How to Turn Your Guest Room into a Haven (Tips from an Experienced Traveler)

How to turn your guest room into a haven – guest post by Andrea Hamilton

My family has just completed a three-month road trip.  We are missionaries on deputation to start a church in New York City.  All of this traveling means we have stayed in a lot of hotels, guest rooms, and “Prophet’s Chambers” (guest housing at the church).  The Lord has been truly good to us and we haven’t stayed in any bad or yucky places, but we HAVE learned a few things about what makes an exceptional guest room.

Romans 12:13 tells us to we are to distribute to the necessity of saints, and be given to hospitality.  1 Peter 4:9 says, “Use hospitality one to another without grudging.”  And Hebrews 13:2 reminds us to “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

I am so thankful for God’s people all across this country who have lived these verses to my family.  They opened their homes in gracious hospitality, and welcomed us even though we were strangers to them.  They have shown us what a comfortable guest room looks like, and I can’t wait to get settled into our field (New York City) and hopefully have my own guest room to share with others!

Would you like to turn your guest room into a haven for weary travelers?  Here are some tips that come from my experience of living on the road.  A few simple things can really make your guest room stand out and show your guests an extra welcome – like family!

1. Invest in a good mattress. Don’t just throw a really old mattress into the guest room.  When someone has been traveling all day (or all week, or all month), their body is road weary.  Nothing feels better than a really comfortable night's sleep, and nothing is worse than lying there all night trying to get comfortable.  One less expensive way to give an old mattress a boost is to use a memory foam topper.

2. If possible, give the guests their own designated bathroom. If you have to share, make it clear when your family members normally bathe so there’s no conflict.  Let them know where extra towels are located.  Make a space in the tub for the guest’s toiletries so they don’t feel like they are invading.  (It also keeps guest children from using the wrong product by accident).

3. Use nightlights liberally. If nightlights are in place, the guest can always unplug them if they want more darkness.  But if there is no nightlight ready to go (in the bedroom, hallway, and bathroom), the guest has to search around for the outlet.  Even if they find an outlet, it only works if they have their own nightlight along!  This is particularly helpful if there are children in your guest party.  It really makes them feel more comfortable in a strange place!

4. Make sure there is plenty of bedding – blankets and pillows. Sometimes we come in as a family of six, and there are only pillows for four of us.  Sometimes I’m feeling congested and wish I could grab another pillow to prop up.  Sometimes I just get a little cold and want to throw another layer on the bed.  It’s always a blessing when the hostess has placed extra pillows and blankets in the closet, or has shown us where to find them.

5. Make space in the closet. I know that if you have a spare bedroom with an entire empty closet, you want to use it for storage.  And that’s great – but leave a space for the guest to hang their clothes.  If there is no closet available in your guest room, consider placing a hook over the door.  We travel with a clothes bar in the van, so all of our clothing is on hangers, but sometimes its hard to find a place to hang them inside the guest room.

To be continued next week…

Have you ever stayed overnight somewhere that was extremely comfortable?  What were some of the things that made it that way for you?

Non-Toxic Spring Cleaning Solutions

Spring is a time when we clean our homes in depth. We get a great feeling when the clutter and cobwebs are gone. However, many cleaning products are full of chemicals which are often both unnecessary and toxic. If you are looking for a healthy way to get your home in good shape without using chemical-laden cleaning products, here are some tips to get you there.

Vinegar

Vinegar is by far one of the most popular non-toxic cleaners. Ask anyone who avoids chemicals what their stand-bys are, and they will certainly mention vinegar. Vinegar is an acidic substance, and because of this, it effectively combats everything from grease to other build-ups of all kinds. Use vinegar on a clean rag to make mirrors squeaky clean, and to give a nice shine to sinks and toilet bowls. For floors that shine, mix vinegar with water and a few drops of soap, and wipe with a rag.

Lemon Juice

Like vinegar, lemon juice works because of its acidity. Clean your cutting boards by slicing a lemon in half and rubbing it into the board, as this removes both stains and germs. If your glass shower doors appear scum-laden, wipe a lemon over them to remove the build-up.

When was the last time you washed your microwave? This is a spring cleaning essential. Put a few tablespoons of lemon juice into a glass of water, and microwave to the boiling point. Keep the door closed for another 10 minutes and wipe clean with a cloth once it is opened. You will find that the food particles wipe away easily.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is another cleaning substance which has no limits. It kills viruses, and has deodorizing and grease-cutting capabilities. If you want to get rid of bathtub scum, sprinkle baking soda on a damp cloth, wipe it over the grayish scum, and wipe it away easily.

Tea Tree Essential Oil

There are many essential oils that are great to put into your box of cleaning supplies. One of the most popular essential oils used for cleaning is tea tree oil. This oil is antiviral, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal. It is extremely strong when undiluted, so simply put a few drops into any cleaning solution such as vinegar and water in order to give it an extra boost.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is a great cleaner, and perfect for polishing as well. Olive oil lifts dirt, so it is perfect to use as wood cleaner. It will also give it a nice shine while you clean. If you want it to have an extra pleasant scent, simply add a few drops of orange or lemon oil, and some vinegar if you like. Put this all in a spray bottle, or else dip a rag into the solution before wiping the wooden table or floors.

Spring cleaning is a perfect time to make your home feel like new. It doesn’t take dangerous and toxic chemicals to do so. Simply use some of these tried and tested natural cleaning supplies and your home will be feeling fresh in no time.

You can also check out my recipe for non-toxic disinfectant spray.

7 Reasons to Spring Clean Your Home

It's about that time of year when you're starting to think about spring cleaning your home.

Maybe you're dreading taking the time to dive in and get the work done, so I thought I'd give you some things to think on as to why it's a good idea to go ahead and spring clean your home.

