Rita Wilkins's Blog, page 53

SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE: Stress less this holiday season

By Rita Wilkins

The Downsizing Designer

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year.”

It can be, but it can also be a time of great stress, anxiety, and even loneliness.

If you believe what TV and media tells you that the perfect holiday season is:

Families and friends gathered around the table.
A home filled with laughter.
A house is perfectly decorated.

But what if you don’t have all of that?

Many of you may be feeling that right now, with the Covid restrictions that are imposed upon us.

Many will not be with loved ones this year.
Many parties have been canceled or postponed.
Many have decided not to decorate or celebrate traditions this year.

There’s a sense that the holiday can’t be a holiday without all these trappings and traditions.

But is that really true?

For sure, the holidays will be different for all of us this year, but in many ways, the pandemic has:

Caused us to slow down, given us time to reflect on what matters most and what doesn’t.
Allowed us to appreciate more of what we do have and focus less on what we don’t have.
Helped us to realize, we don’t really need all of those things to have a wonderful holiday.

That, in itself, is a gift!

There’s less pressure to fill our carts and empty our wallets just trying to keep up with the vision for what a perfect holiday “should” look like.

Instead of spending time, money, and energy on shopping for things you may not want or might never use and instead of feeling burned out or burdened by the holiday season, why not simplify your life by letting go of what “should” and what “has to be” that is imposed by others?

Be okay with shopping less… or not at all.
Be okay with not having a perfectly decorated home… or perfectly wrapped presents.
Be okay with small family gatherings… even if they have to be on zoom.

 

Free Download: 31 Lifestyle Upgrades

 

Discover the joy of giving without spending…
by building a simpler holiday around ONLY what matters most to you!

 

#1 What are the traditions that are most meaningful to you?

A Christmas tree with white lights?
A family hike on your favorite trail?
Baking Christmas cookies while listening to your favorite holiday music?
Watching a holiday movie together?

 

#2 What meaningful gifts can you give that will be remembered for years to come?

A handwritten letter saying how much that person means to you?
A personalized video with memories of special times together?
A handmade gift that only you can make?

 

#3 What new experiences can you create that will make new memories?

A family zoom cookoff?
An afternoon of ice skating or sledding?
A holiday dinner date on Zoom?

 

#4 What can you declutter and “gift” to someone in need this year?

Declutter duplicates or triplicates from your pantry?
Declutter your attic or storage unit for unused furniture?
Declutter your closet for unused clothing?

 

These are just a few ways for you to simplify your life, create less stress, and design your OWN perfect holiday season this year!

RITA WILKINS
THE DOWNSIZING DESIGNER
rwilkins@designservicesltd.com

If you need interior design assistance please reach out to me to discuss your project.

I offer a complimentary 30-minute phone consultation.

Interested in reading more? Check out my best-selling book on AMAZON.

The post SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE: Stress less this holiday season first appeared on Design Services LTD.

WHO DOESN’T LOVE UPGRADES?

Lifestyle upgrades that will change your life.

 

By Rita Wilkins

The Downsizing Designer

What comes to mind when you hear the word upgrade?

First-class airline seats
Upgraded hotel rooms
Restaurant upgrades
Upgraded VIP tickets

These are wonderful perks and surprises, often unexpected and they certainly enhance our experience.

The definition of an upgrade is to improve the quality of something, and to raise it to a higher standard.

It goes without saying that we are extremely grateful when these unexpected surprises come our way. They give us an opportunity to experience life at a whole new level.

 

GIFTS THAT KEEP ON GIVING

While these temporary upgrade experiences (the airline hotel, hotel room, and restaurant upgrades) make lasting impressions, they are temporary and fleeting. One and done.

The type of lifestyle upgrades I write and speak about are:

Permanent
On-going
Generative
Life-altering
Life-giving

They are gifts that keep on giving.

When implemented and integrated into your daily life, they will not only

Enhance the quality of your lifestyle
They will also raise the bar for how you experience yourself and your life for the rest of your life.

Imagine living an upgraded life every single day where you choose based on your personal values and what matters most to you. You won’t have to wait for others to surprise you with those occasional temporary lifestyle upgrades… which don’t get me wrong, we all appreciate and welcome.

The lifestyle upgrades that I am talking about are completely within your control every single day. It all begins with the choices you make.

By simply changing your thinking, your expectations, and your actions, you can adopt a new way of living that can change your life in big or small ways.

Several years ago, when I downsized from my 5,000 square foot home to my 867 square foot apartment, I gave away 95% of my belongings to people who wanted or needed them. I was inspired by a trip to a third world country, where for the first time in my life I experienced people who almost have nothing, yet were happy.

I wanted that!

In order for me to have that simple, joy-filled life I experienced in Senegal, I had to change my belief about needing more in order to be happy. I’d fallen into the consumer trap of “more is better, and bigger is better”.

When I changed my beliefs, I changed my expectations.

I stopped buying more and started giving my stuff away to people who needed it or wanted it. I came to believe I could live with less and be happy. I changed my expectations of what made me happy… and it wasn’t buying more stuff!

When I changed my expectations, my attitude changed.

I gained momentum, no one was going to stop me from living that simple less cluttered life I most wanted.

When I changed my actions, I realized I was accomplishing something I previously thought impossible…

downsizing, decluttering, and living abundantly with less.

When I chose to change, I played big instead of small.

I adopted a whole new way of living that changed and upgraded my life

What is your dream?
How do you want to upgrade your life so you can live more?

When I downsized my life, I upgraded my lifestyle to live with less so I could live more.

Living a simpler less cluttered life provides more time, money, and freedom. It also allows you to make room for what matters most to you. I went from a life full of stuff to a life filled with meaning.

To inspire you, I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of 31 lifestyle upgrades that you can choose to integrate into your own life, today or over a period of time. These upgrades, when implemented will have a lasting impact on the quality of your life and your overall happiness.

Go to my website to download all 31 lifestyle upgrades.

