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A weekend reminder...
With all the crazy, heartbreaking events - both man-made and natural - happening around the globe, try to have fun. This doesn't mean to ignore or downplay the tragedies that have spun the world upside down... But do remember how lucky you are and enjoy yourself whenever you can, because things can change in an instant.
If you never did you should. These things are fun and fun is good! ~ Dr. Suess (1904 - 1991)
CLICK HERE to listen to the episode of Chick Flick Chat featuring the movie, The Switch.
Wow! Talk about the mother of all surprises... This film seems like a simple romantic comedy, but it is filled with many modern day issues women encounter. While the title refers to the bombshell that is The Switch, it only skims the surface in this delightful film, starring Jennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman.
This CFC covered everything from motherhood, marriage, men, and single-parenthood, to the ticking biological clock and more. Join us as we discuss, dissect, and dish the details this film swimmingly offers up; even the lines, "Life is in session" and "Fate works its magic and you're connected," helped switch this CFC into overdrive. In fact, there was so much to chat about that we went over our usual thirty minutes so we could fit it all in!
{Production Note: We apologize for the music glitch at the beginning and end of the show... We're working to smooth it out for future CFC's.}
At one time or another, when looking into our clothes closet, we've all exclaimed, "I have nothing to wear!" While this may be true for specific occasions like a royal wedding at Westminster Abbey, mostly the issue arises because we forget what we own or can't see through the clutter that is also know as our wardrobe. More likely than not, a little organization can go a long way to recognizing that you do in fact, have plenty to wear.
Unlike the wardrobe help in Closet Cleaning... Clearing The Way To A Wearable Wardrobe, this is an exercise in organization NOT discovery. Today, we are focusing on putting items together in a neat, logical, and simple system. The right equipment is important, so you may need to pick up new hangers, shelf separators, wall hooks, and perhaps, a shoe rack for this project.
Use the following 10 easy tips to organize your closet. Don't worry about trying anything on, just crank up some music and get started. Remember to take a photograph before you begin so you can compare the difference when you are done!
1. If you have skinny hangers, use them. They will add space you didn't realize you had in your closet. BONUS: They really do help eliminate "hanger" marks and keep clothing from sliding onto the floor.
2. Whatever the configuration of your closet, take note of the area you always use. This is where you will keep the items you most frequently wear.
3. Do the same as in #2 for the other areas of your closet. Be sure to look at the upper, eye-level, and floor areas. Note the sections that are difficult to reach or that you hardly employ.
4. Good news! We are "chunking" this organization process down. You don't have to remove everything at one time to begin sorting - you only need to remove clothing in the area you will refill first. Put out a sheet on the floor of your room or use your bed to hold clothing as you make space and work through each area of your closet.
5. You will be organizing by categories of clothing, i.e., skirts, dresses, blouses, pants, suits. The idea is to pull ALL the items from a category out of your closet at one time and then separate those items by color. If you have multiple colors in a category, further organize them from light to dark. NOTE: Start with the category you select in Step #6.
6. Pick the category that you least wear. For me, it's skirts. Put them on Clip Hangers according to color, then hang them in the area you least visit (decided in Step #3).
7. Using the principle in #6, select the next category (and so on); remember to separate into colors and rehang working your way out toward the area you always use. With each type of clothing, try to further specify each item within its category: solid vs. print, long vs. short sleeve, cocktail vs. daytime dress, etc.
8. Not everything you own can be hung - as you come upon hanging items that are better kept folded - start piles of similar items on your sheet or bed, sorted by color. These piles will now be pre-sorted for your shelves or drawers. If you have shelves in your closet, don't leave these piles for another day... Address them in the same fashion as your hanging items.
9. Organize shoes by style, then color within that style. Using the floor, or a shoe rack, put all the pumps together; line-up the black pumps next to each other, then move on to the other color pumps. Same idea goes for flats, sandals, sport shoes, etc. If you like to keep your shoes in their original boxes, photograph each shoe and tape it to the front of the box, then line the boxes up in the same manner. Boots are also lined up by style and color. Next time you look for the perfect pair of shoes to match an outfit, you will see all your options at once.
