Add a bit of pizzazz to your order with bright containers.  I adore orange everything these days, including in organization.

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I have been a fan of Mr. Colin Cowie for many years.  He is a lifestyle expert and event planner par excellence.   I am sure you have seen or heard of the extraordinary events he has planned or watched him give interviews or tutorials on the Today show, Oprah, or countless other TV programs.  Last week, I read one of Colin Cowie’s most recent books called “Colin Cowie Chic: The Guide To Life As It Should Be.”

Not only did I enjoy the book, but I also found it inspiring.  I will go so far as to say that Mr. Cowie’s book should be required reading for most people.  The book is a handbook to living life in style.  Style is not just about the way you dress or decorate your home.  It is not defined by the price tag on your clothes, the car you drive, or your entertaining budget.  One should not confuse style with appearances.  Style, the Colin Cowie way, is rooted in self-respect, graciousness, generosity, and mindfulness.

“Style is about being conscious: of yourself, of your surroundings, and

especially of the people in our life, both friends and strangers.”

The book provides practical day-to-day instructions for living a life full of experiences and enjoyment, no matter the budget.  Colin does this by opening the door to his own life, home, parties, and workplace to share his mantras, ideas, and tips for making the best of every day. Some of the things that stood out for me from the reading are:

~ ” Knowing how to organize your home for living is the foundation for living with style.” I could not agree more with this value.  The book provides examples of Colin’s organization techniques in order to create a home, which not only runs smoothly and is a sanctuary for you, but is also inviting to others.

~ Important sections of the book are dedicated to the idea of caring for yourself and living in the moment.  Whether that means setting the table for every meal, even if you are eating alone, or indulging in a bath at the end of a long day, it is important to take the time to honour yourself.  This is an uneasy concept for many moms and parents in general, but is indeed super valuable to follow.

~ “How we live in our homes and treat ourselves extends to how we welcome and treat others – and is the essence of true style.” AMEN!  I find this idea one of the highlights of Colin’s belief system.  Colin elaborates in depth about  setting the stage for hosting a dinner party or mixing the perfect cocktail or welcoming an overnight guest into your home.  He shows that style is defined by care.  And care is very much in the details.

via www.ColinCowie.com

~ An entire chapter is dedicated to work-ethic chic.  I admire Colin’s decision to emphasize that style requires consistency and must extend to the workplace.  From the way you organize your office to the way you hire your staff to how one should express gratitude to and reward employees, I found all of it very refreshing.

Perhaps, as the human race advanced technologically, we regressed socially.  So many people are unsure of how to present ourselves, how to make a lasting impression, how to host graciously, how to express gratitude meaningfully, how to motivate others to do their best, or how to treat their homes as the sanctuary it should be.  I love Colin Cowie’s Chic for instructing us how to do all of that and live life exactly as it should be.

via www.ColinCowie.com