Freshly Laundered Sheets

I've noticed that I sleep more soundly when my sheets are freshly laundered.  Interesting.  If I wasn't so lazy, I would wash my sheets twice a week, instead of just once.

After I wash my sheets, I can get about 2-3 nights of better sleep than nights when my sheets aren't as fresh.  Don't get me wrong, I sleep really well every night, but even better on clean and crisp sheets.

I try really hard to appreciate and recognize my clean sheets.  Sliding into fresh sheets is a perfect way to end the day. 

Now, I need to start washing sheets on a day other than Sunday, because I almost always oversleep on Monday.

Best,

Flowers for the Week....

I'm still buying flowers, weekly.  The orchid stems are about $4/stem and last up to four weeks.  The roses last just about a week.  The mini pumpkins should last two weeks.  Love this ritual!!

Breakfast Ritual

For the past month, I have been waking up 15 minutes earlier than usual and actually eating breakfast at the kitchen table.  Holy cow!  I don't think I have done this since elementary school.  I have to say that I love it!  I was thinking about doing this for years, but just couldn't seem to do it.

I am not a morning person, so the thought of getting up early to eat at the table or get more sleep was a no-brainer. I was going to choose sleep.

In the past, my usual routine was--walk the dogs, get showered/dressed, make the bed, toast waffles with nut butter and banana/berries (to eat in the car) or McD's Egg McMuffin (also eaten in the car).  I ate breakfast, but was in constant motion from the time my feet hit the floor in the morning.

Now, after I walk the dogs and before I shower, I make breakfast and sit down and eat it (on a placemat--extra points).  I admit, that my breakfast is a quick one.  I make eggs and toast, cereal with berries and almond milk, or whole grain toaster waffles with nut butter and bananas/berries (like a sandwich)---and of course, coffee.  It takes about 7 minutes to make, at most.

I do watch The Today Show during breakfast.  (It counts as news, doesn't it?)  The 8 minutes to eat is short, but just enough to make me feel like I am doing some thing for myself before the work day.  I notice that when I get to work, I am less frazzled and more grounded.

I must say that it starts my day off right.  A few minutes of ME time, in the morning does this body good.

I wish I were a morning person, but I accept the fact that it will always be a struggle to wake earlier than 7:00 a.m.  I hope that one day I will make a habit of waking up even 30 minutes earlier and meditate before breakfast.  One step at a time, though.  Another aspiration to add to the list!

Chalkboard Paint Canisters!

I am one of the many featured on Today's Creative Blog, my favorite do-it-yourself blog!



I share magazines with friends at work.  We each bring magazines that we have recently read and share them with others.  I got a call from a friend yesterday about the magazine that I gave her.  She told me that pages were missing.  I had to laugh.  I forgot about that detail.  I tear out pages that have images that inspire me--a pair of shoes, a product, an outfit, etc. 

Well, in the May issue of InStyle, I saw this and just had to do it myself....

If you can't tell from the image, the picture is of glass canisters that have been painted with chalkboard paint. You can put anything in the canisters and write the labels in chalk. Adorbs!

The InStyle article stated that the canisters were bought at Ikea. I got lucky and the Ikea by my home had the exact canisters! What were the chances? The Ikea "Burken" canisters were about $4 a piece.

Next, I went off to Home Depot and bought the Rust-Oleum chalkboard paint. Like other paints, you choose from a selection of colors to mix with a base. Honestly, the color selection is pretty juvenile, since most customers of this paint are parents that use it for children's projects (tables, walls, etc.). The Peapod color was the best color for me. The paint was about $12 for a quart.

Talk about simple to do! I painted the stripe at the bottom and waited two days for it to completely dry. Then, I took a wet rag and went over the paint once. Next, the chalk! I filled my canisters and wrote the names on the contents on the labels...Brown Rice, Udon Noodles, Almonds, Katz's Sam Houston Blend Coffee

Next, I decided to go crazy and paint terra cotta pots with the chalkboard paint! I bought two $4 cacti and potted them for my kitchen. I chose cacti, because it reminds me of Miraval Resort in Arizona.  Here is what I did...

Up close....

I keep the pots in front of my sink, where I see them througout my day.

I painted a green stripe across the top and a rectangle in the middle for the label. On one pot, I wrote, "A little piece of..." On the other, I wrote, "Miraval." (The Mackenzie-Child's pot and plant in the center are to make it more visually interesting.)

I tried to bring some thing that I love, Miraval, in a place that I see throughout my day. Subliminally, when you recognize a positive image, your energy rises. How great is that? I got a plant, an inspirational message, an energy boost and a reminder that I accomplished the challenge of making the pots.

