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Floradise

A lifestyle blog by Marette Flora

How I Keep My Home Tidy

I like to keep a tidy home, though that doesn’t mean it’s always perfectly clean. (There’s obviously a difference between clean and tidy!) I am someone who becomes anxious in a messy home, so I’ve always worked hard to keep our house mostly clutter-free and organized. With kids it’s become more a challenge and our home does get messy sometimes, but for the most part it’s a quick process to get it back in good shape.

Ways I keep my home (mostly) tidy:

  • Declutter regularly. I’ve done several rounds of decluttering starting several years ago. I was most inspired by “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” when I read it in 2016. I am now watching Marie Kondo’s show on Netflix and it’s brought on another urge to declutter, even though I just got rid of bags of stuff before the holidays. This time my husband seems to be onboard as well, which is exciting!
  • Store things in baskets in closets.  I 100 percent agree with Kondo’s method of storing things in baskets and boxes.
  • Show my daughters how to put things away when they are done with them. When I play with my daughters, or watch them play, I always help them put toys away when we move on to another activity, or I suggest to V that she put her toys away.
  • Find a home for everything you keep. This is true in our home except in the basement, which we need to tackle this year. I like for everything to be put back in its home as soon as possible after use.
  • Don’t shop for things we don’t need. We don’t buy too many toys, for instance. For us that means buying toys on birthdays or Christmas and rarely in between. We buy clothes only when a new season is approaching or when there is a specific need. Another example: We buy shoes for the girls as they grow out of old shoes or for us when the need arises.
  • Don’t go to bed with a messy kitchen or home. I do a quick sweep every night before going to bed and make sure things are at least in the room they belong in, if not fully put away. I try to do all the dishes so we don’t wake up to a mess. I don’t always clean surfaces, but they will at least be clear of stuff. (I put things on the stairs that need to go upstairs and bring them up next time I go. A basket could be useful for this.)
  • Keep only certain toys in the living room. Toys mostly stay in the bedroom. If toys are brought downstairs they must be being played with. If not, back to the toy chest they go! Sometimes they stay in the living room all day and we don’t mind, but for the most part we put them away when the girls move on to something else (or V puts her own toys away).
  • I don’t display things on shelves unless I really love them. We actually don’t even have many shelves in the new house currently, so no need to fill them! We decorate our home with things that have meaning to use or that are useful. 

That’s pretty much how I keep our home mostly tidy. Yes, we have our bad days when our house is what I would call a disaster. Again, my house is not always clean, but it’s often clutter-free. I think if it’s challenging to keep a clean house, especially with kids or dogs, one can perhaps keep it tidy in between cleanings. I am looking forward to our next round of decluttering to see how much more calming our environment can become.

Do you have any tips for keeping a home tidy? Share them in the comments!

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Related posts:

Review of “Life-Changing Magic”
Decluttering before the holidays

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Postpartum Workouts: Week 1 Recap

Welcome to a new fitness series! I joined a gym last week so that I could restart my fitness journey. Yes, I have worked out since having a baby, but it hasn’t been consistent. I want to change that, so I’m sharing recaps of my workouts as I try to get back into my fitness routine. I’m recapping this both to inspire others to start, even if it’s slowly, and to hold myself accountable. If anyone reading this is also trying to meet a fitness goal, I’d love to be virtual workout buddies. Share your goals in the comments!

Week 1 Workout Recap:

Note: You will notice my workouts were not intense or long on my first week. That’s because I know my body and I am not in the best shape. I want to show how even just a short workout can help in the long run.

Monday-Tuesday: No workout. It was New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. We signed up for the gym membership on NYE and then went to the gym to tour it and grab our passes on the first.

Wednesday: .5 mile run and 15 minutes on the stairmaster. I then did 15 minutes of light yoga and bicycle crunches. (I was sore for three days from this.)

Thursday-Friday: No workout.

Saturday: .25 mile walk on the treadmill to warm up, followed by a 1-mile run. We then did about 15 minutes of yoga and bicycle crunches.

Sunday: Yoga Sculpt class at a studio. This class combines yoga with using free weights and strength training exercises like squats and lunges. It also includes a section on working the core. I estimate we did about 150 lunges holding weights and at a fast tempo. I had to take several water breaks. The instructor was like a drill sergeant, but I appreciate the intense workout.

