Spring Cleaning: Constant Vigilance!

Perhaps it's having three weeks of vacation to loll about at home, or having to find homes for all our new Christmas presents, or maybe it's the urge to start the New Year off right, but I've been on an organizing bender. Wanna hear my tips and tricks?

We have the same problem areas as most homes- the entry way often becomes a dumping ground for stuff recently carted in the door. We are lucky to have some built in storage here to conceal it, but shoes end up in a terrifying heap in the bottom of the cupboard.

I think the most important thing about keeping a home organized is to constantly be re-assessing what works and what doesn't. ("Constant Vigilance!" as Mad Eye Moody would say!) Eric often complains that I am always moving things but it's because I'm on a quest to find the best possible solutions. Ones that work for how we actually live- instead of how I'd like to think we live.

This shoe rack is a good example. I set it up on Eric's side of the closet but he rarely uses it because his shoes almost never make it past this front entry way. I like to have mine all on display in my closet so I can put together the perfect outfit, but he has fewer variations to contend with. Instead they end up here. So I moved the shoe rack here and voila- we can now maximize that space and he can find what he needs much more quickly.

I always find the cleaning supply spot a little grim. All those assorted bottles- many of which you only use once in a blue moon look very disorderly indeed. Real Simple's "Streamline your Supplies" article was so inspiring. I inherited many of these products with our furnished rental and I hate to simply throw them out. But the looks of this streamlined cabinet definitely hold a deep appeal...

I did away with what I don't use everyday and corralled the rest in a metal basket. Feels good.

The laundry in our rental is in the kitchen so it's important that it be as streamlined as possible. There are curtains hiding it from view, but I wanted it to feel like an oasis of calm- sort of a spa for clothes. I don't hate doing laundry- I think of my clothes like an amazing collection of wearable art that I am constantly curating, and I enjoy caring for them. But it would be nice to have everything in easy reach. That giant tub of soap wasn't exactly easy for a short person like moi to heft down each time she wanted to do a load of wash.

By removing the unused products, eliminating distracting packaging labels and putting the detergents into clear glass containers, the space feels more orderly, calm and items are much easier to pull down from the shelf. I almost want to hang some art in here now!

What are your tips to keeping your home running along smoothly?

Book Report: Women, Food & God by Geneen Roth

The beginning of a New Year feels like the perfect time to write about Women, Food and God, because our culture touts January 1st as the time to dive into yet another punishing diet, take up a grueling work out routine and finally transform yourself into A Skinny Person Who Has It All and Is Blissfully Happy.

Geneen Roth calls this Sisyphean. That rock is doomed to roll back down the hill.

I've just finished reading this book for a second time because I wanted to pass it along to a friend and fellow blogger. The first time, I read the entire thing on a plane ride in a few hours. This time, I took my time and read it slowly, a chapter every other night or so. (The difference between inhaling three pieces of sheet cake and savoring one really good piece of chocolate.)

The premise of Women, Food and God is that many of us are disconnected from our bodies, and therefore from our most direct access to our divinity. This book intends to help women come back into their bodies, respect them, listen to them and stop their incessant battle with food.

No small feat.

What I both love and hate about this approach is that it demands that you address the source of the problem. Getting To The Bottom Of It is hugely attractive in theory. Once and for all. But this isn't about getting in touch with your emotions surrounding food so you can untangle every past hurts or your parents' failings. It's about sensing those emotions so you can see that you have attached them to food, and then move beyond them.

In practice however, I find myself deeply inclined to bolt. I have many tactics for this. My personal favorite is "This doesn't really affect me. My problem with food isn't this bad. I've never eaten an entire cake. I don't have fifty pounds to loose." Comparisons keeps me from meeting my issues at the place where I am, and therefore keep me from dealing with them.

Another favorite is to notice how those issues might be showing up in the life of someone close to me. As I re-read, I noticed the notes I had made in the margin the first time around. They were rife with connections between Mrs. Roth's words and other people in my life. Eek. Another way of avoiding my issues.

