Organizing my life

I started redecorating my condo this spring and since have moved everything in my house at least twice. I removed all the carpet and replaced it in the bedrooms and installed wood flooring in the living room/dining room. I've undertaken a few other projects to complete the renovation in the main living area. I had been avoiding the second bedroom-until this weekend. I've been torn what to do with this room and finally figured out a happy medium. This is my new guest/craft/exercise room.

The biggest undertaking was organizing all my crafting stuff and getting rid of the stuff I don't need anymore. I'm taking advantage of the bookshelves to store desk stuff as well as all my exercise equipment (videos, weights, etc.)
Before:

After:

I know it doesn't look very impressive but I was able to centrally locate all of my supplies and now I can find everything in their labeled boxes! And, lots of extra storage for the future!
Eventually, I'll have a crafting desk I've got my eye on where the sling back chair is currently. I still need to hang up my pictures, bulletin board for inspiration pictures, and maybe a few shelves. In the mean time, I'm looking forward to working out and reading in this room. Most of my windows face north but the two windows in this room face east and it gets great light in the morning. I only have a few projects left until my whole house is done, but this was the last big one, yeah! The couch pulls out so I'm ready for guests if you want to visit Indy!

Chapped Lips Irony

I read this article on Real Age today. I looked up a few of the products I've used in the past and 3 out of the 4 had Phenols. Might be something to check out if you find yourself repeatedly reaching for the balm.

Chapped Lips? Avoid This . . .

If the cooler fall air has you reaching for your lip balm, flip it over and look at the label.

You might want to ditch it if you see this in the ingredient list: phenols. Why? These compounds actually strip the top layer off your lips, according to RealAge skin expert Dr. Amy Wechsler.

Peel Appeal?
Phenols are included in some lip balms (Blistex, for one) to help remove very dry, chapped skin off the surface of lips. But if you’re just trying to keep lips moist, the phenols can backfire by removing your lips’ natural protective layer. That may also explain why some people get addicted to them, Wechsler writes in her new book, The Mind-Beauty Connection -- the stripping effect can leave lips feeling raw, so you reach for more balm.

Careful Lip Care
To break this vicious lip-balm cycle, Wechsler recommends opting for a good moisturizing lip balm instead. One of her personal favorites is pure, simple Vaseline petroleum jelly. (Use it at night, since it offers no sun protection.) If you need to slough a bit of dry skin from your lips, just brush them very gently with a soft, wet toothbrush.

RealAge Benefit: Doing routine self-examinations for skin cancer can make your RealAge as much as 1.7 years younger.

Isn’t it terrific when a drugstore bargain turns out to be great for you? Pucker up and kiss those dry, chapped lips goodbye! Restock your medicine cabinet with a fresh jar of Vaseline, and start reaching for it again. Thanks, Dr. Amy!

References: The Mind-Beauty Connection. Wechsler, A., New York: Simon & Schuster, 2008.

Copyright © 2008, RealAge, Inc. All rights reserved. RealAge shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. RealAge® is a federally registered trademark of RealAge, Inc.

In the Kitchen

I've recently run across two different offers to share! The first is from Kitchen Aid through REAL SIMPLE. They are looking for great kitchen moments or memories. You can sign up and share your story here. If your moment is chosen you'll win these great prizes!
The second offer is through Kraft and Blogher. Share your favorite "Feel Good Meal" here and you could win a $100 grocery gift card!
Leave a comment if you enter either of these contests and be sure to let us know if you WIN!
Good Luck!

91 Days

I know this seems ridiculous but hear me out. In the last week I have stumbled across three different Christmas Planning sites and one hard copy manual. I don't know if I've just been under a rock the last few years but I was intrigued. I like them, especially "100 Days of Christmas" because it takes the time to break everything down into small manageable pieces. Organized Christmas breaks down housework and decluttering each space for later decorating. The last couple years I feel like I've been too busy and too stressed to be able to enjoy the season and be thankful for the true meaning of the holidays. I'm confidant that participating in a program like this will help. It also takes time to plan for the holidays between now and Christmas. I don't do what they say everyday but it at least gets me in the mindset. Check them out, they have different levels of planning and include too-do lists too!
100 days to Christmas
Christmas Organizing
Organized Christmas