Monday Morning Musings | Jay Z "Picasso Baby: A Performance Art Film"

This is a just a little something to start the week.  I love Jay Z's artistic approach in this video and how he talks about how concerts (music) are pretty much performance arts.  Great concept and great video!

Happy Monday!

Cool Technology | Usher vs Usher in New Samsung Video

I tell you Usher is the man and 2013 is definitely his for the taking.  Not only is he getting ready to return to the screen in a biopic on boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard, his latest single, 'Looking 4 Myself' was the inspiration behind Samsung's video short for it's new Samsung Smart TV.  The purpose of the short is to showcase their new motion control technology.  In the short, we see Usher fighting his alter ego and well....I will let you experience the rest for yourself.







I don't know about you but they sure have peeked my interest.

What I'm Listening To | Bruno Mars

I am in love with Bruno Mars, and especially his new single 'Treasure' off his Unorthodox Jukebox cd.  This is the perfect tune to listen too while working out, riding around on a beautiful summer day or just chilling by the pool with friends.  And yes, this is one song that is in heavy rotation on my iPod.

Enjoy!

Hello Gorgeous | A month long conversation on beauty

In addition to being a mother and a blogger, I am also the creator and host of the radio show Cocktails and Conversation which airs LIVE on Saturday's at 8 am EST.  For the month of June we are having an in-depth conversation on beauty and what it means to feel/be beautiful today.  I can tell you first hand that my definition of beauty has changed over the years from being a young girl in my 20's to today.  To me being beautiful has little to do with outward appearances, but more on how I feel on the inside.  Now don't get me wrong, I believe everyone wants to "look" good and I am no exception to the rule, however I do not believe that one has to achieve a certain "look" or "size" in order to be beautiful.

I hope you will join me in this very important topics and share with me your thoughts on beauty.  What does being beautiful mean to you and how has your definition changed over the years?

Oh Fitch Please!?!?!?!

Unless you have been living under a rock, I'm sure by now you're all heard about Abercrombie  & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries made about the company's target market.  Yea, I agree he is a total idiot but I think that Ellen hit this one on the head and it is for this reason alone that I absolutely LOVE her. 

30 Day Challenge | Goodbye my beloved flat iron and hello curls!!!

My hair is naturally curly.  As a child growing up I embraced my curls and was content with my hair and all was right with the world.  Then entered adolescents and I wanted to look like my friends...they had straight hair and I though it was beautiful.  I wanted my hair to look like theirs.  Luckily for me, my mother refused to let me get a relaxer however she was not opposed to me having my hair straightened by my soon to be new best friend, the pressing comb.  The process of washing, blow drying, and pressing my hair soon became the norm.  So after years and years of heat abuse, my hair was severely heat damaged and very unhealthy.  I knew something needed to change but what?  Should I cut off all my hair and just start all over?  I just didn't know what to do.

Jess AKA Mahogany Curls

Then last year, I started adopting a healthier lifestyle which included being active regularly and the hair issue resurfaced once again.  When I work out I sweat on my head and that means by the end of my workout I'm rocking a curly afro (and no, it's not like those cute ones you see in a magazine).  Still not know what to do with this hair of mine I decided to consult with my best friend YouTube to see what I could find on curly hair.

Then I found Mahogany Curls YouTube channel!  When I saw her videos, it was LOVE at first sight.  I enjoyed how she talked about the products that she used and showed me step by step her process.  She was following the Curly Girl: The Handbook (I also bought the book) which was developed my stylist Lorraine Massey.  After watching a few of her videos, I thought I would give it a try.  I quickly bought the products and surprisingly I liked the results!

My first try at going curly using the CG (curly girl method)

I wore my hair curly for quite a while and just recently found myself going back to my old ways of blow drying and flat ironing my hair on a regular basis.

(Hey old habits are hard to break!) 

But that got old quick (the whole flat ironing thing).  So I'm saying good bye to the flat iron and hello to my curls for the next 30 days.  That's right, I am going to try and refrain from applying direct heat to my hair see what effect it has whether positive or negative on my overall hair health.  I thought about trying to do it for an entire year but thinking about NOT doing for something for 365 days seems a bit intimidating and slightly overwhelming but 30 days, well that is something I can do.

30 days with no blow dryer or flat iron, I can do it.   During this journey I will blog about my experiences and all of the products and techniques I've tried.  It should be fun...at least that is what I keep telling myself.

