My forever water bottle

We’re preparing to serve with OM Ships again this year and it reminded me of sometime back in 2008 when we were volunteering to go overseas with this ministry the first time. We were newly married, graduating university, wrapping things up in Florence, SC and packing what we thought we needed for a couple years of full-time travel.

We didn’t have much, living on love and rarely had money for anything extra other than food, gas and bills. So, I was shocked when Nick came home one day with a little brown paper bag from Naturally Outdoors. I excitedly opened it and found my very first reusable water bottle…a Klean Kanteen. Up until that day, I only remember drinking out of plastic bottles that were supposed to be used once and thrown away. Sounds crazy in today’s world where everyone is carrying water bottles everywhere they go. But back then, my friends and I would buy a Gatorade at the grocery store and use the bottle until it disintegrated or a boy in our class broke it.

Our Klean Kanteen in Aruba 2009

Nick was immediately jealous of the gift he bought me and got himself a matching stainless steel water bottle the very next day. Since the day I got my Klean Kanteen, I’ve gone through many water bottles that have been gifted to me. But, none have lasted. I use them until they break or get lost. But guess what water bottle I still have? My Kleen Kanteen and it’s going with me, yet again, to serve overseas as I volunteer on the Logos Hope. It’s survived, not just sitting safely in the back of the cabinet, but extensively traveling the world with me for over 18 years.

Our Klean Kanteen in Grand Canyon 2012

And because I’m actually so impressed myself, I wanted to put down in writing all the places my Klean Kanteen has been by my side: Trinidad, Tobago, St Lucia, Curaçao, Aruba, Barbados, Jamaica, Guyana, several road trips to Texas, the Faroe Islands, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Denmark, New York City, Scotland, a one-month USA road trip visiting 21 states, camping in the Grand Canyon and the Redwoods, Yellowstone, the Color Run and the Color Vibe races, an Atlanta Braves game, climbed Table Rock in SC and Pinnacle Mountain in AR, been to Shoot the Hooch in Atlanta, camped in the Lavender Farms in Mona Utah, spent three months in Bolivia (South America), kayaked in Murrell’s Inlet, cruised the Caribbean many times over, hiked all over Hawaii, attempted a Triathlon, roadtripped all the way from the Everglades to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the Chicago Bean and Niagara Falls to the Creation Museum and Ark Encounter and Mount Rushmore, hiked to the Lake Louise Tea House in Banff, visited the Rose Test Garden in Portland, cruised through Alaska twice, white water rafting in Spokane, camping in Okracoke, touring Colonial Williamsburg, hiking Gettysburg, Animal Kingdom and Epcot, Biltmore again and again, Cabbage Patch Kids Hospital, Dominican Republic several times and all-inclusives in Cancun over and over and over, Dollywood, London, Clearwater, Miami, Nashville, Savannah, West Palm Beach, Key West, Naples, Jacksonville, Charlotte, Columbia, Buckhead, Boston, Orlando, Charleston, Panama City, Chapel Hill, New Jersey, Asheville, Atlanta, playgrounds everywhere, horseback riding, paddle-boarding, boating, a million play dates and 9,482 other places I can’t even recall and recently got “decorated” by my daughter with stickers that apparently don’t come off.

Our Klean Kanteen in Hilton Head 2021

If I’ve been there, where ever there is, so has my Klean Kanteen. And it’s not a fluke because it’s not just mine that’s lasted, but also Nick’s. Both have seen the world with us and both have no signs of it being close to the end of their life. So, as we pack up yet again, for another long-term adventure, our two Klean Kanteens are on the packing list, just like always.

Our Klean Kanteen in Dominican Republic 2023

It just so happens that Ivy, our 5-year-old, is obsessed with water bottles, is often gifted them because she always loves a new one and is always is hoping to shop for just one more. It’s such a thing with her that we tease that maybe she’ll grow up to one day start her own water bottle company because she’s such a connoisseur. Although she’s owned more water bottles than I can even count, she’s never had her own Klean Kanteen. I know it’s silly, but I wonder which water bottle she’ll finally land on that’ll follow her adventures into her 20s and beyond. Her forever water

Our Klean Kanteen in Banff 2018

My Go-To Packing List

With all the traveling we've done, I've found it helpful to simply keep a packing list handy all the time so that when an adventure strikes, I can throw everything together without too much thought.

