good for me

Here is a great list I discovered over almost two years ago.    It helps to reflect on it once in a while, particularly when I get sidetracked or overwhelmed.   View the link and see if you can incorporate a few of these changes in your life.     http://zenhabits.net/simple-living-manifesto-72-ideas-to-simplify-your-life/ I have listed several goals I am currently addressing, again, below; #2 and #3.  Evaluate your commitments and time #7 and #8.  Limit your communications and your media consumption #9.  Purge yourself (get rid of stuff around the house) #19.  Do what you love! #24.  Be present #27.  Create a simple system for house work. #28, #29.  Making your house and life minimalists. #63.  Carry less stuff. #67.  Simplify your financial life. #72.  Ask:  Will this simplify my life? If you choose to adopt any of these ideas, or have comments regarding the article link, please comment here, through Facebook or shoot me an e-mai

Great beauty products, that are sure to treat you right inside and out. Eco-friendly nail polishes and polish remover http://www.pritinyc.com/ Natural nails in the nude- RGB by Jenna Hipp Earth-friendly Polishes http://www.refinery29.com/new-nudes-rgb-x-jenna-hipp-make-perfect-polishes-for-every-skin-tone No Guilt Kisses - Non-toxic lipsticks  http://www.thedailygreen.com/living-green/safe-non-toxic-lipstick?click=main_sr#fbIndex1 Natural Eye Makeup http://www.thedailygreen.com/living-green/natural-eye-makeup-brands#fbIndex1 Say yes to green for face, body, and hair-  'Yes' natural products http://yestocarrots.com/

The Short List to simplifying your life: Step 1- Identify what's important to you. Step 2- Eliminate everything else. My new journey: I'm going to work towards adopting this new attitude, in hopes of creating a minimalist home, and a simpler life. I may not commit to all of these changes, as several are pretty extreme. Also, I understand that this would be a gradual process, baby steps towards the final goal. Check out the link and see if you wish to join! http://www.zenhabits.net/a-guide-to-creating-a-minimalist-home/ Just to mention, I told my husband about my thought process last night, because I'm not sure how I can practice this method if everyone else isn't on board. He thinks I'm crazy, but once he sees what it's all about, I'm sure he'll be jealous and want to join in!

My children taught me a while ago that my short term memory was worthless.   (Sidenote: I am trying natural remedies/techniques to get my st memory back in order.  I'll report back once I see the results.)   Several incidents occurred helping me to understand exactly what I was dealing with.  It took showing up to a couple of birthday parties an hour early, (on one occasion-a day early), hearing my kids complain and cry because I forgot snack day for school, or failed to send swim trunks for swim day at camp.  I decided then, I must write it down.  If it's not in writting, it's not happening.  I need to mention that when I say 'write it down,' I really mean plug into the calendar on my phone.  This ensures that my due dates, future events, and to-do list are always near me, plus I get a friendly reminder from my phone, a bonus in my book.  **The first step is admitting you have a problem.  I used to feel proud that I was able to maintain an orderly schedule  of th

Life can be so fast paced, non-stop at times. There are days when I say, 'I'd like to get off this ride and take a break!'  And I will slow down if at all possible, meaning saying no to someone, I can't help, I can't go.  Sometimes it's just necessary for me to check in with myself and realize when too much is too much.  Just two weeks ago, I was laid out on a beach, on an island, alone. No children, no husband, not even a girlfriend.  Just me, my music, and a good book.  It's rare that I get time alone, but I believe it's highly necessary.  I've gotten a few raised eyebrows because I have taken several trips without my children, a few outside of the country.  I don't feel guilty one bit.  I'm certainly not a perfect mother, but I know that quality time is important in my household, along with family fun, activities, and traveling.  Although challenging, stealing alone time really needs to be made a priority.  This time can attribute to bet

