What's on your Shoes?

"Who's Shoes Are These!!" Heard that lately? Yelled it yesterday? Are you exhausted from picking up a random shoe abandoned next to the couch, wondering where the mate resides?

Have you tried being a "Shoes Off" household? Did the concept work for a while, yet shoes kept sneaking back into the living space, piling up? Couldn't be bothered returning shoes to their home in the closet? "I'll do it later." Sound familiar?

Dr. Janowski said shoes are not a big worry for contracting coronavirus, but it might make you squeamish if you think about where your shoes have been. “If you want to talk about bacteria, we know bacteria love to live on shoes,” Dr. Janowski said. “You never know what you stepped in.”

Now is a perfect time to reinstate the concept of a shoe-free house! Keep the germs out and enjoy an organized home!

If you're debating the issue, ask yourself why. Too tiresome to get the family to follow the "Rules," no kids crawling or playing on the floor, no allergies, your feet don't rest on tables/desk? I'm sure there's plenty of reasons/excuses. How about just having cleaner floors? That's a great goal! Less time, less effort, less stress, more pleasure time!

Share these pros and cons from Christopher Mele in the NY Times, and get your family/housemates involved. Put up a cute sign to remind them, & future visits from friends. Also, enjoy a cleaner, less congested floor, "and not worry what's lurking on your shoes!"

 “Should You Take Your Shoes Off at Home?” 

Simply Persnickety in the Media

As I tackle "Big and Small, helping with it all" projects I'm constantly wondering, "Where is my film crew?" I could create a show on HGTV, with astonishing swift outcomes that I create for families and businesses, and it would be fun! So, until my fantasy comes true, I'll stick with trying to remember to take Before and After Photos and leave it to the professionals to highlight me in their news!

I'm grateful and honored Feedback Sports, 303Cycling, and The Primal CO Bike Expo reached out and asked if I'd like to be a part of their product advertising. Why of course, I'd be delighted, Thank You!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKfQx61QHWo&app=desktop

https://kdvr.com/on-air/on-fox31/good-day-colorado/primal-colorado-bike-expo-2/

Trash, Recycle, or Compost. What's in Your Trash Can?

Ranging 1 - 5, five being the highest, what score would you
give yourself for recycling? Do you get lazy and toss a recy-
clable item in the trash for convenience, or swipe off uneaten food vs put it in a container for a left over snack/meal?

What if you dumped all your home trashcan contents in a pile, and sorted it, what do you think you'd find? How does it smell?

I don't need to give facts, since most individuals are aware of what their city recycling program entails. I just want to replant a seed(s) that may have been blown in the wind and needs to be replanted.

Can you recycle more than you do now? How much food is tossed out each day/week in your home? Can you reduce your home trash down to a cereal or bread bag this week? Reuse a tortilla, bread, cereal, etc, bag for all your trash the next few days. I'm sure you'll be surprised how you can reduce your impact, and save on pricey tall kitchen bags that don't get used to their full extent nor break down at the dump!

Simply Grateful!

I'm TRULY GRATEFUL! Yes, truly grateful EVERYDAY!! I LOVE helping others create order in their lives and being a part of their new found energy, de-cluttered & simplified lifestyle, smiles, and appreciation. After breaking my right elbow in a cyclo-cross race last October, and having to refrain from most work for 3 months, 2015 has been filled with daily opportunities to help others uncover lost energy, desire, and personal belongings! I have been organizing almost 7 days a week for the past 5 months with numerous clients most days/evenings, just to fit everyone in, and I'm SO GRATEFUL! Grateful is the word that continually popes into my thoughts, day and night, when thinking of my life; family, health, home, location, and clients! I too am empowered by my client's regained energy, motivation, smiles and appreciation. EVERY SINGLE DAY a client states out loud, "I've been looking for this!" or "This find, makes it all worth it!" Another heartfelt comment that tugs at my emotions is, "I(we) couldn't have done this without you!" The emotion on their face says it all and I am truly grateful to share my gift with others! As I sit here on Memorial Day(yes, I'm actually sitting!), grateful for our Service Men and Women, I'm reflecting on the thoughtful words that were shared with me via technology this week: An e-mail quote from a client on vacation, after she received pictures of what I had accomplished prior to a realtor photographer photo shoot, "SO SPARKILING AND PRESTINE!!! I LOVE HOW EVERYTHING LOOKS!!!! GLORIOUS!!! I AM GRATEFUL!!!! WOW!!! YOU ARE AMAZING!!!! Thanks 10 Million!!! Katherine "After seeing what you accomplished, and how you handled the emotional situation, my crew really wants you to come in and apply your skills to our office, asap." Todd "We are so blessed. We couldn't have done this without you!" Dudley "I would never wish this basement cleaning/organizing upon anyone, and as time went on yesterday, the task went from daunting to exciting!" Sylvia "WOW...wow!!! Amazing... Beautiful!!!" Sarah "Shelley is a true gift. A fantastic find!" Peter (Verbal praise overheard from a father to his daughter.) Have a glorious day everyone. It's time for me to get moving and put fresh sheets on beds!

