simple shui | hello, september
summer felt like a blink, but its ending brings a bittersweet happiness because autumn’s coppery path is almost ripe for a stroll. as we kiss summer goodbye, how about some good-for-the-soul shui to embrace everything that comes with fall’s beginning. . .
GIVE IT 10 MINUTES.
i heard tony robbins recently say, “if you don’t have 10 minutes, you don’t have a life.” regardless of whether you agree or not, now is a good time to push past your comfort zone with the clutter. the act of clearing clutter almost always delivers immediate proof – we get a palpable energy surge; answers parachute into our problems; and we realize how GOOD our home can feel. the catch: we have to clear the clutter – otherwise, those piles of pandemonium and procrastinated decisions infringe on us. so, start with what’s visible, and your momentum will accelerate. 10 minutes every day, and you will metabolize a different life in no time.
SAVOR FALL.
with the topic of clutter circulating, might i suggest a good pantry purge, especially now with school back in sesh + the holidays about to rise and grind. and because i just did this myself, i have a quickie checklist of easy offenders to pounce on:
- expired cans
- impotent {haha!} herbs + spices – ground herbs/spices last 1-3 years; whole spices are good about 4 years.
- take-out menus
- outdated OTC drugs +/or vitamins + essential oils + supplements
- paper plates + plastic cutlery
- candy from holidays-past
- almost empty cereal, cracker, and cookie boxes
- anything found unsealed that’s lost that fresh feeling
- food that’s been in the same place for several seasons because no one wants it
- old boxed mixes +/or powders
- aprons
- cookie cutters
- plastic plates the kids have outgrown
- treats the dog refuses to eat
- unused containers
the kitchen radically nourishes and replenishes us to the bones when we clear the congestion. think about it: this one space bookends our days; it embraces our gatherings; and its hearth represents safety + soul + celebration. so, lean into the power of clean and get rid of anything not worth missing!
GO FOR A SIGNATURE SCENT.
when we layer our space with a few fragrant notes, we feel it in our brain + nervous system + heart. start by opening windows to beckon fresh air and good vibes your way. and when temps drop, stoke your money maker with one of these simmering concoctions:
- draw strength from mama nature with a few pine branches {clipped from outside}. cut them to easily fit a pot, and add a teaspoon of cinnamon + a pinch of nutmeg + a pinch of ground cloves. cover with water, and let it boil. keep it going for as long as you like – just add more water as necessary.
- scent your home like williams-sonoma. slice a lemon and add it to a pot, along with 2 rosemary sprigs + 2 tablespoons of vanilla. cover with water, and let it bubble wildly. as the water evaporates, add more water.
- if you’re ready to inhale a little holiday joie de vivre, slice an orange and lemon and add them to a pot. either sprinkle in some cinnamon + nutmeg + cloves OR toss in a few cinnamon sticks + a couple tablespoons of whole cloves + ½ cup of cranberries. fill the pot with water, bring to a boil, and let it drench the air with homespun deliciousness. keep adding water as needed.
when we offer our surroundings good will, they respond in kind by fortifying us + bearing the best gifts. so, bust a few shui moves + stay in your magic! and here’s to a happy september, sunshine makers + moonbeams!
xo
