Take A Moment Today

Working on the Budget

2011-07-10T19:24:00.000-05:00

Since losing my job a couple of weeks ago, I am really trying to work on spending less. My husband and I had already put ourselves on a weekly budget of cash, but that is on hold for the time being. I am working on figuring out how I can get even more aggressive with spending less. I stumbled across a new blog today, The Zero Waste Home, in which a family has reduced the amount of waste they produce at home down to practically nothing. At this moment, I'm not sure that everything they do, is something I can totally get on board with. But, there are a few things that I can try to change in our home, my main concern being how to save more money.

I would like to work on making my own cleaning products instead of buying so many different ones. Do I really need a specific cleaner for my bathroom counter versus my kitchen counter? I'm also going to work on using cloth napkins ( I already own several) instead of paper ones. Something that I have already worked on improving is using less makeup. I used to put on a full face: concealer, foundation, powder, blush, eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, and lipgloss. Now: I use concealer, powder, blush, mascara, and maybe lipgloss. Less makeup=less money. If nothing else, this new process takes a lot less time! But I'm also getting to where there are some days when I don't even put on makeup. It's always nice to give my skin a break.

Even when my job situation changes, I have future plans for saving money. One thing I would love to do is install a clothes line. I actually grew up with one and while it was a pain to hang the laundry as a kid, I now appreciate what my mom was trying to do (hello smaller electricity bill). I also want to change up the way the hubs and I do gifts. We always seem to have issues buying things for one another. I never know what to buy him and he never likes the suggestions I give him. So, I think we are going to start giving "experiences" instead of things. There is something so much more fun about looking back at the pictures of the experience and reliving it all over again.

I hope I can work on using less, buying less, spending less; just incorporating more LESS. By doing this, maybe I will see MORE in the bank account.

Project 333 Update

2011-07-07T17:20:00.000-05:00

I have successfully completed my version of Project 333. When I started, I planned to have 40 items and not include my shoes and accessories. It worked, but I also figured out that I still didn't wear all of these clothes. During these 3 months I only purchased two items of clothing: a gray T shirt (to replace one with holes) and a skirt (it was just too darn cute). For me, this is impressive!

Through all of this, I have discovered that there is more to life than clothes. Who would have thought? Of course, I still like browsing through magazines, but I no longer feel a need to go out and purchase everything that I see. So, now I am going to try this project again but only have 33 items (not including shoes and accessories again). The good part is that since I live in Texas, the seasons don't change too often. July through September usually means hot weather. The not so good part is that since I lost my job, I'm going to continue to hold onto my spare clothes at the back of my closet. I hope that over the next few weeks I will be going to interviews and I will definitely need to rely on those clothes. Right now, I am going to say that my 33 items will consist of a summer wardrobe. But if a job opportunity pops up, I will have other clothes to choose from so that there isn't any need to go shopping, and I can make adjustments later if I need to.

This project has been a real eye opener for me. I used to have a hard time walking into any sort of department store and not gravitating to the latest top. I went into a store last week to look for something specific, not clothing related, and walked right past the clothes. They didn't have what I needed, so I left with nothing. If anyone knows me, they know that this is actually a pretty big deal. Usually the pretty colors and the word SALE call my name, and some magical force pulls me over. However, I was successful in realizing that I am happy with the wardrobe that resides in my closet and I am going to work harder to pare it down even more.

The Pursuit of Me

2011-06-24T23:30:00.001-05:00

Last week, I lost my job. I have definitely been on an emotional roller coaster since I got this news. I must now start over. Even more devastating, my husband and I have been working toward buying a house. We must now rethink this plan since we are operating on one income. Where do we go from here? How do we pick up these pieces and continue to move forward?

I have been doing a lot of crying, moping, and soul searching in the last few days. A few of the reasons I have not posted anything in a while (no need to subject everyone to my behavior). So, what exactly would I like to do next? Everyone always asks me what I'm interested in or what I would like to do. The truth is, I don't have one answer. I like to do a lot of things. I like to create things. I enjoy scrapbooking, I enjoy reading, I enjoy writing for this blog, I enjoy baking, I enjoy dancing, I enjoy traveling. Why should there just be one thing that I must decide to do for the rest of my life? Why can't I do several things? Is there some sort of rule that says when you graduate college, you must follow that path you chose at 22 years old and stick with it for the next 40 years? If there is, no one told me. There is no rule book on how we must live our lives and I certainly don't plan on living it in one small box when there is a whole world of opportunities.

