Tips for Having a Relaxing Home

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Tips For A Relaxing Home

How do you feel when you walk into your home? Do you feel calm, happy, and relaxed? If not, this could be a sign that you need that it is time to make a few changes. In today’s frenetic and fast-paced world, it is more important than ever before to create a home that is peaceful and serene so that you can recharge your batteries after a difficult day at work. Here are some tips to help you get started:

  • Add plants around the home – There are many different reasons why plants are important. Firstly, this is a great way to bring nature into your home, which will create a tranquil and beautiful environment. Not only this, plants help to re-oxygenate and clean the indoor air. You’ll feel much clearer and more relieved because plants can help to eradicate the noxious off-gasses from many products around the home.
  • Create technology zones – When you are relaxing after a hard day at work, it is unlikely that you want to hear the PlayStation competing with children’s cartoons competing with Drake’s newest album. It is important to have rooms that are simply about relaxing, meaning technology is banned! By having designated areas for different activities, you can move from one activity to another with grace and ease.
  • Positive vibes only – What makes you smile? No doubt there are memories that make you feel happy. Add items around the home that will remind you of the great times you have had with your family and friends.
  • Soft furnishings – Soft, plush furnishing is a must if you are to create a peaceful and relaxing environment. You are never going to be able to unwind if you are uncomfortable. Of course, you may not want to spend fortunes on changing your sofa and your chairs, and you don’t need to. Why not opt for a luxurious throw and some striking Versace throw pillows to go with it? Team with a lavish designer rug for relaxation at its very finest.
  • Use colour wisely – Colour impacts you on a physical, psychological, and emotional level. Studies have shown that colour can influence your energy levels and your mood. You need to bear this in mind when decorating your home. After all, you won’t be able to relax in a room that is painted a harsh red shade. Blue is a great choice because it helps to reduce tension and calm a person’s mind. It is often used in bedrooms, as it helps people to drift off to sleep. Other relaxing colours include grey, earthy greens, pale pink, and violet. Although if you choose violet, don’t go for a hue that will seem too drab, as this will generate a cold environment.
  • Consider all rooms – Finally, all corners of your home need to be designed with relaxation in mind. Don’t ignore the spare bedroom or the bathroom. They will only end up frustrating you whenever you enter the room if they aren’t as calm and peaceful as the rest of your property.

Tips To Save Yourself and Your Family Time

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When you’re a busy mom, you can often feel like you’re running at a mile a minute (and on empty). To say that life can be tough is an understatement. But just because it’s tough, it doesn’t mean that it has to be a challenge. In fact, there are ways that you can make life fit into your business schedule and not the other way around. If you want to be able to enjoy more time with your family after work, and not focus on all the other jobs you have to do at home, here are some of the ways you can speed things up.

Fun Plans

First up, let’s make time for those super fun plans you always mean to make. When you get in from work, you want to relax, not start planning and organizing and arranging, right? So, you need to make this as quick as possible. Be sure to plan your fun activities in advance – definitely by weeks, by months too if you can. Then, you have more things to look forwards to throughout the year. Whether it’s a playdate with friends or a trip to the zoo with family. Spend an hour or so each month or every few months booking in plans and then forget about it until you need to add more.

Cleaning

Unfortunately, cleaning is just one of those chores that have to get done – especially if you like living in a clean and tidy home. But, it doesn’t mean that you have to spend lots of time each week doing it. If you’re super busy and the budget allows it, hire a cleaner. For a small fee each week, your home will stay spotless and your time is freed up to spend with family. If that won’t work for you, make up a cleaning schedule and stick to it. That way, you can spend more time with your kids.

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Checkups

Then there are those regular health checkups that we all know we need to make (and attend) but always forget about. So, now you’re going to book everything a year in advance and mark it on the calendar. Job done! From your routine doctor appointments at the local clinic to your dental checkups at somewhere like Care Family Dental, by booking in advance, you just have to turn up.

