Day 7: Nailed It!

I am very much a girlie girl. I love being pampered and looking pretty. I truly find COMFORT in it. I also think it is extremely important to take the time for ourselves. One of my favorite Comforts is painting my nails. I think of a pretty manicure as an extension of my outfit, an accessory if you will. I try to make time for a professional manicure once a month or so (the $12 is so worth it!) Once my nails are done I can maintain them myself for a bit. Today I will share with you my favorite products: When getting a professional manicure I opt for OPI or ESSIE Polish, at home I use Sally Hansen Polish 's my favorite type is their Complete Manicure-it's a all in one polish with great color options I also like Revlon (classic not fast dry) and Covergirl,(if I use those or a regular Sally Hansen I use their 4 in 1 base & quick dry topcoat) I like to paint my nails at night or during nap to avoid smudges I keep my nails short, "squaoval "shape-(dark polish looks best on short nails) I use a pair of plain old nail clippers and a nail file to shape. After my polish is dry I use Bath and Body Works True Blue Spa Parrafin lotion(this stuff is AMAZING!) Happy Pampering :-)

Day 6: Shop year round and SAVE $

Now this may seem contradictory to yesterday's post on cleaning out clutter, but I promise you it's not. It's no secret....I love to shop!I also love to give (and receive) gifts! It truly is my love language. I get so giddy when I find that perfect gift for someone, I imagine the look in their face when they open "exactly what they wanted" and I get the warm fuzzies. :-) How can I afford to do this you ask? My secret? I shop year round....that's right I am always on the lookout for deals. But I have VERY strict criteria. First I keep a list in my wallet of all family members /friends/teacher/kid birthday I buy for and the occassions I buy for them organized by months of the year. As I buy a gift I cross if their name & occassion. Other important rules I follow: 1) Is it really usuable by the intended recipient? By this I mean if it 's clothes or accessories is it a classic piece that can be used forever if it's a passing trend I skip it..same applies for kids stuff...no character /popular on trend Tv show related items 2) If I were to receive it as a gift would I like it? It's not necessarily the cost (I have gotten many quality items at 90% off) it's quality. Always keep I'm mind their likes, hobbies etc... 3) How much of a bargain is it? For me it has to be atleast half off (50%) but 70-90% is even better!!!! 4) When will I give this item? Am I willing to store it for that much time? Do I have room? I keep ONE rubbermaid tote strictly for gift giving, as I purchase an item(s) I put them in the tote and write what it I bought and who /what it is intended for on a piece of notebook paper taped to the inside lid. Once the item (s) are gifted I cross it off. Simple! Example: March 19th-Mother-inlaw -birthday-picture frame Once the occassion arrives I can wrap it beautifully (from my always well st-ocked gift wrapping station) that's a whole seperate post ;-) Since Christmas just passed I will tell you a few things what I bought so you can get an idea of what I mean by my criteria: I purchased digital money counting banks for $1.49 at Target 70% off I bought 4... one for each of my big boys for their Easter basket and the other 2 for birthday gifts for their friends. I also purchased led candles (2pk) battery operated with timer for $2.99 this will make a nice gift for my friend's birthday (she loves candles in her bedroom but is afraid to fall asleep and they'll still be lit...problem solved!) I hope this post helps you save some money and time...HAPPY SHOPPING & GIVING!

Day 5: Clearing out the Clutter

At the start of a New Year I love to go through my home and "declutter" it seems like so much stuff tends to pile up between the start of school and the end of the holidays. I allow myself 2 weeks to do this since I have 12 spots to tackle (see below) 1)Laundry room 2)Kitchen/Dining area 3)Pantry 4)Living room 5)Toy Closet 6)Main bathroom 7)Linen closet 8)Little boys room ( #3 & #4 share a room) 9)Our room 10)Our bathroom 11)Big boy #1 room 12)Big boy #2 room I am ruthless when clearing out...I make 2 piles : 1-keep & 2-toss (if broken) donate/or sell I always arrange for a pickup from a local donation company for the end of that 2 week period...this helps keep me on track!(I will do a specific room by room post) I also use this time to take note of things that need replacement/replenishment I always feel so good once my home is back in order!

Day4: Sick Day

Monday January 6th post skipped due to migraine :-(

Day 3: Snowday!

Winter Break just got extended for atleast another day! My boys and I are so excited to have another day to relax in our pj 's, play in the snow, make some cookies and just have fun! Stay tuned for recipes and more.......

Day 2: Saying Goodbye

Today was a sad day for our family. We had to say goodbye to our dog Snow, she had severe arthritis and her legs gave out, surgery wasn't a guarantee of good results and we agreed that at 8 years old she shouldn't 't have to suffer. We were all there and able to be with her as she crossed the Rainbow Bridge. RIP Snow we all love and miss you very much

Day 1: Playtime with friends

Today we met up with friends for some much needed playtime at Pump it Up. We have had quite a bit of snow and cold weather lately and cabin fever was setting in. I often forget that I need that interaction just as much as my boys do. We all left refreshed and looking forward to next time! A good memory :-)

Happy New Year 2014!

I love the New Year. The idea of a fresh start, clean slate and new oppurtunities has always been exciting to me. But my most favorite thing about the New Year happened to me 11 years ago. I became a Mom! My sweet, perfect, baby boy Brandon was born at 9:04 pm via emergency c section 10 days early, an early birthday present to my amazing mom (who has since passed after years of battaling diabetes and heart conditions) From his first breath as the doctor took him from my womb and the whole room exclaimed "Happy Birthday Brandon" he had my whole heart, instantly...I remember the nurse rushing by to weigh and check him and all I could see was this little pink body with a full head of hair....she brought quickly over to me and said "Kiss your baby Mama" It was love at first sight, and when I finally got to hold him as we were wheeled back to our room, I knew I never wanted to let him go. In his eleven years on this earth he has grown into an amazing human being and I am so proud to be his mother. Why am I telling you all of this? Well because he inspired me to start this bloc. In celebrating the New Year and his birthday, I realized that everyday is an occassion, a reason to celebrate, create memories, traditions and take comfort in our family, friends and lives. So this blog: 365 Days of Comfort, will do just that. I will be sharing family recopied & traditions that we hold dear. I will create with my children, try new things and share that too! I am so excited to start this adventure...I hope you will join me!