Fabulously Renewed

Reduce, recycle, reuse… and now renew.  Renew should be the new black.  I can think of three reasons why; it’s better for your wallet, the planet, and makes fashion fun.

I have a pair of boots that I bought in London about five years ago that just weren’t getting the wear that they deserved.  Although very chic, the low kitten heel didn’t translate to everyday comfort as I had hoped.  I had a few options.

1. I could sell them.

2. I could give them away.

3. I could see what magic the shoe repair could do.

I decided to do the latter.  Instead of buying another pair of boots, I was able to give my previous pair a completely new life.  I’m very excited with how beautifully they turned out, and will never go to another shoe repair again.  I have found my shoe savior for life, or at least as long as I am living in Los Angeles.

I had no idea that you could simply have the heel of your shoe changed and it completely transforms the shoe.  My “new” boots look fabulous again and feel better than they ever did before.  I love getting excited about the small things in life.  Making an old shoe new I guess is one of those things for me.



(If you are a resident of Los Angeles, check out Eddie’s Shoe Repair in Sherman Oaks.  They do wonderful work! 13716 Ventura Boulevard
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423-3024  (818) 788-6010)

Tapping Into Creativity

Be Clutter Free

Green Beauty Is The Best Beauty

Serene Minimalist Bedrooms

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DIY Body Scrub

This is probably one of the easiest body care products you can make yourself with what you already have in your kitchen cabinets.  The benefits of using a body scrub it to assist the natural process of skin shedding and reveal new skin cells, and also to prevent to appearance of uneven skin tone and blemishes.

What you will need:

Carrier Oil (Almond, Avocado, Sunflower, Coconut, Jojoba, etc.)

Sugar (White Cane Sugar or Brown Sugar)

Fragrance (ex. essential oils, vanilla absolute)

16 oz jar

Fill your jar 1/3 full with the carrier oil of your choice.  Now add your fragrance.  I used seven drops of vanilla absolute.  Now add sugar and stir occasionally until you have almost filled your jar.

Using a sugar scrub is a very easy way to keep your skin soft and moisturized.  Because of the oil base, you may not even need to apply lotion afterward.  Feel free to mix your carrier oils or even add vitamin E oil to further nourish your skin.  Sugar makes an excellent body scrub as it produces a natural glycolic acid that exfoliates the skin beautifully.  If you prefer not to use a carrier oil, you can also use vegetable glycerin instead.

*Be careful if you have a slippery tub or shower.  You may want to use a rubber mat.

Enjoy!

DIY Fragrance Body Oil

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Posted in Beauty, DIY | 2 Comments

Minimalist Styling With “Uniforms”

One way to build and style a minimalist wardrobe fashionably is by sticking to a few “uniforms” that truly flatter you.  When I say “uniforms” I mean stylish basics that you can always go to instead of looking at a bunch of disjointed clothing items when you open your closet door.  This makes getting dressed so much easier and will save you time as well.

I talk about the importance of designing a color palette in Chic Minimalism For Your Wardrobe to weed out clothing that never matches, and to guarantee workable clothing separates that seamlessly pair together well.  Taking this concept of styling to the next level begins with establishing a few uniforms for different occasions that may also be somewhat seasonal by changing shoes, adding tights, or even a sweater or coat.

Using these 12 different clothing items, here are five examples of uniforms that I love.

Tunic

Leggings/Cigarette Pants

T-Shirt

Lightweight Sweater

Jeans

Dress

Blouse

Wide Leg Pants

Pencil Skirt

Jacket

Boots

Flats

Outfit #1–Tunic, Leggings/Cigarette Pants, Boots, Jacket

Loose fitting tunics with slim pants or leggings can be truly casual and comfy, yet with a great boot, jacket and accessory or two, you looked thoughtfully pulled together.

(image by altamiraNYC)

Outfit #2–T-Shirt, Jeans, Flats

The traditional t-shirt and jeans don’t have to be boring.  The organic line Edun brings simplicity and art together in the most beautiful way.  Looser fitting tees with slim line jeans tend to look chic and effortless.

