A Nice Mother's Day Gift

I was recently enjoying a rare and peaceful moment to myself while at an indoor play park was looking through a recent Today's Parent issue. The page I turned to included stories from readers of their best mother's day gifts.  This one caught my eye so I thought I would share because it was so different, but sounded just great:

"On Saturday I check into my Jacuzzi suite at a hotel for a night alone.  I take books and bubble bath and leave my cellphone, worries and stress behind. I get 19 hours of uninterrupted quiet me-time. On Mother's Day, I meet my hubby, kids and mom for a wonderful brunch where I get homemade cards - and someone else does the dishes! Buffy LaBonte-Sias, Whitehorse"


It's sometimes hard to ask for or find the time just for us as individuals. Or we get the time and then, much to our own fault, fill it with laundry, other chores or things that "can't wait."  Kind of a nice idea to have the tradition built into Mother's Day.

My birthday is the same week as Mother's Day so I get the royal treatment two weekends in a row! I've had my birthday waffles and homemade birthday card so this weekend can only get better and better.

What are your Mother's Day traditions?

Enjoy ladies!

Shower Curtain Love

As a follow up to last week's post pleading for help in picking picture frames for my master bedroom, I would like to report that I think I found (bought) a solution on the weekend when I visited West Elm in Toronto for the first time. I really liked this store! 

Thank you to the many people that wrote me emails suggesting various options - they were all helpful and the end result will encompass many parts of your suggestions.

I am not going to reveal the picture frames hung and in place just yet (mainly because they are sitting in a heap on my bedroom floor and only white sheets of paper are hung in their place on the wall right now).

BUT, I wanted to report one other home purchase that I was really happy with.  

Before I went to West Elm, I hit up their website prior to arriving, and had my mind set on this shower curtain of all things:

Source

I have two bathrooms that require a shower curtain in my home and only one stylish curtain - the others are very dated, boring or juvenile. I loved this when I saw it and thought it would be perfect for my main/kids' bathroom. Goodbye juvenile, hello clean, modern and still fun.

This is how it looks:

(I was sure to crop the photo from the bottom
so you couldn't see the kids stools x2 plus potty
chair ... sort of changes the look if you know
what I mean).

I am really happy with the result. It is exactly what I was looking for.

I know I usually don't post much design stuff on this blog, but just for fun, shown below some before pictures of the same bathroom prior to the major reno my husband and I did a few years back. The shape is overall the same, but if you look close there are some really "special" parts that are now gone (hint: shower curtain, door with gold knob, carved out toilet paper holder and the linoleum flooring.

Bathroom at time of purchase

During Reno

This is where I was slightly freaking out and
hoping that one day I would have a bathroom again.

Post Reno 

Post Reno2

Post Reno3

Have a great weekend!  Maybe hit up West Elm if you are looking for a fun hour to yourself!

LUCKY WINNER ANNOUNCED!

Congratulation to Jess! She is the lucky winner of a $40 gift certificate to Buy Green Skin Care products/services. Thanks to everyone who entered to win. Stay tuned next week for more giveaways and chances to win!

________

Thank you so much to Brenda Gouin for all of the great information on so many wonderful natural skin care options and products for the family.  And of course for her generous promotions and giveaways to C&CS readers! In case you missed out, here is a sneak peak of a few other products that are available at www.buygreenskincare.com 

Something To Do Today!

If you live in York Region or in the Aurora area - head to the Children's Trunk Show today.


Great place filled with lots of amazing kid stuff and original gift ideas. Lots of Mompreneurs strutting their stuff. I know a few of the people who will be selling there and the stuff is amazing, including Baby Magoo.

Take a peak at the link. I will be going in about 10 minutes. Perfect break on a rainy day.


www.childrenstrunkshow.com

Surprise Shoe Purchases

Earlier this week while on one of my usual marathon mall adventures - returns, a few staples for the kids, Easter pick ups - I came home with not one, but two! new shoe boxes for me. Being totally unexpected, I was practically giddy when taking them home. This never happens.

Earlier this year in February I spent eons searching for the perfect pair of black pumps with no luck and this week, no pressure, and see what happens.

I can honestly say as well that these are the type of purchases that won't sit in the back of my closet or that I bought for no reason and with no idea of what I would wear them with or just because I was feeling like I needed a little pick me up (pathetic sounding I know). Nope, these were two QUALITY shoe purchases that meld my practical, say no to 5" heels type of shoe attitude with a little bit of funk without going overboard.  Oh and they were hugely on sale!