Are you a product junkie? Always searching for the new 'it product' for your hair? If you have just started on your natural hair journey like myself (7 months), then you may often find yourself experimenting with various products. Trying out what you have heard and read about. Trial and error is really the only way you are going to find out what works best for you, but I have listed several go-to items that are sure to make positive changes in your hair regimen. The plus about the items listed are that they are affordable, easy to locate, and all natural. These items may already be in your home. All are double duty, as you can definitely use them on your hair and body, and most of can be consumed. I have tried and enjoyed all of these products, several before I stopped relaxing my hair, so it's time to share. View the links I've provided if you are interested in reading further on any items discussed. Apple Cider Vinegar (preferably organic)-Use this to rid

I believe it's been embedded in our heads that living a green life is challenging, time consuming, and expensive.  Here are several minor updates you can incorporate into your everyday living, leading you to a greener lifestyle.  I've included facts to go along with several of the topics. 1.  Laundry/Dishes- Only wash dishes and laundry when you have a full load, and use earth-friendly cleaning products http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/02/how-to-go-green-laundry.php#tips 2.  Household Cleaning - Make your own cleaning products or buy products that are safe for the environment and your home.  Most people are surprised at how affordable these products are.  Many are comparable to those packed with chemicals and toxins. http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/01/how-to-go-green-cleaning.php#tips 3.  Natural Skin, Hair, and Body- Try homemmade products, or shop smart and choose products that are safe and good for your body.  If you think of how many chemicals you are exposed to d

Here are several natural products I've tried and loved.  Be both healthy and beautiful with these simple smart buys.  They are now considered staples at my house because I cannot live without them.  Had to share this knowledge with you. Dr. Bonner's Magic Soap:  This soap has been around for 60 years and talk about double duty!  This single product has the ability to serve you in countless areas.  Carry this with you when you travel- use it for cleaning and moisturizing the body, washing hair, brushing teeth, opening pores, and clearing acne prone skin.  Those are just a few reasons I can think of to convince you this is a must-have item!  Something else to keep in mind; it's natural and works great for sensitive skin.  This will be one of those items I always have stocked in my home!   Http://www.drbonners.com Pure Africa Shea Butter:  This is yet another multipurpose product, 100% organic, and feels so good to the touch.  Why wouldn't you want to rub it everywher

Dive into summer, full speed ahead!  Shake up your summer style and routines with these simple updates for your wardrobe and body! Work of Art:  Art inspired tops with graphics or cool prints paired with denim bottoms Raise The Bar:  Highwaisted anything; skirts, slacks, jeans, shorts (bonus- panties and swimsuit bottoms) Neon Neo:  Turn up the volume! apparel and makeup- the louder the better (bonus running shoes if you're a runner or walker) Patient Pastel:   Get in touch with your softer side and turn down the color by trying the pastel family.  Keep it light and flowy with soft colors (bonus - shear fabrics and nail polish in pastel) Red, White, and Blue:  Red shoes- sandals, flats, and pumps White watch-perfect for every summer Denim-top, skirts, and shorts Stripes, Stars, Polka Dots:   Play up your feminine side and try these prints on your tops, skirts, and summer dresses Mini and Maxi:  Go to the extreme when deciding on a length for your skirts and dresses

If you are cold, tea will warm you.  If you are too heated, it will cool you.  If you are too depressed, it will cheer you up. If you are excited, it will calm you. - William Gladstone, English Statesman (1809-98) Green tea, black tea, white tea, jasmine, chamomile! Apparently the Chinese have been aware of tea and it's wonderful effects forever, and America is slowly but surely catching on.  I have really been enjoying white tea more recently, choosing it over my green tea.  It gives me a nice boost of energy in the middle of the day.  White tea undergoes even less processing than green tea leaves, offers a nicer aftertaste, has less caffeine, but is slightly pricier.   This tea is packed with antioxidants that can prevent illnesses and promote excellent  health.  Lower blood pressure,  prevent cancers, reduce stress, protect your bones and teeth, and experience a boost of energy drinking white tea daily.  Green Tea, though it consists of more caffeine than white tea, the