Reflections and tips:

  • Don’t worry about starting slow or taking it easy. Yes, you want to get a good workout in, but you also don’t want to hurt yourself. Stretching is important, as is drinking enough water and allowing your body time to recover.
  • Mix up the workout to keep yourself engaged. I have always enjoyed a mix of yoga, running, and strength training.
  • Don’t worry about what others think. There will always be people who are annoyed at the newbies. Focus on yourself and ask for help when you don’t know how to use machines. Many gyms offer a free training session when you first join, and the trainer can help with the machines.
  • You don’t need the fanciest shoes, workout clothes or gear, at least not to get started.

Note: I am not a fitness trainer. These are just tips that I follow and that work for me. For the best fitness advice consult a professional.

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Recent Cruelty-Free Beauty Empties, Vol. 13

** This post contains affiliate links. I am compensated for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting Floradise.

I haven’t shared my beauty empties in quite a while, but I’ve still been using cruelty-free products since my switch a couple of years ago. Most items in my most recent round of empties are super affordable yet work just as well as higher-end products. I’d also love to hear what products you’re loving in the comments!

Pacifica Sea Foam Complete Face Wash: I have mentioned many times on this blog how this is my go-to cleanser because it’s gentle, works and isn’t tested on animals. It’s also inexpensive.

Love Beauty and Planet Murumuru Butter and Rose Shampoo and Conditioner and Masque: I’ve been using the rose scented shampoo and conditioner for months and I love them. I also tried the two-minute mask and my hair was noticeably softer and shinier after one use. Note: While Love Beauty and Planet is cruelty-free, it is owned by Unilever, which tests on animals as required by law in China. It’s one of many instances in which a cruelty-free company is owned by a parent company that isn’t.

Wet ‘n Wild PhotoFocus Foundation: I really like how my skin looks in this foundation and the shade Desert Beige matches me perfectly. It’s an affordable drugstore foundation that many people rave about.

Colourpop Brow Boss pencil: This was such an easy pencil to apply, but I honestly can’t remember if I was wowed by it. I remember liking the color black-brown, though. I purchased it after a beauty guru suggested it. It’s affordable if you’re looking for a drugstore option to try.

Wet ‘n Wild Megalast Liquid Catsuit Lipstick in Give Me Mocha. This was my favorite lip shade and I’m sad I don’t own it anymore. I need to buy it again but I’ve been trying to use up more of my other lip colors. I highly recommend this and it’s only about $5!

L.A. Girl OOMPHD! Mascara. I wasn’t wowed by this mascara. It’s decent enought, but I keep trying different mascaras and always come back to the Essence Lash Princess, which is only $5.

OLEHENRIKSEN Glow Cycle Retin-ALT Power Serum: Influenster sent this to me to try. It is a purple serum that contains a natural retinol alternative. It gave me glowy skin, but I looked up the price tag and I doubt I would purchase it again. I appreciated the gift, though!

What products have you recently used up?

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Related posts:

Recent Empties, Vol. 12
RECENT EMPTIES, VOL. 11
RECENT EMPTIES, VOL. 10

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My 2019 Goals and Guiding Word

It took weeks for me to figure out my 2019 goals. I had to really think about what it is I hope to accomplish. The person I wanted to be a year ago is not the same as the person I aim to become now. Some priorities have shifted, and some goals I previously saw as unattainable are now aspirations I think I can make happen if I commit to them. 2018 has been wonderful for us. We bought a house and grew our family, and all my attention and energy went toward that. In 2019 I hope to refocus some of that attention on my own goals outside of motherhood and marriage. While family will always come first, I have career and self-development goals that are also important to me. With that in mind, I’m sharing my 2019 goals in hopes of inspiring some of your own. I hope you’ll share your goals or guiding words with me in the comments!

Make fitness a priority again and run two half-marathons. I want to bring back fitness posts, which have taken a hiatus in the past year during pregnancy and afterward. I want my energy back and I’d love to not be out of breath when I walk up the stairs while holding the baby or carrying laundry. Also, working out has always helped relieve my anxiety. This goal is more about committing to my health and fitness, and then using that newfound energy to meet my career and family goals.

Replenish our savings. I saved in 2018, but a lot of it went toward replacing the lost income I had from taking maternity leave, which was unpaid besides short-term disability payments. I want to increase our savings and set aside separate funds for becoming self-employed. I also want to explore new avenues of making money.