Save this list for your next trip to make things easier on you!

Packing List

Toiletries:

toothbrush

toothpaste

shampoo

dry shampoo

deodorant

comb

soap

body lotion

sunscreen

spf makeup

blush

mascara

lipbalm

ibuprofen

DiGize essential oil (for stomach upset)

Thieves essential oil (for staying well)

White Angelica essential oil (for keeping calm)

Peace&Calming essential oil (for good sleep)

Valor essential oil (for good sleep)

Misc:

waterbottle

sunglasses

iPhone/charger

AirPods

Kindle/charger

Diffuser/charger

***Pack these items for only up to 1 week and do laundry if your trip lasts longer than that:

1-7 pairs underwear

1-3 bras

1-7 socks

1-7 tops

1-3 bottoms

1-3 dresses

1-2 pjs and warm sleep socks

1-3 exercise outfits

Outerwear and Accesories:

birks (warm weather)

boots (cold weather)

tennis shoes

bathing suits, coverup and sunhat (warm weather)

jacket, scarf and beanie (cold weather)

Am I missing anything that's on your packing list? If so, please share!

***Order your essential oils HERE and use code SHAREYL for 10% off!

38 pieces of advice

I just turned 38 in August and wanted to put together my words of wisdom!

Here’s my 38 pieces of wisdom to mark my 38th birthday

1. Never say never.

2. Kill them with kindness.

3. Just ask.

4. Spend time with people you love.

5. Travel often.

6. Be generous.

7. Learn something new (all the time).

8. Go on walks.

9. Choose the best option in front of you.

10. Read daily.

11. Plan girls nights.

12. Stretch.

13. Don’t spend what you don’t have.

14. Make goals.

15. Find a hobby (or three).

16. Go outside as much as possible.

17. Set boundaries with your smartphone.

18. Eat real food.

19. Get a dog.

20. Do work you love.

21. Wear comfy shoes.

22. Cook homemade meals.

23. Get monthly facials.

24. Live toxin-free.

25. Practice solitude.

26. Dress in beautiful colors.

27. Tidy your home each morning.

28. Enjoy quiet nights at home.

29. Become friends with your neighbors.

30. Take lots of vacations.

31. Drink more water.

32. Get enough sleep.

33. Use lamps for lighting.

34. Practice minimalism.

35. Kiss your baby too much.

36. Pray constantly.

37. Go on trips with friends and no kids.

38. Talk to a counselor.

Got any good advice? Please share!

36 ITEMS YOU NEED IN YOUR CAPSULE WARDROBE

Do you want a Capsule Wardrobe, but have no idea where to start?  I'm here to help!  There are so many ways of doing a capsule wardrobe.  Many people prefer a seasonal capsule and choose a number limit for how many items they will use during those months.  Since our weather fluctuates so much, I don't do a seasonal capsule, but keep everything in my closet year-round.  It makes it much easier when one day is 80 and the next is 45!

Although I'm not following this list exactly, this is what I think is ideal for feeling prepared and looking your best each day.  I'd start with the 36 basics I mention and then add in the fun pieces as you go for a more rounded wardrobe!

I feel so pretty when I wear jewel-toned tops!

Tanks and Tees: aim for 5-7 items
-start with white, gray and black basics
-add in stripes, patterns and graphics

Long-Sleeves: aim for 5-7 items
-start with white, gray and black basics
-add in sweaters, chunky knits and chambray

Outer Layers: chose basics that match everything else in your closet
-a cardigan
-a blazer
-a jeans jacket
-a pea coat

Warm Weather Bottoms: aim for 3 items
-start with basics like a jeans skirt and jeans shorts
-add in cute options like linen shorts, patterns or slouch pants

Cold Weather Bottoms: aid from 3 items
-start with basics like a pair black skinnies and a pair of skinny jeans
-add in fun options like leather, colors or joggers

Cheetah print shoes are so neutral
and match everything.

