Life can get exhausting – you work all day, walk in heels, deal with people and their tantrums, get stuck in traffic, only to come back home dead tired – both mentally and physically. Now you may not be able to take a long break, go to some faraway island, or quit your job, but what you can definitely do is come back home to spend some time in the calm, cozy, and peaceful ambiance to relax and unwind.
But a calm and peaceful ambiance? How would you create one for yourself? A clean home, perhaps? Yes, but you can do more (Don’t settle for less). You can make use of some tips to create a cozy space at home.
7 ways to create a calm and peaceful home
1. Reduce clutter
We all tend to make our home more of storage space, than a home. They are full of items that we do not use but keep for the sake of using them someday – which I bet never comes.
That’s the story of all the houses. But just so you know, lots of cabinets and tons of things can make your space look compact, which consequently might make you feel suffocated as well.
Thus, try reducing your clutter – whether they are bunches of boxes, or extra furniture lying around the house, or plenty of stationery items on your desk. Declutter every section of the home. You’ll have a peaceful atmosphere, better focus, hassle-free, and quick cleaning sessions.
If you need help and a place to start, check out this blog post I wrote about clutter clearing and how you can make some money.
2. Use a diffuser
Diffusers have only grown popular in recent years. They are devices that produce aroma and fragrance to relax your senses. They can be electric or contain tea-lights and tea-holders to produce mesmerizing fragrances around the house.
Not only that but the essential oils present in the diffusers promote relaxed and deep sleep. Additionally, diffusers can also help with anxiety, any emotion, and stress by relaxing your body and mind. If you are looking for a great brand and great diffusers, check these out.
3. Have suitable decor in the room
Décor plays an important role when it comes to adding a soothing vibe to the home. Here are a few tips that can help:
Try to have lighter color paints in your room, following a neutral color scheme is suggested. Avoid darker colors, including blue and purple as they can make the room look compact. However, if you do go for darker colors, make sure you paint it on one wall and leave the other three walls white. (unless it’s the bedroom which you will want darker colors to be able to sleep)
Let natural light come in. Once again, dark rooms do the opposite, they can make you feel restless and suffocated. So, it is suggested you allow natural light to come in. For this, open the windows and go for sheer blinds (If morning rays are your concern, try using a sleeping mask, or have a mixture of light-blocking curtains and sheer/white ones.
Add plants to the rooms – Plants can promote a natural and soothing vibe around the house. Add them but make sure you don’t add too many of them only to make your home look like a jungle. Keep the plants near the windows, where they can get sunlight.
4. Light aromatic candles
Candles with essential oils can produce aromas even if you don’t light them. However, as is obvious they’ll be the most effective when burnt. Nonetheless, try to add some candles to the décor. However, do make sure that you keep them away from combustible objects such as curtains and bedsheets.
If you don’t use candles, you can get diffusers with lights and use those instead, which is what I prefer if I want to create an ambiance. If I don’t but want the scent, I turn off the light on the diffuser and it works the same.
5. Work on the lighting
Little things matter, this includes lighting as well. They can have a tremendous effect on your senses and overall mood. Dim warm lights for that matter work the best to make your home comfortable, cozy, and serene, all at the same time. Having said that, you might want to avoid white tube lights, neon, and pink ceiling lights.
However, if you already have them, you can add lamps to create a more soothing and comfortable look.
6. Add a Himalayan Rock salt lamp
Himalayan Rock Salt lamps not only serve as a splendid piece of décor but have many health benefits. They promote a peaceful ambiance, improve the air quality, help you sleep better, and lighten up your mood.
It has a light bulb attached to it on the inside but the magic lies in the Himalayan salt that the lamp is made of and gets its’ name.
7. Play soothing music
You would not be stranger to the fact that music has been proven to calm one down, and improve mood. Ergo, this is what you must do – play some soothing music around the house. Refrain from playing any Billboard hits, go for instrumental music. You can even play calming background sounds, such as those of waves and rains.
Lastly,
Well, I just spilled the tricks to make your home feel like heaven. After all, your home is your sanctuary. Let it be the place where you can relax, unwind, and be who you are. Who knew, the secret of peace and calm can be your cozy room?
Hey there, how do you make your home calm and peaceful? Feel free to share some extra tips with everyone in the comment section.
We all have that one favorite piece of clothing that we adore with all our hearts. We wear them all the time – whether it is a casual day out with our friends or a hectic day at work. Ergo, you might as well agree that some clothes are irreplaceable, and you just cannot find something like them anywhere. All the reasons why you wouldn’t like them to become old, ragged, and worn out with time.
However, everything has to go through the test of time – even clothes. You have to make them last for them to stay the same.
But how would you do that? Well, sit back, and let me do the talking.
