Decluttering My Closet: Konmari Method

Last summer I decided to revamp my closet. I searched the internet for ideas and finally found a style that I thought would not only look better but that would also make more sense. I decided to purchase The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo since I'd heard so much about it. After reading through the book, I decided to give her method for decluttering clothing and folding a chance.

I started by piling all of my clothes on my bed. Then I stood atop them and began picking up each item individually to see if it sparked any joy. I tried not to reason with myself or try to think of occasions where I would need an item of clothing again.

A good rule of thumb would be: if you have to think of a reason to keep something, get rid of it.



It went well, all things considered. Below is my donation pile:

I also tried the Konmari Method for folding and I actually quite like it. I am still folding my shirts and underwear this way. I like being able to see what all I have and it seems like I can fit more in my limited space. I have two storage bins under my bed for cosplay items and con shirts. Once I purged and folded them, everything fit with room to spare!

I bought my new closet pieces from the Home Depot and painstakingly put them together myself. I did enlist help to attach them to the wall. I didn't really hang my clothes via the Konmari method. I hung them in a way that worked for me. I grouped items together by type and color and didn't focus on length.

I folded my pants and sweaters and placed them on the shelves. I put items such as bathing suits, leggings and shorts in the bins. I finally found a place for everything!

Before

After

I was very happy with the way it turned out. It feels more organized and put together and the best part was I didn't have to find extra places to store my winter clothes. Everything fits! And after purging a good fourth of my wardrobe, I have a ton of extra hangers.

Below are links to the items mentioned above:

Shelving

Corner Organizer

Storage Bins

Rolling Storage Bin

Velvet Hangers

12 Months to a Healthier Life

I may have mentioned this briefly in another post but I have taken on a challenge this year to get healthier one month at a time. I found this particular challenge on Pinterest last month and decided to give it a go.

You can find the original article on The Beachbody Blog here.

In January, the goal was to focus on the positive. So I tried not to stress about parts of myself I don't like as much and things I want to change. It's hard sometimes not to think about the negative, but what you're really doing is discouraging yourself from changing those things. So think positive, people!

My February goal is to keep a food diary. As luck would have it, I had already started keeping a food diary in January. I use MyFitnessPal. So far so good except I do not understand the calorie adjustment thing. I tried linking MFP with my Striiv watch but it never showed any calories burned, so I'm not convinced the step counter really does anything in this app. Otherwise, I like it. I am able to keep up with my calories eaten per day and how many calories I've burned exercising. They also offer articles with healthy recipes and tips.

So if you're looking for a challenge for 2017 but a total lifestyle change seems overwhelming, try this one! I am simultaneously dreading and looking forward to challenging myself in future months (No added sugar and junk food? Eek!).

More updates to come!

February Favorites

I've decided to start a new blogging segment where I talk about my favorite things (clothes, beauty products, books, etc.) and give recommendations on the products I have discovered. So what am I loving this month? Read on!

1. Milk Shake Incredible Milk- I've been using this leave-in conditioner for a while now and I love it. It smells so good and it helps protect my hair from heat while conditioning and preventing frizz. I bought mine from a salon, but you can also find it on Amazon.

2. Plastic Storage Bins- I was inspired to clean out my refrigerator recently and decided to organize it using various sizes of plastic bins. The results have been amazing (I'll post the before and after in a future blog). I bought mine from Amazon and they weren't that expensive.

3. Buffy the Vampire Slayer Coloring Book- I got the recently released Buffy coloring book for my birthday, the latest in my adult coloring book collection, and I love it. It includes a lot of the classic Buffy moments and some of the show's best quotes. I haven't started coloring in it yet, but I plan to start soon.

4. Wrapped Arrow Ring- My favorite accessory lately has been my wrapped arrow ring from Charming Charlie. I wear it almost every day. It's simple but pretty and it doesn't get in the way of completing my daily tasks.

5. Green Nail Polish- This month I had my nails done in a dark green color (similar to the shade above). I wasn't sure if I would like it at first but I really do. It's the perfect fall/winter color.

6. Maroon Pocket Dress (MTS)- This dress is a recent addition to my wardrobe. It fits well and has pockets! It goes great with leggings and boots. I bought mine at JR Crider's, but I couldn't find it on their website. I did find a similar dress on themogan.com for $27.