The ankle shoe/boots:

 And the "not too dressy, not too casual" shoes perfect for summer dresses and skirts (they look better in real life):

A note on these second pair of shoes. I have been looking for ages for a neutral summer pair that could dress up and down oh and that I could stomach wearing for longer than 10 minutes (see post here about shoe pain). There are times in the summer that flip flops just don't cut it and pumps are a bit too much. These will be perfect I think.

The shoe store that brought me all of this excitement:  Dumond

Ahhhhhh .... shoe purchase satisfaction. Nothing sweeter.

Lip Balm a la ME!

It turns out, all you need is beeswax, vitamin E, a little olive oil, honey, peppermint oil (or other essential oil of your choice) and cocoa butter ...

throw it all in a frying pan for 2 minutes ...

... and voila - lip balm au natural, free of chemicals and whatever other junk is thrown in the usual stuff.

 I also made some luxurious lavender bath salts last Friday. Again - EASY! I promise. Epsom salts, baking soda, lavender flowers and a few drops of lavender oil and you've got yourself a whole pile of beautifully smelling bath salts just waiting for your next soak in the tub.

You're probably thinking, yeah, but I don't have any lavender oil kicking around the house or lavender flowers for that matter.  I didn't either, but I assure you, one trip to the right store, recipe in hand, and you will be set.  I ventured to Nature's Emporium in Newmarket and they had everything and more!  Prices were reasonable especially when you think about how much you can make with the amount I bought and compare it to the obscene prices we pay every day at the makeup counters and Shopper's Drug Mart.

So if you're interested, here it is, the recipe for Homemade Lip Balm (compliments of There's Lead in Your Lipstick by Gillian Deacon, p. 136):

HOMEMADE LIP BALM
(makes enough for 100 applications.)

2 tbsp      olive oil
1/2 tsp      honey
3/4 tsp      beeswax (grated)
1/2 tsp      pure cocoa butter
3 of 4       drops of your choice of essential oil (peppermint, lemon or whatever flavour you want)
1              vitamin E capsule

In a small saucepan, heat oil, honey, wax, and butter over low heat until just melted.
remove from heat and allow to cool for two to three minutes.
Stir in flavouring and contents of vitamin E capsule.
Pour into containers of your choice.

Silky Smooth Hands

Goodbye chapped, dry, winter hands.

Hello silky, smooth (brown sugar and almond oil) hands!

I often experience dry hands in the winter and spring time, despite my best efforts of using creams, balms and dry skin remedies.

You all know that I have been reading There's Lead In Your Lipstick, by Gillian Deacon, and in it (on page 187) she has this simple recipe for a soothing, natural hand lotion. All you need is brown sugar and sweet almond oil (I bought some at Longo's in the oil aisle today). It's that easy, no fancy trips to wacky stores.

If you have the opportunity to add some of this oil to this week's shopping list, it is worth it. I must say, totally felt amazing, very much like an exfoliation and my hands afterwards - silky smooth!


Deliciously Natural Brown Sugar and Almond Hand Lotion

1/4 cup (or small handful)          coarse brown sugar          50 mL
                                                 sweet almond oil

Take a loose handful of brown sugar and pour a small amount of almond oil into it.
Use a hand washing motion to combine the two into a pate, and apply the mixture uniformly over hands.
Continue the washing motion for a minute, and then rinse off with warm water and pat dry.

If you try it, let me know what you think!

Staggering Facts

So earlier this week I mentioned that I had purchased the book, There's Lead in Your Lipstick, by Gillian Deacon.

I'm approximately half way through and am thoroughly captivated and enjoying the book (regardless of how painful and staggering the information provided is).

