by Leigh | Feb 8, 2017 | Stories |
I hope.
This post is something that I’ve been thinking about for a while. I haven’t decided the best way to present it. I haven’t figured it all out. But I need to START. So I’m starting.
This post is about clothes, mostly. But, more than that, it’s about self-expression and self-acceptance. It’s probably about a lot of other things. Let’s begin:
THE CURATED CLOSET
I read, no I am reading the Curated Closet by Anuschka Rees. I’ve always been about refining my style and I thought this would help. What I didn’t realize was it would bring me face to face with the reality that I shop too much, I don’t buy quality and I don’t have any idea what I like. It pains me to admit how many mistakes I’ve made. All the items I never should have bought. Don’t get the wrong idea, the book has been really fun and helpful. I really enjoyed the various exercises: creating an inspiration file, two weeks of test outfits and then analysis, creating a mood board, then defining a style profile and color palette. I learned how to balance the types of clothes I have for the actual lifestyle that I have. (Apparently I think I go to a lot a fancy parties!) I did a lot of self-discovery and thinking. I thought I was ready to go out and start buying the right clothes for me, carefully chosen clothes that would be perfect. I had pretty much taken the month of January off from shopping. On February 1st I hit the stores. I bought five things and returned three. I felt anxious as well as empty. Something had changed. More thoughts about this to come.
UN-FANCY
My favorite blogger right now is Un-fancy. Caroline is a curated-closet, capsule-wardrobe prophet! I really respect bloggers like Caroline who post consistently. They show up daily. That is hard to do! I also love her photography. The ‘set’, the lighting, and her writing are so beautiful, clean and simple—reflecting the content and philosophy she embodies. Reading Un-fancy led me to The Curated Closet and the spiritual awakening I just spoke about. And then…
THE MINIMALISTS
…a few weeks ago I stumbled upon Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things on Netflix. It features The Minimalists Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus who wrote the book on the subject Everything That Remains. It also features Courtney Carver of Project 333. I think I’ve always been a minimalist. It really shows in my home decor (or lack thereof). People who know me tease me about how empty my house is, about how much I hate clutter. (The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up was written specifically for me!) I’ve always been drawn to modernism and scandinavian style. But secretly I’ve felt like there was something weird about me. Watching this film made me feel so validated. Having a word for only keeping what you need and really love made it seem normal. It made me want to be more minimal. It feels really good to me. In my soul. But the reality is that I don’t always do what is good for my soul. A part of my soul is sick. A part of it feels scared and “not enough.”
I could tell you about my deprived childhood and my very frugal Dad who only let me get clothes from Sears and only if I really needed them. I could point to the popular girls in school who had the cool clothes that I didn’t. But that doesn’t have to define me. What I’m learning is that making a decision to acquire only what you need doesn’t need to feel like a punishment. I don’t have to feel deprived. I can make the decision that I’m enough no matter what I have or what I wear. I can also make mindful choices about having certain beautiful things. I think that’s okay.
WHAT’S NEXT?
I’m committing to not buying clothes for the rest of February. I’m going to finish the Curated Closet and continue to remix my clothes in new ways.
I’m working on some new content — on my fitness regime and on recommitting myself to eating healthy. Not bootcamp style. This year I’m looking to get in shape mindfully.
Thanks for reading!
by Leigh | Jan 8, 2017 | Stories |
It’s 2017! I actually love Januarys. They’re so… minimal. No holidays, no expectations. Sometimes bleak and snow covered. Oddly calming for me. I know it’s cliché, but they feel like a fresh start and I love to ponder how to makeover, well everything. Actually I did a lot of “pondering” back in November and then into December. By not waiting until the new year, I feel like I was better equipped to handle the holidays. Let’s just say I was better behaved than past years. By pondering, I mean journaling. I write about things that came up this year and look honestly at myself. In that way I can let go of old stuff and move on. It’s so helpful.
I came up with a few resolutions:
- Stop using styrofoam. This might sound strange and out of left field, but I thought about it one day and decided, no more. It’s horrible, non-recyclable, and takes 1,000 years to break down. Just no.
- Teach my kids what good music is. I’m not saying I’m banning all Justin Bieber and Sean Mendez, but c’mon, there’s so much more to know. It’s my job.
- Build a minimal, quality wardrobe. Pick clothes that are truly me. Stop the endless cycle of buying stuff I don’t need or like or wear.
- Learn to run a successful design business. After 10 years, it’s time to run my business like a proper business.
