Simplify Series – Building a Capsule Wardrobe for the office

“Dress shabbily and they remember the dress.  Dress impeccably and they
remember the woman.” – Coco Chanel

Ahhh, the Capsule Wardrobe, a term coined in the 1970’s by London boutique owner Susie Faux, according to Wikipedia.  Defined further as “a collection of of a few essential items of clothing that don’t go out of fashion, such as skirts, trousers, and coats, which can then be augmented with seasonal pieces.”

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Our Go-To Weekly Meals – When life gets hectic!

Inspired Delight

Isn’t it amazing how crazy busy life can get?  Between the 8-5, soccer practice, recitals, playdates, homework and… and… AND!   There’s the need to feed the family.  The following meals have been tried and true staples during the super busy times.  Enjoy!
White Chicken Chili (without beans) – Just 100% good and quick!  Follow the crock-pot recipe to make it ridiculously easy.  www.TheRealFoodRDS.com  Serve with some tortilla chips or diced avocado. (photo from TheRealFoodRDS)

Taco Tuesday Stuffed Peppers – Not the easiest or quickest but it’s totally worth the work.   Recipe is here.  I love to make these in addition to our regular Taco night menu.  They make perfect leftovers for lunch to-go.  (My photo)


Sheet Pan Dinners – One pan and done.   I love these type of dinners.  Just be sure you have a higher quality sheet pan so it doesn’t warp in the middle of baking (my…

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Leopard, Leopard everywhere – Meow!

If there’s one thing I love about fall fashion, other than boots it’s leopard print!  I’m drawn to the warm gold, brown and black patterns like a moth to a flame.  I can’t seem to find anything it doesn’t go well with.  I’ve paired my shirts with white jeans, leggings, dressy pants, casual denim and my pencil skirt, the sky is the limit!

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Mothers Day

Mother’s day is coming!!   Don’t be a jerk and forget 🙂  I mean that politely, of course.  Everyone has someone who has been a mother figure in their life.

In hopes you can start thinking about what you would like to do for your mom, mail to your mom, deliver to your mom, surprise your mom….. START THINKING NOW.

Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

Gift ideas:

  • Skin Care – Colleen Rothschild Radiant cleansing balm is my fave!
  • A customized necklace, earrings if she likes jewelry.
  • A Plant or assorted flowers in a pretty pot for her patio, sunny window or front porch.
  • Book a spa day or take her to lunch.
  • Pick up lunch and take it to her.
  • A framed photo or photo book of family/grandkids.
  • A lovely candle.
  • A bouquet of flowers.
  • A basket of bath goodies.
  • A new perfume – roller balls are fairly inexpensive.
  • A nice card… that arrives a couple days ahead.

Deliver the gift in person if possible.  If it’s not possible than call. facetime, skype.  Just make some kind of contact in some way.

I realize we are all in different places and situations.  I hope that on Mother’s Day you can find peace and joy knowing that you were born on purpose.  It’s your job to find that purpose.

Planners…. Are you or are you not?

What are your thoughts on planners?  I started using one a long time ago.  Actually it was a desk calendar long before I became an “apple product addict” and started using an online calendar.  Eventually I realized I’m a visual person and need to write things down.

My most favorite planners are the ones that have the whole month layout as well as weekly layouts.   I need one that lays flat with tabs that separate each month.  I would prefer a 15-18 month planner but find I get tired of it after 12 months and start looking for something new.

I used the Lilly Pulitzer planner last year and thought it was really nice for $30++!   They have since changed the design and I have to say I’m not a fan.  It had a protective thick cardboard cover with spiral binding that allowed it to be folded backwards.   Pockets, stickers and plenty of room to personalize was secondary to the layout.

I found a planner made by Me&My Big Ideas and it’s almost as good.  Only 12 months but the thick plastic coated cover and large spiral make it a decent runner up to my previous love.

And then there are bullet journals and although it seems fun it may be a little to overwhelming.

What’s your favorite planner?

Ashley