Are you a homebody? Well, you are in good company because I am the ultimate homebody. Even if you aren’t, this post is for you! This post will make you be happier at home.
I think the art of making a house ( or apartment ) into a home is the most fun activity of all time. Spending the weekend thrifting, taking a trip to IKEA or Homegoods, purchasing a few cute things from Target, bringing home a few new plants is an absolutely blissful weekend.
I also know that my purpose on this earth is to help people love where they live, my 10th house is ruled by Libra after all. I believe having a home that feels good and makes you happy is essential for life happiness + success.
So, I wanted to share a little challenge with you, a 30-day plan that will help you unleash the domestic goddess within and leave you feeling that covetable but attainable feeling of domestic bliss. You know that feeling when you come home and look around and your environment just makes you feel so good about yourself? If not, don't worry you will.
First, I want you to download this PRETTY PRINTABLE CHIC SHEET and save it to your phone so you can easily refer to the assignment of the day. Don’t beat yourself up if you have to miss a day, this is more about having a framework versus being overwhelmed with it all.
I know we all have very busy days but I want you to set aside 20-30 minutes to devote to your challenge each day. Set a time to keep you on track, once you have worked on your homework for 30 minutes, put it down. Then once you have completed your task for each day, and checked it off your chic sheet, show us your progress inside the Blissful Living Lounge facebook group! I'd love to see what you are up to.
DAY ONE:
Assess your living situation and make some goals. Determine which areas of your home need a little bit of TLC. Is your closet in need of organizing? Are you scared to open your fridge because of what might or might not be inside? Do you have a guest bedroom that has become just an extra room for "stuff"? Have you looked closely under your kitchen cabinets lately?
It's cool. We've all been there, we have all at one point or another neglected our home. Now its time to take back control.
Make a list of the TOP 5 areas of your home that need immediate attention. I like to do this in a spiral journal and make notes of what I want to get done in each area.
For example: Area #1 : Kitchen
Then I break it down into Mini-missions.
-organize the junk drawer
-buy a new trash can
-get new liners for the pantry
When I am done with each Mini-mission, I can cross it off the list. I am obsessed with making lists, they are so helpful to keep a clear mind.
*A note to all my housewives and moms of the world, you have the gift of being the homemaker, whether you like it or not. It's an honor to be the one who runs a household and its your contribution to the lives of your family. Today, I want you to give yourself a reward for this incredible role. You run the world!
DAY TWO:
Have a paper parade. Paper clutter is one of the biggest problems for most people. Become a relentless paper shredder. Go through all mail, catalogs, magazines, files, old bills, etc. Clear your home of all unnecessary paper that may be floating around.
Create a tray, folder or bin for all must keep papers looking organized and together. Get rid of the rest! You can find chic paper storage solutions that make your home feel more clutter free. Here are a few options:
DAY THREE:
AROMATHERAPY. We associate almost everything by smell. Smell is probably my #1 priority in my home. When I get up in the morning, I light a candle while I get ready and I also burn some essential oils throughout the home when I work. Citrus always invigorates me. Today, I am suggesting you do the same.
Pick your favorite place in the home or where you spend the most time and light up your favorite candle or fragrance. If you hate candles, get yourself an essential oil diffuser. Whatever area of your home is special for you, give it some TLC with a pretty fragrance. When you get home from your day, repeat the process. Indulge in the goodness.
DAY FOUR:
Declutter your bathroom(s). We will tackle several declutter projects over the course of this challenge but I always like to start with the bathroom. I think because its the one place that is essential for good hygiene.
Start with the bathtub. Are there any products that are so old or almost empty? Please toss them. Do you need to watch your loofah or perhaps its time to get a new one? Do it now. If it needs a cleaning you may want to do that now too. Toss your towels and bath mats in the wash.
Throw away old lotions, toothpaste, empty mouthwash bottles, etc. Anything that is not new, full and fresh THROW IT AWAY! Your bathroom speaks to your personal hygiene, so what does your bathroom say about you? Let's handle this today. Notice how you feel with a clean bathroom? Feels pretty good doesn't it? Keep it up. See some seriously beautiful bathroom organization inspiration here.
DAY FIVE:
Windex your life away. This is pretty self explanatory but I loooooove windex. Probably a little bit because of the dad from ‘My big fat greek wedding’ movie but in any case I do think Windex is a cure all. In fact, I have also found that I love the Method glass cleaner because of the mint smell.
Today I want you to go around with your windex and clean any windex-able surface. Mirrors, windows, picture frames, art, etc. Just do it.
DAY SIX:
Organize your books. If you are a reader or avid book collector like you, you probably have books floating around everywhere. Let's clean them up and find a place for them. Every. Single. One.
I like to stack them according to color of the spine. Some people like to stack them under chairs or use a stack as a side table. However you do it, find a use for every book in the home.
DAY SEVEN:
Style up your sofa. Everyone has a sofa right? But not everyone styles them. Trust me, I've seen some pretty dodgy sofa looks. It doesn't have to be anything too crazy, but if you actually intentionally styled your pillows, put a cozy throw on it and freshened it up, you would notice a difference.
