I'm sharing some excellent book recommendations, a new minimalist makeup line, Ashwagandha gummies, digital Parisian wallpaper, and much more in today's video. 

Let's start off with Katherine Power's new minimalist makeup line, MERIT. Katherine Power, founder of Who What Wear, created MERIT with the idea that less is more when it comes to makeup. The makeup line is EU Compliant (free of 1,328 common toxins), paraben free, sulfate free, artificial fragrance free, sensitive skin safe, cruelty free and vegan. It also comes in recyclable packaging and the first order ships with a reusable makeup bag. 

I share a quick 5-minute makeup routine in today's video that shows the ease of using these lovely products. The aim is to bring out natural beauty rather than covering up or altering the face. I can highly recommend this makeup line. 

The Paris Library, by Janet Skeslien Charles. This book looks so interesting... I can't wait to dive into this new release! 

​Based on the true World War II story of the heroic librarians at the American Library in Paris, this is an unforgettable story of romance, friendship, family, and the power of literature to bring us together, perfect for fans of The Lilac Girls and The Paris Wife.

Set the Stars Alight by Amanda Dykes is on my reading list for this spring. Have a read of the description below. It sounds so mysterious and delightful. 

In an aged brick cottage in London, the magic of the past comes alive each night for the family of a humble watchmaker. In her father's fireside stories, Lucy Claremont's fascination with the high seas begins, leading her to devote her life's work to discovering the whereabouts of a legendary lost ship. But when tragedy strikes, it's childhood friend Dashel and his knowledge of the stars that may help her solve the puzzle.

Two hundred years earlier, three young lives are altered forever when a shepherd rescues the privileged son of a powerful admiral. As the children grow, war leads to unthinkable heartbreak, deep love, and a story of betrayal, sacrifice, and redemption that fades into obscurity as centuries pass.

As Lucy and Dash explore mysterious ruins on the East Sussex coast, their search leads them to a community of souls and a long-hidden tale that may hold the answers--and the healing--they so desperately seek.

Secret Genius by Pinrose Perfume is a delightful perfume with the notes of caramel, Madagascan vanilla, and sandalwood. The shimmer mist gives the skin a delightful glowing sheen with a subtle shimmer. Code JSCOTT gives free shipping. 

Dealing with paper is one of my least favorite things to do. You wouldn't expect that a writer would hate paper so much, but I do! I find it overwhelming. It is one of my weak points. I never know what to get rid of and what to keep. I fear that I'll need something in the future. I dislike the amount of time it takes me to file things away properly. I always get behind. You get the picture. 

This video is part of The Minimal Mom's Clutter-free January. Watch this playlist to find out how many other YouTube creators deal with paper clutter in their homes. (Playlist coming soon.) 

Over the years I have devised an unconventional way to deal with paper that has worked for me... so far. I'm not saying this is the best system. But this system is great for someone like me who really detests paper clutter. It's also practical. So here it is...

With regard to paper clutter, the first thing you need to do is minimize it. So I opt for paperless services as much as I can. These days you can pretty much take care of all of your bills online and do not need paper. This is one of the major pros of digital technology. I pay nearly all of my bills online. Some companies still send me a paper statement. If I took some time I could eradicate those as well... I'll get to that one day. 

So going paperless is step one. Step two is: file only the important papers. We do have an alphabetical filing system. And I used to spend so much time meticulously filing everything away only to find the system stuffed to the brim at the end of the year and having to declutter my files. (Now, decluttering files is really an arduous task.) Now, I only file away the *really* important documents. Documents like Property Tax records, important medical information, important insurance documents, etc. 

Where does a piece of paper go if it's not deemed "really important"? Here is where you might break away from me... but I'm going to be honest and tell you what I do. I keep the documents in a box labeled with the year. Sometimes, if I don't have much paper, I will combine years. I figure that if I ever need those documents (and so far... I never have), I can take the time to sort through the paperwork in the box to supply what I need. This has been so freeing. So freeing. I no longer feel the need to alphabetically file every single paper that I decide to keep. 

What do I do with the papers that I know I don't want to keep? I get rid of them right away and don't think twice about it. When we check the mail, I immediately sort through the envelopes and catalogues and immediately get rid of what I don't want by shredding or recycling it. Important documents or letters, I will place in my command center file. I used to place these in the kitchen, but as I mentioned in my kitchen decluttering video, that created an unsightly jumble of paper clutter on my countertops which I disliked. So I keep the few letters in the command center and then go through them about once a week to pay the bills or respond in a timely manner. 

The command center I'm using here is from 1 Thrive Use code Daily10 for 10% off. The type I'm using is called The Taylor. I can't tell you how much I love this wall organizer. Please let me know if you'd like me to go over the wall organizer in a separate video. I use it for so much and truly find it valuable. I hope you enjoy hearing about my paper clutter organization in today's video. 

Also featured in today's video: The Day Designer planner TDC10 for 10% off (valid until 1-31-21)

I hope you enjoy today's video.

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Comment of the Week

Lottie M. writes, "Dressing for the winter months while living in a warm climate can be tricky. Specifically when it’s cool in the morning and 80* in the afternoon."

Hi Lottie, I completely understand that struggle. That's why I like to dress in layers so that I can remove them as the day warms up. It tends to be colder here in the morning and warmer in the afternoon. I'll often wear leggings or stockings along with sweaters or cardigans to stay warm at home.

I hope you enjoyed today's video. I would love to know how you deal with paper clutter in your household. Please share your tips with us.

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During stressful times, there is peace to be found in the mundane. Join me for an ASMR clean with me on a windy, wintry day as I tidy up the living room and kitchen to the peaceful and meditative sounds of daily life.

The purpose of this video is so that you may be kept company while you clean your home. Allow the familiar sounds of home life to bring you into the calmness of the present moment.

Welcome to a new outfits of the week from my winter ten-item capsule wardrobe.

California winters are chilly, but very mild. So my winter wardrobe might look a lot different than your winter wardrobe. The emphasis here is on layers and how I make them work for me. I am enjoying my wardrobe very much. I hope this video gives you inspiration with your own dressing journey.

Thank you to Native deodorant for sponsoring today's video.  Code DAILYC2 gives 25% off and free shipping for their plastic-free packaging, aluminum-free deodorant. 

⚜️Day 2

Grey wrap dress (linking similar)

Cropped Sweater Morning Lavender (I found it!)

SKYE earrings Jennifer20 for 20% off

Jane Winkworth ballet flats (available for UK customers only)

Hipstik tights JEN15 for 15% off

Oliver Cabell mules code JSCOTT10 $10 off

⚜️ Makeup MERIT minimalist makeup (review coming soon!) Tarte eyeshadow palette Too Faced (blush, bronze, highlight) Clinique Black Honey Hourglass Achiever lipstick A'DEL natural Cosmetics TDC15 for 15% off