I’ve gotten a jump on a couple of these things. For one, I’m reading the curated closet.
As soon as I heard about it, I put it on my wish list. Then my sister-in-law got if for me for my birthday. When I started reading it, I thought it wasn’t for me. Then, a few weeks ago, I realized it was utter genius. I guess you’re not ready to change until you’re ready. You may know how much I love simplifying and decluttering, how the Life-changing Magic of Tidying Up was life changing for me. I thought I was good. I thought I had the perfect curated closet. I was so wrong. I had been brainwashed into picking some of the clothes I thought were essential. I am only just beginning this process, but I feel very good about it. Most of all I am happy that I feel no need to shop right now and that relieves a lot of guilt. I am halfway through the 2 week exercise of documenting daily outfits. Here is one:
I am also reading The Creative Truth. Life changing. Because, I started my own design business without know how to start a design business. I thought I just need to know how to design and the rest would figure itself out. Guess what, you can learn a lot from other people. That applies to everything. I’m really excited about this and it has gives me a whole new attitude toward being self-employed.
There is much more on my mind, but in order to say, “I posted something”, I’ll wrap it up here. It was a very busy and exciting December. Santa was good to us. I have many ideas for future posts. I will work on wrangling them into something read-able.
TTFN
by Leigh | Dec 31, 2016 | Stories |
More books I’ve read:
Peace is Every Step
by Thich Nhat Hanh
Everyone should own this book. It was a gift from a friend from church and I love that she knows me well enough to pick a Buddhist meditation book for me. Thich Nhat Hanh is one of the most world renown Buddhist monks of all time and this book presents such beautifully simple concepts that are very spiritually deep. I will probably be reading this over and over.
The Girl on the Train
by Paula Hawkins
Oh my! Now I know what everyone was raving about. This book packs a punch. I read it in two days. “I can’t talk right now or cook dinner or help you with your homework because I’m binge-watching this book.” I read it almost non-stop. I just had to know who done it, you know? This is the perfect book for travel because it’s such an escape. I really wanted to see the movie but insisted on reading the book first. But I don’t think I’ll watch the movie at all since I’ve heard it’s not at all good which is sad because I really like Emily Blunt.
The Chaperone
by Laura Moriarty
This has been on my to-read list for so long I forgot who recommended it. I sort of thought I wouldn’t like it, but then I DID. It starts in 1922 and goes almost until present day. It is filled with secrets. Funny, I really liked The Secret Keeper and this has a lot in common, and soon I’m going to start The Husband’s Secret. The Chaperone proves that we can all change, be less judgmental and get second chances. I recommend it!
The Circle
by Dave Eggers
Think George Orwell’s 1984 only Big Brother is not the Government but Corporate America. If you live/lived in Silicon Valley like I have you’ll recognize and be quicky seduced by the fun, cutting edge, rule breaking Circle (Google? Facebook? A combination?) I read this on vacation and even though I wouldn’t call it a summer read, it was a page-turner.
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking
by Susan Cain
I only recently became aware that I am in introvert. I never wanted to believe that because I think I’m pretty outgoing and social. I have fought against the stigma of being shy and thought I was winning. This book has changed the way I look at everything. I am quiet. I like quiet. And there’s nothing wrong with that.
Breakfast with Buddha
by Roland Merullo
This was the first book I’ve gotten through Audible. It took me longer to get through it because I had to listen to it instead of read it. It’s strange, but I think I would have rather read it. It had some real spiritual gems in it, though.
The Secret Keeper
by Kate Morton
This was really good. Gripping. It started off slow, although beautifully written, then an unexpected event slaps you across the face. It’s written with such artistry and the author does such good job transporting you to the time and place. Present day England and World War II England. Back and forth. So vivid. The plot pulls you in that you have no choice but to speed read it at the end.
The Vacationers
by Emma Straub
I read this over the summer. I felt I had to. I mean, look at that cover. Perfect lounge-lit. I recommend it. If you like to delve into the dysfunctional lives of wealthy New Yorkers and their family vaca plans gone awry. Which I guess I do.
Passion Blues
by Sister Ramona Cecille Daily
A collection of poignant, passionate poetry, told from an African-American Christian woman’s view, beautiful and challenging, painful and powerful.
Displacement
by Lucy Knisley
I hear about books, you know, in magazines. I put them on my Amazon wish list, so I don’t forget about them. Then, sometimes, people buy them for me for my birthday. This is one of those books. I didn’t know it was a graphic novel until I opened it. I don’t really read graphic novels. But this little guy kind of won me over. I love the illustrations!