7. The Night Bird- I recently finished this Brian Freeman novel. It's a thriller about hypnosis, memory loss and deception. I read the entire book in two days. It hooked me from the beginning and kept me intrigued throughout. I definitely recommend this if you're looking for a good mystery read.

31 Day Blogging Challenge Day 31: Why Do I Blog?

Why do I blog? Such a good question. I originally began blogging just because that's what people were doing and I've always had this dream of being a writer. I decided I wanted to document the last of my 20's and to challenge myself to complete a list of activities before I turn 30.

I've struggled with what else to write about and to find my niche. But I think for now I am blogging because I like it. And maybe some of my nonsense will entertain someone.

Since it is fitting for this post, here is a 30 under 30 update:


1. Visit at least one MLB stadium.

2. Binge watch a TV show. 

3. Visit a location made famous by moves or TV.

4. Learn how to change a tire.

5. Learn to sew a button on a shirt.

6. Run/Walk a half marathon.

7. Eat dinner at one of the world's best restaurants. I was finally able to eat at Two Urban Licks in Atlanta. According to cntraveler.com, this is one of the two best restaurants in Georgia. They recommended it on their list of places in the world to eat so I am counting it! As recommended by our server, I got the scallops and grits and they were both very good. I also absolutely loved the pimento cheese hushpuppies. I tried a bite of the brisket, chicken and macaroni & cheese as well and everything I tasted was delicious. I definitely recommend giving this place a try.

8. Sing karaoke at a bar. 

9. Learn how to make a good cocktail.

10. Volunteer.

11. Go skiing.

12. Take a pottery class.

13. See a Broadway play. My friends and I ventured down to the Fox Theater in Atlanta to see The Little Mermaid on stage. It was awesome and I love the Fox. This was my first visit but surely not my last. Maybe someday I will see a play on Broadway, but for now, off-Broadway will do just fine.

14. Ride a bike.

15. Re-purpose furniture. 

16. Finally finish that rough draft.

17. Craft more.

18. Clean up my mess.

19. Learn Spanish.

20. Get better at meal planning.

21. Develop a workout routine.

22. Read at least half of the books I own and have never read.

23. Go to a sushi bar.

24. Buy a couch.

25. Scrapbook.

26. Get my photography certification.

27. Treat myself! I recently treated myself to a massage, & had my hair and nails done today. I love being pampered every once in a while.

28. Make jewelry.

29. Complete a 30 day writing challenge. I have now successfully completed a 31 day writing challenge! Now to keep up with blogging on a regular basis from now on.

30. Finish old projects.

31 Day Blogging Challenge Day 30: What's in My Makeup Bag

I'm not a big makeup person. I wear eyeliner, shadow, and mascara almost everyday but that's normally all. But on occasion, I like to add a little something extra. So what's in my bag?

1. Thirty One Small Cosmetic Bag- It fits all of the makeup I use most often and is easy to carry in my work bag. This bag came in a set with a larger cosmetic bag that I actually use to store my hot rollers in. I'm not sure if it's still available because I've had this bag for several years.

2. Maybelline Fit Me Foundation Stick (classic ivory)- I love this. I am not a fan of liquid foundation and this is a great alternative. It goes on quickly and smoothly.

3. Maybelline Fit Me Bronzer- I am quite pale most times of the year so I will occasionally apply a little bronzer to help with that (especially when I'm wearing a light foundation). My only problem with the Fit Me Bronzer is the plastic lid breaks off very easily. This has happened multiple times and once resulted in a bronzer explosion in my makeup bag.

4. Maybelline Fit Me Blush (light rose)- Oddly enough, though packaged similar to the bronzer, the lid on my blush has never broken off. (Perhaps I am rougher with the bronzer?) I like to apply a little blush to my cheeks when wearing foundation.

5. Maybelline Master Prime (Blur + Redness Control)- Like a lot of people, I have some unwanted redness on my cheeks, chin and forehead. It is especially noticeable in winter when I have zero tan. I love this primer because it helps even out the problem areas. Apparently a lot of other people love this product too because they are sold out every other time I look for it at Walmart and Target.

