Veet is more than just a way to have smooth skin, it's also a way to help others while also giving you the opportunity to win a trip! Find out more about this fun contest by heading over to Facebook, Liking them and following the instructions! Try them out for a week and you can be entered to win a fab trip - you can also win an iPod as well. But even better, when you Like them, they will provide $5 to the Girl Up organization!

I can't believe that this is the last Sunday of the year! Where did the year go? I have no idea but it's this time of year that I begin to think even more about organizing and prepping for the new year. We have a million things on our plate but here are the top 5 things that are an essential that will help you in feeling that you're getting your year off to a good start!

5. Think about where you want to be: Whatever took place over the last year has definitely allowed you to learn new things about yourself and what you want from your life. Did you realize that something that you wanted may not have been an interest or that you found a new skill that you would like to continue on with whether it's full time with a company, for yourself or as a freelance opportunity? Think about your skill sets and make sure that you're utilizing them as this could be an untapped area. If you've already begun, continue to work on it to see where it takes you! Whatever you do, make sure that you are putting it into action and not just in the "what if" phase.

4. De-cluttering is essential: Whether it's cleaning out your closet, home, drawers or randomness in your life. You have to think about what you're using and what needs to stay. This year, I found that my de-cluttering involved various projects that kept me busy but were not supportive of the goals that I had for myself. It was a tough process as I love being involved but if 2010 is meant to be successful I have to be efficient and focused! In addition to focus, and de-cluttering, think about whether you have a set space to do your work if you work from home. By making sure that you have separate spheres your home will still be a place of tranquility while also having a room or corner that is deemed for work!

3. Reward yourself:

We work hard whether it's for others or ourselves. Make sure you have rewards whether it's allowing yourself time to watch a show (you know I love so many reality shows but I take about 3 hours a week to watch them), taking a walk or planning a vacation (Loews in SoBe here I come - one of my fave places). This is essential as we all need time away. Make sure that you put in some personal time for yourself.

2. Mingling is key: Networking is such a key element to whatever you're doing whether you're doing philanthropy, starting a business or wanting to meet more people in your neighborhood. The simple act of engaging and stepping outside of your everyday and talking with others opens up a whole new world while also carrying your message when you can't be there. I can't say how many opportunities I have had that began with me attending an event for Kitten Lounge, meeting someone who worked at a firm and later receiving a call based on a referral (this happens when I don't even ask someone to keep me in their thoughts for something). In addition, it's always important to maintain and increase your network in general. If you feel that you have been out of the loop lately, now is a good time to get back in or to begin if you have yet to start!

1.Keep it Organized:

Now you guys know that I'm all about being organized. I have my various Google Calendars which feed into my phone and I have tons of journals for various projects. I recently found something that is essential for every person who has a lot that they are tackling. My Agenda is an essential for the new year. On a recent trip to Kate's Paperie (if you don't have your own stationary, get some), I found something called MomAgenda. I thought it was a great calendar; however, I'm not a mom. Before I left the table, I noticed that there was a MyAgenda which appeared to be from the same company as MomAgenda. This book had me at the mauve color and the fact that when I opened it, each week is broken out by each day but also sub divided. For me, I have broken it up as my personal week, there is a section for Kitten Lounge (I have a lot of events to go to and I manage my Editorial Calendar here), I have included my new jewelry line here and I have my freelancing sections here as well!

I'm all about digital but it's nice to have things written down as a backup so in addition to your calendar, you can have information for your lifestyle from important numbers, dates, events and more. This is a must book to have and you'll definitely want to check out the site to get additional items that will enhance your book. An unorganized girl is not someone that's prepared for the madness of 2010! Take some time to think about these 5 areas and if you haven't thought about them, make sure you do as they're essential.

It's been quite a year and that statement in itself is a loaded one no matter what it means to you in particular! With that said, in the time of gifting others, you need to make sure that you reward yourself and give a little bonus to you! Check out the Spa Week deal which is definitely good for you and others that are on Santa's list! Get a $100 Spa Week card which is good at various participating spa vendors and yet pay $80 (the great the denomination, that's just a little extra spa time for you so if you want to buy more than $80 you'll see what you will get when you click the drop down menu)! All over North America, you can find the spa you have always wanted to go to whether it is in your backyard or someplace that you will be visiting! Take some time to get a few as this offer is only good through Dec 22nd!

