Making The Most Of This Time

I think we are all trying to navigate our new “norm” at the moment.  Since I no longer work in the corporate world, staying home is not really so new to me.  Well that’s not really true.  I am used to being home for work, but I have the freedom to go to lunch with friends, babysit my grandson, go to the park, nice dinner dates and shop anytime I want to.  Right now that sounds like a pretty spoiled life.  I like to cook and bake and I try to keep my house clean, but I need something creative to keep me feeling “normal”.  (I have been cooking extra meals to give to my neighbors that aren’t feeling well and trying to be as helpful as I can, but since we all have to maintain our distance, I still need something more.)  I have decided to do a few things that I really don’t love to do, but make me feel good when they are done.   I am also limiting all the news that is happening every 10 minutes.  I don’t need to hear the same thing every hour.  News once a day and the rest of the day I am thinking and acting like the world is normal.  So now onto some things that would make my world better and make me feel good.

#1 – PURGE.  I need to purge some drawers, closets, accessory stash, home decor and office paperwork.  In other words, I could use this time to get a few of these things done.  Not all at once, but something each day and that would be productive and make me feel better.

I decided to start with my closet and wardrobe.

I have been on an on-again-off-again diet for the last year.  I need to get back on it and stick to it.  Those last 10 lbs will come off if I just stick to it.  At any rate, being over my normal weight didn’t make me feel very good in my clothes, so I just didn’t buy anything new.  Actually I was starting to look really bad in the clothing department.  For Christmas, my daughter gave me some pretty new pants, a blouse, and jacket.  That pushed my buttons to organize my closet, purge a ton of things and buy a few new things.  I found several things on Ann Taylors after Christmas sale to add to my new pieces.  These made me feel good.  Now I felt like paying better attention to how I looked.  You can see my new finds here.

So, in my purge schedule – Closet first – – – –

I kind of keep my closet purged, but I am the world’s worst in keeping things I love that don’t fit anymore, so I was ruthless this time and really purged.  Hard to do, but so necessary.

I keep receiving emails from Ann Taylor about all their new things, but I haven’t bought anything until this week.  With all the layoffs and so many people out of work, I don’t feel like this is the time to be spending money like crazy. They have been having a CYBER sale with 50% off most everything.  They had quite a few things that I liked, but I didn’t go crazy.  I did order two pieces to spruce up my wardrobe.  I keep wearing the same things over and over, so time to up my game a little. 

Love this print, so bright and cheery.  I also really like a boatneck top.  I think this will be great for almost any occasion.

The other one I bought is this wonderful button-up blouse.  The polka dot print is classic and this can even be worn as a jacket with a cute tank underneath.

With their 50% off sale and free shipping, I got both for the price of one.  (Just click on the picture for details)

I have to say that I really love Skechers.  Their tennis shoes are my all-time favorite and what I wear every day.  I have had a really cute pair of leopard flats for a few years and they are my go-to for most pants outfits, but they were getting a little worn.  I saw these Skechers Leopard Flats at DSW and just had to have them.  So cute and can you believe they’re washable.   On sale for $49.99.

Ok, I think the wardrobe is done for now.   Now onto some of the other closets.   How about you, how are you staying busy?