(image by edun.com)

Outfit #3–Dress, Boots

Gaia Conceptions has been a favorite organic clothing line of mine for quite sometime.  I love the look of the perfect dress with boots.  Add tights and a sweater to this look for the fall.

(image by gaiaconceptions.etsy.com)

Outfit #4–Lightweight Sweater, Wide Leg Pants, Flats

Here is a chic and simple silhouette this time with a slim fitting top with wide leg pants.  This uniform is truly timeless and elegant.

(image by victoriassecret.com)

Outfit #5–Blouse, Pencil Skirt, Boots

Boots make this look fun!  I’ve always favored how they instantly change the feel of any outfit.  This same blouse and skirt would look very classic in heels or flats.

(image by jcrew.com)

The idea of the uniform is for easy mindless dressing.  Actually it isn’t completely mindless since you have to do the work in the beginning.  Although it is a way to really figure out what combination of separates makes you feel glamorous.  Then you’ll never have to say “I have nothing to wear” again.

(top image by D Sharon Pruitt)


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DIY Multipurpose Household Cleaner

The most toxic aisle in any store is always the one with household cleaners.  Our homes can be more toxic than outside pollutants, because of all of the chemical laden household products used.  We have been programmed to be extremely germ-conscious, and think that only the strongest chemicals can keep our home and laundry clean.  The strong chemicals are then masked with artificial fragrances to make them smell good.  The problem with this is that these chemicals cause allergies, asthma, bronchitis, contact dermatitis and other skin aliments, not to mention the environmental pollution into our air and water, and the manufacturing pollution to make these products.

I recently ran out of the eco-friendly household cleaner that I regularly use, and this time decided to make my own.  I have used every ingredient in this DIY multipurpose cleaner separately to clean or disinfect but had never made my own multipurpose cleaner.  To my surprise this DIY cleaner worked just as well if not better.   The other exciting benefit is the money that will be saved by making my own cleaning products.

What you will need:

1 Liter Spray Bottle

Small Plastic Container

White Vinegar

Baking Soda

Hydrogen Peroxide

Tea Tree Essential Oil (optional)

Lavender Essential Oil (optional)

Pour 1/8 cup of baking soda in the spray bottle using a funnel.  (I used a piece of paper to funnel the soda into the bottle).  Next add 1/4 cup of white vinegar, and fill the rest of the bottle with water leaving about 1/2-2 inches from the top empty.  Finally add 20 drops of tea tree essential oil or 20 drops of lavender essential oil. Tea tree oil and lavender oil are also antibacterial essential oils, so they make great additions to any cleaning product.

For a polishing cleanser for tough dirt, mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide.  These two cleaners will both disinfect and deodorize.

For more DIY household cleaning ideas check eartheasy.com.  If you’re not one to make your household cleaners other wonderful eco-friendly companies that make household cleaning products and more are Seventh Generation, Simple Green, Method, Mrs. Meyers, and Ecos.

(Image by D Sharon Pruitt)

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Artists and the Minimalist Lifestyle

When I first started on this journey, I didn’t find one artist discussing their minimalist lifestyle.  Although I haven’t seen too many artists writing about their journey, I do think that many artists can be minimalists.  As an artist you may not be as extreme as only owning 100 personal items, but you can pare down so that you are able to focus more on creating versus unnecessary clutter.

As an artist, I need to have color and art around me as they influence my mood and keep me motivated to create more art.  My minimalism has nothing to do with living in a home only decorated in neutrals, owning only 100 items (although that is great if you can), or having a wardrobe consisting of predominately black basics unless you want to.  It does however focus on minimalism in terms of your environmental footprint, being a conscious consumer, and paring down excess possessions and clothing, minimizing the to-do list, using chemical-free beauty products, being vegetarian, and buying organic, vintage, fair trade, and handmade clothing and items when you do shop.

I believe that minimalism can actually create a clear focus for an artist.  By getting rid of clutter, maximizing your money, and organizing your art supplies, you are allowing more space and time to devote to your art.

1. Give your art a home. Decide which room in your home, or what area of that room you will use as your studio.  Now decide how you would love for it to look even before you start the process of decluttering and reorganizing.

