Marie Kondo| What is the KonMari Method? 5 Easy Steps

Hi Bellas and welcome back! Today's topic will be about something I unfortunately haven't found someone explain in plain English to me, so after researching quite a bit, that's what I'm going to try and do for you today. We are going to cover what the KonMari Method is. This will be part of my KonMari Method Series on my Youtube Channel this week, if you're interested in learning more go ahead and subscribe!

 The KonMari Method was created by Japanese cleaning consultant Marie Kondo. She has several books published including her #1 New York Best Seller, The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up; the Japanese Art of Decluttering. She uses Zen Spirit and Feng Shui principles in her method. KonMari is often applied to minimalism lifestyle. She believes that a clear space, equals a clear mind. Therefore, a clear life. 

 Her main belief though is contrary from what many practice in their daily life. Which is that cleaning up little by little everyday will ultimately lead to a tidy home. For each item brought into the home, we must take the equivalent out and storing things seasonally. Although these are meant to be helpful they do the complete opposite.  They are the very reasons we never seem to be able to maintain our messy homes.

 Marie Kondo instead advocates for one drastic clean sweep of our home. It needs to be drastic so that we can not only see a drastic change in our life but feel one happen. She claims that once you clean your house once, you never have to do it again. And that her clients have never regressed to being messy. Sounds good to me! Where do I sign up right? Mari Kondo writes that this process can take anywhere from a few hours to at most 6 months. It's not as easy as some may think but not impossible!

Before we can begin, Marie Kondo tells us that we must make room for that really matters to us and ask ourselves what a clutter free home means to you personally? To me it means, an organized smooth flowing life. One that I can follow meaningful routines throughout the day, in order to make time for my children, for myself, and my marriage. It means be able to have time for hobbies, teaching my children things properly, creativity, romance etc. I'm in search of a happy life that I am happy living day by day. Not in a yearly perspective.

 So where does one begin? There are 5 steps to the KonMari Method.

1. Start by discarding

 By discarding things you are freeing up space for the things we love. We begin by asking ourselves "does this spark joy?" If it does, put it in the keep pile, if it doesn't put it aside to give away, donate or throw out. Obviously we must open books, go through papers, etc in order to really decide whether this is useful to you and sparks you joy right now, in the present time.

2. Tidy by category not location

 Many, like myself often clean by room and not by category of items. Marie advices to gather everything of one category that is in your house and lay it out in one big pile. For example, gather all the articles of clothing in your house and put them in one big pile and begin to sort. Ask yourself if it sparks joy, and follow step one. 

3. Tidy in the right order

 It's important to clean in the right order from easiest to hardest category, that way you can train you intuition and realize with ease what sparks joy and what doesn't. For the category list the KonMari Method applies follow this link, from JusJusSprinkles.

4. Thank your things as you discard them

Treat your belongings as if they were real people. Appreciate them and thank them for their use as you let them go. Be sure to discard what you are letting go first, before you begin to organize what you are keeping. That way you ensure the clutter is gone, and is never coming back.

5. Designate a space for each of them

 Now that all of your belongings have been sorted, and you have kept what sparks you joy. It's time to create or designate a space for every item you are keeping. Every item needs a home so that it can rest while you rest. That way you don't have things just lying around or come home and toss something on the ground.

 You can read more about the KonMari Method by visiting her official website, here. I hope this was easy to follow and helpful to you in understanding what the basics for KonMari is. As I mentioned before, be sure to subscribe to my Youtube Channel for more on this new series, The KonMari Method. It'll contain how-to's, as well as vlogs of my experience transitioning to a minimalistic lifestyle using this method.

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Beautiful You| Youtube Channel

  For those who follow the Beautiful You Blog know, I've been working on it since the beginning of the year. I'm so glad for the response it's had and so I decided to take it to another level and begin creating videos as well. I've created a Youtube Channel, which you can subscribe to here. 

 I'm proud to present Beautiful You| The Art of Being a Lady's first video! If you enjoyed watching this, please like and share <3 Many more are on the way covering all of the topics I have already written about but also all the new ones that I'll be writing of. 