Here are the five upgrades that I am working on myself right now.

 

#1 Unleash your inner child

Rediscover the feeling of being unleashed and being true to your inner child why not awaken the inner child in you? It will take years off your life.

 

#2 Adopt the mindset of “enough”

There is a rich abundance, quiet contentment, and profound peace of mind when you embrace, “I have all I want, and all I need.” True happiness lies within you, not in comparing yourself to others what you have and what you don’t have. Experience the peace and joy of having enough and being enough.

 

#3 Laugh out loud every day

Laughter is a universal language that connects people and strips away the outside veneer it’s irresistible and contagious. It feels good to laugh out loud, it improves our mental and physical health and well-being and it significantly reduces stress.

The old adage “laughter is the best medicine”, while not scientifically proven, seems to ring true on many counts. Laughter will add years to your life and life to your years.

 

#4 Be you. The one and only authentic you

Why try to be anything or anyone else? It’s much easier to be just you…  all you are and all you aren’t. Own your unique greatness, your voice, your brand, and your leadership.

It takes courage to be vulnerable, imperfect, and irresistibly you. It is like no other adventure you have ever taken.

#5 Embrace the “attitude of gratitude”

It’s a funny thing about life. Once you start noticing how much you already have and once you embrace being grateful for it, you begin to lose sight of the things you might lack. Make a list of who and what you are grateful for and why. Keep it in a special place where you’ll be reminded each day.

 

You don’t need to be upgraded to first-class to upgrade your lifestyle

(although that is a fun unexpected perk). Opportunities to experience your life each day at a whole new level are all around you… you just have to open your eyes and your heart.

You don’t need to change the world around you: you just need to change the way you see your world.

Life’s simple pleasures, life’s little miracles are all around you. All you have to do is start noticing them.
See your life through a new lens and then appreciate that the power to change your world exist within you

To experience your life and yourself at a whole new upgraded level, it all comes down to the choices you make each day.

It’s really that simple!

“You can upgrade your lifestyle at any time and it doesn’t have to cost you a dime. It’s a gift that keeps on giving.”

Rita Wilkins

The Downsizing Designer

Office # 302-475-5663

If you need interior design assistance please reach out to me to discuss your project.

I offer a complimentary 30-minute phone consultation.

Interested in reading more? Check out my best-selling book on AMAZON.

The post WHO DOESN’T LOVE UPGRADES? first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Do You Want to Learn a Few Tricks of the Design Trades for Refreshing Your Home Without Spending a Dime?

By Rita Wilkins

The Downsizing Designer

My mom used to call it as “making due”, a good old fashion word for repurposing, reusing, and recycling, using what you already have so you can stay on a budget and still make your home look new again.

Believe it or not, this is one of my favorite things to do with my clients!

As a child growing up in an Air Force family, we moved a lot and no matter where we were, mom always had the ability to make our house is a home… a place where people were always welcome.

With five kids, I still have no idea how she did it, but I do recall her using the term, “make due with what you have”. She was creative and I guess that’s where I learned to become resourceful and good at making due. Of course, now, as THE DOWNSIZING DESIGNER, I’ve become known for living with less (95% less) and loving it. And with a much smaller living space, it can be extremely challenging, but since I love change and what it can do for lifting my spirits, I regularly use some of my own tips to make due while making my home look new again.

When it comes to working with my design clients, who may be on a limited budget or not, I will frequently recommend some of the things that I am going to share with you now.

 

MY TOP 6 DESIGN TRICKS OF THE TRADE TO MAKE YOUR HOME LOOK BEAUTIFUL WITHOUT SPENDING A DIME

 

#1 Move your existing furniture around

This is one of the least expensive forms of decorating and also one of my favorites.

Create a new furniture layout for the room that you are working on by rearranging the existing furniture.

Float a sofa into the room (it does not have to be against the wall).
Angle the furniture to give you a different perspective.


Seasonally change your furniture around to give your room a new look




For winter orient your furniture toward the fireplace and into the room.
For summer orient your furniture toward the outside.

 

#2 Repurpose furniture from another room

Have a scavenger hunt in your own home. Walkthrough your home to “find” furniture that you forgot you even had. See it through new eyes so you can create new possibilities.




That comfortable wing chair in your upstairs guest room
That old trunk at the end of the bed
That area rug in your living room
That bench you never use in your guest room.




Ask yourself the following two questions:




How can you repurpose these “found” pieces of furniture?
How can you give them a new place to live within your home?

They will not only give your home a facelift, they will also have a new purpose.

That wing chair could now become your favorite reading chair.
That old trunk could now become a new coffee table.
That area rug could now be an overlay rug in your family room to help unify the room.
That bench could now be used to expand your seating in the family room.

 

#3 Repurpose accessories and accent pieces

Go on another scavenger hunt in your home, searching for accessories that you “don’t see” anymore. They have been in the same place for years and you might never notice them anymore.


Look for mirrors, lamps, vases, artwork, and throws. It’s a little like adding a new scarf or a piece of jewelry to change the look of that little black dress. It gives it a new life!

 

#4 Start with a clean slate

Empty everything from a bookcase or a room. Start all over again with fresh eyes reusing the furniture or accessories that you found in your own home in your scavenger hunt.
Commit to not putting anything back in the same place
Remember, the goal is to get a fresh look, repurposing your existing furniture and accessories without spending a dime.

 

#5 Repurpose the rooms themselves

Look at each room and ask these two questions:

1. Why does this room have to serve the same purpose that it has always served?

Why does the dining room only have to be a dining room?

Did you know that on average Americans use their dining rooms only two to three times a year? That is a lot of real-estate to not have it be better utilized.

2. How can this room be repurposed to be more useful to your current lifestyle?

Why does your kid’s room still have to be a kid’s room?

If your children are grown and have left your nest, is it time to make better use of that room to suit your current needs? Have you been looking for a place for another home office, a craft room, or yoga room?

