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Peaceful HOUSE GUIDE where to recharge your batteries & clear your mind

DECORATION

HOW TO MAKE YOUR HOME
A PEACEFUL & REVITALIZING REFUGE

The importance of building a sanctuary for your mental health.

By: VALÉRIE PASCALE Date: April 15, 2020

DECORATION

HOW TO MAKE YOUR HOME
A PEACEFUL & REVITALIZING REFUGE

The importance of building a sanctuary for your mental health.

By: VALÉRIE PASCALE Date: April 15, 2020



Do you ever think about your next vacation?
 
To how the sound of the sea would soothe you right now,
how the total change of scenery would make you stop thinking about your slightest worries and live completely in the moment?
 
How do you deserve a break right now and finding yourself in an oasis of calm away from the daily hustle and bustle would seem to settle everything?
 
Of course, huh?
 
In our frenetic modern world,
where work and excess values ​​that generate stress, occupy the largest part of our lives,
it is necessary to create a balance, so as not to sink into exhaustion.
 
As work and the many "things to do" take up more and more space, the first thing we tend to do is to neglect the things that nourish us the most,
to the detriment of those that empty us, thus creating great imbalances that lead more often than not to exhaustion.
 
I can't teleport you to Barcelona, ​​Provence, or even Sayulita,
(even your park isn't recommended right now anyway, so forget it.)
 
 
However, I can do better than this:
help you create a peaceful retreat at home and
to live this experience day after day.


THE 11 RULES FOR
CREATE A PEACEFUL SAFETY

01. DECREASE STIMULUS

Our energy is a precious thing that needs to be recharged.
Each stimulus (surrounding noises, visual distractions, requests, files, actions, tasks to remember, speech, etc.) draws energy from us.

That is why, at the end of the day, in order to be able to rest, the absence of a large number of stimuli, whatever it is, will make the rest more effective.
An environment with neutral colors, natural materials, low contrast and inviting textures will automatically establish a serene atmosphere.

It is therefore to be considered during your large cleanings and each time you consider a new purchase.

02. HAVE A POWER SPOT

Marie Kondo praises it “The benefits of having a personal space, regardless of its size and location, are immeasurable. It's a bit like having a hand warmer in your pocket when it's cold.

In Danish, this little corner is called a “Hyggekrog”. It is the ideal place to read a good novel, the newspaper or listen to beautiful music.

Because having your own space means having time for yourself.

You don't have an entire room to set up your “power spot”? A small space is more than enough, don't worry!

I, for example, have a rocking chair in the living room which is “my place”. It's big enough for me to cross my legs and high enough for me to be comfortable. It is next to the window where I can see the mountains in the distance and there is always a blanket not too far away, then a small table where I can put a newspaper, coffee, knitting or a book in progress.
The important thing is just to be able to retire for 5 minutes or 2 hours if necessary.

Guide to making your home a peaceful refuge where you can recharge your batteries & clear your mind. solution to stress

03. INVEST IN THE KITCHEN

More often than not, the things and pleasures we give up are the ones that feed us the most.
Taking the time to cook is one of them, this creative and almost meditative act is often neglected when time is scarce.

The kitchen is 98% of the time the heart and soul of homes.

It is also the echo of our moods, our health and our well-being.
Investing in it also means ensuring that we pursue the life we ​​aspire to and creating daily well-being rituals.

04. THE BATHROOM DESERVES RESPECT

Having luxurious towels, a good bath treatment, is the price of access to the spa, but it is available on a Tuesday evening at 7:45 p.m. without reservation, glass of rosé included, without having to take the car or do babysit ;)

The bathroom is the most peaceful, personal and calming place in the world; the privileged space for restoration, rejuvenation.
Treat her with the respect she deserves.


05. INVITE NATURE INSIDE

It is often seen in the arts of living where the interior is valued such as Hygge or wabi Sabi .
Integrating natural elements into your home is the equivalent of transposing a soothing energy that you feel during a walk in the forest or a walk on the seaside.

Whether woven baskets, natural fiber rugs, unvarnished wood and natural collections of all kinds: shells, stones, driftwood, pressed leaves and flowers
Or just small bunches of fresh lilacs or budding branches. Decorate the table with a bowl filled with fresh fruit or buy a new plant for the living room. The possibilities are limitless and very inexpensive.

