Welcome to January 2014!

I don't know about you, <<First Name>>, but 2014 feels like a LUCKY year! We've made it through the Polar Vortex and are heading out for our first trip of 2014: Washington DC. I love DC. It's one of my all-time favorite cities. I am thrilled to be able to connect with friends and colleagues while JB works. The bonuses of the trip are staying at my favorite hotel (The Hotel Monaco) and the fact that it's Restaurant Week!

Despite the distractions from Mother Nature and the preparation necessary for our trip, I've been doing some strategic cleaning and clearing. The highlights include creating an entirely empty drawer in the dresser, clearing half a shelf in my office, and cleaning the shower drain. I know, I know.... it's all very glamorous here! But I have to admit, I'm loving the little pockets I've cleared.

To be honest, nothing has been as the sense of accomplishment when I cleaning the shower drain.

This month, I'm sharing some of those often-forgotten tasks with you that, when done, will make you feel worlds lighter. Vow to get 'em done before Valentine's Day!  You'll be amazed at how a little love and attention to these forgotten spaces will feed your Mind, Body and Soul.

For your Mind – Clean Your Laundry Room

When's the last time you took a good look at your Laundry room? Your task for this month is to remove anything that doesn't really belong in there. Empty detergent bottles and discarded dryer sheets that have fallen onto the floor. Don't forget to clean out the lint trap, wipe away all the dust from the the to of the washer and dryer, and clean up any spills.  Both laundry detergent and fabric softener are magnets for dust! 

Now, when you get ready to make your clothes clean, your mind will instantly be at ease thanks to the sparkly and shiny space!

For your Body – Flip Your Mattress

Do you know the last time you've flipped your mattress? It's important for the life of your mattress and the quality of your sleep. Now, you may have to wait until you have some help with this, but vow that you'll get this done before the end of the month.  We flipped ours during the Arctic Vortex.

Ideally, you should first rotate your mattress so that the side you sleep on is on the opposite side. Then, flip top to bottom.  If you have one of those pillow-top mattresses, you may only be able to rotate it.

Once your done, put on fresh sheets and embrace all that fabulous tending you've done to your sacred space. You're body will be so grateful that it isn't sinking into old impressions, too!. 

For your Soul – Tackle Your Shower Drain

This may be the grossest thing I've ever suggested.... but does your shower drain slowly? It could be that there's hair blocking the flow in the trap.  Grab a small garbage bag, a coat hanger, some mildew spray, and a screwdriver.

So, unscrew the shower drain. and put the screws in a safe place so you don't accidentally wash them down the drain. (I put them in a cup on the counter). Bend the coat-hanger cook so that you can pull out anything blocking the drain and have the garbage bag ready.  Now, spray the area around the drain with mildew cleaner (or some Pine Sol). Rinse, rinse, rinse. Don't forget to clean the shower drain well.  Then, put everything back together.

The next time you get in the shower, you're going to be thrilled that everything....flows.  Why is this good for your soul? Well, darling, cleanliness is next to Godliness ;-)

If you are needing some help getting clear about things in your world, don't hesitate to reach out (just reply to this email). 

See you next month with more tips for finding clarity in your life with clearer spaces.

With Love,






PS -  I'd be honored if you shared this with a friend!