If you have been thinking about embracing your inner curly, wavy or kinky girl, then I encourage you to join along!  And remember it's only 30 days!

So let the curls begin!!!

Product Review | Palmolive Soft Touch

Recently I received some products to test and review as a part of the Influenster program that I participant in.  To my surprise this time I was sent two full sized bottles of Palmolive's new Soft Touch line.  According to the company these mild formula soaps with a touch of Vitamin E, Aloe or Coconut Butter were designed to be soft on the hands while still providing you with powerful grease cutting action so our dishes are sparkling clean.  Well Palmolive was true to their word.  Not only were my dishes clean BUT my hands were not all dried out and rough afterwards.  I received both the Vitamin E and the one with Aloe and although both were absolutely great, my favorite was the one with Vitamin E.

This is one product that will be used in my house daily from this day out.



Disclaimer: I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.  The views and opinions expressed in this post are mine and were not influenced in any way by Influenster or Palmolive.

DIY | The Best Play Dough Recipe Ever!!!

This hands down is the BEST play dough recipe that I have ever made!  Plus the added bonus is that it's all natural and safe.

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups Kosher salt (if you don't have Kosher, regular table salt works just as well)
3 cups flour
3 cups water
2 Tbsp. cream of tartar
3 Tbsp. cooking oil
2-3 drops food coloring**



Directions
Mix all ingredients together in a large saucepan.  Stir constantly over medium heat.  Mixture will become very think and lumpy.  When completely thickened, knead on a floured board until cool.  Store in a airtight container.

I received it from my mom who is a retired teacher a while ago but for one reason or another, I never got around to making it.  Because my job allows me to work from home, we only send my daughter to daycare three days a week.  That means that the other two days she is at home with me.  Last week was a very busy one for me and I knew I needed to have something lined up to occupy her while I got some work done.  I luckily came across the recipe for play dough that my mother had given me and decided to make it, and boy am I ever so glad I did.  Not only was it super easy to make, but she spent hours and hours playing with it and because of that I was able to get my work done.

One of the many masterpieces that she made.

SCORE!!

** I divided up the batch into five smaller batches and added the food coloring. 

If you try this recipe, let me know what you think.

Something every father should experience once in his lifetime

This week I stumbled across this video one two men who agreed to get hooked up to a machine that simulates labor pain.  First let me tip my hat to the person who invented this machine because you are a genius!  I tell you these guys had no idea what their wives went through while giving birth.  The best part was that the wives were there, taking pictures and trying to talk them through it.  I almost peed my pants laughing.  I don't know about you but I think every father or soon-to-be father should have to experience this at least once in his lifetime.

Take a look and let me know what you think...

Who knew that pumping gas could be so much fun????

If it's one thing I dislike more than pumping gas, it's listening to/watching the advertisements/shows that play while you're at the pump.  That was until I saw this gas pump prank that the folks from the Tonight Show played on this unassuming couple.  Not only did they get a "free" tank of gas but they also entertained us while doing it.  Hey, Jay Leno, I'm sure there are a few folks here in GA that would sing/dance for a tank of gas (me included).

Fa la la la laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Product Review | April curlBOX

Okay okay, I know I'm late with this one but better late than never right???  April's curlBOX theme was all about spring and revamping you hair to get it summer time ready!  Once again, Myleik and the curlBOX Crew provided it's subscribers with a variety of full-size and sample size products to take your hair from winter time blah to hello spring!

Include in this month's box:

• Doris NY MUD minerals pack treatment 
• Mizani Shine Spray
• Design Essentials Natural Curl Enhancing Mousse
• Lustrasilk Moisture Max Hydrate Therapy Deep Conditioner
• Anu Essentials Moisturizing Curl Cream

This Sunday was hair day for me, so I had the opportunity to try both the Doris NY MUD minerals pack treatment and the Mizani Shine Spray and I loved them both!  The MUD minerals pack left my hair feeling very soft and tangle free.  After applying my styling products and allowing my hair to air dry, I then finished the look with the Mizani Shine Spray.  Now I typically try to avoid any spray oil products because they tend to weigh down my hair however I didn't experience this with the Mizani Shine Spray.  For me a little went a long way.  The product left my hair with just the right amount of shine and bounce and did not weight my curls down.  

Talk about a score!!!!