I received a lot of comments from you indicating your interest in the book and the topic. Thought you may like a few excerpts from the book to further entice ... be prepared to be scared and shocked:

• "The average woman uses a dozen personal care products every day. (And these numbers arent' much different for men, so don't feel too smug, fellas.)  According to Environmental Defence Canada, before she heads out the door in the morning, that same woman has sudsed, soaked, slathered, and spritzed herself with 126 different chemicals, many of which are toxic."  page 6
• "The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval rating "safe for human use" simply means that the product didn't give the test subjects a terrible rash five minutes after they smeared it on; it does not in any way reflect an understand of that product's impact on internal health or mean that the product will be safe to use over the long term." page 8
• "They (the Organic Consumers Association) recently posted a list of "fake" organic products ... in spite of their best labelling attempts to convince you otherwise, these are products to avoid:  Avalon Organics, Earth's Best organic, Giovanni Organic, Jason Pure, Natural and Organic, Kiss My Face Obsessively Organic, Nature's Gate Organics and Stella McCartney 100% Organic." page 10
• "Sperm counts worldwide have dropped by 50 percent over the past forty years." page 37
• "A 2004 study found parabens in the tumours of 19/20 women with breast cancer." page 38 - check your labels ... guarantee you there are parabens in your face wash and cosmetics!
• "Formaldehyde is classified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a carcinogen. It is banned in Canada, Japan, and the European Union but is deemed safe for use in cosmetics in the United States." page 37. It can be listed on labels as" ... formalin, formic aldehyde, methanal, methyl aldehyde, oxomethane, oxymethylene, DMDM hydantonin, diazolidinyl urea and imidazolidinyl urea." page 32

So perhaps your response is just to gloss over, ignore or even make light of topics such as chemicals in cosmetics or antibiotics in our food, etc.  But I urge you to learn a bit more.  It's not as if you have to give up makeup or never use a nice shower gel again, nor do you have to make all of your own products and start only shopping from dread locked hippies, there are plenty of safe and healthy options out there. 

With so much cancer out there and heart ache over lossed loved ones, don't you want to know what could be contributing to this and other illnesses? Even more, wouldn't you want to make changes that could ultimately affect you and your family's health? 

Would you want to be diagnosed with breast cancer and then told that it was because of that fancy mascara and nail polish that you wore for twenty five years? I'm guessing not. Have a read.

Closet Cleanse: Final Step

Getting Back To The Basics ...

Guest Blogger: The Farmer's Trophy Wife

For the final step of the closet cleanse, its' all about restocking the wardrobe.

You've already written out a list of what you have that fits and you love ... so now it's time to fill in the blanks.  This post includes all that will build a BASIC wardrobe.  Once you have this, you can mix and match easily and adding the frills is the fun part after!!

Taking a good look at your wardrobe every season is a great way to keep on top of what is and isn’t working for you. Everyone has those items in their closet that take up space and never seems to be appropriate or look “right”. And who hasn’t had a day of “I have NOTHING to wear!?!” while standing knee-deep in clothes!

Well ladies, here is a list of the basics that EVERY closet needs to be usable and incredibly fantastic. Just take the basics, add YOUR flare (style personality) to them and poof….you have a closet to envy!

• Fitted White Shirt (buy 2 if you find one that looks fab!)
• Trench Coat (in neutral or leopard…whatever floats your boat!)
• Turtleneck, Fitted Tees & Tanks (each in a couple neutral colors)
• Jeans (straight leg, trouser, dark & a fun “weekend” pair)
• Sweaters (v-neck, cardigan and a fun chunky knit)
• Pencil Skirt
• A classic black blazer (hat can be thrown over virtually anything - slacks for a suit look, a sleeveless dress for a business function or a tanktop for a cool evening date)
• A pair of neutral colored fitted Trousers
• Little Black Dress (of course!!)
• A GORGEOUS wool knee-length coat (I have one in turquoise…doesn’t have to be the basic black!)
• Knee high boots
• Bras that fit right -  Tshirt, strapless and sexy versions are all important (nude colour is a life saver!)
• Undies suitable for everyday, dress and more transparent fabrics
• Pumps (black)
• A pair of cute flats/those GREAT cowboy boots you can’t live without!

Photo from Mink&Manure.ca

Now these are just the basics…mix and match to your taste and only buy what works for you!! (You've worked so hard on your closet cleanse, so don't fill it back up with whim purchases or items that you don't feel 100% like you in.) 

To the basics you add YOUR style…a hot Hair-on-Hide purse, that smokin’ large turquoise stone necklace or that HUGE pair of sunglasses…that’s the fun part and what will make your closet yours. And by having the basics and layering your accessories on top, it will take your wardrobe from impractical and frustrating to one a Farmer’s Trophy Wife would be proud of!!

Good Luck!

