I bit the bullet this year and ordered the Powersheets by Lara Casey. I have heard so many great things about them, and I figured I might as well try something new to get my goals accomplished this year! I ordered the 12 month set of sheets and the Make It Happen binder (which I heart eyes), and thus far I am really enjoying the process. Lara said that the prep work could take up to two weeks, but I didn't have that much time, and I am off from work so I got the prep done in 2 days. Even though I did the prep fast, I still put a lot of thought into what I wanted to accomplish this year.

The Powersheets are designed to break your goals down into monthly, weekly, and daily goals. This is great for me (Type A), because then I am able to check things off of my list (which I heart eyes). So, the prep work helped me to determine a vision for this year, and it allowed me to really express my fears, desires, and excuses I have used in the past. That part was both painful and wonderful. It helped me to see where I fall short, but also how I can cultivate small changes that will help me to reach my overall vision. Very smart lady that Lara!

Here are my monthly goals:

1. Eat only Jenny Craig food (it's been 2 days, but I have done it)
2. Work out (cardio/strength train) for at least 30 min. 4-5 days per week.
3. Volunteer in my city
4. Host at least one get together, or dinner for another person or group.
5. Save $100 this month.
6. Wean myself off of coffee (drink no more than 1 cup of caffeinated coffee per day; then 1 cup decaf; then no cups).
7. Completely abstain from drinking diet soda.
8. Declutter and finalize dining room.
9. No social media on weekends and no social media after 8 p.m. on weeknights

Here are my weekly goals:

1. Set up a weekly budget (include the $50 per check to go to savings).
2. Eat only Jenny Craig food (no cheating).
3. Work out at least 4-5 days per week.
4. No social media on weekends.
5. Drink less coffee; no diet soda.

Here are my daily goals:

1. Morning devotional time and prayer.
2. Be sure to journal at least one prayer, positive thought, or what I am grateful entry per day.
3. Drink less coffee.
4. Eat Jenny Craig food (no cheating).
5. No social media after 8 p.m.

I have also created a Pinterest board for my yearly goals. See my vision for this year.

                Follow MELISSA FAYE BLOG's board POWERSHEETS 2016 on Pinterest.    

My vision this year is to give myself away more, to not be so consumed with material things, get myself out of debt, and really focus on myself (loving myself better), and cultivating more community with Jesus and others. It's simple really, but there's a lot that goes into it. Overall, I think the Powersheets are really helping me to stay focused and pay attention to the things that really matter in life.

ORGANIZATION: TIPS & TRICKS

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Are you rushing around trying to find your keys under a huge pile of stuff? Do you find yourself trying to answer those emails, but you can't find the time and they seem to be piling up by the second? Does this sound like a cheesy info-merical? Great! Because it's not.

Organization was not my strong suit growing up. I often found myself trying to find things on my closet floor. I always had an over-stuffed junk drawer in my dresser. I always lost papers or permission slips, which would drive my parents crazy. It would drive my teachers crazy, too. Then there was the 10th grade cheerleading uniform debacle of 2001. I looked everywhere for that uniform only to find it in my closet two years later. Yeah, it was that bad.

Over time (especially my college years) I began to take my space, time, and life more seriously. I had to be organized to balance my academics and my social life. No longer could there be a junk drawer, I just didn't give myself the option. Papers and supplies all had a home and for the first time in my life, I felt on top of it.

If you need some help in organizing your life and making it easier for yourself, here are some tips!

1. Take it all out. The first step in organizing any space is to remove everything and start with a blank space (not you, Tay). I am not asking you to take out heavy furniture or decor, but if it can be lifted and moved easily, it needs to come out. Set aside and we will come back to it later.

2. Have a purpose and a plan. If that spare bedroom makes the perfect closet or dressing room, then you really don't want to include things that hinder the space. If your desk is for work only, maybe put it my window with a view for those long working days. The point here is to have a purpose and set your sights on making it happen.

3. De-clutter (and do it fast). Part of disorganization can come from keeping (a.k.a. hoarding) things you don't need anymore. By eliminating unused or useless items you are freeing yourself from clutter. If it hasn't been used in a year, or has never been used at all, get rid of it and do it fast. Don't allow yourself to rationalize keeping something you know you won't need. If it has sentimental value, but hasn't been "used" set is aside, we will come back to that.

4. Clean. Another great way to keep an area organized is to keep it clean. Ridding the space of dust, mold, odors, etc. can do wonders! Stirring dust can really affect indoor allergies, so the less you have, the less clutter, the less dust. Simple is good!