I loved the challenge of trying this project. I have an almost full container of paint. Therefore, I think friends will be getting canisters and terra cotta pots for presents. How cute is that? I imagine wrapping the chalk in tissue paper and tying it with raffia.

Don't be scared to try this project. A kindergartener could do it! 

Try some thing new!

LOVE Pillows

The website Houston Tidbits is a great resource for restaurants, stores, spas, travel destinations, events, etc. in the Houston area.  You can always find the link on my blog. (See the bottom of this page.)

I found this post a few weeks ago for  "LOVE" pillow cases  from a store in Fredericksburg, Texas called Red.  I had to have them.  I called the store on Friday, paid over the phone and received them in the mail yesterday!

The pillow cases are white with tan, black, hot pink or soft blue letters.  I decided to add a punch of color to my bed linens and picked hot pink. 

I was surprised to learn that the opening of the pillow case faces the center of the bed, not outside, like most cases.  I called the store to verify that this was not a mistake.  I was told that the pillow cases are made in London, so the opening on the "wrong" side, must be like driving on the left side of the road.  I feel a little extra "cheeky," as they say across-the-pond, because of the hot pink letters and the fact that they are from London.  So fun!

My theory is that if you love it, buy it!!  Remember, your subconscious recognizes images that you love and provides you with a boost of warm energy.  If you dislike an image, it is an energy downer.  Just another reminder to surround yourself with things that you love!!

If you need another excuse to make a purchase, I am sure I can find one.

Happy Shopping!

Dog Gone Tired from a Great Weekend

Louis ("Louie") and Lucy Liu are ready for bed.

They say that "a tired dog is a happy dog."  Well, I think the same is true about exhausting oneself by spending time doing things that you love.  I'm a tired and happy dog, so to speak.

I had a great weekend spent with new friends, seeing great shows, eating great meals at Kasra Persian Grill and The Grove, and doing things that I love.  I taught Spinning, got to work with a great client on her wardrobe for an upcoming trip, saw a Kathy Griffin show at the Verizon Center, and today went to see The Kids Are All Right and ate at Yia Yia Mary's with family.

Some times I don't take the time to stop and appreciate how great it is to have weekend doing things that I love, even if it means I didn't get one minute of down time.   I am exhausted and will be SO tired when my alarm goes off in the morning, but it will be a small price to pay.

R&R is always some thing that we try to get more of.  We cherish our quiet weekends that bring a recharging of our spirit and energy.  I know that I do.  At the close of very busy weekends, my body may be tired, but I try to recognize the recharging of my spirit through the sheer bliss in doing things that I love. 

Hope you had a great weekend, whether it was a quiet one or fast and furious.  Enter Monday with a new energy.  A new week with new possibilities lies ahead.

The weekly flower buying is still going well.  Here are the pics of some flowers for the week:

I ran out of vases.  Had to use a  UofA sorority mug!

Meals Without Television?

Doesn't she kinds look like Debra Morgan (Jennifer Carpenter) from the TV show Dexter?  I love that show!

Mindless Eating

When at home, many of us eat in front of the computer or television.  I eat in  front of the television at home and in front of the computer at work.  I've noticed lately that at home, I am not enjoying what I am eating or what I am watching on TV. 

I enjoy picking out and cooking my meals.  I am usually excited at the thought of eating them (and hungry), but notice that I am mindlessly eating them, because I am half-watching garbage on television.  I will eat a meal in front of the television, and eat and eat and then am surprised when my plate is empty.  Why?  Because I have never really even tasted my food.  I was never really paying attention to what I was eating.  I have caught myself going for second helpings, because I don't remember eating the first helping.  Like it was gone too fast and I need to relive the experience (30 seconds after I finished).  Sick!

Today at work, I went looking for the piece of bread that came with my salad and realized that I already ate it.  Double-sick!  I never even enjoyed it.  It just went "down the hatch."

I need a change!!!

A few days ago, I decided to turn off the television programs, unless there is some thing that I really want to watch.  What to do with all the silence?  What do I do when I eat?  Won't it be too quiet?

Guess what I learned....

I have music channels (no, not MTV, VH1, or BET--those aren't music these days anyway) on my television.  The kind where you pick the music genre you like and one song plays into the next.  No commercials, just nice music.  I like it.  Glad it took me 2.5 years to recognize this.  Again, Sick!

I am much more focused at home.  I am a busybody by nature and always have many thoughts rolling around in my head. Multitasking is my way of life.  Now with the television programs gone, I notice that I finish a thought or task before I move on to the next.  I do not suffer from ADD, but I recognize that the television on in the background really did impair my thoughts.  The noise disrupted my thought process.

I also love being at home.  The flowers, the relaxing music, my Shmoopie Doopies (dogs), etc.  I have always loved my home, but now I feel that it really invigorates me, instead of being the Temple of Chores--clean, pick up, cook, laundry, etc.  My home is no longer a responsibility, but my sanctuary.