I am looking forward to trying to other products that came in this month's box later this month and will let you know my thoughts.

So what are some of your favorite products for natural/curly hair?  Are you a curlBox subscriber?  If so what are your thoughts of this month's box?  I would love to hear your thoughts.

**Please note that I purchased all products listed in this review as a part of my curlBOX subscription.  curlBOX is a subscription service where every month subscribers receive a beautiful box with 5-7 quality hair care product samples for $20 a month.  For more information on how you can receive your very own curlBOX check out their website.

The sweetest pregnancy announcement

With every pregnancy (and I have had three of them), I have tried to think of creative ways to share the news with family and friends.  But then the sheer excitement of know that I was pregnant took over and I just couldn't contain my happiness.  Family and friends were told immediately.  I wish I could have kept it together long enough to come up with a creative way to share the news but oh well....

Then I stumbled onto this video and I started to get that "I wanna have a baby feeling"....that is until my now 4 year old woke up screaming for some juice.  And just like that, the feeling went away.  :-)

Happy Monday!

Happy Earth Day 2013

"We do not inherent the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children"

                                                                                -- Native American Proverb 

 

Remember that tomorrow's world is today's responsibility.  

Let's Celebrate!

Today I salute all the amazing women around the world for all that you do.  It's our day so let's celebrate!

Product Review | February ipsy Glam Bag

Okay hands down THIS has got to be my FAVORITE subscription service to date when it comes to make-up.  The folks at ipsy have got it right when it comes to products and packaging and this month’s bag did not disappoint!

As with the Birchbox, this month’s theme was Get Red Carpet Ready and included in the cute little black patent leather make up bag were these cute 5 little gems:

·         Coastal Scents | Eye Shadow Palette Sample in Dark Goldenrod, Sunbeam, Golden Globe and Dark Golden Olive

·         Pixi | Flawless & Poreless primer

·         POP Beauty | Smokey Lash Kapow Mascara

·         MicaBeauty | Gel Eyeliner

·         Lash Card | Individually Wrapped Mascara Shields

Super excited about the products and I can’t wait to play with everything.  Make sure you check back to see my thoughts on all of the products towards the end of the month.

**Please note that I purchased all products listed in this review as a part of my Ipsy subscription.  Ipsy is a subscription service where every month subscribers receive a beautiful Glam Bag with deluxe samples and full-sized beauty products for $10 a month.  For more information on how you can receive your very own Glam Bag check out Ipsy’s website.

Product Review | February Birchbox

The theme for this box is Red Carpet Ready.  Now before I tell you what is in the box, I must tell you that this will be my last month getting Birchbox as I will be cancelling my subscription.  I have been a subscriber for about 11 months and in the beginning I loved the products that I received however over the past few month, I've been a little disappointed.  So for that reason, I have decided to stop receiving the box.  Now that doesn't mean I won’t restart my subscription again in the future but for now I’m all sampled out. 

So now that I have said that, let’s take a look at what was inside this month’s box.

•  Lancome | BI-FACIAL Eye Makeup Remover {I tried this last night and LOVED it!  This is definitely one product that I will be purchasing in the near future.}
• SKIN & Co Roma | Cleansing Gel w/Olive & Sicilian Orange Extracts {This product smells fresh and yummy!  Can’t wait to try it during my next shower.}
• Color Club | Nail Polish in Wild Cactus {Not shown.  My goddaughter was over when I opened my box and that was the first thing she took.  The color was cute but suited for a much younger person hence the reason why she took it.}
•  Twistband | Thick Headband – {I LOVE these soooo much!!!  I have a few of their hair ties that I use when working out and also on my mini me.  They are ouchless and do not pull your hair.  This is definitely a winner in my mind.}

The good people at Ghirardelli also provided us all with a little treat, their Milk & Carmel square which satisfied the MAJOR sweet tooth I was experiencing at the time!

All in all cute box, however as I mentioned in the beginning of my post, it will be my last one.  Still not sure if I will replace this one with another subscription service or if I will enjoy the other two subscriptions for a while. 

Until next time!

**Please note that I purchased all products listed in this review as a part of my BirchBOX subscription.  Birchbox is a subscription service where every month subscribers receive a beautiful box with deluxe samples and full-sized beauty products for $10 a month.  For more information on how you can receive your very own Birchbox check out their website.

