New Year, New Calendar

One of my favorite parts about a new year is picking out the calendars I will use for the year. There are so many wonderful calendars out there to choose from!

My first rule of calendar buying is that I always wait until January, as most of the calendars are reduced up to 50% off, which is rather friendly on the old wallet. I usually buy 2 calendars: a pocket day planner to tote around with me, and a wall calendar for my office.

DAY PLANNING

In terms of day planners, I am a devoted Moleskine girl. The
red edition of their weekly notebook is my ideal in terms of scheduling. The left page is devoted entirely to the week's schedule, and the right is a ruled page, perfect for holding the week's to-do lists.



However, in my calendar browsing, I discovered an even SHARPER version of my favorite planner. You can now not only purchase a red version, but a PATENT LEATHER version! O snap!



DESTINATION CALENDARS

In terms of wall calendars, I usually choose something that leans towards natural landscapes: I like to be able to look at some magical place, and remind myself there is a great, magnificent world out there beyond my cubical. My 2008 calendar showed gorgeous pictures of Australia, a place I have dreamed of visiting my entire life. This year, I settled on National Geographic's National Parks and Monuments Wall Calendar. The calendar is filled with the stunning imagery that NG is renowned for, and will also be a great way to brush up on any national parks I may be interested in visiting.



A close second for me was Lonely Planet's 2009 Calendar. I am an enormous fan of the LP guidebooks, and they are always the first thing I snatch up when off to visit some new destination. For the avid traveler, the LP calendar does not disappoint: Not only is it full of riveting photos of destinations around the globe, but it also provides a great deal of information on each location featured.



DESIGN MINDED

For those of you that like a little design in your life, my personal favorite design calendar is the Cats Let Nothing Darken Their Roar 2009 Calendar. The brainchild of Spanish designer Noa Bembibre, the CLNDTR calendar is not only beautifully designed, but filled with clever lines that incorporate each month's name in them. A bit pricey, this is a compelling piece of design that will engage and amuse you throughout the year.


Another calendar I have become rather smitten with is created by, of all people, a DJ. DJ DSL is known mostly on the music circuit, but he has put together such a fantastic wall calendar, I think he has a potentially awesome design career awaiting him should he ever defect. This gestalt calendar is both functional and lovely - and I get such a kick out of his invention of turning each day into a component of the monthly typography.



ILLUSTRATED LIFE

I love design illustrations - and JHill's 2009 Wall Calendar illustrations are striking, sharp and beautiful.



I generally don't purchase a calendar for the kitchen, but I am itching to get my hands on this Illustrated Wild Foods Recipe Calendar. Created by Christina Choi, co-founder of Foraged and Found Edibles and artist Emily Rae Counts. Each month displays beautiful illustrations of delicious grown edibles, along with mouthwatering recipes.



Their Etsy page doesn't tell nearly enough about the creator, but the 2009 Floating World Calendar simply tickles me with its whimsy and careful detail. At first glance, you might not even REALIZE it's a calendar, so carefully has FW integrated the months and days into the illustration.



Know a calendar worthy of commendation? Say it here!

Kaboom! Under $100 Gift Guide

Ok, so I've told you what I want. But, Cynthia, you ask, what about everybody else?

Harumph.

Ok, ok, I suppose they DO need presents, too. So in order to help you gather up those gifts for the friends, fam, and sig others in your life, I have put together this wee little holiday guide. I have also kept the current economic environment in mind: these gifts are all under 100 macaroons. Mmmm...macaroons...

Anyway, enjoy!

HER


MEDIUM $

1. Red Croc Clutch Wallet, $38: Every lady needs a clutch. Not only is this little faux crocodile skin clutch adorable, it is affordable as all get-out. The perfect thing for a working gal: use it as a wallet during the day, then dump the frumpy-dumpy bag and sport this little number at night!

2. Ice Cream Cone Charm, $48: Charm bracelts are back in a big way. Add to your favorite ladies' collection with this sweet little ice cream charm that looks good enough to lick. But don't actually lick it - that would be gross, and rather creepy.

3. Cupcake Bank, $48: I like cupcakes. I like money. If only there was some way to join the two...TADA! Now there is!!!

HIGH $

4. Snow Bunny Ski Goggles, $98: Your gal a snow bunny? Keep her protected and cool on the slopes with these fab ski goggles, care of Juicy Couture.

