| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| catscharm74 |
Posted - Oct 17 2009 : 6:37:25 PM
The who's, what's and where's...or ware's... 
After I have done a good clean sweep of my home, I made a list of my needs...not WANTS...but needs...this is a running list of things I eitehr need to buy or need to replace or need to modify in some way...
My current list:
1. White dishes
2. Couch
3. Winter Coat
Now, here is my take on buying anything. I try to by exactly what I want and the best quality I can afford. I have found that I used to by 10 so so shirts instead of investing in 2 great ones. This is a better long term investment and also leaves you with more room and more satisfied, because you will really use what you buy if you love it. Right now, I have 3 winter jackets I am investigating in. They all run between $85- $139...but this will be my only winter jacket and I will use it for years. Old me would by several cheaper ones that only last a season or so. It is so much easier to get dressed when you know you love and fit into everything in your closet. Check out my blog for more tips and hints. I also cover skincare/make up type items.
Same goes with dishes. I am making an investment in a 20 piece set---I like to entertain and I wante something mid weight and micro/dishwasher/over safe...and simple in style. I am eyeing a set of white dishes that will probably be our "family" present at Christmas this year.
I guess my point is I don't buy temporary stuff anymore. I most likely can live without it until I can afford exactly what I want. Again, less to maintain and more happinees in creating a space that you own, not one that owns you.
Books- I sold ALL of mine---libraries are great. All I have are college books...which let me sell 3 HUGE pain in the behind to move shelves that took up alot of space. I now have a desk with a huge drawer where I keep my college books and papers.
Kids Stuff- I have always been good about keeping it simple with Charlie. My biggest tip is with toys- get a wooden toy chest- bought mine at Hobby Lobby or something and stained it myself and even added a "C" to it. ALL of his toys, with the exception of 1 big truck, his tracker and a car track fit into his toy chest. This is now in his room..makes cleaning up a breeze. He has his die cast cars in a carrier, a small plastic box with blocks, another box with his "People" in it, some letter/numbers card sets, a smallish airplane and a small puzzle. In the living room, I keep the larger puzzles, play dough, family games and drawing items, which are in a bin. He can pull it out, do his thing and put it back. He has his beach toys in a bin outside, his bike/helmet and his baseball set, along with a variety of outdoor balls. This is all on one small shelf in the garage. Easy peasy...
Clothing wise for Charlie, I stick to blue, black, burnt orange (HOOK 'EM \__/) , white in tops, black socks(they hid dirt), a few pair of jeans and a pair of khackis for dressy times. This means I can intermix his outfits, based on the weather and situation, without too many problems. I buy plaid shirts in the mix of colors for dress shirts. Dark shoes (again to hide dirt)..usually 1 pair sneakers, 2 pair sandals, 1 pair water shoes, 2 pair of swimming trunks, 1 down winter jacket w/ hat/mittens...rain/snow boots...undies and 1 package of white t-shirts- which he likes for sleeping in. 2 other pairs of long pant winter pj's. Trust me, when this all laid out...it is not much. I keep an older pair of shoes and clothes for around the house...messy things..this mean I can maintain less going out clothes.
Food/Pantry- I have a list on my blog of what I try to keep on hand. My basic goal is to make easy, healthy recipes that don't require a lot of time, are tasty and make just enough for 4 servings, so no waste. I am compiling my favorite recipes for reference in a binder. I now have at least 10 go to, quick fix meals for those night I forget to either defrost something or time just gets away from me.
Having moved 7 times in 3 years, I have learned to travel lightly but also, we don't need a lot to live a great life. I can clean my home to outstanding standards in 4 hours of deep cleaning. Otherwise, a few minute here and there is all it takes. Honestly, folding clothes and putting them away are my longest tasks nowadays.
I value my time more than things. More to come...
Heather
"Hitch your wagon to a star"
http://somewheredownintexas-heather.blogspot.com |
| 2 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| catscharm74 |
Posted - Oct 18 2009 : 09:52:47 AM
Anna--I have found this to be so true!! I love the quality of Eileen Fisher, Ann Taylor Loft or J. Jill...their things seem to last forever. If you take a look at their websites, I am leaning towards dressing like this now. I feel elegant, pulled together and simple.
Heather
"Hitch your wagon to a star"
http://somewheredownintexas-heather.blogspot.com |
| Annab |
Posted - Oct 18 2009 : 09:44:09 AM
These are values I also echo.
If you pay decent dollars for high lasting quality that is timeless, and not trendy,,,you dollar has been stretched for sure.
Maybe that's why I can still wear a few skirts and a dress that really doesn't scream any particular era. They go with everything.
Always look for Pendleton and I have had nice success with a few Talbots things too.
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