 Thank you for all the support you've shown, and you can further that support by subscribing to my channel, Beautiful You | The Art of Being a Lady. I'll be making videos bi-weekly, and eventually work up to weekly. I'll also continue to write post just as usual, so stay tuned, beautiful things are coming!

For the original blog post on this video click here.

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Create A Vision Board That Really Works

"Vision is merely a dream without action." - Joel Barker

Vision boards are a fantastic way to stay inspired in order to not only set your goals but also accomplish them. It's a fun way to get to know yourself and "put on paper" your thoughts and dreams. You fill them with pictures, clips, quotes and basically anything that inspires you to where you want to go and what you want to be.  The great thing about them is that they can change constantly. Once you accomplish something, you take it down and pin something up that represents your new goal. It’s like as you evolve, so does your board. It’s also interesting to have a visual board that describes what your life is like at any given moment, and who you aspire to become. Always becoming better version of yourself. 

 So, how does one go about creating one? The answer to that will take a bit of time and "research." You not only need to get to know yourself but I beleive in general, you must have knowledge of the law of attraction. Despite your personal beliefs, a vision board does not work without faith that it'll actually work and with you putting in actual work. Some believe in the law of attraction, that energy you put out into the universe (thoughts, words, actions) will come back to you in the same way. In a nutshell, you must envision what you want, believe as though you already have it, be grateful for what you have been given already, and let it go. The universe will guide you towards your goal and soon enough it will manifest itself to you.

 This is the first step you have to take during the process of creating your vision board. Figure out your intentions. You need to ask yourself questions such as; 
- What do you want? 
- What do you need? 
- What do you value? 
- Where do you see yourself?
- Who do you want to become?
-And how do you want to feel when those things are made manifest?
 When thinking of the feelings, be sure to choose single emotion words like freedom, peace, joy, success etc.  Write it all down. I like to use a web chart or a type of list to jot down ideas. Think of what inspires you.


 Next you want to be sure you have all of the supplies needed to make a vision board. You don't want anything to stop your momentum and interrupt your inspired mood. Go out and buy what you think you might need, and some. You will need basic things like 
- a board of some sort (poster board, foam board, pegg/cork board) Size doesn't really matter, but I found that small boards worked for short term goals and bigger boards had more room-obviously- to include long term as well.
- glue, tape or pins
- colourful or plain paper
- if you're old fashion, magazines and books (that can be cut up)
- scissors
- printer

 Before you can begin to put together your board, I suggest doing the following. If you're not a pinner, get introduced to pinterest. Create a "digital" vision board. I found that it was an incredibly easy way to make a rough draft of the board you want to create. All you have to do is pin all of your pictures on a "board" and from there either find similar pictures in a magazine or just print them off the site. But you will have gathered everything you want to see on your physical vision board before you begin, right there on your screen.

Then, be sure to find a big enough space to work. You will make a mess, so plan for it. I chose to create on my bed, it's a king size, allowing me to have ample work space, and it helped me get personal and in tune with myself. You can always do it where you are most comfortable, like the floor or your kitchen table. Doesn't matter, what really matters is how you feel. 

 Which brings me to my next step. Get in the mood for inspiration. Before I had begun, I kid you not, I left everything to work with ready on the bed, went for a walk, came home and took a shower, got in my comfy clothes, put a playlist on of songs I love and started to create. Do whatever you have to do in order to relax yourself, have an open mind, get inspired and tapped into your desires.

 Find images and words that inspire you and really speak to you. Think about how they make you feel, and what they mean to you personally. How will they help you achieve your goals. Try to find pictures that make you feel things. Try not to get carried away by what you find and cut up everything to put up or put up pictures that just look nice. No, take your time and really ponder on how you feel when you look at those pictures and read those words. I guarantee you, a vision board without emotional attachment will not work. Your pictures must invoke the feeling under your intentions, then start arranging them on your board. When it feels just right, go ahead and pin them to it.

You can always set aside any images that still feel good but don’t quite fit what you are going for. You can use them in future pages or boards. This is why I also suggest to have a digital board on pinterest. Not only can you make that board on pinterest private/secret, but it allows you gather and visualize your ideas better without wasting supplies and time.

