Day 9: Princesses, Tea & More Cleaning

Yep, she's no longer a toddler. She's a real kid. My Sophia is 3 years old today. She woke us up early, proclaiming that it was her birthday. It amazes me how they go from a squishy looking baby to a walking, talking, thinking being.

Wowser! The princess birthday tea party was a success. After only 5 hours of sleep, I woke up early to grocery shop for the party this afternoon, including picking up the requisite princess cupcakes. We had a low key celebration. She invited 2 friends, and we also had some friends and family. The kids were sooo cute and civilized, sitting at the little table sipping their "tea" (diluted apple juice or herbal tea) and eating little sandwiches and treats. Of course, the princess dress made another appearance. She even twirled in it for a while!

I opted for a small celebration for this party. It's so easy to get sucked into the commercialism of birthday parties. Maybe it's the DC metro area. We've attended several toddler birthday parties this year, and some are big productions. Do you really need 16 kids at a 3 year old's birthday party? And of course, you have to hold your birthday party at some other place, not your home. I looked into one place. It was over $300 for 2 hours. No kidding. My 3 year old will barely remember her 3rd birthday party I'm sure.

To prepare for the party in our little apartment, we have been cleaning all weekend. I'm not the greatest housekeeper; cleaning house definitely isn't my favorite thing to do. Plus I've been doing a lot of parties, so it just seemed like such an effort to load the dishwasher. Hubby definitely did the bulk of the cleaning. He's great about it when he sets his mind on it. He even cleans the bathroom. And no, you can't have him. He's all mine!

For Day 9, positive affirmations cleanse your energy/spirit as you clean a physical part of your home or body. Normally when I'm cleaning, I don't think about how cleaning can clear the way for positive energy into your life. I usually zone out. I guess it's like meditating, right? However, I definitely feel it after I've cleaned. I'm sitting on my couch and I can actually see the floor! And my coffee table doesn't have sticky fingerprints nor does it have dried play dough stuck to it. It feels good to have everything neat and orderly. I promise myself every time we do this crazy cleaning, that I'll keep it up. This time I really mean it.

I know Day 9 isn't just about cleaning. It's about being aware of your daily actions. Don't just go through the motions. Think about the meaning of your actions. I have to say, today's preparation and culmination of the party definitely made me feel all warm and gooey inside. The pigs in the blanket didn't hurt either.

Day 4: Who I am is enough

Yesterday's affirmation is one I need to post in my planner so I see it everyday:

I love an accept who I am. . .and who I am is enough. (Denise Linn)

I'm always looking for ways that something can be done better or be improved, and that includes me. It drives hubby crazy. However, I think I've taken a big step in accepting who I am. Many of the books I purged last night were self-help books. They all say pretty much the same thing, and they're no good if I don't read and implement what the author suggests. Honestly, what I really need is self-care.

I didn't even pick up my Soul Coaching book until after 9pm. And then I was glued to the tv watching the election coverage. I'm not going to beat myself over missing Day 4's assignment. I did find time for my cup of tea and book. I was so engrossed in my book that my tea got cold. I'm looking forward to reading more tomorrow. The rest of the week will definitely challenge my tea and book action. I have 4 Passion Parties this week, starting today. Not to mention that Sophia's birthday party is Sunday.

At the doctor's office yesterday, I met the sweetest women working the front desk! Sometimes, I'm so involved with the hustle and bustle of things, I forget how much fun it is to share my Passion Parties business with other women. When I gave them sample gifts of our Sensuous Bath Salts, their faces lit up! It's a small office, so I'm sure it gets rather quiet there. I'm glad to be able to add a bit of fun to their day. What little things do you do to put a smile on others' faces?

Looking for a great holiday shopping guide? Jessica's blog has great reviews and giveaways! Including something from me: Romantatherapy Radiant Bubble Bath. So check it out and leave a comment for a chance to win great goodies.

photo by Eduardo Mueses

Day 3: Book Hoarding

photo by Dawn Endico

I didn't curl up with a book yesterday. However, I did make me a cup of tea, took a hot bath, and indulged: I listened to the latest podcast of CraftSanity, an interview with the talented Amy Butler. I think that counts right? I didn't have the energy to search for a book that fit my mood--especially since I didn't know what that mood was.

I almost didn't do Day 3's assignment. Between a very sick hubby (I'm dragging him to the doctor this afternoon), and a 3 year old, it was a long night. After being called out my hot bath by the little one, I just felt like crawling into bed. Denise Linn asks you to clear the clutter from one part of your bedroom, bathroom, or bedroom closet. I thought, I can do just one drawer, just one part.

I've mentioned it on the blog before, I hoard books. I haven't even read half the books hanging around my place. I have piles and stacks everywhere. It's hard to give them up sometimes. Each book holds so much potential. Each story that could touch me, make me think or make me laugh out loud. So they wait patiently for me to pick them up. Wait for me to be in the right mood for their genre or topic. They offer their stories unconditionally.

I decided to tackle my dresser--no not the one I keep my socks and undergarment in. The one that I use as my nightstand. It has become a depository for books. Not to mention the stacks and piles (and the piles that fell over) on the floor. I said good-bye to books I hadn't read yet, to books I'd read but might want to read again, and to books I have no idea why I picked them up. They all went on my bookshelf at Paperbackswap, 8 of them have already been requested, and will be on their way to new owners who will appreciate them.

You can actually see the top of my dresser now. I even found my lavender neckwrap I received as a gift from my BeautiControl party. (It's fabulous, you heat it up in the microwave and set it on your neck and shoulders. Say it with me, "aaaaahhhh"). I even found my sketchbook, under the bed!

Now to find a fun book for my daily cup of tea. I do admit that I'm not following my intention to get more rest. I did take a nap yesterday while Sophia napped, but I then stayed up until 3 am. No use feeling guilty. I'll try to get a nap in today. After I go vote of course!