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. :)

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.

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.

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,

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!

via

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!  

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.