ConstructionDeal.com Update

So a month long trip for five to Hawaii or Europe is out of the question this year? Too much work to take a long vacation far away or simply not in the budget?

Well here are some ideas to create that get-away feeling for a few days – in your own home!

Where to start?

First, clean your home—but let’s not go overboard, I’m not talking about spring cleaning but instead spend 10 minutes in each room clearing surfaces and picking up the floors. Take out the trash and take all dirty clothes to the laundry room. After straightening each room, start over, this time armed with the vacuum, glass cleaner and wipes and hit all surfaces for 10 minutes per room.

No matter your ideal vacation setting, first things first – improve your bedroom.

The bedroom is a key room to find peacefulness and true rest. Even after this mini-vaca, your bedroom should continue to be your sanctuary. Here are some quick checks to make sure you are on your way:

1. Your bedroom is not your children’s playroom nor the laundry room nor the office and therefore de-clutter accordingly. If you truly have no other options for the location of the computer, then turn it away from your pillows so it’s not the first and last thing you see in the morning and evening.
2. Decorating should be minimal compared to the rest of the home.
3. Q: What instantly feels like you’re in a 5 Star resort hotel?
   A: Soft, luxurious bed linens! With 6 to 8 hours a day contact, what better way to provide ultimate relaxation? (The higher the thread count the better!) If price is an issue, monitor department store sales and go early as soon as they are on sale. The linens should also be restful to the eye, so pick a color or pattern you love!
4. Finally, rearrange your bed and bedroom furniture. Make it feel like a completely new room.

Consider what scent you want for you vacation. If you're going for an oasis - essential oils such as lavender and chamomile are great aromas to providing a calming atmosphere. You can even put some drops behind your pillow to help improve your sleep. If you want a more invigorating experience then citrus and mint are for you.

Now survey your home and think about your families preferences. Are you looking for a spa-like-getaway in the mountains or a warm beach atmosphere with plenty to do? Keep this in mind as it’s time to get the supplies (view this as traveling to the destination!) Go find your scents! Don’t forget to stop at the grocery store: make sure you have plenty of water, pineapple juice for the children, lots of fresh fruit, fresh flowers, the family’s favorite foods and fun drinks for the adults.

One last room changing idea before you enjoy all your hard work. Find a spare room, den, or any easy-to-segment space and put soft blankets and large pillows all over the floor to create a comfortable and relaxing room for napping or story telling time. Make it inviting for the whole family (don’t forget your pet’s bed!) to come together or individually enjoy this new space.

Now it’s time to go on a home vacation!

Rule Number 1: No Electronics!
Although sometime it is impossible to resist the quiet created from the kids playing their Gameboys – so do what’s best for your serenity.

Some Activity Ideas: Board games, painting, put on a play, choreograph a dance routine, or go on a treasure hunt. And of course there is always pitching a tent and camping in the backyard – don’t forget the flashlight!

For those who want a more long term investment, add a stone pizza oven so you can have delivery at home! Or better yet – go for the old and build an outdoor kitchen for long hot summer nights. Adding a sauna or hot tub is always great for the cooler nights and an amazing way to release tension.

Enjoy your stay-cation!

Labels: bedroom cleaning, Construction Deal, ideas to enjoy your home, make home oasis, quick home cleaning, stay home this summer, stay-cation