HYD Blog
thoughts on dwelling
Here we are again, students returning to class rooms and summertime behind us. As we adjust to the changing season and our weekly rhythms flipped upside down, we wanted to suggest a few ways to save your sanity. Getting ourselves out the door, kids to the bus stop, or everyone in gear for learning at home can be a challenge.
Some people prefer to have a collection of daily use items, decor or appliances on their kitchen surfaces, while others enjoy a completely clear counter top. Which group of people do you find yourself in? There is no right or wrong way, but rather an approach that fits your specific season. We’ll share a few thoughts on both options…
Experiences
Tickets to The Unusual Tale of Mary & Joseph’s Baby
Rock climbing @ River Sports
Photo Session with Carrie Jo Savage, of Texture Photo
Yoga passes @ Glowing Body
Blue Apron Meal Subscription
Ice Skating on market square
Pottery Class @ Mighty Mud
Progressive dinner- visit 4 different downtown restaurants and walk between courses
Cooking classes and a 4 course meal with Chef Cedric. See this article for more info.
Image from The Hive
Image from Knoxville Holidays on Ice
Image from River & Rail Theater Co.
Goods
Coffee from 41 & Change Coffee Co.
New Minimalism: Decluttering and design for Sustainable, Intentional Living
Homebody: A Guide to Creating Spaces You Never Want to Leave
Brass Easel Photo Desk Calendar
A set of hand made glasses from Pretentious Glass Co.
A best seller from Union Ave Books
A plant from Stanleys Greenhous
Image by Artifact Uprising
Image by Pretentious Glass
It's Thursday.
HYD would love to share a tidbit of organizing wonder or a story filled with real life goodness.
Image by: Watercolor Devo
But, instead... you're getting a confession. It's too-late o'clock and my body and brain are ready to call it quits. I started to dig down deep and pull together something worth reading, but my dear husband suggested I give our readers the truth instead. He's real smart like that.
First of all, my season is one I wouldn't trade for the world. I've got a three school-age, active, healthy, fun-loving, tree climbing, soccer ball kickin', musical, gymnastic-ing, fort-building, craft making, treasure collecting, sleepover having kids. My minivan tears up the K-town roads like you wouldn't believe. Many days it's full of kids until 8am, then discarded items from clients until 3pm, then kids again until the last lesson, practice, meeting, or carpool drop-off has finished.
I mean that too about not wanting to trade this season for anything. I truly do love watching these kiddos grow into their own unique individuals. I thank God I get to be present for so much of it. And with that, I say thank you for the grace to let this be HYD's post for the week. The last couple of weeks have been so full of kids and clients, that my time at my computer just didn't happen.
I also want to extend that same grace to you today. You're off the hook. Real life happens. And the good news is, there's always tomorrow.
Well it's officially getting cool enough to pull out some long sleeves. I won't lie, I've enjoyed the lingering warm weather but I'm really excited about sweaters and boots.
http://adiaryoflovely.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/weekend-wear.html
My summer capsule worked really well for me. My mornings are so much simpler and I don't spend nearly as much time getting ready. I did notice that there were a handful of things that I really didn't wear more than once or twice and that I want more variety in my next capsule.
A new idea I'm trying out this time is having two capsules: A work capsule and a weekend/not working capsule (focusing on nicer items). Towards the end of the summer I noticed that a lot of my clothing was looking worn out and realized I don't have many articles of clothing that are a step up from the everyday. I'm hoping that having these two separate capsules will motivate me to wear the grungier stuff for working (because organizing and helping people move tends to wear on clothes) and invest in some nicer options for nights and weekends. This could also work if you have a career that requires a nicer dress code. I think having the two separate capsules makes it easier for me to by pass the items that don't make since for the activity. I keep mine in separate places for the convenience. My work clothes are stored in drawers and my nicer clothes are hung up (sans sweaters that just do better folded)
Mid clothing tornado
Excuse this extremely unflattering picture of me but it had to be included. This is proof that I do understand what it's like for all of you amazing clients who give up things that you have sentimental attachments to but just don't make sense anymore. I've had this plaid shirt since high school. It doesn't button. It hasn't buttoned for 5years. I let it go this week. It was hard but I'm not regretting it.
I pulled out all my cool weather clothing from storage and tried on everything earlier this week. The quick try on eliminated about 15 items. Onto the hard part; narrowing down the things that I still like and wear. Again, it always helps to have a second opinion so I called in my trusty business partner. With Taryn's help I was able to narrow down even further and came up with 40 items. (The technical number is supposed to be 37 but I'm extending grace for myself-I'm also not including work wear in this number) I also know that there are a number of items that I would like to replace but don't want to get rid of until I have replacements. My mindset going into the fall is that if I purchase items, I have to trade them out for items in my current capsule. If you need incentive to purge, we are hosting a pretty amazing Fall/Winter Clothing Boutique and you will want to make room I assure you!
I know my closet's not pretty, but this is real life people. You work with what you've got :)
Sweaters and knit shirts
Sidenote: When I packed up my summer items to store I filled only one large tub instead of the two I filled last year. This is great news because we have fairly limited storage at our house.
Below is a run down on what I kept...
Fall Capsule Nights and Weekends: 40 items
3 sweaters, 14 shirts, 1 vest, 2 pairs of corduroys, 1 pair of black pants, 5 pairs of jeans, 2 pairs of booties, 3 pairs of boots, and 8 pairs of other shoes. (Self diagnosed shoe addict over here)
Fall Capsule Working wear: 16 items
2 pairs of Jeans, I pair of black jeggings (I'm kind of embarrassed that I have these but they are so comfortable), 9 shirts, 2 sweaters, and 2 pairs of shoes (that look terrible but I still love to wear them)
Have any of you tried out capsule wardrobing? What do you think? If not, what's holding you back? I'm super curious to know if some people just don't like the concept or if it seems daunting etc.