Travel to a new place as a family. Iceland, Seattle, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas are on my wish list, but we are still discussing possibilities for travel in 2019. Our travel plans all depend on my husband’s work schedule and on a major decision we just made, which I’ll share later. (We also have a wedding in Virginia.)

Sell photography services/prints. I have always loved photography, and I’d like to do more of it. I’m not trained professionally on it, but I have learned a lot from workshops, classes and watching tutorials. I recently had a collaboration in which I was hired to shoot video and photos for marketing materials, and I really enjoyed it. I want to do more of that in addition to selling prints of my photographs.

Blog consistently and pursue sponsorships with brands I love. In 2018 I nearly tripled my blogging income, something I am proud to have accomplished. I want to continue that growth while doing something that brings me joy. I would like to double my blogging/editing income this year while continuing to partner with brands that I think readers would like or benefit from.

Those are my main goals, but I’ll be thinking about other self-care and career goals, too. What are your 2019 goals?

My Guiding Word/Word of the Year

Abundance.

This word has come up a lot lately, which I’m taking as a sign that I need to refocus on this mindset vs. on scarcity. I’ve been focusing on the money and energy traveling outward instead of the abundance heading my way. It’s not just about money, either. I put so much of my focus on time I don’t have instead of maximizing the time I do have each day. 2019 is about changing my perspective in that way.

Do you set a word of the year? What did you choose for 2019? How did you do on your 2018 goals?

 Related posts:

Favorite Self-Help Reads
5 Ways to Improve Your Photography
Beating the Sunday Scaries

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A’s 8-Month Update

This has been a major month in terms of milestones for Addi. She has changed so much in a short time, and this phase has become my favorite so far. I love watching her do new things and learn every day.

Sleep: After waking 3-5 times a night every night since she turned 4 months old, we decided it was in our family’s best interest to attempt to teach her to fall asleep on her own. It’s been less than a week and she is already sleeping better and going down for naps more easily. We are attempting as gentle an approach as we can.

Feeding: She’s eating three meals a day now along with breastfeeding and drinking breast milk or formula from a bottle. We are mostly feeding her purees, but we are slowly introducing chunkier foods and letting her self-feed.

Stats: I am not sure what her weight is now. She is in 9 or 9-12 month clothes and wears Size 3 diapers.

Highlights:

She pulled herself up to stand in her crib, so we had to lower the mattress.

She started army crawling at first but is now fully crawling, though she is still a bit unsteady.

She still smiles and laughs constantly.

She loves to drink water from her sippy cup and can hold her own bottle.

She still protests when mom and dad walk away.

She places her hand on mine when I say high-five.

She loves to splash around during bath time and now sits on a nonslip mat vs. in a bather.

She wants to grab EVERYTHING.

She still doesn’t have teeth.

We also had her passport photo taken and submitted the passport applications for both the girls, and we are excited for future trips as a family.

That’s it for today’s update. I’ll share another as she gets a bit older and we have hit more milestones. Do you have a kiddo(s)? Share a fun update in the comments!

 

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** This post contains affiliate links. I am compensated for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting Floradise!

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Related post:

Flying With a 2-Month-Old Baby
Adelina’s 4-Month Update

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Why the Holidays Are a Perfect Time for Decluttering

I recently decluttered yet again, but this time I did it differently. In previous declutters I would take everything out and sort through items one by one, KonMari style. I don’t have that kind of time to devote to decluttering in my current phase of life, so this time I tackled my simplifying in a different way: I decluttered as I went. What this means is that when I would open a drawer to grab something I needed, I also quickly glanced around to see if there was anything in there that could go. Anytime I opened a closet, drawer, basket, etc., I would assess the contents and decide if I wanted to part with anything. This helped me accumulate several large bags of items to donate or recycle/repurpose in just over a month.

Examples of my current decluttering method:

When I reached for tops or bottoms for the baby and found anything that no longer fit, I tossed it in the bag.

When a toy broke or I noticed it wasn’t played with, I asked V if she still wanted it. I also asked her to let me know if there were toys she no longer was interested in because she would likely be getting some gifts for Christmas. She was sweet enough to put together a small pile of toys that she said she wanted to go to kids who don’t have many toys.

When I put clothes or shoes on V and they were too tight, I put them in the donation pile.

As I unpacked boxes or organized in our new house, I noticed if there were items I had forgotten about that I could do without.

When I did my makeup, I assessed how often I wore certain lip colors and took note of when makeup was set to expire.