5. Italian Leather Calf Hair Regina Gloves, $89: Everyone needs gloves all the time. Trust me - it is the guft that keeps on giving (delectable warmth, that it). These houndstooth gloves are positively beautiful, and made to last. What better way to show her you adore her?


HIM


MEDIUM $

1. Nylon Flask, $55: A flask is one of those coming-of-age gifts that never get old. But this flask is better than your average flask, because SKULL. Also, the careful embroidery is just fancy enough to say "I'm fancy" and just subtle enough to say "I am not dainty AT ALL." It's the tuxedo tee of the flask world.

2. Leather Cuff, $55: I am generally not a huge fan of the man-jewelry, but I always appreciate a great cuff. They are durable, and a great little accent to almost any ensemble. Besides, if you get him the man jewelry, he can't screw it up, and come home with a diamond grill or something...

HIGH

3. Species by the thousands: bearded man sweatshirt, $76: What do you do when you favorite dood refuses to grow out his potentially awesome beard? You BUY HIM ONE, of course.

4. PERSONAL POCKETKNIFE, $98: I am going to tell you a secret: every boy wants a pocketknife (if they say they don't, they are FILTHY LIARS, and possibly a lady in disguise). It makes them feel part boyscout/part knife wielding Texas Ranger. You can have it engraved with their name to make it special, or show them you really love them, and have it engraved with the word "ASS." You can thank me later...

5. Flannel Lounge Pants, $98: Who says bedtime has to make us look like frumpy louts? Get that guy some suspendered jamas, and he will look ready to party even when he is drooling on his pillow. A must-have for the campus crowd: you will stop look like the tool wandering around in your drab jammys.


THEM


LOW $

1. (PVC) Windrider Bicycle Clips, Gijs Bakker, 2007, $15: Get your favorite bicyclist these totally sweet bike clips, and save their pant legs from the maw of there wrathful ten-speed. It's also a scientific fact that wings make you ride faster.

2. WINE BOTTLE CANDELABRA, $20: This candelabra is the perfect gift for your favorite diy couple: it's elegance and homespun charm would make any space simply divine.

MEDIUM $

3. Jonathon Adler love/hate mug, $24: As an avid (obsessive) tea-drinker, I am always on the hunt for the perfect mug. The perfect mug must be: a.large b.good handle c.beautiful. This duo by design virtuoso Jonathan Adler meet all those requirements, and are an utterly unique and captivating addition to anyone's cupboard.

4. SUNDANCE-MADE WINE TUMBLERS, SET OF 6, $60: Glassblowers from Guadalajara, Mexico, melt down beverage bottles and to create these beautiful tumblers. Each one is a unique piece of art, with the additional gift of reusable resources for your environmentally conscious friends.

HIGH $

5. Bronze Bird Feet Sculpture, $95: This sculpture is the kind of thing that would be an ideal addition to almost any decorative style room. It is both beautiful and whimsical, and sure to be a conversation piece for years to come.

6. "Gather" Sign, $98: This beautiful sheet steel sign created by Amish craftsmen in Lancaster County sends a beautiful message of community and family, as well as looking totally aces.

What are your favorite gift suggestions?

Halloween Duds

I will give you three guesses whose camera memory crapped out on her this week. Arrr...its quite frustrating, and I am working to try to have my camera up and running again stat. But sadly, no wardrobe pics this week...

In the meantime, I thought I would show you some of my favorite Halloween costumes this season. By far my favorite part of Halloween isn't the dressing up, but seeing what brilliant costumes others come up with - these are just a few examples...



From Top to Bottom:

Gala Darling: Gala braves latex to don this fantastic and sexy nurse costume. Ladies take note: ditch those barely-there costumes: THIS is how you look hot.

Doe Deere: Xenia is constantly awing me with her makeup transformations, and her spin on the classically campy Barbarella is my new favorite!

Nubby: Strangely enough, Nubby is the second Minnie Mouse I have seen this year, though her costume is much more cute and less terrifying than my coworker's interpretation...



Persephassa: Seeing Roxanne's costumes each year have become a Halloween highlight for me; she always manages to become something intellectual, novel and radiant. This year is no exception, dressed as a elegant "vamp."

Verhext: I love Tamara's take on the Dia de los Muertos, particularly the dress; she decorated it with a handmade, stunning, blossoming interpretation of female genitalia, that just transforms the entire costume into a gorgeous homage to womanhood, femininity and death.