Aerial Art by Spectral Q ~ Photography by J. Emilio Flores

In an ongoing series, Keren Weinstein, our Guest Life-Balance Editor, took a much needed trip. More than the need to go on vacation to a new locale, she wanted to find her own sense of balance and thus Project Detox began. Thankfully, Keren will share her journey which will provide a little insight into our needs of finding our equilibrium.

Bags packed and ready to jet set.

The boys are in a different time zone and I have confirmation that they are more than OK! and are actually having a fun’tabulous father-n-son bonding vacation.

Perfect.

Being on the cusp between genuinely happy for them and envy of their time together without me is exactly the point where I can truly allow myself to disconnect and have a guilt free solo trip for Me (remember, I have to chuck Universal Mommy Guilt out before I depart on my first adventure and I am a Jewish mother…so pressure’s on).

It is amazing how the Guilt naturally gets swallowed up by the fact that they are having a better time there and you know your son has a smile on his face even without you around.

Mommy Me time has officially started.

Ever notice when you choose to set an Intention for yourself the world opens up to you as if you are wearing 3D glasses with that Intention?

Same world. Different opportunities & experiences.

We have all clipped out a limited edition (AKA Must Have) LV handbag or Gucci Boots from Harper’s Bazaar, hung it up at our desks and noticed that somehow they made their way to our closets.

This is not a new concept by any means and has been around way before me from Kabalah to the Secret but for a full-time working mother on a mission to restore balance into her life this self-taught-via-experience concept could not come at a better time.

The above picture, and one that captures the essence of what I set out to do on Project Detox, was created by an amazing producer in L.A that I met up with (co-founder of unitenow.org). In this picture, over 4,000 school children from Los Angeles spelled out “Restore Balance” on a beach in celebration of the 12th Annual Ocean Day Kids’ Adopt-A-Beach Clean-Up. No, my Intention did not get this amazing project with 4000 kids to happen but it did bring me to meeting up with Mark and literally stumbling upon the work he created that captures the energy of my Intention for Project Detox – to restore balance.

First Stop – Tucson Arizona.

Keren Weinstein is a seasoned professional in Fashion & Beauty with over 12 years in Integrated Marketing, Advertising and Celebrity Fashion Styling

Taking 9 days off and coming back to the realy world can be a bit much! Although I came back yesterday from the Dominican Republic, I am taking an extra day of rest and playing a little catch up (on here, emails, Twitter and more)! There are a lot of great things going on and I need to get adjusted to the pace of NY and the cold. You can also read about it in detail on a new blog I am starting called, Boardwalk Escapes. This covers what's going on in Long Beach, NY and on beaches and boardwalks in general! You can see everything I have on my Flickr account (click on the section that says Dominican Republic and if you have an account there, let me know)!

As we are all running around and prepping for the holiday parties at work, with friends and going on vacation - think about you. We all need to find whatever way we can to reduce our worries and if you're located in NYC, take a trip to Beam Laser Spa where you can be 6 sessions away from a hairless existence - where you decide, it's up to you! But if you're looking for a relaxing environment with two of the sweetest and conversational sisters, then Andrea and Liza are your girls. This amazing Brazilian duo make you feel right at home as soon as you walk in and they explain everything you need to know to be completely comfortable. I have been to two sessions and will be going again on the 20th of this month, my underarms are amazing! I never have to wonder about a shadow or to take time to have to deal with them. I can get up and go - I can't wait until the summer when I will definitely love this!

If you're thinking about this, you can get a test patch for free and then for those who are ready to start, prior to Jan 1st, if you visit Beam Laser Spa onine, you can get 25% off on packages (that would be 6 treatments). Definitely begin to think about this so that if you happen to be traveling for the holidays you can have your best foot forward!