Planning the Reception

Party girls, get ready!  We’re about to plan the biggest social event of the decade - your wedding!  The reception is the key to a perfect wedding day.  It’s where you get to indulge in every flight of fancy you ever dreamed of, from arriving in a Rolls Royce to dancing amid heart-shaped ice sculptures…

           The reception is likely to be the first time you unwind from all the tensions of the last few days, even weeks.  Careful organization of this part of the wedding is essential if you are going to fully relax and enjoy yourself throughout the celebrations. 

The Montreal Science center

Since it follows directly on from the marriage ceremony, the style of the reception should complement and reflect your wedding theme as closely as possible.  Typically, the costs involved for the reception represent about half the entire wedding budget.   While traditionally, the financial responsibility of the reception falls to the parents of the bride, it is not unusual for couples to receive assistance from the groom’s family as well, or to pay all of the expenses themselves. 

                Wedding receptions can vary in style, size and location.  Yours can be as simple as walking from the place of worship to a fellowship hall that’s been decorated for the celebration…or as elaborate as traveling to a nearby setting, where a team of professional staff are at hand to execute the party of a lifetime.  A private club or favourite restaurant might offer the feeling of being at home without any of the hassles, while a swanky hotel has the added convenience of accommodation for out-of-town guests. 

                After you confirm the availability of your chosen reception site by signing a contract and submitting a deposit, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get on with the details….

I love the details!

MCB xo

Life Plans

Is your life in a balance? Are all your appointments and kids activities scheduled? Are your meals for the week planned?  Is your family calendar up-to-date?  

A nursing colleague of mine advised me, "Know your patients well but know your family better." I was working 12 hour shifts, days/nights on rotation  plus every other weekend at the hospital....hardly having any quality time spent with my husband and children.  My kids got ready for school, were picked up afterwards, had supper and prepared for bed with their father- therefore, I wasn't so familiar with THEIR routine. It felt like I was running circles around them and no longer knew them like I used to when they were babies.  My kind colleague also suggested I "Take vitamins and drink lots of water; Prepare kids clothes for the week in piles; Use the slowcooker; Hug hubby and say I love you every single day; and Roll on the grass with the kids and watch them grow.  Lift them up! Child, I know...I've been there.  Be there and lift them up!"  Geez, my tears welled-up and she touched a soft spot in my heart.  That was six months ago...

In the book, "The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here for?" Rick Warren wrote, “Time is your most precious gift because you only have a set amount of it. You can make more money, but you can't make more time. When you give someone your time, you are giving them a portion of your life that you'll never get back. Your time is your life. That is why the greatest gift you can give someone is your time." With that said, I knew I had to make a change...quickly!

I'm the type of person who loves schedules, writing up things-to-do-list, goal-settings and projects (with colourful pens, cute printables and post-its, of course!).  In my mind, I try to plan my days and weeks in advance....and among all things - events are hardly -ever forgotten!  (A passionate event planner indeed!)  2016 started off very well that I couldn't ask for anything more.  I've got my health, my family, my friends, a job, a home, and food to eat.  Yes, it's the simple things that I am grateful for.  I've had disappointments in my life, like everyone else, but only with time did I realize that when things didn't go the way I hoped it would, it simply wasn't "my time" yet.  I've learned through experience that we should never fear change because even if we may lose something good, we'd usually gain something better... 

Here's my update 6 months after I received some words of wisdom: The weddings and events I planned to co-ordinate, later on this year, will have to be shared.  I got hired at the Operating Room department as a Neurosurgery OR Nurse to only work days but my training has been put on hold.  My daily routines at home will need to be modified...however, it's all for a good reason...something better. We are adding a new member into our family.  My husband and I are expecting baby #3 and our kids are just as excited as we are.  So, I've made all these plans for 2016 - but God has bigger and better plans for us...and we can't be more thankful for this gift we've been given.  