The Affairs of Others
by Amy Grace Loyd
This is a literary get-a-way. The writing is well-crafted and it transports you to the time and place of the events with such vividness. You need to give it your full attention, preferably lying by the pool while everyone you live with is mysteriously absent. It’s a little dirty, but who doesn’t prefer their novels a little dirty?
My Sister’s Keeper
by Jodi Picoult
Remember this book, which came out about 10 years ago, about a girl who’s parents force her to be a donor for her sister who has leukemia? It didn’t appeal to me then. If I had read it then (before I had kids) I might have had a completely different opinion. Anyway, it looks at a terrible situation that has no good solution, from everyone’s point of view. It was so much more engaging than I thought it would be. I liked it a lot.
Love and Chaos
by Gemma Burgess
Ahhhh, summer. Time to read silly books about silly girls. This book starts out with the main character lamenting that she’s almost 23 years old and still hasn’t figured out life! It’s amazing I continued and finished it. I keep reading Young Adult and not realizing that I am. Actually, this is technically “New Adult.” I think I want to like this genre but I struggle to relate to the protagonists. Is it because I’m out of touch with my younger self? Or is it because these girls seem so girly and sweet compared to how I was?
Coincidentally, right after I finished this book, I read this blog post, on A Cup of Jo about the author. Afterwards I decided she was a very funny and witty writer. I guess I relate to her as an adult. 🙂
When You Are Engulfed in Flames
by David Sedaris
If you’ve never read anything by David Sedaris, you should! His short memoir stories are always absurd and relatable at the same time. You’ll laugh and then feel a little bad about it. To redeem yourself, read the book below:
Start Where You Are A Guide to Compassionate Living
by Pema Chodron
I love this book and I’ve read it twice! It’s a simple, approachable, easy-to-read book about the sometimes complex, painful practice of meditating, loving yourself and getting along with others.
Divergent
by Veronica Roth
Okay, yes, I read this young-adult best-seller. In my defense, it was a gift. I saw the Hunger Games and liked it and this didn’t have any vampires, so I gave it a shot. Both books I read this summer, Divergent and The God of Animals have a common theme—young girl braves the harsh realities of life and loses her innocence. Sort of the theme of every book, right?
The God of Animals
by Aryn Kyle
Did you grow up riding horses? I did. This a coming of age tale told from the perspective of a young girl who’s family owns a horse farm. Beautifully sad.
Carry On, Warrior
by Glennon Doyle Melton
Amazing. So good. So, so good. I just recently found her blog Momastery.com and really love it. I pre-ordered the book. Just finished it this past Friday. I want to recommend it to all my girl friends, mom or not. So powerful and full of Good. Get it. Read it.
The Goldfinch
by Donna Tartt
I had seen this book recommended so many times. I asked my husband, “Didn’t you get that for Christmas?” “I think so.” “Do you mind if I read it first?” “Go ahead.”
770 friggin’ pages! I loved reading it, though. The writing was so good. Really the best book I’ve read in years. So engaging. I was looking through my Amazon history. My husband did get for Christmas. From me.
The Book Thief
by Markus Zusak
It’s tough to get into a book about nazi Germany. I’m not sure if I liked it. Painful. Thought provoking.
by Leigh | Nov 30, 2016 | Stories |
— So You Can Stay Physically and Mentally Fit Through the Holidays
That picture is from September, the last time I wore a swim suit. I don’t love it. But I wanted a picture of a belly without using stock photography. There it is.
Let’s talk about our bellies. We want them to be flat. We want to look good. But what about what’s going on inside? Everyone is talking about gut bacteria these days. It seems that it has a much bigger effect on our weight and overall health than we thought. Is it possible that staying thin is more than just cutting calories and working out every day? And, ever since I read a couple of articles about how the right amount of healthy bacteria in your stomach can even effect whether or not you’re depressed I can’t stop thinking about it.
I’m not a scientist and I’m not going to tell you anything you couldn’t just Google yourself.*
To improve your Gut Bacteria you need to:
- Limit sugar — unless it’s dark chocolate!
- Eat your veggies
- Eat fiber — leafy greens, beans/legumes, nuts, bran cereal
- Limit meat — eat more “animal fiber” when you eat meat
- Avoid antibiotics
- Avoid anti-bacterial cleaners, hand sanitizer
- Get outside and get dirty—i.e., dig in the garden
- Take probiotics/eat yogurt and kefir
- Eat fermented foods — sauerkraut, pickles, etc.
