Did you set any New Year Resolutions? And more importantly, have you managed to maintain them so far? Congratulations if you have …. if you haven’t, read on!

Life Changes in 2007
Well, here’s my big suggestion to help you make your resolutions ‘stick’ in 2007. Simply chop them down to bite sized achievable resolutions. Make them monthly resolutions – that way you’re not committing to a years worth of hard yakka (that’s a colloquial term for ‘work’ in Australia).

Here’s a resolution for all domestic divas to attack – THE WARDROBE, cupboards and drawers that you store ‘stuff’ in. Maybe that can be your next months Resolution. Here’s the ‘how to’ if you’re interested …

1. Pulling out all your clothing and cull, cull and cull. My rule – if you didn’t wear it in the past 12 months, then throw it out or better still, give it to someone else. I use a second hand clothes store in Applecross, they take my items on commission and we share the income. In Melbourne there is an organisation that will take your business outfits – www.fittedforwork.org which they provide to women who are returning to work and don’t have the funds to buy a suit etc. (I’m sure you can find a similar organisation in your part of the world.)
2. Then seriously consider the items you’ve kept and ask the question, Are these items stylish and fashionable? I don’t mean ‘trendy’. Do they suit you and especially your body? Or, is it too tight, too short or can you see your panty line from the rear?! Get rid of it and keep clothes that suit you. Fashion gurus Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine from the popular British show – ‘What Not To Wear’ have great hints for you to learn from. My wardrobe changed after reading a few chapters (in one of their many books), it was a rude awakening. I discovered the styles that best suit us bigger busted women e.g. wear V necks – never wear polo, turtle or high round necked tops. It meant I did a load of culling and I must say that I feel far more comfortable wearing fitted tops.
3. Go through your lingerie drawers, shoes and accessories (even jewellery) and review the stuff that meets the similar guidelines to point 2! Or, why not grab a few girlfriends together and invite a specialist to come and talk to you – a great activity for the office! We did this many years ago and it was amazing to the see the transformation in many people, not only in their style but their confidence.
4. As mentioned in other editions, look at your cosmetic and skin care products – when did you last use them. If they were food items, would you still eat them? I’ll keep harping on this point, your skin is the largest organ in your body, treat it with respect.
5. When did you last rearrange your furniture – it’s amazing how ‘new’ your home can look when you change the look and feel of the rooms.
6. Then attack the fridge and pantry. I’m sure there are numerous ‘out of date’ items consuming space.

Now, that may seem like a load of work, but assign a couple of tasks per weekend in February and you’ll be a new woman by March!

Other changes for the year
This is the time to consider what other challenges you’d like to tackle during the year; is it a new appearance (e.g. hair colour, shape), more health conscience (e.g. reduce or refuse sugar drinks) or maybe consider doing some volunteer work. There are so many life opportunities that are waiting to be seized … don’t continue to do the same old, same old – make your domestic life more exciting!

Those Green Bags!
Call me a domestic snob, but I am having a terrible dilemma with the many women I see that continue to carry those Green Bags as if they are a fashion accessory – rather than being what they are - an economical environmentally friendly grocery carrying convenience item. Tut Tut if you carry one around with stuff in it outside of grocery shopping hours. Please don’t go back to carrying stuff in a plastic bag, let alone any other branded (freebie) bag. Do yourself a favour and purchase a smart and attractive bag to carry your stuff. And, if you see any Divas carrying a Green Bag, do a memory note and buy them a more fashionable bag as a little gift – do us all a favour, wont you!

On-Line Shopping
I’ve had quite a few people ask about my on-line shopping habits. In previous editions, I’ve provided a few websites, which I’ll repeat for you. However, let me reiterate the benefits on on-line shopping. We’ve tried on-line grocery shopping; it’s very convenient when you’re busy. We buy all our cleaning, health food, skin care and cosmetics on-line and we generally shop for gifts on-line. Don’t get me wrong, I am the Queen Diva of ‘mall’ shopping but I love a good bargain and if you think about it, on-line shopping doesn’t pass on its advertising, merchandising and ‘middle man’ costs. Some services charge a delivery/shipping fee – however, insignificant compared to the cost of your precious time.

www.petersofkennsington.com.au – great for household items and gifts
www.melaleuca.com – chemical free domestic products, cosmetics, skin care, bath & body, nutritional & pharmacy products
www.strawberrynet.com – great way to access perfumes and cosmetics (probably the cheapest you’ll find)
www.dstore.com.au - great for household items and gifts

That’s all for this Domest ic Bliss edition – I look forward to your contributions during the year.

DOMESTIC BLISS
Sharing ideas, concepts and news to satisfy the domesticity in you!
Louise Thomson - GLOBAL PEOPLE
globalpeople@sandhurst.net.au