You Never Know What You Have... Until You Clean!

image credit Lonny Magazine

"You never know what you have until you clean." How true is that statement?! For the past couple of weeks I've been Spring cleaning my home and it feels amazing to have so much more breathing room!

5 Reasons Why you Should Organize your Room, Apartment or House now

1. Time is money!

If you don't know where anything is, it is pretty much a law of the universe that you will waste time. You will waste time searching for your favorite pumps before a 1st date. Once you find them and finally get out the door, you will be late, he will have a bad impression and there won't be a date #2. There goes your dream Pinterest wedding! Hahaa but seriously... when you keep everything in its designated place, you make a decision to buy yourself more time... you can now afford to sleep a few minutes extra in the am and even press the snooze button. 

2. Your Trash is Someone Else's Treasure!

There are a lot of things you don't use. Maybe they don't fit your body or your lifestyle. Maybe you mentally trip over why you purchased them in the first place or physically trip over them in the hallway. Whatever the case, these items obstruct your site of things that you do use. Get rid of them, but remember that they have a potential value to someone else. Sell them on Craigslist, Ebay, Buffalo Exchange (read my tips on reselling your clothes to Buffalo Exchange here). 

3. Duplicates are a Don't

Don't buy it if you already have it. Having too much stuff makes it impossible to stay organized. If you group like items together, it's easier to keep track of these things- we don't need any duplicate purchases. What the hell are you going to do with four pairs of mint green skinny jeans... for goodness sake, you're not an octopus with eight legs. Duplicates are completely unnecessary! (read my jewelry organizing tips here.) 

4. You Got Bills to Pay!  

Create a filing system to manage your bills. Put them on your calendar, you won't have to worry about paying late fees if you know where all the bills are and when the payments are due. Even better, go online and sign up for paperless billing. Next create a separate email account where all your bills go so they won't get lost amidst spam and other digital clutter. Pat yourself on the back. 

5. You Bought that Tide for a Reason!

Break out the laundry detergent and hit the laundromat on a regular basis. There was a time in college where instead of doing laundry, I continually bought more clothing. More socks, more underwear, more t-shirts... more clutter. Today I have more sense and more cents because I cut out the blatant consumerism. 


What are your favorite organizing tips? Leave your comments below.


xX Helene

Bon Vivant and a Budget Interviews Singer Natalie Imani

She may not be a household name just yet, but singer Natalie Imani has performed with some of your favorite artists in the music industry...  John Legend, Nicki Minaj, Keri Hilson and Jazmine Sullivan just to name a few. Now, the uber talented singer is stepping into the spotlight on her own with her solo debut EP "Passion Mark". Check it out at natalieimanimusic.com. 

I recently had a chance to interview Natalie Imani; I diverged from the typical interview questions so I could uncover some things of interest to Bon Vivant + a Budget readers. Here's what I found out:

Helene Abiola: What can you tell someone who is trying to break through a creative field, but works full time doing something else to pay the bills?
Natalie Imani: Never lose site of your dreams and don't be afraid to take a risk! There may come a time where you have to choose between your job and your dream. I would say choose your dream and trust God. Your dream is there for a reason and God is the #1 supporter of dreams.

HA: You have a great look and style. What is your advice for looking great without spending a lot of money?
NI: Be creative and don't be afraid to make a statement. Wearing something that stands out and is a little different can totally make an outfit look very expensive. Usually those pieces can be found in a vintage store. 

HA: What do you splurge on? 
NI: To be honest, I splurge on food. Going out to eat is one of my favorite things to do. Sometimes I go out to eat alone if I have the taste for something specific. 

HA: Do you have any tips for saving money?
NI: Save as little or as much as you can and pretend that the money is gone. Don't go into your savings account for anything, including what you may call an "emergency".

HA: Why should people support independent artists?
NI: People should support independent artists because sometimes the consumer is their only support. There are so many things that cost money for an artist whether it's hair and wardrobe or travel and studio expenses. If there is an artist that you truly believe in, it's extremely important that you help them out so that they can continue to create and perform.

HA: How much is a typical ticket to a show where you perform?
NI: Tickets are usually $10 for my performances.

HA: What are some upcoming shows in NYC?
NI: My next show is April 10th for BET Music Matters. It is FREE and will take place at Santos Party House at 7:30pm. I'll also be hosting a monthly event every third Friday of the month at Nightingale Lounge in NYC. 


Go ahead and mark your calendars now! You can keep up with all of Natalie Imani's upcoming performances by visiting natalieimanimusic.com. 

xx Helene

PrelovedNYC Artists & Fleas Recap

Carol and I had an exhausting, yet fun Saturday at Artists&Fleas with PrelovedNYC. We learned so very much about retail and vending through this project! Unless you've done it before, it's hard to imagine the vast skill-set necessary to be a great vendor. 

Here are a few pictures from the day... 

 

Xx Helene

Join me this Saturday, March 17 at Artists & Fleas in Williamsburg, Brooklyn!

This Saturday March 17 from 10am- 7pm my dear friend, Carol Franco, and I will be showcasing our brainchild, PrelovedNYC, at Artists and Fleas in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Artists and Fleas is an indie flea market that attracts a stylish,in-the-know crowd. If you’ve never been before, Saturday is the perfect excuse to check it out!

PrelovedNYC was born in December 2011 with a mission to sell a curated collection of eye-catching vintage garments at affordable prices. Over the past several months we have amassed quite the selection of inventory! You will love it! PrelovedNYC prices start at $5 and every single item sold will be under $75. Bring your Piggy Bank, not your checkbook… Our booth is Cash Only!

Checkout our blog, www.prelovednyc.com, for a sneak peek of the collection.

We hope you’ll Join us Saturday!  We’d love your support- and to see your gorgeous face, of course! Artists and Fleas is accessible via public transportation; for directions click here.

xX Helene

Make Stuff, Make Money: Henri Bendel Open-See

Calling all Designers! What's that you say, you're not a designer?! If you can make merchandise for Etsy, the local flea market, or just toy with DIY projects for friends you really should expand your definition of a designer. 


NYC department store Henri Bendel will host its Open-See on Friday March 23, 2012. The Open-See is the general public's invitation to present unique designs to a panel of its buyers. If the buyers like your stuff, they place an order on the spot. And just like that, your creations could be on the shelves of a prominent NYC department store. Henri Bendel's Open-See launched the careers of many well know designers including Anna Sui and Todd Oldham. Just remember- I'm taking a cut when the big bucks start rolling in!




At the Open-See, Henri Bendel buyers will be looking for:

• cosmetics
• fragrances
• skincare
• handbags
• wallets
• hats
• jewelry

Since the Open-See is such a rare opportunity, expect a ton of people to line up with a bevy of impressive stuff. That means get there early (to be seen you must be in line before 12pm), dress to stand out, and bring only your best pieces! Read more about the Open-See in this archived NY Times article. You have 3 weeks. Ready, set... Get to craftin'.


What Can You Make? Leave your comments below. 


xX Helene