The Hit List - Spring cleaning

The windows are open and the breeze is gently coming in and stirring the incense around the room.

The cats perch high and look for signs of birds and squirrels. They are at full attention. The glum of winter is slowly dissolving and now we’re all stir crazy. Ready to clean, to clear, to take an action – any action. Even if that action is sitting by a window staring at a sparrow.

I’m ready to spring clean.

Clean out the dust in my house.

Clear out the book shelves. Again. (Never mind I just ordered two new books.)

Purge and trim and fix and declutter every inch of my space + life.

It’s detox times ten starting next week.

A tidy and fresh space feels elegant. Graceful. Unblemished.

I want that.

I crave it.

I’m tearing down to the core and looking for the shiny, sparkling glow underneath.

This includes my poor body, which has gone through too many days of chocolate and nights of wine. My insides feel tired and overtaxed. I want them to rest, to release, to feel pristine.

So I will embrace the wholesome and say good bye to my temptations (or at least put them on ice). Will I give up my foodie lifestyle? No. But it’s about to get more intentional.

Spring has sprung and I’m ready for my makeover.

I want to be pure again.

This is my passive aggressive cat, TaoZen. He’s sitting next to me waiting for signs that I’m getting up so he can get a treat.

Other stuff:

I love stories about old homes being remodeled. This 1840’s Creole cottage got a major makeover – and move.

What happens to stolen iPhones? They end up in China and then this happens. Such a great story!

Extreme self care is essential for entrepreneurs. Racheal Cook shares her story + advice.

Grooving on these photos of the She Huo performers in China’s Shaanxi Province.

My daughter watched a religious parade the other night (she’s living in Spain right now) and had to find out what the deal was with those strange costumes. Semana Santa!

Bikram breaks his silence over allegations, offends everybody.

Heartbreaking video of homeless people reading mean tweets about homelessness. People can be really, really cruel.

20 of the best photos taken with iPhones. I need to really practice more.

I am a total fangirl of photographer Vivienne McMaster and just signed up for her latest: Double Exposure Love.

Secret Sixties affair diary. Oh the drama! Oh that beehive hairdo! And oh…why did he keep all those notes?

What’s the one thing you need to do on every flight? This.

There is a lot of suffering in the world: people who live on less than a dollar a day.

Monica Lewinsky is creating some waves – and this time, it’s on her terms. BRAVO!

Nicole Antoinette talks about burning down her blog. Eight years worth!

I am in love with this post from Nikki Groom: Protect what’s yours…and be RUTHLESS about it.

Here’s how to stock your bar cart like a fancy pants bartender.

Favorite thing I watched this week: Going Clear.