As I reflect back on my life- it seems as though timing is everything, and milestones were just being put into place as it should be.  I practice my daily gratitude and write my intentions in life.  Perhaps "The Secret" works -  the law of attraction that claims that positive thinking can create life-changing results such as increased happiness, health, and wealth....with guidance from a Higher Being.  Thank you, God for teaching me how to restore balance by making time for myself and for others.  I appreciate the motivation and harmony I've found within myself. Thank you again and again for all that I have.

"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans,"

- John Lennon

MCB xo

Weddings: Let's Talk Money

Make the right choices and you'll avoid countless unnecessary complications or upsets as your plans develop.  The two key areas are communication and budget; you and your fiance should know the direction you're going in from the start, and understand the need to keep a close eye on your finances. 

Don't forget your fiance!
It's all too easy for a bride to get wrapped up in her own grand plan, almost completely forgetting to consider her fiance's vision of the Big Day.  This is made easier still by the groom's seeming lack of interest in the finer details. Don't take this as a bad omen - he just hasn't been planning this since he was six years old - but don't cut him out of the process altogether.  There really are aspects that he will (and should) want to have input on, so be sensitive to including him in making those decisions.

Keep it real
make sure you choose something that you are both happy with.  There is no point arranging a beach party if the idea of a hot sun and sand is the bottom of your list for comfort; if you prefer casual get-togethers with friends and family, tuxedos and evening gowns may not be for you.  On the other hand, if you love the idea of  cocktail party, make this your starting point and expand the theme from there.

Don't overdo it
While there is no doubt that it is the sum of all the details that will eventually create the day of your dreams, there's a real danger of going way overboard in your eagerness to create the "perfect" wedding.  Keep the various aspects of your theme simple and make sure there are no hideous clashes.  Rather than trying to have a little of everything, concentrate on liking the ceremony and celebrations with a few key elements for maximum style.

Tips for saving money

• The most obvious consideration is the size of the guest list.  For couples with limited funds, think about hosting a small wedding with just your immediate family and closest friends, and having a special party for your larger circle of friends at a later date.
• The scheduling of your wedding can also have a direct effect on costs if you select off-peak times.  You could choose to be married on a Friday night or Sunday afternoon to avoid the premiums placed on Saturday affairs.  Alternatively, opt for a daytime celebration rather than an evening one and take advantage of serving a brunch or lighter meal at the reception.
• Rather than reaching out to professionals to produce all the elements of your wedding, you can take on some of the parts yourself with the assistance of family and friends.  Enlist the help of your sisters, cousins, and bridesmaids to help out with the simple but laborious tasks.  
• A few words of caution, however, is to not take chances on the quality of what you can do for yourself, especially for the parts of the wedding that are most important to you.  

By making some smart decisions on the front-end, you'll be able to make some money-saving choices that do not compromise your original dreams for your wedding day.

MCB xo

Choosing your wedding vendors

You are going to be hiring a good number of professionals over the next few months - a photographer, a florist, a baker, a stationer, musicians, caterers, a decorator and more.  Simply coordinating them will be a task in itself and there are ways of making your life easier.  

• Always do your homework.  Look through magazines, browse the internet, ask friends and family for recommendations.  Before even picking up the phone, have a very clear idea of the look, sound, flavour of whatever it is you are asking for. 
• Ask to see samples of previous work, certificates or proof of qualifications, commendations from happy customers, magazine articles - anything that confirms you are getting the level of expertise you want. 
• Meet with a wedding planner who's had plenty of experience with several professional vendors. They may also know vendors who are newly graduated who've recently learned the up-to-date technologies and design, but cost less 
• When you are looking for suppliers first time-round, keep the contact details of all your second choices, and put them somewhere that's easy to find.  
• Do not underestimate advice you might get from a pro.  These are the people with experience and it would be a bad thing if they had nothing to contribute to your ideas.  
• Rest assured that you'll know at an early stage whether one supplier or another is going to be reliable or not.  Trust your instinct on this and be firm in your instruction.  You cannot afford to give anyone the benefit of the doubt.  
• Keep a close eye on your budget and stick to it.  Be upfront with all professionals from the very beginning.  Do not be persuaded to increase your budget unless it is for something simply amazing.  
• Agree to a realistic timeframe.  Check other commitments your suppliers may have and make sure they are not going to interfere with yours.  
• Get everything in writing, confirming who is to do what, by when, and include a payment schedule.  
• Remember your priorities: at any given stage of the pla nning process, you'll feel there are a hundred and one details to take care of.  Keep current lists of the tasks at hand and tackle the most important things first, one at a time to keep from becoming flustered. 

