Holly M Nelson

 Making your house a home:                             

"She senses that her gain is good;her lamp does not go out at night." Proverbs 31:18

1.  "Mess causes stress". Declutter your house 15 minutes a day. If it really needs it; work 45 minutes, then take a 15 minute break to drink water.

2. Dark rooms are depressing. "Open the House", by opening windows every morning. Allow natural light to come in the house.

3. Keep your daily cleaning routines, but be flexible. If you didn't get it done, don't worry! There's always another day!

4. De-clutter your funiture. Keep only what you need and what is useful.

5. Make everything serve a function. (ex:  decorative dresser drawers can be used to hold toys, candles, coloring books, playing cards,etc...)

6. Display faith, family, and friends in each room. Like frames, verses, books, photo albums, kids art.

7. Make your home smell pleasant. Light a candle, bake cookies; simmer o.j., apples and cinnamon in a pot on the stove.

8. Make your home pleasant for when your spouse comes home. Light candles, clear away clutter, pick up "hot spots", lessen the noise, clean up kids.

9. Make your home "feel" comfortable. Soft blankets and pillows, warm and cozy, sweet smelling kitchen (you can cheat with a hazelnut candle!), and even a sweet smelling bathroom!  Glade plug in, Wallflower or light candles!

10. Make sure that all the beds are made before leaving your home. When you return it's one less thing to worry about.

11. Before you leave for work or to run errands, clean "hot spots", make beds, clean sink, straighten everything. When you return , you'll enjoy a nice, cozy home.

12. Light a candle as soon as you come home.

13. Plan ahead for guests. Plan meals, put out fluffy towels, make a "guest basket": coffee, chocolates, mints, books, notepad, toiletries, etc...