When I put socks on, I threw those without matching partners or those with holes into the textile recycling bag. (Our city offers recycling for shoes and clothing.)

When I took out the holiday decorations, I donated or tossed anything that was broken or too worn out.

This decluttering method isn’t groundbreaking, but it does work for those who claim to have no time to devote to empty an entire room and then sort through items. Keeping a bag or box in a certain location that you can easily add to takes little to no effort. Then simply drop it off at your favorite charity or have it picked up. The key is getting those donations out of the house as soon as possible, though. No driving around with them in the trunk of your car for months. Pencil it into your planner immediately.

I wanted to declutter before the holidays because Christmas is always a time when people tend to shop more and accumulate more belongings, whether you want them or not. I pick up decorations, buy wrapping supplies and have a bunch left over, and receive gifts, like many people do. The tendency for many is to make a new year’s resolution to simplify and declutter, but really starting before the holidays gives you a headstart.

 

Related posts:

Inspiration From “Year of Less”
Decluttering and a Family Tradition
Thoughts on “Joy of Less”

 

How to Find Motivation and Inspiration When You’re in a Rut

Lately I have been feeling off. I happens every year when Chicago’s winter hits (unofficially). The darkness at 4:30 p.m., the constant cloudiness, the frequent snow/ice/rain combine to kill my motivation and make me want to hibernate. I don’t have the luxury of sitting around and doing nothing, though, so I needed to find my inspiration again. I needed to pull myself out of this rut. I’ve compiled ideas for how to re-motivate yourself when you, too, are feeling uninspired. I’ve been practicing many of these myself in hopes of getting my drive back. For the most part I’ve been quite successful and I hope it can help others as well.

How to pull yourself out of a rut and find inspiration:

  • Start your day off on a positive note. I have been meditating every morning, usually during my daily pumping session, with the help of the Headspace app. Incorporate meditation (or prayer or journaling) into your morning routine. Make it an essential step as you get ready for the day. If I miss this, I do it in the evening before bed to help with sleep.
  • Exercise. While I am not back into my 4-5 workouts a week like I used to be, I am committing to at least one workout class a week for now. Even starting slowly like I am can have a big impact on your mood.
  • Make sure you’re drinking enough water. Everything feels wrong with the world when you neglect such an essential staple from your daily consumption.
  • Incorporate self-care into your daily routine. Find one way that you can take care of yourself every day, whether it’s the morning meditation, repainting your nails, scheduling an appointment you need, or taking a long bath.
  • Attend an inspiring event, such as a book tour event, motivational speech or a charity event.
  • Listen to motivational podcast or audiobook (or read a book). I am always inspired by reading about others’ personal development journeys.
  • Treat yourself. I did this recently by buying postpartum clothes that make me feel more put together and confident.
  • Make yourself a higher priority. Stop putting yourself last.
  • Take note of your accomplishments. An example of this is making a list of things you have gotten done today or this week vs. only writing down things you need to do.
  • Make gratitude lists (daily or weekly). Remind yourself what you have to be inspired by.
  • Take a social media break or check out different channels that inspire rather than cause feelings of lack.
  • Declutter your home and simplify. Excess causes me anxiety, as do messes.
  • Volunteer for a cause you care about. I used to make this a monthly activity, and I admit I haven’t been doing it lately. It’s a goal for the upcoming months to volunteer.
  • Network with people in your field or interest. Their excitement and passion can rub off on you.
  • Redecorate a space in your home, whether it’s the holidays or just giving it a refresh.

I hope any of these ideas can help you find your inspiration again. Have you ever felt like you were in a rut?

Related post:

How to improve your confidence

 

What I Really Want for Christmas | My Wish List

** This post contains affiliate links. I am compensated for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.

I realize that people seemingly only want gift guides nowadays, but today I want to be a little selfish and share my honest Christmas wish list. This comes from the perspective of a work-from-home mom of two who wants to get back into fitness like she used to be. It’s been an interesting year. Anyway there’s only one thing I want for Christmas, and that’s a night of uninterrupted sleep. Seriously.

That is what I really want. But if I can’t have that, I’d like:

  • A massage. This is always and forever on any wish list I create, from now on.
  • Yoga classes. I used to practice yoga frequently and even became a certified yoga teacher, but I have abandoned my regular practice in the past couple of years. I want to bring it back into my life.
  • A new yoga mat. I realized that I have used the same yoga mat for five years now and it needs to be replaced. I would ideally like an eco-friendly option.
  • A yoga towel. The yoga studio I’ve been practicing at offers hot yoga, which I had never tried until recently. I thus now need a yoga towel to avoid having to rent one.
  • Bath bombs. Nighttime baths have become a part of my self-care routine, and I love to be extra with bath bombs and candles.