Vacations

We all want to go on regular vacations, but the thought of finding a week to do it in, finding a hotel and booking everything can be a little bit too much. So, to make it easier, why not book a break at the same place each year? Especially while your children or young. You could even think about buying a vacation home so that you don’t even have to make standing arrangements each year.

Cooking

And then there’s the dinner. Planning meals can drive a mom mad, but it doesn’t have to. Find yourself some crock pot recipe inspiration and sort everything in the morning before work. Then, when you get in, you’ll just have to prepare a salad or some rice and serve up. Easy peasy!

The Ultimate Ways To Relax After Work

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After a busy day at work, you can often feel as if you need to enjoy the ultimate indulgence when you get home. For some people, helping their kids with homework and getting to bed will always be all they need. But, if you find yourself needing more, then there are other ways that you can kick back and relax with your family after work. With summer  just around the corner, your evenings get lighter and longer, meaning there’s a lot more time for relaxation after work, as well as on the weekends. So if you’re stuck for ideas, try one of these on for size.

Movie Night

Everyone loves a movie night. But they can also be a really great way to unwind with your family when work is done. Whether you’ve got older kids and you all fancy making pizza and watching the latest comedy on a Wednesday night, or you spend Friday nights staying up a bit later with your little ones, you get to spend quality time with your family in the evenings and unwind. You’ve also got the option of having movie night at the weekend, or reserving it for you and your husband alone.

Family Dinner

For some people, making sure the family sits down together every night is the most important part of their day. And it can be for a very good reason. Not only do you get to enjoy a lovely meal together, but you can talk to your kids and your husband and forget all about the busy day at work you just had. If you’re always stuck for recipe idea, these family favorite ideas can work a treat. Then, your family dinners will start to get a little more exciting.

Working Together

Okay, so the idea of working even more when you get off work might put you off, but this isn’t strenuous work at all – it’s the kind you and your kids will love. Perhaps more suitable to the weekends than evenings, but a great way to relax with your family is to spend productive time with them. Whether you want to get out into the garden and plant some vegetables and flowers or bake up a storm in the kitchen, you can find yourself relaxing and having a great time all at once.

Pamper Evenings

Every girl loves to pamper – some men too. So, isn’t the most amazing relaxation idea an evening full of pampering? Even though a night with a face mask and painting your nails might not be the best idea for the entire family to enjoy, but you can all certainly have a great time in the hot tub. Even if it’s something just you and your husband enjoy when the kids have gone to bed, you can find a wealth of hot tub reviews online to help you decide on the right one.

Having Fun

And of course, there’s always the super fun family activities that we all know and love. Again, this one might be more appropriate for the weekend, rather than an evening, but a day out rollerskating or at the beach could exactly what you need to get your mind firmly off of work!

Spending Summer

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As the seasons change, so do our lives. Whether it is summer, autumn, winter, or spring, we look to make positive resolutions that better the lives of ourselves and our family. There are ways to improve the relationships with our families at the start of every season, so with summer still on us, let’s take a look at four activities and habits that you can share with your family.

Personal Paradise

The outside of your home is just as important as the inside of it. Utilising nature is one of the best ways to enjoy your time spent outside for the development of your children. However life’s simple luxuries are not important to only children, but adults as well. We sometimes get lost juggling between family and job or work responsibilities that we forget to enjoy the fresh air and greenery around us, and there is no better place to do this than in your own garden.

Your home garden is the perfect place for you to wind down and clear your mind after a long day of hard work. One of the most important parts of an enjoyable and well-defined outdoor living space is furnishing it comfortably to suit your style with items such as Bridgman garden furniture. Fill it with life and a natural perfume scent to match by planting vibrant flowers and fruits. Landscaping and adding stone pathways or ponds are also things you may be able to consider, but they are fairly costly renovations that need to be planned in advance in order to be ready by summer.

