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 Savoring simple daily pleasures

Isn't it funny how things work out sometimes when you least expect it? Even with my concession of purchasing one item for a wedding in my no buy year, and my careful planning, by pure chance, 2 days before we headed up north to Russell - the picturesque township in the Bay of Islands- a lovely friend delivered to my desk a dress she mentioned wasn't a good fit on her and she thought I might like to try it. 

It was soooo much hotter and the climate so dry up there what I'd planned to wear just wasn't going to be suitable or comfortable. SO guess what I ended up wearing!? I paired it with an inexpensive belt I already owned to cinch in the waist, a clutch I'd purchased on Holiday in Fiji last year, and a pair of pre loved Spanish leather sandals- do you know what, I felt like a million dollars. It was perfect for the event and the weather, and was very much appropriate among what the other guests were wearing. 

Interestingly, my girls, who looked so grown up and beautiful- and clearly felt lovely in their outfits, were both in "hand me down' dresses too. 

During this week I have also had a little fun on Instagram by documenting a week of outfits. Its been a really enjoyable learning experience for me in re appreciating some of my clothes I maybe took for granted- and actually how long I've had some of the items- years and years in some cases, yet still look good, fresh, and timeless. They are classics which are quality garments. Some I even purchased way back then second hand even! 

The whole weekend fell into place so perfectly - with dreamy accommodation, picture perfect scenery, and idyllic weather- not to mention a stunning romantic wedding and time with my precious family. It just goes to show its not about what you spend, its about how you pull an outfit together, investing what you can when you can in quality timeless well-made classics, and most importantly, how you wear them- with confidence and an air of je ne sais quoi. 

Sydney next week- this will be a real test of my no buy year....eeek!! 

I'll leave you this week with a few photos from the beautiful Russell. 

 Savoring simple daily pleasures

Just a brief entry today as it's only been a couple of days since my last post. One thread that follows on from my previous blog post is the sentiment of the universe whispering to you- granted this whisper was most likely derived from an algo rhythm - however I was rather tickled to have pop up on my Instagram an "influencer' whom I'd never come across, also embarking on a no buy year! One thing she mentioned was Steph Swalls ( @steph_swalls ) whose style channel is about intentional shopping and minimalist fashion.  I am by no means a minimalist, but I am intentional and enjoy curating looks, feels and a capsule wardrobe. Not only was it a real buzz to feel I had stumbled upon a fellow comrade, but she suggests putting together a minimal capsule wardrobe each month from the clothes you already own; that way you wont get tired of them before it's time to change them up. I think this is a Brilliant idea, it takes a little effort, but it runs true to the concept of shopping you own closet, eliminates clothing fatigue and keeps it vibrant and exciting- challenging even.  Love it! Her outfits and style appear at first glance to be rather more casual than my everyday attire- But I can absolutely draw inspiration from her energy and design flare. Yay! 

This week marked a momentous occasion of being allowed to purchase a new to me item- as part of the deal I struck with myself , I was able to purchase second hand a dress for a wedding we are attending in a few days time. I went to one of the HUGE second hand warehouse style shops, it was hot, icky and busy, and you have to be prepared to invest time, if not $ Dollars, to trawl through and try on. BUT, 90 minutes later and several almost designer dress purchases ( Trelise Coopers for under $50 and a Diane Von Furstenburg for $60!! Sadly none were very me or fit quite right- so I knew it would be a rash purchase as I knew their worth and quality, rather than filling the gap I was seeking to fill for the wedding) I did however, find a dress that is suitable for a summery wedding, on the casual side of formal but still tailored and a little unusual, from the Swedish brand COS. Its both a style and colour I wouldn't normally have even considered, but from the racks and racks of dresses it spoke to me, fitted surprisingly well, and importantly made me feel good when I put it on. Its definitely a nod to the 80's with its asymmetric off the shoulder design, and its - dare I say it PEACH colour.... lets go with Coral! However, at that price, and something I feel confident in, with a sprinkle of carefree fun- why the heck not!? I happily ferried it home, removed the tags- yes it had never been worn- laundered it immediately and hung it on the line to dry, I gently pressed it that afternoon as I was ironing school shorts anyway and Ta daaa! Wedding outfit! 