What’s on your Christmas or holiday wish list? Anything you have your eye on?

Related posts:

Subscription, membership and experience gifts
Thoughtful gifts to buy on Etsy

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The Coziest Gift You’ll Ever Give

** This post is sponsored by Isotoner but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Hibernation season is upon us here in the Chicago area, and I’m all about being cozy and warm at all times as we approach the holidays. While I completely believe in getting dressed and ready for the day, I do like to keep my feet comfortable as I get my daily work done and care for my family. I want to share that same gift of comfort with my friends and family this holiday season, so I’m continuing one of my annual traditions: Giving away pairs of Isotoner slippers as gifts!

Fun fact: I have given at least one pair of Isotoner slippers to loved ones every single year. Why? I know firsthand how cozy and soft Isotoner slippers are to wear because I’ve owned several pairs over the years. Isotoner’s signature 360 Surround Comfort™ technology keeps your feet snug and warm while you prepare for the holidays  — and every day. Whether you’re prepping a holiday meal, wrapping gifts, playing with your kids or pets, or decorating, you can feel relaxed and comfortable as you move about, and that gift will last all year long. I plan to wear my slippers to keep my cozy for our annual family Cookie Day, gift wrapping and for breakfast on Christmas morning, among many other upcoming moments.

 

I wear them when having breakfast with and getting my preschooler ready for the day; while feeding, rocking and playing with my baby; while editing at my desk; and while doing other household tasks throughout the day. Slippers are a must for me because our home has hardwood floors that can be so uncomfortable to walk on barefoot or while wearing only socks, especially when winter hits. Plus, these Isotoner slippers fit like a glove!

 

I have both the Microsuede Marisol Closed Back Slippers and the Women’s Microsuede Basil Hoodback Slippers, which are both available in various colors.

 

If you’d like to grab a pair of Isotoner 360 Surround Comfort™ slippers for yourself or to gift a family member or friend, check out Isotoner!

Have you experienced the comfort of Isotoner slippers?

Postpartum Clothing Haul | Fall & Winter

** This post contains affiliate links. I am compensated for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.

After decluttering most of my wardrobe during the nesting phase of pregnancy, I was not left with much to wear during the fall and winter at seven months postpartum. I wanted to buy some basics that I could wear for the colder season here in Chicago while I’m essentially in hibernation mode. I never go too crazy with shopping, and this haul is a lot for me to purchase at once, but I needed clothes to boost my self-esteem and help me feel more like a person and not a “mombie.”  I’m sharing some of my finds because many of them might be on sale for Black Friday, plus they were already affordable.

My fall/winter postpartum clothing haul:

  • Cozy pullover sweater: I bought this one in the Wine color, but it also comes in many other options. It’s super soft and comfortable. It’s not itchy at all!

  • Long-sleeve top with back cutout: I just wanted a soft, basic top that I can pair with any bottoms I have and/or a vest. I want to buy this in another color as well.
  • Faux fur sweater vest: This is the coziest sweater vest with pockets and a hood. It was affordable at about $22. I have been wearing it nonstop! (This color is sold out but it comes in gray and black, too.)

  • Black midrise skinny jeans. Black jeans are a staple in my wardrobe. These are a good length for me and they are comfortable enough to wear every day. (I bought them in short.) Note: I also purchased Universal Thread jeggings, but I’m not sure I recommend them, because they stretch too much throughout the day, or maybe I needed to size down.
  • Cozy open cardigan:  This is the softest cardigan, and I wear it frequently. I picked the light gray color, which goes with just about anything I have. (It’s on sale for a limited time for $20.)

  • Pajama set: I’ve been feeling so frumpy in my mismatched T-shirt and comfy pants to go to bed. Now I feel more put together and this set is soft and cute. (I prefer shorts to sleep in because I run hot.) My friend was also kind enough to gift me a second pajama set that comes with a nursing top. The pants are so lightweight and soft.
  • Scallop sleeve sweater: It’s flattering and soft, but I wish the sleeves were full length. I bought it in gray so it can match just about everything.

 

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Shop Target Black Friday** (Nov. 23, 2018):

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