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An Apple a Day

With summer just around the corner, now would be a great time to alter your diet. As tempting as grabbing a bowl of ice cream may sound during the hotter months, try curving your desires to a more healthy choice. Everyone’s favourite fruits and vegetables are in season during these months including apples, bananas, strawberries, oranges, and more! Do not miss out on eating the refreshing healthy foods you enjoy while they taste the best. There are lots of unique ways to prepare meals and snacks with fresh fruits and vegetables in mind for your family.

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Around the World

The start of summer signals the closing of schools. Your children are free from drowning in homework assignments and after school activities are over for the next few months. Spending time with your family is made easier so take advantage and go on a vacation together. Travelling to see sites as a tourist, attending amusement parks or special events, or going to beaches, camping trips, and cruises are all family-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy.

Reflect and Learn

Recall previous resolutions you and your family made and bring them back to life this summer. Reflect on how your goals went for the spring season and how you can revitalise and improve them in the coming months. Share them with your family and work together to accomplish the new obstacles. Coming together and discussing what everyone would like to accomplish over the summer season can spark new creative ways you and your family can move forward.

My Fat Bastard Wine Tasting Experience

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I’m not familiar with wines. A sip of it is already enough for me especially if the smell is too strong or the taste is too bitter (locally described as “aplod”). And because wines easily gives my head a spinning sensation, one glass is well sufficient for me.

Then, there’s this invitation from Carlo of Kalami Cebu and Carlo of Maverick Ideas. Since the invitation is still open hours before the event, out of curiosity I impulsively asked to join the event and also requested if I can bring with me my husband (coz really need a guardian in case I can’t manage myself when I get tipsy)

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Fat Bastard Wine Tasting was held at the second floor of D+B Wine Shop which is located at Crossroads Banilad, Cebu City. D+B Wine’s idea is to bring the best wines here in the Philippines for the Filipinos to be familiar with and of course enjoy a glass or two. They offer a wide variety of wines and for this night, they feature Fat Bastard Wines. The wine testing was held at the second floor of D+B Wines Shop.

I’m glad I joined as I gained new knowledge about wines.

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What I learned:

  • That there’s this Swirl –> Smell –> Sip steps to taste the wine:
    Swirl – Give your glass a little swirl, circles in the air, for the wine to incorporate with the oxygen. This wine and oxygen combination adds flavor to the wine.
    Smell – Stick your nose at the mouth of the glass and smell the wine. Smell the wine’s aroma to be familiar with the wine.
    Sip – Take a sip, letting the wine spread inside the mouth before swallowing.
  • Wine’s descriptions are associated with femininity:
    Notice the streaks of wine that roll down the side of the glass when it is swirled, they are described as legs. Legs that are smooth or light. 🙂 Also, then wines are described as having a fruity or fresh aroma just like a scent of a woman. And then there’s smooth or round or bouquet and I don’t remember which part of wine was it described.
  • Hold the glass in the stem. Holding the bowl part of the glass warms the wine.
  • White wines are best paired with salads or white meat.
    Red wines are best paired with red meat and chocolate cakes.
  • As wine complements the dishes, the flavor varies when you drink it before, during and after the dish is eaten. Europeans drink wine as a food since pairing wine with the food creates pleasure unlike Filipinos that drink to booze 😀

What I drinked:

For the white wines, D+B Wines Shop offered Fat Bastard’s Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. I was able to finish a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. Not too strong to me and definitely I like the taste. I tried the second glass of  Chardonnay but was consumed only half of it. I still prefer the Sauvignon Blanc. Hhmn, the mommy in me want to indulge this wine after work. How is that?
For the red wine, Merlot and Pinot Noir was offered and it was hubby’s favorite. According to him, it taste different from wines he tasted without that sour taste. Taste just right and expensive, he said. He planned of bringing me back here in D+B Wine Shop for a date…I wonder when 🙂

FatBastardWine - Sauvignon BlancFatBastardWine - Pinot Noir

Wine is indeed pleasurable and I think a glass of wine did have an effect on everyone as everyone gets comfortable with each other through the night.

Thank you for the lovely evening Fat Bastard Wines and D+B Wines Shop.