MCB xo

Chuck Challenge - Spring Cleaning

My goal for 2016 is to live a more balanced and organized life....especially at home - where we're supposed to be able to relax and re-charge. However, with 2 kids, 2 exhausted adults and a baby on the way... it seems like every time I turn around there’s another pile of dirty dishes to wash, baskets of laundry to fold or put away, and us tripping over toys trying to do it all.

My girlfriends and I decided to do a "Chuck Challenge" for the month of April.  On April 1st, we had to "chuck" 1 thing - whether we donated, recycled, sold or threw it away.  On April 2nd, we "chuck" 2 items and we had to take pics every day to prove it.  Well, a few of us enjoyed tidying up that we were getting rid of more items than we had to ....and it felt great consciously doing so on a daily basis.  We've unanimously agreed to keep on going for the month of May!

These were the highlights of my month: 

On Day 1: My girlfriend said "you don't need a pencil case for all your highlighters---you only need one highlighter!"

On Day 3- I donated 3 BOXES full of toys!


On Day 18 - I donated 500+ articles of clothing and shoes in one day!

Below is a snippet of what one of the girls have personally experienced.  Keigi is a graphic designer - We've planned parties together but I give her all the credit for the decor she's done and invitations she's created at our past events. 
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"It was emotionally tough and I just didn’t want to let go.

I had so many excuses and reasons that stopped me from de-cluttering items that just really crowded my living environment. I kept going through the reasons in my head for the umpteenth time. “Just in case I need it one day”, “It has sentimental value” and “My hard earned money went into that item. Why would I throw it or give it away”? I have spaces filled to capacity with all kinds of items, waiting for a someday that never seems to arrive.

As soon as my girlfriend shared her Desire to De-clutter blog, I was motivated and inspired. That’s when the 30-day get chucked challenge idea came into place. Not that we created this idea but nevertheless an idea that would lovingly force and help each other make a small lifestyle change.

I had to change my perspective and I wanted a solid goal. I needed a reason to keep me going even if my girlfriends decided to drop-out of the challenge. It had to be something that would make me cry. Not literally, but it would hurt the heart juuuuust a little.

All I kept thinking about was my son. I asked myself if I took away all his toys and things that he possesses would he still love me?.  Even though he is two and a half years old? And wouldn’t even understand the concept?. The answer is YES, he still would. And say he did the same and took away my unnecessary possessions. Yes, it would hurt a bit. Yes, I’d feel resentful but no doubt I’d still love him.

It has been so rewarding and it definitely helped my psychological state of mind. Clutter is overwhelming and stressful. Our house still contains so many items that are not needed. There are certain things I still struggle to let go. But I am determined to be free from the life-robbing presence of physical clutter.  The month is over but the challenge is just the beginning. It feels so good to de-clutter over 465 items in a short month. I have sold a lot of my items on this great app called Varagesale, recycled, re-gifted, took items to charities and us girls plan on having a garage sale in the near future.

I am so thankful and grateful to God for my girlfriends (also consider as my family) for their persistence, tenacity and commitment on this project. I would have not gotten through this without them. We truly are amazing as a team and I encourage everyone to take the challenge. Do it with someone, do it with a few friends and or relatives. It is 100% attainable and the reward is priceless with a great burden off your shoulder.

