FRIDAY BLESSINGS....







Click here for recipe - Chocolate and Nutmeg Tart w/ hazelnut crust {source via TSLLB}





 

Happy Friday to you! Although its raining here in the city I cant stop thinking of all the blessings around me and blessings to come this weekend. Details on those blessings on Monday :)

 
 

With Friday evening plans of apartment shopping and furniture perusing, the weekend is just full of to do's and life events.

And while most of the weekend will be spent shopping for our next home, my inner nerd will find time to head to the library for  research but for school work.... My plate is full. But a good full.

But before all the goodness of the weekend begins, a look back on the past week on the blog.

 

Fall style inspiration

 

Simplify your home

 

Reduce your financial stress

 

I still need your help!

& what about your plans? Id love to hear what you have going on!

 

Until Monday, have a blessed weekend!

xo

Meems

yep.....

As you know, we are shopping for our next NYC apartment. 

We have 20 days & I've had 20 emotions......just to summarize the experience thus far.

WEDNESDAY'S WINERY WANTS

{source via MegBiriam}

REBECCA MINKOFF Hudson Moto Mini Bag

DEBORAH LIPPMANN Single Ladies Nail Color

AQUAZZURA Sexy Thing Cutout Sandal

KELLY WEARSTLER Bruno Necklace

BLAIR RITCHEY Wine Suede Sunglass Pouch

GIGI NEW YORK Python Embossed iPhone Case

REBECCA TAYLOR Jacquard Pieced Blouse

LOEFFLER RANDALL Work Tote

GIORGIO ARMANI Rouge d’Armani Lipstick #610

ALLSAINTS Oxblood Leather Biker Jacket

VINCE Nina Flat

J.CREW Italian Cashmere Wrap

RAG & BONE Silk Track Pants

MADISON HARDING Burgundy Ankle Bootie

MAISON MICHEL Wide-Brimmed Hat

ATTENTION fellow Francophile book worms!

 

 

 

Well, I'm only a few pages away from finishing Paris in Love by Eloisa James and I need your help!

 

Can you recommend my next read to satisfy my Francophile tastes?

 

Thank you in advance

xo

Meems

 

STOLE MY HEART.....enjoy!

TUESDAY'S TACKLE & SIMPLIFY

 

 

A good house cleaning feels amazing when it is complete, but the initial getting started isn’t always as exciting.

I am a big believer in cleaning my apartment every week without fail. However, as we know, there are a handful of things that must be cleaned, but thankfully only a few times a year. Martha Stewart breaks it all down in great detail in her Housekeeping Handbook, but you can also print off the specific list you want here on her blog.

With that said, while I’m meticulous, I also don’t have a house cleaner, so below is the list that works for me.

Daily
*Make the bed
*Pick up after yourself

*Fluff pillows and spritz Febreeze
*File incoming mail

*Open windows and air out home
*Clean as you cook

*Windex chrome Appliances/Bathroom Mirrors

*Vacuum bathroom floor (having long dark hair is a chore all its own)

Weekly
*Launder sheets, towels, bath mats – anything used regularly

* hand wash intimates/air dry
*Clean the bathrooms – bleach everything
*Dust – tables, televisions, lamps, ceiling fans etc
*Clean mirrors
*Vacuum and mop floors, vacuum upholstered furniture
*Empty all trash and wipe canister

*Reorganize beauty products/wrap wires neatly around hair irons/dryers etc
*recycle old magazines, newsletters, etc
*Go through fridge – take stock and toss if necessary

*tidy up closets/throw out wire hangers and dry cleaning bags
*Clean all counters, microwave, toaster, sinks, vents, and ovens in kitchen
*Clean hand prints, pet prints from windows and doors
*Add fresh flowers to living room, bed stands etc

Quarterly
*clean pantry
*polish jewelry
*clean refrigerator
*clean oven thoroughly
*wipe baseboards and moldings

*clean makeup brushes

Twice a Year/Yearly
*clean all windows – inside & out

*purge closets
*flip mattress

*launder pillows

*clean the fireplace

I would love to hear how your approach cleaning your home, what works for you, what tips you’d suggest, etc. I’m all ears!

 

{source via TSLLB)

MONDAY TIPS: REDUCE MONEY STRESS

 

{Source via SLLB}

 

As much as we don’t want money to be such a powerful force that determines so much of our lives, the unfortunate fact is it does. But there is a lot of money’s power that we can take back and place in our own hands with better decision making, clearer goals and an attitude of a responsible adult who refuses to keep up with the facade of the Jones’. 

Here are a few ways to reduce the stress that money may be creating in your life:

1. Educate yourself and understand what you should be doing with your money - think savings, retirement, what percentage of your paycheck should go towards mortgage/rent, insurance, etc.

 

2. Create a Budget (and stick to it!)
By creating a budget, you are first determining how much you bring in on a monthly basis and then from there determining what bills you have and if need be, reducing or eliminating certain bills so that you are able to live comfortably and sleep soundly at night knowing your bills are paid and you’re not overdrawn.

3. Pay bills on time.
Schedule a financial date with yourself (and your spouse if applicable) to sit down, pay the bills and get a clear picture of where you are financially so that you don’t overspend and also to make sure you are progressing toward your goals. While it may be frustrating initially as you realize you won’t be able to go out to dinner as much as you had planned or purchase that new dress you had your eye on, the feeling of knowing you are making positive steps in the right direction is a lasting reason to celebrate. After all, there will always be dresses to buy and restaurants to dine out at, but your financial good health needs to be established first so you can truly enjoy yourself while sipping that delicious glass of Bordeaux.

 

 

4. Walk away and think about it before purchasing
There have been many times where I have saved myself unnecessary bills by simply walking away and thinking about a purchase before simply wiping out my debit card (which is exactly what the store/salesman and economy would like you to do). Do yourself a favor and walk away. If it is gone when you come back, it wasn’t meant to be and your checking/savings account will thank you.


5. Eliminate the Emotion
While yes, you may fall in love with a dress, you must remove the emotions when it comes to money. To not do so will only hurt your future and erode your peace of mind. If a friend asks for money (and while you may want to help because you care for them), if you are not financially able to do it, then you must say no. By removing the emotional component, you take back control of something that should always be in your control – simple math.

 

6. Create a Plan to Pay off your Debt
If you have more than one credit card to pay off, begin paying the most money you can afford on the card with the highest APR and only make the minimum payments on the remaining cards until the first one is paid off. Also, consider transferring your balance to another credit card that offers no interest for one or two years while you work on paying down your debt. Make a specific plan, stick to it and it will eventually be paid off – you can do it.


7. Understand the Current Economy
Just as being educated on the fundamentals of good money management is crucial for reducing stress, so too is understanding what is going on in the economy currently and how it affects you so that you can take advantage of situations and also avoid pitfalls.

 

Hopefully you can follow these steps to a brighter and healthier financial future.
xo M