Grab yourself a Barefoot Dreams dupe blanket and throw it over one of the arms. ( You will thank me later ). Karate chop your pillows. Vacuum the creases ( get rid of that popcorn ) + under the cushions. Spray it with Febreeze. Whatever you have to do to give your seating area a zhush, just go ahead and do it. Now enjoy your newly styled up and very clean sofa.
DAY EIGHT:
Pick one of your TOP 5 areas from DAY ONE + attend to one of the Mini-missions on that list you made. If that means, unpacking boxes, taking in that bag of donations you've been meaning to, cleaning your kids room, getting a bed frame for the guest room. Whatever you need to do, today is your day to do ONE thing for that area and just do it! Then, check it off the list.
DAY NINE:
Declutter your refrigerator. It's probably about time you tackle this beast. Same drill as the bathroom. Get rid of anything old, with mold or that has an way too long ago expiration date. Check the freezer too. If its almost empty, toss it. I don't care if its only beer and champagne in that fridge, I want to see it looking pretty.
I also like to arrange my drinks in order and get all stylish with it. It makes cooking and opening that door so much more fun. It also impresses your guests. While you are at it, you may want to scrub it down too. Don’t forget to add baking soda and a fridge freshener. Clean those drawers and around the insides with those Lysol wipes, they work wonders.
DAY TEN:
Bring in the green. There are numerous healing benefits to having plants in your home. It is also really good Feng Shui. This is essential to making your house feel more like a home. Even if you don't have a green thumb you can get some bamboo or succulents, they live forever.
I am partial or orchids and palm leaves. Whatever it would be that would make you happy, bring in a little life to your space and flow with that energy. If it dies, don't beat yourself up about it, try something else. The key here is that giving your home a gift is something special and will make you appreciate your home a little bit more. Even if they happen to be faux, it will trick your mind into feeling like your home is a little more cozy.
DAY ELEVEN:
Dress up your bed. I've been attempting this "make your bed every morning" method for a while now and let me tell you. It works. It's hard to keep up on the commitment, but the feeling I have now if I don't make my bed is so much worse that the laborious time it is making it up.
I've invested in some new pillows and high quality bedding. Now I make my bed up like its a hotel complete with a throw. When I get into bed at night, its so exciting I even do a little squeal. It's such a fun experience now.
Plus, it helps me from taking little naps in the afternoon because it just looks so dang comfy. So, try it out today, make your bed look as best as you can like a hotel, get those sheets flat and wrinkle free, plump up those pillows and fold over that comforter and show me your pics! Here are my exact personal favorite bedding essentials:
DAY TWELVE:
Attack your junk drawers. Any and all drawers used for random things, go through them and throw away what isn't needed.
Get yourself some organizers that fit your drawers and make a home for random things you need. Batteries, paper clips, glue sticks, etc. See how empty you can get them, challenge yourself.
DAY THIRTEEN:
Clean the ceiling fans. Or your heaters, or your AC units. Get that dust moving along and replace any ducts that need replacing. Make sure the air that you are breathing is clean and fresh. Your lungs and sleep will thank you for it.
DAY FOURTEEN:
Style up your shoes. Some people like to keep a bunch of shoes by the door to keep carpets clean, others like them lined in the closet. Where ever it is that you like to keep your shoes, come up with a stylish way to display them.
Treat them like books, organize according to size or color or stack them away in pretty boxes. I don't want one pair of shoes out of place, even if it is for easy access, keep those soles cared for and put properly in their stylish place. And don't forget, Show me those pics!
DAY FIFTEEN:
Take a shelfie. I'm sure most of you are pretty aware of the instagram condition and insta your heart out. We all can get overwhelmed by all of the gorgeous pics out there that show such stylish homes and covet the look of fabulousness.
Well, you can have that too. You've just got to put a little work into it. Go to pinterest and get inspired by some style pics. Then recreate that look on a shelf surface in your home.
Get flowers, candles, trinkets, whatever you need to get your shelf super stylish. It doesn't have to be perfect, so don't beat yourself up about it. What matters here is the effort, its TLC for your home.
DAY SIXTEEN:
Make a meal. For some of you, this will be easy and for others, not so much. I want you to challenge yourself by making a meal at home, pour a glass of wine, turn off all TV, light candles, play soft music and enjoy eating it.
You could even make frozen pizza for all I care, but do it with delight. Treat yourself as if you were at a restaurant, the hostess, the chef, the waiter and the diner. Relish in every part of it.
Use beautiful dishes, decorate your dining area, drink out of the most gogeous glasses, etc.
I try to do this for myself or my family and friends at least once a week. It's sort of therapeutic for me and can take place of my meditation practice. I just get into my zone and enjoy the flow.
DAY SEVENTEEN:
Pick one of your TOP 5 areas from DAY ONE + attend to it. Repeat process from DAY EIGHT.
DAY EIGHTEEN:
Do you remember this post I wrote about adding encouraging words in your home? Now its your turn to do it. You can head to a craft store and make something yourself, order a poster online or even write a message to yourself in the bathroom mirror with beautiful red lipstick! Whatever you do, put your heart and soul into it. As always, show me your words!