10. Accessories, like scarves, belts, hats, and purses, can be organized in similar way as the clothing categories. Be creative in displaying these items so you can see what you own at a glance. Try hooks, peg boards, or baskets. BONUS: You can now use the room you created in Step #8 on your shelves for your hats and purses.
Part 10 of the HWA Series: Live Your Life Out Loud
This morning, for no good reason, I decided to skip the scheduled article. After thinking about it all day, it wasn't clear what I would write for you until I opened up Until Today!: Daily Devotions for Spiritual Growth and Peace of Mind
This book stays on a shelf behind my desk so I can easily reach it when the mood hits. When I opened it, the ribbon-marker sat between April 2 & 3, so it has been a while since this book called out to me. Funny thing about this book... It is one of those from which the message is always exactly what you need that day.
Today, May 11, was no different. After I read this passage, the answer was loud and clear that I should share with you Iyanla Vanzant's thoughts on living your life out loud.
The title of today's message reads, "I am now receptive to the idea that ... it is time for me to stop whispering and to start living out loud." Here are some of the pertinent excerpts, as taught by Iyanla, that can help us learn to live out loud today and every day.
[S]top holding yourself back and playing yourself down! Stop worrying about how you look and what people are saying ... Stop waiting for someone to tell you that you are okay or to make you feel special. ... Living out loud means having the courage to be exactly who you are without apology. It means admitting your mistakes ... not taking who you are or what you have for granted. ... focusing on what is ... showing up as your authentic Self ... acknowledging your shortcomings ... celebrating your strengths ... broadcasting your needs, your likes and dislikes ... you let people know exactly who you are ... you must love yourself enough to tell yourself and everyone else the absolute truth about you. ... Just for today, take one step toward pumping up the volume. ... Stand up and be yourself! (Ellipses, emphasis added.)
A Product Review & HOW-TO by Here We Are
Is it possible to put on lipstick once in the morning and have it still look freshly applied that night? Almost! Maybelline's SuperStay 24 Color lip-stain does a very good job of staying in place throughout your busy day with just a bit of upkeep along the way.
Here are 10 lip-smacking ways to get the best performance out of this popular product...
1. Be sure to apply the lip-stain to clean, product-free lips (don't put on balm or moisturizer before application). NOTE: If you have dry, cracked lips, this is not the product for you.
2. Apply only while seated or standing in a steady place (it's probably a bad idea to be driving or on a subway car when using this product). Why? When the lip-stain goes on, it's ON! TIP: The sponge applicator works a bit like a lip brush, in that, with a steady handed application you can shape your lips with this color and then fill in the lip area.
3. Do NOT gob it on. An even layer is all you need.
4. Be patient and wait the suggested 2 minute drying time. Don't speak or smack your lips. You will feel it drying. TIP: Keep your lips in a half-smile - lips apart - until it's dry.
5. Immediately apply the "conditioning balm." Maybelline supplies you with plenty of this clear balm which is hidden in the white end of the tube. NOTE: The key to making this product last is this balm.
6. Reapply the Maybelline balm throughout the day. The company calls this a two-step product (and it is, at first), but you will have to reapply the balm as you see or feel the color getting dry. I tried to go all day without reapplying the balm, but if you eat, drink, or kiss, the balm does wear off and the coverage begins to diminish. I even tested it by brushing my teeth and surprisingly, the coverage stayed strong and the color didn't smear; but more balm application was required.
7. To ensure a great looking finish, select the best shade of the 30 available colors for your skin - and age! Be warned, the frosts are very frosty on the lip and the color is true (the lip-stain pigmentation you see in the clear end of the tube is the color you get). NOTE: This product delivers a lot of punch for your kisser, so think less is more when selecting. [The color in the picture above is #150, Timeless Toffee; I also tested #105, Blush On (not shown)].
