The definition of Refuge: a condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or trouble.

What makes our homes feel like a refuge? What helps us feel safe from danger? Our values, faith and family members are all part of the essential foundation of what makes homes a refuge. But I also think the things we see, touch, smell, taste and hear in our home also plays a part in achieving the home refuge vibe. Ok now let’s get to it!

1. SIGHT:

Think of the happiest place you have ever been to. What did you love about that place? We all have a PLACE that brings back the good ol’ feelings. Maybe it was a place you traveled to or maybe it was your grandmother’s house you would always go visit in the summer. Ok got it? Now bring a PIECE of that place into your home. For example, we took our family to Zion’s national park. We had a lot of fun hiking and admiring all the different rock formations. My favorite part was the peaceful feeling I felt being being surrounded by such an incredible landscape. As well as the memories we made as a family. It was a good time! As we were driving out of the park there was a little shop that was selling rocks that were mined from the park. I purchased a beautiful rosey light pink rock. I keep it on my console table in my family room. It always reminds me of the great memory we had at Zions.

Maybe one of your happiest places was your grandma’s house. Frame one her recipes or something of her handwriting. Or perhaps you love nature. In that case try bringing the outside in by cutting some branches outside and putting them in a vase. KEEP it Simple. But try it! It will be FUN!

Now go find a piece of that happiness and find a way to display it in your home. * Bonus points for creativity!

Pink Rock shown above from Zions National Park

2. Sound

This one is simple but so powerful. Turn on the music. Nothing helps calm me down and upwind faster than peaceful music. My favorite song right now is Lauren Dandle, You Say.

3. Feel

Do you like walking on your rugs with your bare feet? Or do you unconsciously try to avoid them and take a detour route in your home? Having things that feel good on your feet is very important in my book. Your feet have worked hard all day. They deserve a soft place to land. Now I know there are some rugs in your house where a rough surface is totally fine, like for your entryway. But a family room, bedroom or bathroom rug needs to feel good on the toes! For starters I would offer getting a new plush bath mat to step out of the shower to welcome your wet feet to dry off.

Blankets- Only have blankets you love to snuggle up in. We have a blanket basket in EVERY SINGLE room because we love blankets and it’s easy to throw in the basket for a quick clean up.

4. Taste

Have a family dinner or dessert together. It doesn’t matter what it is. Just enjoy something tasty together. No techs. Just each other. Try doing a candle light dinner. Even my older children still love to this. It’s simple and we all have time to do it these days :). I have never cooked and cleaned so many dishes right now in my entire life. But I realized that I have missed having dinner with my family at nights. Here is a fast and delicious recipe that is works like a charm. And oh so simple.

5. Smell

Get your house smelling good ladies! Light a candle, bring out the fabreezee, lavender or whatever lights up your senses up! Right now my sent is currently bleach. lol. But I do have a candle scent that reminds when I lived in Iowa. It’s still one of my favorites and I love that every time I light this candle, it reminds me of that time in my life. So light a little candle and to bring in the calm.

Now just pick one or two. No need to go all over achiever here :)

I hope these simple but effective ways can help you create a refuge for your home right now. It’s time of uncertainty. But in our homes we can create a place of peace and calm right now. Our homes are the shelter from the storms in the life. And no better to start RIGHT NOW.

Love,

Hayley