 

#6 A few other tricks to refresh your home

Add colorful pillows, throws, greenery, or fresh flowers
Add a fresh coat of paint even on one wall to create an accent wall.
Create a gallery wall of family photos, travel, or collections.

 

The list could go on and on, but the goal is just to have fun, be resourceful, get creative, and make due with things you already have.

 

Hopefully, I’ve inspired you to learn “how to make due” while still make your home look new, fresh, and beautiful. As I said earlier this is absolutely one of my favorite things to do with my design clients who are looking for a new look without spending a dime.

 

I would love to see pictures of what you’ve created.

How did you “make due” while making your home look new again?

 

Rita Wilkins

The Downsizing Designer

Office # 302-475-5663

If you need interior design assistance please reach out to me to discuss your project.

I offer a complimentary 30-minute phone consultation.

Check out my best-selling book on AMAZON.

The post Do You Want to Learn a Few Tricks of the Design Trades for Refreshing Your Home Without Spending a Dime? first appeared on Design Services LTD.

DO YOU WANT TO LEARN A FEW TRICKS OF THE DESIGN TRADES FOR REFRESHING YOUR HOME WITHOUT SPENDING A DIME?

By Rita Wilkins

The Downsizing Designer

My mom used to call it as “making due”, a good old fashion word for repurposing, reusing, and recycling, using what you already have so you can stay on a budget and still make your home look new again.

Believe it or not, this is one of my favorite things to do with my clients!

As a child growing up in an Air Force family, we moved a lot and no matter where we were, mom always had the ability to make our house is a home… a place where people were always welcome.

With five kids, I still have no idea how she did it, but I do recall her using the term, “make due with what you have”. She was creative and I guess that’s where I learned to become resourceful and good at making due. Of course, now, as THE DOWNSIZING DESIGNER, I’ve become known for living with less (95% less) and loving it. And with a much smaller living space, it can be extremely challenging, but since I love change and what it can do for lifting my spirits, I regularly use some of my own tips to make due while making my home look new again.

When it comes to working with my design clients, who may be on a limited budget or not, I will frequently recommend some of the things that I am going to share with you now.

 

MY TOP 6 DESIGN TRICKS OF THE TRADE TO MAKE YOUR HOME LOOK BEAUTIFUL WITHOUT SPENDING A DIME

 

#1 Move your existing furniture around

This is one of the least expensive forms of decorating and also one of my favorites.

Create a new furniture layout for the room that you are working on by rearranging the existing furniture.

Float a sofa into the room (it does not have to be against the wall).
Angle the furniture to give you a different perspective.


Seasonally change your furniture around to give your room a new look




For winter orient your furniture toward the fireplace and into the room.
For summer orient your furniture toward the outside.

 

#2 Repurpose furniture from another room

Have a scavenger hunt in your own home. Walk through your home to “find” furniture that you forgot you even had. See it through new eyes so you can create new possibilities.




That comfortable wing chair in your upstairs guest room
That old trunk at the end of the bed
That area rug in your living room
That bench you never use in your guest room.




Ask yourself the following two questions:




How can you repurpose these “found” pieces of furniture?
How can you give them a new place to live within your home?

They will not only give your home a facelift, they will also have a new purpose.

That wing chair could now become your favorite reading chair.
That old trunk could now become a new coffee table.
That area rug could now be an overlay rug in your family room to help unify the room.
That bench could now be used to expand your seating in the family room.

 

#3 Repurpose accessories and accent pieces

Go on another scavenger hunt in your home, searching for accessories that you “don’t see” anymore. They have been in the same place for years and you might never notice them anymore.


Look for mirrors, lamps, vases, artwork, and throws. It’s a little like adding a new scarf or a piece of jewelry to change the look of that little black dress. It gives it a new life!

 

#4 Start with a clean slate

Empty everything from a bookcase or a room. Start all over again with fresh eyes reusing the furniture or accessories that you found in your own home in your scavenger hunt.
Commit to not putting anything back in the same place
Remember, the goal is to get a fresh look, repurposing your existing furniture and accessories without spending a dime.

 

#5 Repurpose the rooms themselves

Look at each room and ask these two questions:

1. Why does this room have to serve the same purpose that it has always served?

Why does the dining room only have to be a dining room?

Did you know that on average Americans use their dining rooms only two to three times a year? That is a lot of real-estate to not have it be better utilized.

2. How can this room be repurposed to be more useful to your current lifestyle?

Why does your kid’s room still have to be a kid’s room?

If your children are grown and have left your nest, is it time to make better use of that room to suit your current needs? Have you been looking for a place for another home office, a craft room, or yoga room?

 

#6 A few other tricks to refresh your home

Add colorful pillows, throws, greenery, or fresh flowers
Add a fresh coat of paint even on one wall to create an accent wall.
Create a gallery wall of family photos, travel, or collections.

 

The list could go on and on, but the goal is just to have fun, be resourceful, get creative, and make due with things you already have.

 

Hopefully, I’ve inspired you to learn “how to make due” while still make your home look new, fresh, and beautiful. As I said earlier this is absolutely one of my favorite things to do with my design clients who are looking for a new look without spending a dime.

 

I would love to see pictures of what you’ve created.

How did you “make due” while making your home look new again?

 

Rita Wilkins

The Downsizing Designer

Office # 302-475-5663

If you need interior design assistance please reach out to me to discuss your project.

I offer a complimentary 30-minute phone consultation.

Check out my best-selling book on AMAZON.

The post DO YOU WANT TO LEARN A FEW TRICKS OF THE DESIGN TRADES FOR REFRESHING YOUR HOME WITHOUT SPENDING A DIME? first appeared on Design Services LTD.

WHY THE BEST TIME TO PLAN YOUR KITCHEN DESIGN IS DURING THE BUSY HOLIDAY SEASON

By Rita Wilkins

The Downsizing Designer

It sounds crazy, right?

Planning your kitchen design during one of the busiest times of the year!

Why would I recommend that?