So, what now? I am going to take this time to really figure out what venture I would like to take next. I am not going to jump into anything too quickly. I want to be sure that there is real passion and drive in the next step. I plan to continue my soul searching and pursue the things that make me happy. Money isn't everything. Plenty of people with plenty of money don't have happiness. They only have the ability to buy things. Well, in pursuit of a more minimalist lifestyle I don't buy as many things. Therefore, I have a little more freedom to figure out what I want in life. I know that what I want is the ability to smile everyday and embrace the little things in life.

Right now, I'm taking my moment today to work on me. This is my new journey. I don't know where I'm headed but I plan to enjoy everything about it.

Minimalism + Fashionista = Minimalista

2011-06-15T21:48:00.000-05:00

I have read A LOT of magazines and a few books on fashion. I used to watch What Not To Wear religiously. So at this point, I think I have a general idea of what should be in my closet. But how do I mix stylish clothing with minimalism when every fashion magazine says my closet should be filled to the brim? I want to be able to have a little variety without having clothes spilling out of my closet.

These are the top 10 basic items that I think help create a "minimalista."
1. Nude pumps
2. Dark wash bootcut jeans
3. Black pants
4. White button down
5. Cardigan in neutral color (black, camel, navy, gray)
6. Little black dress
7. Black flats
8. Dressier top with some sort of pattern and color
9. Pencil skirt in neutral color
10. White tee

With these 10 basics, I was able to come up with 12 days of outfits. If you were to round this out with a few more pieces with some color and pattern (plus a few extra accessories), this could be a very easy to work with, stylish, minimalist wardrobe. Plus, adding a few more items could easily give you a full wardrobe for at least two weeks.

Right now, my closet contains all of these basics but it also contains a lot more. I am still working hard on eliminating more items and really focusing on what I actually wear. What a funny concept. Only keeping what we actually wear on a daily basis. Isn't it much nicer to pull out that one top you know looks good on you every time instead of five other tops that really don't fit that well? Take a moment today to consider what you might be able to eliminate from your closet. Trust me, seeing space between the hangers actually feels nice.

Risk = Reward

2011-06-07T08:27:00.000-05:00

There are a couple of interior decorating blogs that I like to follow on a regular basis. I was reading one today and they discussed taking risks with design and how liberating it felt to jump into something, even if the risks were small. They were so happy with the changes they made and proud of themselves for not giving up even though the risk made them nervous.

I think this thought process can be applied to so many aspects of our lives. If we don't take risks, then are we really living? Are we doing everything to our fullest potential?

Sometimes the risk can equal some form of payoff, whether its financial or simply a personal payoff. But how will you know if you never try? I have taken a few risks throughout my life that have been amazing and some that didn't go as planned. This blog is a risk for me. I don't normally put myself out there and I have no experience writing. Since starting this blog, I have discovered that I enjoy the process of writing. I have always had a passion for reading. I love going into bookstores and browsing with a cup of coffee can be thoroughly enjoyable. But this blog has given me an even greater appreciation for the art of writing. So, I am going to continue writing and pursue this risk further to see where it takes me.

Taking a risk can open up a new perspective on something that you may never have known before. What matters most, is that in that moment, taking that risk makes you smile. What is the point of that leap of faith if you don't enjoy it? It should be something you have dreamed about. Everytime I publish a new post on this blog, it puts a smile on my face. I know that I have accomplished something. That feeling of accomplishment is my reward.

Take a moment today to take a risk. It may be something small or it could be life changing. Take a fashion risk, take a risk decorating your house, conquer a fear, try a creative outlet that you've always wanted to try. Just try something new. You never know, it might make an impact that you would never expect.