8. Don't expect 24 hr coverage, but do expect great coverage with long-lasting color. When "balmed up," the color did not transfer to utensils, glassware, or napkins, AND your hair won't stick to the product (lip gloss wearers will appreciate this bonus). NOTE: The video on Maybeline's product page has a make-up artist stating it offers 16 hr. coverage.
9. Stick with the Maybelline balm; using other balms will break down the coverage. I tested it with beeswax and aloe vera based balms; both attempts resulted in diminished color and texture. While it may sound like there is a lot of balm re-application, it's fast, easy, and doesn't take the time and care it would to re-do lipstick (of any kind or brand).
10. Be sure to check your teeth after the color has dried (see step 4). While there shouldn't be any transfer, if you were heavy handed on the application, you might get a surprise smudge.
The one disappointment with this product is the lack of an SPF. The ingredient list for the color and the balm both read, "may contain Titanium Dioxide," but there is no definitive declaration from the company stating that it contains sufficient sunscreen. If you are going to be outside all day, opt for another product with sunscreen protection.
The SuperStay 24 Color is here to stay on your lips and in your purse. For about, $7.50 (USD), it is worth a try. Follow the 10 lip-smacking tips and you're sure to boost the performance of this lip color throughout your busy day. Put it on and smile!
{Product Review Disclaimer: This is NOT a paid review. No consideration of any kind was offered to or received by LUCIMAC Productions [the parent company of Here We Are] in connection with this product or review.}
Announcements, Updates, & Reminders
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Switch-er-review: During May, June, & July, Here We Are is switching gears to focus on reviews. Lately, it seems like I've been trying a lot of different products. Some items were tested specifically for reviewing and others just call out to be shared with the HWA readers. While every article will not be a review, you'll notice an increase in the upcoming months featuring make-up, shoes, household gadgets, sunscreen, and more.
Remember, we are not paid for reviews, if we like it we will tell you, and if we don't, we will tell you... politely, of course!
Chick Flick Chat: Talk about the mother of all surprises - this film is about a very big switcheroo! Friends, lovers, strangers all get thrown into this petri-dish of a movie. Join us for Chick Flick Chat on Saturday, May 21, at 11:00 am featuring, The Switch, starring Jennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman. From motherhood and single parenting, to unrealized love, we'll chat about these wriggly issues and more!
UPDATES
Gifts, Gifts, Gifts: We are back on track with the gift giveaways and here is the latest update regarding the recent gift recipients... Beth is receiving the March giveaway of a new copy of "Paint It Black," by Janet Fitch. April's gift of the fun & sassy notepad set goes to Torry. Congrats & thank you both for being HWA email subscribers.
In honor of spring and our Flower Power Poll, the May gift is a flowered tote bag from Blue Q; their eco-friendly bags are pretty and surprisingly strong. See the picture under GIFT OF THE MONTH in the right hand column. The recipient will be announced in the June Announcements article.
Switching Gloves: Take off your winter gloves and put on your down & dirty, gardening gloves... It's time to get outside and plant. Take our Flower Power Poll and share what you'll be growing this season. The poll ends on May 31, so vote to tell us about your upcoming blooms. If your favorites aren't on the list, then comment and share a gardening tip or two!
REMINDERS
Switching Clothes: This is a good time of year to take a long hard look at what is in your closet. The weather feels fresh and new, and your wardrobe should make you feel this way, too. If you are in need of a pick me up, then get in there and get busy giving away items that don't suit you, you won't wear again, and don't make you feel great. Closet Cleaning: Clearing The Way To a Wearable Wardrobe can help you with this often overwhelming task. It is better to be clear about what works on you AND what doesn't (and maybe never did), than to own a bunch of stuff that you don't use.
Flower of The Month: May's flower is the sweetly fragrant, Lily of The Valley. It represents sweetness; return to happiness; and humility.
And the Naiad-like lily of the vale,
Whom youth makes so fair and passion so pale,
That the light of its tremulous bells is seen,
Through their pavilions of tender green.
~ Percy Bysshe Shelley, Poet (1792- 1822); The Sensitive Plant
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