Spring cleaning is something many of us do not look forward to. How can you enjoy cleaning when the robins are chirping, flowers are blooming and the sun is shining? With a fresh look at the task of cleaning and a good music mix, your house will be on it's way to clean in no time.

Of course, what better way to jump start your spring cleaning then with an upbeat, clean like you mean it, music list! With the right music mix everyone will get involved. Even the most reluctant child will jump right in and help if the beat is right. Looking for some suggestions to make your own Cleaning Remix? Here are a few 'get up clean tunes' sure to get your house sparkling.

Kat's House Cleaning Remix

• Devo – Whip It
• B-52's – Love Shack
• Rob Base – It Takes Two
• ABBA – Dancing Queen
• Journey – Don't Stop Believin'
• Eurythmics – Would I Lie To You?
• Sugar Ray – Fly
• Eric Clapton – Lay Down Sally
• A-Ha – Take On Me
• The Rockafeller Skank – Fatboy Slim
• Michael Jackson – Shake Your Body Down To The Ground

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Happiness is a feeling based on circumstances that we can't always control, but Joy is something we can choose to have more of in our lives. Joy is something we can hold within us if we choose to.

Are you joining us in our challenge to choose Bliss this year? All of our weekly challenges will build on each other so if you haven't started yet, start with Week 1.

Step 1 – Choose a challenge to complete this week from the list below that fits in with where you want to create more joy in your life.

Step 2 – Leave a comment to tell us which challenge you've chosen.

Step 3 – Complete the challenge. Write about it on your blog, twitter stream, or post it to Facebook. Where ever you post it, make sure it is somewhere you will be held accountable to your choice. I'll be writing here.

Step 4 -  Come back and link up your post so we can all cheer your accomplishment!

Organization & Decluttering

If you haven't done the week 1 challenges for this area, start there first.

• Pick 1 closet in your home. Take everything out, declutter, and organize the contents.
• Start a Home Management Notebook.
• Decide the 3 most important household tasks that MUST get done every day and give them an assigned time of the day. (For example, mine are: empty the dishwasher @ 8:30am, sweep the kitchen floor @ 8pm, shred junk mail @2:30 pm – Doing these 3 things every day at these times means I can put dirty dishes in the dishwasher throughout the day instead of in the sink giving me a better chance of having an empty sink at bedtime, waking up to a clean floor, and not having a pile of junk mail sitting on my counter.)

Health & Fitness

Are you drinking a glass of water before every meal and taking a vitamin every day? If not, start there.

• Up your daily water intake to 5 glasses. (1 as soon as you wake up, 1 before each meal, and 1 more between lunch and dinner.)
• Increase your daily activity by 10 minutes (40 minutes total each day of "moving").
• Write down everything you eat in a food journal.

Your Faith Walk

Have you chosen a daily Bible reading plan? Start with the challenges in week 1 first.

• Find an accountability partner to pray with you.
• Join a Women's Bible Study at your church.
• If you aren't already attending church regularly, do some googling and find one near you. We are not meant to go through this life thing alone and you need the support of other believers in real life to grow.

Bonus Challenges

• Donate something of value (Your time, your money, your voice, your blood). Make a tiny difference in your life this week. The ripple into someone else's life will bless you.
• Do something brave. Tell someone you love them, tell someone you're sorry, tell someone the truth.
• Fill your cup. Spend some time this week doing an activity you love.  Take the time to take care of yourself so you are full to care for others.

Don't forget to leave a comment and tell us what you're doing this week.

Grab a button here.

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So, you want more bliss in your life? Me too. Here are this week's challenges.

Step 1 – Choose a challenge to complete this week from the list below that fits in with where you want to create more joy in your life.

Step 2 – Leave a comment to tell us which challenge you've chosen.

Step 3 – Complete the challenge. Write about it on your blog, twitter stream, or post it to Facebook. Where ever you post it, make sure it is somewhere you will be held accountable to your choice. I'll be writing here.

Step 4 -  Come back and link up your post so we can all cheer your accomplishment!

Organization & Decluttering

This is the number 1 area our readers want to improve in this year. I definitely want to create some bliss in my home in this area. Here are the Organizational challenges for the week:

• Clean your sink (a la Fly Lady). Lay a clean dishtowel out every night this week and make sure that sink is empty before you go to bed.
• Choose one room of your home and DECLUTTER. Get a box for things you'll keep and find homes for, a box for things you'll donate, and a trash bag for things you'll trash.