Then there are the thousand ways I "bolt" in my day to day. So much of it is habitual and totally unconscious. I wake up in the morning and often one of the first things I do is get sucked down the rabbit hole of the internet. Like Alice, I float there in a nether region, totally disembodied, while hours float by. It's far more compelling for me than television. I saw an article on Arianna Huffington in Vogue the other day that said "She has recognized that the entertainment of our times is self expression." That hit home for me. What else am I spending my time on the internet doing than crafting a facsimile of who I'd like to be? It's a way of adopting an identity without really inhabiting it. But it sure looks good. You can start to understand what seduces people into spending 20 hours a day gaming on World of Warcraft. It's a life within a life- but you can turn it into anything you like effortlessly. And yet, it comes at a great cost to your actual life. The one that is sacred.

I also love to bolt by shopping. There again is an element of fantasy for me. Just yesterday I was in Target checking out the after Christmas SALE (my biggest turn on!) and found myself staring longingly at a golden galvanized bin. The sort you would put drinks in at a party. As I size it up, I imagine the party I'd have- it is suddenly filled with ice and Vueve Clicquot. All my friends are gathered around in tuxedos and sequins, popping corks merrily, glasses brimming with foam. Everyone is laughing. Everyone loves me. We are all living to the fullest. Our life is uproariously good. How much is the tub that will bring me all of this? Six dollars? Why, that's my emotional price point!

I'm perfectly willing to pay six dollars to buy a piece of that fantasy. But it disappears immediately. Instead, I come home with a big clunky galvanized tub that I have to make room for- inciting a frenzy of organizing and de-junking (probably more bolting in that compulsion. I am Virtuous and Good when I fill a bag for the thrift shop. I am Not Attached to Earthly Stuff.) There it sits gathering dust. And even if I do someday have the Champagne Party of my Dreams, it can never match up to the fantasy and afterwards I am left feeling slightly empty and deflated.

Have you noticed that I've left food bolting for last? I suppose it's the most embarrassing and perhaps the one I bring the least awareness to. I'll be cleaning up after dinner, and rather than put the last spoonful of pasta or curry into a Tupperware (or the trash) I'll put it in my mouth. Or after I finish tidying the kitchen, I feel as though I deserve a treat, and I'll pop in a chocolate. Sometimes I feel a little twinge of guilt or disgust, but mostly, I feel nothing about it. Numbness.

I am capable of genuinely savoring food, a real gift from my parents to me. But another thing I've noticed is that I will allow myself to become so ravenously hungry that I am unwilling to take the time to prepare food for myself. I often rely on Eric to cook for me. Or, I will raid the cupboards and pull out something that can be ready Right. This. Second. Chips and Salsa. A sleeve or Oreos. Crackers and Cheese. A bowl of nuts. Cereal. Can of Soup. Instant. Instant. Instant.

So my job is to bring awareness to those moments. Instead of stuffing, I am learning to pause and think. Notice my body. Notice if I am hungry or not. Notice what my body actually wants to eat, not what my mind tells me I want. It may not be easy at first, but luckily the only tool I need is this body I am learning to live in.

Have you read this book? What did you think of it? Can you offer any ideas on how to inhabit and savor this one wild and precious life?

Peace on Earth, Goodwill towards Men.

White Dove in Peaceful Night by Joojoo

Today's Writer's Almanac included a description of the famous 1914 Christmas Truce when German and British soldiers laid down arms to honor the spirit of Christmas. This event has been immortalized a thousand ways, because it speaks to the preciousness of life we all posses. For that one night, the men were able to reclaim their humanity in the midst of grim and heartless bloodshed.

In Women Food and God, Geneen Roth describes a yogi who encouraged his students to remember the thousands of people who had died that day. "Think of what they would give to be in a body again, even for just a few moments." Our bodies may be only husks, but how precious is a body with a soul and pulse abiding in it?

That great gift of life deserves honor in every person that we encounter, no matter the wrongs given or received. I think the best way to honor Christmas in our hearts, is to practice extra kindness today- to your closest relatives and complete strangers alike. Don't forget yourself either. (How often we are strangers to ourselves, as well as those we love!)

Be kind to every living thing today in honor of that divine gift of life. That is certainly the message of peace that Jesus offered the world so very long ago.

Holiday Party Idea: Christmas Cookie Swap!

