'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

'To the Best Mom in the World'

Decor Innovation Deals for Mother's Day

It might be the single most important day out of the entire year. And no, I’m not talking about your birthday. Not referring to New Year’s Day either.

It’s Mother’s Day! While most mothers might claim that every day should be ‘Mother’s Day,’ the second Sunday in May is specifically set aside for the occasion.

Now you’ve probably ordered from 1-800-Flowers and picked out the Hallmark card. But have you gotten the gift?

You’ve already bought her the ‘I love you Mom’ mugs and the kitchen appliances years ago; but have you ever thought to get her a new duvet cover or set of new curtains to update her room’s décor?

Until May 9, save on the following Mother’s Day gift ideas:

Now is your chance to get your mother the gift that beats the usual trinkets you give her every year. At Décor Innovation, enjoy storewide savings of 15% off on blackout curtains, curtain rods and accessories, pillows and faux fur throws!

Buy your mother a set of blackout curtains in solid colors like beige and turquoise for her room. With promocode BESTMOM, get an additional 10% off the $59.99 curtains. Let her know that you value her rest by installing these set of curtains that not only block out noise, but light as well!

Solid blackout curtains

It’s a great way to give a gift that’s also eco-friendly since the blackout curtains do save on heating and cooling costs. What I like best about these curtains is its double option for hanging, guaranteeing that it will hang regardless of the curtain rod your mother uses.

For an extra 25% off, you can save on a set of the can-can chiffon sheer curtain ($34.99) in colors such as blue, pink, purple and white with promocode MOMCAN. The chiffon curtain is a perfect addition for summer as it filters light and falls gently in delicate pleats. Open a window near these curtains and watch the fabric dance to the slightest presence of wind. Either have the curtains alone, or pair with the solid blackout curtains (see above).

Chiffon curtains

And last but not least, (quick before it’s gone!) take an extra 25% off a set of basket weave curtains ($39.99) with the promocode MOMWEAVE. Its basket weave texture will add instant depth and intensity to your mother’s living room or bedroom. Does she have a place in the house that receives constant light and she would like to better control? These two panels measuring 52”x63” keep 99% of the sun’s rays at bay when closed, and inadvertently allows one to adjust the temperature in the home without a thermostat.

For your mother this Mother’s Day, show her that you’ve put some thought and savings into your gift.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of Decor Innovation