5. Re-create your space. After you have taken everything out, made a plan, de-cluttered, and cleaned, it's time to put everything in its place. Depending on your space, you will want to place items where they are most functional. Keep things at eye-level (or lower) that are used all of the time. Tuck away cords, electronics, remotes, etc. in a specific place when they are not being used. If you are organizing a closet, be sure to put like items together (such as seasonal items). Be sure to purchase crates, boxes, or storage containers to keep items in when they are not being used. Everything needs a home and everything needs a purpose. If you have sentimental clutter that you want to hold onto, find a place to store it to keep it from dry rotting or breaking down.

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I hope these first steps help you to organize your space, time, and life! Once you have organized each space one by one, you will be able to focus on the people and things you love.

Happy Monday, xx.

SPRING BEDDING INSPIRATION

Since my bedroom is still getting a makeover and I'm not quite done yet, I thought I'd share some Spring bedding inspiration. Let's be real. It will probably stick around until early Fall. As you may know I am terrified of color. I don't know why, I just always feel like a lot of color makes a space look juvenile. I have always seen beautiful, colorful spaces, and just get scared I won't be able to pull the same thing off. I browsed online at www.Target.com and decided to check out their Spring bedding on sale.

I know that I want a neutral comforter and shams because that gives me a lot of room to play with other colors when the seasons change. I have had an all white bed for as long as I can remember, but I feel like its time to change things up a little bit!

Bedding // Coral throw pillow // Gold lattice curtains // Ikat throw pillow // Elephant throw pillow // Sequined throw pillow

I love the mismatched pillows and how they are all different, but somehow they work. I can't get enough elephants lately and it kind of brings the outdoors in. Also, it lets me get a little bit of my safari out. Who doesn't love that during Summer? The curtains are gold lattice. Gold! Yeah, that's all I have to say. This is one way I can bring in color without it becoming too overbearing. Throw pillows and throw blankets can help change up your look without costing too much. 

What do you think?

Happy weekend, xx. 

COOK, WOMAN

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I have always enjoyed cooking since I was in my late teens, early twenties. It all started when my boyfriend at the time and I would cook dinner for my parents on occasion. First, we started with easy stuff like hamburgers or pasta, then we moved on to grilling shrimp and vegetables, and making homemade pies (well as homemade as they can be). After a while I became more comfortable cooking meals on my own. When I got married I learned all sorts of things via cookbooks and Pinterest, and I have to say, they turned out pretty well. 

Since my lifestyle has changed so drastically, and I am no longer married, I find it harder to get motivated to cook for one. Cooking for one can be really hard, so I end up cooking for 45 and just eating leftovers for days on end. I tend to cook unhealthy things since its cheaper and easier, but I find that to cause me to feel like crap. Then there's the fast food. Oh Lord, the fast food. It's just getting ridiculous. This past weekend after being sick and spending way too much time on Amazon, I decided to purchase Bread and Wine and Savor by Shauna Niequist. I am so excited to dive into these two devotionals and cook up some delicious recipes. 

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I know that food brings people together and it also brings a sense of calm into my life. Whenever I cook I just focus on the task and everything else seems to melt away. Food is connected to so many great things in our life and I want to be able to focus on the different areas of my life that need comfort, calm, and community. Food can do that for me and for others. I hope to update you on the progress and maybe even share some of the outcomes of the recipes. 

Have you read and cooked the recipes from these books? What did you think? 

Happy Tuesday, xx.

HOW TO: START FRESH AFTER A MOVE

After my most recent move, I took downsizing very seriously. I knew I wouldn't need as much of my furniture and decor because the amount of personal living space I would have would be smaller. The only truly personal space I have is my bedroom and it cannot house all of my bookcases, side tables, coffee table, dining room set, etc. I have had to de-clutter, donate, and store a lot of my stuff to make due. If you are finding yourself down-sizing, or taking on a new roommate or spouse, here are some helpful tips to get you started!

1. SORT AND SEPARATE. I know it may seem like an overwhelming job to go through all of your belongings, but this really is the only way you can do this right. I had to sort and separate my things based on importance.

PILE 1: High Importance; Frequently Used: KEEP
PILE 2: Medium Importance; Used on Occasion: KEEP or STORE
PILE 3: Low Importance; Used Infrequently: KEEP or STORE (This may pertain to items that could be used in the future, such as furniture)
PILE 4: Low Importance; Rarely/Never Used: DONATE

2. DONATE OR STORE. To donate or store can be a really tough decision. While I have a storage shed in the backyard, if needed, I have donated quite a few items that are either duplicates of what my roommate has, or its something I rarely use. While I love the idea of having an electric griddle, I never use it. Could I use it in the future? Maybe, but its not worth fighting for a storage space to keep it. We also ended up having 3 microwaves. How does that happen? I have no idea, but the microwave said goodbye. The good thing about the items I have donated is that they are inexpensive and could be purchased again in the future if I need to. I have given away bags of clothes, home decor items I didn't love, and have lent my dining room set to my sister to be used. I feel better knowing all of my stuff is being used by someone who really needs it rather than letting it rot away in a storage shed.

