Winter Capsule Wardrobe 2019 Planning

I am plan to have a much calmer wardrobe palette until Spring.  I am really feeling blues, greys and the odd pop of red.  I want cozy textures, as we are now getting some colder weather.  I am looking forward to snuggly sweaters and sweatshirts.  I came up with some images that represent the colour palette that I want.  I will have my reveal next week.

Happy Wednesday, friends!

January Clean and Purge-Week 2

This week I tackled the bathroom and linen closet.  The bathroom has been driving me crazy.  We accumulate many different lotions and potions and I was itching to go through everything.

I purged any creams, makeup, medication, or toiletries that were expired.  I also got rid of anything that we don't like using.  If an item was unopened, I donated it.  If it was opened I discarded the contents and recycled the containers.

I wiped all the shelves and drawers and put items back in a way that made more sense for the needs of our family.  I wiped baseboards and walls, cleaned the light fixtures and washed the shower curtain.  I didn't take before pictures (oops!), but I have after photos.  I am pleased with how things turned out.

Bathroom/Linen Closet Checklist:

• wipe shelves and drawers
• wipe baseboards
• wash walls
• clean light fixtures
• clean ceiling fan
• purge expired items
• purge items that you don't like or use
• put like items together.

Happy Cleaning, friends!

January Clean and Purge- Week 1

I love the quiet and calm of January.  The Christmas decorations are put away, the house is quiet and there isn't nearly as many items on my calendar!  I love to do an annual clean and sort of my home.  I didn't do it last year, as I had a newborn.  I am definitely ready to dive in this year!

My goal with this is to clear clutter and wipe down the room.  I neglect my baseboards throughout the year so I am trying hard to wipe them all down.

LIVING ROOM

I started in my living room when we took our decorations down.  I removed items that didn't belong, and put away the objects that did.  I cleaned the floors, baseboards, mantle, shelves, and other furniture.  Hubby got all the dust bunnies out from under the couch. (A team effort always helps!)  I wiped down the ceiling fan.  

Checklist:

• wash throw blankets
• wipe baseboards
• wipe light fixtures and lamps
• dust all furniture
• clean under all area rugs and furniture
• sort through media equipment and entertainment- donate anything that no longer serves your family

KITCHEN AND DINING ROOM

The next room on my list was the kitchen and dining room.  I went through my pantry and got rid of any outdated food (there wasn't much!).  I wiped all the shelves and put things back neatly.  I washed down my coffee station, wiped baseboards and the light fixture/ceiling fans.  The kitchen cabinets and counter were all scrubbed and the inside of the cupboards were wiped/organized.  I still need to clean the oven and the fridge but I plan to complete that after my daughter's birthday party this weekend.

CHECKLIST

• wipe down all counters and surfaces
• dust the tops of the cupboards
• wash baseboards
• wash cabinet doors
• scour sink
• go through each cupboard- donate items that you no longer use
• go through fridge.  Get rid of outdated food and wipe all surfaces
• go through pantry.  Get rid of outdated food and wipe all surfaces
• clean dishwasher
• clean oven/stove
• deep clean your coffee maker
• empty your toaster's crumb tray

Are you tackling home projects this year?  Do you do a deep clean of your home regularly?

New Year's Eve Reflection

2018 has come and gone in the blink of an eye.  This year has held some of my happiest moments and my most terrifying moments.  At the close of each year, I like to take time to reflect on the year's events and on my goals.

My word of the year for 2018 was "adapt".  It was a great word for a year that held many changes.  I feel like I did my best to roll with the changes.  I knew this year was going to bring challenges and learning curves and I felt confident in learning how to deal with it.

My resolutions went fairly well.  The only resolution that I didn't complete was catching up on photo books.  I usually make headway with my resolutions but I really dropped the ball on that one.

I sent more happy mail, I spent time reorganizing the blog and Hubby and I built our savings.  I am happy with the results of my other goals.

I have come up with my goals for 2019 and I am excited to share them with you.

1.)  Establish a Morning Routine.  In 2019 I am looking forward to implementing more routine in my day.  Our youngest daughter has become much more predictable with her sleep schedule.  I feel like it is possible to add better structure to our mornings now that we are getting some sleep!  I plan to start waking earlier than my kids (something that fell by the wayside in the last year).  I want to complete morning pages, pray, do my physio routine and get ready for the day before my kids get up.  I used to do this before I was pregnant and it really helped start my day on the right foot.  I require my quiet time before the demands of the day begin.

2.)  Treat the Earth better.  The planet needs some help.  We are supposed to be "stewards" of the Earth and, as a society, we haven't been doing a great job of it.  I love to bath daily but it is a huge waste of water.  I plan to limit baths to twice a month and take short daily showers instead.  I want to walk and ride my bike more instead of always hopping in the car.  I plan to work on reducing my food waste and try my best to mindful of what we purchase.  I am hoping that these small changes will somehow help.

3.)  Save.  Hubby and I are working toward a few major purchases that we need to save for.  We want to continue to increase our savings.

4.) Walk five or more times a week.  My poor patient puppy has been a bit ignored this past year.  With all of the changes, my dog didn't get walked nearly enough.  I want to rectify that this year.  I want to walk her at least five times a week, hopefully daily.

My word of the year for 2019 is embrace.  I want to embrace my own boundaries (something that I still struggle with), embrace the needs of my family and embrace those around me for who they are.  I want to be positive in the coming year and really work to find the good in everyone and everything around me.

How did your 2018 goals go?  What do you have planned for 2019?  I would love to hear all about it!

I will be taking the rest of the week off to enjoy some family time and my youngest daughter's first birthday!  I will return next week with my "New Year Purge and Clean" series.  Happy New Year!

Leather Leggings for Everyday

I have only worn my leather leggings in one way.  I wear them with my red tunic sweater, heels and jewelry.  I have used this outfit for dressier occasions when I haven't wanted to wear a dress.  I have struggled to transition my leather leggings into my everyday wardrobe.  I don't like owning pieces that only have one function.  I decided to find a way to style the leggings in casual outfits so that I could get more use out of them.  I worked within the confines of my current Capsule Wardrobe and came up with some great outfits that I am excited to wear.

Happy Wednesday, friends!

Simple Holiday Season- Lend a Helping Hand

It is easy to get caught up in our own lives during the holiday season.  We all have many things expected us at this time of year and these things can take over.  It is important to remember how fortunate we are and that we have a responsibility to give to others.

There are a great number of charitable organizations who would appreciate any help that you can give.  If you are strapped for cash, many organizations would happily have you volunteer your time or talents.  If you are strapped for time, you could always make a commitment for January when things quiet down.  Simple acts, such as helping a friend with child care, shoveling a neighbour's sidewalk or visiting someone who is sick, can be the embodiment of the Christmas Spirit.

Frugal Friday- A Gentle Holiday Reminder

We are down to the last few days before Christmas.  I want to remind you that you don't need to buy ALL the things in order for the people in your life to have a magical holiday season.  Toys and gifts are lovely but not necessary. The people in your life need love and attention and little else.  Don't try to keep up with the Jones', don't spend outside of your means and don't feel guilty if what you have to offer seems "less" than what others have.  We should use our holiday season to connect, show love and things will never be able to do that.  Take a deep breath and know that you are enough.  Enjoy the free magic that the season has to offer.  Beautiful lights, singing Christmas songs, and spending time with the people we love is the best gift of all.