Destination Unknown

2011-05-26T21:30:00.000-05:00

It took me a while to write this post. There are so many questions that I have in my life and putting everything in writing seemed nearly impossible. I am constantly thinking about these questions and goals, but I certainly don't have any answers yet. What is my purpose? Where am I headed? Is there more to life than just going to an 8 to 5 job everyday? How can I pursue my personal happiness while taking care of daily responsibilities? As a young woman in my twenties, these questions are always on my mind.

Last week was a real test of faith in myself. My job has started to get busier, the expectations are higher, and the workload tougher. Trying to make time for myself in the middle of all this has made my days a little more stressful. I know that I am a strong individual. I know that I am capable of performing the task at hand. No one else can take away the accomplishments that I have already made in my life.

I can't answer all of these questions right now. I can only do my best everyday and work hard to be a better person. No one is perfect. We all have flaws. I hope that as I deal with daily struggles, I can continue to learn and grow from these experiences.

This is what I do know: I am a good wife, I am a good employee, I work hard to finish something that I have started, I am an honest person. I can only hope with this journey that I have started on this blog, that I will be able to continue making time for the small joys in life that make me happy.

I can't control everything that goes on around me (as much as I might like to). Right now, I am going to make a real effort to keep my mind and my heart open and learn from every experience.

Progress

2011-05-17T20:49:00.000-05:00

I'm roughly half way through my version of Project 333, Courtney Carver's clothing challenge. So far, I have discovered that I really can make my wardrobe work with just a few pieces, but you have to remember that I have a "uniform" for work, so that helps. I have been able to figure out what I really enjoy wearing and what looks most flattering based on what I chose. I hope that when this project is over, I will be able to narrow down my wardrobe greatly and really clean out my closet. It's also a goal for future shopping trips, to pick items that are more versatile.

There have been a couple of times when I changed some things around. I did have a knit dress that I planned on wearing a couple of weeks ago, but when I put it on, I wasn't comfortable with the fit. Then, I realized that I really didn't wear that dress anyway. Why was I hanging on to something that didn't look so great? Probably the guilt from the money spent. Into the donation pile it went.

At this point, participating in this challenge, has really opened my eyes to my consumerism habits. I have found that if I invest a little more money into my wardrobe, those pieces will last longer and I will wear them more. I do not need 5 pairs of jeans if I can find one pair that fits like a glove. However, this weekend I realized that I have a long way to go when it comes to letting go of material items.

While participating in this challenge, I have slowly been going through my closet and really trying to clear out items that I won't wear anymore. It has been very liberating to create a pile and see how streamlined my closet has become. I have been putting these piles into bags with every intention of taking them to Goodwill. However, I have not been able to make that trip yet. Yesterday, my husband asked me if he could put the bags in the attic so that they wouldn't clutter our bedroom anymore. I don't know why, but I had a small panic attack about completely removing the bags from the room. It's not like they were leaving the house. They were simply going in the attic. Apparently my attachment to clothes is greater than I realized. I really have no idea why. I guess the thought of MAYBE needing something from one of those bags actually scares me. The funny part is, I still have plenty of clothes in my closet. This is definitely something that I need to work on.

My goal, at some point, is to have all seasons of clothes in one closet. Right now my sweaters and several dresses are in a different closet. I hope that next time my husband and I move, I can pack every item in my closet into two suitcases. Trust me, this is downsizing. For the time being, I am going to work on figuring out why I freaked when my clothes left the room. I certainly can't do that when they finally get dropped off somewhere.

When Life Gets in the Way

2011-05-11T09:45:00.002-05:00

I have been struggling in the last week with balancing life and the hobbies I enjoy. I work from 7:30 to 4:30 Tuesday through Saturday. Having a "normal" job, makes it difficult to pursue my passions in my downtime. After work there are still other responsibilities. We all know what they are: dinner, laundry, dishes, etc. At this point in my life, I don't have children. Sometimes I have a hard time imagining how I will get everything done once they are in the picture.

This post is not meant to rant about how stressed out I am. I know there are people out there who have bigger worries in their life than me. I applaud those out there who are able to stay motivated on a daily basis, when life keeps throwing them some major hardships.

