Sunday 29 November 2015

Simply Seasonal: Advent Decorating - Home Tour

Now that the first Sunday of Advent has crept up on me, my thoughts are turning to decorating the house for Advent. Even though I am not religious, I simply love to decorate the house and if you have small children, it is certainly a magical time of year.

One of my favourite things in the world is to go out for a long walk in the woods and collect foliage and pine cones that I can then use to make my own Advent decorations. One of the things I always make, is my own Advent “wreath” (only it is not a wreath but a large, decorated glass plate). The ring or wheel of the Advent wreath of evergreens decorated with candles was a symbol in northern Europe long before the arrival of Christianity. There is evidence of pre-Christian Germanic people using wreathes with lit candles during the cold and dark December days as a sign of hope in the future warm and extended-sunlight days of Spring.


Another thing I always decorate is my mantelpiece. Even though I would prefer natural greenery, I have opted for the practical solution of using fake ivey (covered with silver glitter) and fairy lights which give a lovely, cosy feeling at night time.


One thing that cannot be missing from any advent decorating theme, especially if you have children, is an advent calendar. I bought this re-usable calendar years ago when my boys were still little and even now, with the eldest being 17, it is still a must!


I tend to have different colour schemes for different areas of the house and whereas the main living room / dining room is usually decked out in white and silver tones, I use a more traditional colour scheme in the kitchen / utility area, including wooden decorations from Germany.


Whatever your decorating style is, remember that less is more. Aim for that cosy feeling and little touches of Christmas which will help you relax and unwind.

Look out for my 'Advent Things To Do' and inspirations over the next few weeks!

Sabine

Tuesday 27 October 2015

Simply Seasonal: Halloween

Halloween celebrations have become bigger and bigger over the years and even though I sometimes think it is too commercialised, it can also be a lot of fun - especially if you have children. 

However, I wanted to explore a more grown up look with maybe just touches of Halloween decorations, rather than going for the full-blown American tradition.

Image courtesy of http://www.nysaan.com/indoor-halloween-decorations-with-exotis-accessories/halloween-halloween-indoor-decoration-with-amazing-martha-stewart-petiole-and-ornamental-bats-in-white-themed-interior-indoor-halloween-decorations-with-exotis-accessori/
Stick to a black and white colour scheme to keep things simple and elegant:

Image courtesy of http://imageck.com/29879667-black-and-white-party-decorations-ideas.html
Use minimalist table decorations:

Image courtesy of http://www.lushome.com/25-black-white-decorating-ideas-halloween-party-table-centerpieces/124484
To achieve a simple but elegant table setting, decide on a colour scheme and use different candles; colour co-ordinate your table cloth and napkins and just use a handful of Halloween decorations in the middle of the table or fill jars with sweets for decorations.

Image courtesy of  http://livingrichonless.com/category/dining-room/page/3/  


If you are hosting a party for children, check out the Real Simple website for Halloween games!

Have a spooky time!

Sabine






Sunday 11 October 2015

Simply Seasonal: Autumn Decorating

As much as it pains me that summer has now finished and the nights are drawing in earlier and earlier, I also enjoy the glorious display of nature that comes with autumn. The colours of autumn foliage, heather, berries, conkers and pumpkins are all reflected in autumn decorating. 

Image courtesy of http://www.antik-natur.de/blog/kreative-ideen-fur-schone-herbstdeko-zum-selbermachen.html 
Interiors can be made cosy by using additional blankets and throws, cushions, log fires (if you are lucky enough to have a working fireplace or wood burner) and candles. 
Image courtesy of http://oliveandgallon.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/fall-fireplace-mantels.html
Owl motives are particularly on trend at the moment and they look particularly great as candle holders:
Image courtesy of http://www.aliexpress.com/owl-candle-holder_reviews.html
You don't however, have to use an 'autumn colour scheme' and can still bring autumn touches to your home, using non-traditional colours. I particularly like how this mantelpiece is decorated in muted blues and white:
Image courtesy of http://www.kirklands.com/blog/bring-the-outdoors-in-with-our-fallfinds-blogger-giveaway/
Happy decorating!

Sabine


Monday 31 August 2015

Simply Location

When buying or renting a home, one of the biggest factors is location and this is quite often determined by lifestyle choices.

Are you a country or a city person?


Even if you are a city person and thrive on the hustle and bustle of city life, not many people can afford to live in the heart of the big cities of the world and therefore live in ‘suburbia’ and commute to work. 

Image courtesy of http://www.homesandproperty.co.uk/area-guides/greater-london/living-teddington-area-guide-homes-schools-and-transport
If you are lucky enough, you can do it Scandinavian Style and have a flat in the city and a weekend retreat in the country.

Alternatively,  you could have the best of both worlds and choose to live in a medium sized city where the countryside is only just on your doorstep.