10 ways to make your clothes last longer
1. Invest in high-quality clothes
It’s a no-brainer that cheap quality clothing wouldn’t stay until a few wears. Thus, invest in good quality clothing that will last longer. (Would you skip fast fashion already?)
Some signs to recognize top-quality clothing.
No see-through material
No loose stitching and no threads pulling out.
Well-working zippers and seals, and well-fitted buttons.
Well-stitched lining.
Material and pattern matching at the seams.
Fabric – Silk, Nylon and leather can be high-quality. On the other hand, sheer fabrics are not.
2. Don’t wear the same clothes frequently, keep on rotating
The rule doesn’t change – A garment becomes less durable with every wear. Thus, the least you can do is not wear a fine piece of clothing – or your favorite one frequently. Switch around. Don’t wear the same garment more than once a week.
3. Separate your home clothes and outings clothes
Let me give you one more reason to be in your most comfy pajamas, and loose t-shirts while you are home – to protect the clothes you wear outside. Ergo, make a rule for yourself – Every time you come back home, change into a different set of clothing.
Why? It’s simple. The more you wear it, the less they will last.
4. Store your clothing properly and with care
For in-season clothes, the rule is simple – Keep them properly, as in washed, and neatly folded or hung.
As for off-season clothes – meaning those you would not wear for months, keep them properly in a cabinet or under your bed drawers. You can even use breathable garment bags or plastic storage containers for storage.
Also, do make sure the clothes are dry and cleaned (don’t go by the look of them, they might look clean but they can still be unwashed, dirty, and full of odor)
5. Hand wash, and avoid dryers
Washing machines and dryers may make your lives easy but they may affect the life of your clothes for the worst. Thus, for a delicate piece of clothing, always go for hand washing and line drying.
While you are at it, do not forget to check the washing instructions on the label of your clothes. Follow them strictly. If you can’t allow to hand wash and air dry, make sure to use the most gentle cycle on the dryer for your laundry to avoid any damage.
6. Don’t over wash your clothes
You might like your clothes washed up and clean. You might as well think that by frequent washing, you are keeping the clothes clean to increase their life. But you are doing the opposite.
In fact, the more frequently you wash your clothes, the shorter their lives will be. Don’t wash clothes after every wear (some types are exceptions). Stick by this guide.
Underwear, socks, under-shirts – After every wear
Bras – After 3-4 wear
Shirts and tops: After 1-2 wears
Dress pants After 2-3 wears
Jeans: After 4-5 wears
Sweaters: Up to 6 wears, if worn with an undershirt; 1-2 wears without it
Suits/blazers/casual jackets: After 5-6 wears
Workout clothes: After every wear
Sleepwear: After 2-3 wears
Bed-sheets: Once a week
Towels: After three uses
7. Attend to stains immediately
The longer you allow the stains to sit in, the deeper they set and dry. Consequently, it will become harder for you to remove them. Thus, immediately wipe them out. If you are somewhere out find a wet napkin, or even better if you carry a stain-remover pen with you.
8. Use cold water
Too much hot water is damaging for your skin, hair, and clothing as well. I know you would be surprised, but it’s true. Your clothes would stay fine, and won’t shrink when using cold water in washing machines.
9. Attend to seams. pulls and holes immediately
If you keep wearing clothes with holes, or threads coming out, you will make them worse. Thus, attend to them at the earliest. Learning how to sew and repair clothes can be a blessing for you in this regard.
10. Take care of the clothes in the closet
I know you thought your job was done when you washed, ironed, and folded your clothes neatly before putting them properly in your closet. But no, something minute is still left – what the title is about.
So, here are a few tips for that.
Keep your closet doors open; at least once or twice a week for good air circulation.
Ensure that your closet is not stacked, and the clothes have space to breathe freely.
The closet and clothes are both dry.
Now that you know how to make your clothes last longer, you can wear your favorites with no worries! And if you absolutely love something and want to wear it more than once a week, purchase it in multiples. In case you have some additional tips regarding the same content, feel free to drop them in the comment section.
Longing for a road trip through the desert? If you’re planning a getaway to the Southwest, the best way to get to know the region is by checking out some of the most enthralling sites in the area, and many of those happen to be set in both Utah and Arizona.
Planning a road trip across the desert can be quite overwhelming because of the huge number of possibilities, but don’t worry, here’s the perfect Utah & Arizona itinerary created with first-timers in mind.
From Bryce Canyon’s unique hoodoos to the amazing vistas of Canyonlands National Park, here’s the perfect Utah & Arizona road trip even for those who don’t have much time!
The Ultimate Arizona & Utah Roadtrip Itinerary for Desert Lovers
Day 1: Zion National Park
Begin the day as early as possible by driving to Zion National Park to embark on the road trip of a lifetime.
Once there, get acquainted with the area by visiting the Zion Human History Museum, where you’ll learn about the indigenous Paiute who once inhabited the place. Some of the most famous rock formations of Zion are located right outside the museum (including Watchman and the Towers of the Virgin), so you’ll get to free two birds with one key!
