Frugal Slow January

[FrugalFashionista]

Happy New Year everyone!

As promised, here is a space for anyone who wants to take things more slowly in January. If you like minimalism or want to simplify your life in some way, please do join us! You might, for example, consider decluttering, Project 333 or a shopping-free period. Or you may be focusing on change in one or more areas in your life. Or you might just generally wish to take things more slowly and mindfully. Here is a space where you can share your thoughts and goals with other people.

Did you make any New Year's resolutions? What will be important for you this month?

Frugal I understand exactly what you mean about good intentions being left behind when things get stressful, in my case it's my eating habits that suffer as I can't be bothered to make an effort cooking and turn to quick and easy convenience food.

January has been an interesting month and not quite the slow meaningful start to the year that I'd hoped for.
DH's new job has meant that as a family we're getting used to a new routine (earlier starts, later evening meals) and we have just started completely remodelling our bathroom. Although it's only one room the upstairs is in complete disarray and being a bit of a neat freak this stresses me out.

On the clothes front I've done quite well and bought 4 tops, 2 are basic long sleeve t's which are keepers, the other were patterned and not me so have been returned

Yesterday I went for my hair trimming and came out with it 4 inch shorter! It's still well below my shoulders but feels sooo much lighter and bouncier, I also had a fringe cut in which hides my forehead and seemed like a cheaper option than Botox I have also booked an appointment with the colourist next week to have my colour sorted, it's been looking brassy for while and after trying and failing to sort it myself (Touch of Silver and Aveda Blue Malva made no difference) I'm hoping to get back to my natural colour of light ash brown

So looking ahead to February I'm hoping that things will settle down, I've a family get together that I'm looking forward to this weekend, I hope that I'm able to get out and run more and generally spend more time doing the things that I enjoy.

Marking place for February!

Frugal The information diet sounds interesting, have you bought that book?

Hello again after a bit of an absence. Glad to see we're still here, albeit slowly. My health has continued to deteriorate and I'm struggling with exhaustion and pain pretty much all the time now.

I saw the rheumatologist last Friday and he has diagnosed me with fibromyalgia which sucks. There's no treatment and it's a long term condition, so he has asked my GP to refer me to the chronic pain clinic. I'm struggling with this and am basically in denial about what this will mean. I'll see my GP later this week to get some meds to help me sleep, as that is a real issue at the moment.

However my generally slow and organised life has lots of benefits when things get like this. I spent a lot of time on the minimalism threads last year and it means now I don't have loads of stuff everywhere, I have a cleaner and I'm organised from a food point if view.

January had flown by for me, but not always in a good way. I have bought some clothes, but then wasn't trying not to. I snagged a Pure Collection teal cashmere dress off eBay for £35 and have had a couple of other great things. This time of year is definitely the time to buy if you're an eBay shopper. I will build up a bigger list for next year, including perfume and summer clothes. I'm not an impulse shopper, but I do like quality so it works for me.

QoW I'm so sorry to hear about your health problems A close friend has fibromyalgia. Hope you'll find a balance in medication and get help with sleeping. I'm so happy to hear that you already have lots of positive routines in place that simplify your life!

Mother your new hair sounds fab! And good luck with the transitions… Getting the new routines and rhythms in place always takes some time…

Welcome Green! This is a very slow thread so I'm not starting a new one for February - let's keep updating here, I'm sure there is enough space for a full year!

Briar, re: the information diet, I'm trying to do much less aimless internet surfing (it's clearly an overshopping trigger for me and face to face contact with RL people feels always more satisfying than social media). I haven't read the book but I'll turn off all electronic devices as early in the evening as possible, try to go to bed around 10 pm and read in bed until I fall asleep. (I'm immensely enjoying Jeremy Rifkin's The End of Work - as recommended by a highly literate Italian taxi driver!!!)

I ended up having a fairly stressful January. I often think that being trapped at home with small children makes me unhappier and more inert. Last month, I had plenty of time to reassess this as I was travelling alone and then my DH took the children to MIL's. On my own, my life actually felt less balanced! I overworked and the inertia got worse. (I could have left the house to see a movie/go to a bar/to visit a friend, but I didn't.) The weather was really poor so I didn't really want to go outside, and being alone I ate a lot of takeout/preprepared food. So although I tend to resent the busy mornings getting children ready for school, cooking in the evening, and bedtime hassles, those routines are actually good for me too and my life gets worse if I'm fully on my own!

I think I was overambitious with my Jan goals. Getting the eating and exercise rebalanced big task and just like Mother I reverted back to my old patterns when I felt more stressed. Doing the small good things really helps, but again when I got busier I had no time. Tracking money spent was very good, but while travelling it got too confusing with currency changes and partially billable expenses. When I realized I was over budget, I felt I had failed and had a classical 'let's spend like there is no tomorrow' feeling during the final sales. I managed to do a lot of returns on Monday so I'm back on track!