So find some hope and take a small step. Then, take another…. and another…. and another…"

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Here's a guide that can help you and your friends get "your stuff" in order

Day 1: Stuffed animals, puzzles, board games and any toys with  missing pieces. Throw away anything you haven’t played in a while.
Day 2: Purses, Clutches, Bags - plus whatever's inside your purses!
Day 3: Bathtub Toys: Do you know what it looks like inside those toys from the water enters through the holes? 
Day 4: Baby Changing Table Drawer: creams, diapers, wipes, coupons?

Day 5: Hats, Sunglasses and old prescription glasses
Day 6: Shoes- get the whole family involved!
Day 7: Lighten-up your keychain by removing keys you can't identify. 
Day 8: Make-Up:  throw away anything old and colours you no longer wear.
Day 9: Jewelry: outdated fashion accessories and those you haven't worn in decades
Day 10: Coat closet: Old jackets, winterwear and scarves - we really don't need a dozen tuques and missing gloves. 
Day 11: Under the sink:  Condense cleaning supplies and air fresheners you no longer prefer.
Day 12: Kitchen pantry and the fridge: Toss expired or unused food 
Day 13: Gift Wrapping, Gift Bags, Ribbons: Recycle anything that’s wrinkled or torn.
Day 14: Office Desk:  supplies and throw away dried out pens and markers. 
Day 15: Kitchen Drawers and appliances you never use.
Day 16: Linen Closet, Towels: get rid of blankets, sheets and towels you don’t need.
Day 17: Medicine cabinet: expired creams, vitamins, and pills. Safely dispose them away from children.
Day 18: Belts, Scarves & Pashminas:  My friends and I may have had an obsession
Day 19: CDs and DVDs - Do you have VHS, vinyl and cassette tapes in boxes stored?
Day 20: Filing Cabinet - oh so much paper!
Day 21: Toolbox, Paint, the garage- make sure your husband knows too.

Day 22: Scrapbooking Supplies:  Keep them organized in drawers or a bin and clear out anything that doesn't make you smile.

Day 23: Kids Clothes: hand them down to others and get rid of any unmatched socks!
Day 24: Wires, Cords, old chargers, extra cables:  If you don't know what they're for- they're not needed anymore. 
Day 25: Old gadgets, electronics, cameras and cellphones:  They’re just taking up space, and you might be able to get some cash in exchange.
Day 26: Bookshelves: Books, dictionaries, thesauraus and encyclopedias!  search the internet instead and save space on your shelf!
Day 27:Bathroom Drawers:  Throw out any mini toiletries that you won’t be using

Day 28: Our closet: Put away your winter clothes, bridesmaids dresses, and donate anything that wasn’t used this year.

Day 29: Pictures - sentimental attachment, put your past self in order

Day 30: Car- clean out the mess that your kids (or you) made

Once a day for half an hour makes a difference in your home and you’ll feel better! Spring cleaning in full effect and make sure to get the whole family involved !

MCB xo

Do You Need a Wedding Planner?

So many details…so little time!  Exactly how much time do you have to plan your marriage ceremony and the reception that will follow?  For a growing number of brides, the help of a professional wedding planner is a surprisingly cost-effective service that can take your ideas and turn them into reality. 

            

Even the simplest wedding celebrations require countless hours of careful planning and dedicated attention to a vast number of details.  Not only will you need help in choosing the right wedding specialists for the day, but you’ll also want to avoid making potentially embarrassing mistakes.  A consultant can become your best friend as you work together to take the effort out of creating the perfect wedding. 

There are times when the services of a professional consultant are especially helpful to the bride and groom; for example, if you are planning a destination wedding or if you have a guest list of over 300 people.  Similarly, when keeping to a budget is a high priority, a professional wedding planner can advise on spending wisely and steering clear of costly mistakes.  He or she can negotiate the contracts with the service providers, making sure that no detail is forgotten. 