Fitness and Exercise

This was number 2 in our survey of where YOU want to improve. Here is your challenge*:

• Drink a full glass of water before every meal.
• Increase your physical activity by 30 minutes each day.
• Buy & take a multi-vitamin every day.

* I am not a diet or fitness expert. Please consult your physician before beginning any new diet or exercise programs.

Your Faith Walk

This is the 3rd most popular response to the question 'Where do you want to find Bliss?' The best way to deepen your relationship with God is to spend time with Him. Here's your challenge:

• Choose a Daily Bible Reading program and spend your first moments in the morning reading God's word. Here's the one I've chosen this year – Prof. Grant Horner's Bible Reading System
• Choose one of the following spiritual disciplines* to research and practice this week:
  • Examen
  • Centering Prayer
  • Praying Scripture

* This is a great resource for exploring Spiritual Disciplines – Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us

Bonus Challenges

• Donate something of value (Your time, your money, your voice, your blood). Make a tiny difference in your life this week. The ripple into someone else's life will bless you.
• Do something brave. Tell someone you love them, tell someone you're sorry, tell someone the truth.
• Fill your cup. Spend some time this week doing an activity you love.  Take the time to take care of yourself so you are full to care for others.

Grab a button here.

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"Bliss" – extreme happiness or joy

Probably not ALL the time, no. But moments of bliss or happiness and joy are definitely attainable by all of us. I've learned though that they don't usually happen without a little effort on my part. I have to slow down enough to notice them, choose the right actions to create them, and pay attention to the quieter moments to find them.

Each of us was created with a unique purpose in mind. And we don't all derive joy from the same activities. But I think most of us would agree that being healthy, loving our families, and completing work and activities that fulfill us lead us closer to experiencing joy as women.

Now that we've entered a new decade we'll be changing the "I Am Blissfully Domestic" meme to "Find Your Bliss." It's all about sharing, noticing, uncovering, discovering, and pursuing your bliss.

Each week we'll have a new theme and feature some fabulous women around the web who are sharing and finding their bliss. There are new badges and a linky below for you to share your own ideas about bliss.

Who did we find being blissful this week?

• Painting with a Flashlight – This is a really fun tutorial with AMAZING results from Moosh in Indy. I can't wait to try this myself.
• Delicious Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe from That's So Yummy.
• Cake baking and decorating at its inspirational finest. Make a Faith Cake with this tutorial by I Am Baker.
• Get inspired to start a new family tradition with roots in your childhood with She Wears Many Hats.
• See a beautiful quilt made with a unique block at Oh, Fransson!

Now it's your turn. What did you do this week to choose bliss in your life? If you blog, leave a link to your post in the linky below. If you don't, tell us something you did or plan to do this week (it's not over yet!) in the comments.

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Another year? Where did it go?

The new year signals a need to move forward, not back.  But we are often too busy reflecting on the past to make solid, actionable plans for the future.  How many times do you set your New Year's resolution only to have it be just another task that became too much to complete?  As someone who has dealt with my share of pain and grief, I have come to realize that we have to look forward to move forward, and I know that taking baby steps makes the road to improvement more manageable.

On my personal blog I am working on a "52 to Fabulous" series in which I will take 52 weeks to improve most aspects of my life:  "The pursuit of a better me." I'm anxious to see positive developments in the areas of health and fitness, style, home, finances…a little bit of everything.  And I'll be taking baby steps along the way to hopefully not become overwhelmed.  Any success will be recognized big or small. I'm not looking for the big fix, just a feeling that I'm making strides to a better lifestyle.

When you work towards a goal, no matter what the goal, pat yourself on the back for what you DO do instead of beating yourself up over those things you DON'T do.  You will be rewarded with a feeling of personal growth, positive attitude, and your own list (no matter how long or short) of accomplishments.  And you will have a positive, hopeful outlook toward 2010!

Here's to the pursuit of a better YOU!

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Shop. Bake. Clean. Decorate. Shop. Bake. Clean. Decorate. For some of us, it’s an unending cycle. We get so busy prepping the house, hiding the gifts and “doing” the season that we all too often forget what the season is really about: sharing the gift of love.

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanzaa or anything in between (or uniquely different), the tenet of these traditions is based in love and the ability to share its many facets, gifts and manifestations with others.

So, when you’re out and about doing all that you must to ring in the season, don’t forget to share a bit of the magic with those around you. Need some ideas? I’m so glad you asked:

• Share a Hug, Make ‘Em Smile ~ nothing says “I care” like giving hugs. I once listened to a friend as she vented about the recent hurts in her life. I hugged her and told her I was sorry. She was so surprised and moved by the gesture that she started laughing. People can’t help but smile when you give them a hug.

