Minimalism Series: Wardrobe Essentials

Defining my personal style was easy, I love wearing black, that’s a start. I like wearing skinny jeans pairing them with everything. I’ve given away my dresses even before deciding to take the minimalism challenge. My life revolves around work, meeting friends over coffee or dinner or staying at home most of the times. I hardly go to parties so I don’t think I’ll need party dresses, one (LBD) little black dress would suffice I guess. I live in London where it’s always cold even in the summer so coats and jackets are must-haves. I might gonna have a bit of situation picking which bags to keep. Jewelries not so much, so I won’t have a problem purging this category.

Now I must list the essentials I’d like to keep in my wardrobe.

My 20 Wardrobe Essentials

1. Coat
2. Leather jacket
3. Structured blazer
4. Black graphic tee
5. Black and white tees
6. Black and white blouses
7. White and grey long sleeves
8. Black and grey jumpers
9. Little black dress
10. A-line skirt
11. Skinny trousers
12. Skinny jeans
13. Ankle boots
14. Sneakers
15. Wedges
16. Knee high boots
17. Watch and earrings
18. Cross body bag
19. Shoulder bag
20. Backpack

I already have most of the items I listed, except for a perfect leather jacket and A-line skirt. I hope to find them this year.

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Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication

Having been moved to several countries, I’ve finally learned how to let go of things I don’t need, things that don’t matter. Last year, I participated to two carboot sales, post ads on adverts.ie and gave away a lot of things to charity. On our recent move to London from Dublin, we squeezed all our stuff (accumulated in 10 years) in a medium-sized van.

Once settled here in London, I feel lighter with all unnecessary stuff gone. It helps that the house we’re living in is newly built and was purely painted all in white. I decided not to hang any frames and bring just few accents. I’m planning to buy plants but have to learn not to kill them first.

While exploring more about becoming a minimalist, I chanced upon Rachel Aust’s Minimalism Series on YouTube. She also created a 60 Day Minimalism Challenge available for everyone who wants to simplify their life. I’ll be printing this list and see how I progress…

Let me know if you’re joining the challenge and tag me on Instagram @DesignSpiceUK so we can encourage one another, haha. #60daystominimal

No matter what it is, JUST DO IT.

I’ve realised, life is too short to wait on something.
Time is too precious to do nothing
No matter what it is,
JUST DO IT.

If you have an idea and you think your life will be better because of it
Don’t fret, be bold and do something about it
No matter what it is,
JUST DO IT.

Don’t be too hard on yourself
Don’t be shy to ask questions
No matter what it is,
JUST DO IT.

If things didn’t work out as you have planned
It’s alright, everything is going to be alright
At least you’ve tried
No matter what it is,
JUST DO IT.

Seriously, JUST DO IT.

~ Tuesday Dé Máirt

Mobile Wallpapers Free to Download

I was browsing my old sketches the other day and these three words often pop out somewhere in my drawings. They are indeed my favourite words and got inspired to create these wallpapers. Feel free to download them by clicking these links:

Hello

C’est la vie

Believe

 

4 Recipes of Fruit and Veggie Smoothies to Try

I’ve avoided fruits and veggies like plague, I never liked them. My mum spoiled me with anything I ask to eat when I was younger (everyday macaroni and cheese, yikes!). When she died of heart attack in 2012 at the age of only 62, I began to rethink about my unhealthy eating habits and consider to exercise. I’d like to live longer and try not get sick. I’ve searched some healty drinks that won’t make me sad drinking them. I tweaked them according to my liking, this is a must to not hate eating healthy food.

Fast forward, I drink smoothie (or sometimes veggie juice) every morning before anything else. My body is loving it and I feel lighter and happier.

Here are the four recipes you should try, they taste delicious!

Spinach Smoothie with Avocado and Apple

Orange, Apple and Strawberry Smoothie

Kale Smoothie with Pineapple and Banana

 

Banana and Mango Smoothie with Sweetcorn

How to get things done – fast

I have an attention span of a two year old and I do different things at the same time too. And sometimes I feel like I haven’t finish anything at all. Knowing this character of mine, I have to do my everyday tasks differently. I’d like to think these tasks as a game or something to make it more enjoyable to do and won’t bore me in any way.

Below is a method I follow to make my task much more enjoyable to do and won’t bore me in any way.

1. Bullet journal

I’m not a fan of journal but in order to get myself organise, I bought a simplest planner I could find. I jot down things I need to do first thing in the morning. It tricks my brain that I’ve things to accomplish – fast.

2. Timer method

Once I’ve identified my list of things to do, I set a timer using my iPhone. I decide how much time I need to finish a task right there, for example – check and respond to emails (30 mins). No matter how many emails they are, I’ll stick to the time I’ve given myself. If in case there’s still correspondence to make, I’ll get back to it later and set another 15 or 20 mins. This at least won’t take me too long to answer emails and won’t get me too bored finishing a task. This method is very effective for me.

3. Housekeeping

Everyday, I set aside an hour to do housekeeping. Mostly sorting out my digital files and make sure to empty my download folder. It’s very important to have a good structure of folders in your computer, it will definitely benefit you in the long run. It will be quicker to find files by having them in folder that is familiar to you. This may apply to tasks like cleaning your work desk or arranging your closet.

4. Take breaks

Now this is very important to any busy people out there, taking breaks means you’re letting your mind and body to reboot. I tend to obsess on things I’m passionate about like coding for example and I used to not take breaks for several hours which costs me an aching back for months. My CPS (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome) has gotten worse too. I’ve realised, what’s the point of having great works and yet my body suffers. So people, do take breaks. Don’t be like the old me.

5. Ticking the boxes

I love this one! Nothing more excites me but ticking those boxes! It gives me the satisfaction of accomplishing something for the day, big or small it is still an accomplishment!

What about you guys? Any tips you care to share?

Instagram: Quotes to live by

To keep myself and others inspired, I’ve set up a new instagram account to basically post words/ quotes I want to live by. I hope you keep things easy, don’t be serious and enjoy life. Happy Friday!

1. AIM HIGH, dreams do come true… really.
2. Live. Love. Life
3. Everyday is a good day.
4. Design is not for philosophy, it’s for life ~ Issey Miyake
5. Wake up and be awesome
6. Action is the foundational key to all success ~Pablo Picasso

*First photo is taken by me, the rest are from Wallpaper HD app

 

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