Bigger and Brighter

As I sit in front of my computer at this very moment, the snow is falling. I begin to suck my teeth in disgust.  Yet and still, I find it quite pretty, the way it falls so quietly and covers everything in its path.  In that same amazingly angelic moment, I hope by tomorrow morning a bursting beam of sunshine will have melted any reminders of the snow away.  

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I’ve grown accustomed to truly experiencing all four seasons in the Midwest, however, I adore the beginning of Spring and love everything Summer has to offer.  The sun shines bigger and brighter.  The flowers are in full bloom.  The vacations have been planned, and it’s time to pull out the sandals!  With the change and turn of the seasons, it’s also necessary to make small, refreshing, and inexpensive updates to your home.  

​It might seem daunting and overwhelming as you truly don’t know where to begin.  I have found that starting with smaller projects and working your way up will lead to a feeling of accomplishment.  Warning:  Once you start making updates, it becomes addictive!

Over the years I have dibbled and dabbled in my fair share of DIY projects.  The results are the most rewarding, so when it’s all said and done it is worth it and then some.  

Often not receiving the credit they deserve, small projects are just as important as bigger projects.  Sharing my favorite, simple, and budget-friendly spring refreshers. Get your mind into this, and as always, have fun with it.  Don’t forget to turn the music up because it just makes everything better.
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• Shower Liners - Replace every quarter.  Yes, every 3 months!  Soap scum, mildew, and dampness begin to build up and your bathroom has a not-so-fresh feel.  Stock up and have everything you need on hand for under $25.  TIP: Visit your local TJ Maxx or Marshalls for great deals on budget friendly liners!

• Air Filters - Replace once a month.  There once was a time I was convinced that the most expensive filter meant it worked much better.  After an energy assessment, I was advised the cheapest filters work just as well if not better.  It prevents your systems from working harder than it has to.  Visit your local hardware store and pick up 12 for under $2 each!  

• Interior Doors - Surfaces collect dust.  All it takes is warm soap and water or your favorite disinfecting wipes to renew and brighten those doors we touch every single day.  

• Curtains - A great refresh is taking your curtains down twice a year and throwing them in the washing machine on gentle.  I use a detergent that has a nice fragrance to give my curtains a fresh and vibrant smell.  

• Ceiling Fans - Often the most forgotten!  I can guarantee if you looked up and saw a layer of dust you know what time it is.  Again, grab your favorite wipes and go to town.  If you use your fans often you probably want to clean them every couple of months as they can collect tons of dust.

• Garage - No time like the present to break down those boxes that have piled up over the Winter.  Invest in a storage shelf for under $20 and organize your chaos.  Paint cans, garden accessories, tools, and whatever else needs a shelf of its own will reduce the stress and disgust each and every time you open that garage door.

Not only was that easy, but your house also smells amazing, you feel refreshed and a sense of accomplishment has covered you like the warm afternoon sun!

There never seems to be enough time or hours in the day to accomplish everything on your list.  For some, our days start early and end late.  Great balance is time for family, an efficient and productive work day, personal time for yourself, and carving out just a bit of your life for actual fun.  It doesn’t typically happen this way, but with all things, after a little practice and patience, you can create the environment and space that makes you happy.  

~AJ 🌻