Of course, a wedding planner is the obvious option if you are reluctant to handle the inevitable mountain of telephone calls and appointments yourself and want to avoid facing difficult questions and challenging dilemmas. You’ll also be able to  relax completely on your wedding day, confident that any last minute crisis will be expertly handled by someone else!

Hiring a wedding planner - While some brides hire consultants to handle the entire event or the day-of-coordination, others sign them on to take over specific assignments.  Obviously, the decision is usually dependent upon the budget.  Professional wedding planners can be paid by the hour or they can charge an agreed percentage of the fees from the caterer, florist and musicians that they book on your behalf.  The relationship between the bride and the consultant should be settled at the first meeting, and before any planning begins. 

Decide what is best for your situation and budget when hiring consultants

•  To give general party planning advice and local suppliers at an early stage.
• To take care of specific aspects that aren’t familiar to you or your families
• To direct a rehearsal and make sure everything runs smoothly on the Big Day.
•  To handle every detail and be on hand until you leave for the honeymoon.

Finding a wedding planner.  The preferable option is by word of mouth.  If you have a friend or relative who raves about the service they got, snap up the phone number....but find one today! 

MCB xo

P.S.  This bride and groom didn't hire a wedding planner... but wish they had.  Read article here.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/reflective-bride/why-we-didnt-hire-a-wedding-planner_b_5724608.html

Certified OR Nurse

Boom!

Just got certified as an OR nurse!

I was hired at the Operating Room department in January and part of my orientation  includes a mandatory exam to be done within 6 months with the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses. I had been studying every day for 4 months - reading, writing summaries (by hand!) and doing tests and quizzes.  It took me 3 hours to do the exam this afternoon because I read each line with caution and took my time answering....and took a deep breath after my final answer.  Well, hard work certainly does pay off....because finishing another exam's a huge weight lifted off my shoulders.   Knowing that I passed the exam, seconds after I submitted it, gave me an enormous feeling of relief because I could now concentrate on "life" again :) 

Life feels great.

MCB xo

Beautifying Our Home: Declutter, Organize and Simplify.

If you haven't yet noticed- I love the itty-bitty details that are implemented at weddings and events.  It's the little things that people notice which make a good impression- themes, colour-coordinated decor, labels, frames, etc.   What about on a personal level? When you walk out your door...are your nails neat and nailpolish done? Is every strand of your hair on your head in place? Does your purse carry all the essentials? Well, whether it's an event, myself, or my home- the attention-to-details are essential...but when you have a lot going on- things tend to become scattered!  This year, I'm attempting to organize my busy-as-a bee-life...and my mind.  I want to spend my time and energy focusing on my family, planning events and enjoying my weekends - rather than cleaning and looking for things that may not be in place.

Here are our goals for projects at home ....

• Recycle, sell, donate or throw away item that don't "spark joy"- so that there's nothing in our house that we don't use.

• Weekly Groceries and Meal planning - healthy, easy recipes, that are inexpensive and will be enjoyed by the whole family- especially our picky-eaters.  

• Every single closet from the linen to the nursery to the master bedroom shall be well-kept,...with only the clothes that fit, fashionable and wearable.

• Do something about all our kids toys.  I beg you please- don't give my kids anymore toys as gifts...it's driving me crazy! Take them out to the park, do kids activities, sign them up for sports or hobbies...but the toys galore are close to going out my door. 

• Everything in our home from our kitchen pantry to our bathroom drawers to our toddlers shelves will be organized into labeled containers.  

• Each single sheet of paper will have a place to be filed in, colour-coded, and won't be left on any counters or side table.  

• Family movie night or game night would be great but more importantly a date night with hubby every few weeks would be wonderful.  My DVDs need to be organized as well, placed in albums.

•  A calendar of events, appointments, work schedules, kids activities will all be filled in on time. Some "me-time" would be nice too----zumba, yoga or coffee with friends.  Oh, a massage- I need a massage.     

