Lorri@Mabon_House 3/23/22 Lorri@Mabon_House 3/23/22

Free Room Refresh Planning Guide

While we’re still a few weeks out from crocus and daffodils, spring is definitely in the air at my house. The March sunshine is warm and the wind is boisterous as it weaves in and out of the pines. The air is full of anticipation and joy - winter is over and another summer beckons.

I’ve started putting together my spring cleaning list, and in the spirit of slow living I am determined to keep my expectations reasonable about what I can actually accomplish in the fickle Maine weather. My usual M.O. is to list out every possible thing that needs to be done around the house and yard, and then feel like an utter disappointment when I come nowhere near finishing everything on the list. This year I’m tackling a few key projects that should only take a few hours each, along with the standard raking, pruning, playing-in-the-dirt fun of springtime.

Top on my list of projects is giving my living room a room refresh. What is a room refresh, you ask? A room refresh is when I make over a room with minimal-to-no-spending. And is one of my favorite things to do. I bought paint for the living room last fall, so technically this room refresh isn’t completely free. But I don’t anticipate having to purchase anything else. Along with a general cleaning and a fresh coat of paint, I’m planning to give my sofa and area rug a deep clean, using a carpet cleaner borrowed from a friend; swap out the existing artwork and photos with ones from other rooms in the house; and add in some new houseplants which I propagated from my favorite pothos plant. After two years of being home pretty much all of the time, my goal is to make this space feel light and airy and brand new.

If you’re interested in tackling some spaces in your home, I’ve put together this room refresh planner to help you get started. I hope you like it!

Budget Friendly Room Planner Guide — Grab Your Free Room Refresh Planner

After my book writing declaration of last week, I’ve been digging into research and sorting copious amounts of notes, determined not only to get a working draft of a book finished, but also to have plenty of great content for Mabon House. And while I love doing research, it can quickly become overwhelming because I want to include all the information in whatever I am writing about.

So to get some perspective, I thought why not ask all of you what you’d like to see more of on Mabon House. If you have a couple of minutes I would love to hear from you. I’ve put together this short anonymous questionnaire/poll, to make it easy to share your ideas for Mabon House.

Take the Survey

Thursdays are fast becoming my favorite day of the week because it’s when I receive so many kind messages from all of you. I know some of you have been going through rough times and while I’m not able to answer every email, I just want to say that I am thinking of you. And I’m glad you are here in the Mabon House community. And thank you to the folks who take the time to send me kind words and encouragement. It really means a lot!

5 Easy Thrift Ideas for Celebrating Imbolc

Celebrating Imbolc doesn’t have to be expensive or time consuming. There are many ways to celebrate Imbolc using what you have on hand. However, if you do decide to buy things for Imbolc or any other Wheel of the Year holiday, starting at your local thrift store can save you money and is often more sustainable than purchasing through big box stores. Here are five items to look for at the thrift store for your Imbolc celebration.

Art Supplies

Imbolc is associated with the Celtic Goddess Brigid, who was the goddess of craftsman. So making some arts and crafts is a great way to celebrate in her honor. Look for paper, garbic, yarn at your local thrift store. These items are usually pennies on the dollar over buying new. You can use your thrifted art supplies to make Imbolc crafts like a Brigid's Cross or a corn dollie. You could also create a junk journal or add materials to a grimoire. To help you get started I’ve curated some Imbolc craft ideas on Pinterest.

Baskets

Baskets are always a good thing to look for at thrift stores. You can use them all year long for decorations and storage. Baskets can be used to hold bread and rolls, which are popular foods to make during Imbolc. You can fill a wicker basket with freshly cut winter greens for an easy winter centerpiece. Or use thrifted baskets to hold all your Imbolc arts and crafts or altar items, until you are ready to use them.

Candles

Imbolc marks the midpoint between the winter solstice and spring equinox and the return of the light and it’s most well known symbol is a candle. Candles from the thrift store are usually inexpensive and often brand new, still in the wrapper. You can use thrifted candles for your altar, if you put one up, or as decor around your home.

You can also do a simple Imbolc ritual with a candle by selecting a word that has meaning to you or is something that you want to implement in the coming seasons (i.e. simplicity, abundance, love, etc…). Carve the word onto the side of your candle. Light the candle on the night of Imbolc and meditate on what you want to be, do or have as the candle burns down.

Linens

Table linens including tablecloths and napkins can add a sense of occasion to a simple Imbolc dinner. Look for linens that are white, pink, gold or red - the colors associated with Imbolc.

Dishes

As with table linens, china dishes are an easy way to dress up your Imbolc celebration. Vintage dishes are especially pretty when mixed and matched. Plus, they are one of the most inexpensive items to buy at a thrift store.

Imbolc is a time to celebrate the coming spring as well as the quiet stillness of winter. Creating some cozy spaces in your home, with simple activities is one of the best ways to celebrate this turn on the wheel.