Happy Home

Thank you all of the nice words and advice about House Hunting. D and I have seen some great homes, but we are just as confused as ever! I have faith that we'll find something soon.

Awhile ago, I signed up to be on an email listserve of Dr. Weil, the natural health guru. Like all email lists, I usually start to just delete the articles after awhile, but I thought this article on making your home a restful, happy sanctuary was very appropriate.

Creating a Sanctuary

Your home - whether big, small, or somewhere in between - should be your sanctuary, a place where stress is left at the door and your soul is nurtured. For a more comforting environment, gradually implement the following changes into your home:

• Bring the outdoors in. Cut flowers and blooming bulbs, or pieces of wood, rocks and other natural elements can create a feeling of nature indoors.


• Bring green plants into your home, especially varieties that filter indoor pollutants. According to the Foliage for Clean Air Council, these include Gerbera daisies, Boston ferns, English ivy, chrysanthemums, Areca palms, spider plants and golden pothos. The Council recommends having two plants for every 100 square feet.


• Paint a room to correlate with how you want to feel while in that room. For instance, blue and green promote a relaxed feeling and may be good for the bedroom.


• Surround your senses with beauty. Artwork, fragrance, smooth textures and calming sounds all provide a pleasant environment in which to relax.


• Set aside a room or area for peace and calm. A place for spiritual reflection and meditation can provide shelter from noise and distraction.


• Clean out the clutter. A low-maintenance home is refreshing after a day of hectic meetings, errands and chores. Fewer items can mean less frustration.


• Create an atmosphere of love. Display handmade or meaningful gifts from loved ones and photos of family and friends.


• Allow natural light to flow into your home. To take advantage of the sun's cycle without heating up your home, hang linen curtains (organic cotton, if possible) on windows that face north or south. If you have a nice garden or view from a window or two, keep those windows uncovered as much as possible when you are home. Read a book instead of watching television, or listen to music. If you desire or enjoy background noise, consider installing a small fountain to provide a soothing hum.

Have a wonderful day!