• Mail a Heart ~ sending cards is one of the easiest things we can do to let our friends and family know they’re thought of. Want to add a special touch? Personalize your cards. Use rubber stamps, decorations or cloth—the point is to make the project yours AND to put your personal pizzaz on it.

• Eat, Drink and Be Merry ~ this is one of my favorite commandments. Okay, it’s not actually a commandment but you get the idea. What better way to boost camaraderie and strengthen relationships than spending time getting to know each other? You’ll be surprised at what you find out or just how little you really know.

• When in Doubt, Let Love Out ~ I love to buy gifts and surprise people who least expect it. Recently, I received a generous gift card to an upscale spa and thought I think she’d REALLY love this. And she did. Have you got a necklace, gift card or some other thing that just might make someone’s day? Then let your love out and give it away—your heart and your friend will thank you for it. Psst. It works great on strangers too!

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Are You Fluent In Man?

Recently, my 12-year-old son was busy doing something or the other and it appeared that he needed some help. So, being the spectacular, Blissfully Domestic Diva that I am, I did just what you would've done: jump into the nearest phone booth, whip out your red cape and yell "Mommy to the rescue!" {Perhaps, that part's just me} I was all set to swoop in like Super Mom and handle any situation, conquer any foe and even slay a naysayer, especially the one that calls itself “I can’t.”

There I was. Hand on hip with my cape flapping majestically in the background. {This part’s definitely all me} I leaned in for the kill. “Honey, are you having a problem,” I asked nonchalantly. “Well…” he began, “I may need help but I want it from someone who…” he paused. “Who what,” I asked. “Well, who speaks Man?”

You know that sound Scooby Doo makes when he doesn’t have a clue about anything? Ruh? Yes, that was me. My first instinct was to laugh but I thought I should give the boy a chance to explain and here’s what he said in a nutshell.

Speaking man meant that instead of throwing out suggestions or swooping in to rescue him that I’d just sit back and let him work through his own problem, allow him to find the solution at his own pace and NOT be such a Mommy. In other words, spectacular, Blissfully Domestic Diva with the cape needed to be less hands-on and more eyes-only.

Here’s the moral of the story: As mothers, it’s easy for us to want to rescue our young ones from the troubles, hurts or stress-like situations they encounter in life. But just like my 12-year-old reminded me, sometimes we’ve got to let go just enough for them to discover their own identities and personalities.

Sometimes, we’ve got to stop and “speak a little Man.”

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The Christmas tree is up and I've started Christmas shopping. Actually, I'm nearly finished Christmas shopping. Radio stations are blaring Christmas music interspersed with their standard music rotation. Holiday cards are starting to fill my mailbox. Starbucks has the red cups out.

Tis the season, right?

'Tis also the season for snow. As I write this, west Michigan is expected to be under a winter storm watch this evening through tomorrow. That means cold temperatures and snow. Lots and lots of snow.

Have I mentioned I don't really care for snow?

People find it odd that I live in a place that snows every winter, and yet, complain about the snow. I don't find it odd at all. I can't even blame the fact that I'm not a native Michigander for the fact that I struggle each year with getting used to the snow. I've lived here 20 years – surely that's enough time to adjust!

As you can imagine, though, my kids LOVE the snow. They want to be outside in the snow, stomping in the cold slush, making snow angels and crafting snowmen in the freezing winter wonderland. The first snow had them scrambling to locate snowboards, sleds and even creating a makeshift sled with the top of the sandbox.

The same snow that frustrates me – the stuff that makes me cold, that makes driving a sometimes scary event, that makes snow days necessary – brings my children a lot of joy.

Last week we got our first big snow. I took my daughters to the local coffee shop for some hot chocolate (for them) and a cappuccino (for myself). I carried my four year old into the store so she wouldn't have to navigate the mess. As I carried her, she kept sticking her tongue out to catch the snowflakes on her tongue. Her face was lit up with excitement and pure joy as each flake dissolved on her tongue. A couple walking out of the store saw my daughter and stopped – as they watched her, smiles spread across their faces as well.

There is a short list of advantages to snowfall – at least in my opinion – but the top advantage is the joy it brings my children.

I still hope that winter storm completely bypasses my neck of the woods, though.

What brings you joy this week? Share with us!