Product Review | February curlBOX

Did I mention to you how much I LOVE my curlBOX subscription????  Well if I haven’t then let me tell you now.  I absolutely LOVE this subscription.  This month was about celebrating the 1 year anniversary of the curlBOX and boy did they knock this one out of the park!  As many of you may know, I am new to the whole curly movement and I am still trying to find out the best products that work well with my hair so this subscription works well for me.  So let’s get to what is inside the box!

First off there were not one but 5 full size products in this month’s box!  {Whoo Hoo!}  Four of the full size products are from Pantene’s new Truly Natural Hair line.  From this line we received

• Deep Conditioner
• Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner
• Clarifying Shampoo
• Defining Curls Styling Custard

The products have the signature Pantene scent which is fine with me.  I’m not sure if all of their products are Curly Girl friendly (will have to look closely at the list of ingredients) but I think are worth giving a try. 

Also in the box was full size container of the Dark & Lovely Au Naturale anti-shrinkage 10-in-1 Styles Gelee.  The consistency of this product is more like a light jelly and it has a nice fresh scent.   I have wanted to try doing a twist out on my hair for a while now but wasn’t sure what product to use.  So this couldn’t have come at a better time for me. 

Included in the box were some samples from the Dark & Lovely Au Naturale line of their Coil Moisturizing Souffle and Curl Defining Crème Glaze along with Hair Rules quench ultra-rich conditioner.  These are all products that I have never used so I am eager to try them out.

In addition to all of the awesome products in this month’s box we also received a coupon for some of the Crème of Nature products.  And of course it wouldn’t be a curlBOX without getting their cute magazine with the adorable McKenzie Renae on the cover.

So once again Myleik and her crew have out done themselves on this month’s curlBOX!  Five full-size products plus a few samples…WOW! 

Now if you don’t mind, I think I’m going to go wash my hair!

**Please note that I purchased all products listed in this review as a part of my curlBOX subscription.  curlBOX is a subscription service where every month subscribers receive a beautiful box with 5-7 quality hair care product samples for $20 a month.  For more information on how you can receive your very own curlBOX check out their website.

We can all use a little pep talk sometime

It's true, we could all use a little encouragement every now and then.  You know what I'm talking about, a few encouraging words from a friend to help you get over a hump or out of a slump.  Today was one of those days for me.  Faced with a massive "to-do" list that is about as long as the state of California, I was feeling a little overwhelmed and just didn't know where to begin.  So I did the next best thing, I started surfing the internet.  Well it seemed like the most logical thing to do at the time.  And boy am I glad I did, otherwise I wouldn't have stumbled upon this little gem.

Meet Kid President and he's here to give me (and whoever else needs it) a kick in the right direction.  I'm sure this video will have you smiling (I know I was when I was watching) and I'm sure it will get you pumped up to take on the world.  Or in my case ready to start crossing  off things on my "to-do" list.

I hope you enjoy!  Oh and if you liked it, feel free to pass it on to a friend.  Because according to Kid President, "It's everybody's duty to give the world a reason to dance."

Out and about | Big Rich Atlanta Premier

This past week I was invited by my friend Sabrina "Brie" Rowe to attend the premier of Style Network's newest reality show Big Rich Atlanta.  Sabrina and her twin sister and business partner Sharlinda Rowe-Parker,along with Sharlinda's daughter Kahdijiha Rowe are among the women that make up this new reality show.  This newest installment in reality TV is set in Georgia and gives it's viewers an inside peek into the world of an exclusive Georgia country club where some of the Atlanta's socialites and their daughters will do whatever it takes to be at the top of the local social scene and in control of all of the action.

I had an opportunity to meet Sabrina and Sharlinda when I first moved to the "A" back in 2004 and started going for my bi-weekly manicures at their posh nail salon Tu La 2 Nails located in the trendy Buckhead area of Atlanta.  Actually now that I think about it. they were some of the first people that I met in the city.  At the time, I was getting my then event planning business off the ground and Sabrina was very instrumental in providing me with some great contacts in the area.  Aside from that she also kept my hands and feet looking uber good, speaking of which now that I'm looking at my nails, I am in desperate need of a manicure.  {Ladies, I will be giving you a call soon!}

The private premier was held at Buckhead Bottle Bar & Bistro and some of who's who in Atlanta were there as we watched the show and cheered for the ladies.  Some of the people spotted at the event were Derek J from RHOA, Mama Dee from Love and Hip Hop Atlanta, Q Parker from the hit R&B group 112 {he's also the husband of Sharlinda} and Carl Payne best known as Cole from the popular show Martin was in the house.  The event was sponsored by Remy Martin and yes the drinks were yummy.  My favorite was the Ms. Kahdijiha - The Sweet & Sour Lemon Drop. {can you say yum!}

My longtime friend Kortne was my date for the evening and we had a great time, chatting with other guests and admiring some of the styles people were wearing that evening.  Everyone was dressed to kill in true ATL fashion.  It was definitely a great night!

