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Good morning, savvy savers. I know, I know, this post is a little late. But hey, life happens! Though we are in the full swing of the Winter season, it’s still a great time to discuss Winter plus size capsule wardrobes. So today I wanted to share with you all my finished Winter 2017 Capsule Wardrobe.
Just a few things to know about the creation of this capsule:
This capsule contains only 33-pieces.
This is a plus size capsule, but each piece could easily translate to a smaller, more petite capsule.
I no longer work in a corporate setting. As I’ve transitioned to fully working from my home office earlier this year. My capsule no longer includes clothes and accessories for a casual office setting.
I live in the deep south, which makes for mild, breezy falls, and minimal winter seasons.
Each item in my post will work with at least three other items.
I don’t follow an arbitrary numbers rule for my capsule wardrobe but instead, focuses staples.
Jewelry, including my necklaces, earrings, and wedding bands, are not counted in my capsule.
I will not be carrying a bag or tote this season, and will instead be taking my money envelope/clutch with me this coming season.
Also not included: two pairs of prescription glasses, a travel umbrella, and my various canvas totes for the library, groceries, and the weekend farmers market.
My current capsule wardrobe is built upon basic, year-round minimalist staples, all staples which remain in my closet year round. This current capsule also reuses several pieces from my Fall 2016 capsule as this current season is, shall we say, unseasonably warm, So this season I only needed to add a few more pieces to make for room for seasonally-appropriate outfits. Making this particular season’s capsule heavily reliant on three quality pairs of denim pants and numerous warm and cool weather scarves, many of which are handmade.
Also, while I am continuing my healthy living journey with PCOS, and in the process of losing more weight, I am looking to wear loose, simple layers that allow me to feel comfortable but yet still allow me to accentuate my style with seasonal, stunning color. I will be wearing all casual attire this season, including meetings, church functions, community activities, date nights with my husband, and the like.
This capsule reflects my current minimalist lifestyle and my plus size frame. For me, minimalism is a concept that can work with any size and with any personal style. This capsule and my personal stance on minimalism reflect’s just that, that in my current season of life, I am a work in progress. I love who I am. The beautiful woman who proudly wears a size 16 (this is my year of truth so I’m going to be proud of the skin and body I am in). This capsule reflects my personal taste alone and is meant to only give others an idea of what may work for their own minimalist capsule wardrobe.
So, without further ado here are my capsule wardrobe pieces:
So, that’s it, folks! There is my capsule wardrobe for the several months. I am super excited by its simplicity and comfort. I am also looking forward to a more simplified, relaxed capsule this coming season. These pieces reflect lifestyle. minimalism is quality. The fewer pieces you own, the more often they will be worn. Not only that, you want a piece to last more than one or two seasons, you want to build a life wardrobe.
Overall, the one thing I tried to focus on in terms of this capsule, and minimalist clothing capsules, is quality. Each piece in this capsule will last more than one or two seasons. This is more than a seasonal capsule, this is part of my life wardrobe. These pieces are easy to launder at home. These pieces bring joy to my life and ease to my mornings. These pieces are frump-free and fabulous. And in terms of a capsule wardrobe, are all I could ask for.
So, everyone, I hope this post will be a good reference in helping you to establish an affordable, easy stylish wardrobe this Fall and Winter. I encourage you all to look into creating your own version of the capsule wardrobe as well.
Here’s to being comfortable in all your own clothes,
“This review was made possible by iConnect and Luvs. I was provided compensation to facilitate this post, but all opinions stated are 100% mine.”
Running a household is stressful. From working from my home office to trying to mother the masses, there always seems to be something that needs to be done. Always one more list to write and one more task to finish, and those are just my chores and tasks!
Then there are the issues that come from sharing your space with family. From temper tantrums to healing boo-boos to cleaning up after the trails of things my husband leaves around our home. You know the drill. Messes. Lots and lots of messes. The kind of messes that made our home always feel a touch on the hectic side.
So it goes without saying that being a WAHM can be stressful and over time that stress can begin to take a toll on your health and disposition. Personally, this stress caused me over time to become grouchy, look how tired, and appear rundown. Worse still was the guilt. The guilt of thinking that I needed to put my self-care on the shelf to spend time with family. It took me years to realize that guilt-free self-care was vital to my personal growth as a person. That I didn’t need to feel guilty about taking the time to sit down with a book, take a hot bath, listen to a podcast, or binge out with Netflix. Then one day it dawned on me, that I needed that
This was time, I needed to help me be a more relaxed and well-rounded person and here are three reasons why you need self-care in your life as a woman, wife, and mother:
1. You to recharge your batteries. When you’re a wife and parent, your mind is always going. You think about meals need to be planned, the laundry that needs to be folded, and school functions that require you to volunteer at the school. This is especially true for those like me who are introverts. Your mind and body need time to recharge, to reset your mood, to quelch the what if’s of your mind. You need to rest!
