'Weekend Getaway'

It was a Saturday that was supposed to be my one day off this week, but instead went a little like this:

9:30 a.m. Bank and Salon appointment

11:20 a.m. Laundry

1:00 p.m. Baking for visit to cousins later

2:30 p.m. Cleaning the house and paying bills

5:00 p.m. Gym

8:00 p.m. Taking-in (sewing) skirt for cousin

By the night’s end, I am exhausted. I started to think, “I need another vacation,” but that isn’t at least for another month. Something has to be done about this and fairly quickly, before I suffer from a nervous breakdown cause by lack of relaxation!

Thanks to Redbook Magazine, I now have a few ideas on how to transform my space into an at-home-getaway with some easy solutions:

1. Lighten Up

For the best source of energy, look to natural sunlight to recharge your battery. But if you can’t set aside some time during the day to relax on a chaise near a window, then make sure you have dimmers on all your lamps and light fixtures. A friend of mine swears by dimmers as an instant mood-setter.

Recharge with natural sunlight

2. Awaken the Senses

Get rid of distracting odors and seek out senses that instantly calm the body: jasmine, lavender and vanilla. Incense isn’t quite my thing, so I often turn to scented candles to do the trick.

3. Lost Call

This is probably less of a decorating tip then a common sense one. When you have you Blackberry buzzing with your most recent BBM, or your Outlook announcing that you have a new email, it gets hard to relax. Turn it off and hide the technology if you have to.

4. Lay Down the Treats

What I often like to do is pretend that I’m having a ‘mini dinner party for one’ before I settle down. This might mean making a cup of espresso and placing some gourmet cookies on a nice platter. I feeling like my own special guest, spoiled with all her favorite treats.

Relax with some coffee table treats

5. Downsize

Good thing for me I already managed to discard a lot of unneeded items today during my massive cleaning session (although I’m still not done!). Clutter typically has adverse effects on people, like stifling productivity and imagination. Wherever you plan to get some rest, make sure it’s free of mess.

6. A Touch of Luxe

It doesn’t have to be made of pure gold for a touch of luxury. Grab your most snug blanket throw and head for the coziest chair.

To be the best, snuggle in the best

Consider making ‘TLC’ a part of my to-do list – always.

*Photos courtesy of redbookmag.com; aww.ninemsn.com, decorinnovation.com