06. LEAVE EMPTY SPACE

One of the most important elements in Scandinavian and wabi-sabi inspired decor is the presence of emptiness. To be able to feel comfortable, it's good to surround yourself with what you love, but you shouldn't overload the space.

Rather than having them all over the house, grouping your decorations or utilitarian objects in strategic places, by creating vignettes, allows the eye to rest and gives more presence and impact to each thing.
Then, in the end, it's really more sophisticated.


07. CHOOSE THE RIGHT LIGHT

Natural light is always preferable to artificial, so during the day we open the curtains and if the view is not attractive, we opt for curtains that let in light.

In return, in the evening when the light begins to fade, seek the soft glow of light garlands, candles, lanterns and reduce the intensity of the lamps.

Especially at bedtime when you start to relax, keep the lights low
will help you fall asleep, because exposure to artificial light when you're trying to sleep isn't just annoying, it suppresses the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone.
Investing in blackout curtains, avoiding light sources like dials, and wearing an eye mask are great tips to help you sleep better and get a restful night's sleep.


08. DON'T NEGLECT DECLUTTERING & ORGANIZATION

It's one thing to clean surfaces; it's another thing to completely declutter your home. Sure, it sounds tedious, but when you've taken the time to go through every closet and drawer to get rid of the personal effects you no longer need and keep the things you really need, but also arrange them so that everything is found more easily, it's like a big breath of fresh air.

NEED ORGANIZATION?

SHOP


09. MAKE CONSCIOUS CHOICES

Creating a quiet home goes beyond aesthetics, it starts above all with the practice of mindfulness.

By setting a goal to have fewer things in total, but more things you actually like, you become more aware of their presence and more inclined to appreciate them.

Obviously, this is a long-term goal. Over time, we gradually abandon items that do not spark (as my friend Marie would say) to take our time choosing what we really want when it comes time to buy something new.
Having just the right cup, THE dream tableware or the coveted little frame is worth all the waiting in the world. It adds an importance or a more sacred aspect to what surrounds us.

Beauty can be a powerful anchor, don't underestimate it.

10. PICK UP SURFACES DAILY

Clutter is a visual distraction, a stimulus that creates extra stress that you really don't need.

Every time your eyes land on a pile of papers, a pile of dirty dishes, or a pile of laundry, a small part of your mind thinks about how to manage those items; the mental load increases.

If you want a calmer experience at home, a good way to start is to make sure to clean all surfaces in your home daily.
When the eye can roam clean, bright surfaces throughout the home, it also becomes easier to relax.

A little 15-20 minutes a day of picking can make all the difference.

11. PRIORITIZE COMFORT AT ALL TIMES

It may seem obvious, but to have a serene home, comfort is at least as important as aesthetics.
Never buy furniture online because it looks good without trying it on.

Because a pillow, sofa, mattress or whatever is not comfortable will not be used.

And that's less comforting naps, less reading, less movie nights, so more stress accumulated in the end.


IN REGARDS TO:

Over the course of my career, I have too often witnessed homes whose structure, operation and interior design were neglected, leading to energy-consuming spaces.

Yet they have the ability to nourish us, increase our well-being and make us flourish despite all that life throws at us.
 
With my baccalaureate in design and my 20 years of experience, combined with my research and my interest in a healthier lifestyle, I probably have a master's degree in the art of making your environment a place that supports you and these guides are the very essence of creating spaces conducive to calm, beauty and rejuvenation, but it is above all what can make the difference between remaining in exhaustion, exhausted and a life “on its x ".

So don't wait any longer.

Valerie
Founder of sur mon x / designer / great homebody and creator of well-being



About On my x: 

Everything to soothe the chaos of the overwhelmed, soften everyday life & create space to be on your feet ⓧ

In a world where his way of life would have little impact on the environment and where his happiness index would be considerably increased.

Browse the blog

Follow us on Instagram!

Shop the
welfare

"...in addition to being the most Pinterest of all beverages, the relief it brings to face the changing seasons, its beneficial powers for your health, and its spicy aromas uplifting for the morale will offer you the pinnacle of self-care! »


Phew! The winter temperatures are beginning to be felt more and more. I don't know about you, but the colds don't end here. My little wool is no longer enough to keep me warm and the desire to go back on vacation is omnipresent.

