This isn't your typical blog post, especially from an interior designer, but considering I intentionally have left my business name as Home Sweet Hawkins, and not Interiors or Design, leaves some room for some random thoughts here and there. Nonetheless, this has been on my heart and mind for sometime, and maybe this post is more of a reminder for myself. 

I know I'm not alone in the worry game of motherhood. I recently just saw a meme that said, "My family doesn't appreciate me staying up all night worrying about everyone's problems," and that is SO true. We are constantly worrying about our kids: new friends, new phases, new schools....each stage coming with a new set of worry and anxiety. And that's in ADDITION to other things we worry about...the state of the country, the state of the world, politics, our own friendships, work, finances...When we put the two together we can drive ourselves (quite literally) crazy. 

We think our kids can't handle "the world today," because "it's not like it used to be." We over worry, which turns to over protecting, and at times, sets them up for failure. We are guilty of using phrases like, "Well this generation..(fill in the blank)." and "This generation of kids has no idea."

As I was driving in the car the other day, I was listening to Air1, and the verse of the day spoke to me so loud and clear : "For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 100:5 

Well there it is! God's word PROMISES that the same God who was faithful and brought Moses out of Egypt and rose Lazarus from the dead, is the same God who is faithful through ALL generations. 

It also reminded me of one of my favorite verses: "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” - Esther 4:14 -- You probably have heard and seen other translations, "perhaps you were born for such a time as this." 

This verse isn't really a motivational quote, but more of a reminder how God puts us into positions and situations for His purpose. 

So as we start to close out summer and begin to prepare for a new season, rest in knowing that God's plan and purpose is greater than ours, and He has known "this generation of kids," before they even came to be.

How to prepare your home for listing it for sale...

Hello, Happy New Year, and Welcome to the very FIRST newsletter, not only for the year, but for Home Sweet Hawkins!! 

Thank you for subscribing, and I promise I won't be bombarding your inbox! This is a ONCE a month newsletter, exclusive to subscribers, with anywhere from design tips and tricks, to recipes and mom hacks.

I am so grateful you are here...so let's dive in! 

With January coming to a close, and the new year ahead of us, you may be thinking of listing your home! If listing isn't stressful enough, getting your home "list ready," is a whole separate beast! Here are some steps that you can take, that I always suggest when I go in and stage a home before it goes on the market.

The most important thing to remember is staging is meant to turn a home back into a house, so another family can picture themselves in your space. When personalized items and styles are present, people tend to get distracted, and while those things don't matter, many can't look past them, so it is best to neutralize your home as much as possible.

The main things to to be aware of:

  • This is a great time to start packing! After all, you are moving, so if you are going to put something away, you might as well pack it up. 

  • Remove anything of value that you do not want broken. Again, a great time to pack away valuables or things with meaning.

  • Clear off the counters -- kitchen AND bathroom. Items that you use on a daily basis can be hidden, and put back once pictures are taken, but for the most part, you want to keep those counters clutter free.

  • Remove all towels and smaller rugs...a weird one I know, but again, goes along with neutralizing the home.

  • Please put away family photos in frames and remove them from the walls.

  • Remove pet items such as bowls and beds. (This is bigger than you think...pet's can be a big deterrent for some.)

  • I suggest packing away bathroom items in a bin, and then take them back out after pictures. This is also a great way to quickly clear out showers and tubs before a showing.

  • Make sure the front looks inviting! Sweep off the porch. Power wash or hose off the patio. Get rid of that faded rug, and throw some fresh mulch in the flower beds.

Should you add decor? You may be thinking, "You just said put everything away!" While that is true, think, PRESENTATION. How would you want to SEE a house? This is almost always different from how you can live in a home -- let's be honest, you can't live in a model home...but you sure want to buy one when you walk into it! 

Adding a few faux plants to kitchen corners and bathroom counters, really add an extra “pop” in photographs! Even real fruit in a bowl or basket you already have, really add an extra touch

  • Real fruit also photographs great! 

  • Neutralize the bedding in the primary suite...even if your furniture is outdated or darker...adding lighter bedding can change the look entirely! Follow these steps:

    1. White sheets.

    2. Sleeping pillows behind, pillows with shams in front.

    3. A long lumbar in front. Lumbar Pillow

    4. Neutral comforter - Coverlet Quilt in Ivory

    5. Cozy throw at the bottom. Faux Fur Throw

While this may seem tedious and daunting, a lot of this can be done in a weekend, and many of these tasks do not have to happen until right before your pictures are being taken!

I guarantee, if you follow these steps, your house will sell in NO time. And if you need help, well, you know where to find me!!