Today I'm downsizing quite a few things. First, I'm downsizing how much I spend on frivolous things a month. It's time to create a real budget and stick with it! I have two friends who are doing this with me for accountability. We have a spreadsheet and everything. I even canceled my cable bill, downgraded Netflix, and removed a few other unnecessary expenditures as well.
Secondly, I'm downsizing my closet. With my recent weight loss (and hopefully continuing loss) some of my clothes do not fit anymore (yay). Also with another summer season almost done I'm removing any of my summer clothes I haven't worn in the last year. Going through my closet is always hard. I create an emotional attachment to some of my clothes and especially my shoes. However, it's time to move on. Come September 1st I'm staring new again. Getting rid of the superfluous within my life. This covers weight, spending, clothes, everything!
Bonne chance à moi!
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Fashion Addiction
Sometimes I wonder what is more important...groceries or fashion. Julep (http://www.julep.com/) just introduced their new Maven monthly subscription. Every month they will send you the latest nail polish colors and hand care systems. I'm so excited for this! I'll probably have to wait till next month to join....but right now I'm thinking that is more important than getting food.
Fashion is addicting. If you asked me 5 or 6 years ago what I thought of designer purses, seasonal nail polish, latest trends, I would of told you I like the idea of it, but probably something not for me. Alas, I've been reformed. Fashion has become my new hobby...my new semi-expensive hobby. For the most part, I'm good. I'm not starving myself or sitting in the dark because I would of rather had those cute Jessica Simpson heels than pay the bills. I look for deals (paying $120 for a $380 dollar purse) or work with what I have. Sadly though...my self-restraint has not lasted on occasion and I find myself on a bit tighter budget for the month. However, I would say that those new skinny jeans and sweater for this fall were worth it.
What is your moolah addiction? What do you do that all your extra money goes to and you would sometimes rather do that than eat? I find it fascinating how we can negotiate with ourselves on what our needs and wants are. So for now, I'll pass on my new monthly membership to Julep and spend my money more wisely on food substance. Next month though...hmm I really don't need cable right? (Imagine my shoe collection with that!!)
Fashion is addicting. If you asked me 5 or 6 years ago what I thought of designer purses, seasonal nail polish, latest trends, I would of told you I like the idea of it, but probably something not for me. Alas, I've been reformed. Fashion has become my new hobby...my new semi-expensive hobby. For the most part, I'm good. I'm not starving myself or sitting in the dark because I would of rather had those cute Jessica Simpson heels than pay the bills. I look for deals (paying $120 for a $380 dollar purse) or work with what I have. Sadly though...my self-restraint has not lasted on occasion and I find myself on a bit tighter budget for the month. However, I would say that those new skinny jeans and sweater for this fall were worth it.
What is your moolah addiction? What do you do that all your extra money goes to and you would sometimes rather do that than eat? I find it fascinating how we can negotiate with ourselves on what our needs and wants are. So for now, I'll pass on my new monthly membership to Julep and spend my money more wisely on food substance. Next month though...hmm I really don't need cable right? (Imagine my shoe collection with that!!)
Friday, August 19, 2011
Weekend Creativity
I absolutely love weekends. Two days away from our jobs and sometimes reality. Weekends are created to reinvigorate ourselves (or are supposed to). This weekend for me is a whirlwind of driving, nephews, friends, and sun.
Another highlight of the weekend is experimenting with outfits. During the week I'm too much in a hurry to put something new together. I tend to wear something that I've done before. Weekends I try different combinations, research the latest styles, and create something new.
I've already started a fall look book of different outfits. It includes items I have, need, and want. If I love an outfit I've worn, I write it down. I also look at websites or blogs for outfits and ideas. Hopefully as I improve my blogging skills, my look book will make its way to Taffeta and Taste.
Here is your challenge. This weekend create an outfit that you have never worn before. Be creative with combining items you already have and create a brand new combination out of them. If you need inspiration here are a few of my favorite sites:
Style Blogs:
Websites with completed outfits:
Enjoy your weekend!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Fall is in the air (too soon!)
Currently I'm sitting at my desk with my mini heater running (shhhh don't tell anyone, I think it's against company policy to have one.. something about it being a fire hazard) I have my sweater on and through my window it's cloudy and grey. My blooming jasmine tea adds the final touch to this scenery. I'm warm and cozy, but the problem with all of this, it's August. Lately my mornings reflect what a typical October day should be! Where did summer go? I believe I've seen a week of it so far. Next week brings the rain and lower temperatures back and therefore I'm tempted to bring out the fall fashions.
I've been withholding, desperately trying to wear my summer clothes, but regretting it almost immediately as I step outside. The stores are now displaying the latest fall fashions as well as the magazines, but I still cling to idealistic notion that I have till end of September before it's time to restock my closet.