But the everyday grind can really start to wear on people. We work hard to provide for our families. We try to divide our time so that everyone stays happy. When do we get to make time for ourselves? When do we get to pursue what makes us happy? As my work load gets heavier and a little more stressful, I am going to try and make a real effort to do what makes me happy and feel better about myself. Spending time with my husband, reading a good book, scrapbooking, baking, and exercising.

Everyone enjoys having those moments to themselves, when you have been able to spend a little one on one time with the most important person...you. It enables us to turn off the constant checklist in our heads of what needs to get done, and simply live in the moment. Your mind, body and soul will definitely appreciate that you have taken the time to appreciate them. Take a moment today to live in your moment.

Words of Wisdom

2011-04-29T09:12:00.000-05:00

Some quotes that are truly inspirational to me right now.

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.

~Mark Twain

Look closely at the present you are CONSTRUCTING, it should look like the future you are DREAMING.

~Alice Walker

I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I just lived the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well.

~Diane Ackerman

Needs Versus Wants

2011-04-27T10:47:00.000-05:00

I have been struggling in the last few days with an urge to go shopping. It is a very strong urge, a little voice in my head that says NEED and WANT are the same thing. Logically, I know that this is not true. But anytime I receive an ad in the mail, or drive past a major chain store, something inside says it's ok to go get something. According to my mother, I come from a long line of shoppers. Both of my grandmothers loved to shop and somehow that "gene" got passed to me. There's nothing like walking into a store and finding a great outfit for a great price. Yes, Confessions of a Shopaholic is one of my favorite books and movies. There were many moments in that story that I could relate to. I really do enjoy shopping. I enjoy going into a store and finding something nice that makes me feel pretty. But, why do I need an item of clothing to make me feel pretty? The other part that I think everyone struggles with, probably women more than men, is that clothes aren't made well anymore. Sizes range from store to store and something you tried on in the dressing room and looks great, stretches out after wearing it for a few hours. We are constantly investing money in items that simply don't last and then we justify new purchases because something has fallen apart or doesn't fit the way we thought it would.

But then I read this post by Leo Babauta on Zen Habits. I am determined to no longer be a slave to consumerism. This will be hard. Sure, there will be times when I do need to go shopping. I am going to start making a list at the beginning of each month of items that I actually need. From that list, I will figure out what are the biggest priorities. I think writing these items down will help me narrow down what my true needs are versus the things that I want. I know that there will be times when I walk into a store and they might have a really nice top, or dress, or pair of pants that I think I would like to have. Instead of impulsively buying the item, I am going to try and consider why I want it and when I will wear it. If I decide to buy it, I have to apply the rule of one thing in, one thing out.

I know that my love of shopping will not go away very easily. This is definitely a process that will take some time. However, I am going to try and take some steps to avoid those impulses. I am going to unsubscribe to emails from stores, I will avoid stores unless there is something I need versus want, and I am going to try and buy quality items that will last longer. I think that by implementing these steps, I will slowly make my shopping urges disappear. Wish me luck!

Patience Grasshopper

2011-04-21T21:16:00.000-05:00

Patience is definitely not one of my virtues. I can't tell you how many times people have told me to calm down and be patient. In a world where everything is at your fingertips and you have to be in 20 places at once, patience can be really hard to practice. We have so many gadgets that allow us to have everything in just a few seconds. We text instead of taking the time to call someone. We want weight loss to be immediate, instead of putting in the time and effort to change our bad eating habits. We want our computers to work super fast and we get irritated when it takes more than seconds to access something. We want to see the results instead of working through the problem. Do you see a trend with the word "want?"

As I work on incorporating minimalism into my lifestyle, I am also going to try and work on incorporating more patience with myself and with others. I know that it will be frustrating and I definitely know that I will stumble. But, if I can have more patience, I know that I can reduce a small amount of stress in my life. And really, who needs stress? Even if I am patient with one extra thing throughout the day, it will be a little progress toward becoming a better, more understanding person.