2. Take out all of your supplies. Look through everything that you own and toss what is old, broken, crusted and dried up, and no longer inspiring.  Give away any supplies that you are no longer interested in and recycle and toss the rest.

3. Determine your focus. With what you have left, decide what area of creativity you are most interested in doing.  If five years ago you thought you’d be interested in scrap booking, but never started and still haven’t thought once about it, give those supplies to someone who currently is.

4. Create with what you have. Decide at this moment you will design, paint, draw, knit, etc. with your current supplies.  This forces you to be more innovative and you will most likely surprise yourself.

5. Organize. This is one of the most helpful tasks.  You may need to buy something if you don’t already have it, but it will save so much time and energy finding the supplies that you need.  Check your local thift shops for the perfect organizational tool for your supplies.  Here are a few eco-friendly options from Way Basics.  Way Basics is a company that makes sustainable furnishings from recycled paper!

Way Basics Eco Modular 3-Shelf Storage Shelf
Way Basics Eco Modular Storage Cube

Way Basics Madison Bookcase

Use items that you already have such as glass jars to organize smaller arts and craft items.  You can even label them with 70% recycled printed paper and cardstock by Eco Stack, or you could use the scrapbooking paper you haven’t tossed out yet.  To learn more about Way Basics go to their website.  To read more about decluttering go here.

Posted in Creativity, Declutter, Minimalist Lifestyle | 2 Comments

I Keep Finding More…Inspiration

As I continually clear out what I no longer need, use, or even want to have any more I am surprised that I keep finding more things.  My home is cleaner and clearer than it had ever been.   I have noticed that I have become more sensitive to clutter since joining the minimalist journey.  I also no longer desire to head toward the mall when stressed for “relief” or even search things to purchase online or on my way home from outings.  I don’t buy cosmetics or beauty products just to try something new anymore, because I love what I already have.

Another thing that I continue to find is more inspiration to continue on this path.  I’ve always loved the home that looks unlived in.  It probably has something to do with visiting model homes with my family on Sundays when I was young.  I usually went home and cleaned my room up immediately afterwards.  Maybe odd to some, but I’m starting to get why minimalism attracts me so much.





I’m loving the freedom that minimalism has created in my life.  No longer am I controlled by consumerism and I’m watching as this freedom has entered all areas of my life.  It is a wonderful feeling to be free!

Serene Minimalist Bedrooms

Minimizing The “To-Do” List

Declutter Now–Minimalist Home Inspirations

(Images in order by home.lux-interior.com , uuldesign.com, homepride.com.my, greatinteriordesign.com)

Posted in Inspirations | 2 Comments

The Eastern Sierra Nevadas

The Eastern Sierra Nevadas are absolutely breathtaking.  I loved spending time near the waterfalls.  The sounds of water crashing against rocks were so peaceful.  The wild flowers were extremely beautiful.  I especially loved the blue dragonflies, green and black butterflies, and orange blossoms, not to mention that everywhere I looked seemed to be a dream.

For my very first backpacking trip, the trails were more intense than I expected.  I must admit I feel backpacking must be very different from camping.  The constant movement leaves little time to relax especially if you don’t begin your hike at dawn.  Also what I thought was going to be a lightweight trip turned out to be heavier than I had hoped.  Carrying 33-35 lbs. on my small frame wasn’t my ideal.  I had no idea I would be taking a tent on my pack and I probably packed more clothing than I really needed in fear of being cold at night.  It turned out that I wasn’t cold one bit.

For my very first outdoor experience I lasted five days in the wilderness.  My husband and I ended up leaving two days earlier than planned.  The mosquitos were relentless at Lake Ediza where we camped for two days, yet thanks to the nylon rain jacket my best friend lent me, I left the trip almost bite free.  I did wear it every day with the hood up and long pants.  The late snow that year kept the ground wet longer which resulted to mosquitos more prevalent than ever seen in August.

This is what I learned.

