* I was at a sports practice last night for one of my children at a park when, lo and behold, I fell fast asleep (not in the daisies, but in my little folding sports chair).  My daughter had to literally come shake me to wake me.  I’m not saying I have a sleep disorder–perhaps just busy-mom-days that catch up with me once I finally sit down.  I was just hoping I’d be able to use that idle time to catch up on my reading instead!  According to the Fusion Sleep website (which is where I got that photo), there are a whole slew of problems that can cause or be caused by sleep issues.  The Better Sleep Council’s website (which is where I found this photo) recommends creating a “sleep sanctuary” in your bedroom at home.  Reduced lighting, no loud activity, comfortable mattress, you know the score.  Or perhaps you want to try my sports chair and a good book while sitting on the sidelines for two hours.

* I’m continuing to dig HGTV’s Rate My Space feature on its website.  Look at this cutie-pie house. Now, that’s a place I could kick back and relax, perhaps with a nice cup of herbal tea from the garden.

* Speaking of relaxing, here’s one way I’m definitely not. I’m teaching my daughter to drive.  (Wait-quick yoga break here-om, om, om.)  Anyway, here’s one of the many things I’ve learned during this new parenting stage.  Brakes are important.  Brakes are very, very important.  If you haven’t gotten yours checked lately, you might want to put that on the list before you find yourself in the passenger seat with your teen’s foot on the pedals.  You want a situation with smiles like this teen and his dad from MetLife’s Teach Your Teen to Drive without Driving Yourself Crazy brochure (which, yes, I just downloaded!).  And what does driving have to do with your home (the theme of this blog)?  Believe me, home never looks so good as when you return home after one of these lessons! (And, by the way, you might want to try asking your local insurance agent for any other tips and tools!)

* Have I told you about the no-VOC paints yet?  I’ve now painted three rooms in our house with FreshAire Choice paint from Home Depot and I am in love with it.  No smell, no toxic fumes, and it took one coat to cover a bright red and pink castle we had painted on the wall previously. I hear these non-toxic paints are big hits for soon-to-be parents when painting nurseries.  Makes sense.  (But I’d suggest those parents get all the sleep they can while they can!)

Looking to create a “sleep haven” at home, give it some cottage charm, make sure your brakes bring you back safe, or add some “green” color to your life?  Swing by Kudzu for local service pros who can assist.