Putting Myself on a Budget

2011-04-15T10:24:00.000-05:00

Have you ever noticed how much faster you spend your money when all you have to do is swipe a little card? I know I'm incredibly guilty of using my card for really small purchases. I mean, who carries cash anymore? Well, I have decided to put myself on a weekly budget. Every week I will withdraw $30 to spend on extras for myself. This amount is what I feel is appropriate for my lifestyle at this time. This is meant to cover any extra food expenses during the week and any other small perks I might like. This week I picked up a new blush (replacing the old one) and some scrapbooking stickers. I know that I will also be going to lunch on Friday with my favorite co-worker.

At the end of every week, whatever money is leftover, I will put it away. I plan to save the extra money to go on a trip. Oh, I should mention that my husband is also following this budget too. So, between the two fo us, we might have a nice chunk of change set aside in just a few months. Wherever we decide to go, we will make sure to only pay cash for all expenses.

I have incorporated this budget before and it really helps cut out a lot of extra spending. Maybe you don't need to stop at Starbucks everyday, or buy that shirt on sale for $15, or go get ice cream after dinner. But if you do want one of these things, be sure you have the cash to pay for it.

Set a reasonable weekly budget for yourself. You might need $50 a week or you may only need $10. Try to plan ahead and really think about what you would like to spend that money on.

Take a moment today and consider where your money really goes. Then, consider where you can make improvements.

On A Personal Note

2011-04-14T08:39:00.000-05:00

I will keep this short and simple.

I spent a great (and somewhat adventurous) afternoon at the lake with my husband this weekend. It was really nice to get outside and soak up a little Vitamin D, enjoy the fresh air and read a book uninterrupted for a little while. We had a very peaceful day and the best part was it didn't cost a fortune.

Take a moment today to get outside and enjoy the beautiful spring weather. Trust me, you will be happy that you didn't spend several hours in front of the TV, computer, or whatever piece of technology usually grabs your attention.

These Are Two Of My Favorite Things

2011-04-10T20:32:00.000-05:00

There are two things in my life that always make my day a little better. Of course my husband and my dog put a smile on my face, but I'm talking about two personal possessions. A cup of coffee and a good book.

I don't have to have them at the same time though. I simply know that it's a better day if I can start with a hot cup of coffee and incoporate some time to read an enjoyable book.

In an effort to add more more minimalism to my lifestyle, I am trying to appreciate the simpler things. It's not necessary for me to go out and spend money in order to have a good day. I have a library of books at home to peruse and I always have coffee on hand. Just thinking about these things, puts a smile on my face.

Take a moment today to figure out what two (or three or four) items put a smile on your face. Then, take a moment to actually enjoy those items.

Take a moment to do...nothing?

2011-04-06T19:16:00.000-05:00

That's right. Do nothing. For at least five minutes. How hard can that be, right? For me, it can be really difficult to sit still for one minute. I'm not asking you to meditate, pray, or even think. I just want you to sit.

How often do we get an opportunity to just sit? Most of us go to work, go to school, take children to their activities, fix dinner, clean the house, and so on. Before you know it, it's 10 at night and you still haven't completed everything on your TO DO list. But, try to stop and take five minutes to just be.

I have found that my best time to do nothing is after a good workout. My mind is clear from the exercise and I can immediately sit down and block out the rest of the world. I have just added it to my workout time. I do thirty minutes of cardio and after cooling down, I do five minutes of nothing.

Try to figure out the best time for your moment. Try to make sure there aren't any distractions, otherwise you aren't really doing nothing. I am certainly not an expert on this subject but I have found that after sitting still for five minutes, when I open my eyes I'm a little more motivated to get up and get something else finished.

Start Small

2011-04-03T07:55:00.000-05:00

I am continuing to read more information about a minimalistic lifestyle. As tempting as it is to go through my house with a trash bag and just start throwing stuff away, I am trying to take baby steps to make changes. It's like starting a diet with no real planning. You start off with tons of motivation, eating lots of vegetables and exercising everyday. Then real life kicks in and that burger and fries is calling your name. As a habitual shopper, I know that if I throw a bunch of stuff away without really thinking about it, the next time I step into Target I will have a very strong desire to purchase more. Why not? I did just clear out extra space. But, I didn't learn the lesson. I simply performed an action without any thought process behind it. It's a vicious cycle and I personally am trying to put an end to my love of chain stores.

