Journaling to a Place of Non-Judgment...

I'm on a quest... One where--when situations arise--I can observe them as unaffectedly as possible--without judgment.

The beauty of being in a place of non-judgment is it's the pinnacle of living a mindful life.  Imagine experiencing without judgment...

Non-judgment lends itself to objective responses--versus emotional responses.  Non-judgment is the place where one's own acceptance of her or himself is the prize (rather than having others' acceptance).  Non-judgment is where one is more compassionate to themselves--and others, too. You see, non-judgment is my idea of safe and sound...

And, sure--I deserve to have my feelings about what someone said or did or whatever the issue might be...  Yet, letting things first be viewed as objectively as possible allows me to get a better handle on what is causing those feelings.  That is the beauty of non-judment, yes?

As of late, I've been using my journal to explore and cultivate more non-judgment in my own life.  It's been a practice where I'm slowly gaining more insight (and ability) each and every day.

Silk Blouse: Banana Republic (thrifted)

Jeans: DKNY

Boots: Nine West

Handbag: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Diamond Men's Watch: Elgin (yard sale purchase!)

Wooden Bangle: Thrifted (Vintage Vogue in Bloomington, IN)

Statement Necklace: Monet (purchased at area antique shop)

Cape: Handmade and Vintage (Etsy)

Sunnies: Firmoo

Non-judgment means not blaming oneself, either.  And...this includes those times when one holds her handbag backwards during photo shoots (smile).

Joy and peace,  T.

How to Rebel, Stylishly...

In the last few years, I've allowed myself to rebel a bit...  That's right; I'm rebelling against those things that set me back--don't allow me to shine my light brightly--prevent me from playing big (versus small).

Here' a sprinkling of what I'm rebelling against:

• apologizing unnecessarily (e.g. No longer do I state, "Sorry for the length of this email."  I either write a shorter email or say what I want to say--without apologizing.)
• the need to please
• worry that others may think I'm not "nice"
• feelings of having to "prove" myself
• hiding my light
• holding my tongue (My opinions count as much as anyone else's!)
• doing what society expects (Being a 50-plus-year old woman doesn't keep me from doing anything!).

As in life, so be it in fashion as well... Zebra print pants and black leather hightop sneakers at my age?  Yup, I'm rebelling a bit--stylishly, too (smile).

Leather Jacket: Vintage Spiegel

Sweater: Zara

Pants: Chaps

Handbag: Juicy Couture

Gloves: Vintage Coach

Sunnies: Vera Bradley

Enamel Pendant: Vintage via Etsy

Share with me your thoughts on rebelling stylishly... I would love hearing them! 

Joy and peace, T.

The Grace of Easing Oneself into Things...

Confession time... I haven't attended yoga class for roughly the past ten months.

Got "too busy," and just didn't make time to go back... Yeah, I know... That's not to say I haven't practiced yoga, however.  I've engaged in a few routines and poses (at home) almost weekly.

Last Wednesday night, on the eve of the spring vernal equinox, I returned to yoga class--to a session entitled "relaxation yoga."  Ommmm....  What a perfect way it was to ease myself back into the swing of things--and to welcome this long-awaited new season!

Think I'll continue on with added relaxation classes for a bit--before I head back into something more lively and challenging.  There's a simple grace to a strategy like this.  Don't you think? I've signed myself up for a class this Saturday afternoon entitled, "Spring Equinox Yoga + Relaxation." Ommm...

Silk Blouse: Lord & Taylor (vintage via Etsy)

Lace Top: Vintage (via Etsy)
Leather Pencil Skirt: Thrifted (Vintage Vogue in Bloomington, IN)

Leather Bomber Jacket: J Crew

Tights: No brand

Booties: Nine West

Glass Beads: Vintage (bought at an antique store)

Sunnies: Dollar Tree

So, tell me... How are you easing yourself into the swing of this lovely new season?

Joy & peace, T.

Let Internal Guidance Reign!

In the past few years, life's flow has started to make so much more sense to me; largely because I've come to trust my own internal guidance.  What I've found (most especially in the working world) is that my internal guidance is like my own personal guardian.  She knows what's best, and always tells me so.

Those folks who turn out to be deceptive... Well, nine times out of ten, I'll smile and tell myself, "Yeah, I had a feeling..." In the times I know I need to take action or react; I do, and have never regretted it. Instances when things don't seem to "add up," are the points when I dig deeper...

This strategy benefits me in my personal life, too.  Case in point, I've been doing a bit of "research" on the observation of the moon's cycles.  Last weekend, there was a full moon.  At first, I thought that meant was a time for more increased activity.  I was tired, though.

Lots of activity (physical and otherwise) simply didn't feel right.  As a result I rested.  Turns out, the full moon offers the best chance for reflection and restfulness (rather than action). Looks like my inner wisdom already knew that--as that's what I chose to do (smile).

Blouse: Lucky Brand

Vest: Ralph Lauren

Jeans: Calvin Klein

Handbag: Juicy Couture

Boots: Mountain Lake (old)

Brooch: Vintage (and consigned)

Sunnies: Vera Bradley

Ceramic + Rose Gold Watch: Anne Klein

Rose Gold Link Bracelet: Vintage via Etsy

Bakelite Bangle: Vintage (bought at an antique shop)

Joy, peace and may your internal guidance reign supreme! T.

