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Creative Outlets and Free Time

Hi friends! I’m joining in today’s Share Our Lives link-up, and the topic is Creative Outlets/Free Time. I’ll be honest—I got myself into a bit of an ‘overthinking-it’ cycle and wasn’t sure what I was meant to write about. Should I pick one? Do both? And what even counts as a creative outlet? Isn’t that just a hobby in disguise? I’ve already shared a post about my hobbies, so I didn’t want to repeat myself. Instead, I figured I’d talk about both–creative outlets and how I spend my free time because a lot of creativity tends to happen when there’s a bit of space in the day. Let’s see where this takes me. Creative Outlets That Inspire Me I’m a huge fan of activities that give me a chance to be creative. I love playing with fashion, makeup, and skincare. I try not to get carried away with trends because, as you know, they change faster than we can keep up with. Instead, I stick with what works for me and sprinkle in some new ideas here and there. I get a lot of inspiration from YouTube, especially when it comes to skincare routines or trying out new makeup looks. It’s a great way to learn something new, and one of these days I’ll nail that smokey-eye look. Or who knows—maybe the raccoon look will catch on, and I’ll be ahead of the trend! Blogging is My Number One Creative Outlet When it comes to creative outlets, blogging is hands down my number one. It ticks all the boxes for me because I get to chat about my week, life, and adventures, as well as reflect on things that are on my mind and things that I’m learning. I also get to share the things I love and explore ideas that have been swirling in my head. Best of all, I get to be creative with how I add visuals and design images using my favourite creative app—Canva. Designing Small Spaces as a Creative Outlet I love exploring small-space living, probably because my house is so small! I can easily spend hours learning about minimalist design ideas and one of my absolute favourite YouTube channels is Never Too Small. They focus on creating functional, beautiful spaces in small areas. I like to take these ideas and use them in my own home—it’s definetly a creative outlet for me. Sharing Creativity with Others Creative outlets don’t always have to be solo activities. I also love creating things that others can enjoy. At work, for example, I enjoy setting up dramatic play areas for the children. Back in the day, before the government threatened to reduce our funding if we didn’t extend the time children could attend, we had a solid 40 minutes before and after their day to plan and set up. That was my time to get creative and make props for pretend play spaces. I’d make things like a pizza oven for our dramatic play area or pretend cakes for our bakery set-up. Sadly, there’s not much time in the day anymore for big creative projects like these. But it’s always great to see the children still enjoy them—although it doesn’t take long before everything is upside down! The pizza oven is still holding up—not bad for cardboard, aluminium foil, and a whole lot of plastic contact. How Creative Outlets and Free Time Connect For me, creative outlets and free time are completely linked. I find that my free time is when I can dive into the things that interest, inspire, and help me get creative. If I had no free time, I wouldn’t have the chance to explore my creative side and discover those outlets. Then there are also times when free time means just that—free time. It’s the freedom to plonk myself in front of the TV and binge-watch something. Because I shouldn’t feel like I always have to be productive or creative. I just need to shush that nagging voice in my head that says otherwise! Thanks so much for stopping by. It’s been great reflecting on how creative outlets and free time are connected in my life. I’d love to hear how you balance them, so I’m looking forward to reading your posts. Wishing you all a creative and relaxing day. Linking up with Adrienne, Dara, Jen, Joanne and Sarah

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Simple Ways to Freshen Your Home