• Our kids daily routine will be down pat. Getting dressed, eating meals, naptime, playtime, bath time, homework, story time, and finally bedtime.  

• Budgeting Finances shall be on track.  Our monthly expenses, education savings plan for our children, life insurance, an updated will, retirement planning....and of course - we need to save for our annual vacations.

• My scrapbooking and crafty section of our room will be organized to a tee. Ribbons, labels, cardstock, and gift wrappers, will be organized.  

• I have printed photos and digital photos which need to be backed up on our hard drive, and placed in photo albums-  or have photobooks created and ordered.  We still need to enlarge our wedding photos and playful photos of our kids.

For the month of April, some of my girlfriends and I will be doing a "Chuck Challenge." On April 1st, we have to "chuck" 1 thing - whether we donate, recycle or throw it away.  On April 2nd, we "chuck" 2 items, April 3rd is 3 items and so on...and we have to share daily pics to prove it.  I'll keep you updated on how we did at the end of the month :)

Alright.  Let's tackle all this "Spring Cleaning!" and hopefully we can maintain it all.  

MCB xo

This is where some of my inspiration came from:

http://www.modernparentsmessykids.com/project-organize-your-entire-life-principles-of-an-organized-playroom/

http://www.unoriginalmom.com/20-command-center-ideas-inspire/

http://jershaanddup.com/free-colorful-konmari-checklist-pdf/

http://spaceforlivingos.com/2012/10/3-steps-to-organized-files.html
http://www.unoriginalmom.com/10-unique-meal-planner-ideas/

http://www.housemixblog.com/2014/07/03/how-i-simplified-and-organized-my-house-room-by-room/

http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2012/09/home-organization-101-kitchen.html

http://rainonatinroof.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/15-days-to-decluttering-your-home-and-extra-cash.pdf
http://www.twotwentyone.net/nursery-closet/

http://www.hellobee.com/2013/11/25/how-to-declutter-your-home-in-one-week/
http://happymoneysaver.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/myweeklycleaningroutine.pdf

http://www.misstiina.com/free/MissTiina-Everyday-Journal-Cards.pdf
http://iheartplanners.com/organizing/

Drink Coffee. Read Books. Be Happy

We just bought a house, are presently demolishing it and renovating the whole place to our liking.  My husband is taking care of the gigantic work and the itty-bitty details.  When asked if there was something I'd like to add...I said "a built-in bookcase....or a little library of my own!" Yes, I want the laundry room to be upstairs, and a walk-in closet like every woman...but I'm hoping to have a nice display for my books!  I keep every book I've ever read...so I'm excited for my books to have a place in our home.  Just imagining myself sitting in a little nook of our house, sipping a cup of coffee and immersing myself into a different world within a book----is something to look forward to already...My method of relaxation.  I've known this ever since my dad taught me to read at 4 years-old and for years afterwards, would get angry with me when I was reading past my bedtime with a very dim light.  Reading is a favourite pastime of mine and I'm attempting to raise bookworms of my own!

These are the 4 books I've read recently and absolutely love.  The summaries are from Goodreads.com- Come join me there and feel free to give me some reading suggestions! https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/8355962?shelf=read

MCB xo

What I Know For Sure 
by Oprah Winfrey

As a creative force, student of the human heart and soul, and champion of living the life you want, Oprah Winfrey stands alone. Over the years, she has made history with a legendary talk show - the highest-rated program of its kind, launched her own television network, become the nation's only African-American billionaire, and been awarded both an honorary degree by Harvard University and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. From all her experiences, she has gleaned life lessons—which, for fourteen years, she's shared in O, The Oprah Magazine's widely popular "What I Know For Sure" column, a monthly source of inspiration and revelation.