Here are seven reasons to spring clean your home:

1. Improves your mood

Having a clean home is a great feeling. A cluttered, messy environment can wreak havoc on one’s emotions. Being able to come home every day to a space that is tidy and organized is a great gift you can give to yourself.

2. Relieves stress

It is a depressing feeling to wake up to disorder every single morning. Many people can attest to the fact that living in an untidy environment brings you a great amount of unnecessary stress. Spring cleaning will ensure that your home feels peaceful, rather than the chaos that you may have been forced to become used to.

3. Makes it easier to practice hospitality

No one wants to invite their friends over to a home that appears uncared for, and it is embarrassing to your family to have a dirty house. When your home has been through a detailed spring cleaning, you won't have a second thought about inviting others. It will be a pleasure for you, your family, and your guests.

4. Saves time

When you have to dig through a pile of clothing to find a small piece you have misplaced, or search yet again for the keys or shoes you lose on a consistent basis, valuable time is being lost. Spring cleaning saves time, as it give you a change to reorganize. It allows you to sort through everything you own once again, and give each tiny item a place of its own in order to be easily found each and every time.

5. Helps you be more organized

When you are organized, life runs more smoothly. If your home is orderly, both you and your guests will feel the difference. It will be easier to go about your daily duties, and keep on top of everything you are responsible for.

6. Gives you a workout

Spring cleaning is a great workout. It may be surprising to some, but both light and heavy housework give your body a boost. You may be surprised at what a sweat you work up while getting your home into tip-top shape. You can be sure to move your muscles, stimulate your lymphatic system, and even get a bit of cardio in while organizing items and scrubbing walls.  If you don't normally have time to exercise, spring cleaning your home provides a great opportunity to get in a workout.

7. Blesses others

One of spring cleaning’s outcomes is finding things that we realize we do not need. This is a great time to give away what we cannot use anymore to someone who can benefit from our unwanted items. When you have sorted through clothing that no longer fits, appliances you no longer use, and books that your children have outgrown, you have a choice what you will do with it all. Consider donating to a charity or someone in need.

There are many benefits of spring cleaning, and these are just a few.  Keep yourself going through the hard work with the thoughts of everything you will gain.

Note: I realize not everyone has the time or physical energy to spring clean their entire home all in one big sweep.  If that is the case, consider spring cleaning year-round!  Choose one area of your home to focus on each week.  Declutter, organize, and deep clean one small area on a consistent basis, and you will find that you can keep your entire home in “spring cleaned” condition without having to devote an unreasonable amount of time or energy once a year.

Saving for a Sunny Day

Uh oh! You have reached a page that is no longer valid.

Are you a Christian homemaker? I'd love to connect with you via email!

Free Printable Banner for Easter

I've designed a free printable banner for Easter.

I've never decorated for Easter before, but I've been thinking lately that I'd like to put more effort into celebrating Easter.  If I can do so much to celebrate Christmas and Christ's coming, I should be all the more excited to celebrate the culmination of what he came to do!  He didn't just die for our sins; He rose from the dead proving that He has the power to give eternal life to those who trust in Him.

That's worth celebrating!

 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.  I Corinthians 15: 19-22

To make the banner:

1. Print 9 copies of the blank template onto pastel colored card stock.

2. Print the “He Is Risen” letters onto white card stock.

3. Cut out all pieces.

4. Attach the cards with the letters onto the colored pieces with Glue Dots.  Try not to use the same pastel color two times in a row.

5. Tape twine to the back of each card, making sure to space out the letters evenly.

6. Hang and enjoy!

Download your banner below.

13 Free Ways to Take Care of YOU

Many women shy away from taking care of themselves because they get the idea that it's selfish.

But you cannot pour anything out of an empty pitcher.  And if YOU are running on empty, you can't pour into the other people around you either.  Taking care of yourself is a very loving thing to do for your family.  It gives them the gift of a peaceful, calm wife and mom instead of a grouchy, irritable mess.

When you're running low on fuel and you need to recharge, it can feel like it's impossible to do anything for yourself.  There's just not enough time or money!

I understand we all can't go out and get ourselves a massage or go shopping at an upscale boutique.  So I've collected some easy, free ideas for you (many of which came from you all via my Facebook page – thanks!) so that you will have some ideas of how you (yes, you with the realistic budget and schedule!) can take care of yourself.

When you're starting to feel irritable it's time to quit folding laundry and thinking about everything on your to-do list and just relax!

Put the kids down for a nap or set them up with an activity they can do independently and try one of these:
1. Take a nap.

2. Soak in an epsom salt bath.

3. Listen to relaxing music.

4. Massage your feet with lotion.

5. Get up a few minutes before your family and enjoy the quiet.  If it's nap time, just sit quietly and rest.

6. Spend time with God.  (See: How to find time for God When You Can Hardly Find Time to Breathe)

7. Read.

8. Take a hot shower.

9. Spend time with a Godly friend, either in person or over the phone.

10. Eat some chocolate.

11. Put on makeup or pretty clothes, paint your nails, etc.

12. Exercise.

13. Write in a journal.

These ideas came from real ladies who have learned the art of self-care.  Did you notice that no one suggested spending more time on the computer or browsing their social media accounts?  The truth is, those things can leave you feeling more tired and discouraged than ever.  You might see all the picture-perfect Pinterest houses and weigh yourself down with the knowledge that your house doesn't look like that.  You might see all your Facebook friends talking about this or that wonderful thing that's happening in their lives and be discouraged that it's not happening to you.  You might see all the horrible news that's taking place in our world and be troubled by it.

Turn it off and just do something quiet.  Don't just rest your body; rest your mind and soul.

 How do you like to take care of yourself? I'd love to hear!