Clutter-Free Closet

I would consider myself a pretty organized person, the house is generally picked up and the dishes are washed but DON'T YOU DARE open my closet! What you'll find is an array of clothes and shoes on the floor from attempted outfits that failed miserably were shoved in the closet. Out of sight, out of mind! My closet is chaos, it doesn't make any sense and for this reason, my mornings are rushed and frustrated when they could be effortless, fun and organized.

I have many pieces that never get worn because the task of cleaning out my closet seems like a completely overwhelming task. Don't tell my husband, but I have ALOT of clothes, purses, shoes and accessories in my closet which happens to be fairly small. Even when clothes are clean and hung up, their packed in like sardines making it nearly impossible to see the clothes. I want to make my small closet a pretty space to display my clothing. So, here is my plan to approach this overwhelming task!

1. Purge ferociously. Keep only those pieces that you absolutely love and you currently wear on a regular basis. Think about the one year rule! If you haven't worn it in a year then, say goodbye!

2. If you have a special piece that needs dry cleaning due to a stain or needs to be mended, then do it! Don't let it sit in your closet wasting space. Time to see if these clothes are able to be repaired for wear

3. Try everything on! Yes, this can be a bit time consuming but most likely there are pieces that you want to keep that you haven't tried on for quite some time. It may not fit as you remembered or perhaps your taste has changed.

4. Think quality over quantity. Remember the size of your closet and the breathing room that your clothes need! If the clothes are too big or too small, it no longer belongs in your closet. If you absolutely cant part with it, store it in a bin in the garage so that it's not taking up your precious space.

5. It may be time to color coordinate clothes or organize them to a system that makes sense to you. Make a trip to the container store or target for some additional organization items. Picking out an outfit in the morning should be easy breezy now that you can see all the fun pieces you have!

DIY Organizers:

Shower curtain purse organizer

PVC Pipe and  Pipe Glue for shoe storage

Get these chalkboard tags  and place them on drawers or bins.

Happy Organizing.

"Out of clutter, find simplicity."- Albert Einstein

Faking Flawless

If you love makeup, you've probably seen RMS in the spotlight recently. RMS stands for Rose-Marie Smith whose been a professional makeup artist for over 20 years. She decided to produce a makeup line when she had a series of health issues which were linked to the high levels of toxic metals she had in her blood. She produced an organic line that is not only healthy for your skin but has been dubbed J Crew's 'go-to' makeup line for their models and is growing in popularity.

Written from Refinery29, Until now, the "J.Crew Model Glow" was a secret that was held tightly under wraps. We twisted our hair into messy topknots and slicked on poppy-bright lipsticks in an attempt to recreate that nonchalant M.O. But, the one aspect that was missing from our Crew-inspired get-up was that skin. The J.Crew girl always has skin with the perfect amount of dewiness that manages to look fresh-faced and well-rested (and never greasy). And, now, J.Crew has finally divulged the secret — The Glow is courtesy of products from cult-favorite organic line RMS. Learning that RMS' Living Luminizer is what makes the models' cheekbones shine like sunbeams is kind of a d'oh moment for us. Almost every makeup artist that we've worked with swears by the brand's products — the Lip2Cheek tint and Buriti Bronzer are also major pro faves.

Oceans

I really love this song. It's called, Where Feet May Fail, from the Zion Acoustic Sessions. If you haven't yet listened to all of the acoustic concert which is approximately 2 hours, it is amazing! To watch so many artists in one room singing and worshiping is just awesome. There is so much talent out there and its really a pity that we only get to witness a small portion of it. Hope you enjoy the message and beautiful song as much as I do!

Keep It Simple

I'm definitely guilty of complicating life at times. Often my stress or worry comes from either 1. putting thing off that I need to get done 2. thinking about possible future outcomes I have no control over, or 3. thinking of things from the past that I can not change. Staying present in life is a hard task. Even when I remind myself to stay in the present, my mind can drift to other things in seconds, as petty as, "did I leave the curling iron on? What if the house burns down? did I leave it on the carpet? should I call Ryan? should I call my neighbor?...." and then I remind myself yet again...don't worry about it, you always unplug everything and you need to stop worrying!