Think of it this way:

Your house might be full of family who is home for the holidays (maybe not quite as many this year with Covid-19 restrictions),


You’ve invited friends in for a holiday party or two,


Your kids and grandkids are everywhere in your house,


Your house is bustling and you love every minute of it!

You’re spending a lot more time in the kitchen.

planning meals
preparing food
cooking
serving
eating
cleaning up
and just hanging out

 

#1 What better time than now to observe and discern
WHAT’S WORKING AND NOT WORKING
with your current kitchen design?

 

Maybe you’ve realized:

there’s not enough prep space for one, let along two or three cooks
the pantry is inconveniently located
that one oven is definitely not enough
and that everyone else is gathered in the family room…

and you are alone in the kitchen!

You keep wishing you could “somehow” all be together.

This is the perfect time for you to observe and write down the good and the bad experiences you’ve had surrounding your current kitchen design

Things that don’t work
Things that do work but you would like to improve upon
Things you wish you had

As a designer for over 35 years and having designed at least 350 kitchens, one of the most important roles I play is to help my clients determine what’s working and what’s not working.

I do this by observing and watching the way the kitchen floor plan functions for my clients, their family, and friends.


I take into consideration how they live, work, play, and communicate in those areas so that in the planning phase, I can assist my client with designs that work for them.

After all, that’s what your kitchen and your home should do… “work for you”.

 

Best Christmas Ever!

 

One of my all-time favorite kitchen stories happened several years ago.

I first met with a new client in early fall. They were a close family with grown children who “wished they could all be together”, but their tiny kitchen prevented that.

I asked how often they used their dining room that was immediately adjacent to the kitchen. They responded, “Rarely, maybe two or three times a year.” This also happens to be the national average… that we use our dining rooms only two or three times per year.

I then asked…

• WHAT IF, we removed the wall between your kitchen and dining room to give you a much larger kitchen that would incorporate cooking, dining, entertaining, and a space where you can all be together.

• WHAT IF, we moved a portion of the wall that enters into the family room? By opening it up, you could then be “together”.

A few months later, the renovation was complete. I returned to drop off a small when they greeted me at the door with big hugs, saying “This was our best Christmas ever! We could all finally be together”.

As a designer, in addition to observing what’s working and what’s not, I must also listen to my clients, wants, needs, and their “wish lists”. It is important that I really hear what they are saying by asking at least a thousand questions so when I design, I can create solutions for what’s not working, improve and enhance what is working, and incorporate as many of their wish list items as possible.

After all, good planning is the foundation for a successful design project.

In addition to using this busy holiday season to observe and discern what’s working and not so we can get the design right, there are other reasons to design your kitchen during one of the busiest times of the year.

#2 You could beat the spring renovation rush by planning now

 

• Finalize your design

• Create a realistic budget

• Schedule a contractor that you have vetted

• Completed all of your selections

You can beat the spring rush which is when most people are just getting started on their renovation plans.

#3 There are advantages to doing your work off season

 

Contractors are often more available when there is less demand
Contractors can focus on your project without juggling multiple projects in the busy season
Who knows… you might even be done well before spring, when others are just getting started!

 

#4 It might even save you money

Did you know that the first week of the new year is known as

THE BLACK FRIDAY OF HOME IMPROVEMENTS?

The holidays are over
People start thinking about what home projects they want to do
Retailers offer special pricing during that time as well as on holiday weekends throughout the year.

 

It helps to be ready to know what you want so you can take advantage of seasonal sales.

 

“If you are considering a kitchen or home renovation…

Consider that right now, the busiest holiday season of the year is really the best time to start planning your renovation.

Rita Wilkins

The Downsizing Designer

Office # 302-475-5663

If you need interior design assistance please reach out to me to discuss your project.

I offer a 30-minute consultation go to my website.

You might be interest with my free download my 22 steps to designing your kitchen.

The post WHY THE BEST TIME TO PLAN YOUR KITCHEN DESIGN IS DURING THE BUSY HOLIDAY SEASON first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Your home (YOU’RE HOME) for the holiday: a Virtual Thanksgiving this year

By Rita Wilkins

The Downsizing Designer

This week kicks off the holiday season and many people I’ve talked to are dreading the holiday season this year because of the many restrictions and concerns surrounding the spread of covid-19.

But those of you who know me as a friend, as a design, or as a coach, or even as a mom, you know I am going to push back when I heard people say “there’s no way the holidays will be fun this year!”.

And you know I am going to encourage you to just think differently, to see through walls or barriers that are preventing you from believing it’s going to be a great holiday season.

In fact, you know that I am going to challenge each one of you to have your best holiday season!

 

For sure, almost everything in 2020 has been different… So why not…

1. Break old traditions all together and create new ones or

2. Re-invent the way you celebrate your old family traditions whether you are together or apart.

We all know how important family traditions are especially in uncertain times.

• They provide comfort

• They bring us together, near or far

• They are the glue that holds us together in spite of distance

We look forward to this time of year and today I am going to tell you that in spite of the pandemic you can still celebrate a semblance of family traditions that are safe, low stress, and fun! You just need to be a little creative.

Think of some of your family traditions you most enjoy, but you are telling yourself…

• “No way!”

• “I can’t possibly…”

• “Why bother?”

I’d like you to consider thinking differently and ask yourself: “How can you create a semblance of those traditions whether you are together or apart this year?”

One of my favorite poems is from Mother Theresa called “ANYWAY” you’ve probably heard it before, it goes like this:

“People are often unreasonable and self-centered

… LOVE THEM ANYWAY”

“If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motive.

… BE KIND ANYWAY”

“The good you do today, people often forget that tomorrow

… DO GOOD ANYWAY”

It seems paradoxical…

• To love anyway

• To be kind anyway

• To do good anyway

It seems contradictory and on many levels it seems unreasonable.

When you think about it, the pandemic is challenging us

• To be unreasonable

• To contradict the ways we’ve always celebrated the holidays

• To think differently so we can be safe, have fun, make memories while still celebrating this wonderful season that we have looked forward to all year long.