BTW, I'm linking (Monday) to the Two Birds' Inspiration Monday blog post. 

What I Like Best About Empties...

Lately, I've read a lot of blog posts focused on the subject of empties.  It's a topic that actually fascinates me.  I enjoy seeing what products others are using--as well as their opinions about them.

There's another thing that truly excites me about empties, though...  Can you guess what it is?

It's that an empty means I  get to recycle a box, bottle or plastic container.  You see, the older I get, the more I understand the connection between my quality of life and the wellness of our precious planet.  To me, Earth Day isn't just a day in April; it's every day.

Shawl: Anne Klein

Jeans: Laguna

Booties: Nine West

Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff

Gloves: Isotoner (gifted and vintage)

Sunnies: Nine West

Men's Watch: Hana (Hubby's castaway)
Turtleneck: TranquiliT

Featured above is an empty of mine from this month.  It's Clinique's Butter Shine Lipstick in Pink-a-Boo--which I adored!  It provided my lips with lots of moisture, and had fab staying power, too.  Last week, I ventured out and bought a tube of Clinique's Different Lipstick in Glazed Berry (see it pictured below). I'm loving it as well--for the very same reasons.

Share your thoughts with me on empties, the planet, fashion or anything else that tickles your fancy!

Joy & peace, T.

The Power of a Kind Word or Two...

Locally, myself and several others have recently become active in preserving a public service that's vitally needed in our community.  Unfortunately, there are opponents of our efforts--who have chosen to paint us in a somewhat less-than-favorable light.  And, although I know my efforts are aimed at doing what's best for this lovely community I so adore, it's still difficult when the press and opposing interests twist things out of context...

Saturday morning, while enjoying breakfast out with Mark, an acquaintance approached me to let me know there a number of people behind us in our efforts.  His parting message was, "Keep fighting this."

Having seen nothing but slanted press views and nasty emails this past week, his little sprinkling of kindness truly fuels me to do just that--to keep doing what I know is best.  Amazing what a few kinds words can do for someone, isn't it?

Riding Jacket: Anne Klein (vintage via Etsy)

Sleeveless Turtleneck: No brand (and older)

Vegan Leather Belt: Betsey Johnson (vintage via Etsy)

Jeans: American Eagle

Mother of Pearl Pendant: Vintage

Men's Watch: Pulsar

Boots: Nine West

Handbag: Vera Bradley

Sunnies: Target

Take a moment to reach out and share a bit of kindness, today.  Who knows where it might lead?

Joy and peace, T.

In Touch with What Naturally Feels Right...

Happy St. Paddy's Day! Just so you know, the jacket I'm sporting appears to be green, but it's actually brown.  Funny, huh?

How was your weekend?  Mine was quite relaxed.  Last week was especially busy for me.  As a result, by Friday evening, I was feeling the effects.

Despite the fact that I'd hoped to walk outdoors, create art and an assortment of other industrious tasks, I was "bone" tired.  In the past, I may have pushed onward; challenged myself beyond my comfort zone...

This past weekend, I didn't choose to push myself any further than what felt natural.  So, I spent a lot of time napping and lounging and fully knowing it was exactly what I needed to do.

In addition to the rest and relaxation I granted myself, I amazingly felt up to enjoying breakfast out on Saturday, savoring dinner downtown on Friday and Saturday, and taking a jaunt to the local thrift shop this past weekend.  But, that's what I felt up to doing--making these things the natural choices for how I spent my time.

 Suade Jacket: Coldwater Creek

Top: L.L. Bean

Skirt: Old Navy (thrifted)

Statement Necklace: Jennifer Lopez via Kohl's

Belt: Chaps

Handbag: Vera Bradley

Tights: Simply Vera Wang via Kohl's

Boots: Nine West

Sunnies: Dollar Tree

Watch: Geneva

Joy, peace & the luck o' the Irish to you!  T.

BTW--I'm linking on Monday to the Two Birds' Blog.  Drop by and join the festivities!

When Saying Less is More...

I'm all for using my voice--not holding back on sharing my views and messages with others.  In the spirit of celebrating balance, however, I'm here to say that sometimes saying less is more, though.

There are times when it's best to listen; not speak. The biggest benefit is that it puts distance between what I hear and how I respond.

When it comes to blogging, the fewer words used, the better.  I strive to keep myself at less than 100 words per post.

Workplace emails?  If I can't say it in five sentences or so, it's time for me to call a meeting, pick up the phone or visit someone in person to discuss the matter.

Vest: Coldwater Creek

Sweater: Zara

Jeans: DKNY

Belt: Coach (consigned)

Handbag: Juicy Couture

Boots: Kinney (vintage and thrifted)

Black Bakelite Bangle: Vintage via Etsy

Other Bangles: Vintage boutiques

Men's Watch: Pulsar (gifted)

Goldtone Bracelet: Fossil

Sunnies: Dollar Tree

What about you? When do you find that saying less is more?

Joy and peace, T.