I absolutely love this time of year. Being a Floridian, this is when amazing weather begins for the next several months. This time of year will deliver crisp cold mornings where sweaters and jackets are all that is needed, open windows for a fresh breeze, and the opportunity to take in beautiful views. It’s usually about now that my husband and I look around our home and say how can we upgrade, improve, redo, or reorganize our space. Looking around we wanted to ensure that while the beauty of our home is superb, that behind the scenes the order that it delivered aligns with our lifestyle.

Over the years we’ve been blessed to travel as a family. Our daughter has been to Tokyo, celebrated her 6th birthday in Singapore, been to the Ronald Reagan Museum in Simi Valley, California, skied in Colorado and Utah, and traveled to Michigan seeing family and throughout Florida. I’m so grateful she’s had these amazing experiences to expand her mindset – plus not to mention my own. Travel is one of the biggest ways to kick restart mentally, destress and revive.

Mornings represent so much – the start of the day, new beginnings, or even a clean slate. Many of us start our day from the same area of our home – the kitchen nook. In fact, more families may eat breakfast together vs. eat dinner together, thanks to this little area. Often times the kitchen nook is part office, part homework station, part breakfast table, part pet food station, part everything. Because of this it can be easy to watch this area look like a tornado came through, and the opportunity to create an organized space is lost.

It’s difficult to imagine life 10 years ago. We were living in a two-story townhouse and it was our next level living space. We were so excited to finally have a two-story anything. Prior to that we lived in a traditional 2-bedroom 1,000 sq. ft apartment, and we were just kids newly married in our early 20’s starting out life together. I still remember living in that small town in mid-Michigan, smelling manure most mornings since it was a farm community. Life was basic and so was our living space. Boring and dull browns ruled the roof and there was no coordination or pizzaz in the styling and décor.

Like many individuals throughout 2020, living at home also became living at work, living at school, and a lot of other places all operated out of the home. It’s all blended – one and the same, except school finally became a separate place for some. Being at home gave the opportunity to look around and see areas to upgrade, refresh, and repurpose.

During this time of year I’ve been so determined to accomplish a slew of home projects, finally tackling spaces I walk past everyday. As most of you know, clutter increases stress and can negatively impact ones health, so might as well get started. Some of you may have already begun seizing the day, charging forward with an “enough is enough” attitude, while others of you may be looking around for motivation to start.

This world is in a place that no one could have ever imagined. A place that seems so unreal—pinch me because I’m in shock! The times we’re in seem like the next Hollywood science fiction movie – the day that everyone was forced to their homes due to a pandemic. Honestly, based on the daily updates, it is easy to live in total fear because of the awful things happening around the world and in the U.S. My heart goes out to anyone facing this dire situation and tragedy of COVID-19.

Right now is an amazing time to be alive!  Look around and open your eyes and be grateful to live in such a wonderful age of advancement, where almost anything you dream you can have.  No really – it’s possible!  The technology that is among us, has made touching and seeing the world a certainty we must simply take action to realize. 

My family and I just got back from an amazing ski trip in Vail, CO.  My husband is an expert skier and we felt it was about time for our daughter to experience snow and beautiful mountain ranges in the Colorado area.  This was our first official family vacation, so it was very important that all the details were covered for an excellent trip.  We had the pleasure of traveling with another couple, which worked perfect because we all blended together so well. 

It’s almost a new year and it’s time to party!!  Celebrate your wins and plan to get what you really want!!

While you enjoy ringing in the New Year with your family and friends, it’s also time to party-up your home décor with fresh colors and modern styles.  Why not make your home a fun and loving place to live—a place that inspires you and a place you can entertain.  It’s time to do away with the outdated furniture that you’re always making excuses for when you entertain guests.  Go ahead and get what you really want in your home, and the best place to do that is by going to Wayfair.

As the year draws to a close and I reflect on all the events and travels throughout the year, there was one destination that was unexpected, that truly turned into a mind-expanding experience I will never forget.