 Be sure not to choose images that send you into compare and despair or that otherwise feel crappy! (One of the biggest mistakes people make with vision boards!) You want to choose pictures that motivate you, make you want to be better, and live a life you will be happy living. Inspiration is key.

 Now that you have put together your board, put it up somewhere you can see and be reminded of your goals. Many feel that vision boards should be a private thing, and decide to just store it somewhere, like a closet to take out occasionally, for "my eyes only" type of mentality. This will not work. You need to see it, and feel some accountability in order to feel compelled to work for the goals you have set on your board. You can place it in your room, hang it in your office or anywhere you will see it constantly on a day to day basis.

 Look at your board and be proud. Be excited for the journey ahead. I suggest to also make a list of the things you could experiment with to start living out your goals NOW. That is the awesome thing about using your personal values to guide you, you can be successful NOW, without waiting for something external to change or the universe to do its thing.

 Be sure to base your list in things that you are actually in control of. If you are already doing things that feel the way you want, make note of that, too. Get as specific as you can and start choosing those things as often as possible. This will get you going on physically working on your goals and being one step closer to achieving them.

 One last tip I want to add, is to always check in with yourself. Look at your board, and change it up from time to time, especially when you've achieved something on it. Be sure to take it down, and put something new on. Make adjustments and fine tune as often as needed. While on your journey, ask yourself how things are going. You must trust and have faith in the process. If you can dream it, you can do it. 

 I also have to say this, my board isn't hidden nor in plain sight, but it is noticeable. Many feel the need to ask about it when they see it. Some are judgmental, others ridicule the thought of a "higher mystical law" and some think it's a great idea and end up try it themselves. Be sure to not take in any negativity towards your board. Have courage, and convince yourself that good things will follow when you work hard for your goals. Anyone who ridicules them, aspire to nothing themselves and should pay no attention to. Your vision board applies and has significance only to you and no one else. Don't feel obligated to have to explain it to someone. But if you're like me and don't give a care about what others think of me, go ahead, dare others and encourage them to do it too.

"All your dreams can come true, if you have the courage to pursue them" - Walt Disney.

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The Best Tips When Writing A Love Letter

For some of us, writing comes naturally, we are able to open up like a book to read. For others, it isn't that easy. Many are shy, embarrassed or awfully timid when it comes to manifesting their emotions. It's normal and we all are different. No judging here. Nonetheless, we all feel love and wish to express it. Valentine's Day has come and gone, and as we've always known, you can share your feelings and show how much you love someone any day of the year. Let me give you a few tips on how to write a love letter. Because, everyone likes to know how much they are loved...

♡ Letters are not a thing of the past.
 Back in my day, during my school years, notes and letters were a thing. That's how you let someone know you crushed on them and wanted to be more than just friends. It would seem that today, letters and romantic notes would be a thing of the past. Don't worry about it. The only one you should care about is to whom you are writing your letter too. I'm sure they will love the gesture! Especially since it's a lost custom, they will definitely feel special in receiving one. People love to know how loved they are by their partners or significant other. That desire is timeless. A love letter is what will last and what will be remembered. 

♡ Not all of us have a romantic partner, but that doesn't mean you can't write a love letter to someone you care for and love. This can be your mother, a sister, your best friend, and the list goes on. Some of the most beautifully meaningful letters are written from a friend to a friend, or even parent to a child. 

♡ Don't worry too much about making it sound like a love letter. We've all done it, you know; where you try and rhyme and make the letter sound all inspirational. Then it backfires and we get stuck because it just sounds too sappy and insincere. There are no rules on how a love letter "should" sound like. You can’t really go wrong; don’t put too much pressure on yourself to write like ‘letters of old. Just write what comes to you and what you want your loved one to know.

♡ Since we are talking about getting stuck, here a useful tip. If you do get stuck and you can't decide on what to even begin with, make a timeline. A basic "past, present, and future" outline. Write about when you first met or — even better — the moment you fell in love with them. Share what the person brings to your everyday life. Go over topics about things you’re excited to do (travel, start a family) and your shared dreams. This lets them know that you are there and you're there to stay a while.