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For example, a few weeks ago I attended an informal class taught by a friend about Lasagna Gardening. I came home all fired up about setting up a lasagna garden for our family. And, I was going to do a whole series about it here on Blissfully Domestic! I got as far as the first layer (cardboard and newspaper) and I took some pictures and then…well…it hasn't gone any further than that. So now I have an area in my yard that is covered with cardboard and some stacks of newspaper (being held down by some heavy plant pots). You know my neighbors are just thrilled with me, right?

And speaking of layers, I'm also a pile maker. I have piles of papers and items that are "important," that need to be dealt with, that truly have a useful purpose. And then more important, more time sensitive, and more useful items get piled on top of those. The next thing I know, one of my kids is asking for a form that was supposed to be filled out and turned back in to the teacher (it's about halfway down the pile) or the coupon that I really wanted to use has expired (because it was at the bottom of the pile) or those notes I took about that really neat idea for a project….you see where this is going right?

"I'm going to be more organized!"

"I'm going to follow through with this project!"

It's a frustrating and an erratic cycle.

BUT, it's who am I. I am a dreamer. I am a procrastinator. I am an idealist. I am easily distracted. Instead of fighting against who I am, I try to embrace it. We're taught to show grace and mercy to others, yet we need to extend it to ourselves occasionally.

A wise woman once told me that at the end of each day she asks herself two questions and gives two responses:

1. What was bad? Think of a way to improve it for tomorrow.
2. What was good? Give thanks.

And you leave it at that. No second guessing, no "should haves", no "buts," no "I can'ts." Just thankfulness and the desire to improve.

That is how I am blissfully domestic. If I'm constantly tearing myself down about the things I do wrong, I'll never see the things that I do right. If I'm always wishing for things to be better, I won't see the things that are already good.

Will the garden ever be finished? I hope so. And if it is, you'll read about it here! Will my piles finally be eradicated? Again, I hope so. But for now, at least I know where I put that coupon… maybe?

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My youngest child entered Kindergarten this year…I'm officially out of the Preschool Mom's Club and squarely in the Moms of Elementary School Kids Group.  It's quite the paradigm shift to have a big chunk of time every day all to yourself after more than a decade of having little ones to take care of.

At first, I took advantage of the time by thoroughly cleaning the house, hand sewing Halloween costumes, and getting a jump start on my Christmas cards.

*ahem*

Okay, what I really did in the beginning was luxuriate in more than a few bubble baths, watch several silly romantic comedies, and eat a lot of popcorn.

By the third day, I knew that wasn't going to be enough.  I needed to fill the void my kiddies left behind when they trotted off to school with something more substantial and meaningful. I tried a host of different things to "find myself" during those early weeks… from writing more and switching up my exercise routine to organizing my garage, my self-improvement projects spanned the gamut.

One afternoon while in the check-out line at our corner grocery store, I ran into a former neighbor.  I hadn't seen her in ages, and we stepped out of line to chat and catch up.  We laughed about how odd it was to be able to do so, to stand there for five minutes to just talk, uninterrupted by requests for gum or magazines.  Driving home, I realized THAT was exactly what I needed.  I was craving time with my girlfriends, just us together being friends.  Not moms, not wives, not employers or employees, not sisters or grandmothers, not PTA members or classroom volunteers… nothing but a group of women together.

Girlfriends.

I honestly love nothing more than being with my children and husband, so much so that I was starting to neglect my other relationships… most especially my friends.  It happens all t0o often to us moms as we push our own wants and needs to the side as we take care of our families.

I missed my girlfriends, and I missed being a girlfriend… hanging out with friends because we enjoy each others company, not because our kids have a playdate or we have to work on a fundraiser together.  I corralled some friends, and we forged a plan to meet for lunch once a month.  The dates are written IN STONE on our calendars for the rest of the school year.  It's a bright spot every month to which we all look forward.

But that just whetted my appetite.  I started reaching out to other friends (IRL and online), reconnecting bonds that time and distance had frayed, and establishing new friendships with women I'd "been meaning to get to know."   And in this process not only am I interacting with some amazing women, I'm also remembering a me from years ago… the me that's JUST me, stripped of all of my assignations and expectations.  ME.

So what's Blissfully Domestic about this?  Glad you asked.

Hanging out with my friends has been energizing; it's recharging to just be myself.  Sounds simple enough, but it's sometimes the basics that are forgotten amongst the chaos of daily life.

So whether you're a mom, employer, sister, wife, daughter, grandmother, or some combination therein… remember to nurture your friendships. Doing so just might help you be a better mom, employer, sister, wife, daughter, grandmother…

And Happy Thanksgiving, Girlfriend!

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