Even if you can’t afford to live in your favourite town or city, there is nothing to stop you from going there occasionally to enjoy the amenities. 

Image courtesy of http://www.britain-magazine.com/features/royal-leamington-spa-discover-this-hidden-gem/ 

Are you single or a family person?

As a single person you will obviously have completely different priorities to someone who has got children. Your priorities are more likely to be which leisure amenities are in your area, ie. Cafés, bars / clubs, theatres, shops or gyms.

As a parent, you will be more concerned with parks and playgrounds in your area (especially if you haven’t got a garden), nurseries or day care centres and also school catchment areas. How far is the nearest  supermarket  and or doctor’s surgery?

Can you afford to live close to work or need to commute (access to public transport)?

Ideally, we would all love to be able to walk or at least cycle to work but most of us will either have to use public transport or the car.  Work out what the longest commute is that you can realistically stomach every day.

I used to live on the outskirts of London and my commute to work was an hour every day as the train would stop at every single station on the way. Now I live in the Midlands and the train from Rugby to London, for example, takes 50 minutes. Admittedly, the price of the annual ticket will be much more but this could be offset by cheaper house prices, so work out what the best option is for you.

Image courtesy of http://www.insider-london.co.uk/london-underground-competition-tours/
How much storage space do you need? Parking for cars?

If you are a sporty person like myself, you will definitely need some storage space for all your equipment. If you have a house with a garden, you will also need space for gardening equipment, pressure cleaner, garden furniture, outdoor children's toys etc.

Do you need off road parking for your car(s) or is there on-street parking? If living in a city - can you rent a garage space somewhere or need to get resident's parking?

Image courtesy of http://www.garagesolutionscolumbia.com/garage-shelving-ideas-gallery 
We usually end up compromising on some things but work out for yourself what you cannot compromise on.  As I am an outdoors person and only ever feel truly alive outdoors, I need to be able to access the countryside easily to go cycling, running or hiking. I am lucky enough to live in a small village on the outskirts of a city and within driving distance of one of Britain's most desirable towns - so best of both worlds!

Sabine

Tuesday 14 July 2015

Simply Seasonal: Coastal Decorating

Another great thing about summer is that can update my home with my favourite decorating scheme - coastal / seaside decorating. It was always my dream to live by the seaside by unfortunately, I have ended up living as far away from the coast as you can get in the UK. However, that doesn't stop me from using seaside objects to remind myself of where I would like to be in the future and/or of favourite holiday places.

One of the reasons why I am so drawn to coastal decorating, and why it is so popular in general, is that it uses all my favourite colours. You have probably guessed by now that I am not a big fan of bold colours and that I favour the more muted tones of white, greys, sand / beige and blues. 

Image courtesy of http://anda.denvergifts.net/stylish-coastal-living-rooms-ideas/coastal-living-room-decorating-ideas/ 
Muted colours, combined with natural elements such as shells, pebbles and drift wood is pretty much perfections. There is also the additional benefit that you can collect a lot of those elements yourself to make simple but stylish table decorations. Simply find a nice plate, bowl or glass storm lantern and add sand, pebbles, shells and candles or tealights and create a simple but effective display.
Image courtesy of http://www.completely-coastal.com/2012/11/pillar-candle-holders-display-ideas-coastal-and-beach.html
Another thing I like is that you can update various areas of your home by just simply adding colourful cushions, wall decorations or signs and you don't just have to stick to the living room but can add touches to hallways, bedrooms, bathrooms and of course the garden / balcony.

Image courtesy of http://www.completely-coastal.com/2012/06/summer-decorating-how-to-summerize-your.html
I hope to get to the seaside at one point during the summer but in the meantime I just enjoy my little bit of beach at home! Hope you will too!

Sabine



Wednesday 17 June 2015

Simply Summer Living


To me, summer living is all about being outdoors and enjoying nature. As soon as the weather warms up to a reasonable temperature, I always have windows and sliding doors open!
Image courtesy of http://deavita.com/gartengestaltung-pflege/balkon/kleinen-balkon-gestalten-ideen.html
Dedicating times to be outdoors can be challenging since we all live busy lives. However, with the weather warming up and the days getting longer, there is no excuse to be spending time indoors, sitting at a computer. But did you know that more time spent outdoors in nature leads to many benefits that contribute to an increase in mental and physical well-being?  So grab some glasses and a few cushions and have a picnic in the park or back garden!

Enjoy summer evenings and nights outside with our outdoor lighting. Most lamps are solar-powered so you can just grab them, charge them in the sun and put them wherever you want. 

Image courtesy of http://www.french75salvage.com/home-spaces-design/gypset-decor-diy-balcony-patio/
June 21st is Midsummer – why not have a Midsummer Party with friends and/or neighbours?
Image courtesy of http://www.wand-und-beet.de/garten/gartendekoration/so-wird-es-ein-schoenes-mittsommerfest

Whatever you choose, wherever you go, make sure you enjoy yourself!