Have you ever tried a holiday cookie swap? They are so much fun. We've hosted one three years running now (Holy Moly! Three years in Hawaii amazes me. It feels like months.) and it's become a tradition I look forward to each Christmas.

Just look at this pretty assortment! Everyone brings a batch of their favorite holiday cookies and can take away as many as they brought to share. (We always seem to have extras!)

Sampling is part of the fun! We played How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Elf, and A Charlie Brown Christmas in the background to add to the festive mood.

We set up a buffet of pupus (that's "appetizers" to you mainlanders) on the bar and cookies on the dining room table. Our wonderful friends always pitch in to make these parties potluck style- it's my favorite entertaining trick because it makes the prep work so simple. All I really have to do is bake a batch of cookies, clean, put out some carrots and hummus, put on my Christmas Pandora station and get in a cheery mood!

I put my goodies in celophane bags, added a gift tag and tied them with a pretty bow. They make charming "thinking of you" gifts for my co-workers, the amazing team at the post office (I love how hard they work to make my small business hum along!) and the security guards at our building. It's nice to be appreciated, don't you think?

Have you ever done a cookie swap? How does yours work? And what is your very favorite holiday cookie? I have these Russian Tea Cakes on the brain this year, but I haven't made them yet. My Grandma makes them every year.

Christmas Decorating

My ornament collection just keeps growing. This scraggly tree is perfect for me since there is lots of bare space to fill!

Every morning, Eric plugs in the tree so it's shining like this when I manage to pull myself out of bed.

We set up a little mini bar in the corner. So far we haven't used it much since we have far more bottles in another cabinet, but it sure does look sophisticated.

Remember my DIY feather trees from last year? Also, these peanut butter cookies are gluten free!
I like glittery paper because it looks so very lovely underneath the lights. Who doesn't love sparkle?

My Mexican Nativity looks so lovely with my collection of mercury glass votives behind and some lacey Christmas trees to fill in the gaps.

Do you change up your decorations every year or do you stick with tradition?

Last Minute Christmas Gift for Co-Workers: A Civilized Teacup of Goodies!

It's been a roller coaster week, hence the light posting on the old blog. While I gather my thoughts, here's a last minute gift idea for someone you'd like to thank that will make them feel a lot more special than a boring old gift card.

Find some pretty tea cups or mugs- the thrift store is always a good spot. These were from my cupboard- found on clearance at Anthropologie ages ago and used only once or twice. Now someone else can enjoy them as if they are brand new.

Fill them with a few of your favorite beverages. I made several at once so I bought boxes of things and divied them up. So inexpensive. I chose Constant Comment Orange Spice Tea- a classic I've been drinking since my very first tea party! I also included a packet of Starbucks Salted Caramel hot cocoa and a pretty pretzel covered in white chocolate and peppermint.

I make it a point only to give gifts I would love to receive, and all of these goodies are tried and true favorites. Don't grab something you've never tasted to give. What if it's dreadful? And the bonus is that you get to savor the extras yourself!

I wrapped each one in a bit of cellophane and attached a matching gift tag and ribbon. So much more thoughtful than something grabbed off the shelf. Each of my recipients was delighted and I know they'll enjoy a little dash of civility in their hectic day to day at school when they pause to sip from their fancy new teacups!

Who do you like to thank with a little something at this time of year?

Oprah's Favorite Gigantic Pie is the Perfect Showstopping Dessert

Eric and I are planning a gigantic Christmas feast this year. We are torn between rack of lamb or the classic glazed ham for the main course. Dessert is my department, and a traditional Christmas pudding ala Charles Dickens was suggested. A Wikipedia hunt showed a rather revolting lump of a dessert- like an unhappy marriage between bread pudding and fruit cake, neither of which I love on their own.

I was hunting for something that would be decadent, delicious and totally showstopping. Then I saw this nine inch high caramel pecan apple pie in O Magazine. I think it fits the bill, don't you? Though I'm not really interested in paying $50 to have a pie airlifted to my home packed on dry ice as though it was a life saving heart transplant, I'm willing to spend several hours in my kitchen trying it on my own. (Confection confidence has been bolstered by the successful Baked Alaska!) I'll be using this recipe from Paula Deen.