Here are some great links that I have come across, showing off wonderful buys! From summer shoes to colorful handbags! Or perhaps you just need to be inspired. View these links and happy shopping! Summer Sandals: http://www.stylecaster.com/fashion/12454/15-fabulous-flat-sandals-spring-all-under-100?utm_source=stylecaster-daily-email&utm_campaign=2011-04-29&utm_medium=email#1 Spring Wedges: http://www.stylecaster.com/fashion/11697/spring-2011-shoes-25-awesome-spring-wedges#1 More Summer Shoes http://www.dailycandy.com/all-cities/article/101498/Spring-Shoes-Sandals-Wedges-and-Flats Bright Lips: http://www.whowhatwear.com/website/full-article/beauty-board-vivid-lips/ Bright Handbags!: http://www.whowhatwear.com/website/full-article/go-buy-now-bright-bags/ Full Range of Naural Beauty Products: http://www.dailycandy.com/all-cities/roundup/flash.jsp#/natural-beauty/ More Natural Products:http://www.dailycandy.com/all-cities/article/99807/Captain-Blankenship-All-

I guess I could call myself a product junkie.  Finding something that works for me is always a plus, and when it really works, I like to share the news with all.  Why not, maybe my findings can be of some help to you.  No, they won't change your world, but they may make you smile a bit.  So here are a few items I have come across this month and adored! Shea Moisture-  This is a wonderful company that offers all natural and organic skin and hair products.  I have shopped the line at Walgreens for haircare products and Target for body.  Consider Shea Moisture Organic Cocunut And Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie.  It works well on natural hair giving the hair a sheen and pleasant smell. http://beyondblackbeauty.com/2011/04/06/sheamoisture-organic-hair-care-at-walgreens/ For the body, I love their organic bar soap.  The cost of one bar is $4.99 but they are giant 8 oz. which is equivalent to about two bars of soap. They make my skin feel like silk and they smell good. One of my fav

Dishes and laundry are two household tasks that we all know well.  These are chores we picked up on way back in our teen years, if not younger.  You have probably got them down to a science, but how about I give you a few interesting facts and tips that can save time, energy, money, and protect  the environment.  Read on! We have an understanding that using the dishwasher is greener than washing by hand. This is true in most cases, and even more so if you have an energy-efficient dishwasher.  Here are a few suggestions to keep in mind to be even greener and cut costs on your water and electricity bills. Reduce your water consumption: Avoid pre-rinsing and only run full loads.  If you are neat freak and just hate to go to bed with a disorderly kitchen, throw the dishes in the dishwasher and run it once full. Try using the cold-water setting if this is an option on your dishwasher. Also let the dishes air dry, versus using the heat dry option.  The heat actually puts a lot of wear on

With warmer weather quickly approaching, it's a fine time to update your look and get ready for the sunshine. I have listed simple sugestions that can give you a little beauty therapy. Kiss My Tresses- Go lighter and brighter. I add a little color to my hair naturally by putting cranberry juice on it. It's gives my hair hints of light browns and red. Here's a link that gives you additional tips on coloring your hair naturally. http://www.greenecoservices.com/homemade-hair-dyes/ Go for the Gold- Get a natural glow, sunkissed cheeks and an all-over glow by using a bronzer. Add a cream or powdered bronzer to your face where the sun would naturally hit. Also, consider a self-tanner to get even glowing skin tone. You can use for a few days, and quickly see a noticable difference in your complexion. I have used Jergens Natural Glow body lotion for the past four summers and absolutely love it. Look like you were hanging at the beach all day. If you want to pass on t

A survey completed by Allure Magazine reported that 71% of women think they don't get enough sleep. Do you struggle with falling asleep or staying sleep through the night. Do you feel refreshed when you wake up in the morning, even after resting for 6 to 8 hours? An article written in October 2010 by Dr. Mercola reported that impaired sleep patterns can cause stress disorders which may lead to heart disease, stomach ulcers, constipation, and/or mood disorders. Regular loss of sleep makes you age faster and chronic insomnia can make any illness more severe. Here are a few natural remedies/tips that you may like to try to get you moving towards a good nights' rest. Please note that you may want to consult a doctor if you actually suffer from chronic insomnia, as this could be a symptom of a more serious condition. Yoga - Deep breathing, meditation, and stretching right before you go to bed Aromatherapy - Lavender, chamomile, and ylang ylang are considered to b