♡ Be sure to make your letter very personal! Small details are particularly important to writing a meaningful letter because they make people “feel seen and appreciated.” If you need to, write a rough draft so that it is absolutely perfect.

♡ Borrow quotes from someone else. It's 100% okay to feel a loss for words, and gather inspiration from others. Search for quotes and inspiration that remind you of the person and the feeling you are writing of.

♡ You can write a letter any day of the year, but even so, be sure to make it special. It's okay if you don't have impeccable handwriting, or fancy stationery. Just be sure to make it legible and looking neat. This means, no wrinkly paper! Presentation goes a long way...spray a little perfume on the paper to make it smell like you, or include a few confetti within the folded letter. It's all in the details my friend. This can easily turn into a "ritual." Make it a tradition, say for Valentine's Day, Birthday or Anniversary. 

♡ Personally, I have never, ever, ever in my life mailed a love letter. I always handed them myself to the person it was intended. That being said, I rarely have used the post in general. You can deliver your letter any way you feel most comfortable doing. You can leave it out for you lover to find or you can attach it along with a small gift. Its up to you and your shyness level.

♡  Don't be afraid to open up. The best love letters strike a balance between considerate and uncensored. You should feel really exposed, really raw. You have to feel vulnerable for it to mean something. In a day and age where gestures and details are missed when hiding behind a computer screen of a phone, allowing someone inside and see you as you are, can be everything!

 If you'd like more on how to write a love letter, I can definitely help with that! I can do a whole series on it. I can also recommend this book by Samar O' Shea, For The Love of Letters: A 21st Century Guide To The Art Of Letter Writing.  It's a great read, and can really help on writing many types of letters. Anything from letters of gratitude and crush confessions to breakups and goodbyes. I wish you good luck! Until next time. 






Inspired by BuzzFeed

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Defining Class and Other Ladylike Terms

Many people often think that having wealth is equal to having class or being classy. This is not one in the same. To understand what is classy we must first clarify what it means to have class. It's simply a shortened for the word classify. In other words, humans tend to classify or sort things. Class refers to a group, set or kind of people with the same social status, attributes, behaviors, best of it's kind etc.

 People usually don't make the obvious connection. So what does it mean to be classy? Webster's dictionary definition of classy 
:  having or showing class: such as
a :  elegant, stylish (a classy clientele) (a classy hotel)b :  having or reflecting high standards of personal behavior (a classy guy) (a classy gesture)c :  admirably skillful and graceful (a classy outfielder) For those such as myself that speak plain English, it means that to be classy is to be the category or group in which people are sorted into; that have the attributes mentioned above. Those who, but not limited to in my opinion, have elegance, style, high standards of personal behavior, are skillful and posses grace. I would also throw in there poise, kindness, confidence, righteousness and knowledgeable. But that's just me. What may be classy to me, may not be the same for others. It all comes to a matter of opinion and what you feel is right for you. The one thing I must say though, is that I believe that all of these attributes go hand in hand. You can't have or be one without the other. That being said, don't stress out about perfecting everything at the same time! Take it slow, all will come in due time. Remember, practice makes perfect. Plus, you have a lifetime to become the woman of your dreams, one day at a time.  As my research has progressed I've noticed many of these kinds of words being thrown around and often said. So I decided to go ahead and give you a definition for each. Just click on the word to be redirected to its definition. In order to make it a bit easier to fully understand what I mean by when I use them too. As time goes on, I may add more to the list. As you know it's common for dictionaries to have various examples and definitions for a single word. I guess choose wisely the meaning of each word as best fits your mentality.(In no particular order:)

• Elegance 
• Poise
• Grace
• Standards
• Morals
• Manners
• Etiquette

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5 Simple Ways to Look and Feel Put Together

If you're new to the blog check out my first few introduction post to find put more about my mission, and remember to subscribe for more content.

