Thursday, March 29, 2012

Closet purge


I own more clothes than any one person should. It's a fact. I often purchase clothes for very specific occasions like my dress that's perfect for riding my bike to the farmers market, or my other dress that perfect for strolling around the farmers market if I'm not riding my bike there, or like the gauzy shirt that's a perfect cover-up for a day at the beach. Funny thing is, I am ocean side maybe once per year. I also have clothes that date back to high school, possibly even middle school (frightening, right?). 

Inspired by the book I'm currently reading, The Happiness Project, this past weekend I did a massive closet purge. Anyone who knows me is well aware that this is no easy task for me. In the event that I am able to part with an article of clothing, I often replace it with two new pieces. So, for accomplishing this task I am quite proud of myself. As a result, I have this renewed love for my closet. I have recommitted myself to appreciating the clothes that I have and making every attempt to wear each and every piece at least once this year. Those things I don't wear? Yep, they're getting purged at the end of the season. 

While I couldn't part with all 14 black dresses that I own, I was able to part with almost half. Those dresses along with the massive amount of clothes I recently donated have actually made me feel joyful. I feel like I've added some simplicity to my wardrobe and as a result, my life. It's one small step for my overflowing closet and one giant leap for this fashion-lover.

p.s. I used to covet Carrie's UES closet. That was until she got this closet. And, remember this scene from the SATC movie? I adore it. My fashion show for Bob was similar while I was purging my closet. :)



Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Yogi state of mind


This past weekend I returned to yoga after what felt like eons (but was really just a few months). In the first 15 minutes of the class I experienced something I rarely ever do, but always strive for: being completely in the present.

As I sat on my mat with my eyes closed listening to my yoga teacher instructing us to quiet our minds and find our breath, I found my mind tuning out every.single.piece. of outside stimulus. As silly as it may sound, this is how I describe it... my mind filled up with the present moment so much so that it felt like my head was inflating. I heard no noises around me, but the soothing voice of my teacher. My breath was natural, slow, and restorative. I thought of nothing (and I mean NOTHING) but the precise present moment in which I sat. My thoughts were free from making my "to do" lists, cataloging my cleaning schedule, worry, doubt... everything. My head was filling up with so much of the present that it felt as if my body was beginning to rise straight up to the ceiling. I wasn't above my classmates, rather I was with them. For those 15 minutes or so it felt as if the yoga class was taking place at the top of the room. It really was heavenly.

In yoga, one of the most difficult parts of the practice for me is to be completely present. I have a difficult time shutting off my wandering mind. Thinking of the past, the future, anything but being 100% focused on the present. Fortunately, we're taught that those thoughts are OK and natural, and to just let them pass right on out of your mind without any judgement. Much easier said than done. That's probably why this was such an incredible experience for me. 

And, as with every time I return to yoga from any length of hiatus (there have been several over the last seven or either years of practicing), I can't believe that I ever let my practice slip. I'm making a renewed commitment to myself and my practice to get back into the studio every week.

Monday, March 26, 2012

Happy Birthday, Lily


From an early age the Fabulous Lily (right) has marched to the beat of her own drummer. How great is her Silly Spaghetti Night outfit here (from a few years ago)?

Lily is creative, thoughtful, sweet, lovable, bright, snuggly, and most of all fabulous. She's a great dancer and gives wonderful hugs. 

Happy 5th birthday, Lily. Your Aunt Libby loves you.

Friday, March 23, 2012

Lovely weekend


Today I find myself singing "yay weekend!" in my head every hour or so. Not because it's been a bad week, but because I'm so looking forward to a weekend at home after being gone for so long. The weather is warm, the flowers are blooming, and it's just great.

This weekend I'm looking forward to finally uploading my Ireland photos, doing some yard work, hanging pictures around the house, swapping my winter wardrobe for my summer wardrobe (one of my favorite things to do all year), riding bikes, and hanging out with friends. I hope you have a lovely weekend and stay tuned for Ireland photos on Monday.

xox,

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

iPhone megaphone




How awesome is this? This megaphone could double as a cool decor piece that would transform a dinner party into a rockin' party. Sign me up!

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Happy St. Patrick's Day


Happy St. Patrick's Day! In celebration of this fine holiday, Bob and I will be drinking Guinness and finding adventure on the streets of Dublin, Ireland. 

I'll share photos of our entire trip when we return!  


Friday, March 16, 2012

Cinnamon swirl biscuits


I'm dying to try this recipe for Cinnamon Swirl Biscuits. Don't they look amazing? Perfect for a Sunday brunch, I'd say.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

World's largest rope swing


These incredible guys created the ultimate rope swing and made this awesome video to boot. Can you image the rush from jumping off the ledge? I was too chicken to jump off a lakeside rope swing at family friends' cabin, so I highly doubt I'd be brave enough for this. How awesome, though!!

Friday, March 9, 2012

Thinking spring


Oh my, I'm so happy spring is nearly here! Time to shed the layers, eat more fruit, smell the flowers, and jump in puddles.

 Happy weekend!

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Spoeth girls


Are they not the cutest?  I need some of these little girls in my life very soon!

Monday, March 5, 2012

Sunday breakfast


Sunday morning breakfast making with husband is one of my most loved activities of the entire weekend. Sigh...

Friday, March 2, 2012

Mad Men


Have you seen this?  Banana Republic and Mad Men teaming up.  I LOVE it!!  BR clothes, Mad Men costuming genius.  What a expert marketing stunt.  I would like to wear this dress with these earrings and this ring; make myself a sidecar; and kick my feet up to watch the first episode of Mad Men on the 25th.  Any takers?

Also, which MadMan are you?

Also, also, Bob would look so good in this.  But, he'd never wear it.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Early to bed, early to rise


I am very proud to say that I have been rocking 5:30am workouts now for a whole week.  My gym offers great classes with hard core instructors who make me work hard.  From spinning to core training to every muscle group weight training, my body has been working pretty hard.
Getting up at the crack of dawn has proven to be the most daunting challenge of the whole thing.  The funniest thing about this new routine is that the latest I can keep my eyes open come nighttime is 8pm!  Last night, for example, I was asleep by 7:30pm.  My husband makes fun of me for needing a lot of sleep considering he only needs about 6 hours and he feels great.  Me, I need at least 8 hours to feel my best.  Give me 9, and the next day the world is mine.

I'm hoping to keep up this new routine and may need some encouragement along the way.  Secretly, one of my favorite things about it is that I have a legitimate excuse to not stay out late.
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