__________________________________

Thank you so much to the lovely Cathryn at the Farmer's Trophy Wife for all of the great information and posts on our closet cleanse adventure. This is by no means a 100 per cent complete list so we would love to hear some of your "staples" and we'll add them to the list. Thank you to everyone for their comments and encouragement.

Closet Cleanse: Step 4

Time to Pretty Things Up

Guest Blogger: Cathryn @ The Farmer's Trophy Wife

We are on our way to the best part!!!

Later this week, I will be posting a wardrobe “basics” list so we get to go….SHOPPING!
But first we need to pretty up our closets…

1- Those wire hangers HAVE TO GO!!! Nothing hurts my fashionista heart more than seeing gorgeous clothing hanging on those darn wire hangers. Please, please, please gather them up and take them to the nearest drycleaners - they recyle them and your closet will thank you.

2- Replace those ugly hangers with something pretty and functional. Wood or fabric covered hangers are suggested as best. I love my IKEA wood hangers - super cheap and look fabulous. What more could a Farmer’s Trophy Wife ask for?!

*image from IKEA*

3- Make your closet pretty.
This is one step that I might have to put off for a while, being that I have a bathroom project to finish first. But if you have the time and energy right now, go for it! The closet is one area that I think most husbands would be willing to hand over to our girlie ways and let us run wild with. I personally want something like this to paper the inside with…

*image from Anthropologie*

And then use something like this for the shelves….maybe spraypainted gold?!

*image from IKEA*

Add a few of these and I will be a happy girl!

*image from IKEA*

Just about every fashion/style book I read suggest/insist that sweaters are to be folded, not hung. This helps them keep their shape longer and make all that “laying flat to dry” work worth while!

Shoes and boots should also be kept either in the boxes they came in or something gorgeous like above.  You can take pictures of what is inside and post on the outside.

I could go on and on about how to organize your closet, but you just need to find what works for you. Color coded, summer vs. winter items together, putting outfits together and hang together…and so on. I’m all about grouping similar items…all my tees together, jackets together…etc. Works for me!

Love…
Cathryn

The Closet Cleanse Continues: Step 3

The Closet Cleanse Continues: Step 3

Guest Blogger: Cathryn @ The Farmer's Trophy Wife

*image from here*

Well…how are things?! Hope your step 2 went well and you cleared out some stuff! I found a pair of gym shorts that I have owned since grade 10… That’s 15 years ago folks.

A 15-year-old pair of shorts….I feel old.

Now is a perfect time to tackle step 3!!

Step 3…

1- Either drag all your clothes out into a huge pile again or work your way through the drawers…either way is fine by me!! We are going to start at the bottom and work our way up…

2- Socks…holey or ancient….have got to go!

3- Jeans, pants, skirts….try all of them on.
Take a GOOD long look in the mirror…and ask for advice. Daughters and husbands are usually brutally honest so give them permission to tell you the truth. And then don’t hold it against them.
Can you do them up?! And if you can’t do them up/get them past your knees…let them go. We have all changed our shape over the years…having babies or drinking way too much cream in our coffees…but that’s life. And if we hold onto things that just make us depressed or annoyed every time we have to move them out-of-the-way in the dresser or closet to actually get to things that fit, what’s the point? And I know we will be losing the weight eventually, but then that’s the fun part…we get to go shopping for our new figure instead of having to wear clothes that are SO LAST YEAR…

4- Bras…
This is generally a problem no matter who you are. What do they say? …3/4 women are wearing the wrong sized bra?! Please, throw out/donate the old nursing bras, sports bras or others that are over two years old. And then waltz out and buy new ones!!! Our “girls” are doing the best they can and so we need to help them out as much as we can. Get to your favorite bra store, get fitted and go crazy! I’ll go over what would be the best items to have for your basic wardrobe later…

5- Shirts, dresses and sweaters…same as the pants. Try on and ask for advice.  Any bunching, gaping or just plain uncomfortable…get rid of it. No need to keep clothes that we can’t stand to wear!

6- Anything else left over?! I have a TON of home clothes that I keep holding on to.  On the farm I pretty much live in stained/holey tees and jeans, because I never know when I have to scale a fence or help wrestle a calf to the barn - nice clothes are pretty much ridiculous to wear day-to-day. That said…I keep WAY to many tees and jeans that fill my drawers and take up space. So this is my area to work on…I’m going to keep four tees and three jeans…this will cut down on A LOT of laundry!!!

