Creating Peace & Flow For 2014

Back in November, a hike I took with my husband along the Little River just outside of Asheville, NC got me to thinking...

river 3 a
river 3 a

The water rushed along beside us as we traveled on foot, sometimes roaring with whitewater, other times quiet in pools that seemed almost completely still. A lot of things were deposited on the river's journey--leaves, branches and other items were lodged along the banks, swirling in little pools or stranded high on rocks by receding floodwaters.

With the coming of the new year, we pay attention to time passing, old habits we would like to leave behind, and new goals we set before us. Our lives can be much like a river and as our days rush past, lots of things are also pushed aside because we don't have the time or energy to deal with them. In our homes there are physical items that are washed into the shallows: rooms that seem tired and out-of-date sit there awaiting our attention, our closets, drawers, and corners fill up with items that we haven't had the time to sort or make decisions on.

river 2 a
river 2 a
river a
river a

Recognizing that our souls bloom more fully when inspired by beauty and soothed by simplicity, we can give ourselves time & quiet to sort through some of those things, and make sure we are surrounded by things we love.   This is a way of slowing the current that is rushing past, and smoothing out the stream bed so things can flow with more ease...

We all have the ability to create peace and flow in our lives, but we don't always give ourselves permission to create it as we so busily rush along. I believe that one of the best ways we can direct the stream of our lives (and not be tossed about by it) is to create a home that supports us with loveliness and simplicity--  much like a giant river rock that the water happily glides over, smooth as glass.

If where we live provides us with a rejuvenating supply of beauty, order and balance, all kinds of amazing things will be possible for us in the coming year. What can you do around your house this week that will help things to flow, and your spirits to lift??

Here's to an amazing 2014!

I Was On The Radio!

safe_image.php Radio-Show-Header This week I was interviewed on the Clear Creative Hour on Intention Radio! Karmen Lizzul, a writing/creativity coach and a dear friend of mine, asked if I would like to talk with her and her listeners about how clutter gets in the way of our creativity (ahem…that NEVER HAPPENS, right?!?).  We talked about setting your workspace up so that it inspires you and makes you the most productive you can be….

Check out the interview here! Lots of fun, and it may just inspire you to try something new in how you work and create.

Let's Go Watch A Movie!

photo 2
photo 2

A few months ago, one of my clients asked if I could help with a downstairs room she hoped could be a more inviting space for her grandchildren to play in, and for her adult children to hang out in when they visited home...

It was just a small space in her finished basement, but I knew that it could be really something special.

photo 3
photo 3

We just needed to find the right elements and this room could become the coziest of places to spend time, maybe watch a movie (popcorn please!), work quietly on the computer away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the house...and of course the little ones could play for hours down here too.  FUN!  Lots of potential here!

photo 1
photo 1

New carpeting, paint, and inviting seating were the first elements to fall into place...

Cozy Den 7a
Cozy Den 7a

the desk area was moved to a different wall, and a much loved family toy chest was brought in for the next generation to enjoy...

Cozy Den 2a
Cozy Den 2a
Cozy Den 11a
Cozy Den 11a

The cozy vibe in this space is enhanced by the eclectic mixture of fun elements, such as the collection of art (family treasures as well as new pieces)....

Cozy Den 1a
Cozy Den 1a
den vignette a
den vignette a

the addition of interesting textures in the fabrics,  and also the combination of colors and neutrals.

Cozy Den 6a
Cozy Den 6a
Cozy Den 13a
Cozy Den 13a
Cozy Den 16a
Cozy Den 16a

Wouldn't you love to spend some time in this inviting snug space on a cold winter's evening? I know I would!

Next Thursday!!!

I am SO EXCITED to be starting out 2014 with this!:RevRedesignFlyer11.13-3SO, after the holidays our houses can feel a little DRAB and FORLORN-- or maybe where you live feels that way to you all year??

Next Thursday, January 9th, come and learn how to deal with the Discomforts of Home--a fun evening class wherewe will focus on clearing clutter, creating comfort and finally discovering a home that nurtures and inspires you--YES, your house can do that!!

When: Thursday January 9th, 2014 at 7:30pm Where: Locust Hill Professional Center 327 W Baltimore Pike Media, PA 19063 (across from Wawa Corporate Center) Admission: $12

Email me TODAY to register--especially if you are interested in creating a whole new feeling of possibility and peace in your home in 2014! Spots are limited, since I want to keep the class small and intimate--so don't delay!

Contact: erin@revealingredesign.com

Hope to see you there!!

My House This Christmas!!

Christmas is only 6 days away!!!!!  SO EXCITING!!MHTC19 I thought it would be fun to share some pictures of things around my house as we get ready for the BIG DAY next week. As usual, I had help...

MHTC16

Just inside the front door, the stockings are hung, the dining room is ready to host holiday guests....MHTC14

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and the nativity set is lovingly placed on the buffet (you may recognize this nighttime shot from last week…)

nativity b

Upstairs in the master bedroom, there is just a few quiet touches for the season...MHTC12MHTC13

Other little vignettes around the house show off some of my favorite seasonal items--quaint little churches, and sweet amateur paintings...MHTC10 DSCN4590

However, I think the kitchen might be my favorite room at this time of year...MHTC4 MHTC3

so many special things displayed on the shelf over my kitchen sink-- like the vintage wax choir my mom bought at Woolworth's when she was a little girl, or the plate my husband's grandfather painted for him when he was a child...MHTC8MHTC7 MHTC5 MHTC6

And of course our Christmas tree happily sparkles in the corner of our family room as the trains whirl around its base. MHTC1Christmas Train Christmas Train 3MHTC2

Merry Christmas!!!