Dresses: aim for 4 items
-start with basics like a little black dress, a sundress and a denim dress
-add in pretty options like a sexy red dress or a comfortable maxi dress

Warm Weather Shoes: chose colors that match everything in your closet
-start with basics like a pair of sandals and a pair of wedges
-add in a colorful flat for a fun pop to your outfit
-add a pair of strappy heels if you dress up

Cold Weather Shoes: chose colors that match everything in your closet
-start with basics like a pair of ankle boots and a pair of calve/knee height boots
-add in a cheetah patterned shoe to make things more exciting
-add a pair of heels if you dress up

Accessories: if you enjoy accessorizing
-hats (one for summer and one for winter)
-a scarf that matches everything in your closet
-gloves
-sunglasses
-one pair gold or silver dangling earrings and one pair studs
-one gold or silver necklace
-a watch
-add in statement pieces, fun bangles and chunky rings
-a great purse that matches everything in your closet
-a versatile clutch for dates, girls-night, special events, etc.

Athletic Gear: if you exercise
-one pair shoes
-start with 3-5 complete outfits (including bottoms, tops and jackets)

I love pairing these gold dangling earrings and my
silver diamond necklace from my Grandma.

All photos by Emily Christopher at Emily Lynn Photography

Want more on the Capsule Wardrobe?  Check out some of my older posts:

2014 Fall/Winter Capsule Wardrobe (my FIRST capsule wardrobe!!!)

2015 Spring/Summer Capsule Wardrobe

2015 Fall/Winter Capsule Wardrobe

2016 Spring/Summer Capsule Wardrobe

2016 Fall/Winter Capsule Wardrobe (focused on The Six Items Challenge)

Capsule Wardrobe: Pros and Cons

Capsule Wardrobe: Sleepwear

Capsule Wardrobe: Fitness

Capsule Wardrobe: Makeup

Capsule Wardrobe: Shoes

Capsule Wardrobe: Jewelry

Capsule Wardrobe: Packing

11 Steps To Creating Your Own Capsule Wardrobe

10 THINGS I'M LOVING RIGHT NOW

I feel like I'm a walking advertisement for so many things.  When I love something, though, I want to tell everyone all about it so that they can get it and love it too.  I have lots of favorites, but here are the things that I've been crazy about lately:

Don't you love the silver?

1.  BIRKENSTOCKS - I basically wear these all summer and then switch them out for my Tom's wedges once the weather cools off.  Cute shoes is a must, but they also have to be comfortable or I won't wear them.  Love the companies that have managed to master this!  This pair of Birks are so great because they are comfortable for lots of walking, which is great for a traveler, and they are a cute color and style that can be dressed up or dressed down.  They are a little expensive, but I've worn them almost daily for a few years now, so I'd say I've gotten my money's worth!

2.  CROCKPOT MEXICAN QUINOA TACOS - I leave out the taco seasoning and do my own.  These are so good!  Fill a tortilla, add some avocado and caramelized onions to the top.  Bam.  You've got a meal.  Plus, it's made in the crockpot so it doesn't get much easier than that.  This is my go to meal for guests.  Seriously, get the ingredients and make it tonight.  I haven't had anyone not like them yet.

3.  YOUNG LIVING CEL-LITE MAGIC MASSAGE OIL - I've gone through a few bottles of this stuff this year and really love it.  It's got a sort of orange tint, so it makes my skin look like I have a little more color.  Also, it's moisturizing, so I don't have to use lotion.  And finally, it helps smooth out skin, so bye bye cellulite.  Oh and before I forget, it has grapefruit which can help in breaking down fat.  So, yea, I would highly suggest you get some of this stuff.  I've really loved it and what it's done for my skin and "trouble areas"!

One of my favorite Young Living products!

4.  VAN LIFE - Google VanLife.  Or search it on Pinterest and Instagram.  It's basically my dream.  Sell everything you own, build a van into a tiny house and hit the road.  I look at their photos daily and wish that could be me.  Luckily, Ironman and I are planning our own road trip after Christmas.  We are hoping to rent out our newly renovated home and be gone for several months.  We considered getting a van, but decided to outfit his truck instead to save time, money and then we don't have to worry if we buy a van that turns out to be a dud.  It's no fun breaking down.

