Friday, March 27, 2015

Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up - Electronics (Komono)

I plunged into The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up as a way to really streamline my possessions before moving house. Since moving, I have done a bit of tidying up (aka de-cluttering) in the komono categories. I even broke the rules and tidied me mementos before finishing all of the komono because I knew it would be a quick win.

However, it has been far too long since I focused my attention on tidying, so I pushed myself to tackle my electronics today. Thankfully, I am not a big geek when it comes to electronics and gadgetry, and it was stored (except for my Kindle) in a small/medium paper shopping bag.




Wednesday, March 25, 2015

My Style in 5 (Tag)

Hello Cathy tagged me to answer the questions in the My Style in 5 Tag.



1. Who are your style icons?
I love the vintage glamour of women such as Carole Lombard, Jean Harlow, and Dita von Teese. I also love goth and steampunk styles, and I would love to figure out how to infuse some of those elements into my wardrobe. Finally, I lovelovelove eclectic and wacky style: Auntie Mame (Rosalind Russel version), Edie Bouvier Beale, Debra Rapoport and the other inspirational women of Advanced Style

2. What is your best style advice or tip?
Make an effort. Dress well. This does not mean dressing like Coco Chanel or without élan. Don't go to the grocery store or to the office looking as if you are ready to pave your driveway. Take risks and march to your own band! 

3. What was your style like as a teen?
Until I turned 17, my style was Flashdance meets Duran Duran's Rio. Next I moved into a Cyndi Lauper Girls Just Want to Have Fun phase with a half-shaved head and a dose of thrift store finds. Later, I explored something I'll call punky flapper goth -- combat boots, fishnet stockings, vintage slips, band tees, long pearls, and a cigarette holder. My hair alternated between a mohawk with a Danzig forelock and a Lulu bob.


Danzig forelock
Image result for lulu bob
Lulu bob

4. What type of outfit do you wear the most?
I wear cardigans a good deal. Maybe too much. I like to mix simple basics with vintage pieces, and then I add zest with colorful tights and/or interesting shoes.

5.Who is your favourite designer?
To be honest, I really can't say. My fave Project Runway designers were: Kenley Collins' 1940s and 1950s dresses; Melissa Fleis' minimalist, monochromatic style; and Michelle Lesniak's winning collection.



Friday, March 20, 2015

Shopping Spree (Spring 2015) - Beauty Items

When I lived in the suburbs, I trolled the mall almost weekly, but now that I live in the city, I need to make an effort (i.e., drive further) to be a mall rat. My desire to reduce my mileage, gasoline consumption, and/or time wasted sitting in construction-induced traffic has had a great impact on my shopping habits. I shop less. 

I had unsubscribed from most retail email lists, which decreased my desire for retail therapy. I follow a few green beauty sites, but I buy only if I need to replenish a beauty staple and/or if the current promotion is of value for me. For example, cream shadows aren't my thing, thus I passed on the RMS Beauty St. Patrick's Day promotion. This shopping spree was replenishment items purchased during with promotions.

R.L. Linden & Co. // customer appreciation promotion -- $18.00
The Bee Charmer Refining Cacao Honey Cleanser + Mask

iHerb // introductory order -- $20.38
Devita, Solar Protective Moisturizer, SPF 30+
Sierra Bees, Organic Lip Balms, Pomegrante, Vanilla & Cocoa Butter, 3 Pack

Jordan Samuel Skin // flash sale -- $50.00 + $8.00 shipping
HydrOasis Face and Eye Serum
Water You Waiting For? Face and Body Mist (free w/ $50 purchase)
NB: Rather than buy product I do not need, I paid for shipping.

Whole Foods // unwanted beauty item trade-in promotion (25% off) -- $28.04
Zuzu Luxe Liquid Eyeliner, Raven
Andalou Naturals All-In-One Beauty Balm Sheer Tint with SPF 30
NB: This is a 3.6-mile walk (round-trip) from my home.

Sunday, March 15, 2015

More Quick De-Clutter Ideas

Last week, I was inspired to do a quick de-clutter, and I am always keeping my eyes open for quick-hit opportunities to simplify.

Two quick ways to simplify:

  1. Swap items with friends and/or co-workers of a similar mindset.
  2. Take advantage of retail trade-in and/or upgrade offers.



Saturday, March 7, 2015

Quick Exercise - Letting Go

Recently, both the Minimalist Sparrow and Sharry Berry uploaded videos on the topic of 10 items that can be tossed quickly and easily. Sharry was inspired by Nora, and Nora was inspired by Courtney Carver.

Some of the categories included: abandoned craft items, old, scary cosmetics, excess dishes, mis-matched Tupperware, duplicate items, and clothing that do not wear.

Given that I have worked through the bulk of my my possessions courtesy of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, I do not have much to address. However, when it comes to simplifying, I believe two things:

  1. That small bursts of simplifying and de-cluttering are ways to keep your home under control while working through your de-cluttering method of choice
  2. Clothing is a category that needs regular attention

After a mere 15 minutes of digging in my closet, I gathered more than 10 items that I am ready to consign and/or donate.




Sunday, March 1, 2015

Empties | February 2015

It is that time of the month -- empties!


February 2015 Empties (alpha order)
Acure Organics Pure Mint + Echinacea Stem Cell Conditioner
Acure Organics Pure Mint + Echinacea Stem Cell Shampoo
All Natural Face Vegan Oil Makeup Remover
Burt’s Bees Lemon & Vitamin E Bath and Body Oil
Dr. Teal's Sleep Epsom Salt Lavender Soaking Solution
Earth Therapeutics, Natural Silk Complexion Mitt
Eminence Organic Skin Care Bright Skin Licorice Root Booster-Serum
Fresh Soy Conditioning Eye Makeup Remover
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Gold Bond Ultimate Skin Therapy Cream Healing with Aloe
Hurraw! Balm, Chai Spice
Josie Maran Argan Black Oil Mascara
LATHER modern apothecary moisturizer, lavender lime
Pratima Skincare Neem Rose Face Sunscreen SPF 30
R.L. Linden & Co. The Bee Charmer
Tatcha INDIGO soothing silk hand cream
Wet 'n' Wild MegaEyes Defining Marker, Dark Brown 870