On the other hand, I discovered THE natural product you need to face the cold season, coupled with a generous, and oh so comforting, dose of self-care.

If you haven't heard of golden milk yet, this is THE DRINK of the hour. A fantastic recipe that you can prepare in less than 10 minutes.

Normal, with all its properties, this creamy, latte-like drink I promise you will provide you with the warmth you need on those extremely cold or mild, but humid and uncomfortable winter days.


Where does the golden milk come from?

Golden milk is a traditional Ayurvedic drink made from turmeric root (or ground turmeric), milk, black pepper and oil.

However, most recipes also add other healthy ingredients such as fresh or ground ginger root.

GOLDEN MILK RECIPE
INGREDIENTS

.

- 2 ½ cups of vegetable drink, or milk
- 1 cinnamon stick (or 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon)
- 2 inches sliced ​​fresh turmeric, or 1 ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 inch sliced ​​fresh ginger, or ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
- A pinch of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or honey (or more, to taste)

OPTIONAL: A pinch of cardamom and star anise

STEPS


1. Place milk, cinnamon stick, turmeric, ginger, coconut oil and black pepper in a small saucepan.

2. Cook, stirring frequently, until hot but not boiling. *

3. Taste and add your favorite sugar, to taste.

4. If you used turmeric and fresh ginger, pass your preparation through a sieve.

5. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon and enjoy!

PS You can make it in larger quantities and keep it for a few days without any problem, in order to reheat it later.

IMPORTANT NOTES

*DO NOT BOIL: This is intentional because, according to this article, long-term cooking of turmeric can lead to a loss of curcumin, an important molecule in turmeric.

PEPPER : Our bodies are unable to absorb curcumin well when we consume it alone. Combining it with black pepper makes organic turmeric available, that is to say, better assimilated by the body thanks to one of its active components, piperine; hence its importance.

OIL : For millennia, in the practice of Ayurveda, golden milk has been made with a little ghee because curcumin has low water solubility. So, for us to benefit from its full potential, turmeric must come into contact with oil or another fatty substance. We use coconut oil because it's more readily available, but if you have ghee, don't hesitate!


Why should turmeric be your BFF ?

The secret of this recipe is mainly due to turmeric, the spice that is the star of Ayurvedic medicine* thanks to its incredible properties. It is because of curcumin, a molecule contained in turmeric, that we owe it its health properties. Here are some properties attributed to it:

  • Anti-inflammatory effect,
  • antioxidant effect,
  • Fight against various infections and strengthen the immune system (thanks to its antibacterial properties),
  • Help maintain glowing skin
  • would improve the intestinal flora,
  • Could have a preventive effect in the fight against the loss of cognitive functions (memory),
  • Would help with digestion.

Turmeric has a nice warm, earthy taste with a bit of citrus bitterness. It tastes very soothing to the throat, especially when mixed with other ingredients like ginger, cinnamon, milk and oil, but has a comforting effect too!

If you want to learn more about its benefits, this article will teach you a lot. However, like most things in life, turmeric should be consumed in moderation. It is therefore recommended not to consume more than one teaspoon of ground turmeric spice per day.

Although called a "superfood", it should also be noted that turmeric is difficult to absorb. However, this thousand-year-old recipe has managed to offset its greatest weaknesses by adding other ingredients (see important notes at the bottom of the recipe).


SHOP HISTORY


Do you ever think about your next vacation?
 
To how the sound of the sea would soothe you right now,
how the total change of scenery would make you stop thinking about your slightest worries and live completely in the moment?
 
How do you deserve a break right now and finding yourself in an oasis of calm away from the daily hustle and bustle would seem to settle everything?
 
Of course, huh?
 
In our frenetic modern world,
where work and excess values ​​that generate stress, occupy the largest part of our lives,
it is necessary to create a balance, so as not to sink into exhaustion.
 
As work and the many "things to do" take up more and more space, the first thing we tend to do is to neglect the things that nourish us the most,
to the detriment of those that empty us, thus creating great imbalances that lead more often than not to exhaustion.
 
I can't teleport you to Barcelona, ​​Provence, or even Sayulita,
(even your park isn't recommended right now anyway, so forget it.)
 