1. Once again less is more!

We met a man who was backpacking for three weeks and his pack was 22 lbs.  I asked him how he got his pack to that weight.  He only had the clothes on his back (T-shirt, down jacket, shorts, hiking boots and socks) and one other shirt, thermal pants, and most likely undergarments that he didn’t mention.  He didn’t have an alternate pair of shoes, only 5 lbs. worth of food, and took the day pack off the top of his pack.  He also cut off any extra straps that hung on the pack for convenience.  I’d bring two more changes of underwear and an extra pair of socks, yet his wardrobe simplicity was something to learn from.  Next time I go backpacking I will get my pack weight less than 25 lbs.

2.  Less Food, More Comfort

When you are hiking five or more miles a day uphill on rocky terrain eating a ton of  heavy food weighs you down.  It weighs down your pack and also slows down your pace.  Easily digestible carbohydrates, trail mix, and dried fruits are the best foods to bring with you.  Comfort foods should be saved for evenings only.

3. Bugs, Bugs, Bugs

If you’re like me and don’t like putting chemicals on your body, take a nylon rain jacket with you.  Some of the best defense from bugs is to stay covered from head to toe.  My family who sprayed themselves with DEET still got bit.  My mentor who has done amazing work in Haiti told me that Avon Skin So Soft and pure citronella oil is a wonderful bug repellent.

Avon Skin So Soft Ingredients

Mineral Oil/ Huile Minerale

Isopropyl Palmitate

Dicapryl Adipate

Parfum/Fragrance

Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate

BHT

Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil

Although the ingredients are not even close to my standards of natural products, I’d much rather use Avon Skin So Soft than DEET which is a chemical solvent, plastizer, and pesticide on my face and body.  Depending on where you are going, trust your instincts and do your research.

4. Day Packing is a Great Option

The two days we stayed in Lake Ediza resulted in a mile hike away from the mosquitos to an oasis near a gorgeous water fall along smooth rocks where we relaxed for hours.  It was so easy to jump rocks and balance on logs to cross lakes without our heavy packs.  It also allowed us to really see all of the gorgeous terrain we were completely surrounded by because we weren’t looking down so much to guarantee each step was secure.  You may not get as far in one day but you will have time to truly enjoy the scene if you aren’t lightweight backpacking.

5. Cosmetics

When you are in the wilderness, cosmetics aren’t what you are thinking about.  Depending on where you are going can also determine what you will bring.  In bear country all of your toiletries need to be unscented.  For me that was a unique challenge but I did well with it.  Here are a few great products!

Dr. Bronner’s Baby Mild Liquid Soap

Burts Bees All-In-One Wash (Not unscented)

Burts Bees Res-Q Lip Balm SPF 15

Baking Soda (For Toothpaste)

Badger’s SPF 30 Unscented Natural Sunscreen

Aloe Vera (For Skin and Hair)

6. My Lightweight Backpacking Wish List

Investing in a few ultra lightweight backpacking supplies might be worth it to help you enjoy your trip more than you could ever imagine.  In addition, once you have it you’ll never have to spend money on it again.

Western Mountaineering HighLite Sleeping Bag- 16 oz.

Vargo Outdoors “Triad Titanium Alcohol Stove”- 1 oz.

Tarptent Double Rainbow- 2.5 lbs.

Patagonia Down Sweater- 11 oz.

“Neo-Air” Thermarest Sleeping Pad- Reg 14 oz.

Terramar Women’s 100% Pure Silk Thermal Underwear

I do love the great outdoors, and I will go backpacking again soon.  Next time I will have a better idea what I’m getting into, and preparing will be easier than ever.

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Lightweight Backpacking Trip

This is my very first backpacking trip ever and I am on it right now!  No, I didn’t bring my laptop along for the journey as I am off the grid.  Although I am looking forward to sharing what I’ve experienced upon my return.  I have really minimized my packing for a week and believe that this trip will truly give me new perspective on minimalism and environmentalism.  I have with me the clothes on my back and a single change of clothes including a skirt, thermal top and bottom, a fleece, down vest, sandals, sleeping bag, headlamp, and food.   I also have extremely minimal toiletries and a journal.  I know there will be a great deal to share!

(Image by D Sharon Pruitt)

Minimizing The “To-Do” List

I’m Not Buying Fashion Magazines Anymore

A Fashionista’s Minimalist Style

Posted in Minimalist Lifestyle | 2 Comments
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