5.  YOGA - Over the past year and a half, I have been trying to work out at least every weekday.  I feel so much better and my body has changed a good bit.  I started out with lighter workouts like Barre and other classes at the gym I was interested in, but then moved up to doing some HIIT workouts.  Although I got better results with HIIT, I felt like I kept hurting myself (it's always my hips and knees) and it would set me back.  So, recently, I've become more consistent with Yoga and I've really enjoyed it and can already tell my strength and flexibility are improving!

6.  GOLD JEWELRY - When I was in high school, I got my "colors" done.  Have you ever heard of that?  I'm a summer.  I look best in jewel tones and silver jewelry.  So, for most of my life, I've only worn what matched my skin type.  However, the last few years I've branched out and gotten some things that aren't my color and started to wear some gold jewelry.  I do believe that every person looks best in certain colors and tones, but it doesn't hurt to get outside the box sometimes!

See my gold earrings?
PC: Emily Christopher

7.  GRANITE COUNTERTOPS - They aren't in yet, but I have dreamed of having granite countertops and it's about to become a reality!  We were going to go with wood, but changed our minds and I'm super happy about it.  We should be enjoying them by sometime early next week.  Follow us to see our photos!  I'm hoping that they will inspire me to cook and bake more...we will see!

8.  MARY HIGGINGS CLARK - I don't know about you, but I love a good mystery.  Mary Higgins Clark always twists her story at the very end and leaves you wondering how you never guessed that outcome.  Plus, the books are clean and easy to read.  If you live in Florence, there are tons at the Thieves Market out by the airport for super cheap.

9.  CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER CUPS - Sometimes you just need chocolate right?  And peanut butter of course.  Ironman and I try to eat pretty healthy and avoid sugar, but I love sweets.  So, every now and then we make these chocolate peanut butter cups and store them in the freezer.  They are quick, easy, good ingredients and it hits the spot every time.  Make them for a Friday night treat.  And then send me a quick thank you :)

This is a Fascia Blaster!

10.  FASCIA BLASTER - Have you heard of the Ashley Black Fascia Blaster?  Well, this is my new obsession.  While on our recent road trip, we stayed with friends in DC who had a sauna and a few Blasters.  I would get in the sauna and blast away every night.  In only 5 days, I could tell a difference in the softness and smoothness of my skin.  So, I came home from the road trip and asked for a Blaster for my birthday.  I know it sounds crazy, but check out the Facebook page and read some of the testimonials!  Also, just this week, I've found this Young Living Relaxation Massage Oil is amazing to use with the Blaster. You have to use an oil with the blaster anyway, so I chose this one and love that I don't have to worry about harmful chemicals.  Plus, I've been Blasting at night and when I come home I am super relaxed from all the lavender and other essentials oils in this massage oil, I sleep like a rock!  So, my plan is to use the Cel-Lite Massage Oil to Blast when I do it in the mornings or use the Relaxation Massage Oil when I Blast at night.  My 10 year anniversary is December and we are also going on a family cruise, so I am very motivated to make the next 3 months count!

So, what is something that you are loving right now?  I'm always up for trying new things or learning something new!  Share in the comments :)

WHY I QUIT THE CAPSULE WARDROBE

Since beginning the Capsule Wardrobe in 2014, I dress better and feel better for sure.  I still have a long way to go, but I like how far I've come.  So, let's talk about why I'm quitting...it's not what you think.

Shopping in Hilton Head!

I am a minimalist at heart and love to live simply.  I really do enjoy having less and don't mind having very little clothing.  That's not the problem.  The issue has been with timing.  Let's say, for instance, I see a tank that I would love to wear this Summer, but it's not time to shop for my Summer Capsule yet.  The Capsule Wardrobe concept would tell me not to shop until it's time and definitely not to buy yet.  But, what if I don't see that tank again?  Or what if I do see that tank, but they don't have my size any longer or I can't afford it at that point in the future because I spent my cash elsewhere?  In the past years, in order to follow "the rules", I only shopped when it was "time" to shop for the upcoming season's Capsule Wardrobe.  But, I often felt like I wasn't able to take my time and wait to buy something that I absolutely loved, which sort of defeats the whole purpose of a Capsule Wardrobe, right?