So what did I learn? I'll limit travelling. I was able to change some things and that feels great, but I'll have a goal-free February - Recovering Shopaholic has two mottos for this year, 'Simplicity' and 'Joy' and they are a great theme for my winter too. I'll enjoy having my family, take things slow, read more and try to do more things that make me happy.

Sorry about the epic length of this post … How are you ladies? How is your February going?

Can I join? This seems such a lovely inspiring thread so please accept some and best wishes to those of you who are unwell at the moment.

I'm a SAHM of two small children in my early 40's who's feeling the need to make some subtle and not so subtle changes this year.

I've been on the Minimalist thread over in Good Housekeeping and that has helped in so many ways over the past few months. Our house is very much a work in progress but I need to apply some of the same simplifying and balancing principles to myself too. What I eat; what I wear; what I do with my time - all of these things need attention but I end up in the usual procrastinators' paralysis and nothing changes...

I must away to do the school run for DC1 now but I will be back at some point in the next few days and hopefully you can help guide and chivvy me with my plans and their execution! I can't really talk about any of this IRL (Frugal - I'm an introvert so the idea fills me with horror!)

Sorry for the lengthy and somewhat self-absorbed post!

Hello ladies, I lurked during January and have enjoyed reading your thoughts.

Last year's frugal fashion threads were really helpful for me. I started tracking all my clothes purchases and was a bit shocked at how much I actually bought. It led to a re evaluation of my shopping habits which I hope to continue with in 2014.

In the sales I purchased a pair of super comfy flat black shoes which means I am getting more wear out of my skirts and dresses. I also bought a fairly unexciting teal and black striped top which has already been worn 5 times this year because it's warm, comfy and goes with all my bottoms.

I have resolved to try and read 10 books this year and visit the theatre or cinema at least once a month. I can also get an on the day theatre ticket for less than the price of a new top and I know what will give me more pleasure!

Teacake I totally identify with procrastinators' paralysis! I know that sometimes completing a small task makes a big difference but it's just getting started that's a problem.

Hello everyone,
A steady start to February so far, my house is in total chaos while the bathroom is being done so I'm trying not to think about that, Teacake I'm a big advocate of minimalism and find that if my house starts to get cluttered I immediately get stressed, how come that I can identify and act upon clutter in my home but not in my life

Is anyone else bored with winter clothing? I can't wait to ditch boots and jumpers. I've not indulged in any Spring purchases yet but have been pinning to my hearts content . I altered the length of a pair of charcoal trousers that have been sitting unworn for months and wore them yesterday so that has satisfied my need for new clothing.

Does anyone else get down at this time of year? In the past I've always dreaded February so I'm making an effort to enjoy it this year. I've managed to get some good runs in which always boost my mood and I'm looking forward to spending the day with my DM tomorrow mooching around my favourite city and having a leisurely lunch.

Hi all,
The dark time of the year is always hard for me, I get mild SAD symptoms, feel lethargic, and could sleep until March
February is usually sunnier and nicer, but I'm still feeling a bit listless and unfocused.
I've been very busy in the past weeks, so I have decided to take some time off today to run some errands because the sun is out!!!

Teacake welcome and please come back to talk about your plans!
Mother sending you a lot of strength and patience. I had to constructors over for an hour yesterday and even that was trying.

Aphra fantastic hearing from you, your messages are so uplifting! Yy to your reading and theater goals! (Keep us posted! Many years ago, I saw Philip Seymour Hoffman in A Long Day's Journey Into Night and will never forget the performance! I could easily have spent that evening doing something totally nondescript - I'm so glad I didn't!) I've found that a good dose of enjoyable experiences will make me much happier! Please share such experiences, big and small, here. They are always inspiring!

Aphra and Teacake, I'm also a master procrastinator. In fact, I could write a PhD thesis on procrastination would never finish it of course. I've gotten procrastination pretty much under control using this approach. The Pomodoro method is also very effective, especially for dull routine tasks. I set weekly goals and review them regularly with a friend who has a similar job. I've learned that if I overwork one week, I tend to be really unproductive the next week. Taking some time off and leaving the house almost always helps.

Mother I find winter dressing really boring. Right now, however, I'm not bored because I indulged in the sales because I'm having a love affair with winter white. Pure white does not suit me, but this time of the year I'm seeing an infinite array of the shades of white that suit me best - vanilla ice cream white, slightly grayed white, and slightly rose beige white. But if you mean dreary scarves, waterproof options, dull and heavy boots and non-stop rain, I'm totally fed up with all that

Like I said, I'm still feeling a bit listless and tired, but these are things that I have enjoyed in the past days

• baking banana muffins with my children last night (messy and I was tired, but they loved it)
• making a batch of pesto
• I did some very effective DIY plumbing repairs
• went to bed early last night, slept well and woke up refreshed, having time to cuddle up with DC
• reading Rifkin
• a nice home-cooked lunch today just for me and DD2

Hi all, good to read how you are all doing
I too am fed up with the constant rain and dreariness. Have some things to look forward to this month though. DS birthday is in a few weeks then the week after it's our wedding anniversary so planning on a meal out and a trip to the theatre. DH and I decided last year to stop buying things for each other and instead spend the money doing something together. So looking forward to that.