(See the full-length here.)

The Coveted: Jennine blew everyone out of the water. She didn't just create 1 costume, but SEVEN. And if that wasn't enough, she performed this stunning feat using only items already in her wardrobe. Talk about an inspiration machine! The above is her delightful, whimsical Ringmaster costume.

To see the rest of Jennine's fab costumes, click here.

What were your favorite costumes this season?

Crafted Couture

I spent the majority of Sunday creating a top from a pair of trousers whose fabric I became smitten with, and I suppose it's for this reason I got to thinking about "hand-crafted couture"

For most of us, the word couture brings one word screaming to mind: "money." Couture is too much for the everyday fashionista, the kind of clothing reserved for those who have released their first blockbuster movie, or whose fathers own several hotels throughout the world. It's the aspiration of fashion, the stuff that our literal fashion dreams are made of.

However, what makes couture couture? A little investigation, and I found that maybe we are mislead in what the essence of couture truly is. According to the Free Dictionary, the formal definition of "couture" leaves a bit to ponder:

1. The business of designing, making, and selling highly fashionable, usually custom-made clothing for women.
2. Dressmakers and fashion designers considered as a group.
3. The high-fashion clothing created by designers.

In each of these, the essence behind the definition is not costliness, rarity or even status. It's CRAFT. The core idea behind what makes something couture is the act of creation, of something that is the antithesis of mass-produced, uniform and machine-wrought: the vehicles that more and more prestigious fashion houses find themselves turning to in the globalized world of supply and demand.

Is it possible that couture does not truly rest with the big name designers anymore? If not, where should we turn to seek the essential heart of the couture movement?

I provide a possibility: ETSY.

Let's look at Etsy: a marketplace that allows direct contact between the producer and the consumer. There is no middleman, not arbitration party. Much of the material found on Etsy is handcrafted: it can be considered some of the most handcrafted materials available in a public forum today. Not only is it available, but consumers can actually work with the designer in creating their fashion vision: an example being the brilliant cage skirt that Susie Bubble with Angie Montreal collaborated on creating.

By far the most appealing aspect of Etsy is its accessibility to the public market. Before Etsy, many of us would never have imagined owning a hand-crafted piece of apparel, unless we were ourselves fortunate enough to be talented in this area, or were blessed with very gifted friends. Now Etsy gives all of us the opportunity to have a piece of art in our wardrobes, and for prices that are reasonable, if not at times unadulterated bargains.

Below are just a few of the examples of some of the fine outfits being created on Etsy - a more thorough search would surely turn up a wealth of other notable pieces and designers. But much like Etsy itself, these are just the tip of the iceburg.


sculpted cocktail hat by tonyagrossmillinery

Finding a nice hat can be a trying experience, on both your sanity and your wallet. Etsy currently has a veritable explosion of talented designers creating a wealth of gorgeous headware, like this lovely piece by Tony Grossman.


Bustle by artlab

Along with standard basics, some of the pieces that set designers apart are the more experimental pieces. This bustle would be brilliant as a stand-alone piece, or worn under your favorite dress or skirt for a new, avant-garde effect.


Red Riding Lady by genevievedietz

An interesting trend occurring on Etsy are the micro-trends that are developing on the site itself, such as the profusion of designers creating Neo-Victorian, Neo-Bohemian, and Steampunk apparel. This lovely garment by Genevieve Dietz blends old-world chaarm with new world pop to wonderful effect.


Koparpeningur Circus Dress by desirapesta

Sweet, simple, to the point, with just a little more. For the girl looking for strong basics with unique details that separate them from the crowd, Etsy is the way to go, as is exemplified by this lovely tunic dress with a ruffled, circus-esque neckline.


Kissing Fish by andyandkitty

Need evening wear? Etsy has you covered even there. There are a crop of designers specializing in voluminous, formal gowns for weddings, special occasions and general looking your most spectacular.

Who are some of your favorite designers on Etsy?

In Memoriam: Nagi Noda

It is with a heavy heart that I report that Nagi Noda, a brilliant art director, grand imaginer, and my personal hero, passed away on September 7, 2008, from surgical complications due to injuries sustained in a traffic accident last year. Nagi Noda was just 35 years old - it's always terrible when someone so young dies, but when that person is so full of talent and inspiration, it is all the more upsetting. Nagi was at such an exciting moment in her career, her work reaching a broader audience and receiving greater acclaim than ever before. The work she would have created in the next decade I am sure would have been even more brilliant and inspiring than anything that came before it, and it saddens me deeply to know that we will never be able to experience it.