My favorite cold weather shoes...Toms wedges!

Then, one day last year, I was with my Mimi and she said something that stuck with me.  She had a set of pale pink chairs at her beach house.  I commented that I really liked them and wondered where she had found them because they looked like something out of the 70's.  She told me that she had bought them years ago and kept them in her attic.  I said something along the lines of that being silly to buy something that you weren't going to use yet.  And she replied, "Well, I knew that I loved them and would use them one day.  Even though I didn't need them then, since I went ahead and bought them, I had them when I did need them".

Rocket science, right?

My favorite warm weather outfit...birks, jean shorts and a colorful tank!

I let this roll around in my head for months.  The more I thought about it, the more it made sense.  You know when you've waited too long to go shopping for a new pair of jeans?  By the time you do shop, you are in a panic and just have to buy something now.  How different would it be if, when you found the perfect jeans, you went ahead and bought them then?  Now now, I'm not saying go back to crazy spending and a closet packed with things you don't need.  What I am saying is learn to shop mindfully and with control.

My favorite dress...got it from Old Navy and love the bright colors!

So, I'm not technically "quitting" the Capsule Wardrobe.  I'm still a minimalist and will always be, most likely.  I still enjoy having fewer items of better quality.  I still love the 10 item wardrobe.  I'm sticking with all of it.  What I am changing is having seasonal Capsule Wardrobes.  I don't want to box myself in of when to shop for what.  From now on, I will keep a rotating Capsule Wardrobe.  When I love something, I'll buy it and add it to my closet.  When I need something, I'll start looking for the perfect fit.  When something has seen it's last day, I'll give it away or throw it away.  It's the new and improved Capsule Wardrobe...with an Emily twist!

Want more on the Capsule Wardrobe?  Check out some of my older posts:

2014 Fall/Winter Capsule Wardrobe (my FIRST capsule wardrobe!!!)

2015 Spring/Summer Capsule Wardrobe

2015 Fall/Winter Capsule Wardrobe

2016 Spring/Summer Capsule Wardrobe

2016 Fall/Winter Capsule Wardrobe (focused on The Six Items Challenge)

Capsule Wardrobe: Pros and Cons

Capsule Wardrobe: Sleepwear

Capsule Wardrobe: Fitness

Capsule Wardrobe: Makeup

Capsule Wardrobe: Shoes

Capsule Wardrobe: Jewelry

Capsule Wardrobe: Packing

11 Steps To Creating Your Own Capsule Wardrobe

CAPSULE WARDROBE: JEWELRY

Capsule wardrobes are becoming more and more popular.  People are overwhelmed and seeing the benefits of living more of a minimalist lifestyle.  It's not just less stuff to own, but owning quality so that you always look and feel your best.  Your capsule wardrobe can include not only your clothes, but your pjs, workout clothes, shoes, makeup and even jewelry!

Have you ever worn a pair of cheap earrings and it was obvious?  Maybe your ears got red and itchy. Or maybe they even turned blackish green?  You might have even broken out in a rash!  Not pretty, right?

I went through a period where I really wanted lots of earrings and bracelets and necklaces to match all my outfits and colors.  Because I'm on a limited budget, that meant that I had to buy cheaper pieces.  Cheaper meant itchy ears, black skin and even rashes at times!  Plus, after a short time, the jewelry looked old and didn't keep it's color.  

Now, instead of spending $25 to buy 5 pairs of earrings, I'll take that $25 and buy one quality pair that I really love...like the ones in the photo above!  Yes, it means that I have less items, but the items I have hold up better.  

How about you?  Do you like to get lots of pieces at a cheaper price?  Or do you like to spend more to get a few pieces that are better quality?

CAPSULE WARDROBE: PACKING

As you know, we love traveling!  Packing, however, is a different story.  I always plan to pack light, but then panic at the end and begin shoving things in "just in case".  Can you relate?  This is yet another reason why the capsule wardrobe is amazing.  The less choices we have, the less we pack.  And the more good options we have, the better we look.  It makes traveling so much easier.