Sabine

Friday 15 May 2015

Simply Seasonal: Decorating with white and fresh greens

During May, my favourite decorating colours for the home are a fresh green & white colour scheme. Take a look at the following for inspiration:


Using fresh branches from trees or bushes and dot them in large vases around the home.
Image courtesy of http://www.decorilla.com/online-decorating/page/4/

 Decorate a mantelpiece.

Image courtesy of http://www.gratefireplace.co.uk/blog/spring-decoration-ideas-for-your-mantelpiece/
 Create a nice table display.

Image courtesy of http://www.provinzkindchen.com/2013/03/interior-inspiration-lovely-spring-6.html
Use green accessories.

Image courtesy of http://www.aliexpress.com/popular/green-plaid-sofa.html
Sabine

Sunday 3 May 2015

Simply Calm

As important as it is to make visual statements in your home, it is also very important to create places of calm to counteract the chaos of life. The more you have going on in your life, the more this will resonate with you. Having a home that reflects serenity can truly give you a sense of peace. In today’s world, that is more important than ever.

Image courtesy of http://www.yogavibes.com/blog/features/get-in-shape-yoga-workouts/
How do we make our home calm without driving ourselves crazy?

Apart from clearing the clutter from our homes (see previous blog entry) and using a soothing colour scheme, the best way to restore calm to your home (and life) is being organised and creating routines. Rather than viewing organisation as a chore that keeps us too busy to enjoy life, we need to understand that organisation contributes positively to our well-being. We feel less stress because we can find what we want. It helps us be more prepared for our day to achieve and accomplish our goals. 

Routines and systems may not be for everyone and you might be quite happy with a “just do it” approach but they are a good compromise for the things that you don’t like doing and normally avoid. For example, you may not like cleaning but need to do it in order to keep your spaces clear to get your work done and to feel comfortable in your home. Try locking in a couple of 45-60 cleaning sessions per week (possibly with some loud, energising music that will keep you going).

Here are some household routine ideas that might get you thinking:
  • daily tidy-up
  • meal planning
  • pre-made food shopping lists / online food shopping & delivery
  • use a planner/diary to track appointments, birthdays, children’s activities, important information (doctors, schools, babysitter etc.) – for free printables, see this fab website http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.co.uk/p/free-printables.html
  • prepare the night before the next day - such as packed lunches, laying out clothes and school uniforms, gathering things to take with you, packing bags, checking schedule/diary etc.
  • have a weekly review and planning session (check with your partner as well if applicable)
  • batch items like ironing together and have one weekly session 
Image courtesy of http://yournestdesign.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/in-pink.html
Sabine


Sunday 19 April 2015

Simply Cleaning

Spring is a time for cleaning, getting rid of old and unused items, and makeovers.

Some people naturally settle into a cleaning routine and others have to work a little harder at it. Some people want an immaculate house and some aim simply to keep up with the basics. Again, the key is to figure out what works for you and do it regularly so it rarely or never builds up and becomes a major chore.

Image courtesy of http://www.housetohome.co.uk

The key to simplifying your cleaning systems is to decide on your minimum standards. This is a very personal thing and the key is to be critical and honest with yourself. Remember that a person who chooses a more relaxed approach to cleaning is not a lesser person than one who maintains an immaculate home. It comes down to values and priorities which are personal. The trick is to find what works for you rather than worrying about a standard set by your mother or mother-in-law or an ideal that you have in your mind of what a home “should” be like.

Decide what a minimum standard looks like for you and commit to meeting that standard on a weekly basis. If it is a good week you go beyond that minimum level and tackle some additional tasks and chores. If a week is bad, busy or crazy, you can let go of the extras knowing you have met your minimum standard.



One of the best routines you could invest your time in is a quick daily tidy-up. Give yourself 10-15 minutes before settling down to watch TV or going to bed to clear away stuff. This will then create a space that you are more likely to clean consistently as it is easier to tackle a room that is cleared of clutter. If you have not packed away stuff, you will be less inclined to get the vacuum cleaner or mop out if you have the additional task of tidying up first!

Image courtesy of https://www.pinterest.com/royalreadymaids/ideas-for-the-house/
Sabine

Sunday 5 April 2015

Simply Seasonal: Happy Easter!


I am not a religious person but I still love decorating for Easter. To me, Easter means the beginning of Spring - gone are the dark days of Winter and new life is blossoming everywhere. A promise of longer and warmer days ahead...

Here are some of my favourite Easter decorations. Enjoy!