7 Easy and Healthy Summer Snack Ideas For Kids

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With the warmer weather just around the corner, it can lead to a change in what we want to eat and snack on. Hearty and hot stews or soups are the last things that we want to reach for when it is warm outside, right? So it often leads to craving fresh salads or chilled pasta dishes. But when you’ve got younger children, it can be hard to know what to feed them. I don’t know about you, but it is tricky to get little ones to eat a salad, as they just see it as a bowl full of leaves. But there are plenty of options, especially when it comes to snacking, for kids in the summer. Here are some ideas to give you some inspiration if you struggle with what to give them too.

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Fruit Necklaces:
Using some string or wire, get your kids to thread on some strawberries and grapes. Then they can have some fun making a ‘necklace’ that they get to enjoy eating afterward. Tasty, refreshing, and fun.

Watermelon Pops:
Watermelon is so good for us as it is made from mostly water, as the name suggests. It can be tricky to eat, though. So for little children, slicing some pieces up into triangles is a good idea. Then using a lollipop stick, insert that in the rind, and you’ve made eating a watermelon a whole lot more fun.

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Apple Nachos:
To make eating apples more fun, slice them up into chunks and display on a large plate or platter. Then drizzle with some chocolate or caramel sauce. Then they can enjoy a fun plate of ‘nachos’ to share. Way more refreshing in summer than the corn chip kind.

Rainbow Smoothie Popsicle:
In summer there is nothing better than a popsicle. And for kids, I don’t think there is much better than having one that is in rainbow colors! You’ll need to mix up a few different smoothies so that you can get the colorful effect. A strawberry and banana smoothie for the red layer, a spinach, apple and kiwi one for the green layer, and a blueberry and raspberry one for the purple layer, for example. Using homemade popsicle holders, layer up the smoothies and then put in the lids or sticks. Freeze until set and then enjoy out in the sun. Healthy and refreshing, with no added sugar in sight.

Shaved Ice:
If you want something fun and cooling in summer for your kids, then Hawaiian shaved ice is always a good idea. You might have a shaved ice stand near you, or you could make your own. The good news is you just need ice (water) and then some syrups. So it is really easy to make.

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Frozen Grapesicles:
Instead of a traditional popsicle to enjoy outside, you could choose a healthier version using grapes. Thread grapes onto long popsicle sticks and then freeze. They make a crunchy but refreshing treat when it is warm outside.

Banana Ice Cream:
If your kids don’t eat dairy or you just want to give them something a little healthier, then make your own banana ice cream; all you need is bananas! Peel and chop several bananas up and then freeze them. Once set, blend in a food processor until you have a creamy ice cream texture.

Creating a Garden for the Whole Family

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If you’re lucky enough to have a garden space, you really should make the most of it. Sitting outdoors, breathing in fresh air, appreciating nature and perhaps getting a little gentle exercise is one of the best things you can do for your body and it’s even better for your kids, which is why it is important to create a garden space that the whole family can enjoy.

Want to spend more family time outdoors? Here are some simple tips for creating a fun and relaxing family garden:

Create Multiple Areas

Kids will be kids which means that, given a chance, they’ll trample your flowers as they chase butterflies, kick balls at your best plants and generally have a messy-fun time in the garden. That’s fine – they’re kids, and they should be allowed to have fun exploring outside – but it probably won’t be much fun for you if you’re trying to relax and catch some sun. That’s why it’s a good idea to create multiple areas in your garden. You can have a patio area, with barbecue and furniture for parties, a relaxation area with pretty flowers, and a play area where the kids can cause as much destruction as they want without harming anyone else.

Add Safety Features

It is as, if not more, important, to make your garden safe as it is to childproof your home. So, if you have a pond, go to the pond supplies section and buy fine mesh to cover the water over, erect a fence that is safe and will keep the kids in the garden, use natural pesticides and generally do what you can to make your garden as child-friendly as possible. Accidents can and will happen, but if you’ve done all you can to mitigate dangers, they’re much less likely to happen to you.