Now, for the first time, these thoughtful gems have been revised, updated, and collected in What I Know For Sure, a beautiful cloth bound book with a ribbon marker, packed with insight and revelation from Oprah Winfrey. Organized by theme—joy, resilience, connection, gratitude, possibility, awe, clarity, and power—these essays offer a rare, powerful and intimate glimpse into the heart and mind of one of the world's most extraordinary women—while providing readers a guide to becoming their best selves. Candid, moving, exhilarating, uplifting, and frequently humorous, the words Oprah shares inWhat I Know For Sure shimmer with the sort of truth that readers will turn to again and again.

I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban

by Malala Yousafzai, Christina Lamb

I come from a country that was created at midnight. When I almost died it was just after midday.

When the Taliban took control of the Swat Valley in Pakistan, one girl spoke out. Malala Yousafzai refused to be silenced and fought for her right to an education.

On Tuesday, October 9, 2012, when she was fifteen, she almost paid the ultimate price. She was shot in the head at point-blank range while riding the bus home from school, and few expected her to survive.

Instead, Malala's miraculous recovery has taken her on an extraordinary journey from a remote valley in northern Pakistan to the halls of the United Nations in New York. At sixteen, she has become a global symbol of peaceful protest and the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

I Am Malala is the remarkable tale of a family uprooted by global terrorism, of the fight for girls' education, of a father who, himself a school owner, championed and encouraged his daughter to write and attend school, and of brave parents who have a fierce love for their daughter in a society that prizes sons.

I Am Malala will make you believe in the power of one person's voice to inspire change in the world.

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing

by Marie Kondō 

This guide to decluttering your home from Japanese cleaning consultant Marie Kondo takes readers step-by-step through her revolutionary KonMari Method for simplifying, organizing, and storing.

Despite constant efforts to declutter your home, do papers still accumulate like snowdrifts and clothes pile up like a tangled mess of noodles?

Japanese cleaning consultant Marie Kondo takes tidying to a whole new level, promising that if you properly simplify and organize your home once, you’ll never have to do it again. Most methods advocate a room-by-room or little-by-little approach, which doom you to pick away at your piles of stuff forever. The KonMari Method, with its revolutionary category-by-category system, leads to lasting results. In fact, none of Kondo’s clients have lapsed (and she still has a three-month waiting list).

With detailed guidance for determining which items in your house “spark joy” (and which don’t), this book featuring Tokyo’s newest lifestyle phenomenon will help you clear your clutter and enjoy the unique magic of a tidy home—and the calm, motivated mindset it can inspire.

Secret Daughter

by Shilpi Somaya Gowda 

On the eve of the monsoons, in a remote Indian village, Kavita gives birth to a baby girl. But in a culture that favors sons, the only way for Kavita to save her newborn daughter's life is to give her away. It is a decision that will haunt her and her husband for the rest of their lives, even after the arrival of their cherished son.

Halfway around the globe, Somer, an American doctor, decides to adopt a child after making the wrenching discovery that she will never have one of her own. When she and her husband, Krishnan, see a photo of the baby with the gold-flecked eyes from a Mumbai orphanage, they are overwhelmed with emotion. Somer knows life will change with the adoption but is convinced that the love they already feel will overcome all obstacles.

Interweaving the stories of Kavita, Somer, and the child that binds both of their destinies, Secret Daughter poignantly explores the emotional terrain of motherhood, loss, identity, and love, as witnessed through the lives of two families—one Indian, one American—and the child that indelibly connects them.

Excited to plan this wedding!

This morning, I met with a bride-to-be to plan her wedding!  Ever since we were in the nursing program together...we had been hypothetically speaking about the day she'll get married. She told me that I would definitely be planning her special day!  Well, last year she got engaged and this October she'll be tying the knot.  We met over breakfast and she told me about all her ideas she got (from Pinterest) and all the cool stuff she found (on Etsy).  Gosh, do I wish I had cool resources like that when I got married----although, I probably would've gone overboard. Wedding planning is what I love to do....and even though I'll be co-ordinating on the day of the wedding....I'll still be the one with a tissue in my hand, wiping the tears of joy for the bride and groom.  

MCB xo