I however, have been keeping an eye out for my fall fashion wish list and compiling my look-book (hopefully this will sustain me until October). The following are a few must haves:
1. Blazers, blazers, blazers.
2. Heeled booties
3. Legging jeans (incredibly happy these are still in fashion)
4. Blush tone sweaters
5. Plaid
I've been withholding, desperately trying to wear my summer clothes, but regretting it almost immediately as I step outside. The stores are now displaying the latest fall fashions as well as the magazines, but I still cling to idealistic notion that I have till end of September before it's time to restock my closet.
I however, have been keeping an eye out for my fall fashion wish list and compiling my look-book (hopefully this will sustain me until October). The following are a few must haves:
1. Blazers, blazers, blazers.
2. Heeled booties
3. Legging jeans (incredibly happy these are still in fashion)
4. Blush tone sweaters
5. Plaid
Monday, August 1, 2011
Friendship
This weekend provided many incidents where I had to reflect on friendship and what it truly means to me. I've been beyond blessed and incredibly lucky with who my friends are. My friends are my everything. By nature I'm a very loyal person and would do about anything for someone who is close to me.
It takes quite a bit to lose my respect. One way to do it is to hurt one of my friends. I find it very difficult to have respect for someone that knowingly hurts other people. I can forgive, but very hesitant to give second chances. I hope though, that I am never blinded by loyalty and wanting to protect my friend that I'm purposefully rude or withhold the possibility of reconciliation. I do believe reconciliation is a possibility if both sides are in mutual agreement and the wrong doings have been made right. It will probably never be the same, but over time wounds can heal.
Recently I've been on both sides of this. I've had to reacquaint myself with someone who hurt people I care about and I've also been the person that was hurt. I wanted so much to protect my friends from this certain individual. I wanted to be a barrier and refuse to let this individual even talk to them. However, I was surprised by the maturity and vulnerability this situation provided. We were all able to handle the situation cordially and as adults. I was so immensely proud of my friends. I was also relived by the maturity of the one who I felt was in the wrong. It definitely made me evaluate my feelings toward the situation. Who knows if there will be reconciliation, but it's nice to know that we are able to meet and put our feelings aside for the sake of each other.
When it comes to myself, I'm less protective. I sometimes will have a skewed view over a situation and dismiss it too easily. This past weekend, it's been amazing to see the support I've had from my friends. I feel so loved that my friends are protective of me and truly hate to see any of us hurt. I realize that true friends will protect, love, and do what is best for you. Sometimes that includes them calling you out on situations or playing devils advocate so you see both sides. This helps me realize my self-worth even more.
This is my HUGE thanks for those who've always been there when I've needed them. To make me laugh, forget, pray, and get me through so many situations in life (good and bad). Obviously it's easy to be there when the times are good, but you have always been there when it gets hard. Love you so much and know that I hope to NEVER take any of you for granted.
It takes quite a bit to lose my respect. One way to do it is to hurt one of my friends. I find it very difficult to have respect for someone that knowingly hurts other people. I can forgive, but very hesitant to give second chances. I hope though, that I am never blinded by loyalty and wanting to protect my friend that I'm purposefully rude or withhold the possibility of reconciliation. I do believe reconciliation is a possibility if both sides are in mutual agreement and the wrong doings have been made right. It will probably never be the same, but over time wounds can heal.
Recently I've been on both sides of this. I've had to reacquaint myself with someone who hurt people I care about and I've also been the person that was hurt. I wanted so much to protect my friends from this certain individual. I wanted to be a barrier and refuse to let this individual even talk to them. However, I was surprised by the maturity and vulnerability this situation provided. We were all able to handle the situation cordially and as adults. I was so immensely proud of my friends. I was also relived by the maturity of the one who I felt was in the wrong. It definitely made me evaluate my feelings toward the situation. Who knows if there will be reconciliation, but it's nice to know that we are able to meet and put our feelings aside for the sake of each other.
When it comes to myself, I'm less protective. I sometimes will have a skewed view over a situation and dismiss it too easily. This past weekend, it's been amazing to see the support I've had from my friends. I feel so loved that my friends are protective of me and truly hate to see any of us hurt. I realize that true friends will protect, love, and do what is best for you. Sometimes that includes them calling you out on situations or playing devils advocate so you see both sides. This helps me realize my self-worth even more.
This is my HUGE thanks for those who've always been there when I've needed them. To make me laugh, forget, pray, and get me through so many situations in life (good and bad). Obviously it's easy to be there when the times are good, but you have always been there when it gets hard. Love you so much and know that I hope to NEVER take any of you for granted.
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