- Lower stress — meditate, do things you love, take a bath
- Get a good night’s sleep
- Exercise
*What I Googled:
10 Ways to Cultivate Good Gut Bacteria and Reduce Depression
16 Things That Affect Your Gut Bacteria
How Soil Microbes Make You Happy
Speaking of food, I did a Instagram-your-meal round-up for you which sort of looks like I live on eggs which I don’t. I try to eat a healthy balance of real foods. I do love bread so I try to eat whole grain and not too much. I eat blueberries and almonds and cashews and cheese and olives and hummus and plain greek whole fat yogurt and eggs with spinach and hot sauce. I eat pasta but also potatoes and quinoa and rice. Chicken and tuna and corn tortillas. I have a secret stash of really good chocolate. I eat too much ice cream and I love a burger and fries. If I’m hungry late at night I’ll eat raisin bran with almond milk. Oh, and in the summer lots of smoothies and salads. And Peet’s French Roast coffee. And Starbucks.
I hope you try some of these ideas and see if your belly and your mood improves.
by Leigh | Nov 10, 2016 | Stories |
Buvette
When I was in high school, my friends and I often frequented french places like Au Pied du Cochon in DC’s Georgetown. So Buvette was an obvious choice for a lunch date with my childhood friend Laura. It took us about 5 seconds to order: a croque madame for her, a salad nicsoise for me and pate to share.
Laura used to live in the Village. Sullivan & Houston, I think. “Why did I ever give up that apartment?” she lamented. “It was $900 a month.” Married now with 3 kids in a beautiful house on Long Island. “I know. You should have kept it.”
Scotch & Soda
I had the loveliest experience at this little boutique. Not on my mental list of places I planned to go, I’d seen this brand on many a blog post and the olive-colored bomber jacket in the window called to me. The funniest thing happened when I walked in. The salesperson was really friendly. It was as if I wasn’t a tourist. He was so personable and helpful and it really paid off for him. I spent a ton there (for me). My excuse: how often am I in NY and they have some absolutely beautiful clothes. I bought a pair of black skinny jeans and an ikat blouse.
Rag & Bone
I’ve loved this brand forever and was looking forward to seeing and touching some of their jeans and boots. I kind of ran out of time so I didn’t try anything on. I did, however score a free sample of this perfume which is so moody and delicious. All their perfumes are unisex. But, overall I didn’t lust for their clothes like I thought I would.
Sandro
This is another lesser known brand that I’ve been secretly craving. Way out of my price range but it felt so good in my soul to walk through the store and touch the velvet and sequined and brocade. Maybe someday.
Of course there’s so much more to explore in this part of New York. While I was there, just for an afternoon, I felt like a local. I even managed to navigate the subway with ease. There must be a parallel universe where I live in Greenwich Village. I have a cool apartment and I support myself painting paintings and know about all the best places to go.
Another post about NEW YORK:
A Rainy Day in Brooklyn
by Leigh | Nov 4, 2016 | Stories |
It’s so great to see what I did over the last month. I think it really helps to schedule my workouts. I don’t always do what I plan to do, but I do a lot more that I would if I didn’t write them on my calendar.
I’ve gotten really weird with my schedule. I’m such a creature of habit. For some reason certain days work for certain types of exercise. Mondays always make me want to run. Maybe it’s the long weekend with kids that does it. I put them on the bus Monday morning and then get as far away as possible. Aaaahhhh! JK. Lately I’ve been running on the rail trail near my house which is so beautiful with the Fall colors and crisp air. Sometimes my run is actually a walk. I’m okay with that. Tuesday I always think I’ll go to Yoga but never seems to happen. Sometimes I make something up at home but honestly Tuesday has become sort of a day off. Wednesday seems to make me want to do some sort of boot camp kind of thing. I’ll work out at home to something on PopSugar fitness. I did this one last week and it was great! Thursday is always spin. It’s my favorite. Friday is the one day I go to Jazzercise. I love Jazzercise. I don’t care what anyone says. It’s the best. Yoga is usually Saturday mornings because that’s when my favorite class is and Saturday mornings just make me want to do a long, difficult yoga practice. Usually followed by some shopping. 😉
Sometimes things need to get adjusted and that’s okay. I’m so grateful that I’ve gotten into the habit of working out. The more I do it, the easier it is.
a month of workouts