Statistic from Valorie Burton's book, 'How Did I Get So Busy?' found 55% of the women surveyed indicated that they had not had vistitors in their home in over two months due to the condition of their place. Does this sound like you? Well, in the the spirit of spring cleaning, i'm offering up tips and resources you may want to addopt in hopes of simplifying your home. So why is your home out of order?  Need more space, storage solutions, or just more time?  I know that I personally struggle with time.  Staying on top of household duties is a part time job; cleaning, washing, folding, etc.  But I know how gratifying it is to come home to a clean house, and i'm sure anyone reading this would agree. First step in simplifying your space is getting rid of unnecessary things: For some reason, we have been trained that we need more space, a bigger house, bigger car, more closets and more cabinets.  But reality may be that we just have too much stuff! Clean for a Cause

After sitting in my house for the bulk of the day due to snow and cold weather, cabin fever started to take over. Out of boredom, I headed to my kitchen and begin whipping up several beauty products.  Less than two hours later, and straight from my kitchen, I had an avocado scalp cream, avocado facial moisturizer, brown sugar scrub, and a cocoa body polish.  All great for the body and perfectly edible!  I used both the facial and body scrub on myself, and the scalp cream for my daughter.  This morning, my skin looks and feels good, and my child's hair is shining. Now, if you are not quite into homemade beauty products just yet, here are some natural products/brands that I've tried over the years and loved.  They are safe to use, earth-friendly, and winning products if you have sensitive skin. I have listed my favorites, but these lines consists of many more great products.  Check out the individual websites for additional information on the companies and their products! A

Just as the trends are changing in fashion, similar updates are being represented in the home furnishings/interior design industry.  You see the same patterns, textures, and colors being displayed because the two arenas tend to draw from the same inspirations; art, media, society, customer's needs and desires. See how two companies that contribute to home interior trends (Pantone and ICI Delux) came up with their 2011 colors of the year.  Honeysuckle, Pantone's color, is believed to be bold and uplifting, perfect for this economy.  They found Honeysuckle is a color that will create a healthy glow when worn by men and women.   ICI Delux picked Citrus Yellow.  According to ICI,  Citrus combats fatigue and depression as well as minimizes stress and anxiety!  Both are bright, fresh, and feel good colors. Already being seen in the apparel world, incorporate some color to your home or closet with these trends and see how your mood changes. Click on the two links below to see Hon

It's hard keeping up with the trends and changes in fashion these days.  I have to tell you that fewer and fewer things are falling into the 'toss it' category.  Many looks are simply here to stay because we love them so much and they just work! Looks like just about anything goes now! Right? Loose or fitted, feminine or masculine, hearts or polka dots, mini or maxi, skinny or wide legged, zippers or chains! Seriously?! The key is to understand your style and your body. Well, I can help you by keeping you in the loop on what to wear and what to toss (or should I say recycle later, pack away for a later day). Unsure of how to wear a trend or what works for your body?  Ask me!  I can provide you with helpful advice that can in turn simplify your life when it comes to figuring it all out.  Let me help you master your wardrobe headaches.  Be Inspired!  Here are a few of my favorite links that I visit regularly for inspiration.  See and read about the latest trends

It's simply amazing how many uses we can find from items that are straight from nature; harmless to the environment and safe for you! Crisco, for example, is natural, actually made of soybeans.  If you are running low on lotion or in need of a double duty moisturizer, try rubbing Crisco on your body.  And yes, I mean straight from the can.  If the smell reminds you too much of 'Crisco,' then add an essential oil of your choice or perhaps a bit of honey. I have falling in love with Cinnamon, Honey, and Baking Soda, and I choose to keep all three stocked in my house at all times.  These three powerful, but totally natural items are multitasking  miracle workers on so many levels. Natural Health Remedies: Cinnamon and honey can help soothe a toothache and calm an upset stomach.  I found a link listing some of the many health issues cinnamon and honey can treat. http://alislaah4.tripod.com/moreadvices2/id18.htm Natural Beauty Remedies: Baking soda is so safe, you c