 

Another favorite poem “TOGETHER, YET APART”, was written by a young man who lost his dear “Poppy” and who was missing him during the holidays saying…

“Family reunions will never be the same

because you’re not here with us.”

“Your chair at the table is empty and cold

you need to come home

I need someone to hold.”

Have you ever taught the holidays would never be the same…?

• After a death of a loved one?

• After divorce?

• Or after your kids left home?

But what did you do? You reinvented what the holidays would “look like” in spite of the changes.

The same is true today. Due to the pandemic we are being challenged to reinvent holiday traditions whether we are together or apart.

Today I am going to challenge you and hopefully inspire you to think and act differently.

What can you and your loved ones do to create or design your best holiday ever?

I know some of you are resisting and thinking… “No way”, “I can’t”, or “why bother?”.

I ask you to think out of the box because you are the one that might be able to encourage not only your family but also your friends to think differently so you can all have the best holiday season ever whether together or apart.

 

Get your FREE download, 31 Lifestyle Upgrades Here

Objection vs. Solution
#1

Objection: “Why bother decorating for the holidays, no one will be here to enjoy it!”

Solution: To decorate anyway.

To borrow from Mother Theresa, decorate anyway so at least you can enjoy it.

• Whether it’s decorating the tree with a bright white lights and well-worn holiday ornaments

or

• Setting a beautiful table with linens, crystal, china, and silver

or

• Wearing your favorite holiday dress or ugliest holiday sweater made just for you by your favorite grandmother

it is important that you and your home feel and look festive. Put your favorite holiday music on, light your favorite scented candle, and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit whether together or apart.

 

#2

Objection: “Why bother, there’s no need to prepare traditional holiday foods, no one will be here to celebrate!”

Solution: To cook your traditional holiday foods anyway.

Whether its cooking for a large family gathering or cooking for one or two, it’s still the holiday season we look forward to all year.

The fun of planning a festive menu… some old recipes, some new will get you in the holiday spirit

• Share recipes with family and friends

• Cook together on zoom

• Share fun stories about past and future holidays together

• Whatever your family food traditions are, cook them anyway (maybe just smaller portions)

 

#3

Objection: “Why bother with gift-giving this year, it’s no fun without everyone here to open them

Solution: Give gifts anyway.

What are new ways you can give gifts without buying a thing? Get creative, give them the gift of your thoughtfulness and the gift of your time.

• Gratitude notes Handwritten notes on holiday note cards. Share a heartfelt message, thanking each family or friend for what they contribute to your life.

Who does love getting a note like that? Likely, you will make their day and they will cherish it for years to come.

• Care boxes Fill a box with few of their “favorite things”

Hand bagged cookies (they love that you are famous for)
Photos (memories of times together)
Funny memories of things you’ve done together (either by writing of videos)

Drop of or mail the care box that you’ve thoughtfully made.

• Donate to those in need

Donate your time, energy and money. The pandemic has been extremely hard on many people.
Donate to the food bank.
Donate excess clothing that you no longer need and someone would be grateful for. It’s the perfect time to clean out your closet.

 

#4

Objection: “Why bother getting together in person, there’s so many restrictions!”

Solution: Get together anyway.

Using safe guidelines, think differently. How could you get together with a few friends and with family while still being safe?

Here are a few ideas

• Al fresco Dining

• Create potluck dinners outside around the fire pit or surrounded by heat lamps

• Where new attire this year! Jackets, hats, gloves, and boots.

• Keep it simple, make it easy, but make it fun!

• Thanksgiving picnic in the park. Follow your picnic with a family hike make smores and pumpkin pie for dessert and create a family Olympics competition.

• Stories by the campfire. Invite young and old to participate. Share special memories of holidays traditions in the past

 

#5

Objection: How can a zoom call possibly replace in-person holiday fun?

Solution: Wear your ugly sweater anyway!

Why not carry on the fun family traditions anyway whether together or apart.

• Have a zoom or facetime virtual holiday that will allow you to be together in spite of the distance.

• Why not still have your ugly sweater family contest?

• Why not bake holiday cookies or dinners together?

• Why not carve pumpkins together? or decorate trees together?

I hope you are inspired or even fired up to not let the pandemic get in your way of celebrating… truly celebrating the holidays this year.

“When one of those objections of why bother comes up? Smack it down and create new ways to have one of your best most memorable holiday seasons ever.”

 

 

“I am committed to each and every one of you living out your best life now!”

Rita Wilkins

The Downsizing Designer

Office # 302-475-5663

Check out my book on Amazon “Downsize Your Life, Upgrade Your Lifestyle: Secrets to More Time, Money, and Freedom” CLICK HERE

 

 

The post Your home (YOU'RE HOME) for the holiday: a Virtual Thanksgiving this year first appeared on Design Services LTD.

How a REVERSE BUCKET LIST can reboot and reignite your life and your career

By Rita Wilkins

The Downsizing Designer

One of the most talked about subjects of our time and at this stage of our lives, is how to successfully navigate these uncertain times so we can not only survive, but thrive in life. In Bruce Feiler’s new book, Life Is in the Transitions, he refers to times of great upheaval and uncertainty as “Life Quakes.”

He defines them as massive life changes, either voluntary or involuntary, that cause us to dig deeply, to think differently so we can come out on the other side stronger AND better.

 

The Gift of Time

No matter who you are, what you do, or where you live, on some level, everyone has been impacted by Covid-19. We have experienced significant uncertainty and disruption in our lives and in our businesses.

And yet, at the same time, the world-wide pandemic has provided us with a truly unique opportunity to slow down, rethink, and reconsider “what’s next.”

The pandemic has provided us with the “gift” of time – one that we have never experienced before in our lifetimes. Embracing this pause, we can be more intentional when we pivot from the life we have been living to the life we’ve dreamed about.

