Resolutions or Words …. how about a Mood Board
I learned years ago that resolutions made me feel like a failure. And then I read about picking words to guide you through the year. I would always pick 2 words. One for my personal life and one for my business. And that really worked well for a long time. This year I’m trying a mood board. I like visuals.
I’ve got health, travel, and studio time covered…. as well as a low buy year. What is a low buy year? For me it is explicitly targeting my overspending on fashion. I do not need any more clothes!!! What I mean is that I need only a few items to make my wardrobe function a little better. So selective thoughtful buying. Which brings me to that Capsule wardrobe I talked about last time….
Capsule Wardrobe
Some of you were intrigued…. So I am giving you a link here to a woman I follow right here on Substack - Anna of the Wardrobe Edit. This is a great post for cleaning out your closet and pairing it down to a capsule experience. I couldn’t have said it better myself.
Here is what my January looks like for planning what to wear
14 days at home, 10 studio days, 10 days out, 5 date nights. Studio days look a lot like at home days except I choose older options as I work with fire and sometimes my clothes get torched. And I have pulled out my January clothing choices. I am also trying to digitize my wardrobe and I use the Open Wardrobe App. Then I can get stats of what is good in my wardrobe and what needs to be purged. OMG I think I am a nerd.
Retirement Communities - An aging living option
We just looked at one. and we need to do more research….
I am a planner. Sometimes I spend more time planning, writing lists, crossing off the list than actually doing things. Oh that wasn’t on the list? Let me add it so I can cross it off. Okay I know that’s a flaw and I’m trying to be more spontaneous but all of that is for another story later… or maybe not.
Retirement communities are like Club Med. Am I dating myself with that reference? Are there still Club Meds. Note to self… google that. Any way, being from the Boomer Generation I thought hubby and I might benefit from learning a little more about retirement community options here in Tucson. I’ve read that it’s best not to wait until you need assisted living, but that moving into these independent senior living communities can be quite pleasant. You get your meals … ahh no cooking. But I love to cook. And they clean your house every week. I’m fine with that. And right here about 1 mile away a new community is being built - La Posada. If you are on Facebook you can check them out here. Construction has just started and Phase 1 is expected to be completed in early 2025. And they are already 70% committed. And the apartments that are still available really don’t suite our current needs. So I guess we will wait to hear about Phase 2 which should include some casitas. But it was super interesting to hear about the cost and fees. My advice ….Save your money. Start early.
What I’m Reading
Last fall I joined a Book Club that meets once a month. The book for January is
This book has rocketed to cult status. I found it a little difficult at first but now I can’t put it down. So I highly recommend.
Noom …
It’s going okay even though the scale seems to be broken this week.
Breakfast - I was just a toast and coffee gal for many years. In pursuit of more protein I am trying to find more options. Of course eggs are a great choice, but somedays I just want something sweet….. enter the Breakfast Banana Split
banana, Greek yoghurt, berries and granola. Yummy
Are you Rich?
Are you Rich is an article published by the Washington Post. I think you might need to subscribe but it’s worth a $1.00 a week!.
Great conversation, Louise. I've missed you, and maybe you, Corinne, and I could go to lunch one day and catch up. We have a La Posada here in Green Valley too, and we've checked it out. It's top of the line, but I'm not ready to move just yet. It's always good to know what your options are, though. I felt like you were sitting here with me discussing the closet arena. Just last week, I told myself, "Self, you need to get a grip on reality. You'll never wear some of those articles again, so get the bag out and fill it up. Lots of other people will enjoy them." You've just re-energized me, and I'll check out your suggestions. BUT first, I need to clean the studio so I have a walking room, organize and clean cupboards, and "thin out" collections of everything from... kids don't want the Hummels or Lladros, crystal, and every plate collection that your mother sent to you every Christmas! REALLY??? Someone outside your family will love them, so start sharing now. LOL. I needed this today, so thanks for the humor. I hope to catch up soon! Happy New Year.
That was a fun read. Lucy told me you had looked at LaPosada. I checked them out a while ago and thought it was expensive. But so is keeping a house. Might be a good option for you especially if they have options for artistic activity. Suggestion for the capsule wardrobe - show pictures/examples. It's wonderful to be back here, but where is the sun?