How Much do You Spend On Cleaning Products Each Month?

$66.95 is how much residents of Knoxville, Tennessee spend on cleaning products each month! REALLY??!! "It's the highest average in the nation, as determined by purchases on Alice.com, a home-goods shopping site. Residents of Pocatello, Idaho, spend at least:$9.08. Want southern cleanliness a western price? A basic (and cheap!) lemon is all you need to clean everything from countertops to cutting boards, the garbage disposal to tile grout!" (Julia Edelstein; Real Simple, Sept. 2012) Plus, remember if you wipe down your bathroom counters with a washcloth, toss water around in your sinks and showers after each use, pick up crumbs when they fall, don't wear shoes in the house, and use a lemon, cleaning will be minimal when you get around to the big clean. Plus, Method cleaning supplies don't cost much and are earth friendly too!

Kudos for Simply Persnickety

Here are a few compliments, I received in writing, that I'd like to share with you:

"I want to introduce you to my awesome organizer, Shelley. She has done wonders for me to help me clear clutter and make my space more livable, as well as help me organize my office! Shelley can also do this with the greatest of tact and compassion. I know she can help you turn your home into a sanctuary." Todd

"You are SO good at helping people improve their surroundings and their
lives. You're such an inspiration. Thank you for helping us all." Christine

"You are one of the hardest working people I have ever seen." Tony

"I'm amazed at what you've accomplished in such a short period of time. I wish we had done this years ago. This is what I had envisioned living in my home would look like!" Candice

"Shelley is a professional organizer who can do move out purging, organization, and is an absolute wonder woman." Amy, realtor

"I am writing to recommend Shelley Hartman, an amazing home and life organizing consultant. She has helped me find order in my crazy home. I hired her to help with my home office which is also where I manage my business. Immediately, she made a difference and has since attacked some other in-need areas - closet, kitchen, living room, laundry. I am a little addicted, but she has taught me so many great skills that I think I am ready to be organized on my own. It is a beautiful thing. You should contact her today." Jen

"The house looks fabulous but we can't be too perfect in today's market. The 4 areas of master closet, laundry, boiler room and Pantry could use the touch of a house organizer. I recommend Shelly Hartman: 303.549.0494 Simplypersnickety@hotmail.com
She can do all 4 areas in 3 hours if she can work without interruption!" Peyman, Broker Associate
Modern Real Estate

"Thank you SO much, I'm so lucky to have found you. You keep me sane." Nancy

"As for your fabulous work… Shelley… thank you thank you! My son is now a big believer that “everything has a place.”  And… he has so much respect for (his teacher) that he’s more inspired to keep his own things under control." Kelly

"Thank you sooo much. I could just lay down my head and cry with relief.“ Stephanie
“I felt like the weight of the world was lifted off me, and I was energized for the whole weekend. I was able to use my files easily all week. I can’t wait for you to be here next week.”

“I love the job we did together! It truly saved my life. The whole thing had gotten so unmanageable. You were fabulous, respectful, nonjudgmental, and encouraging. And, you have gotten me and the family back on a roll. Since you left, I got rid of more clothes, games, doll clothes, books, bikes. We bought colorful storage containers, chairs, trash can for the art room. And two-step stools for the girls' closets. The rooms remain clean. We are all cleaning up as we go (with expected grumbling from the husband and kids). I also got a couple of organizing bins for the garage...and cardboard boxes to organize photos by year when mother-in-law is here. You even inspired the housekeepers, who spontaneously folded all of mine and Dave's clothes in our closet.