Completed with nude wedges, a sun hat and a nude wicker clutch I purchased in Fiji, I will feel a million dollars for $39. It was very gratifying to be patient, then intentionally shop with a clear goal and limit, and also knowing that now, with the exception of replacing any clothing or footwear item that is beyond repair throughout the year, that's me done. Its liberating! 

I am mindful of not allowing myself to look or browse either in shops or on line as it serves no purpose now, and I am falling in love again with items I already own, and new outfit combinations. I have re arrived at the point where plain classic colors and styles are the way forward- allowing me to mix and match and feel au courant. 

Its a muggy wet Saturday here and my youngest - whose growing like a bean and now has several inches on me- is having a good old wardrobe sort out- I have happily accepted a few of her hand me downs, Shopping my daughters wardrobe- who knew!?

A knock on effect of all this is also a renewed energy and mindfulness to keep myself in shape, and healthy, so that the clothes I do own look their best on me and I feel confident and comfortable in them. Double bonus. 

Until next time, x

 Savoring simple daily pleasures

(Day 39 of my no buy year- 1 month ticked off)

Have you ever found yourself in a moment so incredibly perfect you hardly dare breathe and your heart flutters with a kind of urgency to absorb every element in order to treasure the memory forever?

For most of us, these moments don't happen very frequently- we may have regular glimpses peppered through our weeks, and moments to savor with family, loved ones, nature, our faith and spirituality, that we notice and appreciate and are grateful for- the ethos of this blog entirely; to savor and honor and treasure the little moments that make up our lives. 

This past weekend I had one such experience that was so idyllic and so incredibly special it will stay with me forever. All the elements we aligned as my husband and I - on the spur of the moment- decided to leave the girls sleeping in our beachside accommodation and take the Jetski over to a nearby Island, just for a short time, with a book and towel each and little else. 

It was a bluebird day, still early enough the sun had no real bite, a gentle breeze, and the tide almost at its fullest.  

It was mind-blowing to me as we motored gently into the bay, that we were 11 minutes from where we were staying, and only 2 hours from our home- yet transported into an absolute paradise. I don't think I've ever seen water so crystal clear, the sky was cloudless, the sand was white, and the crescent beach was deserted- just for us. A shadow caught our eye as we dropped anchor - a large, graceful stingray gliding by. We laid our towels on the sand and marveled at the beauty and sheer perfection of the moment. The sun was just right- warm but not fierce, the water was the most exquisite temperature, and the gradient of the sand ideal for taking just a couple of steps before diving in.  

We only stayed an hour or so, and as we got ready to leave several more little boats were making their way over from the mainland beach. But we had managed to time our little excursion- with such perfection, to have those incredibly special moments of absolute awe and wonder and a swelling in my heart of unimaginable gratitude; to be fortunate enough to have been there, with the love of my life, at that very moment in time. 

The rest of our beach weekend was wonderful too, and we were blessed with fabulous weather, and lots of fun and good company. That special time on the island will be with me forever. 

We landed home again with somewhat of a bump, heading straight back into work and school, finding our way back into routines and schedules- still not at full throttle as yet thankfully, with some activities and classes not yet resumed for the year, and with a smattering of public holidays to break up our weeks. 

We just have to allow ourselves to tune into the universe to hear what she's whispering to us, what she's urging us to do- or not to do.  Several books and articles I have read in the recent weeks have all been gently nudging me in the direction I know I am drawn to take my path.  Encouraging me to be courageous and take those steps. All these little signs and whispers have been seemingly by chance, but they add up to a goosebump inducing message to follow my dreams, step out of my comfort zone and take the risk. Seasons come and go, as mother nature so graciously reminds us daily, and we need to take these opportunities and signs as they make themselves known to us- or they may slip by and been wasted. I was struck by the apples on the tree near my office - from delicate white blossoms not so long ago, the hard green little nubs, now glossy rosy apples almost ready for picking. Nature doesn't wait, the cycles keep moving and keeping on with their own steady rhythm. So do our lives. Don't put off what is calling to you, what's pulling you. Don't ignore the signs that are being shown to you, encouraging you to be brave, follow your path, take the plunge. I'm not suggesting you be wreck less, just to notice. Reflect, ponder, and allow yourself to entertain the ideas presenting themselves to you. 

That magical beach has been with me in my mind frequently since our return, the (sometimes) rare and beautiful feeling of complete contentment. I intend to embrace it and keep those memories safe.