 
However, I can do better than this:
help you create a peaceful retreat at home and
to live this experience day after day.


MARSEILLE SOAP
The reputation of Marseille soap (made with 72% olive oil) is well established, it is probably the most popular of all the soaps in the world. Extra pure and biodegradable, it has been made the old-fashioned way by hand, in a cauldron, for hundreds of years. There are endless recipes on the web for natural cleansers based on this soap, as much for laundry, home, shaving, etc!

Without palm oil, without animal fat, without perfume, without dye. What else do you want?

For the recipe, it is important to use a real Marseille soap, because regular soaps (with added glycerin) will not allow your laundry to remain liquid.


THE 11 RULES FOR
CREATE A PEACEFUL SAFETY

01. DECREASE STIMULUS

Our energy is a precious thing that needs to be recharged.
Each stimulus (surrounding noises, visual distractions, requests, files, actions, tasks to remember, speech, etc.) draws energy from us.
That is why, at the end of the day, in order to be able to rest, the absence of a large number of stimuli, whatever it is, will make the rest more effective.
An environment with neutral colors, natural materials, low contrast and inviting textures will automatically establish a serene atmosphere.

It is therefore to be considered during your large cleanings and each time you consider a new purchase.

THE 11 RULES FOR CREATING A PEACEFUL REFUGE at home

02. HAVE A POWER SPOT

Marie Kondo praises it “The benefits of having a personal space, regardless of its size and location, are immeasurable. It's a bit like having a hand warmer in your pocket when it's cold.

In Danish, this little corner is called a “Hyggekrog”. It is the ideal place to read a good novel, the newspaper or listen to beautiful music.
Because having your own space means having time for yourself.

You don't have an entire room to set up your “power spot”? A small space is more than enough, don't worry!

I, for example, have a rocking chair in the living room which is “my place”. It's big enough for me to cross my legs and high enough for me to be comfortable. It is next to the window where I can see the mountains in the distance and there is always a blanket not too far away, then a small table where I can put a newspaper, coffee, knitting or a book in progress.
The important thing is just to be able to retire for 5 minutes or 2 hours if necessary.

STEPS



1. Boil water in a saucepan.
2. Add grated soap to boiling water, stir well.
3. Once the soap has completely melted, turn off the heat.
4. Off the heat, add the baking soda and the soda crystals.
5. Leave to stand and stir occasionally to loosen foam and prevent mixture from settling.

6. Once the detergent is very cold, remove the excess foam and pour into a pitcher.

OPTIONAL : Add a few drops of essential oils.

LITTLE TIP: Shake well before each use and enjoy the happiness of a homemade product, made with love! Looking forward to hearing your impressions :)

“The secret to happiness is to take a genuine interest in all the details of daily life. »

-William Morris

Ready for natural cleaning?

THE 11 RULES FOR CREATING A PEACEFUL REFUGE at home

03. INVEST IN THE KITCHEN

More often than not, the things and pleasures we give up are the ones that feed us the most.
Taking the time to cook is one of them, this creative and almost meditative act is often neglected when time is scarce.

The kitchen is 98% of the time the heart and soul of homes.

It is also the echo of our moods, our health and our well-being.
Investing in it also means ensuring that we pursue the life we ​​aspire to and creating daily well-being rituals.

THE 11 RULES FOR CREATING A PEACEFUL SAFETY AT HOME

COOKING, DOES IT SOOTHE YOU?

SHOP

 

 

04. THE BATHROOM DESERVES RESPECT

Having luxurious towels, a good bath treatment, is the price of access to the spa, but it is available on a Tuesday evening at 7:45 p.m. without reservation, glass of rosé included, without having to take the car or do babysit ;)

The bathroom is the most peaceful, personal and calming place in the world; the privileged space for restoration, rejuvenation.
Treat her with the respect she deserves.

05. INVITE NATURE INSIDE

It is often seen in the arts of living where the interior is valued such as Hygge or wabi Sabi .
Integrating natural elements into your home is the equivalent of transposing a soothing energy that you feel during a walk in the forest or a walk on the seaside.