As a designer, Ms. Noda followed the path that is every designer's dream: from her humble beginnings in print advertising, Nagi's work won her such acclaim that it wasn't long before she was working with larger company's, such as Nike and Laforet Harajuku. But it wasn't until Nagi took the step into directing commercials and music videos through her self-created production company, Uchu Country Ltd., that the world got to see just how much talent and creativity this petite girl could conjure up.





By far Nagi Noda's most popular and recognized work is her viral video entitled "Ex-Fat Girl," which Nagi both directed and starred in. In the video, Nagi plays the part of a spunky, formerly overweight aerobics instructor, who guides the viewer through a series of exercises guaranteed to give you a perfect "poodle-like" figure, complete with round pom-pom growths on your arms, calves and even hair. Her students in the video are disturbingly human bipedal poodles in leotards, who mystify the viewer as they go through the exercises with Nagi doing squats, arm-crunches, and bends.



Nagi Noda's work captured magic, plain and simple. It expressed an innocence and delight in the simple illusions we can create as individuals, teasing and tantalizing us with the potential for surreal in things we took for granted. Nagi Noda's work never tried to dazzle with the complexity of its effects, but rather used simple methods that were never hidden or obscured. The "how" of the process would be visible to the viewer, and add to the wonder and art of the work. For instance, in the music video "Sentimental Journey" by the artist, Yuki, Noda captures Yuki's entire day of actions through the remarkably effective yet utterly simple trick of positioning dozens of girls posed in small gestures; when panned across, each girls actions relate to the ones beside her, and simulate activity. It is clear to the viewer from the very start that these are girls wearing wigs to resemble Yuki, and a close up shot at the beginning even proves that many of them don't even particularly resemble the singer. However, there is almost a tangible moment when the illusion takes hold in the work, and the viewer "sees" the magic, even with the strings in view. In fact, the strings make the magic far more believable and captivating.


Saturday, 9/14:"Sentimental Journey" by Yuki

We can count ourselves fortunate that Nagi Noda did leave us with one final piece of art. Noda's final completed project was a music video for J-pop star, MEG, for her song "Precious." The video utilizes an old Japanese theatre technique called kuroko, in which objects are manipulated by actors completely hidden in black. It is a video that culminates all the great aspects of Nagi Noda's work: whimsy, the surreal, simple effects and fantastic dose of imagination. I personally can think of no better piece to leave us with.



Nagi, we will miss you so much. And I hope wherever you are now, it is filled with hair tigers and dancing cats.



Also Read:

CMYKaboom's previous piece on Nagi Noda

Nagi's character line of half-panda, half-other-creature hybrid furries: Hanpanda

The Coveted's Farewell to Nagi Noda:
"I’ll miss your hair hats and poodle arms…."

Leg Warming For Fall

With cool weather on the horizon, now is an excellent time to start stocking up on those pieces of apparel that will prove so lifesaving when the chilly days arrive. For me, the most important article I am stocking up on is legwear. I am an enormous baby when it comes to cold weather, so it's important that I have fall clothing that is both cute and warm - and nothing is better equipped to handle this than a great pair of tights or leggings.

My favorite place to purchase tights, leggings and socks is Sockdreams.com. I first blogged about Sockdreams several years ago, when I had another blog, entitled Pieeyeddesign.com. Since then, I am happy to report that Sockdreams has branched out - they now have a physical storefront in Portland, and their online selection is better than ever.


Clockwise from Left Simone's Argyle Tights in Dark Orange, Simone's Wide Striped Tights in Wine,Simone's Argyle Tights in Dark Green,Simone's Wide Striped Tights in Navy

The one thing to note about Sockdreams.com is that their inventory changes constantly - which is great for selection, but it's wise to keep in mind that if you see something you like, you should grab it up fast! Hopping on last night, I couldn't help but grab up a few styles that were being removed from their inventory permanently. These will be perfect for those fall and winter days when I will be desperate to keep my legs warm.