2. It makes you a better person. If you’re constantly thinking of others and not yourself, it inevitably leads to resentment. And no one suffers from this embitterment but you. But if you take that break, you feel refreshed. revived, and reset You will also be able to think in a more rational, levelheaded manner. You may even be able to, maybe just maybe, tackle that pile of laundry with a little pep in your step.
3. You’ll reset the temperature of your home. When I schedule time in my day to take care of myself I am a better person. I smile more often. I find that by taking a half hour for myself a few hours before my family comes home allows me to be able to set the temperature of my home, to create a more cozy, happy home. Sometimes I color in my adult coloring books. Sometimes I watch the Gilmore Girls on Netflix. Sometimes I take a 15-minute speed nap. Just a little something every day to help me be the best woman I can be. And why you may ask? Because it’s how I take care of myself. You know the saying,
Now you may be asking if this is something you really need to be doing? Yes, it is. You know the saying, happy life, happy wife. When you take time for yourself, it helps prepare your mind, body, and soul to be receptive to helping care for others as well. I also find that the opposite is true. When I do not invest time in my day for myself. My mood changes and others notice this. My mood also tends to trickle to everyone else in the family, which is not fair to anyone else. So for their sanity, and my own, self-care is a must for me and I cannot encourage you enough to do the same for yourself!
In addition to self-care, there are also things around the house you can do to help make your days run as smoothly as possible as a mom. Luvs helps make life easier so you can find more time for not just self-care but for snuggles, cuddles, and the like as well!
What’s really awesome now is that Luvs recently introduced the new and improved Luvs Ultra Leakguard Diapers with NightLock Plus™ that are softer and more absorbent than ever before, with large stretch tabs for easy fastening, ultra-leakage protection, and a money-back guarantee. Making Luvs a sure bet for quality diapers with less cost than premium brands.
As the go-to brand of experienced parents, Luvs is committed to providing moms and dads with value. They recognize that parenting can be difficult, but diapering shouldn’t be. Luvs also recently conducted a formal poll of moms across the country to take a look at parenting like it really is and uncover what they truly value most, and now you can use this coupon for $1.00 off the new Luvs Ultra Leakguard Diapers with NightLock Plus™, available in most grocery stores nationwide.
Be sure to stock your home with products like Luvs can help me to make your life easier. But also remember to take time out for yourself. Do what you love. Recharge your batteries. Love yourself first so that you can better love your little ones later. Remember, you deserve it!
Happy Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, everyone! This week is starting off to a sunny, humid, and unseasonably warm start here in Dixie. Though we are coming off of both my birthday and a three-day holiday, there’s no better way to start a week off then a well-thought out meal plan!
This week’s menu will again reflect our need to eat down our food stockpile. As we are having to consume everything we have on-hand first, we did not purchase anything new this week, but in lieu of making individual meals we are using up pre-made freezer meals and frozen blanched veggies this week, which is enough to feed a family of three.
Monday
Breakfast: Pecan Cinnamon Muffins with almond milk and grapes.
Lunch: Olive spread, with crackers, grapes, and almond milk.
Snack: Strawberries and String Cheese.
Dinner: Crockpot Mole, brown rice, green beans, and homemade bread.
Dessert: Strawberry, stevia, and almond milk smoothies.
Tuesday
Breakfast: Avocado, Banana, and Almond Milk Smoothies.
Lunch: Olive spread, with crackers, grapes, and almond milk.
Snack: Grapes and String Cheese.
Dinner: Taco Salad and Crystal Light.
Dessert: Strawberry, organic cocoa, and almond milk smoothies.
Wednesday
Breakfast: Pecan Cinnamon Muffins with almond milk and grapes.
Lunch: Grilled cheese sliders, grapes, and Crystal light lemonade.
Snack: Strawberries and String Cheese.
Dinner: Quick & Easy Weeknight Chili with brown rice, corn on the cob, and Crystal Light.
Dessert: Strawberry, stevia, banana, and almond milk smoothies.
Thursday
Breakfast: Avocado, Banana, and Almond Milk Smoothies.
Lunch: Pumpkin Mac and Cheese, steamed broccoli, and Crystal Light.
Snack: Grapes and String Cheese.
Dinner: Lasagna Roll-Ups, green beans, and tomato and cucumber salad.
Dessert: Strawberry, organic cocoa, and almond milk smoothies.
Friday
Breakfast: Pecan Cinnamon Muffins with almond milk and grapes.
Lunch: Grilled cheese sliders with grapes and almond milk.
Snack: Strawberries and String Cheese.
Dinner: Paleo Pizza and crystal light.
Dessert: Strawberry, organic cocoa, and almond milk smoothies.
Saturday
Breakfast: Granola Cereal with strawberries and Almond milk.
Lunch: Grilled cheese and almond milk.
Snacks: Strawberries and String Cheese.
Dinner: Chicken mole, served with steamed rice, corn, and Crystal Light.
Dessert: Strawberry, organic cocoa, and almond milk smoothies.
Sunday
Breakfast: Banana pancakes, strawberries, and almond milk.
Lunch: Baked Spaghetti, green beans, and Crystal Light.