So, what do I do when I eat?

I sit at my kitchen table and enjoy my view.  I have a lovely and unobstructed view of downtown Houston.  I pay extra money for this view.  I do cherish it every day, but I never really noticed what the view from the kitchen table. 

I still eat fairly quickly, about 10 minutes, but I taste my food.  My brain registers that I am eating.  I am "present" in the moment, which also adds to the pleasure of the meal and recognition that I have eaten.  I don't go back for second helpings.  When my plate is empty, I'm done.  My thighs will thank me later!

What about when I am finished eating?

I do the little housekeeping tasks with the music on.  I don't really miss the television, because it is just noise.  Don't get me wrong, I am not selling it any day soon.  However, I am recording programs that I really enjoy and watching them when I want to and not making the television viewing another daily task on my list.

I admit that I am much more relaxed.  I think the television noise in the background of my life, really overstimulates me.  Those who know me well know that I am high energy by nature and don't need added stimulation in my life.

My next goal is to get rid of eating in front of the computer at work.  I think it will be harder than turning off the television at home.  Sigh!

I really love my new routine and will try really hard to keep it up!

Flower Power

Basil with Zinnia

I made a vow to myself about a month ago to buy fresh flowers for my home on a weekly basis. This is money well-spent. It is one of the highlights of my week.

I go to Central Market and buy a spray of flowers for my desk, a small arrangement for my kitchen and a few single flowers for bud vases in my bedroom and bathroom. I can do this for $12!!!!

Each week, I enjoy the ritual. The best part though, is the happiness I feel when I see the flowers. The flowers bring my energy up and literally make me smile. Additionally, it motivates me to keep my home tidy throughout the week.

Over the weeks, I take pictures of these flowers on my iPhone, because I just can't believe how pretty the flowers are and I just have to capture the image.  (Cheesy, I know, but I can't help it.)

In the past, I would of discarded this idea for many reasons---money, it isn't necessary, etc.  But, I feel so good when I see the flowers and they contribute to the great energy in my home and my heart.  That is why I must continue this ritual.

Enjoy the amateur pics!!  What ritual do you regularly perform to make you feel great?

Peony

Hydrangea

Roses

Feng Shui

A friend of mine gave me a book Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui to read. My first thought was that it is such a nice gesture. My second thought was that I know a lot about Feng Shui already. So, what could I possibly learn from this book?

I had a private Feng Shui consultation several years ago. I also own the book Move Your Stuff, Change Your Life.

Move Your Stuff, Change Your Life is technical. It speaks of the baguas, the nine energy centers of your home, and what you can do to improve the energy in those areas. It is a "how to" book. The book is a great resource and easy to read. I keep it in my library, for reference.

Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui is more conceptual and provides great advice that I must share. I found myself writing down thoughts from the book that are important reminders.

Here are some thoughts to consider:

1. The more that you can learn to trust that life will take care of you, the more life will take care of you.

2. If a material possession is taken or missing, it leaves space for another to come into your life.

3. The whole function of money is not to have it, its function is to use it. The main reason for generating money is to buy experiences. You want to end your life with zilch in the bank and a lifetime of experiences.

4. When it is time, let it go.

5. Making a point to always look good is one of the best ways you can raise your energy and to attract yourself better prosperity.

6. What you resist persists. When you stop resisting, it stops persisting.

7. If you don't like it get rid of it. It gives off energetic gloom.

8. Don't put up with giving yourself second best. When you nourish yourself by giving yourself the best you can, that signal goes out and will attract the best in other areas of your life, too.

9. Things that need fixing are an energy drain. Your subconscious mind keeps track of it. When you see it or are reminded of it, your energy drops.

10. When you care for your home by looking after it, you are loving and respecting yourself.

11. If an item does not serve you, but you keep it for sentimental reasons, take a picture of it and get rid of it!

12. If you don't like a gift, get rid of it. You can still appreciate the sentiment.

13. I freely and easily release the old and joyously welcome the new!

14.  When you are sorting your possessions/clothes, does the item lift your energy when you think about it or look at it?  Do you absolutely love it?  Is it genuinely useful?  If no, get rid of it.

15.  Anything you are keeping "just in case," you are keeping out of fear.

16.  Focus on what you want to happen rather than what you are worried will happen.  Dwell on what is wonderful in your life, so more wonderful stuff will come your way.

17.  Everything you criticize and judge about others is some thing you don't like about yourself.

18.  Just be.  It quiets the chatter and allows you to be open to higher wisdom and guidance, and greater creativity.

19.  Live in the moment.

20.  Everything our lower emotion gets upset about is a situation that our Higher Self has set up to get our attention, because some thing needs to change.