Clockwise from Left American Apparel Shiny Legging in Eel, SockDreams Ribbed Cotton Tights in Black, American Apparel Shiny Legging in Lame' Black

Another staple for this autumn and fall are black leggings. Warm and adaptable, they are a great touch to any cool weather outfit. Even better, there are a mind blowing selection available today, in a variety of colors, styles and sizes. I nabbed up three new pairs for this fall: a standard knit set from SockDreams, and two sets of shiny leggings from American Apparel in Black Eel and Lame' Black. The Lame' Black have a matte, almost rubber look, which will be perfect to spice up and warm up any short dresses and skirts. A good tip is that you can also purchase leggings in a size up, to create a looser, more pants-like piece (just make sure the booty doesn't sag ;), which is just what I did with the Black Eel style. Since the leg is longer on a larger size, the leggings bunch a bit around my ankles, creating a fun, casual look that will be perfect for large tops and sweaters.

For all tights and leggings, the most important thing to remember is CARE. Leggings need to be treated with kid gloves to maintain their elasticity, color and quality. Read the care directions carefully on all pairs you purchase. If directions state that machine washing can be used, make sure you invest in a laundry bag to pop them in, or you might find yourself out one pair of leggings, and in one enormous KNOT. Personally, I find the best method of care is to hand wash your tights and leggings in warm water with a little bit of Woolite, and then hang dry. It also tends to feel very glamorous hanging hosiery all over your pad (though I am sure Fiance Kaboom would disagree;).

Of Muppets and Monsters

Still from the upcoming movie "Where the Wild Things Are"

If you didn't know, Jim Henson is my hero. I have had a passion for muppets, monsters and furry, cute things since I was a wee little lass. And as of late, I have stumbled upon far too many amazing monster and muppet links on the web, to keep from posting them for you, my humble readers.

First up, they have made Maurice Sendak's beloved tale, "Where the Wild Things Are," into a movie. Spike Jonze directed it, and Dave Eggers collaborated with him to write the script. I cannot even begin to put into words how excited I am by this combination of people, and I have a feeling it is going to be very, very awesome.


Still from the upcoming movie "Where the Wild Things Are"

Read more about the movie here.

Cookie Monster Tells Stephen Colbert What's What:



Feist visits the Best Street Ever:



And finally, no post about monsters and fuzzy things would be complete without a shout-out to Jenny Harada. Jenny is a crafter of fine furry plush creatures, and her originality and creativity in her creations is always a delight.


Jenny Harada creatures

See her full, delightful collection here.

Rawr.

The Good Girl's Guide to Keeping a Budget

"Money, plastic, youth and debt" by qwurky

The good girl in question - me. I have finally put myself on a budget, and seem to be keeping at it relatively well. Now that I am on one, it boggles my mind how I ever managed to survive before, spending money haphazardly with no rhyme or reason.

I am happy to announce that not only am I on a budget, but I am still alive and happy, and most importantly, still able to afford the things I want. And since I know that generally, the thought of trying to "Budget" throws the fashion-allured into shock, I would like to pass on my methods for a pain-free induced budget lifestyle.

Step 1: Get the Supplies
This step allows you to shop! Now, try as hard as you can not to buy an LV purse on your way to the stationary store, and grab yourself the following supplies.

- Cash Book (This is one of those books with all the weird lines in it, to help you add up figures. It looks nothing at all like an LV purse, but nice try.)
- Envelopes
- A Calculator
- Something small and plastic to store receipts in, that will fit nicely in that new LV purse ;)

You now have everything you need to start a budget!

Step 2: Learn the Damage
This week is relatively painless - you don't need to stop shopping (yet), you are just going to keep track of it. For this week, each time you buy something, put the receipt in your little receipt receptacle. At the end of the week, pop that baby out and start adding up all the receipts. Break the receipts into 3 categories: Dining Out, Purchases, Necessities (groceries,toiletries). If you have another category that fits into your life (transportation, coffee) go ahead and add that one as well. Now, separate those receipts you have accumulated according to their corresponding rows, and start adding the numbers.

When you are finished, have a stiff drink.

Just kidding ;) Though what you discover may surprise you. It's sometimes distressing to learn just how much we are giving Starbucks each week, or how much exactly all those little accessories we treat ourselves with can add up to. Do not be discouraged: the reason you decided to create a budget was to stop just this sort of cash-loss, and knowing is truly half the battle.

Now that you know the numbers, you can start making some real lifestyle decisions. For instance, if coffee is your crutch, do you really need to buy it at a shop? The choice to invest in a simple coffee machine can save you hundreds of dollars, and move you into the realm of financial security. If dining out is what gets you, then make the commitment to start bagging your lunches and cooking at home. These small changes can save you loads of cash, and require no budget to create an impact.

