Paper Parade Co.

Girl Power Vase via Scout / Bird Art Print by illustrator Geraldo Valerio via Zebuu / Ivy Plant via Plant Collective / Sprig Blanket via Bookhou Design / Candle via Citchen Candle Co. / Teakwood + Tobacco Room spray via Rose City Goods / Schlage Encode Wifi Lock / Uncomplicated Cookbook by Claire Tansey / Porcelain Plates by Atelier Make Studio via Likely General / Savon de Marseille Soap via Oliver and Rust / Wooden Dish Brush via Pretty Clean Shop / Citrus Sponge Cloth via Ten and Co./

With all this time at home, it’s more important than ever to create a sense of calm, order but also brightness. We want our homes to be a place of comfort, a place we enjoy, especially now as everyone is adjusting to the new reality of living and working at home, in our collective effort to battle Covid19.
It’s also spring, so we want to open the windows and doors and let in some fresh air.

Tending to our homes, whether it’s spring cleaning, getting things organized or adding a few fresh touches can brighten our homes and our moods.

How is your household coping?

As a freelancer, I’m used to working from home, but it’s a challenge to try to stay focused, now that I’m working in a full house. But I’m counting my blessings. We are safe and well.

I've partnered with Schlage Canada to put together an inspiration board with ideas for creating a sense of calm and to freshen things up for spring. Covid19 has created chaos, and for many - lost income and uncertainty, so I've sourced products from Canadian makers and small businesses in an effort to encourage people to support the local economy. All of these items can be ordered online.


Spring cleaning

If there ever was a time to be enthusiastic about spring cleaning, it’s now. There are so many great products on the market that help us clean our homes. Plus, they get bonus points for looking great.

Instead of buying disposables, consider buying more eco-friendly tools like Swedish sponge cloths which can replace about 17 rolls of paper towel and can be thrown in the washing machine or dishwasher and are biodegradable, compostable and recyclable.

Wooden dish brushes made of beech wood and natural bristles. The head is removable so you can reuse the handle with a replaceable head and reduce waste. I just ordered a replacable head for ours and I treated myself to a fancy French Savon de Marseilles soap for my kitchen counter. No packaging and let’s face it, it looks so good. Meg at Oliver and Rust has some great tips on how you can use these soaps on her blog.


Feed yourself

It seems like everyone is baking these days. My Instagram feed is full of sourdough loaves and cookies. Whether you are cooking out of necessity or for comfort there are things you can do to make life in the kitchen easier and more enjoyable.

Now is a great time to organize the pantry. Take stock of what you have, what you need and what you might be craving – emergency chocolate anyone?

It may be beneficial to come up with a meal plan so you know what you’ll need to stock up on - especially if you are trying to limit trips to the grocery store and keep an inventory of what you have and what you need.

There are so many great online resources for recipes. Whether it’s your favourite foodie Instagrammer, blogger, chef or cookbook author, there’s something out there for everyone.

Food writer friend, Claire Tansey is a great one to follow. She shares fun recipes and videos through her website Claire Tansey’s Kitchen, on her facebook page, and her cookbook, Uncomplicated: Taking the stress out of home cooking is indispensable for anyone looking for easy-to-make recipes.

Bob Blumer ( @bobblumer on IG ) is also sharing some great tips on how to use what you have in your pantry and minimize food waste. One of my favourite IG foodies is Rachel Roddy, author of My Kitchen in Rome is a regular contributor to Guardian Feast at The Guardian and shares recipes and stories about life in Rome ( @rachelaliceroddy on IG) and of course Jamie Oliver who has a new video series on his website called Keep Cooking and Carry On . These are just a few, there are so many more.


Brighten things up

If you are able to, support local artisans and businesses. Many shops have pivoted to offer online shopping, delivery or even local delivery.

Art is a great way to do that. You can even find downloadable options on sites like Etsy. I love this cheerful bird print found online at Zebuu.

Tend to any indoor plants and start thinking about outdoors. Now’s a great time to start growing some fresh herbs, flowers or veggies by starting some seeds that you might be able to find online.

Add some fresh flowers or plants to your home. Some florists are still delivering or offering curbside pickup. I love this ‘Girl Power’ vase from Scout.

A cozy throw from Toronto maker Arounna of Bookhou looks perfect for curling up on the couch.


Take care

Try to find some time or space to spend alone, if you are in a full house. A walk around the block for sunshine and fresh air will make you feel great.

A smart Wifi lock like the Schlage Encode can be a good choice for any home. They can save time, add convenience, and make it safer and easier to share access by eliminating spare keys. You can control the lock on your door with your voice using Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant or using apps like Schlage Home, Key by Amazon or with Ring. In these times of cleaning all the things we touch, eliminating keys can be a good thing.

Do something creative. Now’s the time to learn something new. There are so many great online tutorials and resources.

Scent can do wonders to life our spirits. Try a natural soy candle or room spray made with essential oils.

Also, I’ve been unplugging from social media and news for obvious reasons. As hard as it is, put your device away and do something that makes you feel good. Whether that’s a good book, doing something creative, working out, meditation – whatever works, my friend. These are stressful times, so take care.

Disclosure: I've partnered with Schlage Canada in this sponsored post. All opinions and text are my own.