DAY NINETEEN:
Declutter your home office or workspace. Where do you pay your bills, write letters, check your email? It's time to get REALLY organized in this area as its the key to your financial health.
We already did a paper detox but if more has come up, toss it. Be sure to make sure all bills are paid and the work space is clear and easy to find things. Read this post for some home office feng shui tips to help you
Also, grab yourself some new office supplies that will make you feel more professional, chic, organized and productive.
DAY TWENTY:
Style up your coffee table. Having killer coffee table style is just one of those things that is essential in a stylish home that you will love. It's a perfect place to display some of your favorite things to look at while lounging on the sofa or chatting it up with your guests.
You want conversation pieces, chic candles, fun books to browse, etc. Click here for some serious inspiration and today, make your coffee table the hot spot of your home.
DAY TWENTY-ONE:
Just add fabrics. If by this time you still aren't really feeling that super cozy feeling in your home, chances are its pretty bare. One of the first things I like to tell my clients to do is add some fabrics to your space to give it some warmth.
Get yourself some curtains and dress up those windows. Even if you don't really feel like you need curtains, add pretty panels to the sides of your windows. Just think of it like adding a picture frame to your view. I don't know why, it just changes the entire space.
Then, add some pillows you like or a throw blanket or perhaps it’s about time you get a new rug.
DAY TWENTY-TWO:
Curate a bar or coffee cart. Even if you aren't a drinker, adding a drink cart area to your home is so much fun. You can make it a coffee cart, too. On mine you will see bottles of Perrier and grapefruit Pelligrino right next to my champagne.
Display your favorite glassware or vintage dishes, add a candle. If you already have a bar cart going, how can you spruce it up? Add your favorite candies or get some fun new cocktail napkins.
Put some love into how your bar cart is displayed, it's a love letter to your guests. Don't forget, send me pics.
DAY TWENTY-THREE:
Pick one of your TOP 5 areas from DAY ONE + attend to your mini-mission. Repeat process from DAY EIGHT.
DAY TWENTY-FOUR:
Frame AND hang some new art. I don't think I have ever been to a home I adore where there isn't an interesting piece of art. In my home, there is more art than anything else, each piece tells a story. It makes you love your home so much more.
It doesn't have to be perfect because its your home and where your gut tells you to hang it, is where it's meant to go. You could frame some art your child made, print out a map of your favorite city, frame a menu from your favorite restaurant or a flyer from a fun event you attended. Have fun with it.
DAY TWENTY-FIVE:
Smudge your space. Open up all the windows, if weather permits, and light up some sage and/or palo santo. I prefer Palo Santo. Fresh air brings a new energy into a home and lets the stagnant energy out. I usually do this routine on Sunday mornings and play my favorite music. It's kind of like restarting your phone or computer. You've just got to clear all the air out.
DAY TWENTY-SIX:
Have a guest over. Play hostess for the day and set up a little soiree and have a guest or two over and tell them about your 30 days to domestic bliss journey. Show off the new things you have styled up, wow them with your commitment to a clutter-free life or show them your hotel like bedding situation. Spread the domestic bliss energy.
DAY TWENTY-SEVEN:
Create a personal altar. Now, you don't have to do all of this but I am a HUGE believer in morning meditation and journaling. It was my 2015 resolution and it has literally changed my life.
I put my most comfortable chair in the corner or my bedroom and next to it I set up a side table with a lamp, some crystals, my journal and a candle. I sit here in the mornings or in the evening when I have my tea and just want to take a moment of solitude to reflect on the day. I am so in love with my little space now. This is also self care + self love, two extremely crucial keys to happiness and domestic bliss!
HOT TIP: Look up what Feng Shui element you are according to your birth year. Add some items to your personal space in your birth element. Mine is Metal, so I like to add metallics to my home for added calm and nurturing my energy. More on this inside my Feng Shui workshop, High Vibe Home.
DAY TWENTY-EIGHT:
Declutter your garage. Or shed. Or any other space you have that is overflowing with "extras". I understand this may take longer than a day but put one foot in front of the other and take a stab at it.
Again, grab a timer and set it for 15 or 20 minutes and just begin to throw things away. Don't be afraid to let go of things and their energy, new things always come in. It's the circle of home life.
DAY TWENTY-NINE:
Pick one of your TOP 5 areas from DAY ONE + attend to your mini-mission. Repeat process from DAY EIGHT.
DAY THIRTY:
Buy your home a special gift to reward yourself for doing this work. It's so important to be very grateful for the home that you currently live in. I can remember even being in the smallest studio in NYC and more grateful than ever. Gratitude = happiness.
Now that you have conquered this challenge, you can see that goal setting can be super easy when broken down into fun actionable steps. If you enjoyed this challenge, I have another 30-day Life decluttering challenge that you might really enjoy.
So happy you guys could join me on this 30-day challenge. I want to encourage you and be a part of this with you every step of the way. Each day and assignment, feel free to add to the Blissful Living Lounge facebook group.
Have you joined the challenge? Leave me a comment below and tell me your ways you find domestic bliss!
Good luck! xo ashlina