I had the awesome opportunity to go on a girl’s trip hosted by CEO of Superstar Nail Lacquer, Style & Travel Girl Blogger, Ariana Pierce.  She led a group of ladies to the beautifully historic Quebec City in Canada.   A French speaking culture founded in 1608, Quebec City has charming cobblestone streets, exquisite fine dining, and gorgeous views and sunsets.

It’s one of my favorite times of year – fall.  Even though the days are growing shorter, I love the chilled evenings and cool breeze that just makes this time of year feel like a fresh start.  It’s great to step outside and view the beautiful trees, leaves and color changes—it’s just a feeling of warmth.  While I love the fall scene it’s important to transition this into your home so it is warm and inviting. 

One of the questions I receive from my readers is how to shift from the summer outdoors to fall warmth.  Now is the time of year where you’ll spend more time around your home or with family for the holidays, so you want to keep your home reflecting the spirit of the season. 

So excited to have been a guest on The Dr Jason Show!  Even though this is my husband, I had so much fun being interviewed by him to explain the benefits that an energizing home can have on your health and wellbeing.  Watch and enjoy the program!

Can you believe it?  It’s already time to go back to school.  I know some of you may be thinking, wait a minute, we’ve still got a few weeks left; then others of you are saying, I’ve already started.  No matter where your schedule sits, you’re in it—the season of school prep.  Well I’ve shifted into the swing of things as my daughter is in a Pre-K program, which is basically just like regular school.

Have you ever felt overcome by the simple object called paper?  Ever looked around and saw tons of it piled high?  Whether it is newspapers, unopened mail, paid and unpaid bills—paper can truly become a nuisance in your home that you wish would pick itself up and go away; except if you find money.   Ah yes, the question – what’s in that mail and what is hiding in those piles that require action or could add to your income?

You know that feeling…the bass drops, the cymbals crash, the guitar starts a riff…it automatically generates a drive and feeling on the inside that puts a smile on your face.  It always forces an automatic physical response—a bounce, a tap of your feet, a head nod, and maybe a few dance moves.  That’s the power of music! 

I’ve thought about this subject so much because lately I’ve been so heads down in my work.  As I’ve continued to press and pursue important goals in my career and personal life, sometimes I forget to take time for myself—to take opportunities to think, meditate, and dream!  It’s so important but a great way to jump-start these moments is to do something that’s so simple—turn on the music. 

Everywhere I look I see Color, Color, Color!  It’s so fabulous because color adds life to an empty space.  It provides new light and hope when it may look dim and gray.  Color makes the imagination go wild with ideas and thoughts you’d never pursue in a dull environment.  Have you ever thought about how you naturally smile when you take in an environment that is colorful and inviting?  What I love about my home are the loads of color everywhere!  I had the awesome opportunity to witness my designer, Stacia Pierce, infuse color like a passion that calls and motivates me day after day.  That’s why I love her tool, The Success Journal!   By writing and scripting in such a beautiful eye popping journal, I can always keep myself excited about life!

So excited to share this incredible house tour with you on my recent travels to the L.A. Success Tour with Stacia Pierce.  (Side note—click here to learn more about the tour!  It’s incredible).  I had so much fun with dear friends sharing this vacation rental—I just had to capture some of the fine details and rustic views that this LA home had to offer.  Check it out below and I'd love to read your comments about the décor. 

Imagine this.  Walking up the pathway to your home and hearing the sound of birds filling a warm summer breeze.  The bold entrance door quietly opens and a rush of beautiful color overtakes your vision and you see a blend of pinks, purples, greens and colors that automatically get your creative juices flowing.  These wonderful designs instantly pull vision out of you, to the point where you’re inspired all over again day after day.

We’re a month into 2017 and now is a great time to have a personal check-up with your goals.  Rather than make a healthy list and only review it once per year, go back over your goals and make adjustments to really end the year on top.  One of my areas of focus lately has been to bring more order and clear the clutter. 

