The Simple Life

My current to do lists. Yes, lists.

The good news is that you have a lot going on. The bad news is that you have a lot going on.

-my horoscope this week

It seems like simplifying (or a version of it...streamlining, minimizing, downsizing) is the word on everyone's lips lately. We're busier than ever - which can be a blessing and a curse. My word of the year is 'cleansing' and I'm reminding myself of that before I take on any new projects, commitments, accept invitations or make product purchases. That's not to say I'm going hermit, just the way I remember to focus on what matters and why it matters. Since many of us are in the same busy boat so I thought it might be nice to share some sites and stories that I'm enjoying and have been helpful for me recently.

Michael Hyatt - Intentional Leadership

I really can't say enough about Michael and his site so here's a bit to get you going:

• Start by Creating a Life Plan. How can we get to where we want to be if we don't even know what we want? It's not about how to get more done, it's about doing what's important to your plan and forgetting the rest. 
• Make sure you're signed up for the daily email. It's the first one I read in the mornings. Subjects range from leadership, productivity, and social media among other things and I'm always enlightened. 
• If you're a list maker you'll love this. I recently started the 'priority tag' method and it's changing my productivity immensely. 

Makeunder My Life

Jess is a wonder woman in my book - a Chicago based jewelry designer, blogger and business consultant. Though our path's haven't crossed in person yet I hope that day comes soon and after browsing MML I'm sure you'll wish for that, too. Whether you're looking to live with less, design a life with intention or launch a small business - the resources you'll find here will be a huge asset. If you're new, start with the 'Best Of' and be sure to check out my personal fave - what to do when you don't know your purpose yet.

Becoming Minimalist

This is my go to for anti-extreme minimalist tips and insight. Browse the Benefits of Minimalism to spark your curiosity and How to Live With Less Stuff for some truths and tips.




If you're on the simplicity path, I'm confident you find some helpful nuggets within these sources. I am, by far, not where I want to be in terms of managing my schedule, commitments and productivity. It's a work in progress, always changing and will never be perfect so if you have any tips, trick or favorites I would to hear them! What sites or resources have you found helpful in managing your dreams/goals/life?

Got Baggage?

A peek inside my carry-on bag

Though I've always been a particular packer, in the last year I've perfected my version of a well edited suitcase. Since I’m usually traveling alone it’s up to me to lug the bags so I like to be a light as possible. One of the things that always blows my mind is the amount of stuff people bring onto airplanes as carry on items. When I’m checking a bag and don’t have to worry about liquids or large items (and assuming my daily items - wallet, phone, iPod, sunglasses, etc. - are in my handbag) here are my absolute carry-on essentials.

Domestic flights:

• Documents – Flight itinerary/hotel confirmation/directions/transportation info
• Makeup – if my luggage gets lost and I have to wear the same shirt for 3 days in a row, at least my face will look decent. (Purchasing single items of clothes in a pinch is much cheaper than temporarily replacing an entire makeup collection.)
• Camera
• Laptop – fully charged
• Cell phone charger
• Travel liquids – only the necessities, usually just hand sanitizer/lotion
• Light jacket – I favor this military one. It’s light enough to crinkle into my bag or use as a pillow, yet warm enough to knock off the chill. Pashmina’s are another popular option. In fall/spring, I pack my heavy coat in my checked luggage and retrieve at baggage claim.
• Peppermint – in gum or candy form can help ward off nausea.
• Reading material – book and/or magazine’s
• Recycled napkins – grab a couple from Starbucks on your way to the gate and stash for a pre-landing facial oil blot. (Facial mists are popular for dry skin.)
• Bag of almonds & cranberries. Peanuts aren’t free anymore folks.
• Bobby pins – make an in-flight bun and remove upon landing for extra volume. (Don’t bother pre-bunning, some pins can set off the metal detector.)
• Jewelry case – keep the good stuff nearby at all times.
• Business cards – because locals have the best scoop!

 International flights:

 All of the above plus:

• Passport
• Cozy socks – an absolute must have, even in the summer. Not just socks, but the fluffy, furry kind. You’ll thank me. Airplane floors are freezing, especially in the middle of the night.
• Travel liquids – as above plus makeup removers/creams
• Toothbrush/Paste – you'll want this after 14 hours.
• DVD’s for in flight laptop movie viewing – don’t forget the headphones.
• Laptop charger
• Optional – Non electronic projects: this is an excellent time to write cards/letters/thank you notes or birthday greetings for the month. They’re lightweight and can be mailed from the hotel.

Sometimes I like to consolidate to a small over the shoulder bag so my i.d. and boarding pass are easily accessible, packing my larger empty handbag in my checked luggage. Additionally, you may feel the need to carry-on other electronic chargers, you never know when your flight will be delayed, cancelled or worse, lost luggage!