So, you want some tips on packing with a capsule wardrobe?  Great!  Pull out that dusty suitcase, answer the questions below and then head over to your closet.

Where are you going?  Business trip?  Romantic getaway to Sandals?  Funeral?

What will the weather be like?  Cold?  Hot?  Rainy?  Muggy?

Who will you be with?  Just your husband?  A bunch of kids?  Your in-laws?  Girlfriends?

What type of activities will you be doing?  Sitting around with family?  Sight-seeing?  Relaxing by the pool?  Going out to fancy dinners?  Working out?

Will I have washer and drier access (for longer trips)?  

Now that you're standing in your closet, staring at your clothes, it's time to get started.  Choosing the right items is so important when traveling so that you are comfortable and feel confident.  It feels overwhelming because of all the "what if's" that could happen when you are away from home.  Just make sure to keep things simple so that you aren't busting at the seems when you arrive at your destination.

Here is my typical packing list (I try to only use my carry on when possible):
-underwear, bras and socks
-pjs (sometimes I throw in my bathrobe and slippers)
-one outfit per day
-exercise clothes (if you plan to work out)
-one pair shoes (try to bring just 1-2 pair that match everything and are comfortable)
-toiletries (ask your travel buddy to share some items so you aren't bringing two of everything)
-accessories (just like shoes, try to pack items that match everything)
-book
-cell phone charger
-you may also need things like a bathing suit, raincoat, little black dress, heels, etc depending on the weather and your activities!

Just remember to be prepared, while also packing light!

The trick is to taking just enough so that you are comfortable, but not so much that you have things you don't even need.  I have to admit, I'm not great in this area.  I can pack light, but I usually don't use everything and am wishing for something that I didn't bring.  Ironman actually tells me that I always pack the wrong things for trips!  Haha.  Practice makes perfect, right?  You'd think after how much I travel, I would be a pro at this!  So, if you are still struggling in this area, don't beat yourself up over it.

What is one thing that you can't live without when you travel?

9 STEPS TO SPRING CLEAN YOUR BEDROOM

I don't know about you, but I'm like a butterfly coming out of her cocoon after spending months indoors.  Although I could sit outside on my porch in the winter, I don't enjoy it near as much because it's freezing!  So, the past few weeks, as I've enjoyed the warm sunshine and fresh air, I've felt ready for a great big cleanup inside my house.  It feels so good to do a deep clean, simplify, rearrange things and freshen up.  Unfortunately, most of my house is in the middle of renovations, so those areas will have to wait.  The only completed rooms in the entire house are my bedroom and bathroom, so I will get to work to keep those spaces feeling clean and organized.

Are you ready to do some spring cleaning like me?  Here are my steps I love to cross off to feel most accomplished:

1.  STRIP.  The best way to start is to strip the room clean of everything except the furniture and mattress.  Take down the curtains.  Remove the linens from the bed.  Clear out all the clothes from your drawers and closet.  What's left should be about as much as you'd find in a hotel room.

2.  DUST.  Start at the ceiling and work towards the floor.  Crown molding first, then the light fixtures.  Door and window casings, followed by furniture.  If you have wood furniture, you probably will want to polish the pieces with something "oily" to give back moisture and shine.  Finish with shoe molding.

3.  CLEAN.  Go back and clean the windows.  Look around the room and see if there are any spots or stains that need extra attention.  The last thing you should do is vacuum.  I LOVE my Young Living Thieves Household Cleaner.  I can clean and spot treat everything in the room: molding, walls, floors, carpets, rugs, furniture, etc.  I've even used it to remove impossible stains from linens and clothing!  It's completely natural and safe, so it's ok if your pet licks or if you get your kids to help with the cleaning!  Plus, you won't be breathing in harmful toxins while trying to spring clean.

4.  WASH.  Start washing all the linens, including curtains, beddings, mattress cover, pillows and any other type of material that has collected dust and can go in the washing machine.  Some items may need to be dry cleaned, so check labels.  Also, you may have bedding that is too large or heavy for your washer, so you might have to take a trip down to the local laundromat.