Goals wise I have been slowly clearing out. Sold a lot on eBay and a lot has been taken to the charity shop! I determined to read all the books I have that I haven't started yet before buying more. I bravely resisted the Waterstones sale!

Another goal was to get off my phone more and actually do things! So Internet browsing etc is done on DS nap time only and the rest of the time my phone stays on the side where I can hear it but it's not in my hand all the time!

Things I have enjoyed recently:

• reading. Loved the goldfinch and the signature of all things. Reading the luminaries at the moment.
• watching breaking bad. DH and I are watching a couple of episodes each night together. Behind the times in getting into it but it's so good!
• baking little cakes with DS *storytime with DS before bed. Cuddles with a sleepy boy

Happy rainy February everyone !

Ooops sorry not sure what happened there!

MotherofChickens you inspired me this morning as I looked around at the clutter and did a clear up/organise. My son was very happy coming home from school! :-)

This thread is moving too fast for me now! Good to see you back AphraBehn.

frugal I saw that Recovering Shopaholic post as well about not having goals, but key words you gravitate towards. The word that has stuck in my head is luxury. I'm not absolutely sure what I mean by that, but probably things that feel indulgent and good to me.

So things I've enjoyed in the last week or two include:
A L'Occitane candle (so much better than cheap rubbish from IKEA)
Buying daffodils for home and work
Taking lots of pain meds (as compared to waiting until I'm in so much pain I could cry and then eking them out)
Hot baths with badedas and Epsom salts

I'm still very much enjoying my winter clothes, probably partly because I'm a vibrant autumn so the colours work for me. Also, this is the first winter since minimalising (is that a real word?) my wardrobe and having my colours etc. done. I love wearing just about everything in my wardrobe and the quality is high - it really does pay dividends.

TeacakeMax I spent much of this time last year on the minimalist threads and the frugal fashion ones over here. I think you need to take a root and branch approach to minimalism (decluttering is only the first step), before you can find the space in your own life to focus on you. Patience grasshopper.

I've also been enjoying the Wardrobe Architect series on this blog:

www.coletterie.com/

There are worksheets and everything!

Also thanks to whoever recommended the Style is a Language blog earlier on this thread.

QoW thanks for that amazing link! I love fashion but it's very rare to see such a thoughtful take, someone actually thinking things through!

Busy with work , but loving everyone's posts, very inspiring, will be back later for more detailed comments!

Queen I'm very much trying to do quality but am struggle were to start as will need to do gradually due to£. I have invested in a Brora cardigan in the sale in kingfisher blue which I hope will last forever and go with jeans and a navy shift dress and grey cords. If it s your thing please advise. It also makes ecological sense to have non disposable fashion. ! Except white t shirts ; can t find any that are good quality or stay white!

Ah, can't keep up with the thread...but it's interesting to read, marking my place again!

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis Queen. Disorders like that REALLY sucks
Thank you for the coletterie link it looks great.

Hope I didn't come across as insensitive, I wanted to express my sympathy. I have health problems too...and it sucks.

I really need a frugal slow February.

Just popping by to say what a great blog that is QoW Just having a read of it now.

Wow it's busy here Yesterday I was moaning about inertia, but it has been a social whirl since... Had a relaxing half-day off taking in the sunshine, browsing shops I never have time to enter to buy organic vegetable stock and quinoa. Then out late for drinks last night. Work busy in a good, stimulating way; a friend cold-calling in the afternoon (people never really call any more to chat, but she did!), and another telling she's just landed and would I be free for a quick aperitivo. (Yes!!!) Cuddles with DC. And a lovely party coming up...

Hope you all have a great weekend and sending a lot of feel-good vibes and virtual daffodils to everyone!

QoW I love your luxury theme, you deserve lots of lovely moments: the things you've come up with sound really nice! Enjoy!
Ellis thanks for the tips, I really need to read The Goldfinch!
Green well done organizing
Sugar your investments sound great and I love your quality over quantity approach! Keep us posted!

Everyone is busy being slow...
Came to post a new article on the information diet / digital detox from today's NYT. While I'm not totally disconnected yet, I've cut my time online and as a result I've read more and slept better. I've also started working in a nearby cafe once a week - without email, phones etc to distract me, I seem to get boring tasks done much more efficiently.

I've been busy doing nothing Frugal

After having a lovely day with my DM on Friday I have spent a relaxed weekend at home during which I've spent time researching and booking a family holiday and a child free weekend away to look forward to next month.

The information diet is something that I need to seriously consider as I never seem to be unplugged. I picked up Life After Life last weekend to read while waiting for DS to finish at the local sports centre and haven't picked it up since. I love losing myself in a book but skimming through blogs seems to have taken over.
Speaking of blogs this was mentioned in the Coletterie blog and it looks very interesting (especially if your a bit obsessed about capsule wardrobes like me!)

Ellis DH and I are also latecomers to Breaking Bad and have started watching it this weekend, looks like just the thing for dark February nights when there's not much else on TV!