Monday 31 December 2018

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!

Wednesday 19 December 2018

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!

Monday 17 December 2018

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.




Friday 14 December 2018

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.

Monday 10 December 2018

Simple Holiday Season- Make Yourself Cozy

Winter is the perfect time to make yourself feel cozy at home.  Take an evening off from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and create your own comfortable hideaway.



Here are my favourite ways to create a cozy evening:

  • Put on your warmest pajamas, fluffiest socks or slippers.
  • Light a fire in the fireplace, light a couple of candles, or turn on the fireplace channel.
  • Make a warm cup of tea, cocoa or cider to enjoy.
  • Grab your book, magazine or any other quiet activity that you enjoy.
  • Play soft music or simply enjoy the quiet. 
Taking an evening to relax can really help slow down this busy season.  We can learn to appreciate the quiet and embrace the more subtle aspects of the holidays.  A quiet evening allows time to reflect on the season.

Wednesday 5 December 2018

Holiday Season- Capsule Wardrobe Reveal.

This is quite a small capsule wardrobe.  I will wear it for about 8 weeks so I didn't think it was necessary to overload it with clothing.  You can find the planning for this wardrobe on my Instagram account on the "highlights" button.

Boots:


Pants:


Vests:


Tops:




Dress:


Jackets:


That is it.  24 pieces that I hope will get me through the holiday season.  I have been wearing this wardrobe for 2 weeks and so far, so good.  Happy Wednesday, friends!

Monday 3 December 2018

Simple Holiday Season- Prioritize Your Health

The holiday can be killer on one's health.  There are so many opportunities to indulge in delicious foods that are high in fat and sugar.  We have many events to attend and often push aside exercise and sleep in all the craziness.  This week I am challenging you to make your health a priority.


Try to eat some plant matter.  Fruits and vegetables are so important, especially during cold/flu season!  Enjoy some of your favourite holiday treats, but try to really savour them.  You don't need to overindulge to enjoy the season, especially if you are mindful while eating.  Enjoy the taste and texture and truly appreciate the treat.

The other thing to remember is to move.  Walk, take the stairs and do some morning stretches.  If you have time to hit the gym, great!  If you don't, then try to incorporate more activity into your daily life.  Movement is key to feeling good and we often skip it this time of year.

Last, but certainly not least, get some sleep!  Sleep is so important to our mental health and your body's well-being.  We heal, fight off germs and regenerate while we are sleeping.  I know that it can be difficult but make a reasonable bed time and stick to it.

I encourage you to take care of yourself this season so that you can truly enjoy it!