CLUTTER IN THE BEDROOM Adults' bedrooms are for sleeping and intimacy, and they should function as places of renewal for self and relationships. Clutter in bedroom is enervating without being restful. If you feel "wired and tired," creating order out of chaos in this most personal space can help you relax and let go of stress of day. Then you can get a good night's sleep or enjoy some special time with your partner.

CLUTTERED CLOSETS Closets represent things that are hidden, unknown, or unrecognized. When we fill our closets with clutter, we stifle our ability to be intuitive and insightful. Cluttered closets can indicate problems that you may not be consciously aware of but which impede your progress through life, work, and relationships nonetheless. Keeping closet door closed is not an effective solution.

ATTIC AND BASEMENT CLUTTER A cluttered attic creates a feeling of being under pressure. It's hard to feel optimistic about future when there's so much stuff "hanging over your head." Ancestor issues reside up there, along with all those boxes and chests holding detritus of generations. And basement and other below-ground storage areas are considered abodes of subconscious, so watch your step and get that clutter cleaned up! CLUTTER IN YOUR GARAGE Think of your car as a symbol of your mobility, independence, and ability to be self-directed in life. If there's so much stuff piled up in your garage that you can barely fit car in there, you may be hampered or overly cautious moving forward in life as well.

Stop thinking of clutter-clearing as a tremendous chore, and start thinking of it as one of most effective self- improvement tactics available to you. Every magazine and piece of paper you recycle, every book you give to library, every knick-knack and item of clothing you release to a new owner creates space in your life for new insight, energy, joy, and experiences to come in!

(c) 2003 Stephanie Roberts

[exerpted from "Clutter-Free Forever!", Lotus Pond Press, 2003]

5. Skipping Meals It’s not uncommon to get caught up in your planning and then realize at 9 p.m. (as your head begins to ache) that you haven’t eaten a thing all day. While it may not be an uncommon scenario, it is unavoidable. Not only is skipping meals unhealthy, it can lead to binge eating. That often means eating very fattening foods and/or overeating all at once. To avoid this, try packing light snacks to keep on hand throughout day. Good examples include carrot sticks, cheese strings, peanut butter on crackers, etc.

Getting in shape doesn’t have to be complicated and it doesn’t require a lot of time. If you are trying to lose weight or firm up before your wedding, below are some sample plans to help you get started. Keep in mind that most important thing is for a bride to feel good about herself. And no matter what size or shape, all brides are beautiful on their wedding day!

Sample Exercise FITscription:

20-30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise (3-5 time per week)

Example: 2-5 minutes of brisk walking, 2-5 minutes of jumping jacks (repeat for 20-30 minutes)

20-30 minutes of strength training (2-3 times per week)

Example: Dumbbell exercises for both upper and lower body (like bicep curls, tricep dips, squats, etc.)

Sample Meal Plan:

Eat 5-7 small meals per day (meals should include protein, grains, vegetables, etc. to meet food pyramid daily requirements)

Example: Small, grilled, skinless chicken breast

Slice of whole wheat bread Slice of cheese

Mixed Vegetables

Glass of Water (2 or 3 would be even better)