The girls had a traumatic moment (crying/protesting) when they realized how many doll clothes I gave away. I view this as necessary mourning re: the whole shift in the amount of stuff and our relationship to the stuff. You can consider yourself to be an effective antidepressant!" Stephanie

“You did an excellent job. So glad I found you and that you are in my life.” Irene

“I am so grateful for your help. I feel that for me it was as valuable as any professional development that I have taken.” Devira

“I was given your name by our fabulous principal, Val, who is singing your praises.” Thea

“Just wanted to let you know the package is GORGEOUS!!! We’ll present it this afternoon. Thank you, thank you for all your help with this wonderful gift.” Kelly

“It’s perfect, thank you! They look very nice. Elegant, simple, clean. Just like you!” Diane

"I spent all day cleaning the kitchen, doing all the dishes and most of the laundry. It's amazing how much energy and motivation has been released. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart!" Amber

"I will be in need of your assistance again. You are a very competent individual and have been an enormous help to me." Irene "You are such a dear. You brought tears to my eyes when I came home and found my shoes all lined up. Thank you!"


"I LOVED what we got done yesterday! I'm so happy to finally be tackling these irritating spaces in the house. I did my homework! I threw out the trash and recycled the paper. I went through last year’s Xmas cards. And, I also dealt with all the paper and stuff hanging out in the kitchen. (My husband) was really excited to see what we accomplished. He's on board!" Krista

"Thank you again. You rock! You provided more than a clean and organized garage; you provided time, energy, calmness and inspiration!! Yeah!!" Jessie

Pricing

Pricing varies and depends on the individual needs for each client, and if I work alone or with the client.

Typical Pricing:

Garage/home/office/classroom/storage unit/kitchen organizing, staging, and Move-Ins/Move-Outs: $55-$70/hr

Filing/paperwork/creating filing systems/personal shopping/organizing finances: $45-$50/hr

Additional costs for gas/mileage outside of Boulder and long distance travel. I have clients around the United States.

Typical Client Comments/Questions:

-I have to get organized enough for you to come over.

-I don't know where to begin.

-I'll start organizing when the kids go back to school, but before I knew it they were on summer break AGAIN!

-Where are my keys?

-Where is my purse/credit card/wallet?

-I can't park in my garage.

-I can park in my garage, but I can barely get out of my car.

-I need to wrap a gift, but I can't find the wrapping paper and tape.

-And where are the scissors?

-Help! I don't know what color to paint the walls in my living room.

-My child's teacher is phenomenal, but the classroom is overwhelming and so disorganized they can't learn.

-My kids won't invite their friends over because they are too embarassed.

Typical Client Results:

-Classroom Organizing

-Color/Design Consultation

-Compassionate Downsizing

-Custom Filing Solutions

-Financial Organizing

-Home/Office Organizing

-Insurance Documentation

-Orchestrating Moves

-Personal Coach

-Personal Shopping

-Public Speaking

-Relocation & Remodel

-Staging

-Deep Cleaning

-Remove Unwanted Materials (Deliver to charity of your choice, recycling, etc)

About Me:

-Former elementary school teacher (18 years)

-Wrote curriculum on national level

-Public speaker on national level

-Flexible scheduling

-Personal trainer/Certified Yoga Instructor

-Ski Instructor
-Obsessed with organizing

Cleaning Wool Rugs

A girlfriend inquired last night how to clean a new wool rug. She had purchased a discounted floor model with a few smudges. I haven't had the opportunity to clean a wool rug, and I simply thought a hand steam cleaner would do the job. I was WRONG! After researching, I found out that the steam can create shrinkage. Follow these simple steps to clean your wool rugs: http://www.ehow.com/how_155898_wash-wool-rug.html or http://www.glen-eden.com/glenedenwoolcare.pdf

F.Y.I. I personally won't purchase a rug from Pottery Barn, because of the obnoxious smelling glue they use. I have found that client's who have purchased rugs from Pottery Barn end up giving them away, because of the burning odor their rugs emanate after a few years.

To start my month off clean, I washed all of my throw rugs. Plus, I washed my car and the towel I keep on the floor, in front of my child's car seat. (It's a fast way to keep the floor mats clean and looking new. A quick shake and regular wash keeps the winter road goop out of my mats.)

What can you do to start your month off right?

An Amazing Day at the Office!

I had a FABULOUS day toady! My mother-in-law is in town and blessed us with her presence. She is as persnickety ("but not as obsessive") as I am, so I was thrilled when she agreed to join me on a new job today. She was "invaluable." What amazing results we created, and what fun! My client said she "could put down her head and cry with joy and relief." I'm still excited about my day.