Image courtesy of http://www.homebunch.com/easter-decorating-ideas/


Bird's Nest Door Wreath:

Image courtesy of http://polkadotbungalow.blogspot.co.uk/2011/03/moss-and-birds-nest-spring-wreath.html


Display your favourite Easter Eggs:

Easter Bunny:
Blogger's own image

Sabine


Saturday 14 March 2015

A Home For Everything

To simplify our homes we need more than just simplifying what we have. We need to simplify hour our houses operate so that we reduce stress, save time and feel comfortable in our spaces. No more wasting time and energy looking for things, digging through piles of paper for that one important needed piece or running back home for something that you have forgotten!

The cornerstone of simplifying your home is to assign everything a home. What you are aiming for is that each room has a function that is clearly defined, with homes for everything that belongs in that space. When you are thinking about assigning a home for your things, keep like with like (i.e. keeping cookbooks in the kitchen and not on a bookshelf in the living room). Be in tune how you use your home. Do what makes sense to you and what you will stick with. The aim is to know where to go looking for something when you need it.

Image courtesy of http://www.southernliving.com/home-garden/decorating/dream-kitchen-professional-design-ideas/cookbook-shelf
As you are assigning homes for items, also make sure that you can easily access things that you will need regularlyOnly store things that you need once or twice a year in the loft or basement/cellar (i.e. Christmas decorations, suitcases etc.).

If you want items to be returned to their homes, make sure everyone knows where they belong and that they can access them easily. Get everyone to put things away when finished with them so that they don’t pile up. Remember, once your house is organised and things have a place to return to, regular tidying up becomes a realistic task rather than an overwhelming drama!
Sabine

Thursday 5 March 2015

Simply Seasonal: Decorating with Spring Flowers

One of my favourite ways to decorate the house is with fresh flowers. Nothing cheers the place up more than a simple bunch of daffodils. After a long winter, enjoy a little bit of sunshine in a jug!


Image courtesy of http://66squarefeet.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/flowers-in-house.html
Sabine

Monday 9 February 2015

Clutter Prevention

There is no point de-cluttering if you will replace those things and end up back where you started. The key to maintaining a simplified home is preventing yourself from reaching that point again.

Here are some tips on how to keep your home free from clutter:
  • Establish a "clutter reserve" - like wildlife reserves, these are limited areas where clutter may live freely, so long as it stays within boundaries. In a bedroom, for example, a chair becomes a clutter preserve. A kitchen junk drawer can house vitamin bottles, rubber bands, cut out recipes, coupons, shopping receipts etc. 
  • Have a “do not buy” and/or “do not keep” list. If during the de-cluttering stage you found that you have multiple numbers of the same items, add them to your list and keep it in your purse/wallet/phone.
  • Have a waiting period before you buy new things. If not being able to stay away from the shops is a big issue for you, consider having a ‘cooling off’ period between desire and purchase. Keep a wish list where you note things you want to buy but wait a week (or longer) and see if you still want any of it after some reflection.
  • Borrow rather than buy. Things like DVDs, CDs, Video Games and books can be rented cheaply these days either online or your local library. If you only need an items rarely or as a one-off, ask to borrow from a family member, friend or neighbour (i.e. tools). Alternatively you could buy it together and share.
  • One in, one out. Whenever you buy a new thing (i.e. new top, magazine, crockery etc.), at least one old one must be discarded, recycled or donated. Adopting a one in, one out rule keeps the level of stuff below the clutter point by limiting total numbers.
  • Limit clutter gifts. If you don’t need anything, let people know. Tell them instead that you would love an experience (i.e. theatre tickets, concert tickets, a day at a spa, a trip to the zoo, cinema vouchers etc.) or get them to make a charitable donation to a charity of your choice. If it is presents for your children, tell them to give them money for their savings account instead. On the other hand, if you do have needs or wants, let people know. Some people insist on giving gifts, even if you say no so it is better to get them to buy something you actually want or ask for gift vouchers. I really like fresh flowers and it is a treat I rarely buy myself so it is always a special gift!
Image courtesy of https://www.pinterest.com/explore/exposed-brick-kitchen/

Sabine




Friday 6 February 2015

Simply De-cluttering - Part Three

Depending on how much needs to be tackled in your home, the de-cluttering process is unlikely to be accomplished in a week. 

First of all, you need to know what clutter is. Only you know what your clutter is – what looks like clutter to one person is someone else’s treasure! 

In general, though, clutter is anything in your life that you don’t love, use or hold dear – or anything in the wrong place in your home.


To start de-cluttering your stuff, you will need five boxes/baskets/bags with the following labels:

·         Other rooms
·         Sell
·         Donate
·         Recycling
·         Rubbish

Pick one area – this could be a whole room or, if that is too overwhelming, a cupboard or drawer.
Start with your chosen room/area and don’t move on until you have finished – don’t get sidetracked!
For every item that you find, ask yourself whether you want to keep it or get rid of it. Then put that item in the appropriate box/bag. Using the box method means that you can focus on one thing at a time and at the end of the session, simply do what needs to be done with each box.

Sabine