This is, of course, the life we put on the back burner or on our “someday” list. It’s a life filled with passion, purpose, and meaning.

Now, more than ever before, is the perfect time to reimagine, reboot, and reignite our lives and our careers so that our Third Act is our best act yet in spite of all that we might be going through.

 

5 Statements to Consider

Have you found yourself saying one of these:

“Life is just too short, and I’m running out of time to follow my dreams.”

“I just can’t do this (job) anymore.”

“I’ve been asking myself if this is all there is.”

“I want and need so much more (fulfillment, joy, happiness).”

“It’s time for me – finally!”

Just like you, many midlife women are facing similar “Life Quakes,” some from their own choosing and some that were thrust upon them.

 

The Life Quakes We Face
Demanding Career

You have chosen to leave an extremely fast-paced, “always-on” career that, while financially rewarding, is physically and emotionally draining. You are now ready to discover a more balanced lifestyle business, one that affords you more time and freedom.

Switching Direction

You would like to explore a completely new direction in your life and in your business, one that will make you feel fully alive and on fire, living your passion, purpose, and the “why that makes you cry.”

New Reality

You are faced with a sudden new reality of job loss, death of a spouse, serious diagnosis. You are wanting to – or having to reengage – in the workforce to supplement your income.

Facing Fear

You are in unfamiliar territory. You’re afraid. You’re stuck. You know you have to do something, but you don’t know how. Change is never easy, so how can you turn these challenges into opportunities?

 

Click here to learn more about the reverse bucket list

 

What Is a Reverse Bucket List

 

We are all familiar with the Traditional Bucket List (TBL) – that well-worn list that helps us step out of our comfort zones, push us to do things we always wanted to do, but never thought we would… or could.

The TBL is aspirational and great for moving us forward. However, it leaves us feeling guilty, reminding us of all of the things we still haven’t done. It’s like having a “to-do” list hanging over our heads.

Conversely, the Reverse Bucket List (RBL) is inspirational. It helps us reflect and focus on all that we have already accomplished in life, including the big things and the important “little things.” Things that make us proud, lessons we have learned, experiences, and people that have shaped who we are today and have given our life meaning.

It helps us to acknowledge ourselves and to be grateful for who we are and who we have become. An RBL boosts our self-esteem, gives us perspective, and can serve as a great reminder when we feel discouraged.

The Reverse Bucket List is a motivational tool that will help you reconnect with the dreams you once had but might have forgotten. It will inspire you to create new goals by identifying when you were happiest when you were most fulfilled so you can “repeat” or create new experiences like those that gave your life meaning.

The RBL can be an invaluable catalyst to see your life through a new lens so you can think differently as you are creating a bold new vision for the life you want to have as you carve out “what’s next” in your future.

 

Why Do You Need a Reverse Bucket List?

Here are my top 10 ways you can use a RBL to reignite and reboot your life and career:

1. Appreciation

Your personal and professional goals and experiences, the lives you have impacted, the obstacles you have overcome, your proudest moments can provide a new-found appreciation, gratitude, and respect for all that you’ve already accomplished.

 

2. Validation

Don’t disregard those hard-earned skills that helped you move forward in spite of challenges. Connect the dots with what you most enjoy doing with your passion, purpose, and unique gifts.

 

3. Clarity

Consider the following questions:

What did you fight for?
Which values are non-negotiable?
What is the “why that makes you cry?”

 

4. Insight and Perspective

What were you doing when you lost all track of time?
When did you feel most fulfilled, regardless of whether you were compensated or not?
What surprised you the most?

 

5. Deeper Connection

What do you want more of in your life? Why don’t you have that now?
What do you want less of? Are there things you need to let go?
What do you yearn for that you don’t have now?

 

6. Vision and Blueprint

Start dreaming again without putting limits to your dreams. Big dreams, little dreams. New dreams, old dreams. Design the life you want now.

 

7. Inspiration

Create goals that match your vision. Commit to a plan of action and create a realistic timeline to implement it.

 

8. Learning to Live Your Life on the Skinny Branches

Commit to stepping out of your comfort zone. Do what scares you. Stop playing small. This will lead you to the life you want so can live with no regrets.

 

9. Support

You will need a team of like-minded people who will support and challenge you. They will help you brainstorm ideas, expand your dreams and goals, help you accomplish them, and hold you accountable.

 

10. Celebrate

Finally, don’t just stand there. Celebrate the promise of your new life. The one you get to design. A life that is meaningful, fulfilling, and allows you to make a difference not just for yourself, but for others.

If you want to thrive in your Third Act and live the life you really want, now is the perfect time to reboot and reignite your life and career.

Regardless of your life situation, it’s almost certain that when you rediscover your passion and purpose, not only will you be utilizing your unique gifts, talents, and resources, but you will also be living a life of freedom, fulfillment, and joy!

This would be a life where work feels like play. Where you can make a good income and have a big impact. Where you can hardly wait to start your day!

 

What “Life Quakes” have you experienced? Have you asked yourself “what’s next?” What do you want to have more of – or less of – in your life? I would love to hear from you!




Rita Wilkins

The Downsizing Designer

Schedule your complimentary 30-minute phone call HERE

And check out my book “Downsize your life, Upgrade your lifestyle” HERE

The post How a REVERSE BUCKET LIST can reboot and reignite your life and your career first appeared on Design Services LTD.

How to make decluttering easy, effective, AND FUN!

I’m going to talk about a subject very few people will classify as fun.

It’s how you can make decluttering easy, effective, AND FUN!

Probably several of you are rolling your eyes right now saying “No way!” and yet, maybe a few of you are wanting desperately to know how.

But first, let’s talk about clutter and the impact it’s having on the quality of your life.

 

#1 What is clutter?

Clutter is simply a series of postponed decisions. For example:

you can choose to put your clothes away or lay them on your chair.
you can choose to deal with your mail right away or you can let it keep piling up.