But I know that I won't succeed without taking baby steps. So, I clear out the real junk first. The extra magazines (I swear I needed one of these articles for a reason) and the junk mail (this coupon will come in handy at some point) are good starting points. Clearing the paper off of counters and tables can do wonders for a room. How many of you have a dining room table that you hardly ever eat on, but instead use as a stopping point for paperwork? I believe that slowly building up the good habits and breaking down the bad ones will lead to more success than racing out of the gate full speed ahead. This is what works for me. Some people have excellent willpower and once they set their minds to something, that good habit is formed. For most of us though, it takes work and balance with the rest of our crazy lives.

Take a moment today and work on making one small change that you know you can achieve everyday. It will be one small accomplishment that you are proud of. As soon as you have made it a habit, you can move on to the next thing.

CLOTHES AND SHOES AND PURSES, OH MY!

2011-03-31T19:58:00.000-05:00

The first blog I found about minimalism was Be More With Less. Courtney's simple approach to daily life really appealed to me and I sat reading through her archives to find out more.

I came across her clothing challenge, Project 333. Now, I love clothes and shopping. I love putting together outfits, looking in the mirror and feeling confident. Some people may think this is shallow or vain. I think that good clothing can be a true expression of a person’s individuality. I also feel that if you buy clothing that is of better quality, while it may be more expensive, it will last longer than the cheaply made $5 top.

However, I am also guilty of standing in my closet full (and I mean full) of clothes thinking, I have nothing to wear! So, when I came across this challenge I thought it would be interesting to give it a try. Now for me, 33 items in 3 months is a little difficult. Her list includes shoes and accessories. That’s where I decided to put my own spin on it. My goal here is to make it a little more adaptable to myself. I certainly don’t want to set myself up to fail. I’m giving myself 40 items, not including shoes and accessories. I also have a small section of “going out” clothes. Hey, a girl’s gotta have a social life. My full - time job is a very relaxed environment so I was able to incorporate a lot of regular/casual clothes into it. This saves me from having a “work wardrobe.”

As I was going through the process of picking out my 40 items, it felt like I was lifting some sort of weight off my shoulders. I haven’t removed the clothes I’m not using from my closet. I have simply pushed them to the back. For me, they are a daily reminder of the amount of money spent. Most of these I haven’t worn in months. Why do I still have them? Most likely the guilt over purchasing these items in the first place.

I actually began this project on March 25^th. Hopefully when I have reached the end of 3 months, I will be able to move the majority of what’s in the back of my closet completely out of the house. I also hope that I am able to discover other, cheaper, forms of entertainment for myself that bring me more happiness than a new top.

Day 1

2011-03-30T18:22:00.000-05:00

I don’t know a single thing about blogging other than I enjoy reading several. Recently, some blogs on minimalism have caught my eye. Actually they have done more than that. They have inspired a desire for change.

I tend to value "things" in my life more than I should. I like my stuff. But, I am beginning to realize that there is more to this world and more to life than my belongings. I want to travel and gain life experiences. I don’t want to sit in an office for the next 20 years and then suddenly have a midlife crisis, thinking where did my youth go. I know that in today’s society that happens to so many men and women. I don’t want to have regrets. I want to live in the now, in the present.

I’m sure there are plenty of people out there who are completely satisfied with where their life has taken them. I hope that one day, I can be that way too. There are some things about the minimalist lifestyle that I’m not sure I can be comfortable with. So, I thought instead of taking things to the extreme I could try to find a happy medium between normal and extreme. There are some exceptional people out there who have been able to rid themselves of so many belongings and still live full, rich lives. But, for the rest of us making these intense choices can be really difficult.

As stated before, I like to have my stuff. This new project in my life does not mean that I will go through my entire house and start throwing things away. I do take pride in certain possessions and some things do have sentimental value. I think it is possible to have a nice home with nice belongings. I think it’s possible to maintain a sensible diet and enjoy food at the same time.

I want to be able to do more and see more in my life and I want you to hold me accountable. I need the responsibility of sharing my story with others so that I don’t give up.