Spring Makeovers: Organizing Tips for the Home and a Virtual Makeover for You

Winter is starting to retreat, and hints of Spring are everywhere. Time to clear away the clutter and get you and your house in order. The benefits of a clean and organized home will translate into a calm, collected state psychologically. Although I'm not a Feng Shui expert, I do believe in the flow of energy within a home. When energy is blocked in a room, you don't want to spend time there. At the very least, it feels good to have minimal clutter and a bright living space.

It's best to allocate bi-annual cleansing rituals that will reduce accumulated stuff. I like to start at the top and work my way to the bottom. Go through the attic and really ask the hard questions: Have I used this in the past 5 years? Will I realistically ever use it? In your closet, if you haven't worn items in the past year, pack it up for charity. Many items such as books, DVD's and CD's can be sold at a flea market, or on Ebay! Getting rid of material possessions can be cleansing and refreshing, although at first it may be tough parting with some items.

It's a good idea to have three large bins at work, to help sort through material. Keep one for donations, one for selling and one for trash or recycling. Attempt to recycle all objects if possible. If you're anything like me, paper and mail will be the most time consuming effort. Invest in a good filing system, like an ordinary filing cabinet, and start folders for each subject. Remember to use common sense, and don't just move items from the house to the garage! Keep the momentum going and you'll be rewarded with a new home, one that is light, spacious, and comfortable to live in!

After the house is in order, spend some time on you! Since the heavy winter clothing has been packed away, it's time to indulge in flirty skirts, open-toe shoes, and light jackets. You need a makeup routine that is equally light and fresh. Toss out old makeup in the same way you cleared out your closets. It's easy to hang onto to makeup and beauty products for years, but it's really not recommended. Bacteria can grow in some products and cause irritation or infections. It's best to cull old products and start fresh.

A free vitual makeover is a perfect way to try out new looks and colour palettes without the high cost! During a virtual makeover, you're able to first choose a model that resembles your skin tone and colouring. The next step is to choose various colours for eyes, cheeks and lips. You can really see what works for daytime as well as night, with some options being obviously poor choices! There are dozens of combinations that you can try out to find a new look that suits. Have fun with the new you!

Visit http://www.girlyside.com/beauty.html to get your own virtual makeover!

Jane Arnold is a freelance writer and part-time beauty buff. You can get more health and beauty tips at her website at: http://www.girlyside.com/girlyside.html The website is a girl's guide to health, beauty, love and leisure. Sign up for the free newsletter at http://www.girlyside.com/newsletter.html

---

Lightening The Load

When I tell people what a FREEING experience moving is,... Read More

After the Clutter: 5 Steps to a New Daily Routine

I've noticed that in the two years since the major... Read More

Declutter for Sucess

Finish each day and be done with it. You have... Read More

Escaping The Clutter Trap? - 5 Steps For Increasing Productivity And Decreasing Stress

? Do you feel overwhelmed by all the "stuff" in... Read More

The Problem With To-Do Lists

Do you use to-do lists? Do you find it satisfying... Read More

The True Definition of an Organization

The true definition of an organization is one that is... Read More

Organize Your Desk ? Live Longer!

It may seem far-fetched, but by organizing your desk, your... Read More

Four Easy Steps to An Organized Closet

The National Association of Professional Organizers has dedicated January to... Read More

Identifying the Rocks: Organizing Your Priorities

In one of my favorite books, First Things First, written... Read More

The Magnificent 7: Tips for Cleaning Up Clutter

Clutter is postponed decisions®. Here are some suggestions to simplify... Read More

Life Lessons - Get What You Want; A Lesson from a Green Sea Turtle!

Sometimes major life lessons come from the most unlikely of... Read More

Tossing and Turning

"The real question is, why do you want it? What... Read More

Finish in Style - Organizing Works!

One of my mother-in-law's many oft-quoted and wise declarations was... Read More

Organizing Tips to Help You Conquer the Laundry Monster

Laundry. You sort, you wash, you fold, you blink ?... Read More

3-Step Clean Sweep Program to Organize

3-Step Clean Sweep Program 1 -... Read More

Time for a Clean Out

Time has flown. It's been six months since you came... Read More

Family Management Tip #3: Getting Ready for the New School Year

Clothes. Check. School supplies. Check. No doubt you've got to... Read More

Clutter Crisis?

Clutter costs you time, money, space, and peace of mind.... Read More

Creative Storage Solutions

When the things in your home start crowding in around... Read More

How Much Is Your Time Worth?

Does Your Present Internet Filing System Work?Do You Really Know... Read More

Balance- What Does It Really Mean?

Balance- what a popular topic these days! Finding a work-life... Read More

What Momma Never Told Me About Housekeeping

A lot of us grew up with Mom taking care... Read More

Organizing for Today, Tomorrow and the Next Day

Getting organized is hard. If it weren't, we wouldn't put... Read More

10 Myths of Clutter Clearing

1) It's easy to have a good clear out: Not... Read More

Keep, Get Rid Of, Or Not Sure?

Cleaning out can seem overwhelming -- especially if it's been... Read More