pantry, closet, garage or shelves. Tape them on today & feel accomplished.
3. House Full of Sunshine - Vision Board Printables
Does your office, home office or kitchen calendar need some inspiration? These are beautiful, encouraging and inspiring. Print them today and your workspace will be instantly brighter.
4. Kennary - Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
We are quickly approaching Fall... How functional is this pre-made maintenance list for the coming season?! Print it off and make a plan with your roommates or family before summer slips away.
We hope these tools and tips are fun for you to look into today. Feel free to share with a friend who might love these resources!
It's been officially one week since my kiddos had their last day of school before summer. So far, they've enjoyed sleeping in, lounging around the house in PJs, some crafts they've been wanting to get to, and taking a road trip to visit old buddies in Asheville. Thankfully, we're off to a pretty good start.
“Summer will end soon enough, and childhood as well.”
With that said, summer with school-age kids home can be a bit overwhelming without a plan. It can also be a wonderful time for kids to explore, relax, create, and enjoy the freedom of days without the time restraints of the school year. All you need is your time, a little rhythm in your day and a brainstorming session with you kids to make the most out your family's summer.
Here are 7 tips to get you started:
Take the time to play a board game, make a milkshake or catch fireflies. It doesn't have to be an elaborate project or outing, just a few minutes of your attention can make simple moments last forever.
After the long school year, kids need time to unwind, relax and let their brains and emotions take it easy. Kids also need a routine so that they know what to expect. Come up with a loose plan for each day, like hang at the house in the morning doing a small job or working in the garden, afternoons are spent running errands, at the pool or splash pad, or visiting a friend. The summer is a great time to teach kids how to do certain chores well so that during the school months, they can continue contributing to helping the house stay in order.
"I'm bored" is a phrase we can all remember using at some point and one I'm sure you've heard from your child as well. Use the summer as a time to help your kids be comfortable with themselves, without technology. This may be hard to commit to at first, but don't lose heart. Here is more on why being bored can be a good thing and ideas for kids when they are.
Give your kids certain times of the day for technology. Kids are less likely to bug you about it and more inclined to use their imagination if the option of being on a screen is off the table until a certain time.
Setting up this time during each day keeps your child's mind engaged and growing as well as gives you time to yourself. Here is a great list of summer reading ideas.
Get the kids involved in this brainstorming activity. Here's a list to get you started...
- Play an outdoor movie in your backyard
- Have a lemonade stand
- Make a firepit in your yard and enjoy s'mores together
- Have a water party with sprinklers, water balloons, water guns, slip-n-slide, etc
- Plan a bike ride and pack snacks for a picnic along the way
- Go berry picking
- Make your kids breakfast in bed (or encourage siblings to do it for one another)
- Surprise Dad (or Mom) at work with lunch
- Go hiking, camping, kayaking or canoeing
- Plant a small garden or even just a couple of pots of plants
- Host a pot-luck outdoor party, let your kids help with the guest list
My kids love to look back at photos from previous summers. As you embark on this summer's activities, grab your camera to snap shots along the way. The week before school starts, have your kids help put an album together as a way to celebrate the priceless memories you've made. It will be time very well spent.
Recently I've been really interested in learning about peoples routines. Specifically, morning and nightly routines. I'm one of those weird hybrid gals who loves order but is somehow still free spirited. This usually means that I love the concept and idea of having rhythms in life but sometimes find it hard to commit to them.
I'm finding that leading an ordered life doesn't mean I have to be the most disciplined person on the planet but it does mean that I tend to be most at peace when I'm practicing a few choice routines. I know myself well enough to know that I'm more likely to stick with something if I make it as simple as possible. Lately, I've been inspired to adopt a few simple routines in my own life. Here they are:
Be Nice To My Skin: Witch-hazel to remove makeup and clean pores and Argan oil to moisturize. Every night, people. Every. Night. (I've been known to wake up in yesterdays makeup in the past)
Drink more water: I always forget, but two things have been helping me remember to stay hydrated. 1. I bought a pretty water bottle that I like taking with me places and that I like drinking out of. 2. I must say yes anytime anyone offers me water-- I never noticed how often I am offered water until I started following this rule.
Monthly closet purge: This probably sounds crazy to most people but I go through my closet monthly and try to be reasonable about what needs to go. For me, the hardest things to let go of are the items that "I haven't worn in a year but would be perfect for that one random occasion with that one pair of pants that I also haven't worn in a year." I'm really trying to pare down and only keep things that I love wearing and that make me feel confident.
Weekly Bath: Don't worry, I shower in between :) but I've recently rediscovered how flipping amazing a bath can be. Think candles, books, and floral scented soap.
Soaking in the Morning Quiet: This one is the hardest for me during the winter because the bed is just so warm. I have a comfy chair by a sunny window that is my morning spot. I'm attempting to make it routine to sit there for 30 minutes each morning with a cup of tea to read, think, be still, pray, or journal.
Sweat a little: Pilates classes at 9:00am Tuesdays and Thursdays at the East Knoxville YMCA are my favorite. Anne is a great teacher and I feel more motivated in a class than by myself. I'm starting realistically and trying to make 2 days a week at the gym a routine.
I'm super curious... Do you like routines? What are some of yours?
C
