1. Keep it cozy - Use rustic pieces, casual furniture and natural décor. Having a decorative piece such as a bowl of fresh fruit or pinecones give off a healthier, fresh scent! Try upholstering your headboard for reading in bed to make you as comfortable as possible. Furniture with tailored lines will keep you calm and give off a sense of organization.

2. Your own little getaway – Create that perfect space that gives you peace from the worries of the world. This can be an outdoor space on the balcony where you read your morning newspaper or a corner of your home with a comfy recliner. Having a peaceful getaway spot signifies escaping from stress.

3. Plants and flowers – Always have plants. Some plants are scientifically proven to bring you relaxation and stress relief. Start growing lavender. Lavender is an aromatic option that contains oils with scents that not only relax you, help you sleep, but has been proven to relieve stress and pain. Try planting lemon balm. It’s easy to grow and can be used for healthy, rejuvenating teas when dried.

4. Put that bathtub to use – If you have a Jacuzzi tub or even a shower area, make it into your own, personal spa. Create the spa experience by buying an assortment of white aromatherapy candles and set that spa ambiance! Add relaxing sounds such as zen music, Enya or nature sounds. Visualize what a spa looks like and mirror it. Try a white theme in your bathroom or keep it to one calming color.

5. Calming colors matter – Studies show that there is a psychological advantage to colors such as greens and blues. These colors have been proven to evoke tranquility and soothe the mind. Ancient Egyptians and Native Americans used color to heal. Lighter tones, such as pinks, can calm and relax. So what to stay away from if you are looking to get your zen on? Stay away from reds. They can raise your blood pressure and make your heart beat faster. Black. It is dark and has proved to be depressing.

6. Toss it to organize it – De-cluttering is extremely important. Take the clutter, get a trash can, ask yourself if you need it. Have you used it in the past 6 months? If not, toss it. Simple as that. Same with furniture and accessories. Keeping a clean and organized home will reflect organization in your life.

After you have incorporated a few of these tips into your home, try reading the beginning of this blog again and see if your answer changes.

Formal Dining Room or Open Kitchen Concept?
If you have a big family that gathers for dinner every day at 5:00 pm or always hosts the holiday feasts, the formal dining room may be a major plus! However, if you like big informal gatherings, or you’ve labeled this room the “dogs aren’t allowed” room and its sole purpose is collecting dust, then maybe you prefer an open floorplan concept.

Master Tub or Deluxe Shower?
You may look forward to your bath time every day. It’s the one time of day that you have privacy, reflection and relaxation. For others, the bathtub is an unnecessary evil, which is only encountered when cleaned every other week.

Large Pool or Courtyard Pool?
With each passing year, pools seem to get smaller and smaller. Is it the preference that has changed? Twenty years ago, pools were meant for a large family, but now they seem to be more of an accessory to the home.

Second Floor or One Level?
Walking up all those stairs once you hit age 50 is not as fun as it was when you were 20. However, it can be the perfect space for a visit from the relatives. An upstairs offers privacy, extra space and for Northerners can replace the loss of a basement for more storage space.

Trends come down to what you prefer. A dining area now-a-days may seem dated to some, but a “must-have” item for you and yours!

1. Dine at Cinderella’s Royal Table – You know there is a castle at Disney World, but did you know you can dine in it? Whether you are an up-and-coming princess or older fairy godmother, you need to dine like royalty once in your life. Have a magical time with Cinderella and all her friends. If you’re a prince and want to pop the big question, you can even ask your princess with a personalized glass slipper! Now that is a fairy tale!
2. Stay at a Bed and Breakfast in St. Augustine – You have over thirty historical choices when it comes to staying at one of these unique, cozy inns. The majority of these B&Bs line the cobblestone streets of historic St. Augustine. While staying in the nation’s oldest city, you will be met by comfort, charm and character! Book your getaway during the Nights of Lights. This spectacular show of over two million lights glow from November 17 to January 31. The lights symbolize the city’s 447-year-old history.
3. Slingshot in Daytona Beach – Are you a thrill seeker? Mix the beauty of the ocean with sky scraping heights by boarding the Daytona Beach Slingshot. Located on the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier, this attraction reaches speeds of 100 mph and altitudes of over 300 ft. However, if you don’t want to watch the ocean from the sky, you can watch a breathtaking fireworks display from the sand on Saturday nights above the ocean at 9:45 pm (Memorial Day through Labor Day).
4. Cruise the Coast –  Hop aboard this five hour cruise at Port Canaveral! This cruise is an inexpensive option for less than $20 and it is the perfect setting for games, smiles and sunsets. It’s a great way to sail the sea and do it for next to free!
5. Dive with Dolphins at Discovery Cove - This once in a lifetime experience is fun for all ages! Swim with dolphins, snorkel with tropical fish and sting rays, hand feed exotic birds and play with otters in your all inclusive day at Seaworld’s Discovery Cove in Orlando.

Indulge in all the benefits the sunshine state has to offer! You’ll find hidden treasures in every Florida city unlike any other. Whether it be relaxing on Florida’s white sand beaches or strolling down historic streets, you will have life long memories!