April  2013
 

 
Hello from Mahlah!

  

When you get home after a long day do you feel relaxed? Comfortable? Happy to be in your house? Our mental, emotional, and physical health is directly affected by our living conditions at home. If your home causes you more stress than comfort it may be time to look at the reasons why. Is the problem unruly clutter? Outdated design? A fresh spring cleaning, re-organizing, remix, and/or design updates may just do the trick. Invest in your health at home. I promise you will not regret it!
 
Trayalicious!

 

I love using trays to organize areas of design. When items are corralled onto a tray a sense of order is created. Use them around the house for books, lamps, and collections. Use them at parties to display like items such as wine glasses or condiments. Use them inside your kitchen cabinets to keep track of small items.   

 

 
 
Products Products Products
 
Hygiene products!!! AH!!!!! We have all done it, bought a new product such as shampoo, make-up, or save cream and didn't like it. Then it sits in our bathroom cabinets taking up space and the years go by. But it was like $25.00!!!
Sound familiar? No one wants to watch their money hit the trash can, but what is it truly worth to you? Would you like the space back in your cabinet or vanity? Here are some tips for both men and women to help clean out those annoying products and determined what should go and why.
  • When is the last time you used the product?
  • Did you like the product?
  • Do you have too many of the same product? (For instance how many years will it take you to go through those 6 bottles of lotion and is it worth the storage?)
  • How long have you had the product? (If it's been in the cabinet for 2 years and you haven't touched it then let it go. Plus products do expire even though a date is not printed.)
  • Is this product healthy?
  • Will you honestly ever use it?
  • Are you keeping it because it was expensive?

Tips to avoid re-collecting products.

 

  • Finish products like shampoo, lotion, and toothpaste BEFORE opening a new one. It's always tempting to opening that fresh new product. If you cannot stand the wait then do not allow yourself to purchase products until you are completely out.
  • At first use, if you do not like your new product return it to the store ASAP (Many stores will take back cosmetics and products that you were not happy with) or pass the item on to a friend who may like it. Avoid adding it to your cabinets or drawers.
  • If you receive the items as gifts, but you either will not use them or do not like them, than don't feel guilty to give them away to friends or donate them.
  • Avoid purchasing items simply because you have a coupon or they are on sale. 
 
About the Author

 



Interior Designer Mahlah Karpavage has had a passion for design since childhood. As an adult she followed her passion by earning her BFA in Interior Architecture & Design. She now owns Design Me By Mahlah an Interior Design and Organizing business in Santa Cruz County, California.

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Healthy Home Tip
 
Spring cleaning anyone?? Although we should seriously deep clean our homes several times a year Spring always seems like a great time. Once the weather starts to warm up, the rain stops, and the birds are chirping I get very inspired.

It's great to open up the house, wash curtains and windows, and clean under furniture. If you are not the type of person who wants to set aside a weekend to bust a move with a power-through-the-tasks day consider piecing out the tasks throughout a week or so.

Here is an example list of interior Spring cleaning to-dos that can be scheduled into your week.
  • Wash all bedding (including bed skirts and mattress pads) and all window treatments
  • Wash all windows and artwork/picture frames 
  • Clean fridge and all kitchen appliances thoroughly
  • Clean out kitchen cabinets inside and out and all contents of counter tops
  • Dust EVERY object in the house (can split this up by room if you have a huge house)don't forget switch plates, door frames, and baseboards 
  • Thoroughly scrub each bathroom, including light fixtures, door knobs, ext..
  • Vacuum and mop all floors including under ALL furniture
  • Clean out closets and desk drawers 
If you are not the only member of your household then I would suggest dividing these tasks up with your family or to work together on each task.

And of course, during all this cleaning it's a great time to downsize on possessions and either plan a yard sale or make some donations. Start a get-rid-of bag or box right at the start and toss things into it as your sweep through the house on your cleaning spree.

No time, energy, or ability to Spring clean? Call in the pros!
 

Featured Business 
Abundance Mood Lady
 

Valentino Coaching, Santa Cruz California

 

Janette Valentino is a Certified Professional Life Coach specializing in working with people during transitional phases in their lives, whether these result from internal or external changes. For many people, this means getting clearer about what they want in their business/job, relationships or some other area of their life and then getting support to actually get there. Janette recently launched The Mood Lady Cards - a set of 40 cards to support people in deepening and integrating their own journey so they can create more of what they want in life.

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