21.  Let go of your grievances and get on with your life.

22.  The higher purpose of cleaning clutter is therefore to clear the debris that prevents us from connecting with our Higher Self and with our Higher Power.

I know this is a lot to think about.  I wrote this post, so I can look back and reflect on these lessons. 

I recommend both books, because they really compliment each other.

Thanks, Anne, for lending the book to me! I didn't realize how much I had to learn. It was meant to be.

Would You Talk to a Child That Way?

Over the years, I have enjoyed reading the advice of Kris Carr of Crazy Sexy Cancer and Crazy Sexy Life. Kris's journey through cancer has been very inspiring to me. No, I am not a cancer survivor, but I think there is so much to learn from Kris, her journey and the "blog posse."

When I was living in Washington, DC, I had the opportunity to watch Kris's documentary called Crazy Sexy Cancer and attend her book tour. I met many people that are cancer survivors or undergoing treatment. I learned great lifestyle advice from them. I was even inspired to make some big changes in my diet. (More on that another time.) I have kept connected with her messages over the years via the websites and continue to learn valuable lessons.

Like most people, I often engage in negative self-talk. I'm not thin enough. I see time marching across my face. My skin is so pale, I could be an extra in the Twilight movies. There is too much wiggle in my walk. I should make more money. I need to read more and turn off the crap on tv. I need to eat less. The house isn't clean enough. etc. etc. etc. Sound familiar?

Kris has started a vlog series (video blog). All off the vlogs are great, but one really hit home. Check it out:



In the event that you don't have 5 minutes to watch, here is the summary:

Would you talk to a child the way you talk to yourself? If you have children, would you talk to your own child the way that you talk to yourself? Would you tell a child that she is fat? Or she isn't smart? Or she can't be what she wants to be? Then, why do you talk to yourself that way?

Consider keeping a photo of yourself as a child on your desk, next to your bed or even on your cell phone and think about yourself as a child when you talk negatively to yourself. (Yes, the photo above is of me.)

Remind yourself that the negative talk is not self-serving. Treat yourself like the child you once were (and the child you may have). A part of us will always be that child, right? Talk to yourself with the compassion and encouragement that you deserve and that you give a child. Self-love, not self-sabotage, right?

Think about it! It makes sense!

Build a Team

Even though I teach 4-5 Spinning classes a week, it is still hard to accomplish my fitness goals. Let's face it, every day life can be challenging. Full-time work, teaching, maintaining a home, raising two puppies, maintaining friendships, etc. take a lot of time and MENTAL energy.

One of my New Year's Resolutions was to start weight training again. Well, it hasn't gone so well. My intentions have been great, but I just haven't been doing it. I came to the conclusion that I just don't have the mental energy to add it to my life.

Ask For Help

I decided for my birthday that I would hire a trainer to HELP ME on a regular basis! You might be thinking---Don't you already know what to do? Yes, I do. Then, why are you paying some one to tell you what you already know?

The answer is simple, I want/need some one to take care of me and make my life a little easier. You see, I don't have to create my workout plan. I just follow his lead. I have some one that is invested in my progress. Some one to keep me honest. Some one to keep me motivated. TEAMWORK!

Don't be afraid to ask for help. From professional athletes to contestants on The Biggest Loser, they all have a team to help them. Lance Armstrong knows how to train his body, but he still has coaches to help. Overweight people know to "eat less, move more" yet they still can't seem to make a change.

Look at your life and assess where you could use some help. Ask for it. Get it.

Look Book

Not unlike most people, I find inspiration in the most mundane activities. A new song may be on the radio, and I have to add it to my next Spinning class playlist. I might smell cookies baking and have to eat one (or four). On a nice day, I must enjoy the weather and take my dogs on an extra long walk.

As far as fashion and home design go, I often find my inspiration in magazines. As I flip through my favorites, I pull out pages that inspire me. To organize these pages, I created my own "Look Book." I bought an accordion file organizer (see terrible photo above) and labeled the tabs---clothes/shoes, home, products (hair/face/body), accessories, and other/gifts. I file the pages and refer to them before I shop.

Some times, I hunt down the exact item. Other times, I find an item (like fashion trends or home decor) that is similar.

Most of the time, I just keep the images, because they make me feel good and inspired. These images are like a dream/other life or aspiration for the future.

My Look Book also doubles as a wish list. I keep pictures of items that I hope to have one day. These are "big ticket" items that I save up for or hope to acquire. (Kinda like a vision board a la The Secret? ha ha ha)

It is important to me to live an inspired life. Keep things (images, books, songs, loved ones, fragrances, textures, etc.) that inspire you close by and enjoy them. Be inspired.

Best,
Julie