Whether woven baskets, natural fiber rugs, unvarnished wood and natural collections of all kinds: shells, stones, driftwood, pressed leaves and flowers
Or just small bunches of fresh lilacs or budding branches. Decorate the table with a bowl filled with fresh fruit or buy a new plant for the living room. The possibilities are limitless and very inexpensive.

06. LEAVE EMPTY SPACE

One of the most important elements in Scandinavian and wabi-sabi inspired decor is the presence of emptiness. To be able to feel comfortable, it's good to surround yourself with what you love, but you shouldn't overload the space.

Rather than having them everywhere in the house, grouping your decorations or useful objects in strategic places, by creating vignettes, allows the eye to rest and gives more presence and impact to each thing.
Then, in the end, it's really more sophisticated.

07. CHOOSE THE RIGHT LIGHT

Natural light is always preferable to artificial, so during the day we open the curtains and if the view is not attractive, we opt for curtains that let in light.

In return, in the evening when the light begins to fade, seek the soft glow of light garlands, candles, lanterns and reduce the intensity of the lamps.

Especially at bedtime when you start to relax, keep the lights low
will help you fall asleep, because exposure to artificial light when you're trying to sleep isn't just annoying, it suppresses the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone.
Investing in blackout curtains, avoiding light sources like dials, and wearing an eye mask are great tips to help you sleep better and get a restful night's sleep.

08. DON'T NEGLECT DECLUTTERING & ORGANIZATION

It's one thing to clean surfaces; it's another thing to completely declutter your home. Sure, it sounds tedious, but when you've taken the time to go through every closet and drawer to get rid of the personal effects you no longer need and keep the things you really need, but also arrange them so that everything is found more easily, it's like a big breath of fresh air.

NEED ORGANIZATION?

SHOP


09. MAKE CONSCIOUS CHOICES

Creating a quiet home goes beyond aesthetics, it starts above all with the practice of mindfulness.

By setting a goal to have fewer things in total, but more things you actually like, you become more aware of their presence and more inclined to appreciate them.

Obviously, this is a long-term goal. Over time, we gradually abandon items that do not spark (as my friend Marie would say) to take our time choosing what we really want when it comes time to buy something new.
Having just the right cup, THE dream tableware or the coveted little frame is worth all the waiting in the world. It adds an importance or a more sacred aspect to what surrounds us.

Beauty can be a powerful anchor, don't underestimate it.

10. PICK UP SURFACES DAILY

Clutter is a visual distraction, a stimulus that creates extra stress that you really don't need.

Every time your eyes land on a pile of papers, a pile of dirty dishes, or a pile of laundry, a small part of your mind thinks about how to manage those items; the mental load increases.
If you want a calmer experience at home, a good way to start is to make sure to clean all surfaces in your home daily.

When the eye can roam clean, bright surfaces throughout the home, it also becomes easier to relax.

A little 15-20 minutes a day of picking can make all the difference

IN REGARDS TO:

Over the course of my career, I have too often witnessed homes whose structure, operation and interior design were neglected, leading to energy-consuming spaces.

Yet they have the ability to nourish us, increase our well-being and make us flourish despite all that life throws at us.
 
With my baccalaureate in design and my 20 years of experience, combined with my research and my interest in a healthier lifestyle, I probably have a master's degree in the art of making your environment a place that supports you and these guides are the very essence of creating spaces conducive to calm, beauty and rejuvenation, but it is above all what can make the difference between remaining in exhaustion, exhausted and a life “on its x »

So don't wait any longer.

Valerie
Founder of sur mon x / designer / great homebody and creator of well-being


FROM EXHAUSTED TO FLOURISHED: CREATE YOUR OWN SANCTUARY

SHOP

About On my x:

Imagine a world in which the vast majority of us went back to basics and could take the time to live well, celebrate the everyday, were able to take care of ourselves and others, and at the end of the day would feel fulfilled. .


Browse the blog

Follow us on Instagram!

Shop the sales

Follow us on Instagram!


With that, I sincerely hope you'll try it and see for yourself that it's not for nothing that everyone is talking about it.

Seriously, in addition to being the most Pinterest of all beverages, the relief it brings to face the changing seasons, its beneficial powers for your health, and its spicy flavors uplifting for the morals will offer you the pinnacle of self -care !

Health!

WANT TO CREATE YOUR OWN
HOME WELLNESS RETREAT?

SHOP

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