7- When tossing, don’t play favorites….yes that coat may have cost a lot. But you’ve worn it once in five years. It’s okay to donate. Or in my case…the 15-year-old gym shorts. I have fabulous memories of high school basketball, but I need to move on. And those shorts HAVE TO GO!!!

Or gorgeous items that just don’t look good on you….give them to a friend that you know will love and wear it often…or do you think it’s tailorable? If there is a shirt that is almost cute if it had short sleeves, give it to your favorite, most talented person you know that owns a sewing machine and go for it. If it doesn’t work, then you haven’t lost anything…just add it to the donation bin!

Now, congratulate yourselves. You're done! Well…for now.
Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!!
Love…Cathryn!

My Closet Cleanse

So just to prove to everyone that, I too, am cleansing my closet, some pictures:

Yes, my bedroom is now 1/2 painted ,as well as in recovery mode from the closet cleanse.  My personal challenge with closet cleanses is that I never seem to get everything looking neat and put away before I have to go and do something else.  Trust though that things, at the current moment, do look better than the pictures above.  I successfully roped my husband (and 3-year-old) into participating with their own closets. We aren't even officially finished and we have three garbage bags filled up and ready for Goodwill and/or charity.  Watch out for a post later today - installment three of our closet cleanse - by guest blogger Cathryn from the Farmer's Trophy Wife.

So how did your cleanses go?

Closet Cleanse Check-In

If you haven't checked out our step-by-step closet cleanse just yet, click here and here.

For everyone else, just checking in to see how we are doing?  I will have to be honest, I am planning to gut this weekend. To try and do anything before then is unrealistic. I expect lots of stories after this weekend of interesting things you unearthed, sentimentals you decided to keep, but hopefully, most of all, that you were ambitious, determined and can see the back wall in some parts of your closet.

A lot of you responded to this post about finding out what your personal style type is and you shared that you thought you were a cross between many of the six types described.  I know that the descriptions given were vague, but let me explain in a little more detail.

I, as an example, am a natural/sporty type.  This does not mean that I gravitate to sweat suits nor does it mean that I can not wear anything trendy, dramatic or classic. It just means that the look I feel most comfortable in and most like myself in is probably a comfortable fabric, clean lines, not overly detailed, simple in design and dressed up easily with accessories.  It does not mean that I can't own all of the latest must-have items, it just means that if I was to wear a pair of sassy, patterned four-inch heels, instead of pairing it with a matching sassy, patterned dress or a nicely tailored suit or a seventies-inspired jump suit, I may just go low key and balance it out (in my way) with jeans, white shirt and funky necklace. 

Another example. As you know, I just bought this dress for a wedding I attended. Really liked it. Fit me great and I pulled it off fine. Just because I am natural/sporty doesn't mean I don't like it, it just means that if I was able to find a solid colour, uber soft jersey dress with a funky attitude that fit just so ahead of the lace dress, I probably would have slipped it on, called it heaven and bought a fun pair of shoes to go with and called it a done deal and worn it ten times more often than the lace one I bought. I hope this helps.

Some of you have also been asking about what to do with the clothing that you decide not to keep after the closet cleanse.  Would love to hear from all of you out there and the places you know about. Katrix mentioned a consignment store in the Ottawa area - can you provide details for us i.e. address or website?

For those of you in the Toronto area, a friend of mine's Mom operates a wonderful not-for-profit place called New Circles that helps men, women and children.  It is a really special place that operates like a boutique and items are free for referred clients that are in need. They are always looking for lightly used clothing and right now are particularly looking for dresses suitable for upcoming prom events. Click here to find out more about donating clothes to them.

There is always a clothing exchange with friends as an option, maternity clothes to expecting relatives/friends, Goodwill, Once Upon A Child, etc.  Please let us know what you will be doing with your clothes.

Closet Cleanse: Helpful Hints for this Weekend

When you are cleaning out your closet this weekend, or ever, some helpful hints/suggestions ... ORDERS!

