whet your whistle wednesday: capsule wardrobe

I am by no means a fashion blogger. That said I like to get dressed up and feel good. I don’t shop a lot because I tend to buy things I like and wear them over and over. I am my mother’s daughter.

I haven’t purchased clothes in a while and since I have lost inches, not weight, from my new eating habits very few of my clothes fit properly. Add in that we are moving to the midwest in the fall I am going to need to add to my closet.

Enter the capsule wardrobe

This was a new term for me just a few weeks ago. After a little research it sounds like a good option. It is often referred to as a minimalist approach to a wardrobe. I prefer the term essentials wardrobe.

Pictures in this issue link directly to the online store so you can purchase them for you collection

Project 333 has a great jumping off point to start your capsule wardrobe. It walks you through the steps. I was very happy to hear her say she does hers in 3 month capsules.

I have been lusting after these shoes for months. The are an investment but they would be an essential for all 4 seasons.

I have been lusting after these shoes for months. The are an investment but they would be an essential for all 4 seasons.

One of the things I learned in this research is the amount of pieces is really up to you. But keep in mind we are trying to just go with essentials. Over at Unfancy it was 37. My favorite tip for this was that you shouldn’t shop until 2 weeks before the next season. Combine these posts and you have a great foundation to start your own capsule wardrobe.

Want to see the concept in action check out Kendi Everyday. Years ago she start taking only 30 items and challenged herself to make them last 30 days.

Playful button-down shirts are my favorite! I don't need another but a great example of a staple that can be dressed up or down with a variety of bottoms.

Playful button-down shirts are my favorite! I don’t need another but a great example of a staple that can be dressed up or down with a variety of bottoms.

Tim Gunn is one of my favorites. His book Tim Gunn’s guide to style is a book I devoured. It is also why I want to call this my essentials wardrobe. Here is a little video where Tim describes his essentials.

Don't get all neutrals! Add some of your favorite seasonal colors. I already have this in green and purple so pink will be good addition.

Don’t get all neutrals! Add some of your favorite seasonal colors. I already have this in green and purple so pink will be good addition for the spring season.

Just because it is about essentials doesn’t mean it has to be boring. It just has to mix and match. Plus you must love the items because you will be with them for 3 months. Don’t forget accessories count!

pearls real or fake go with every outfit!

pearls real or fake go with every outfit!

Do you think you will start pairing down your closet and trying an essentials wardrobe?

For those of you that are new whet your whistle wednesday is a themed link post I do on Wednesdays. That Wednesday part was shocking I know. These are all topics I am excited about and I hope these posts will whet your palette and inspire you to find out more.

whet your whistle wednesday: paleo & Whole 30

Welcome to another whet your whistle wednesday. Each we I cover a new topic to get you inspired to try something new or find a new product. This week is all about paleo and Whole 30.

Maybe you are thinking about paleo or trying your first Whole 30 and need a place to start. You are at the right place my friend. Since I did my first, so far only, Whole 30 in February I have eaten a largely paleo diet. The benefits I have seen from this have been so good I can’t even think about stopping. Even after a stressful day when I really wanted to run to my comfort food, mac and cheese. I quickly remembered that I haven’t had that in months and the meal might just make me feel worse not better. I highly recommend it for everyone but if you need more info there are some great resources below.

The pictures in this weeks whet your whistle link to a couple of my favorite Whole 30 meals.

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The book It Starts with Food: Discover the Whole30 and Change Your Life in Unexpected Ways is one of the most informative and helpful thing you can do if you are interested in this diet. I read it after we completed our Whole 30 to find out why the diet had worked so well for me.

If you don’t want to buy the book you don’t have to, though I think you will be missing out, the Whole 30 program is described in detail on their website and is completely free for you to use. They have some great downloads that you can take the store to help you shop and stay on track.

If Whole 30 doesn’t seem like the way to go then try checking out primal palate’s information on what is paleo to get you started eating better.

pesto shrimp wit wisdom & food

One of the keys to making it through a Whole 30 or changing to paleo is to find some new recipes. Nom Nom Paleo is a great site to get started. She also has a great round up to help get you through all 30 days.

There are some amazing sites that have tons of recipes to help get you through the diet. Here are some of my favorites.:

Paleo Grubs
Stupid Easy Paleo
Civilized Caveman

pork tenderloin2

If you want some new blogs to follow that talk in detail about paleo this resource from Cave Girl in the city with steer you in the right direction.

Find out how my first week of Whole 30 went and my overall Whole 30 Experience.

Come back by on Friday to see some of my favorite Whole30 & paleo foods.

Are you thinking about changing your eating habits? What is your motivation?

 

whet your whistle wednesday: kitchens

We are a hair under 3 months from our moving date. This has me already dreaming of my future kitchen. Who am I kidding I have been planning my future kitchen for years. It hasn’t changed a lot over the years. When I look at real estate listing I actually look for the kitchen with the worst ascetics know that I can gut it all and transform it. I just need the right space, some time and a chunk of change!

Like the images simple click them to get more info.

I love the idea of a oven hood and a scalloped hood would look so quaint and cute with my vintage vibe.

I want a big window over my sink so I can look out in the backyard and daydream when I have to do the awful chore of dishes. A cute window shelf for some herbs would make it even more lovely.

I am torn about having an island. I think if I have one I would want my stove in it and a bookcase for my cookbooks on the back side.

FAB32V7

dream fridge…heck I want all of Smeg’s adorable products!

This one is my most repinned kitchen pin (actually got pinned while I typed this!). I love the open shelving for displaying my favorite/most used pieces. This entire remodel is well done by Kim at NewlyWoodwards. If you don’t already know here head over and start following the building of their new house. It is going to be a great journey.

One of the things I am most looking forward to when we have home is painting. These no fail colors will be handy when thinking about cabinet colors.

I think I will be heading towards a white kitchen with lower cabinets in a nice color. I just love how bright it looks. Makes me want to spend the entire day creating in there.

bigchill_36_retro-stove_buttercupyellow-378x578

a retro looking stove to go with my retro fridge

Checkered floor, vintage color and a farmhouse sink in front of a big window…I want one just like this of my very own. Eclectic is my favorite kitchen style.