Make it Soft

When kids are running around, they will fall over, which is why you will want to ensure that they are able to break their fall with something soft. If you want your garden to be safe for the kids and look pretty for you, lawn is the obvious choice, but there are alternatives like soft wood chips, which can work just as well.

Hang Birdfeeders

If you love birds and you want to encourage your children to enjoy nature too, be sure to hang bird feeders around your garden. Ideally, you should hang them on a high pole, so that they don’t also attract less welcome guests, and you should put down a lot of seating so you can all gather round and watch the birds do their thing.

Keep Mature Trees

If you have one or more mature trees in your garden, don’t get rid of them. They give your garden some gravitas, and as you will probably know, the average child loves to climb trees, create swings and get mommy or daddy to build them their very own treehouse where they can hang out giving you some peace and quiet – for a while.

Have you created a family-friendly garden? What are your top tips for doing the job well?

Using Nature to Nurture

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Nowadays, fewer kids are getting experience the thrill of the great outdoors and mother nature. Cities are becoming less green. And, more people are living in cities than ever. So, to make sure you kids get their fill of the natural world; you have to force them into it. This might not be easy. And, you might have to spend a little bit of money along the way. But, it will be worth it when you see your kids enjoying something so simple with such vigor. To help you out, this post will be going through some of the ways to get your kids outside. And, why it’s so important that this is a part of their life.

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First, you should think about the spaces away from home. It’s very unlikely that you have a woodland or forest attached to your property; especially in the city. But, these are some of the best places for kids to enjoy nature. They enable your child to see things that they would never see at home. And, they give your child a chance to explore something they may have only seen on television. Along with wooded areas, beaches can be great for kids. These spaces are usually nice and safe; as long as you keep your eyes open. You can do a lot of this for just the price of travel. This is much cheaper than most modern days out. And, it will provide your kids with much more.

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Next, you can start to consider the space you have at home. Your kids will spend a lot of their time in the garden. They will want to be outside for a lot of the time during summers. And, they will enjoy having somewhere to play with friends. Your garden provides a great place for you to let your kids run free; without having to worry about strangers. Of course, you have to make sure that the space is safe, though. To start, it’s a good idea to talk to a landscaping company. They will be able to work on your garden to make it as safe as possible; while still making it look nice. Having this work done for you will give you a chance to think about the other parts of your garden; like swings and other toys for the kids.

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Kids who spend more time outside will almost certainly have a more fulfilling childhood. The time that they spend in these places will teach them about the importance of nature. Hopefully, it will give them a strong feeling of empathy towards animals. And, it could even have an impact on their education. Screens and digital devices aren’t the most enriching ways to entertain yourself. Instead, it’s better for a developing child to have to deal with natural challenges; not digital ones.

Hopefully, this will give you a good idea of what can be done to give your kids as much outdoor time as possible. This sort of work will be greatly beneficial to your kids. And, they might not know it; but, they will appreciate the work you do into their later years.

Kudos to mommies who love outdoor adventures and bringing with them their children when exploring the nature. 🙂

Goodness Giveaway for Mommies this Mother’s Day

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Thank you all for joining 🙂

GoodnessGiveawayForMommies

This month, as a tribute to all awesome mommies, I am having hosting a giveaway 🙂
For being grateful for someone who will spend sleepless nights just so her kids will be taken care of, for being patient with mischievous, hard-headed kids, for sacrificing career, if not juggling career and family just to handle both and for being supportive in every ups and downs of her children’s lives.

For Mama Lorna, thank you for that love and care. Daghan Salamat 🙂

Have you said your gratitude to you mama, nanay, mommy? Say it now and always, not just on special occasions but everyday. Let her know you are thankful.

Anyways, please join my giveaway to win your mommy a gift and give it to her as a gesture of being thankful.

