Window Boxes

Here is a different take on the traditional window box.  I have installed a towel rail and then hung some aluminium planters from that.  These sit out and away from the weather boards.  You don't want to encourage timber rot.
Plant up with geraniums and insert some glass water globes to provide colour when there are no blossoms.

What do you think of these?

Feature Tiles

Feature tiles are expensive and not always what you want anyway.  When doing my boys bathroom, I decided to make my own.  Tile as if you were inserting a feature and  use the space to mosaic your own design. Looks great, adds fun and colour to the room. 

Remember to not over do it.  Maybe just one in the middle of the room.  I put one in front of the basin and one in front of the shower.  Mosaics are excellent for wet areas as they are usually slip resistant.

Have you used mosaics in your home?

Cosy Corners

Take the time to set up an area in your home or garden where you can get some down time.

Creating such a space inside the home allows you to have an All Day - All Weather sanctuary.  You will need a comfy chair, some plush cushions, a blanket, a reading light and table for your cuppa or glass of wine.  You may wish to include some photos of your loved ones into this space.  I like to have my Ipod so I can control what I hear.  There are some excellent meditation CDs you can use too. 

Can you picture yourself here?

Decorated Pillows

Finding peace in the garden can be especially invigorating.  Have a basket just inside the door that contains all of the necessary gear.  Hat, pillow, mat, sunscreen, book etc.  I love to enjoy the sounds of the garden rather than my music although it can be useful to wear earphones to avoid conversations with children.  Focusing on the birds, the bugs, a bamboo wind chime can really take your mind off you day to day dramas and somehow put them in perspective.

Feeling the need to set the scene for my sanctuary I decided to involve my children in the process by enlisting their help to create my special meditation/relaxation cushions.   Now when they see me pick up the cushions to have my “ME” time they understand it better and swell with pride that I am using their craft project. 

We decided to go for felt because it is really easy to use.  There is no hemming necessary and it is inexpensive.  Just cut out various flower shapes and sew them together with needle and thread.  Trim with a nice button making sure it is not too bulky to sit on.  Then we just pinned it to a cushion I already had on the couch.  By pinning it on with a safety pin, I will be able to easily remove the flower and wash it the washing machine.  Now just make sure you put it to use.

Allowing yourself this luxury time is important for everyone.  Explain to children (partners) that you will return to them within a set time and that you aren’t to be disturbed unless they are on fire! 

Have a go at these and let me know how you went