It’s a New Year, which automatically means thinking about changes to make, goals to create and methods to have a better life.  The care and keep of your home is one of the top environmental triggers to either keep you on track with your goals or pull you away from them due to distractions.  Keep in mind, “care and keep of your home” doesn’t just mean the sofa, table and love seat décor; it also means checking off—do you get along with your family, is there always strife and arguments filling the air, or when you open every drawer is there disorder, disarray or just a smell that makes you turn your head to the left and say, I’ll get to that later. 

After a long workday it’s so important to end it with a healthy dinner and not cram your body with unhealthy foods. 

Checkout this video of my refreshing dinner starter to get me feeling great!  Plus it’s a wonderful way to de-stress and end the day at ease.

Do the holidays have you feeling blue?  Do you look at all the commercials and constant holiday cheer and think, why is everyone so happy?  Would you rather crawl under a rock and say, wake me up in February.  Did you know that during the Christmas season people experience increased depression?  There are even higher incidents of suicide and attempted suicide.   Well, I’m here to say if you see yourself falling into Christmas loneliness or depression, here are a few things you can do to feel free, happy, worthy and content.

Say this phrase with me: “I will plan and be organized this holiday season!"  Trust me, I know this maybe a difficult phrase to say out loud, but it can be true if you take advantage of your time Right Now.  This is a perfect time to simply begin making lists, writing down possible gifts, and doing research to maximize your gift giving.  That’s why I created the gift giving planner.  Traditionally it’s used to plan gifts for loved ones and friends throughout the year for events like birthdays or anniversaries; however, you can now download the holiday version to easily plan your shopping more effectively.  

Believe it or not, the holidays are right around the corner and while you may not be ready for this, right now is a great time to start getting prepared.  One of the best preparation techniques is to purge, purge, purge then Get Organized!  If you have children, even they can get involved in this fun task by helping to fold, sort or just count the items you’re purging.  Whether you simply store these items away for another season, give them away to a friend or non-profit, or even throw them away—its always fun for family to get in on the act. 

I absolutely love this time of year.   The brisk morning air, beautiful colors of orange and yellow, and constant additive of pumpkins spice in just about everything!  (And I mean everything).   Well, who am I kidding…living in Florida this starts around the end of November.  But for the rest of you geographically north of me, especially those really north of me, enjoy your view! 

Growing up in the Midwest, my Dad always had his fall checklist.  It was all the home maintenance projects that needed to be completed before winter—and he loved doing it (or he loved bossing me and my brother to help).  No matter where you live, there’s always something to complete in your home because maintenance is a pay me now or pay me a whole lot later” type of concept—in the end you’ll be glad you did it.  

Can you believe it?  We're already at another major milestone in the year—Back to School!  While this means a ton of planning, organizing and shopping, that shopping doesn't just have to be for the kids.  I know it’s already giving you a guilt trip, but back-to-school shopping is a great time to do a wardrobe refresh.  

Have you ever needed a mental boost or a creativity jolt, only to walk into your office space and discover it was bringing you down rather than lifting you up?  Perhaps you’ve created a makeshift office that isn’t helping you forge ahead in your business or career.  Well, it might just be the color and décor that’s keeping you down.  Did you know that gray, beige and even white offices induce feelings of sadness and depression, especially in women?  Men experienced similar down and out feelings in purple and orange workspaces.

Being a busy mom with a top career in Corporate America, plus supporting my husband’s business, and having my own blog, means dinnertime needs to be quick and healthy.  The quick part can usually be done, but adding the word healthy to that equation can be a challenge.  In today’s age of quick heat meals or constant takeout, it can be easy to end up with a pretty un-healthy diet.  A method I’ve used to help my family stay on the right track is the Success Journal by my Life Coach Stacia Pierce.  This journal is packed with tons of thought triggers and accountability drivers to help you stay on your goals!

By Rosene Johnson, CEO Kidz Success Coach     

Summer is the perfect time for family outings and vacations. While the kids are out of school for the next few months, you can still maintain the learning and include fun at the same time.  Studies show that school age children can regress one to two months during the summer, and that regression is correlated with socioeconomic background.  Continuing with educational activities can help your child stay on track for the new school year.