• Keep only what fits now (unless you are pregnant). When you lose the weight, you're going to want new stuff. Make room. And talk about depressing - the feeling you get when you attempt to put on an item of clothing that is too small.
• Do you even like it? Don't keep it if you don't like it because guess what?  You won't wear it if you don't like it.
• Pitch anything with bad memories.  Sweet memories - sure, bad/sad/depressing/induces anger or sobbing memories - get rid of it!
• Get rid of duplicates, unless it is a basic that you wear more than once a week.
• Finally say good bye to ANY undergarment that is uncomfortable, requires wedgie picking on a regular basis or thong adjusting or leaves bright red marks/lacerations on your skin when you take it off.
• One Year Rule - if you haven't worn it in one year (especially clothes that are meant to be worn on a regular basis), give it away. Only exception here is formal wear or items that are once-in-a-blue-moon apparel.
• It must be comfortable - if you regret wearing it or constantly have to adjust yourself while in it, trade it in for something you love and that feels nice on.
• Don't keep something just because it was expensive. Doesn't matter how much it cost, if you don't wear it and you're never going to, it's taking up precious real estate.

..and for those items that you are really humming and hawing over, here's a tip from my sister-in-law:

Flip all the hangers backwards in your closet. Every time you wear something, turn the hanger back to its regular position. After 3,6,9 months, do a check - anything that is still backwards gets the boot!

Closet Cleanse Step 2: Brought to you by The Farmer's Trophy Wife

Closet Cleanse Step 2:  Doing The Dirty Work

Brought To You By The Farmer's Trophy Wife

*image from here*

Are ya ready?!

First…let’s pick a time when we can actually focus on what we are doing. Nap time or after kids are in bed is great. Depending on your closet I’ll give it about an hour to accomplish step 1…we are going to do this in baby steps…or if you are an all-in-one type of gal, you can wait till LadySmith is done all the posts, line them up and tackle this project all at once.

Since my me time is short and sweet, I’m going to have to do this slowly, ok?!?!

1- Take everything out of your half of the closet and empty your dresser drawers. Dump it all in one huge pile somewhere (except the pressed stuff…feel free to place this neatly beside the gigantic pile!)

2- Gawk at the gigantic mass of stuff you didn’t even know you owned

3- Attack the pile by going through everything and making two piles:

• like it
• don’t like it

Don’t bother to try anything on at this point. We are at the basics…either you like it, or you don’t.

Feel free to be ruthless, cold and cut-throat. You won’t hurt the feelings of that sweater that you loved the color of, but hate the sleeve length. It will get on with its life and so should you.

Cathryn from The Farmer's Trophy Wife

4- That’s it. Bag up the stuff you don’t like and as soon as possible take it to the nearest salvation army/donation bin/woman’s shelter….don’t give ANYTHING in there a 2nd thought. (Stay tuned to Cashmere & Carrotsticks for more ideas of where you can drop your clothes off).

5- Put everything back in your closet…your darling other will appreciate that and you will be shocked at how much more space you have to put your new stuff in once we go shopping!!!!

Hope you have fun and can’t wait to hear what you unearthed!!

Love…

Cathryn

________________________________________

 

Thanks Cathryn!

 

I think this is the biggest and most important step.  Keep your personal style in mind ladies (and Dad!).  This is your chance. Why keep something that is just collecting dust that every time you are going out and turn to it you think, "ugh!" - pitch it!  Bonus points (and prizes?!) for pictures se nt via email to cashmereandcarrots@gmail.com and would love to hear some comments. Come across anything funny or that you need advice on? Ask the readers!

I am going to give everyone at least a few days to get this step done as I know it is going to take me at least that long. In the mean time I will continue my regular posts and be back with more closet news soon.

Closet Cleanse: Guest Blogger Alert

So I have to admit, the whole closet cleanse thing was not my idea. I was surfing around one day and came across a really fun blog - The Farmer's Trophy Wife. Click here if you haven't visited it yet.  Cathryn - the Trophy Wife herself - has agreed to guest blog on my site and share with us all of her steps to a clean closet.  So without further ado, here's Cathryn:

__________________________

New Year = New Closet!

by The Farmer's Trophy Wife

Don’t be shy now…I know there are items floating out there in your closets that you haven’t worn in at least three years…or things still from high school (?!?) or the dreaded items that still have the tags on!!! Let go of the guilt (so what if you didn’t wear it…your bank account has moved on…so should you!) and the dreams…yes, I too would like to be able to fit into my high school jeans. But it’s not going to happen. I’m 31…and I need to let go of that dream…. (sob)

But maybe…if we all join together and fight our closets and it’s demons together….it won’t be so scary…and kinda fun!



*image from here*

 I want this to be a participation thingy…so leave a comment or send an email to LadySmith and let us know how things are going.

