Furry Clementine

I've welcomed 2014 with open arms. I know I'm not the only one who was extremely tested in 2013. While it was my hardest year, it was my most life-changing. I began my career, moved out on my own, I lost my dear grandmother, and the year ended with chronic tension headaches. It wasn't easy but I learned a lot about life and about myself. 
In the past two months, I've learned what chronic pain and anxiety feels like. I began getting headaches everyday since November and after trying medication, seeing multiple doctors, visiting the emergency and still feeling the same, I developed a strong interest in wellness. My personal wellness journey began when I realized my overall health wasn't in the hands of doctors or medications but my own. I made a lot of lifestyle changes including stopped drinking coffee and consuming caffeine, eating healthier, drinking more water and tea, practising meditation and yoga, writing in a journal, quit jobs that were causing additional stress, confiding in friends and family, exercising a couple times a week, and finally learning to relax. My life for the past three years has been amazing but one thing I forgot to do was relax. Come to think of it, I simply didn't. I had to be doing something at all times. And I know some of you reading this are the same way. From me to you, please sit down, breathe and relax once a day. 
I was diagnosed with tension headaches during my day at emergency. When I inevitably googled the condition, I learned that they were mainly caused by stress, muscle tension, and "taking on two many activities". Yup, sounds like me. I knew right then that my body was speaking (rather screaming) to slow down. And slow down I did. My anxiety is now under control and my headaches have significantly reduced to about one a day (trust me, that's improvement). I know it will take more time to become headache-free but I'm very confident I will get there. 
I'd love to share in detail my coping mechanisms and how I've gotten to reduce my anxiety, change my thoughts, and hence fix my health. And I welcome your tips too, of course. This may sound cheesy but trust me when I say that you are in control of your own life and you deserve health and happiness. Don't let pain, suffering, or judgement tell you otherwise. Don't be afraid to ask for help and believe in your potential, because it's huge. 
Here's an outfit post (one I wore to work this week). Enjoy! 

Dress: Gap, Rikochet Resale $25. Vest: Winners, $25. Bolo tie: Value Village, $3. Boots: Charlotte Russe, Rikochet Resale $18.  Glasses: Kenzo. 

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Temptations took over.

A week into my shopping hiatus proved to be quite the challenge. Such a challenge, in fact, that my shopping addiction took over me. I found out about a thrift store that I had never been to and my curiosity of what could be waiting for me took over and I went to simple take a "peak". Also, being that I've probably visited almost every thrift shop in the city, the fact that I had never been to this one irked me. 

The shop is called "New To You" and it's located in the basement of an Anglican church in Westboro. I really liked the name because it is simple and completely describes why I like to thrift. 

Once I got home, and realized what I had done, I immediately felt guilty and disappointed in myself. I had broken my resolution only a week after I had set it. This was something I really thought I could do but the fact that I went shopping proved that my problem is larger than I originally thought. 

I've decided not to give up on my hiatus and to see this as a bump in the road, for lack of a better phrase. I've extended my hiatus to a week into March and plan to stick to it this time. 

I hope this encourages you to not give up on your resolutions, what ever they may be, even if you get off track sometimes. 

Here's what I bought:

         

 Apropos black trench coat with leather details and tartan removable wool lining: $8

I simply adore this coat! This is my first black trench coat and it's warm enough with the wool lining to wear in the early spring. 

 Joe Fresh black linen blazer with complimentary silk pocket scarf: $2

I was drawn to this blazer firstly by the brand name (I'm a huge fan of Joe) and second by the adorable scarf that was sitting in the pocket. I honestly probably wouldn't have bought it without seeing the way it looked with the pocket scarf even though I can usually visualize thrift store pieces in different ways. This will come in handy come spring. 

 White piece of (rabbit?) fur: $1

I think I fell into a thrift store haze when I purchased this item. Long after I bought it I contemplated why I bought it. I think I thought it was a stole or useful in someway, until I really looked and realized it was simply a piece of fur. After much thought, I decided that I would make it into a clutch in the future since I've always wanted a fur clutch. Wish me luck.

Union jack pencil case: $0.50

As a lover of all things British  I had to have this. I will probably either use it as a makeup bag or pencil case but it can be used to store almost anything that will fit. 

Green mod-print scarf: $2.50

As you know, I'm a tad obsessed with the whole mod style. I don't have many mod print scarves (if any) and I really wanted to get back into the habit of wearing head scarves again. They're great for bad hair days and boring outfit days. I'm thinking of making a video or picture tutorial of the various ways I like to wear headscarves because I usually only see them on people with longer hair. Yay or nay?

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2013: Two-month shopping hiatus.

This may come as a shock to you--

I have decided to go on a two-month shopping hiatus. 

Yes, me! I've given this mini-resolution a lot of thought. Besides the obvious reasons like saving time and money, my main reason for doing this is that I literally have no more space to keep adding to my closet weekly. In fact, a few weeks ago my closet rail actually snapped and my closet essentially exploded with clothes.  

My closet, post-explosion. 

I have too much stuff and it's made it more difficult to get ready in the morning. I've been less creative with my outfits and I hate it. 

It's actually been proven that when we have too many options, we will likely feel like we've made the wrong decision. Having less options to choose from in my closet will make it easier for me to get dressed and I will be forced to get creative-- something I love and miss doing. 

In order to complete my shopping hiatus, I will follow two rules:

1. Not allowed to purchase/attain ANY clothes or accessories between January 1, 2013 and March 1, 2013. 
2. Allowed to purchase undergarments when needed. 

You may be thinking... What will happen to your blog?

Nothing.

I will continue blogging and sharing my journey with you! I look forward to this challenge and I truly believe I can do it.

My other 2013 resolutions include:

- be a kinder, more patient person
- continue to eat healthy
- be more physically active
- save money for England trip 
- pay off student loans

I really believe in goal setting. I think if you start out with a goal in mind and make a plan to achieve it, anything can happen. Attitude is very important to goal setting too. You have to try to keep a positive mentality and find ways to remind yourself of the end result.

"2013" aka "the best year yet":

A few years ago, my best friend Rosie came up with what seemed to be fictional idea at the time- that 2013 would be the absolute best year. And as the time got closer, certain things would hint at this idea and now it's become a complete reality. Rosie, along with me and many of our friends, have come to believe that 2013 will be amazing. From new music to new beginnings and new clothing stores, we just know it will be awesome. 

Happy New Year and wish me luck! 

What are your 2013 resolutions? 

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