Clutter is lacking clarity about what’s important and what’s not.
Clutter is not making a decision in that moment, it’s deferring one decision and then another and another until you have piles of postponed decisions.

 

#2 Think about what clutter is costing you

When there is underlying anxiety about having too much stuff it can cause stress, guilt, frustrations, and arguments.
Not knowing where to find things wastes time, energy, money and impacts productivity.
When you are overwhelmed by too much stuff/clutter in your life and when you aren’t able to clearly focus and be productive, clutter can impact your health, wealth, and relationships.

 

#3 How decluttering can help you make room for what matters most to you

“Why do you want to declutter?”

It is important to first know why you want to declutter. The why is actually more important than how.

For your mental health and well being

When you are overwhelmed with too much stuff it takes an extraordinary amount of and energy causing overwhelm and upset.

For your financial wealth and well being

When you continue buying more you continue to contribute to not only the clutter but also to the stress and overwhelm.

For your relationships

Clutter frequently causes arguments that can be avoided. By agreeing to declutter, live with less, and appreciate what you have more, you can make more time for each other.

For better use of your time and increase your productivity

Having a home for everything can save you time and energy, allowing you to focus and make better use of your time.

 

Three simple steps to get started

1. Take one step at a time.

 One drawer, one closet, one shelf at a time. The clutter did not happen overnight allow yourself time to declutter.

2. Focus on your own stuff first.

Reduce arguments by getting your own stuff in order. If your spouse is a hoarder or if your kids move back home, clutter creep and clutter chaos are inevitable. Start with your own stuff, be the role model they might follow your lead.

3.  Holding on may actually be harder than letting go.

Think of the time, money, and energy you will save when you don’t own so much stuff.

When you begin to understand what clutter is costing you and when you know why you want to declutter, this will help you stay in the game on your downsizing journey.

 

# 4 How you can actually have fun decluttering

You’ve heard of extreme sports, extreme makeovers, and extreme food shows, but have you heard of extreme decluttering parties?

I created this concept several years ago when I downsized from my 5000 square foot home to my 867 square feet apartment. I was overwhelmed and had no idea where to begin. I thought I could do it myself but was reduced to tears every single day for 30 days. Then I got smart! I called one of my sisters and ask her if she would help. The following weekend, my sister came from Rhode Island to Pennsylvania to help me and brought 2 other team members… my other sister and sister in law.

I suddenly had a team! I was not alone! I was committed to not only getting a lot done but also committed to having a lot of fun! That’s when I created the extreme decluttering party.

 

#5 How my high impact method of decluttering works

Know your “why”.

My why was to have a simpler less cluttered life with less so I could have more time, money, and freedom to pursue what mattered most to me.

My why was also to have less stress and anxiety over maintaining a large property alone. I wanted a higher quality of life with more time, money, and freedom so I can make room for what mattered most.

Ask yourself what is your “why”. Why you want to declutter?

Make a written plan, set goals, and timelines.
Pick a date or several dates. Put them on the calendar so that this will actually happen and not be differed to someday.
Invite team members to participate in your downsizing party. Three to four members are ideal so that it is more manageable.
Have your team members each commit to a day and time.
Pick a specific area of your home you want to work on one that is manageable to complete within three to four hours. For example, a corner of your garage, basement, or attic.
Review all items in that area, mark those that you are keeping, and put them aside.
Share your strategy with your team members and assign specific tasks.






Sorter: Sort into piles of donate, sell, consign, or trash
Packer: Pack items into boxes or bags
Stager: Stage supplies (i.e. boxes, scissors, knives, tape, trash bags)
Deliverer: Delivers to the designated destination

NOTE: Make sure to take before, during, and after pictures throughout your extreme decluttering party.

Post a timeline (i.e. three to four hours in 50 minutes increments with 10-minute breaks.)
Set a timer!
Have fun! Make memories and make sure to share your before, during, and after photos with family and friends to inspire them to have their own extreme decluttering party.
When the time is up you are done for the day. Stop! It’s now time for the party with food, wine, stories, and laughter.

 

If you want help planning your own extreme decluttering party,

call me for a 30-minute consult and I can show you how https://calendly.com/rwilkins/coaching-call-with-rita?month=2020-11

 

A few last thoughts to prepare you for success with my quick, high-impact decluttering method.

Be prepared to make quick, firm, and ruthless decisions.
Be ready to let go of your stuff because there will be no time to second guess yourself.
Commit to making this happen.
Repeat the process week after week. You will begin to see tremendous progress over time while at the same time creating very special memories.
Remember this can be overwhelming. Keep your why in mind throughout the process. It will keep you going even when you want to give up.

 

BEST WISHES ON YOUR DOWNSIZING JOURNEY!

 

Are you ready to take your downsizing journey seriously?

Click here to sign up for my 6-week decluttering challenge.

 

The post How to make decluttering easy, effective, AND FUN! first appeared on Design Services LTD.

Are You Ready To Downsize Your Life And Upgrade Your Lifestyle?

Downsize Your Life With The Help Of Downsizing Designer Rita Wilkins

Are you ready to simplify your life? Do you find yourself wanting to downsize or declutter, but aren’t sure where to start? I’m Rita Wilkins, also known as the Downsizing Designer, and I’m here to help you downsize your life. As a lifestyle design expert, I help people downsize and declutter themselves and their lives so they can live a simpler life with less.

What Does It Mean To Downsize And Upgrade Your Life?

Many of you are familiar with my book, Downsize Your Life, Upgrade Your Lifestyle: Secrets to More Time, Money and Freedom. People often ask me, “Rita, what does it mean to downsize your life and upgrade your lifestyle?” Today, I’d like to talk about that with you.

Consider this: You have a good life. You have a nice home, a great family, a nice car, a good job. Even so, every once in a while, you might ask yourself: “What’s wrong? Why don’t I feel content? Is that all there is?” You aren’t sure what’s missing, but you are on the hunt for it. You may try to find this “something missing” through buying things – a bigger house, a new car, a fancy gadget. Afterward, you still feel empty.