Under Bed Storage

I love being able to roll out my gift wrapping station from under my guest bed. Not only do I keep paper, tissue, gift bags and some ribbon in the tote, but also scissors, tape, and kid's birthday card and gift I picked up from Tuesday Morning (and the Dollar Store) for that last minute birthday party. Easy and convenient!

Great Bin Sale

Bins are on sale at Home Depot for CHEAP and they are cute colors too!

It's a great week to update any of the boxes you have been using in the the past for storage bins. Purchase plastic bins to keep your belongings safe from the the elements. Different colored bins make organizing and locating items easy.

"Kick Your (Dirty) Shoes Off!

Today's Tip:

DON'T WEAR YOUR SHOES IN THE HOUSE. It's as simple as that!

Here is what My Guest Speaker Castle Keepers has to say about staying Squeaky Clean:

"In an episode of the TV show “Sex and the City,” fashionista Carrie Bradshaw went to a party where the hostess asked the guests to remove their shoes. Carrie balked at the request because her high-priced shoes were the perfect complement to her outfit. Well, what Carrie didn’t realize is that she could take some steps to a healthier home by leaving her shoes at the door.

We track a lot of icky stuff in on the soles of our shoes, so it’s a good practice to remove your shoes at the door. You limit the wear and tear on your carpeting and floors and you cut down on the dirt and toxins in your house.

The cleaning industry estimates people track 85 percent of the dirt in their homes from the outside. The biggest culprits are shoes and pet paws.

Having a “shoes off” policy makes sense and is one that can be easily implemented.

· Put a basket, shelf or rack at your door so it’s convenient – not to mention a good reminder – to remove shoes.

· Leave some socks or slippers near the door, so you can slip something on your feet if you don’t want to show your bare toes or to stay warm.

· Look for a mat that reads “Please remove your shoes” and place it at the door as a gentle nudge to guests that you have a “no shoes in the house” policy.

· Place a good quality mat at the door so in the instances where shoes are left on, you and your guests can thoroughly wipe the soles and remove a good portion of the dirt.

In a majority of countries, it’s common practice and polite to remove your shoes before entering the home. So err on the side of caution and remove your shoes. Or, if you are unsure about the homeowner’s preference, just ask.

If you don’t have a “shoes off” policy at home, give it some thought. Think of all the places you walk in a day and whether you want to bring all that into your home – especially if you have small children who crawl or play on the floor. Plus, you can save yourself some time with the broom or vacuum cleaner – and that’s reason enough to kick off your shoes at the door."

Source: http://castle-keepers.com/, Accessed December 12, 2009.

She took the words right out of my mouth! Thankfully, I didn't have to take time to write it all down too.

A Good (Safe) Clean

Professor Gerba (Charles Gerba, a professor at the University of Arizona who specializes in environmental microbiology) offers these tips: Wipe down sinks and drains each day with a cleanser containing chlorine bleach. This will knock out 99.9 percent of fecal organisms. Countertops, appliances, and faucet handles should get the treatment two or three times a week, and toilets, tubs, and showers once a week. Use separate cutting boards for meat and vegetables, lest you transfer germs from one to the other. Throw cutting boards, kitchen sponges, and dishcloths in the dishwasher (or, in the case of the latter items, the washing machine) after use. Alternatively, soak them for five minutes in a sink full of water containing a cup of bleach. When doing laundry, make underwear the last load. Don't sort by colors (or at least don't put colored underwear with other colored items). Use chlorine bleach, which will clean both the clothes and your washing machine. Use bleach tablets in your toilet bowl. And take it from me, if you do nothing else, put your toothbrush back in the medicine cabinet after use.

— Cecil Adams

http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/1317/does-flushing-the-toilet-cause-dirty-water-to-be-spewed-around-the-bathroom

What's Living In Your Toothbrush?

Today's Tip: Keep your toothbrush as far as possible from the toilet.

It is said that dental toothbrushes and toilet bacteria are somehow connected. How unpleasant it wouldn’t be, but these rumors are absolutely true, and if not considering some strict rules in keeping the dentistry toothbrush clean than it can be easily considered that while washing your teeth you are putting the toilet brush into your mouth.

It may sound rude and impolite but latest discoveries show that your dental toothbrush is full of influenza virus, herpes simplex I, streptococci, staphylococci, bacteria that cause gum disease, cavities, and even diarrhea illness. All of them can survive and even thrive in high numbers on your toothbrushes.