3. CLEAN AND ARRANGE. Once you have decided what to take with you on your move, and you've moved in, it's time to put your space together. I always start by cleaning out the room and making sure its clean before moving my things in. This may mean you clean windows, blinds, curtains, carpets, or even walls. Baseboards are big for me! I need to have clean baseboards before I fill a room. Also don't neglect ceiling fans. It's always best to wipe those jokers down so you don't wind up with dust on your bed or furniture.

4. LAST SWEEP AND ENJOY! Once you have established what belongings you're keeping, you've cleaned, and set up your space, do one final sweep. See if you love what you have, and if you don't, get your Elsa on and let it go. You may find clothes you overlooked, or a framed picture you've lost interest in. Not only will this free up more space for living, but may allow for you to purchase things you love to replace those things you don't. After your final sweep, enjoy your space! It's well-deserved and you'll appreciate your new house or apartment that much more.

What are your tips to survive your move?

DECORATE WITHOUT DAMAGE

I love to personalize my own space ever since I started living on my own. I think personal touches and making your home your own is very important. I live far away from my family and much of my pictures or photos are either in a box, bag, or just chilling on my iPhone. For the most part, I don't have a ton of photos on the wall because I am renting an apartment and don't want to knick or damage the walls too much.

Living in an apartment while trying to personalize and make this space my own can get challenging. For the most part, I enjoy looking at photos of family because it makes them feel a little closer to me. One of my favorite things in my apartment is this photo block from my sister's wedding.

I look at it and think about how special that day was. I think about my BIL crying tears of joy when he saw my sister. I remember thinking how grown up my sister looked on that day and I remember thinking about how she was going to be moving away in such a short time.

Personalized touches in an apartment is so important to me. I found some other ways of personalizing  or decorating rented spaces without damaging property.

1. Temporary Wallpaper

2. Use temporary hanging tacks, hooks, or putty.

3. Use throws or pillows to personalize your space without hanging items on walls.

4. Using glass prints to put on shelves or various flat surfaces in your home.

What ways do you know of to decorate rentals without damaging walls or property? Comment below!

CREATING A SPACE

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I have never really enjoyed structure too much when it comes to blogging. So much of blogging is spontaneous for me, and I sorta like it that way. What I have found, however, is that it is important to remain consistent for readers like you. I remember looking back one week at my posts and realizing how whiny and down my blog sounded. It seemed all that was on my mind was my divorce and not having all of the things I thought I would have in my life. I am pretty sure if anyone stopped by that week, they were over me and my blog.

So, for the sake of this blog and all of your fine readers, I am going to create some structure that may help balance out my content and my voice. This blog is more of a diary for me (hence the name of the blog is my name), but I also want to create content that allows readers to click away inspired, uplifted, and maybe even a little smarter. The categories of this blog are create, inspire, encourage, and reflect. That is the content I want to generate on a daily basis. I enjoy writing about my experiences because I feel like I have learned from them. I don't have it all figured out yet, but I am on my way. If I can offer a little piece of advice that helps someone, I am happy. If I can create a moment where someone feels they can relate to me and my story, then its all worth it!

Here is what you will begin to find here at Melissa Faye Blog.

Monday - Create Posts - DIY, adventure, travel, making a place of my own.
Tuesday - Inspire Posts - Quotes, verses, photos, art, books, and movies.
Wednesday - Encourage Posts - uplifting stories, positivity, building you up.
Thursday - Reflect Posts - moments passed, memories, lessons learned, teaching you something.
Friday - Free Posts - Fashion, food, general lifestyle.
Saturday - VA {virtual assistant} Posts - blogging, blog organization, tips & tricks.
Sunday - Sunday Edition Posts - linking up with Let it Be Beautiful & All the Things, Etc.

I think this schedule will allow me to create balanced content and attract readers on a more consistent basis. If you are a blogger and looking to find your voice, this may be a great way to focus on what it is you want to blog about. Readers go to various blogs because there is content that attracts them and leaves them with something when they click away.

Bloggers: I suggest you focus on what it is you want to leave people with. If you are a momma blogger, have tips or stories for other mothers. If you are a fashion blogger, then allow your readers to peek into your closet for the best deals and fashions. If you are an avid reader, share with us your favorite reads. Choose what you care about and write about it. Chances are others will care about it too! For more tips and tricks, head on over to The Yuppie Files. I found great inspiration from that post!

