When I saw that the next 30 for 30 was upcoming up, it seemed like the perfect motivation for resurrect my failing blog. What better way to get strict with posting, then to start a challenge that requires daily posts?
And then I couldn’t get the idea out of my head.
I found more reasons than doubts (my clothes aren’t exciting enough, I’ve terrible at accessorizing, will I even have time to take pictures each day, I don’t think I take good photos) so here I am.

The biggest reasons are financial ones. Husband and I have a big upcoming adventure (more later on this) that requires strict budgeting and while I only shop at low cost chain stores and on sale, and for a girl, not all that often, I still shop more than I really need to. Solution? Sign up for a challenge that involves no shopping and watch the bank balance grow.

The second reasons would be spiritual ones; to encourage myself that I have more worth than just face value and to find meaning in He who has Ultimate Meaning. I like clothes, I like looking pretty for husband but to me, true beauty comes from a person of grace, love and compassion. (I’m a work in progress).

Thirdly, ethical reasons. I’m trying to tread more lightly on the earth, consume less, reuse more and really think about how I use my money.

Lastly, creative reasons. I’m the queen of the statement “I have nothing to wear.” Which is a big fat lie. I have plenty to wear. I just don’t know how to wear it.
I put on the same outfits every day and have no idea how to mix and match. I have outfit envy when I see ladies looking AMAZING on their blogs. No more.

Six pairs of shoes.

Two pairs of wedges.

Two pairs of flats.

One pair of sandals and one set of thongs (for days when I’m lazy).

3 long sleeved shirts.

1 cardigan (in case it gets cold or the more likely scenario of needing to brave cinema air conditioning).

2 shirts (for the same reason. Also cos the blue chambray one is new and I really really want to wear it).

Four dresses.

2 sleeveless.  1 shirt dress.  1 halterneck maxi dress.

Because they are my favourite and make me happy.

 

One pair of shorts.

It’s summer. I wear shorts.

 

Four pairs of pants.

2 pairs of jeans – black and blue denim.

1 pair of pink pants (which sound strange when I say that but look good worn).

1 pair of funky printed pants. Enough said.

 

3 skirts.

One black pencil skirt (for work days).

One black tribal style patterned skirt.

One cream skirt, which despite being the EXACT same length and style as the tribal skirt, somehow seems more work appropriate.

9 tops.

Black tee, red striped, navy striped, black tank, floral top, grey tee, white tank, black ruffle top and pink floral short cardigan.

Stay tuned for how I make this work!

Want to know more about the 30 for 30 (and its creator?) Check out the fabulous Kendi: http://kendieveryday.blogspot.com/

I am.

All I’ve done so far this weekend is meet friends for coffee, have an afternoon being pampered at the spa and see Tangled with husband.

Nice.

Our national holiday was fairly low key this year.
Australia day is like New Years; you feel like you should do something to mark the occasion but lounging in your pjs sounds more appealing.
We had a bbq with friends at our place (Sausages and beer are an obligatory part of Aussie Day) and then a lazy afternoon in the pool.
Hubby is now sleeping on the couch and I’m watching Chuck. Chuck, the tv show, not Chuck my pet fish. Sometimes I watch my fish but he doesn’t get out much. He tends to just play with his air bubble and eat his plant.

I’m not such a big fan of New Year’s resolutions.
My thinking is that if you set a goal for yourself, it shouldn’t matter what time of year it is. Putting pressure on yourself each January to lose weight, give up smoking, get debt free, whatever – only adds extra stress and anxiety.
I’ll always advocate for the everyday resolution, being the type of resolution you make anytime, any day, as soon as you think you need one.
Last September I made an everyday resolution; no more complaining about how you look without any action to back it up.
Self esteem regarding my body shape and image has always been an issue for me. In an attempt to live a more healthy and active lifestyle (and thus be happier with my apperance and spend less time telling myself that every item of clothing I wear looks awful), I did something I’ve never done before.
I joined a gym. And I love it. Like, LOVE it.
My weekly workout routine consists of 3 Zumba classes Monday, Wednesday and Friday and one cycle (spin) class on Thursday.

And today I’m making another everyday resolution.
I’m adding in another strength and tone session – Saturday morning yoga and weight sessions.
I figure if I blog about it, then I’m accountable to someone.
Although maybe just myself because no one reads this except me!

Good:
• Husband took me shopping on Saturday EVEN though I’m on a shopping ban.

• Hilarious Saturday night of crazy dancing at a city nightclub. Witnessed the comeback of 80s dance moves.

• Husband gave insightful sermon at church and looked hot in his new shirt while doing so.

• Perfect weather on Sunday = swimming in In Laws’ pool.

Bad:
• Distinct law of housework and grocery shopping = messy house and no food.

• Late night out with girls meant that I survived Sunday on three and a half hours sleep.

• Having some family confrontation, while being super tired and stressed. (All good now and all sorted with hugs afterward. )

Ugly:
• The dude at the nightclub who tried to hit on me (despite my obvious wedding rings) with the line “you have beautiful lips… I’d like to kiss them.”
Really? Did you think that would work?

• Seeing how sick a beloved family member is and having another beloved family member being their full time carer. The love displayed is beautiful… the illness and its symptoms and the accompanying worry is not.

2011 has already thrown me some curveballs.

(A phrase I do not understand; what’s a curveball? A strangely shaped ball? A ball covered in angles and curves? How would you throw that? Note to self: google curveball).

And when times get tough I like to pretend I have an alter ego.
She has purple hair.

My super smart little sister got accepted into her first choice for uni courses this week.
I’m so proud of you (although its hard to believe you are ALL GROWN UP and turning 19 this year.)
Let’s go shopping for stationary soon.

Announcing the fact that my blog will be revamped for 2011.
Featuring:
more regular posts and pictures (so my last post was six months ago; that’s not too bad, is it?)
a more interesting layout (here’s hoping I can figure out how to USE a blog thingy…)
and my participation in the “30 for 30″ remix.

(If Kendi lets me that is, and doesn’t take one look at my unsophisticated blog and deny my entry into her oh so cool intitative).