5.  SORT.  Look through the items in your room (furniture, linens, pillows, rugs, lamps, decor, framed pieces, etc.) and ask yourself if each thing should stay.  Do you still enjoy that item?  Is it in good condition?  Does it need to be replaced?  Can you up-cycle it by chalk painting it or getting a new lampshade?

6.  CAPSULE WARDROBE.  This would be the perfect time to start your own capsule wardrobe!  Just as you went through the items in your room, do the same with your clothing.  Go through each item and ask yourself:

-Do I feel attractive when I wear this?
-Does this cut and fit flatter my body?
-Do I feel comfortable in this?
-Does this color look good with my skin tone?
-Do I like this style?
-Overall, do I enjoy wearing this?

If you answered "no" to any of those questions, you might want to consider giving away that item.  Do this with each piece of clothing that you own, including accessories.

If you want more details on how to create your own capsule wardrobe, check out this blog post.

7.  PUT AWAY.  Once you have gone through the every item in your room, including your clothing, only put back the best.  Items you love, enjoy looking at, wearing, etc.  Less is better when you have a bedroom filled of items that make you feel your best.

8.  FRESHEN UP.  Smells really effect how a place feels, so I love for my home to always smell clean and fresh.  One of my favorite tricks is to diffuse is Lemon and Peppermint essential oils.  Not only does it clean up the air, but it doesn't put toxic chemicals into my home like most candles.  The Lemon smells so clean and the Peppermint so fresh.  Plus, with all the dust you've been dealing with, they help you stay on top of the sneezing and itching...add Lavender to that combo and you're really in business!

9.  REPLACE.  When you sorted through the items in the room, you may have found that some things need to be replaced.  Old pillows are kinda gross.  A new rug could really change the look of the room.  Updated lampshades make a huge difference.  You don't have to spend a ton of money.  Just consider one or two items that would really pack and punch and start there!  You may even decide to simply chalk paint old furniture or take down the old curtains for good to open the room up.

Do you have a tip for spring cleaning?  Please share in the comments below!

11 STEPS TO CREATING YOUR OWN CAPSULE WARDROBE

I have always been a minimalist, but in the summer of 2014 I began to see things all over the internet about minimizing your wardrobe.  I saw everything from "The 40 Hanger Closet", to "Project 333", "The 5 Piece French Wardrobe" and many others all with the same idea of downsizing.  I was hooked.  Little did I know, but my friend Jamie had come across the same thing!  So, we quickly set up a frozen yoghurt date at Orange Leaf and started planing out our new and improved wardrobes!

Jamie brought some print outs from UnFancy so that we could get our thoughts together and down on paper.  We went over what we "own and wear", what we "own and don't wear" and a little bit of special occasion clothes and travel.  After coming up with a plan, it was time to go shopping and build our Fall Capsules.  I copied UnFancy and chose 37 items...here is my post about it!

Once I got into this Capsule Wardrobe idea, I went a little crazy on Pinterest and ended up running into Jennifer L Scott, author of Lessons from Madame Chic, and watched her TEDx Talk on the 10 Item Wardrobe.  Jennifer was my favorite Capsule Wardrober (is that a word?) because she spent time in Paris and learned about fashion while in that culture.  I was instantly in love with her work and decided that I was going to go with her for all things related to my new obsession with the capsule wardrobe idea.  

Since the Summer of 2014, I have diligently done the Capsule Wardrobe and really enjoyed the ease and simplicity.  At first, it was a lot of work weeding through my clothing, but I have learned a lot since then about what feels good to me and looks good on me.  When I look back at old photos, I remember how I would wear certain outfits and feel bad all day, but didn't really understand that at lot of it had to do with how I felt in my clothes.  Clothes aren't the most important thing in the world, but they do so much for a person's self confidence and how they are perceived by others (think first impressions).

So, are you ready to get started on your own Capsule Wardrobe?

Let's do this.

STEP 1.  Do your research.  Google.  Use Pinterest.  Go to Barnes and Noble.  Find other blogs.  Read up on the capsule wardrobe so that you feel prepared and excited to get started.

