Saturday, December 31, 2016

Happy New Year!


A new year is a fresh start. It's like a new baby, rosy cheeked and full of potential.

What will you do in 2017, that will make you proud by December 31?

What will change you? What will enhance your life and the lives of those around you?

2016 was my Homespun Year. You can read my Homespun posts on the designated page at the top of my blog. You might also like to check out Budget and DIY, and even Motherly Advice.

I am proud of what I achieved in 2016, and I hope that I encouraged you to stretch your imagination and creativity, so that you too, feel you've achieved something special. Congratulations. It's not easy learning a new skill, or understanding that creating and gifting home made, is something of which to be proud, if you've always been committed to a big spend up for celebrations. Did I help you see gifting and celebrating in a new light? Did I help you to see that you are talented, in ways you never imagined? Were your treasures welcomed by family and friends, be they baked, grown, crafted or stitched? Can you now see a future where you've gifted generously, but you're not facing Credit Card debt come January each year? Because that is my greatest wish. Well done, you.

2017 will be my Nurturing Year.

Will you join me as we nurture ourselves first and foremost? For unless we do so, we cannot give of our best self to the ones we love most.

My aim will be to see us looking after our mind, body, spirit, diet, consciousness, and dress sense, in a way that will see us changed for the better.

I want to see us zhooshing up our neighbourhoods with our personal fabulousness. We can be the bright light in someones day, the face the shopkeeper looks forward to seeing, the smile that lights up the room, the person of whom it's said, 'they always look lovely, no matter what'.

Let's make it a year of rising that little bit earlier to take more care with our appearance. The year of adopting a gentle exercise programme that can be acted upon come rail, hail or shine. The year of eating more healthfully, shunning the foods that we inherently recognise are not good for our body, no matter how good they taste, and embracing the fresh, the foods bursting with nutrition. The year of allowing ourselves time for a home made beauty treatment once a week. Of viewing ourselves honestly in that full length mirror, and acknowledging that we can be better, trimmer, healthier, more at peace with ourselves, our lot in life, and the world at large.

I'd like to see us stepping out our front door each day, bursting with confidence, knowing that whilst we may not be Zsa Zsa Gabor (God rest her gorgeous soul), we can live life to the full, inspiring others with our gentle demeanour, good manners, and impeccable grooming and dress.

We Aussies, myself included, are a bit guilty of the 'that's good enough' attitude (also known as 'she'll be right, Mate) when it comes to our appearance. In my neighbourhood, I see many women who just look tired and frazzled, shopping in their workout gear, or tracksuit pants and a t-shirt. I have nothing against either of those things, in their place. Workout gear in the gym, tracksuits likewise. Or at worst, as something to keep you warm in the depths of Winter in your own home. And even then, is there not something more flattering that will keep you just as warm?

I know we all have days when we just can't be bothered. But aren't those also the days when we catch a glimpse of ourselves in the mirror as we walk by, and cringe slightly? Yes it's nice to have a pyjama day, or a casual day, but even then, could your pyjamas and casuals do with a little makeover? Then at least Pyjama Day or Casual Day still sees you looking fabulous, not frumpy, and that glimpse of self that catches your eye in the mirror, sees you with a spring in your step, pride in your heart, and a smile on your face.

As with everything here at A Tray of Bliss, this has little to do with spending money. It's about knowing how to care for yourself, and your wardrobe, so that you make the most of both. It's about not letting fashion or celebrities dictate how you choose to dress. But it's also about not dressing down to make others comfortable. That's for the birds. It can be about finding your own style, or dressing to reflect the things in life that are important to you. Even then, however, we can find ways that do not end with us looking less than our best.

I want to show you how a pair of shoes or a scarf, can change the way you see yourself, and how others see you. We can talk about how to have a good hair day, every day. The words 'Dress - Formal' on an invitation will no longer strike fear into our hearts. And a trip to the supermarket will see our demeanour, smile and dress sense, put a smile on the faces of all who we meet.

My secondary goal is to continue my Homespun theme, making it more about nurturing home and family. I'd like that. A sense of continuity is good.

Are you with me?

Let's start on January 14th.

That allows you two weeks to collect the following items...

A full length mirror (available at Dollar stores and Variety stores for around $10)
A journal
A camera and/or selfie stick
Your favourite home outfit
Your favourite daytime shopping/out and about outfit
Your favourite after five outfit
Your favourite shoes and bag

Be honest. Do not contrive to make those outfits anything other than what they are. Your favourites. No judgement. Even if they are workout gear or tracksuit pants and a t-shirt. From there, you can only enhance your self esteem and personal presentation, so there are no rules.

Let's start two weeks from today, and see what we achieve by December 31, 2017.

Happy New Year!

...Mimi...

28 comments:

  1. Happy New Year. I'm with you on this one. I need a good shake up! Ronnie (England).

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    1. Ronnie I will welcome your input and feedback. Mimi xxx

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  2. Sounds good to me Mimi. I know I could do with a shake up in this area. It will be nice to have you as my coach.

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    1. Sherri, we'll work together! No betters and lessers here xxx

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  3. I am with you. Though I don't wear anything that as the saying goes "I wouldn't be seen dead in". I have started wearing an apron when cleaning so that my clothes can then take me to the supermarket, out for a coffee or lunch. I don't have any formal wear as I never go anywhere that requires it. I wear scarves, and hats(appropriate to the season), and constantly get comments about how good I look. And I have to give you some credit for this for steering me and others to Madame Chic, and Orchids on a Budget.
    My major problem is finding shoes with a 1 inch heel(no higher) that look good, rather than something made for grandma's in the 1890's, even though I am a grandma I can still want to look good.