Scientists have found more than 10,000,000 bacteria living on a single toothbrush. This huge number does not vary a lot. Now think how dangerous becomes the everyday procedure of ‘cleaning’ your teeth if not to take the right care about your dental toothbrush. Millions of bacteria infects the oral cavity and can badly infect your damaged gums, too.

The main reason of all this is considered the wrong bathroom design, easily met in many today houses. The restroom and the bathroom are usually situated in the same area. When you flush the toilet many water droplets are expelled from the toilet bowl into the air and affect toothbrush.

To find out more read: http://worldental.org/oral-hygiene/toothbrush-and-toilet-bad-bacteria/

Dental health Magazine; June 8th, 2009

Hair Everywhere!

I don't know about you, but my hair seems to fall out all year long! I was told by my hair stylist that humans shed about three times a year. From the amount of hair around my house, it seems like I go through a major shedding process daily. Yes, I do clean up the hair daily, so I know. Because I lack a proper plug outlet in my bathroom for my Dust Buster to stay plugged in and out of the way and don't want to get the Swiffer out before work each morning, I generally lean over and swipe the floor with a tissue to pick up run away hair (and wipe the dust off the floorboards) to keep a clean bathroom. It helps slow down the need for a "big clean."

Tip for today: Keep your drawers closed when brushing your hair! (and flushing!)

Plus, pull the dead hair out of your brush often and pick up any loose strands that may be lounging in your drawers. They can add up!

Find out proper care for your brush: http://www.ehow.com/how_5159809_wash-hair-brushes.html

While we're discussing bathroom drawers. Please wash out and dry off (wash cloth) your tooth brush prior to returning it to it's happy home. Unless you have a private little room for your throne, I'd suggest placing your toothbrush in a closed drawer or cabinet. Make sure to read tomorrow's post to find out more!

Less Mess

Tip: Open your milk containers with caps or screw tops over the sink. The milk that dries on the container opening always crumbles off when opening the cap. Have you noticed? Just think, that mess is now all over your kitchen, depending on where you open the container. Create a new routine today to open the milk container over the sink. One less mess to have to clean.

Don't drink milk? You can use this new routine of opening containers and ingredients over the sink any time you cook/eat. Flower, sugar, screw top cinnamon/spice containers, cooking sprays, new cereal or cake/bread mixes are all disasters waiting to happen. For less mess, do it over the sink!

Also, check out my tip on using a new sponge each month, "Start the Month Off Right" (January, 30th, '09) for a cleaner kitchen.

Clean Drawers!

Tip: Don't eat, bake, or cook over open drawers. Keep them clean!

The amount of crumbs I've seen in kitchen drawers could keep a mouse family fat and happy for a lifetime. Before opening a drawer, wash your hands or wipe them off. No need to make your drawers and cabinets look twice their age just because you're being lazy. If need be, use your pinky to open them. If you notice dust/crumbs in your drawers take time right then and there to wipe it clean. Don't wait for cleaning day - you'll forget!

How to Stay Organized - 3 Tips!

How do you start your day? It's a brand new day and with it comes new challenges and accomplishments. Some wake up to chaos and others to calm. Which do you have...which would you like??? Everyone has a different level of chaos that they can handle. In a perfect world we would all wake up to a calm, serene household; whether you live by yourself or in a full house!

Because of who I am, my house is picked up prior to going to bed - meaning, the last few items I used were put away. Therefore, when I rise, the first thing I do before starting my new day is fluff/put back the couch pillows from my husband the night before and put away all the pots and dishes on our bamboo drying rack. It's a routine and makes for a clean slate. I do have to admit, to my husband's dislike (because he's still in it), I make my half of the bed when I get up, so I don't have to come back later.

You'll hear me state this many times, "Change is challenging, but GREAT!"

Start these 3 new routines: only touch something once, clean up as much as you can before you eat, and put an object away in it's "happy home" right after using it.

Examples:

Only touch something once! Mail: while walking from the mailbox, sort through the mail. Junk mail in the front of your palm, bills in the middle and cards/information to be saved goes in the back. Walk right to your trash and recycling bins and dump the junk mail/empty envelopes. Put your bills in their "happy home" (separate from other mail - possibly with your check book) and pin up the informative pieces on the bulletin board/write the dates on your calendar. DON'T JUST PUT IT DOWN ON THE COUNTER - nor the "In Box/To Do" bin you think you've organized! Touch it ONCE!