Oh and before the show was GREAT!  There is already quite a bit of tension between Kahdijiha and fellow castmate Ashley that I'm sure will only escalate as the season continues.  My advice to Ashley...don't mistake the sweet face and southern charm of Kahdijiha as weakness.  Because if she is anything like her mother and aunt, she is a force to be reckoned with if you come at her the wrong way.  Well, if you haven't already guessed it I am loving the show and am on Team Brie, Sharlinda and Kahdijiha!



Here are some additional photos from the evening...

Make sure you tune in every Wednesday at 8|7c on Style Network for a good old dose of southern charm and hospitality on Big Rich Atlanta.

My Favorite Skincare Products

Recently I have been experiencing some skin problems, particularly breakouts on my face and dry skin patches on the rest of my body.  I’m sure a lot has to do with the weather (it’s colder and dryer during the winter) as well as what I’m eating and drinking (time to drink more water and reduce the amount of dairy in my diet).  Also making sure I use the “right” products for my skin type.  After lots of trial and error I think I have come up with the right mix of products.

For my body

Because I am a bust mom of 3, I have to keep my grooming routine simple.  You know, get in, wash up and get out.  I’m talking 20 minutes tops and that includes hair and make-up.  Okay who am I lying to; I’m slow so let’s say 30 minutes.     Shower time, I like to keep it simple and use the least amount of products possible and that is just what I have done.  My two favs right now are Dove soap; it’s gentle for my sensitive skin and it gets the job done.  It have a nice clean smell and doesn’t dry out my skin.  After my shower, I use good old Coconut Oil as my all over moisturizer.  Right now I am using the Spectrum Organic Coconut Oil that you can find at your local health food or grocery store.  You can also find this brand at Walmart.  Before getting into the shower, I will place the oil in a bowl of extremely hot water to liquefy the oil and then use it in its liquid form on damp skin to seal in the moisture.  Can you say soft, smooth skin?

Bye- bye dry patches and hello softness! (I also use Coconut Oil for my hair which I will go into in a later post.)

For my face

As I mentioned earlier, lately I have been experiencing quite a few breakouts.  You would think at 40+ I would be past that phase in my life, but noooooo.  So trying to find the “right” products for my skin has been a challenge. Oh and did I mention that I also have extremely oily skin?  Plus don’t forget I don’t have a lot of time for a 10 step skincare system (I have 3 kids that I have to get ready and out the door by 8:30 am). In total I use 6 products; 3 in the morning and 4 as a part of my night time routine.  Here is the breakdown.

Morning Skincare Routine

In the morning, after my shower, I wash my face with Olay’s Regenerist cream cleanser using cool water.  This is a creamy cleanser that helps exfoliates, detoxify and speeds up my cells natural regeneration process.  Next I use good old Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel as my toner; it helps clean and condition my pores as well as helps control my oily skin.  I follow up with my moisturizer which is just Olay’s Complete moisturizer with a broad spectrum, SPF of 15.  And that is it.

If I have some extra time I will throw on some make-up and then I’m done for the day.

Nighttime Skincare Routine

In the evening, I use Neutrogena Clear Pore cleanser/mask to wash my face.  I like it because it is a dual product, you can use it as a daily cleanser or you can leave it on your face as a mask.  I also like it because it has benzoyl peroxide in it and this helps me control my breakouts.  I will also find myself using it as a spot treatment leaving it on overnight on those pesky little breakouts.  After I clean my face, I then use the Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel again, followed up by the pure Aloe Vera juice.  The Aloe Vera juice is good for soothing skin irritations and helps keep my skin moisturized.  The kind that I’m using right now has lemon juice in it which is good for getting rid of the blemish scars and helps even out my skin tone.  I then follow up my routine with a good night cream.  Right now I’m using Olay’s Age Defying night cream and I like it.