I hope these come in handy for you, at least now I have a list standard list that I can refer to in the future, until now, it’s been in an excel format.

Happy travels!  

A Guide To: Consignment Store Shopping

Last Friday, The Man (also known as work) released us a wee early so I took advantage of the extra time to run a few errands. For weeks, I've been driving around with three bags of clothes in my car to be taken to consignment or donated. I jaunted over to Evanston and little did I know I'd hit the jackpot at Crossroads. Gah! Rebecca Taylor, Bebe, silk blend tops, embellished dresses...need I continue? Consignment shopping is one of my preferred ways to acquire fabulous items on a budget. Many of my absolute favorite pieces have been pre-owned which I think is pretty neat.  (Plus, I really enjoy impressing my friends responses to compliments with things like "$5.00 - swear.") Until recently, I though everyone consignment shopped but when a style blogger I admire posted about her very first (!) experience and a friend said something like "But isn't it gross?" I had to faciliate. Consignment shopping is like a Cliff Notes version of the best of the mall and internet. And no, it's not gross, stop being bratty ;)  If you already do it, awesome - I knew I liked you! If you don't, well, you're missing out. And I secretly hope that if you wear a size 8.5 shoe and live in the Chicago area that you don't start. ;)

Without further ado, here are a few tips and tricks for a successful shopping trip.

• Don't go with expectations, you'll most likely be disappointed.  If you're on a mission for a certain something it's worth a browse, but realistically you'll probably find 5 things you weren't searching for instead, which is all part of the fun.
• Check fabric and care labels. Tags may have been removed by the previous owner. When in doubt, dry clean. Tip: Fabrics like silk and linen are usually underpriced, grab 'em up!
• If it's perfect in every way except your size, consider alterations. A good tailor can be your best friend.
• Try on everything. Some stores don't accept returns or exchanges, confirm any policies before paying.
• Inspect items thoroughly before purchasing. Most pieces are in mint condition, however, you may find an occasional stain, tear or missing button that the associates missed or experienced fitting room abuse, it happens. Assess any repairs needed and request a discount if necessary. 
• Prepare to be heartbroken (sometimes.) That gorgeous pair of leather of boots that would look perfect with your (fill in the blank)...one size off. Bummer!!
• Don't skip the clearance rack.  In most shops, markdowns are taken based on the length of time an item has been on the floor, not necessarily the seasonality of it. Half off an in season chiffon top in a 'so-hot-right-now hue'? Don't mind if I do!
• Support your store! If you shop there, sell there. We all have a fabulous item (or two) still hanging in our closet that was purchased hoping the right occasion would pop up (where are you white party??) - why not trade it in and allow someone else find a use for it? You may find something just as fabulous and more suitable in the same trip.
• Always take the trade credit. When you sell items, most chain stores offer cash or trade credit instantly. The cash value is less than the trade credit so take the gift card/certificate and start digging. (Or save it for future trips.) The bang for your buck is much better that way. After trading in several items I ended up with enough credit to purchase all of the above without ever opening my wallet!
• Visit more than one location, often. We're lucky to have several locations of my favorite shops around town and by this point I've pretty much nailed what I can expect from each one. (Evanston has fabulous summer dresses, Wicker Park has the best unique/one of a kind items, Lincoln Park is hit or miss.) This isn't your local Target. The assortment changes daily and is never the same at each location. While it's not always true, locations such as a college town or affluent neighborhood could be an indicator of the types of brands you'll find there. (Think Abercrombie versus Diane Von Furstenberg.)
• My new favorite vacation treat is to consignment shop in different cities. When traveling, why hit the same chain retailers when you can find awesome pieces on consignment from the locals? A recent visit to a shop in Santa Monica changed my life. (Okay, maybe that's extreme, but seriously - it was well worth the effort to get there.)
• Don't forget about the boys! Trading men's apparel is one of the ways we've ended up with gobs of store credit - it seems they're always in need and the selection is more focused. Disclaimer: I cannot be responsible for arguments related to or caused by a female's decision to edit her male's closet without his knowledge. 

Happy Shopping! Now, who's up for a consignment store outfit post linkup??

Wedding Invitations: The 3 Pieces of Stationery You Really Need

I won't deny my love for theknot.com - a brides dream for every inch of wedding planning! Check out this super helpful article from from The Knot on what I like to call "Paper Planning" :)

Invites, Save the Dates, Menu cards, Programs...

Puzzling out your wedding paper can be very confusing. But just like any other part of wedding planning, it's all about figuring out what it is you really want. So read on for the scoop on what every single card is for, which ones are must-haves and which ones you can skip.