Next, put on your hiking shoes and start exploring the park on foot. Many trails here are short, gentle, and very alluring, so you can cross off several hikes off your list in a few hours.
If you’ve still got some energy after hiking, hop on your car and drive to Kolob Canyon, the lesser-visited part of the park and the ideal place to catch a sunset. For the ultimate spot to watch the sun go down, hike Timber Creek Overlook at Kolob View Point, where you’ll get to admire 360-degree views of the nearby rock formations and even some glimpses of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon!
Days 2 and 3: Bryce Canyon National Park
Because it is one of the smallest national parks in the USA, one day and a half is more than enough to catch the highlights of Bryce Canyon National Park. Do start your first day as early as possible to get the most out of it.
Red rock hoodoos are the stars of Bryce Canyon, so start the day by packing a lunch and driving along the park’s scenic road (Highway 12). During the drive, stop by at some of the park’s most scenic overlooks to get a wildly picturesque introduction to some of the best vistas at Bryce Canyon.
Come afternoon, pick one of the many short hiking trails if you’re in the mood to get to know the park a little better. For an epic sunset, head to Sunset Point, where you’ll get to see the sun go down while overlooking the striking amphitheater of red rock hoodoos!
Day 3 will be all about getting closer and more personal with Bryce Canyon. As mentioned before, hoodoos are what make Bryce Canyon’s landscape so unique, and there’s really no better way to admire them than braving the Queen’s Garden to Navajo Loop and Wall Street trail. As you make your way through otherworldly-looking rocky tunnels and pine forests, you’ll get access to the best views of the park’s iconic sandstone hoodoos that will make you feel as though you’re walking on another planet!
In the evening, leave Bryce Canyon and drive to Capitol Reef to get a good night’s sleep and prepare for another full day of desert goodness.
Day 4: Capitol Reef National Park
Get the most out of your visit to Capitol Reef National Park by hiking to Hickman Bridge, a classic, 2-mile round trip trail that will have you stumbling across some of the most iconic sights in the park. When you’re done hiking, hop back in your car and drive down Highway 24 to check out the park’s famous petroglyph panel, which will give you a good insight into the Capitol Reef’s indigenous heritage.
Next, drive along the 8-mile long scenic road, where you’ll get to check out some of the most iconic sights of Capitol Reef. If you’ve still got time and energy after the drive, try the hike to Cassidy Arch, one of the most thrilling trails and probably the most iconic photo spot in the whole park!
Day 5: Arches National Park
Although it is very small, Arches National Park isn’t short of incredible things to see and do, so get ready for another day of desert adventures!
Start the day by checking out Delicate Arch, which is undoubtedly the most iconic sight in Utah (actually, it’s the arch you see on Utah’s license plates!). Next, get ready for some desert hiking by following the Landscape Arch trail, the largest natural arch in the USA and an absolute must.
When you’re through exploring on foot, jump on your car and drive down the Arches Scenic Drive, which offers a variety of incredible viewpoints where you can revel in the sweeping desert views.
For a stunning sunset, hike the Double Arch trail to check out yet another arch before finishing at The Windows to say goodbye to another amazing day in your road trip!
Days 6 & 7: Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky and The Needles)
Canyonlands National Park is so huge that you could keep going back and never get to do the same thing twice. For first-timers, though, the best way to go about it is taking off at the easier-to-explore Island in the Sky section of the park to get to see some of the most famous landmarks of the park.
Rise and shine early and hike up to the iconic Mesa Arch, where you’ll get to witness one of the most stunning sunrises of your life. Then, you can take on a few of the hikes (recommended ones are Gooseberry Canyon, Grand View Point Trail, and Upheaval Dome).
To top off your day, head over to Green River Viewpoint to catch an epic sunset with sweeping views of the canyons, with the sun illuminating the canyon walls and making the hues of red on the rocks jump to life.
The next day, you can either explore more of Island in the Sky or venture deeper into Canyonlands by hitting The Needles, which offers extensive vistas of the canyons and off-the-road, more challenging hikes, and backpacking opportunities.
Day 8 & 9: Grand Canyon National Park
Cap off an unforgettable desert road trip by challenging your desert hiking skills on the Bright Angel Trail, a 9.5 mile-long trail that stretches from the rim of the Grand Canyon all the way down to the Colorado River at the bottom. The trail itself begins close to Bright Angel Lodge and ends at Phantom Ranch, which is the only place other than camping where you can sleep inside the canyon before heading out to the trailhead in the morning.
I hope this itinerary helped you plan the perfect Arizona + Utah road trip! Even though both states are king when it comes to incredible sights and nature, these destinations are the perfect stops to make if it’s your first time traveling through the area to get a pretty good introduction to the best of the desert in both states!
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