Winter Outfit #1

On Tuesday, just 4 days ago, I had another surgery that lasted 3 hours to repair some issues with the surgery on the 13th. I made a promise to myself that I would put my winter capsule wardrobe to use when I got back in the real world.  There was also a promise made to my son a while back that I would make my famous lasagna that his dad always remembers fondly.  I haven't made it since I was diagnosed a Celiac over 6 years ago.

This afternoon I went to the grocery store to purchase lasagna ingredients and put this outfit together -

I put on make-up and styled my hair with mousse.  I wanted to blow it dry, but my hair dryer was MIA.  I'm certain one of the girls in the house must have borrowed it.

The decision to go to the nicer grocery provided self care by minimizing stops and offered a drive up service to load my car.  I remembered by reusable bags to minimize my environmental footprint as well. 

My famous lasagna retained its pedestal status.  My son has informed me that I can never again purchase Stouffers lasagna.  It has been a successful day.

Capsule Wardrobe Winterized

I'm learning so much in my journey.  I am learning to focus.  I have the time to enjoy the little things I love so much.  Even though I have been out of commission recovering from surgery, I have a bright outlook because I've learned that I can bring my house back in order in a short amount of time combining focus and joy.

Today I will be winterizing my 33 times as I have officially turned on the heat.  I will remove the skirts because they are simply too cold for me.  I will replace them with warm pants.  I have light weight cardigans that I will be switching out for heavier/warmer styles.  That means a bit of shopping for me.  Thankfully, I finally found shoes that are appropriate for winter and properly support my tendonitis ridden feet just before I had surgery.

With my epiphany regarding self care, I am making it my goal to utilized my wardrobe each day as well as do my hair and make up.  Its unlikely that I will have plans to go out everyday but I'm doing this for me.  I like myself in the 33 items I have chosen.  I enjoy the compliments my husband gives me when I make an effort.  For the record, he gives me compliments when I'm in sweats and have bed head hair.  It's just hard to accept those.

I'm going to make this journey more public and start posting pictures on my blog.  Get ready.  It's going to be fun!

Self Care

A questioned that comes up often in my circle is, "What do you do for self care?"  The typical response ranges from getting a Starbucks coffee to a spa day.  These things are deemed for special occasions in my book.  They definitely qualify as treating oneself, but I think we're looking at the question wrong.  I think self care is something we should do everyday.

When I think of how I care for my kids, spouse, or pups, I immediately think of providing food.  Then I think of activities.  I think of clothing, quality sleep, and entertainment.  If I translate that into my own care, I need to be feeding myself properly.  I need to insure quality sleep.  I need to exercise, wear clothing I love, and do some fun things too.  As a mom, I am guilty of neglecting all of those things.  Basic things to many people.

When I had surgery last week, the importance of self care became very clear.  I found myself extremely tired and hungry with an afternoon procedure scheduled.  I became very negative and complained a lot.  It demonstrated how much easier it is to keep a positive attitude when I'm well rested and have eaten properly.  It's important to keep those things in mind during the holiday season.

My capsule wardrobe helps me feel my best with the greatest of ease.  I am no longer overwhelmed by choices of sub-par options.  My FitBit allows me to connect to family and friends all over and have fun with challenges while meeting my goals.

I appreciate that life has slowed down as a result of my minimalism. It allows me to focus on basic self care daily.  I don't have to go out of my way, let alone my house, to be good to myself.  That's a huge lesson.