Leave a Comment / Home, Home Decor, Home Improvement Ideas

We all crave a home that feels like a cozy retreat where we can unwind and relax. The way you decorate and furnish your space plays a huge role in creating that emotional connection. That’s why it’s so important to infuse your personality into your home decor. After all, you’re the one who’ll be living in and loving it every day! Achieving a fresh, clean look for your home doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Here are some simple ways to freshen your home, to give your space a noticeable update. Simple Ways to Freshen Your Home Declutter Your Spaces Decluttering is the perfect way to kick off your decorating and furnishing journey with a clean slate. A cluttered home can be frustrating and counterproductive, making it hard to see the potential beauty beneath the mess. Tackle decluttering one room at a time instead of trying to do the whole home in one go. This approach makes the task less overwhelming and lets you focus on each space thoroughly. Spend as much time as needed in each room, ensuring every nook and cranny gets the attention it deserves. With a good declutter, you create a blank canvas to visualise how you want the space to look. Get the whole household involved to make the process easier and more fun. Together, you can transform your home into a more organised and inviting haven. Spruce Up with Soft Furnishings Your soft furnishings play a big role in shaping the look and feel of your home. From the blue cushions on your sofa to the curtains dressing your windows, each choice contributes to that fresh and clean appearance you’re aiming for. For a clean and fresh look, consider using materials like linen and opting for light colours such as creams and whites. These choices can instantly brighten up your space and make it feel more inviting. Remember, while the choices you make with soft furnishings are important, they’re also easy to change. Unlike painting floors or installing new carpets or tiles, switching out cushions or curtains is a quick and budget-friendly way to refresh your space. So, go ahead and have fun with your soft furnishings, knowing you can always mix things up whenever you want a new look! Conquer Kitchen Chaos: Do the Dishes and Put Them Away Keeping your home clean can feel like a never-ending task, but staying on top of the housework, even the monotonous chores, is key to maintaining a tidy space. While some people find housework therapeutic, tackling household messes after a long day can be mentally exhausting for anyone. One simple yet effective tip to freshen your home is to do the dishes and put them away immediately. Instead of letting them pile up in the sink or on the drying rack, dry them off and place them back in their designated spots right away. This small habit saves you from a bigger job later and instantly makes your kitchen feel cleaner and more organised. Imagine the satisfaction of seeing a sparkling clean kitchen with clear countertops and no lingering mess. Whether you’re enjoying a morning cup of coffee or preparing dinner in the evening, a clutter-free kitchen sets a positive tone for the entire home. It also gives you a mental boost, knowing you’ve efficiently tackled one of the day’s necessary chores. Embrace the simple joy of a clean kitchen—it’s not just about tidiness but about freshening your home’s atmosphere and creating a more inviting space for yourself and your family. Brighten Your Space: Let in the Natural Light Natural light is crucial, especially for rooms that don’t have a lot of light and tend to feel dark or closed off. Sunlight has the power to make any space feel more open, airy, and inviting. Start by evaluating what might be blocking the natural light from entering your rooms. Sometimes, simply rearranging furniture or removing bulky objects from window areas can make a huge difference. Trim any overgrown plants or bushes outside that might be casting shadows. Clean your windows inside and out to maximize the light coming through. Consider swapping heavy curtains for lighter, sheer ones that allow sunlight to filter in while still providing privacy. If you have blinds, open them up during the day to let the sunshine flood in. For rooms with limited windows, strategically place mirrors to reflect light and create the illusion of a brighter, more spacious area. Remember, natural light not only enhances the aesthetics of your home but also boosts your mood and well-being. So, embrace the sunshine and transform your living spaces into bright, welcoming retreats. Letting in the natural light will freshen your home and breathe new life into it, making it a more joyful place to be! Freshen Up with Regular Vacuuming and Mopping Maintaining cleanliness means staying on top of vacuuming and mopping floors as needed. Especially in a household with kids, daily vacuuming is often a must, not just a weekly chore. The accumulation of dust and debris can quickly make a home feel less tidy, so it’s important to tackle it frequently. Stay proactive with vacuuming and, when mopping is necessary, have a mop and bucket of soapy suds ready after dinner to swiftly clean up any spills or foot traffic marks. Regular upkeep not only maintains your floors’ pristine appearance but also ensures your home exudes a consistently fresh and inviting atmosphere. By making these tasks part of your routine, you’ll effortlessly maintain a clean environment that everyone can enjoy. So, grab that vacuum and mop, and keep your floors looking their best! Discover Your Home’s Signature Scent For those who adore the finer details of home decor, why not embark on a quest to find your home’s new signature scent? Whether you prefer the subtle aromas of wax melts, the convenience of plug-in air fresheners, or the cozy ambience of scented candles, there are countless ways to infuse your space with a delightful fragrance. Choosing a new

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6 Tips To Make Your House A Home