6. Maybelline Fit Me Set + Smooth Pressed Powder (classic ivory)- I've been told you need a powder to set your foundation so I continued with my Fit Me collection and bought this powder. It seems to work just fine.

7. Maybelline Super Stay Better Skin Concealer (ivory)- If it's not becoming clear by now, most of the makeup I use is Maybelline. It's affordable and works great for me. I bought this concealer specifically to tackle the dark circles under my eyes and it sort of works. 

8. Avon True Color Eyeshadow Quad (mocha latte)- I've always been drawn to browns when picking an eyeshadow, which is why I love this particular color pallet. And since I rarely venture outside of these shades, one pallet is all I need.

9. Makeup sponge- I'm not sure of the brand on this one, but I purchased it in a set at Walmart. I love these sponges because they are infused with aloe and help blend my foundation well.

10. Avon True Color Glimmersticks Eyeliner (blackest black)- I've been using this eyeliner for years now and I love it. It stays on all day and is just dark enough for me without being over the top.

11. Avon True Color Wide Awake Mascara (black)- This is actually a new product for me. I'm not too picky about my mascara so I always order whatever is on sale. This happened to be what I bought last month. So far so good.

12. Q-Tips- I keep a travel sized box of Q-Tips in my bag at all times. I always need Q-Tips when putting on eyeliner. I simply refill my small box whenever I run out.

31 Day Blogging Challenge Day 29: Where I've Traveled

I am fortunate to say I have traveled many different places in my life. I won't list every place specifically, but I'll hit the most important ones.

Tennessee- I've been to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg many a time. Dollywood, The Dixie Stampede, the mountain views... And Nashville is a very cool city as well. I've probably vacationed more in this state than any other.

Missouri/Colorado/Ohio/Pennsylvania- These are all states I have visited to watch the Braves play. I have also attended conventions in OH and PA. I'd have to say Colorado was my favorite.


Maine/Nantucket/Martha's Vineyard- This past fall, we took my Grandmama on a trip to Maine (with stops in Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard). We got to go lobster fishing, see several really neat lighthouses, and some incredible views.

Florida- My family's go-to vacation spot when I was younger. Whether it be the beach in Destin or Disney World in Orlando, I always enjoyed trips to the sunshine state.

North Carolina- Myrtle Beach was another frequently visited vacation spot for my family. And I went on one of my senior trips here.

Hawaii- One of the most exciting trips I've been on was two years ago when some friends and I went to Hawaii. We saved up and booked through a travel agent (so it felt really official and important). We got to swim with dolphins, attend a luau, visit Pearl Harbor, eat great food and enjoy the beautiful beaches of Maui and Oahu. It was amazing and I would love to go back one day.

London, England- My only out-of-country trip was for an International Business class I took in college. We traveled to London for 10 days and it was fantastic (see what I did there, DW fans). We visited the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Madame Tussaud's, Baker Street, Kings Cross Station, Stonehenge, and more. It was a lot of fun and a great learning experience.

31 Day Blogging Challenge Day 28: What I Am Looking Forward To

I'm not entirely sure if this is supposed to be long-term or short-term but we're going to go with short. There are a lot of things that I am looking forward to this year.

I am planning a couple of trips, one out of country, so that's exciting. I'm hoping to meet more of the cast of Once Upon a Time and to see the Braves play in a new stadium.

Of course I plan to attend DragonCon and Walker Stalker Con this year. Maybe this will finally be the year I meet Andrew Lincoln! (Not getting my hopes up too high on this one.)

My office is moving into a new building later this year and, even though it will be a lot work moving everything, I'm excited to be in a new building with better parking and not as much school traffic.

Even though I'm not really into football at all, I am looking forward to seeing the Atlanta Falcons in the Super Bowl (since they've only been once and it was like 20 years ago). Rise up and beat the Patriots!

Short term, I am getting my hair done next week (rose gold) and I'm nervous/excited about it. I'm attending two plays soon and our 14th annual Valentine Girl's night is coming up next month.

So yeah, there are several things I am looking forward to this year. And of course I look forward to spending time with family and friends. I always enjoy my crazy adventures with friends and our interesting family get-togethers.