Have You Ever Considered That You Might Actually Need LESS To Be Happier?

I know it seems crazy. Our culture tells us – “bigger is better, more is better, more will make you happier.” But does it really? Many of the memories we hold most dear are those that cost us nothing but enjoying the moment. Think of a meal spent laughing and visiting with family, a long walk taken with your children where you saw the world through their eyes, or the unending gratefulness that came from helping an elderly relative. These things bring fulfillment, happiness, and contentment. These things cost you nothing.

In essence, this is what a downsized life can bring you – more these. Living a downsized life, you have more time, more freedom, and more money to create moments like that. A decluttered life leads to you experiencing life differently. You’re more aware, more present, more in the moment, and more intentional. You also learn to value what you have more.

To learn more about what it means to downsize your life and upgrade your lifestyle, please watch my video, “What does it mean to downsize your life?”

Rita Wilkins Offers Lifestyle Design And Interior Design Services

Do you want to learn more? Call Design Services LTD at 302-475-5663 to discuss your design needs. You can also connect with me by following me on Facebook and LinkedIn. Do you have questions you would like to ask? Schedule a complimentary 30-minute call with me today.

The post Are You Ready To Downsize Your Life And Upgrade Your Lifestyle? first appeared on Design Services LTD.

6 Important tips you should know prior to undertaking a big renovation

Practical advice to anyone considering a kitchen renovation

There’s probably no renovation you can undertake that is more disruptive and inconvenient than a kitchen renovation. “After all, it is the heart of the home” …

The hub is not just for cooking, but also for

Hanging out
Eating
Working
Entertaining
Snacking
Homework
Seating
And engaging in meaningful conversations

When all of those activities are interrupted, there’s inevitable chaos and upset.

But thinking through some of these problems in advance cannot only prevent arguments and undue stress, but it can also streamline the process, making it go much smoother.

In my career as an interior designer for over 35 years, I have personally designed about 10 kitchens per year… That’s 350 kitchens! That’s a lot of kitchens! But it is also a lot of hands-on experience and knowledge garnered from each of those 350 projects.

These are just a few of my top tips that I want to share with you if you are considering a kitchen renovation.

 

#1 Make sure your measures are accurate

Since kitchen design is so precise, if you are off by even an inch or two, cabinets may not fit, additional costs might be incurred for reordering cabinets. Timelines can be backed up and a plethora of other domino effects can occur. I recommend measuring three to four times “because every inch counts.”

I personally measure every kitchen with one of my designers, I then recommend that the general contractor who will be doing the work and the kitchen cabinet provider also do their own measures to confirm accuracy and consistency.

 

#2 Set a realistic budget and then add 20%

When you are budgeting for a kitchen renovation or any renovation for that matter, it is best to calculate all possible costs then add 20% for the inevitable, unforeseen conditions behind the walls.  For example, when a kitchen is demoed, we have discovered rotten wood underneath the dishwasher, improper wiring, and beams that needed additional support. Each of these scenarios and many others are often discovered once demolition transpires and when the walls, floors, and ceilings are fully exposed.

They must be rectified to pass inspections and you will be responsible for the costs. Therefore, your additional 20% will already be calculated into your budget estimate.

It’s best to anticipate and predict this when you are budgeting your project so there is no need for any surprises.

Interested in free kitchen renovation tips?

Download your free 22 steps to Downsize Your Stress, Upgrade your kitchen design success

https://www.designservicesltd.com/kitchen-tips/

 

#3 Set a realistic timeline and then add 20%

The average time that it takes to renovate a medium-sized kitchen is 6-8 weeks. A larger kitchen needs 10-12 weeks or more depending on the extent of the renovation.

Budgeting for actual work should include adding on for the unavoidable time delays (cabinets, appliances, and countertop templating), or any additions to the original scope of work.

Be nicely surprised when your project gets completed on time and on budget, but also prepare yourself for unexpected delays.

 

#4 Prepare well in advance for kitchen demolition

Edit the items you do not want or no longer use. For example, additional mugs, plastic containers, small appliances. Donate, sell, or give away. There’s no need to take up space in your new cabinets with items you no longer need or use.
Box up and store items that you will not need during the renovation.
Keep only the essentials for basic cooking needs.

 

#5 Not able to visualize your finished kitchen project?

Not everyone can visualize the finished project. However, everyone wants to and needs to have a clear vision prior to start of work. As a designer, we use every design tool imaginable to help our clients who have difficulty visualizing their projects prior to start. So, we provide

3D renderings.
Physical templating of the floor with the client (i.e. the size of your kitchen island.)
Visit neighbors who have a similar house and may have completed a similar renovation.

Note: Not to copy the neighbor but rather help you visualize what it may look like if you are to remove a wall.  This will not clarify your vision for the renovation but it will also inspire and motivate you.

 

# 6 Weigh the ADVANTAGES and DISADVANTAGES of staying in your home while renovating

Start by making your list with two columns.

ADVANTAGES of staying in your home while renovating
DISADVANTAGES of staying in your home while renovating




The ability to oversee your project day to day
Help keep the project on track
To troubleshoot and handle any critical on-site decisions that need to be made in a timely manner
Food preparation at home saves money

 


The dust
The mess
The noise (all the other fun stuff)
Possibility of allergy
And did I say Stress???
Upset
Being in the way of the contractor and slowing the process
The inconvenience of living off-site (for a period of time)
The additional cost of food and eating out
Potential disagreements and arguments with the general contractor

It is definitely worth your while to do due diligence prior if you are considering a major renovation. This will help you avoid the extra hassle, delays, and expenses.  It also helps you prevent the “I wish I had known”.

It helps you prepare in advance and anticipate potential issues with regard to money, time, and stress.

I hope that this helped you have an idea on how to “expect the unexpected.”

 

LET’S STAY CONNECTED!

Visit my website and get your free designer tips for your kitchen.

or schedule your complimentary call with me here.

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