Movie Review: Hugo

Martin Scorsese's latest doesn't involve Leonardo DiCaprio in period garb. Thank goodness. Instead, it's set in 1920's Paris and tells the story of a little boy named Hugo. Orphaned after his watchmaker father dies in a fire, Hugo is taken to a train station by an alcoholic Uncle and told that if he maintains the stations' clocks, he can live in the shabby, forgotten apartments above. So Hugo enters into a hidden world behind the surface of the station- peering out of walls as he scurries from clock to clock, oiling and winding them. He comes to know familiar faces as he goes about his daily work, but never speaks to any of them, preferring to live in secret with the gears and cogs of machines.

After his work is through, he tinkers with a beautiful silver automoton that he and his father had been restoring from the havoc of rust and time. This humanoid machine is meant to write when all it's pieces are running properly, but it is exceptionally complicated. Now that Hugo's father is gone, his only guide is his father's beautifully drawn notebook. The trouble is finding parts for his little machine- every piece is tiny and carefully made. There is a little toy shop in the station, and Hugo takes to stealing parts from the odd windup toy.

But one day, the toy shop owner catches him in the act and takes the notebook and Hugo is pulled out of his secret mechanical world and into the human one at last.

The story plays with the metaphor of what it means to be human in a world of machines. This is a central problem of modern life, and many artists and writers seem to return to the turn of the century to help them think about it. (Steampunk anyone?) Back then, most of those machines were made by human hands and it took human ingenuity to help them continue to run. Now, so much of our world is run by machines with parts made by machines and controlled by even more machines that we have become unconscious of them. I suspect this very complexity is the reason so many people are interested in going back to the land, or supporting hand made cottage industry.

Mr. Scorcese's answer to this question seems to be that creativity is the thing that helps us to be human in a world of technology and mechanization. It helps us to make sense of a world that isn't always ordered and precise like a piece of clockwork. Imagination is what makes us special and it is what will save us from becoming machines ourselves. It helps us to love and dream and what could be more human than that?

I can't recommend this movie heartily enough. It was beautiful and deeply moving. I can't wait to see it again.

Coping with Holiday Stress: What are your Strategies?

Zebra in a Box by wantaprint on Etsy

I've finally got the last of my Christmas boxes out the door and in the mail. It may seem a tad obsessive, but I do live in Hawaii with an ocean and the entire west coast between me and the people I love. It pays to err on the early side.

But yesterday after my trip to the post office, I suddenly felt lighter and more relaxed. I realized how unconsciously stressed I was about all those goody boxes and getting them just right. Although I love making them, it felt pretty damn good to send them on their way and have them out of my hair.

How do you cope with Holiday stress, real or imagined? I am starting to think that so much of it is self-created- the expectations I am trying to live up to exist in my mind alone! So it makes sense that I can ease those expectations with my mind as well. That's the theory anyway.

Are the holidays difficult for you? How and why? Let's discuss!

Which Christmas Ornament Do You Look Forward to Unpacking Every Year?

Oh my. How sweet is this little mermaid ornament? I love the homespun look of her- she'd be the perfect addition to my growing collection of sea inspired Christmas decor! Have you put your tree up yet? Which ornament is your all time favorite? (I have a skunk in a bikini that makes me laugh every year!)

God Jul! Celebrating a Scandinavian Christmas

After reading this article with 50 food gifts from the 50 states, I started feeling nostalgic for my family's Scandinavian Christmas traditions. I love the colors, textures and flavors that my Grandparents strive to preserve for us each year.

My grandmother takes the time to make home made lefse (a very thin potato pancake), and prepare Lutefisk as well. Though Lutefisk is not for the faint of heart (these fish are soaked in lye for heaven's sake!) and doesn't offer much to the palate, she makes it each year as a living remembrance of their heritage and the culture of their parents and their parents before them. I think that is rather beautiful, and I'll eat a bland, gelatinous forkful to honor them every time it is offered me. Food is about so much more than simple flavor, after all. It binds us to the past and future in a way unlike anything else I know of.

If you'd like to see my picks live on Etsy, click on over! What are your family's Christmas traditions?