Giveaway Contents:
Winner of the giveaway will receive:

  • Plans and Purpose Worksheet by Olivia Team
    Plans & Purposes: A 12-Month Workbook is a tool designed to help you accomplish at least three major goals in the span of a year. Simplify to-do list by breaking down your action plans on a monthly basis. Evaluate your progress at the end of each month in order to plan the next. Though we are already on the fifth month of the year, never to late to start, right?
  • Nature Body Wash, Feminine Wash and Lotion by Human Nature
    According to their site, Human Nature is a social enterprise brand of natural beauty and personal care products, driven by its love for the Philippines, the poor, and the environment. I love that Human Nature consider what’s best for our country, the Filipino people and the environment.
    Because they are using natural ingredients, I am comforted that my skin is being moisturized and soothed, thus fresh and healthy. Feed with goodness!
  • Sun-Ripened Raspberry Fragrance Mist from Bath and Body Works
    The smell of sweet smell raspberry is just so mild and refreshing. Good for mommies who loves lighter smell of fragrance in colognes and perfumes.

GoodnessGiveawayForMommies_Giveaways

Giveaway Mechanics:

  1. Follow @mommyafterwork at Instagram
  2. Like or Share this post by clicking the FB Like, Twitter or G+ button above
  3. Comment on this post with your message of gratitude fo your mom

Giveaway Guidelines:

  1. Competition closes May 14, 2017
  2. Winner will be chosen on the night of May 14, 2017
  3. Giveaway is open to Cebu residents only
  4. Winner will be chosen through random.org  www.miniwebtool.com

Good Luck.

Congratulations Mommy Rose Angelie 🙂

Note:
This is not a paid post.
 I just personally love the products and thought of sharing it with you this Mother’s Day Month.

Plastering Personality: The Pleasure Of Creating For Your Own Home Space

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Design is something that’s resoundingly important when it comes to creating a home that you love, one that reflects your personality and highlights all of the little quirks and niches you carry in your soul. It often doesn’t take much time at all to find something to decorate our homes that we enjoy, but sometimes, we feel like our space is missing that certain ‘je ne sais qoui.’

While initially seeming like a roadblock to the perfect home, this is actually the time where you have the biggest opportunity for exploration. In order to fully identify what you want, you have to create it. This can be one of the most important undertakings you will ever embark on when it comes to sorting your beautiful home from lovely to stunning.

What follows is a list of home items you can create yourself that might help stamp your personality that little bit more on the home you occupy and cherish.

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Create Artwork Yourself

Decking out your walls with the next Banksy or original Picasso is a fantastic endeavour, but sometimes it might not be the right fit for you. In order to fully apply yourself to your living space, creating your own artwork might be something that makes your move in that much more special.

It could be as simple as dabbing a wall of your living room with the multi-colored painted handprints of your family, or a painting of a local landscape you’ve done in your spare time. It’s easy to desire a home that’s filled with all of the modern luxuries and decors, but putting some good old fashioned heart into things can be a reward in itself.

Craft Wooden Furniture

Woodworking is a joy because once you realise how little effort you need to understand the fundamentals, you can be well on your way to making something of value. Crafting an object using hand tools will eschew the cost of a workshop setup. This doesn’t mean you have to create a four poster master bed just yet, but putting a simple table or box for storage together can lend you some credibility when you claim your home is your home.

Not all of us have the time, energy or even ability to learn how to craft furniture though, and sometimes more specialist areas like outside decking require more of a professional touch. In order to communicate your wishes with a reliable and talented service, consider using specialists who do decking DIY projects – technical data sheets.

Identify Colors That Please You

This is more important than you think. In order to fully appreciate the range of areas in your home consider trying to find what colors best reflect your personality. Are you a relaxed minimalist? White and light blues might be the best for you. Are you a jazzy, soulful personality? Oranges, reds and yellows are for you. Decide what style works for you and check out what arrangements you can make.

If you have a family, consider having an informal meeting and decide what everyone likes. Maybe your four-year-olds suggestion of ‘unicorns everywhere’ can be taken with a grain of salt, but for the most part identifying what makes your family tick and finding some way to reflect that in your home will make it that much more of a loving living space.