Simple Swap: A Creative Oasis

My friend Hy has come up with an awesome project called Simple Swaps, as a way to encourage her friends to live healthier, inspired, intentional lifestyles. On the first Saturday of the month, starting today!!!, she will post a project  which should only take 15 minutes, be free (or create long term savings) and make a positive impact on your lifestyle immediately. When she told me about it, I was excited! I love her ideas and heart. And I can't wait to see what projects she comes up with, month after month. This first month is Creative Oasis. I had fun with this one, following her instructions and creating a new space.
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I need a new space for me to unleash my creativity, other than the corner of the couch which is situated amongst the crazy, unruly kids (and husband). I sit there for all of my photo editing and blog post writing, and most of the time cannot concentrate. Welcome to life with 2 youngsters, right?


So, this Simple Swap project seemed like the perfect way to create a creative space. I already LOVE my bedroom. When we moved into this house, our first house, we splurged on a bedroom set and kept the decor and linens simple. So, immediately I thought to move my creative oasis into there. 


Here's how it looked before:

Sights
First on my agenda was to make the bed, fluff up the pillows and straighten out the pictures above the headboard. Next on my list was to clear out the kids' toys off my nightstand, and dust it. Seriously, I probably haven't dusted in 6 months. Getting it clean already made it feel more inviting. I had about 15 books piled high, which took up space and weren't easy to access anyway. Once it was clear, I brought in a cup coaster (AKA a caffeine holder) and my Bible for easy access. I brought in my laptop and laptop power cord, so I don't have to worry about running out of juice part way through creativity. 


Sounds
One of my favorite sounds is the hum of a ceiling fan, so I was already in luck there. I brought in my headphones and iPod, which is filled with my favorite new worship songs. 


Smells
I have two new favorite candles, which have up until this point been in 2 random places around the house. I figured why waste the beautiful scent of raspberry/lime and vanilla cupcake on my family (who don't pay attention to them anyway), when I could enjoy them in my creative space, so I placed them on the nightstand. 

I was a little nervous to take on this challenge, but once I looked at the space and started seeing the vision, it literally only took me 12 minutes, plus a couple minutes to take before and after pictures, and I am the proud new owner of a creative oasis. 

Now, how do I keep the kids out?
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Thank you Hyacynth, for such a much-appreciated idea!

OK! It's your turn to Simple Swap and create a Creative Oasis. If you take the swap opportunity, link up a post of your before and after picture over at Hy's site. The Creativity Oasis link will be open through next Saturday, September 10.