However, if like me, general shoppiness is your problem, you are probably going to need to budget some stuff (stop shaking, it's going to be ok:). Now, if you are going to budget, you are going to need to make some decisions, the most important being "HOW MUCH?". By "How Much?" I mean, how much would you ideally like to spend each week? The ideal amount should be one that both allows you to start saving, but also makes you feel like you are not enslaved into not buying anything. You can use the past week's purchases to help guide your decision in this area. The next thing you have to decide is the rules of what exactly it is you are budgeting. Is it just clothes, or should meals be thrown into the mix? What about necessary purchases, like new hosiery or undergarments? Keep in mind, it's ok to have allowances, so long as they are set allowances. It is better to determine these things now, than to start making them after you establish the budget, as that is the sure way to start slipping.

Step 3: Living la Vida Budget
You now have a budget! Now you need to follow it. You will still continue saving your receipts for the items you have decided should be within the realms of your budget, only now you will be adding them each day instead of weekly. Once you reach your limit in your cash book, you have to stop buying that week, or you have to put the money you do spend against the money alotted to you for the upcoming week (be careful about this practice: using it too often is a sure way to break a budget). I personally reserve overdrafts only for instances where the item I totally covet may not be there next week to claim.

Now, I am sure you want to know what to do about splurges. You know, that camera you really, really want, or that special piece of clothing you can't live without. There are going to be things you want outside your budget, so what do you do? Well, you just have to save up for it, or commit not to buy stuff for a few weeks following the purchase. This sounds like torture, but it can actually be kinda fun, and makes the final acquisition of the coveted object all the more sweet, as you truly need to earn it.

Be Forgiving
I am going to tell you right now - you are going to slip. There will be a week where you accidentally blow your budget to smithereens, and you know what? That's ok. Remember that you are putting yourself on a budget to improve your life, not make yourself miserable. As long as you keep trying to stay on a budget, you will be on a budget, and you will see results. Sometimes those results financial, and some more personal. For instance, getting in the habit of simply reconsidering a purchase before grabbing it up can impact what it is that you buy, and how you consider buying things in general. Budgets force you to do this, as suddenly you need to weigh the cost of the purchase against your ability to buy something later. By doing so, you will start to value things more by how much you want them, instead of whether you like them. And that, my friend, is the key to a budget - really treating yourself to the things that make you the happiest.

And that's it! You know what to do - good luck!

Beating Mondays

sleepy king and hello kitty by beckitten

Some mondays are worse then others. But sometimes, you hit one of THOSE Mondays: that day when every nerve in your body is quailing that you have a whole week ahead of you.

Never fear! There are some sure-fire cures to Monday-blues. Here are some of my favs.

Water, water everywhere
Often, being tired or crummy-feeling is the result of being dehydrated. Particularly on Mondays, the habit for grabbing a caffeine-coffee fix is at its strongest - but don't do it, it's a trap! Caffeine can often leave you feeling a lot worse than when you started. Instead, reach out for some cool, clean water. Nothing's better to get your metabolism in motion. You can even spruce it up with some lemon or orange, for a citrus-y burst of flavor.

Can't live without caffeine? Try some green tea instead. I am a huge fan of Ito-En teas - they are delicious and unsweetened, and the best tea drink I have found since returning from Japan.


Ito-En Teas

Walk it out
Trapped under that early-morning sluggishness? Refresh yourself with a brief walk. Sometimes, mental and physical sluggishness is just a result of too little physical activity. Take ten minutes to take a skip around the block, and return perked up, light-footed, and ready to face the day.

Dress it up
Especially on Mondays, the urge to just crawl into the first clean thing you can find is strong. But sometimes, nothing can get you more revved up to face the day than wearing something fly. Avoid that early-morning indifference by picking out your duds the night before - not only will you have something great to wear the next day, but you will shave precious time off your morning routine by cutting out all the rooting in your closet.

Write it down
Uninspired for week? Take the initiative and make Monday your official "planning" day. Write up lists of all your goals for the week and things you want/need to accomplish. Dig out your calendar and schedule your plans for the week, and make lists of calls your have to make to get those plans happening. Suddenly, your Mondays will transform from being dreaded grind-days, to creative events that get your fabulous week rolling.