STEP 2.  Get to work.  You are going to have to try on a LOT of items and be VERY honest with yourself.   This includes shoes, socks, underwear, bras, pants, shorts, skirts, all tops, dresses, belts, scarves, hats, pjs, bathrobes, swimsuits, coverups, all jewelry, gym clothes, EVERYTHING!  

STEP 3.  Make a mess.  Take ALL of your clothing (listed in step 2) out of of your closets, drawers, shelves, cabinets, boxes, storage bins, from under your bed, everywhere…EVERYTHING!  Take it ALL out and throw it on your bed or on the floor.  

STEP 4.  Organize into piles.  You are going to clear an area to make three piles: give away, throw away, keep.  All of your clothing will end up in one of these piles by the time you are done.

STEP 5.  Give away or throw away over-worn or unflattering items.
Ask yourself these questions:
-is the item stained?
-is the item stretched out?
-is the item an awful color on me?
-does this item make me feel ugly and/or fat?
-is this item old looking, picked, dingy, etc?
***If you answered yes to ANY of these, the item needs to go to GIVE AWAY or THROW AWAY!

STEP 6.  Give away or throw away never-used or barely-used items.
Now, everything that is left, should be good-looking items.  Ask yourself these questions:
-have I worn this item in the last 12 months?
-is this a seasonal item, like a winter coat that I DO wear?
-is this a sentimental item, like my old wedding dress?
-is this item a special item, like a dress that I DO wear when invited to weddings and formal parties?
***If you answered "no" to all of the above, the item needs to go to GIVE AWAY or THROW AWAY!

STEP 7.  Keep only the best.
Now, EVERYTHING that is left, you are going to try on and look at yourself in the mirror.  EVERY SINGLE PIECE OF CLOTHING.  For each item that you put on, ask yourself:
-does this make me feel beautiful when I wear it?
-do I feel comfortable in this?…no cutting off circulation, no leaving deep red lines anywhere, no painful blisters...
-does this color look good with my skin tone and eye color?
-do I get compliments when I wear this?
-do I enjoy wearing this?
***If you answered "no" to any of these, the item needs to go to GIVE AWAY or THROW AWAY!

STEP 8.  Neatly put away items you are going to keep.  What is left can now go back into your drawers and closet.  You might not have much, but remember that's ok!  From now on, you'll buy things that you truly love and look amazing on you.  Sound good?  Also, consider buying all matching hangers or baskets to make everything look organized and streamlined.

STEP 9.  Throw away.  All the items in the throw away pile go directly in the trash before you change your mind.

STEP 10.  Give away.  All the items in the give away pile go directly to donation before you change your mind.  Find a local shelter or someplace that could use these items to help others.

STEP 11.  Come up with a plan.  Do you have enough clothes left to wear (remember Madame Chic only has about 10 items)?  Or, did you do a serious clean out and you need to restock your wardrobe?  You may have kept "your best items", but you'd still like to replace them when you have the money.  Anything goes.  This is YOUR capsule wardrobe.  Just decide how many items you want in your closet and what items you want.  Then, you'll be able to see if you are missing something and need to go shopping.  If you need extra help, click HERE to go to the Unfancy Blog's FREE printable wardrobe planner.

Remember creating your own capsule wardrobe isn't about cleaning out and going shopping, although all that is fun.  It's about keeping and wearing only the items that you feel and look great in, so that you look your best everyday, but with less effort.  

Have you ever tried doing a capsule wardrobe?  If so, tell me your favorite item in your closet!

If you're curious to see how my Capsule Wardrobe began and has evolved over the years, check out some of my old posts:

2014 Fall/Winter Capsule Wardrobe (my FIRST capsule wardrobe!!!)

2015 Spring/Summer Capsule Wardrobe

2015 Fall/Winter Capsule Wardrobe

2016 Spring/Summer Capsule Wardrobe

2016 Fall/Winter Capsule Wardrobe (focused on The Six Items Challenge)

Capsule Wardrobe: Pros and Cons

Capsule Wardrobe: Sleepwear

Capsule Wardrobe: Fitness

Capsule Wardrobe: Makeup

Capsule Wardrobe: Shoes

Capsule Wardrobe: Jewelry

Capsule Wardrobe: Packing