Leave a Comment / Home, Home Decor

Ever heard the saying, ‘A house isn’t always a home; no home needs to be a house’? It’s a reminder that no matter where you hang your hat – whether it’s a charming house, a trendy apartment, or even a lively shared space – you have the power to turn it into your own personal sanctuary. Transforming your living space into a true haven can work wonders for your happiness and well-being. But how do you make that magic happen? Well, that’s where the fun begins! Home means something unique to each of us, so it’s all about discovering what brings you that warm, fuzzy feeling. Whether it’s filling your space with laughter, cozying up with your favourite things, or surrounding yourself with the people you love, the possibilities are endless. So, let’s dive in and explore 6 tips to make your house a ‘home sweet home’! 6 Tips To Make Your House A Home Increase Natural Light Let’s brighten things up! Want to turn your house into a place that just makes you smile? It’s all about soaking up that natural light! Sunlight isn’t just good for plants; it’s a mood booster for us too. When your home is bathed in natural light, it’s like a little daily dose of happiness. Luckily, there are tons of ways to let that sunshine in. Throw open those windows, consider adding some glass doors to invite even more light inside, or maybe even pop in skylights for that extra glow. And if those options aren’t quite right for you, no worries! You can still amp up the brightness by playing around with your furniture arrangement or switching to light-coloured curtains. It’s all about those little tweaks that make a big difference, letting you bask in the glow and soak up all the good vibes. Sunshine in, smiles out! Keep It Clean Let’s kick things off with a sparkling start and delve into one of the essential tips to make your house a home: keeping it clean! Ever walked into a tidy room and felt an instant sense of calm? Tidying up isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a space where you can truly unwind and feel at peace. By giving everything a designated home and sticking to a cleaning routine, you’ll be amazed at how quickly your home transforms into a comforting retreat. The more relaxed and organised your space, the more it feels like your own personal haven, where you belong and thrive. So grab that mop and duster, and let’s turn your living space into a sanctuary of cleanliness and comfort! Personalise It Adding your touch to where you live is a powerful way to foster a sense of belonging and make it feel like home. Hang up some cherished photos, display mementos from your adventures, or showcase artwork that speaks to your soul. Infuse your space with items that hold sentimental value, weaving your life story into the very fabric of your home. This isn’t just about decor; it’s about crafting a space that resonates with who you are, turning it from a bland backdrop into a vibrant reflection of your personality. So, let your creativity soar and watch as your home comes alive with warmth and character, fulfilling that longing for a true sense of belonging! Elevate Your Home with Comfort Let’s spice things up and explore other fabulous tips to make your house feel like a home: Add Comfort! Comfort means different things to different people, right? For some, it’s all about sinking into plush cushions and creating a snug, inviting vibe. For others, it’s about surrounding yourself with treasures that warm your heart—like heirlooms, family keepsakes, or that quirky artwork that used to hang in your childhood home (even if you secretly rolled your eyes at it back then). Whatever brings you joy, invite it into your home and bask in the instant warmth it brings! It’s all about embracing what makes you feel good and infusing your space with those cozy vibes that make it uniquely yours. So, snuggle up, surround yourself with your favourite things, and let the comfort take over! Enhance Your Home with Plants Let’s spruce things up with a burst of green goodness: Add Plants! Plants have been scientifically proven to benefit both physical and mental health. Whether you’re craving a touch of nature or looking to boost your mood, adding plants to your living space is a fantastic way to infuse it with life and vitality. Plus, here’s the best part: you don’t even need a green thumb to enjoy the benefits! Artificial plants can work their magic just as well, offering all the mental health perks without the fuss of watering and care. So, why not bring a little bit of the great outdoors indoors and watch as your home blossoms into a lush, green paradise? Bring Your Home to Life with Colour Let’s dive into another exciting way to infuse personality into your home: Add Colour! We’ve talked about personalising your space, but there’s something magical about splashing it with hues that bring you joy. Whether it’s painting the walls, adding pops of colour through decor, or going bold with a vibrant sofa, the possibilities are endless! Get creative with your wall hangings or toss in some colorful cushions—it’s your canvas to play with! Adding colours you love can instantly uplift your mood and give your home that unmistakable touch of you. So, why wait? Inject some life and vibrancy into your space, turning it into a true reflection of your vibrant personality! In the journey of making your house a home, remember that it’s not just about the physical space; it’s about creating a sanctuary that reflects your personality and brings you joy. From maximising natural light to infusing your space with comforting touches, each step is a chance to craft a space where you feel truly at ease. So whether it’s surrounding yourself with cherished memories, adding vibrant colours, or embracing the calming presence

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