Today’s Homemaker

What makes a house a home? I’m not sure exactly, but I know what DOESN’T. Not cleaning out the litter box on a regular basis, for example. I do know that there are things that make me happier in my home; for instance:

1. Picking flowers
Even just a single wildflower in a vase next to my bed makes me feel special in the morning. I don’t ever buy them–I cut them from my garden or pick them straight up out of the ground. Even if all I can find is a dandelion and a jelly jar, it still works to energize me.

2. Spraying the linens
The linens that won’t fit in my cedar chest (I LOVE the smell of cedar when I’m cozying up for the night) sometimes get special attention, when I think to spray them. Here’s how to make your own linen spray. [Thanks for the link, Megan!]

3. Always having a pie handy
Well, not a pie necessarily, but something sweet and shareable. Currently, I’m enjoying this Blackberry Oatmeal Pie. I know you’re jealous.

4. Keeping reading material accessible
Okay, maybe this is me justifying the piles of books that consume any available space that might make itself known in my house. (But I USE them! All of them!) I still hold my ground–books make my house more inviting and more “me”. On my reading list now: The Minimalist Cooks Dinner, House Thinking: A Room-by-Room Look at How We Live [thanks for the recommendation, Erin!], and Desserts That Have Killed Better Men Than Me.

5. Turning on the reading lamps
Lighting is a big thing for me. In fact, some of my friends have been known to ask “is there a REASON you don’t turn the overhead lights on?” Well yes, there is. First, the overhead light in my kitchen is flourescent. It’s harsh and blueish. Icky. I love the soft lighting that lamps give. They practically give my house a hug. (Oh, and I love the lamps at the right by ABC carpet & home.) A bit of indulgence never hurt a person, right? Ummm…don’t answer that.

6. Wearing a fun apron when I cook
I love aprons. They not only keep my clothes clean (who am I kidding…I have a 6 month old and a 2 year old. My clothes are NEVER clean), but they give me a feeling of belonging in some earlier, kinder time. And my apron hanging on its little hook in the kitchen corner? Definitely adds to the “homeyness” quotient.

7. Piling on the pillows
Pillows are the essence of comfort. I wish I had more, in fact. Floor pillows, neck pillows, overstuffed pillows…that is the dream I have for my living room. Of course, then I might succumb to the temptation of the couch more often in the middle of the day, but who’s to say that’s a bad thing? (I love this whimsical Petal Pillow by twolefthands.)

8. Using pitchers for beverages during mealtimes
Sure, it might be an extra step, but pouring the milk into its shiny blue pitcher in the morning gives me a sense of luxury and purpose. It adds importance to the humble routine of taking a break for a meal.

9. Keeping fresh fruit and veggies all around
This is another instance of bringing nature inside. My hanging basket of zucchini and my bowlful of cherry tomatoes makes me feel better somehow. It’s good therapy.

10. Cutting a rug or two
This is the one I need to work on in my house. We have hardwood floors and no rugs! Can you imagine? That is why the playroom is practically cavernous in its ability to produce echoes. (The Tibetan Argyle Silk/Wool Area Rug at the right sets my heart aflutter). Does this count as “easy”? Hmmm…guess not. So I guess I’ll add one more for good measure.

11. Adorning my walls (and other things) with artwork that is meaningful to me
The Koi paintings by John’s dad, the driftwood watercolor John did a couple of years back, my first drawing…of my shoe. These are things that bring me joy on a regular basis, just by being around them. Anything can be artwork, really. My mom sends me hand-made cards on a regular basis, and I’m trying to dream up a way to display them because they make me feel loved. My son has this huge piece of paper that the whole family has scribbled all over…his first piece of collaborative art. It’s probably 3 feet squared, and I would love to decoupage it to the wall. Anything goes, as long as it evokes feelings that you would like repeated daily.