Life Rules Inspired by HGTV

• Life rule number 1: Doesn't matter if you are Mid-century simplicity or Late-Victorian clutter, neatness counts. An ordered environment lends itself to serenity and a chaotic environment to anxiety.
• Life rule number 2: It's important to have a good solid well coordinated color palette and to stick to it.
• Life rule number 3: Your environment should always lend itself to expressions of creativity. Intentionally have a place you can make messy but messy artistically. A sink nearby is a plus.
• Life rule number 4: A place for everything and everything in it's place is wonderful when you live alone. In shared spaces, the places for everything should be a joint decision or you will be totally frustrated, all the time.
• Life rule number 5: If your laundry ends up in the same corner instead of the laundry hamper every single day, you have your hamper in the wrong place. It's easier to move the hamper than to break someone's ingrained habits.
• Life rule number 6: Unless your house is really really empty, adapt a rule of one thing in, one thing out. Except for maybe groceries and other things you "use up" regularly.
• Life rule number 7: There are some things in life that are worth the fuss and bother: kids and pets, especially. Large parties that take 4 days to clean for and 4 days to clean up after. Finger painting with toddlers, baking with your teen. Vacuuming pet fur and cleaning cat boxes. Video game clutter that is used by the husband and kids.
• Life rule number 8: If it's been in your closet or garage or basement, untouched in 5 years, you probably don't need it. Give it away, throw it away, recycle it or sell it to make room in your life for new blessings.
• Life rule number 9: Everyone (even the momma) needs space that is totally their own. Even if it's just a chair by the fireplace or a corner of a garden. A place to read, pray and dream.
• Life rule number 10: Don't sweat the small stuff. And life is mostly small stuff.