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. -John 14:27

I often wonder why I like shows or movies that are cheesy and perhaps unrealistic, okay...very unrealistic and it's because there 'feel good' shows or movies. There is no crazy drama, no cat fights, just pure human life focused on family and friendships. I know it sounds crazy and yes, I do realize that their religion is EXTREMELY distorted but I think about what it would be like to live an Amish life. For nothing more than the simplicity of having no modern day technology. I wonder if I would enjoy this simplicity or be underwhelmed. I suppose the grass is always greener but it's something to think about. With 1 in 4 taking antidepressants in the United Stated, it leaves me to believe that we may be overcomplicated life which in turn may lead to feelings of depression and dissatisfaction.

I came across this very simple yet profound quote. I will be working each week to check one of these tasks off the list with goal of simplifying my life. I invite you to do the same and go on the journey of finding joy in the smallest of things leaving worries and stress behind.

“Dedicate yourself to Love. Decide to let Love be your intention, your purpose, and your point. And then let Love inspire you, support you and guide you in every other dedication you make there." – Robert Holden

This quote wrote by Dr. Holden perfectly summarizes my life's mission and what I want my legacy to be.

3 months to 30!

I know many people dread the big 3-0 but personally, I cant wait! To me it's the beginning of a new phase in my life. I've learned alot in my 20's, many great things and a few not so good situations but overall  I genuinely feel that the best is yet to come.

Packing for a vacation has always been one of my best procrastination moves. I shove things in my bag like I'm being timed and cross my fingers it will all make sense in the end. I've learned just recently that it doesn't work when your left with wearing the same shirt for a few days or freezing because you've forgotten a jacket. This is a classic Lauren behavior. I'd like to pronounce to everyone, that this vacation will be different, after all I'm growing up, remember? I've never felt so in need of a vacation and because of this, I spend my nights daydreaming and preparing lists in my head of what to pack. Here's what my crazy mind has come up with so far!

1. SUNSCREEN! I'm a ginger which means that sunscreen is essential. COOLA is my favorite sunscreen, it's light, refreshing and good for your skin...love their sunscreen chap stick as well.

   2. FRAGRANCE! My mom actually started this tradition since I was young and it's brillant. People have an amazing way of smelling a scent and being brought back to that particular time in our lives. For all my vacations, I chose a new scent and it holds memories. This trip I choose Bobbi Brown's Beach.

 

      3. BEACH TOWEL: I came across a really cute Anthro beach towel which I couldn't pass on.

4. BATHING SUITS: I'm really into wrap bathing suits in a blue tones (imagine that!), cut outs as well as tribal print bathing suits. Here are a couple of my favorites.



6. BEACHY CLOTHING: Vacations are all about staying comfortable yet fashionable. These looks are effortless and can be thrown on over a bathing suit and can translate from day to night with a couple simple adjustments.

7. HATS & SUNNIES! you can't forget to protect those precious eyes and face from the sun.

I'm loving the hand dipped yellow straw hat as well as the new 'Erika' Ray-Ban sunglasses.



 Cheers to an amazing birthday and year ahead:-) 







Ohhh Oscars!

So, overall fashion at the Oscars were quite simple. Oscars are typically this way as it is appropriate to dress more sophisticated and formal than awards such as Golden Globes or the Grammys. There were however, a few actresses that looked absolutely flawless; sophisticated, with a touch of sexy and glamor. Here is my personal best dressed list.

My top 3 in no particular order is Jennifer Lawrence, Kate Hudson, and Olivia Wilde

Old glamour...love the draping on the back.

Such a flattering dress and beautiful hairstyle.

Hi, can you believe she is 8 months pregnant?? what?

Here are a couple of my other favorite dresses. Everyone looked beautiful overall, just wished there were a couple more fashion risks taken.



Always love her fresh makeup and carefree beauty.



She owned that dress and the night.

Her hair is a bit bohemian that is the perfect juxtaposition of the dress which is quite formal.

When did Hermione grow up so beautifully? love this look

Seemed like a fun night!

Springing Into Fashion Flings

Pleasant Pastels

Sneak Peak

Glorified Jumpsuits

Holy Hair

Posh Polish