Start tidying up the KonMari way

I’m sure by now you have heard of the Marie Kondo movement sweeping the nation. If not, let me catch you up…

Marie Kondo is a Japanese organizing consultant and author. She has written four books on organizing and her book “The Life Changing of Tidying Up” which was written in 2011, has been published in more than 30 countries. Kondo’s method of organizing is known as the KonMari method and it consists of gathering together all of one’s belongings, one category at a time and then keeping only those things that “spark joy.” In January 2019, Netflix released a series called Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. In the series, Kondo visits various American family homes full of clutter and guides the families in tidying up their houses through her KonMari method.

So why all the hype over cleaning up one’s home and life? Many of us feel overwhelmed on a daily basis. Many of our daily problems are out of our control. But our home? We are the peacemakers of our homes. By clearing out what doesn’t bring us joy and better organizing what does, we are able to truly enjoy and feel at peace in the home we live in. Here are a few examples of what the KonMari method of tidying up could do for you:

  • More free time to focus on what matters most in your life
  • Less feelings of overwhelm and burnout
  • Clarity of your ideal lifestyle and goals
  • Increased productivity to get the right things done & achieve your goals this year
  • More energy for yourself, loved ones and activities you used to enjoy

Tips to get you started:

☆ Marie Kondo suggests decluttering by category and not location

☆ Only keep items that are needed and that spark joy

☆ Start with easier categories and save the harder/sentimental categories for last

☆ Use this checklist to cross things off as you go

Not ready to commit just yet? Start by incorporating these 5 daily habits into your life.

BRING FRESH AIR INTO YOUR HOUSE

First thing in the morning, invigorate your home by opening all the windows to let in fresh air. This serves as a “good morning” greeting to your house and to yourself.

SIP WHAT SPARKS JOY EACH MORNING

Whether it’s hot water, herbal tea, sparkling water, etc., decide what you wish to drink first thing in the morning, depending on your mood and what “sparks joy.” By becoming more conscious about the the “joy” your body is seeking, you will be able to be more conscious about what sparks joy for you throughout the day.

GIVE THANKS TO YOUR BELONGINGS

When you return the jacket you wore or the bag you used to your closet at the end of the day, do so with gratitude, saying, “Thank you for supporting me today.”

RETURN EACH BELONGING TO ITS DESIGNATED PLACE

Before you go to sleep, reset your mind and body by returning each belonging to its designated place. It is ideal to do this every morning before you leave the house too.

REFLECT AT THE END OF THE DAY

At the end of the day, reflect on what sparked joy for you that day. It can be anything – including people you meet or events that occurred.

Denver home sellers are missing the mark on listing price

According to a recent article in The Denver Post, more home sellers are having to accept offers below their original listing price. Some points to note:

  • Jill Schafer, chairwoman of the market trends committee says ““If you aren’t getting offers in the first two weeks, time to make a price adjustment.”
  • DMAR’s counts show that only 17.3 percent of the homes sold in January went for above the initial list price, while 60 percent went under it.
  • A listing that stumbles out of the gate can prove costly in money and frustrations. Listings that linger are at first viewed as stale, then not worth bothering with, and eventually as defective.
  • Schafer said there remains a strong seller’s market for homes under $450,000 and properties closer into Denver. Those are the most likely to still get offers above the list price. Move higher up in price or further out into the suburbs, and buyers have more power.

To read the full article, visit ↓ https://www.denverpost.com/2019/02/09/denver-home-sellers-listing-price/

Self Care DIY’s

Maybe one of your goals in the New Year was to find ways to incorporate more natural products into your everyday life. We all know that non-toxic chemicals can sneak their way into just about anything these days. In order to use and truly enjoy clean products, you have to make a conscious effort in finding something that works for you. We have gathered some simple self care DIY’s with things you may already have around the house! Try one- you may be surprised by how much you enjoy it!

☆ Bentonite Clay Face Mask- made with only 2 ingredients, this mask is great for fighting off breakouts and getting rid of dry, flaking skin. To read the benefits of both bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar, click here.

☆ Lavender & Milk Bath- This hydrating DIY bath recipe will not only help relax you after a long day, but will also help soothe your dry winter skin.

☆ DIY oil pulling tablets- Oil pulling involves putting oil in your mouth first thing in the morning, swishing it around for up to 20 minutes, and then spitting it out. This swishing motion helps loosen plaque and clean between your teeth better than a toothbrush or floss ever could. It is even believed to be detoxifying. To make the process easier, whip up these tablets to have on hand each morning.

☆ Whitening Toothpaste- Many toothpastes contain ingredients that could be considered undesirable. This homemade toothpaste has only natural ingredients that can even help whiten your teeth! The texture may take some getting used to, but completely worth it to keep your mouth healthy and fresh.

☆ Detox Bath Salts- Pamper yourself while soothing away aching muscles and pulling toxins from your body. These bath salts made with epsom salts, himalayan sea salt and magnesium flakes can do all that!

☆ Whipped Magnesium Lotion- It’s the most efficient way to deliver the mineral to the site of pain, so that it can quickly relieve muscle pain, cramps and fatigue; reduce inflammation; and encourage regeneration of tissues.


☆ Simple Eucalyptus Shower Melts- Great to use for the dreaded congestion during those winter months. Find the recipe here.