Looking to get some extra energy or necessary vitamins?  Fuel your body with these superfoods and feel the difference. whole grains: bread, rice tomatoes green tea dark green veggies: collard greens, spinach, broccoli orange veggies: sweet potatoes, squash red berries dark colored grapes blueberries fish: salmon, sardines (2 to 3 times weekly) nuts: pistachios and almonds low fat yogurt Take this list with you the next time you go grocery shopping!  Great additions to getting you feeling good, inside and out.

If you are searching for some simple, inexpensive ways to clean green, read on! All Purpose Cleaner 4oz each of vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice Glass/Window Cleaner 1 cup rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) 1 cup water 1 tbs white vinegar Furniture Polish 1 cup olive oil 1/2 cup lemon juice Mopping Solution mix 1/2 cup vinegar with 1 gallon of water Toilet Bowl Cleaner pour pure white vinegar in toilet and let sit for 30 minutes Carpet Freshener sprinkle baking soda throughout house prior to vacuuming Carpet Stains rub rubbing alcohol over stain in a circular motion with a cleaning rag Freshen Drains Grind orange or lemon peels in garbage disposal or fill ice tray with vinegar and freeze.  Once frozen, dump ice cubes down drain.  This will help absorb nasty odors vs. covering them up. Clean tough spots by making a paste mixing baking soda and water or baking soda with lemon juice and applying to stains for toilet, tub, sinks, or floors.  To scrub tough spot

So who enjoys climbing into a bathtub that still has the gritty residue of Comet lingering?  Or how about using Pine Sol that can be so strong, you have to evacuate the children from the cleaning area?  And what about sneezing, coughing, or just the urge to sit down right after you've tossed 'carpet fresh' throughout your home? When using certain cleaning products on the market, it's actually suggested that we use them in a ventilated place.  If a child were to get hold of it, their insides could burn, possibly make them blind, or be deadly.  There is a long term effect to using toxic chemicals, particularly when dealing with infants and young children, whom are especially vulnerable. Where you aware that there are many alternative products (many sitting at your house now) that can be used to clean, disinfect, and freshen up your home in a safer manner? It's your home, so why create a toxic environment for your family.  This is especially important for tho

So the warm weather is surely coming soon and I'm anxious to pack away my boots and tights, and excited about rearanging the closet and pulling out sandals and open toe pumps!  Are you ready?  No, I don't plan to do much shopping because that's not in my budget.  I am, however, able to update my wardrobe by mixing some things up.  Try adding a belt, lightweight scarf, or reinventing an old blouse by pairing it with something unexpected.  This simple trick gives me the feeling that I have gone shopping, or have added something new to my closet.  Not quite as good as shopping, but close.  I'll tell you now, building a functional wardrobe is all about being a smart shopper.  It takes time, but very little money, if you do it right.  If shopping is something you struggle with, let me help!  I can teach you a lot about being a savvy budget shopper without having to compromise good taste and style.  Or, perhaps you're one of those people with a ton a clothes but jus

I am so happy to finally get this blog up and running.  My mind runs in so many directions, thoughts and ideas bouncing off the wall daily!  That is why I have decided to offer several subjects within my blog.  I can almost guarantee that just about anyone that reads this blog will find some interest in what they find, or perhaps, (and I really hope) will expand their interests.  My main goal is to help simplify your life.  If you are a women out there struggling to make it through because of the many demands you face, than I'm here to help.  With that in mind, I would also like to share some tips on being healthier and moving towards a natural way of being.  The topics that you will find here include: Good For Me :   Everything I know and learn about ways to be natural, from health and beauty to cleaning up your household.  My little one struggles from asthma and allergies and I have really tried hard to maintain a natural lifestyle in hopes of keeping her healthier. Dwell