Friday

Happy Friday! Today, we’re talking about:

• The benefits of minimal maximalism decor

• If you actually need to clean your couch — and how

• Recharge and refresh your mind this fall

• How to effectively split chores in a shared household

Discover Minimal Maximalixm

When it comes to practicing environmental self-care through decorating our homes, we may feel pulled in many directions.

The spaces we inhabit significantly impact the way we feel, so it’s natural to want to make them enjoyable!

For some, minimalism feels too bare. For others, maximalism is too much. So where’s the delicate balance between the two? Minimal maximalism.

As the name suggests, this is the perfect blend of the two styles, pulling different core elements of each.

This style will blend:

• A thoughtful use of fewer items, leaning into the “less is more” mentality

• The use of textures to keep things interesting

• Bright colors and patterns, but likely in a more curated palette or in pops, rather than everywhere

• Or, it may also lean into lots of fun and funky shapes, with a more muted palette

On the whole, this style combines simplicity and personality into a curated style that keeps things fun, without feeling overwhelming. If you’re interested in this style in the name of environmental self-care, consider if you want to lean more into interesting shapes or patterns and colors, and go from there!

Are You Supposed to Clean Your Couch? How to Care for This Often-Neglected Area

For many of us, the couch is one of the most frequented spaces in our homes. We relax, watch TV, take naps, and more.

However, with all the time we spend on our couches, many of us may not be able to say the last time we cleaned it.

Experts say you should deep clean your couch anywhere from once every 6 to 18 months. Between those deep cleans, it’s a good practice to do a surface clean every 3 to 4 weeks.

The frequency will likely depend on a number of factors, including:

• If you have kids and/or pets

• Whether your couch has removable covers that are cleaned frequently

• If you eat on your couch or not

• If you have allergies

• The material of the fabric

To give your couch a deep clean:

• Vacuum: This is a good weekly practice or something ideal if you spill crumbs. You may want to do this more frequently if you have kids or pets that cause the couch to get dirty more frequently.

• If you have removable covers, give them a wash: Pay attention to the fabric and the care instructions. If they’re removable, chances are, they can be either hand-washed or put in the washer. Be sure to spot-treat any stains. Don’t forget any pillow covers, as well.

• Clean any metal or wood: Give hard surfaces like the legs a thorough wipe-down.

• Be cautious with cleaning solutions: This will vary depending on the material. For fabric, you may want to use a dedicated material cleaner. Experts warn that baking soda may cause discoloration, so it’s a good idea to check the specific fabric composition. With some materials, you may be able to use a steam cleaner, while with others, you should only use dedicated dry cleaning solutions.

• Let the couch and any fabrics dry before reassembling and using: You’ll likely want to air dry everything rather than tossing cushion covers in the dryer. Once it’s dried, you’re ready to reassemble and use!

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Thank you to BetterHelp for sponsoring Note To Self. 

How to Navigate Splitting Household Chores

Whether you live with a roommate, partner, or family, it can be difficult trying to strike the balance of splitting up household chores. You want to be sure that everyone is contributing to the overall care of the shared space — but you also don’t want to micromanage and cause sore feelings.

Here are a few tips to effectively split household chores to keep everyone’s environmental self-care top of mind:

• Make a comprehensive list of all the tasks that need to be done. This may include everything from daily tasks like dishes to monthly ones like cleaning out the fridge.

• Start a conversation from a place of care and compassion rather than confrontation. This shows you are wanting to delegate these tasks for the good of the environment and everyone in your home, not out of frustration or accusation that someone isn’t doing (or won’t do) their part.

• Allow individuals to contribute on things they are good at, what works best with their schedule, or what they enjoy. Some of us loathe doing dishes while for others, it’s a peaceful task. Allow everyone to voice their feelings and preferences, as this will help make people be more likely to stick with their chores.

• Get on the same page with expectations. What constitutes a “clean” bathroom for some may have a totally different definition than others. Make sure you’re on the same page with expectations for how chores should be done so there’s no frustration later on.

A Note From Us

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: Creaking and groaning in our houses is generally caused by temperature. Many people think it’s due to age, but most of the time, it’s related to humidity and temperature shifts.

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ Snapshot Of The Day: We'd love to see moments from our readers lives that they are proud of! If you recently accomplished an achievement, experienced a joyful moment, or are proud of a picture you have taken, be sure to capture it on camera and send it to us for a chance to be featured next week! 

• 💭 Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: Whether you freshen up your home decor, give the couch a much-needed cleaning, or simply do some chores, find a way to practice environmental self-care this weekend!

Enjoying Note to Self?

Know of a great self-care tip or article you'd love to share with the community? Want to send us pictures of you completing one of your self-care rituals? Email us at [email protected]!