Love Cathryn
__________________________

Stay tuned for the next post: Closet Cleanse Step 2: Doing The Dirty Work

I'm A Natural/Sporty, What Are You?

So if you missed yesterday's post on determining your personal style type and why it is important, click here. 

I myself am a natural/sporty type. I love getting dressed up and looking nice but I like simple, plain, easy clothes that can be accessorized to the degree I'm feeling. I do not like bedazzlement on my clothes and don't dress for the "look at me" factor.  In fact, when I try things on, I like them to flow effortlessly from the moment I put them on. I want them to be a part of me, not scream at people as they walk by. I am a jeans and a T-shirt gal through and through ... but maybe throw a funky necklace and some kick ass boots in there for good measure.

I'm thinking about who may be reading this and whether I should attempt to peg them.  Do feel free to share the type you came up with. (Thanks Katrix for sharing yesterday).

As far as Wendy's other questions about our lifestyle and influences and the amount that we entertain ...

I am a stay-at-home Mom so have very little use for all of the suits and dress clothes I have leftover from when I used to work in an office.  I need comfortable, hassle-free clothes that provide some sort of fashion i.e. tight pants that give you a muffin top when building Lego towers on the floor are not good for my self esteem, but some skinny jeans that fit nicely with ample stretch could be an option. 

I do not attend semi-formal or formal events on a regular basis, however, from time to time do have functions in conjunction with my husband's work, dinners or other special events that I need suitable clothes for (can't go shopping with a few hours notice of a dinner event ... need go-to staples in my closet). 

I love shoes, but have a very firm belief, that no matter how high and sexy a shoe is, a woman still must be able to walk half decently in them and not teeter like a fawn learning to walk (just my opinion!).

I love jewellery. Not the fancy, blinding types, but the funky, unique, vintage kind that is just perfect to spruce up a plain shirt.  Bangles are my absolute favorite!

I am so ready and excited to gut my closet.  Not great timing that we are also amidst a master bedroom paint change.  Stay tuned for more and please do share any revelations you are having.

An Invention I Discovered ...

While preparing for a wedding I recently attended, I was faced with the not-so-rare challenge of not quite filling out the bust area of my dress in the way it was intended and necessary (even after alterations ..errrrr!). This is the dress on the model:

Me being the frugal and pragmatic person that I am, did not want to purchase $50 jello-like inserts to stuff myself.

Hmmm .... what could I do instead? I tried stuffing a variety of little bra inserts and nursing pads into my cleavage, but nah, no luck.

Then I had a light bulb moment.

What if I wore both of my strapless bras?  This way the bras would actually fit tighter (and not feel like they were going to fall down all night) and I would get some extra filler from the double bra and padding ... and why not throw in the (surprisingly substantial) inserts from my Lulu Lemon sports bra and presto! problem solved.

If you're trying to figure it all out in your head ... yes, I was wearing two bras and an insert while at the wedding in my fancy dress and the results were great - my dress fit better, didn't feel like it or the bras were falling down, rarely needed to adjust or heave my dress up and I didn't spend $50 on fakies.

I was somewhat proud of myself for this invention.

Feel free to borrow.

Closet Cleansing - Are You In?

In case you missed it, I posted this post last week about cleaning out my closet.

Very few of you responded ... does that mean you're not interested in joining Jennie and I as we clean out our closets? Is your closet already super clean and tidy (likely not if I'm guessing correctly!)? Or does that mean that you just don't like to comment.  What if I throw in a few prizes for those participating? 

Please let me know by Monday, March 7th via comment if you would like to join us in cleaning out our closets.  I will offer an easy step-by-step process (compliments of The Farmer's Trophy Wife) so it will be a piece of cake.

You know it will feel so good!

Mascara Mascara Go Away

So what is your secret to getting off your mascara?

I'm not interested in having smoky eyes afterwards or any remnants whatsoever - when I decide it is coming off, I want my face back.

I have used Lancome's makeup remover in the past with success, but recently (of course just after I finally bought the full-size $34 version) I have not been as impressed. Sure, it gets most of it off, but it doesn't do the total job no matter how hard I try.

Anyone have any secrets that they could share?

Nothing is worse than coming home from a night out when you're all gussied up and getting up the next day and feeling like you have half of your makeup still on your face ... even after a shower.

Geesh. This mascara stuff is more stubborn than me.