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    1. Meg, you sound as though you could teach me a thing or two! As for the shoes, I agree. Finding something 'dressy' that adds elegant inches to my 5'3" frame, yet does not cripple me, is a challenge! However, I've recently found a solution and I'll share that soon, I promise. Mimi xxx

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  4. Dear Mimi, I must admit that I don't really look after myself as well as I should, and I would be grateful for some help in the dressing department. Should be an interesting year. Lyn

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    1. Dear Lyn, as someone who has always been very 'visual', I find it's best for my overall wellbeing to ensure that my appearance and environment are pleasing to the eye. I've only recently come to appreciate that others may be more particular about having beautiful textures (sense of touch) or like my husband, be very sensitive in their auditory input and may prefer certain sounds in their environment eg water, wind, chimes or in a personal sense, shoes and fabrics that whisper against the skin and floors (so no heels or dress shoes). Maybe give some thought to that idea before we begin too. Mimi xxx

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  5. I'm definitely with you on this! Exactly what I need. Blessings, Rosemary xo

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    1. Dear Rosemary, I'm thrilled to have you join me. Mimi xxx

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  6. Dear Mrs. Mimi:

    I love the word zhooshing. I love this blog. I am a firm believer in stepping outside of the house dressed in whatever is your best. My problem is when I'm staying at home. I am a sad lot. lol I don't zhoosh around my home for sure. And sometimes when the doorbell rings, I don't answer it. Because I'm totally embarrassed with my "at home" look. I look forward to your emails on a daily basis and now I'm going to be even more excited to receive them! Happiest, Nurteringest New Year to you!

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    1. M'lynn I think we are all a bit sad in the at home department! Let's work on that together. Thanks for your lovely comment. Mimi xxx

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  7. Bring it on, I am ready to see what you've got! Although I am not sure you will get me out of my sweatpants and t-shirts around the house :-)

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    1. Lol AnnMarie....let's wait and see ;-) Mimi

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  8. Your blog is inspiring Mimi. I have been working on this very same issue for the past year. My trouble seems to be what to put with what as I have long since lost any sense of style, and no real interest of what's in fashion. I want my wardrobe to work for me. I have a long way to go and will very much be joining you on this adventure through 2017.

    If I may - Meg - I have had some shoes made to sort out the heal height and fit issue and happy to pass the info along if you like.
    Erica

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    1. Thankyou Erica! I know exactly what you mean. I have had some education and a few epiphanies on this dilemma recently and look forward to sharing. Mimi xxx

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  9. Dear Mimi, Happy New Year! I would never step outside without being nicely dress, hair and makeup etc. But I need to re work my at home around the house options as they are a bit tired and worn. I like comfort at home but to look nice. And I am making milk bath and relaxing formulas, treatments and sorting my wardrobe which is really now a simple capsule wardrobe with a few fabulous evening things for special occasions. This year I am all about the daily routine... I will look forward to all your tips! With love, Annabel.xxx

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    1. Dear Annabel, yes! The daily routine is where it all begins. Small changes make a huge difference. Talk soon! Mimi xxx

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  10. Dear Mimi, Happy New Year. Zhooshing is something I definitely need. In my time of life I am feeling the heat, even when it isn't particularly hot. My own seasons see me wearing loose cool cotton dresses a lot. My night attire isn't going to win any awards so this is an area to work on. Looking forward to tips and ideas and the input of others. Life is good. but with a bit of zhooshing, it might be better. Jane

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  11. Happy New Year,Mimi, to you and your family! The wardrobe is crying out for a good tidy and weed. Done the undies and nightie drawers but stalled when I got to scarves. I have two drawers of scarves, both summer and winter weight, and I use most of them. Will try again when it is cooler. Deborahx PS My husband can still eat a baking tray of your vanilla slice in three days. It's a BIG baking tray.

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  12. I would love to join you. I live in north Idaho, USA which is very causal in dress. I have been working on wearing better clothes at home. I have one bag and I see that needs to change. I am looking forward to the year with you. Marylee

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  13. Happy New Year Mimi, a tad belated sorry , been pre occupied with planning and new ideas. Look forward to what's ahead :-)
    I too like to look nice when Im out , but with our inclement changeable weather Ive had a few not so good outfit days I now cringe at.
    be back here on the 14th hehe , with love Maria xxx

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  14. Happy new year love!
    Thank you for all you do for us! Your blog is such a joy to read.
    Best wishes, the other Mimi !!
    http://inmyprimetime.blogspot.com

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  15. Okay, who ratted me out?! I am not fibbing even the slightest bit when I say that I have turned into a total slouch. If you would've told me that I would ever look and dress like I do now, I woulda told you that you had canary feathers in your brain!! I was the one in my college dorm that NEVER wore jeans to class, but always an *outfit*. That was during the Preppy days of the 80's here in the U.S. I wore plaid skirts, oxfords or loafers, bow ties, & a lot of Polo shirts lol. My college roomie said she never recalls a day that I looked anything less than perfect. Then I glided into the Princess Diana era with beautiful hats. So, I do know what it's like to feel good....I just don't quite remember!!!

    I need a tune up. I don't have a camera though. Mine just broke and I cannot afford to replace it. I will do an honest sketch. I look forward to it.

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  16. Just read this today and so excited to start! What a great idea...this world could use a little more glitter!
    Marybeth

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  17. Hello Dear Mimi,
    I too will be following along with you this year as a motivator to keep on shining every single day. 2016 was my year of healing & 2017 is my year to shine & make life fabulous again. Love & hugs to you & yours xSusan's Perspective

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I love hearing from you! I always respond to comments, so don't be shy! Mimi xxx