winter

These 5 Things

It’s hard to believe we are halfway through the first month of 2023. The holidays are over and kids are finally back in school. Take time to rest, enjoy the calm, and consider these 5 things.

  1. Cork and Cover is an amazing bookshop in downtown Clinton. Set a reading goal for yourself and then go visit!

  2. Embrace winter and learn about Hygge.

  3. There are so many benefits to this simple task and here are some great reasons you should consider journaling. This quick video has some great ideas for this creative practice.

  4. Enjoy cup of hot cocoa. with this recipe from Downshiftology.

  5. Start a blessings jar for 2023. Whenever you recognize a “blessing” in your life throughout the year, just write it on a piece of paper, fold it up, and stick it in the jar. On New Year’s Eve, dump out all the blessings from the entire year and read them aloud.

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How to Make Your Own Special Nook

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Making Your Own Special Nook

Here in Knoxville, like so many around the world, we have spent more time at home lately. We have many things to be grateful for and we’ve had to come to terms with new challenges in our daily lives that need tending to. One thing that’s been incredibly helpful during this time are our special spaces.

With all the time inside, we've so appreciated having that special spot to retreat to when we need a little breather from all the folks being around all day.  Do You have that spot?

It doesn't take much, really.  Just a chair or seat of some sort, a reading lamp, a blanket, a small table, & a few of your favorite things.  Each of us have those few items that make a spot ours.  For our team member, Kayla, there's a little plant, some homemade "mommy" items from her kids, a pic of her as a child with her dad and brother, her favorite business card of the month, and always... her journal & the Word. She also feels so thankful to have a built-in bookcase nearby filled with other fun items that inspire her & are available when the mood strikes.

 

4 Nook Ideas to Get You Started

Below are some thoughtful nook ideas that might help to nudge you into getting your space just right.  Or maybe it's a space for your child to read, imagine, or just feel safe & quiet.  We found a couple of ideas for the littles, too. 

We'd love to hear any other ideas YOU may have.  What has worked for you or for your family?

 

1. Window Seat Nooks

Kate Pruitt for Design Sponge posts fabulous pictures of Lora Neveu's window seat nook that she designed for her daughter.  A little more work involved, but well worth the effort for the results.

Lora Neveu on Knee High To A Ladybug

Lora Neveu on Knee High To A Ladybug

 

2. Master Bedroom Nooks

This master bedroom nook by Courtney Fernan is a simple example of just a few items that make the spot just cozy enough.  She also links where all the items were purchased.

 

3. Reading Nooks

For the littlest ones, Jen with Mama.Papa.Bubba. gives us a great idea to encourage reading & quiet time from an early age.  Just a few pillows, a spot for books & a fun curtain & you're ready to go!

 

4. Corner Nooks

Kara Tippetts' "Corner Nook" is just enough & not too much when she needed it most...

 

Need a few items to perfect your nook? Here are some great resources you might enjoy:

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October Organizing Look Book

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We spent some time hunting down a few of our favorite Fall/Winter organizing tools to help you enjoy this season. Whether you're taking on the garage or just need some order at the front door, this list has what you need to get started.

Order at the Door

Fall weather means tracking in more of the outdoors. Drop your shoes or boots onto one of these snazzy trays to cut back on the cleaning.

Cooler weather means more layers. Need a quick place to stash extra jackets this season? Add a seasonal coat rack near your entrance for easy access & quicker tidying up. So many looks out there, we had to give you a few choices for the tall & pint-sized folk as well.

 
 

Getting the Garage in Gear

The pleasant temperatures make it a great time to tidy up the garage, garden shed, or attic space. Here a some storage ideas that can make those spaces work for you. We love these overhead storage shelves that give you more floor space plus the option of hanging bicycles is fantastic.

This next storage option is genius. Yard tools can often be a bugger to store well. Unused filing cabinets can be a pain to get rid of. Solve both problems by losing the filing cabinet drawers, lying it on it's side, add a splash of cute paint, & viola! you've got yourself some sturdy storage! Click the link below to find out details on this very doable DIY project.

Organize your flower pots, smaller garden tools, & watering can onto a potting bench. Just a little investment can go a long way to bring order to your gardening space. The link will take you to lots of styles available on Ebay.com.

As always, we LOVE to hear from you! Have any tips or ideas to share? Let us know in the comment box.

Need some help organizing your extra spaces? Call us at 865.245.9080 & we'd love to help!

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5 Ways to Simplify Your Life During the Holiday Season

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A 1950's Christmas

A 1950's Christmas

1. Take some time to reflect on your desires for the season. What things are most important to you? What can you let go of? What parts of this season really stress you out and what parts really bring life to you?

2. Clear your calendar. If you are like us, you are probably committing to way too much over the month of December. Along with all of the parties, events, and celebrations, we often feel the pressure to have our house decorated by a certain time, food cooked, guests rooms ready for out of town guests,  Christmas shopping done, and presents wrapped. It can be exhausting just thinking about it.

3. Delegate. If you have a willing husband and kiddos, put them to work. Let the kids help with things like hanging stockings on their hooks, wrapping presents (who cares if the wrapping isn't pristine?), and using cookie cutters to cut out Christmas cookies. If you have family coming in town, ask them to help with the cooking--It's always more fun to have a friend in the kitchen with you and usually people want to be of help. If you don't have family in town, host a "Decorating Party" and invite friends over for Egg Nog and to help you decorate your house and string lights.

4. Do good. Make a point to turn your focus on others during the Holidays. Volunteer as a family, purchase angel tree gifts (and let your kids help you pick out the gifts), make a meal for an elderly neighbor who doesn't have family in town, or donate lightly used coats to a homeless shelter. Taking the time to remember those around us who are lonely or struggling helps us remember the point of Christmas.

5. Cut back on social media. Be purposeful in spending time with loved ones rather than browsing Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram for hours. Skype a friend or family member that lives far away, write a letter to a grandparent (include pictures!), grab coffee with a friend, schedule a play date, or split a babysitter and double date with another couple. Spend your time wisely and push through that to-do list so that you can get to the fun stuff!