Clean up before you eat - at least small meals! Breakfast and lunch should be made and put away (Not including pans - put in sink with water) before you eat. Leave the kitchen looking like you never made your bowl of cereal/sandwich/etc. when you sit down to eat. Then, all you have to do is clean up the bowl/plate when you're done. Put condiments/spices away while you're cooking. Clean the mixing bowls/put them in the dish washer as you're moving through your recipe. It also a good deal if two individuals make a deal that one cooks and the other cleans.
Don't go read your e-mail while waiting for the item to cook - clean up!

Put the item away - well, if you only "touch something once" you've already put it away. But if the phone rings just as you're finishing wrapping that last gift, go back and put the tape, scissors, ribbon, and paper away in your wrapping storage bin so it's all ready for next time! YES, you should keep all wrapping materials and supplies in one spot. No need to go running around your house for tape or scissors each time you need to wrap that last minute gift. Another great idea is to keep extra cards and gifts (those "It's just not me" gifts you can re-gift) in a bin near the wrapping bin/station. Other classic items not put away are jackets and clothes! Do it right when you walk in the door or when you undress. No more clothes out of place! That's not why that chair/top of your dresser is in your room. Touch it once!

After accomplishing these three new routines, your mornings will start off on a brighter, more serene note and your day will be more organized and less stressful. Everything is in its place!

Sometimes We Need Help

"If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always gotten."
- Tony Robbins

As a professional organizer, a common phase I hear repeatedly when people find out what I do for a living is, "I can organize that myself." From experience, the time span from a first casual conversation to a "I need your help" call is about a year, give or take.

After many individuals realize that their same way of "organizing" over and over isn't working, I get the "white flag" call. I'm thrilled to jump in and put my talent and "obsession" (husband's word choice) to use. After listening to my client's need, daily schedules, and patterns, I look at the space with a different set of eyes and come up with an organized system that works best for them. Then I dive in with an abundance of (sometimes to clients) overwhelming energy and I even forget to slow down for a water break. (One day I worked 13 hrs in a classroom and wouldn't sit down with my sandwich after 12 hrs of working w/o eating. I'm addicted to finishing a job!) No matter how many times a client has tried to organize a space prior to hiring me, I always hear the exuberant statement, "I've been looking for that!" A HUGE smile spreads over my face and I'm reminded once again why I'm thankful that I get to put my passion to use.

My goal is to sprinkle "organizational dust" over everyone I meet, help make lives less stressful, and give the gift of time. I share tips with anyone willing to listen and am thrilled when the positive feedback comes barreling back like a tidal wave. Not only does it spread over me, but out over many other individuals in need of organization. I'm truly grateful that my business has always grown from word of mouth.

No matter who you call, get a second (not someone living/working in your space) set of eyes to help you make a difference. Change is challenging, but EMPOWERING!

It's OKAY to ask for help!

Kindness

Have you started your 31 Days of Giving - for Free??? What did you give today?

On my way to Yoga Sculpt, my new found passion this year, at CorePowerYoga(.com; check it out!) I found myself quickly getting irritated at the driver next to me, who speed up after the light turned green and then slowed down, not letting me into his lane. I took a deep breath, slowed down even more, and waved at the driver behind me who patiently waited for me to merge in front of him. I smiled, looked in the review mirror, and waved a gracious "Thank You" again before turning right. A simple second positive gesture hopefully let the kind driver know I truly appreciated his act of kindness.

As my tired aching body laid on my yoga mat (muscles exhausted from yesterday's Hot Yoga, a new class for me) the thought crossed my mind if I should be taking the class or should have stayed home. Then to my greatest surprise, as my instructor entered the studio, she began her class with a quote from Amelia Earhart that answered my question out loud. Had I not done anything else today but lay on my mat in Savasana (Dead Man's Pose/body flat on the ground, face up), it was meant for me to hear that quote. (It was a fantastic class by the way. I feel soo much better and learned to let go of the competition within myself and the thought of what other's were thinking of me, and didn't use weights for the first time in Sculpt!) I gave myself a gift and therefore was able to be a better person and give more to others. I had a very productive day of giving!

What does this quote stir up in you?

"No kind action ever stops with itself. One kind action leads to another. Good example is followed. A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees. The greatest work that kindness does to others is that it makes them kind themselves." Amelia Earhart

Just think of all the trees you can help grow in your next 30 days of giving!