 We are finally getting into the fun stuff! In today's post my goal is to talk about why our appearance is important. As woman we are constantly being compared to ''unrealistic'' beauty standards, which cause us in turn to be competing with one another. This foments jealousy, envy, hatred, low self-esteem and other unkind attitudes. In order to break that mentally, we have to do a few things. Number one, love yourself, inside and out. Two, accept that woman come in all shapes and sizes, having different strengths and coming from different adversities...all beautiful. Three, there really is a different between girl and woman. Girls compete with each other. Woman empower one another. Maturity is part of your personal growth and will only come with time. 

These three point are pretty self explanatory but I will go into them in detail individually in other posts afterwards at a later time. Let take it slow and begin with number one, loving yourself. You might be asking yourself how can I learn to love myself or I'm pretty sure I already do? Some of us are moms, busy as ever with our day to day responsibilities. No time to do makeup when kids need diaper changes and food am I right? Others are young adults who are longing to find themselves, filled with insecurities, and the list continues all while being bombarded with images of the perfect woman at every turn. ''How can I ever look like her,'' is something I often think to myself when I see a beautiful woman.'' How is she so put together?'' I then excuse myself with '' I bet she isn't even married or has any kids.'' Pushing the blame towards my family for my lack of time or desire and even motivation to look nice. "Who is ever going to check out a mom" or "because I'm married I don't have to impress anymore" are all terrible and unacceptable excuses. 

 Although I still have those days, slowly but surely my way of thinking has changed. So here is my advice to you. If you want want to start to have a different perception of yourself. Change doesn't happen overnight, although the decision to change does. If you want a change in your life you have to be the change you want to see. I often give the example of a mom because I am one and it's something that I myself have struggled with. Looking good and well put together when life with toddlers is such a mess seems close to an impossible task. This isn't true, it is possible. You want to be put together? Well, wake up 10 minutes earlier and make time to put yourself together for the day that is ahead of you. Are the kids in bed? You can spare 5 minutes to give yourself a mini manicure and touch up your hands. Leave a few things ready for the following day.

 Keep yourself on the priority list, you don't have to be number one but you need to be on the list. You have to find and make time for yourself. Let yourself know you love yourself. Do what makes you feel good and feel beautiful. This will help you build self-esteem and  impart that sense of self esteem into the house hold. Learn to treat yourself, read that book you've been meaning to, eat that last piece of cake, go for a walk and have a well deserved break. Doing so will give you the ability to be a little selfish (which is okay), and gain self respect. Casting that to everyone around you. 

Everyone loves a confident woman. A happy mommy equals happy family and that happiness starts within yourself. You can't take of another if you don't taken care of yourself first. So that means no more frumpiness allowed. You may be tired and you have all the right to be, but you don't have to look tired. Physical beauty isn't everything but you have to start somewhere. Because when you look good you feel good. Simple as that.

Here I'll leave you with my 5 simple go to ways to begin improving your outer beauty and looking more put together  on days where you feel far from it!

#1. Makeup! I’m a momma bear of three. I don’t sleep. So I like to conceal my under eye circles. Doing this brightens up my face and makes me look less tired. Concealer always does the trick, you can even add a bit of three point highlighting to your face to brighten up even more!

Add a bit of eyeliner if too. You’d be surprised what a little black line can do for your spirits and confidence. Even a simple look can go a long way and change your mood.

You can do as much as your feeling up to with your makeup. Sometimes I like to add a bit of mascara, just to feel like I tried today.

#2. Instead of point out and settling on your flaws, focus on everything you do like about yourself. We all have something beautiful to be proud of.

#3. It might sound cheesy but a smile truly is the best accessory! When you smile, you tell your brain you’re happy, and thus actually become happier.

#4. Even smelling good, can change your view about yourself. How could something ugly smell so nice, that’s right, because you're not ugly! Convince yourself of what you already know.

#5. Sometimes you just need a good pampering by making sure to take care of yourself. Manicures definitely do miracles for my mood and I’m sure they’ll work for you too.

Even though it shouldn't be this way, people really do judge and treat you by the way you look like first. Sometimes natural and "great" personality isn't enough. Appearances are just as important for yourself own self-esteem as well as having others treat you seriously and with respect. Once you learn to love every inch of yourself, it will radiate from you and enhance your beauty and self confidence. Like I said previously, when you look good, you feel good.

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