I appreciate each and every one of you that read my blog and I hope you'll stick around!

CURRENTLY LOVING

I seriously cannot get enough of these dresses from Ann Taylor Loft. I think the colors are so classic and elegant together. These dresses are perfect for work, brunch, church, vacation, anything. You can dress them up or down, which I love. As a girl on a budget I need to have clothing I can wear multiple ways for increased versatility. And hello? Vertical stripes do wonders for my mid-section and ba-donk-a-donk. What do you think?! Not to mention these dresses are 40% off right now!

Source from left to right: dots, maxi, patterns, stripes.

There are no affiliate links in this post. Ann Taylor Loft has no idea who I am.

POST...KIND OF

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Today there is no actual "post", but I did want to share some things today.

1. I plan to take today (and really the weekend) to gather inspiration and create quality content. Posts have been rolling out like toilet paper the last few days, but I feel like its time to really hone in on what my voice is and what I want to share on this little space of the internet. I have been pinning some helpful things that may help spark some new content in a fresh, new way.

2. I am working on setting some monthly blogging goals. Now, I don't want to get too hung up on numbers, i.e. followers, views, likes, and re-tweets, but it is important that my blog attract readers. I want to create content that is inspiring, thoughtful, meaningful, moving, hilarious - not all at once. Although, that would be awesome! This means I will be more focused on sponsorships, exposure, and forming relationships with you. I know I won't have it all figured out in one day, but I am open to suggestions if you have any.

3. This blog is important to me. Its a place for me to share things about my life. I have thoughts and I have opinions, but I also want to inspire and bring people back here daily.

4. This may mean I post more or less often. Let's be real. Not every blog post is 100% perfect or life shattering. I typically blog when I have something to say. If what I want to say coincides with the above mentioned then its a go. If not, then its a no. Cool?

Thank you guys for reading. For taking this blogging thing and running with it. My heart appreciates you.

PATIO INSPIRATON

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I took a picture of my patio this evening. I swept, scrubbed, and rinsed everything off. I want to start fresh for the Spring and Summer seasons. I know in .093593242481 seconds it will be covered in yellow/green pollen, but whatever. I tried, right?

I decided to peruse my favorite home good stores to see what I could find to dress up my little patio. I definitely think I want to invest in some things that I can keep for a while. I also want my patio to be a relaxing oasis I can step out to after a day's work or for relaxing on the weekends. Before it gets balls hot, its pretty nice sitting outside sipping on a margarita, glass of wine, or tall glass of water and slices of lime. I have even been known to enjoy a meal or two outside...

To see the sources for all of these finds, check out my Patio Pinterest board!

I think an accent rug is a must outside. It gives the space a little something extra, plus it helps to bring the space together. Floral arrangements (even if they aren't real) are a must for an outdoor area. I know I could never keep up the watering for real hanging plants, so silk it is! No patio is complete without LED lighting. I LOVE the LED string lights. It gives the patio a certain ambiance. For those times I want to grill and enjoy a meal outdoors I can plug in the infrared grill and set up my serve ware, complete with drink tray. Throw in some accent pillows and voila! Patio is transformed.

BLOG UPDATE!

So, by now I am sure you can tell that my blog has been recently updated and beautified. Thanks to Amy from The Charming Studio, I am loving my new look!

I wanted to write a post and thank her for doing such a beautiful job. If you are in the market for a blog design or re-design, Amy is your girl. She is organized, easy to work with, and I can rely on her if I am stuck and can't seem to make a decision.

I gave her the inspiration for the look I wanted and she ran with it. From start to finish, the process only took a couple of weeks. I think this design will be my forever design! Amy's rates are so reasonable, which I totally appreciate! I think I am just so happy that I am able to post and have my design match a little more of my personality right now. I am feeling the black and white (as always), but I wanted a little dash of color here and there (coral and gold).

So, if you want to contact Amy and have her beautify your little baby blog you can contact her by email at amy@thecharmingstudio.com. Her services are also posted on her design site, so check that out here.

Again, thank you so much Amy! You ROCK!

HAVEN'T POSTED

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So, I definitely haven't posted here in a while.

Currently, I am working on a blog re-design with my pal Amy so right now I am holding all of my creative juices for that process. I plan to be back soon posting regularly and hopefully with a fresh, new blog design!

I have also been working late(r) than normal getting prepared for the craziness that is about to hit our financial aid office. By the way, if you attended college you should say a little prayer for your alma mater's financial aid office. Our job is a lot harder (and more manual) than people think!

My weekend is getting closer and I am really excited! What are your weekend plans?