So those are my favorite skin care products for the winter.  What are yours?  Feel free to share your favorite products for skin and face in the comments section below.

Erika

Product Review | January curlBOX

This past summer, I decided after wearing my hair straight for all of my adult life, to put down my flat iron and embrace my curly hair.  Now don't get me wrong, it's not like I didn't like my curly hair, I just didn't know how to maintain it (i.e. how to stop it from making me look like a big frizz ball).  It wasn't until I stumbled on a YouTuber by the name of Mahogany Curls that I learned about the curly girl method and how using regular conditioner as a leave in will help you define and preserve my curly locks.  Who knew? After watching all of her videos on YouTube, I wanted to know more (boy there is a LOT of great info on YouTube), so I watched video after video and read blog after blog; learning about hair type, different styling techniques and how shampoo is not a curly girls friend.  It was also during my research that I found out about the great subscription service called CurlBOX.

   

CurlBOX is an affordable and easy way to explore new hair care products delivered to your door every month.  The subscription service is $20/month, which wasn't too much and well worth giving it a try.  Plus I had heard so many good things about the service that I couldn't wait to sign up.  Lucky for me, I was able to snag a subscription when they became available in December for the January 2013 box.  I received mt first box this weekend and baybee I was NOT disappointed.

This is what came in my January box:

• First Line Deep Stimulating Brush made from 100% boar bristles.  Since I wear my hair curly I try to stay away from using a comb and a brush, but I will use this on my daughter's hair or when I pull my hair back in a sleek style.
• Creme Of Nature's Sulfate Free Shampoo, Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment and Perfect Edges 
• Elentee Soy Organics Anti-Breakage Moisturizer
• Mizani Supreme Oil
• Oyin Handmade Hair Dew

This couldn't have come at a better time too, because I was planning on deep conditioning my hair this week.     I am happy with my overall experience with curlBOX and the quantity of products in the January box.  Now it's time for me to try them all!  Check back later with my thoughts on each of the products.

Your curly hair friend!

Erika

A little something to get your week started

When I saw this on my friend's Facebook page I knew immediately that I would have to share it.  This is just too cute and the perfect way to start yet another busy week.

So here's to Monday and being a parent!

Photo A Day | Jan 2 - Something New

 

Last year I bought this really cute and really expensive (can you say $50) planner to use.  Yes, it was cute and yes, I liked it but no it wasn't worth the money I paid for it.  On top of that, I didn't use it nearly as much as I should have, in the end it was just money wasted.  Some of the bloggers that I follow were opting to create custom planners, however I just didn't have the time nor the desire to try and create my own.  If I was going to do that I would have needed to start back in November in order for it to be complete by the first of the year.  So still needing a planner for the new year, and seeing that I had some 50% off Staples coupons for the Martha Stewart line of products, this is what I decided to go with for 2013.  I know it's a little plain, however I plan to spruce it up with some of my scrapbooking embellishments to make it more *me*.  I guess this will be my pseudo DIY planner.  I'll share the process and final product in a later post.

 

What is your something new?  Feel free to share in the comments section below.

Photo A Day | Jan 1 - Today

Happy New Year!  On this first day of the New Year it was all about taking down holiday decorations and cleaning.  One of my goals for 2013 is to finally get organized; to remove all the clutter (both things and people) that add no joy or value to my life.  It's amazing how much "stuff" I hold on to and how all this extra "stuff" contributes to the stress and ciaos in my life.  First stop was the master bedroom and bathroom.  For some strange reason those two rooms seem to be hot spots for extra items (like the kids clothes and toys) the really shouldn't be there in the first place.  Armed with a large garage bag and two plastic storage containers, I started the de-cluttering process.  For each item that was not in it's "place" in the room there were three options - (1) put away (in it's correct location); (2) give away; or (3) throw away.  For me the process had to go quick in order for it to get done.  It took roughly an hour to get through both rooms (this includes vacuuming, dusting and moping) but boy was it well worth it.  After tackling those two rooms it was on to the kitchen and family room, which included taking down the Christmas tree and taking down the remaining holiday decor.    My plan is to have the whole house clutter free by the end of the week. 

 

So what did you do on the first day of the year?  What are some of your goals for 2013? 

 

Here's to an amazing 2013!

Happy New Year!

Looking forward to what the new year has to offer!