Snack: Strawberries and String Cheese.
Dinner: Baked Spaghetti leftovers, green beans, and Crystal Light.
Dessert: Strawberry, organic cocoa, and almond milk smoothies.
So, folks, that’s this week’s Monday Meal Planning session. Simple, basic food options. Basic but yummy I say! Also, I wanted to mention that since the holiday’s I have been using my new favorite menu planning resource, Plan to Eat, and I really think you all might benefit from it as well. You can click on the photo below for more information. So now savvy savers, what’s on your menu plan for this week? I’d love to hear about it below!
Just click on each circle to connect to our blogs!!
The rules are really simple! Make sure you visit a few other blogs and make some new friends along the way. Feel free to link up your favorite recipes, crafts or your latest DIY project. We want you you share it all! As always, please make sure to follow your hosts and co-hosts!! Link up your posts, make some friends, and earn the chance to be featured at Happiness Is Homemade Link Party! We will feature the favorite posts each week!
Disclaimer: Adding your link to this link party gives permission to all 12 Hosts, along with any co-hosts, guest hosts, and participants of Happiness Is Homemade, to share your posts and pictures via social media and as features, roundups, etc. with an explicit link back to your original source. Therefore, linking up you agree to allow us to use your images on each of our blogs in features relating to Happiness is Homemade Link Party.
While that doesn’t seem like it’s a landmark moment that I’m supposed to make a big deal about, as I still feel 29, it means something to me. Even though every romantic comedy about women in their late-20s tells me that it’s a life-changing ordeal to turn 30, I believe it’s your mid-30’s that brings about a greater change, and it’s 40 that actually sees a woman coming into her own. So for right now I’m still finding myself.
It’s not that I’m in denial over my age or freaking out about heading into the middle-aged zone. Quite the opposite. I’ve never been more comfortable, more content and more at peace with myself in my life as I am right now. I love my job. I love my friends. I’m dating a really hot nerd who just so happens to be my best friend and husband. I have two cats. I have three dogs. I have a family. I have everything I could want and more.
I used to think that being young was when your life was at its absolute best. I was very, very wrong. Life only starts getting good in your 30’s.
Turns out, I was wrong about a lot of stuff up until now as well. And I will probably be wrong about stuff all the way up until I die peacefully in my bed surrounded by all my cats and holding a Jane Austen book in one hand and my husband’s hand in the other. So while I’m nowhere near my sweet spot as it were, there are still numerous things I have been able to garner in 34 years. So, in the spirit of hitting level 34 today, I’d like to share with you 34 things I’ve learned in 34 years:I’ve also come to accept aging. I mean, have you ever seen a woman who looks beautiful in her old age? Yeah, that’s because she earned her beauty and grace and that’s the kind of spirit and tenacity I’m striving for. I’ve also reevaluated how I perceive ago. I no longer think of aging as simply a number but rather as a level, like in a video game. You know somewhere between the tunnels of Super Mario Brothers but not quite to the sweet spot where you save the princess?If you too were made in the 80’s… then you will know what I mean!
So while I’m nowhere near my sweet spot as it were, there are still numerous things I have been able to garner in 34 years. So, in the spirit of hitting level 34 today, I’d like to share with you 34 things I’ve learned in 34 years:
“Let go of what does not serve you” is a motto to live by.
Judgment is an inner reflection.
Your truest friends will be staples in your life.
Be the good that you seek to see in the world.
Marriage, like Mardi Gras, is a raucous ride and I am all the better for having bought a ticket!
Louis Armstrong is everything!
Minimalism is life affirming.
Love your parents for who they are and not who you want them to be.
Modest is hottest.
Learning to love your body will take you far in life.
The only three investments worth going into debt for are an education, your health, and home.
Surround yourself with people who love you and want you to be happy.
You’ll always be afraid of something, so you might as well get over it.
Phenomenal business aren’t built on ideas and visions. They’re built on education and planning.
Passion makes the world go round.
Love is hard to come by. Never judge the love that another holds.
Don’t “what-if” yourself to death.
Guilt is a useless emotion.
Freedom trumps wealth.
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to have nice things.
Men and women think differently. Appreciate this difference.
You should always listen twice as much as you speak.
Good manners trump great things.
Be steadfast in your political beliefs.
Never be ashamed of your thoughts.
There really is no place like home.
You don’t need to explain your actions to anyone online.
Pets make people happier – it’s scientifically proven.
Enjoy those moments where you just stand still.
Never say those people for at one time or another we are all those people.
Know your strengths and weaknesses. Appreciate them both.
Laughs twice as much as you cry.
Apathy is never the answer.
Enjoy your humanity.
And one to grow on……the cheap runs expensive.
So, everyone, those are some of the favorite things I’ve learned in thirty-four years on this earth. I hope this post made you think, smile, and remember all of the things you’d like to tell yourself on your own birthday as well. Please leave me a comment below and let me know what you would most want to tell your younger self as well!
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #DailyVegolutions #CollectiveBias
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I’m turning 34 years old today.
