The internet is a black hole of time suck. I just watched 4 movie trailers, a crowd-sourced cancer drug ad, and too much of people.com admit (roughly 58 minutes - 4 movie trailers).
But it's still Friday so let's see what we've got.
1. We just got back from our annual Big Sur getaway. It was so wonderful. Always is. I am convinced that early Fall is the best time to get away if you're a So Cal resident. By the end of September you are official exhausted by the heat and desperate for a change in the weather. The very best remedy is to drive a few hours and wind up in a colorful redwood forest on the coast, with mornings cold enough for hats and fires. I want to post more soon (especially the last night when 4/5 of our children peed in their sleeping bags!!! Yes, really!! In disposable pee-wear!!) but until then you can go see all the awesome photos of our trip by us and friends by checking #2k14bigsur on Insta!
((((((cute kids to help us forget about urine soaked camp life))))))
2. About camping, one of the things I love the most is how simple life gets to be. One tent to manage, a few changes of clothes, a few dishes, one kettle, one pan.
I came home kind of hating our stuff and it send me into another minimalist rampage. Today I managed to haul 4 trash bags of clothes, toys and books to the standing Goodwill drop (the back of our van) and I think I'll rampage again tomorrow. I seriously think the key is to wait until you actually feel *hatred* for your stuff. It made it so easy for me to go through our closets at warp speed. I found myself being able to be a real decision maker when it came to all the little maybes that I left behind the last time I did this. Gone, gone, gone.
3. Wardrobes. Camping ----> simplifying ----> wardrobes. I know it's not totally Fall yet but it will be soon and packing for camping made me realize that 99% of my kids clothes are shorts and t-shirts. I tossed out of ton of clothing today and I want to think hard about compiling good Fall/Winter wardrobes for them using only a few interchangeable pieces. I feel the sudden urge to become an expert at minimalist wardrobing (mostly so I can become an expert at minimalist laundering). Someone teach me all the ways.
4. Have I complained enough about how hot it's been? For the first time in 4 summers, we had someone out today to give us a quote on installing central A/C.
Him: "Yeah, you're definitely looking at the over $10,000 range."
Me (in my mind): "Oh, excuse me sir, I just have to barf real quick." (hashtag hot forever hashtag barf)
5. Also barf-worthy, just less... my dinner: 3 bowls of mac and cheese and a root beer float. All Whole 30 enthusiasts, ask me anything. My wisdom is but a flowing river of free wisdom.
6. Did you read this? I want to know what you think but first you should know that I agree (husbands forever!)
I feel like every good minimalist wardrobe needs a few staple jackets. Here is what I like/deserve/cost less than A/C. Validate me and help me find knock off's for many less dollars.
+ This leather jacket (I can't tell if I want to have this jacket or be this girl, but I don't think it matters)
+ This lightweight, military-style coat
+ This over-the-top casual, uber expensive, oh this old thing-style jacket
+ This, for more army-ness, for the 3 cold days of Winter that slowly approach and for sales
+ And this
.
.
.
.
jk!!!
+ Really just this, maybe. Forever 31.
Or perhaps Forever 41 ~ thanks for the link!!
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a good trip, pee-soaked linens aside.
Ha! Yes. Forever forever, basically.
DeleteLeather is always a good option. It will last longer then it fits you. Ok. Mine is still in excellent shape but no longer fits me three babies later. Not sure how that would work for your body type :P but leather is costly. But you can dress it up or grunge it down. Definite plus.
ReplyDeleteSecond vote for the light military jacket.
Sorry about all the pee. That is cry worthy.
Do you have a recommendation for where to buy?? I think it's worth saving for if I can find something reasonable. Plus, how cute are pregnant ladies in leather?! (for if/when)
DeleteOk a) I agree with your post camping desire to simplify (although I am not as extreme in post camping follow through as you, and my camping isn't as simple either) b) I picked up my iPad to plan meals before shopping so I understand the interment time hole. C) I grew up in a house without a/c ... It builds character. My dad was very creative about ways to cool the house. Like I remember sprinkler in the roof kind of nights to cool the house before bed. D)
ReplyDeleteOk so d) sometimes when I delete while trying to comment it then will no longer let me type. Weird?
ReplyDeleteI totally had Sam block people.com on our computer. B/c aint nobody got time for that
ReplyDeleteHa! So smart!
DeleteThe husbands before children argument intrigues me. They are totally different relationships, but I think that being open to life reinforces the marital bond, which may seem counter-intuitive, but makes sense to me. If you only have one or two children (by choice, not circumstance or infertility), all your hopes and dreams and future plans seem to heavily weigh on these precious creatures. Not that children in larger families aren't as precious, but you learn that they are all unique individuals with free wills, and you don't have the time or energy to dote obsessively on each one. You see how quickly they grow and will eventually leave you (you tend to notice this when your you have teenagers and are expecting another baby!) and you and your spouse need to bond together in solidarity to survive these years of parenting!
ReplyDeleteOh I agree that the comparison of the two relationships is a bit of a stretch. They are both totally unique! I do think she hits the spot in the parenting as religion point: I do think the obsession with parenting, and perfectly parenting, our Children is probably robbing many a marriage.
ReplyDeleteI have a thicker version of that Barbour jacket ( wish I had seen one in gold trim! ) and it is AMAZING seriously, so understates, always get compliments fits perfectly so easy to care for. I live on a farm and i
ReplyDeletecan wear it to ride the horse, literally dust it off with my hands then put some nice jeans on and be ready for town.
I see all of these jackets and I can't justify buying another one when the one I have so is perfect!
Man, this isn't helping me!!! ;)
DeleteOh wow just saw how expensive it is! My dad got it in Hong Kong from duty free and it was much cheaper than that
ReplyDeleteOh giiiiiiiiirl that Burburry one, gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm a proud atheist when it comes to parenting-as-religion. Enjoy the free-ranging and the natural development of self esteem (or not), kids. ;)
I know, girl. (about the coat and the atheism;)
DeleteYou could by a car for the price of the jacket. Plus those puffs in the upper arms...too trendy for long life use. Military surplus stores. That's authentic you style mavin, you.
ReplyDeleteHey we have an AC wall (different than window) unit for ~$1100 and it covers 1000 sq feet. Truly. We live in Louisiana, and the California peeps who move here assure me that Louisiana is much more humid, and oppressively hot. :( But! The good news is I can tell you the unit (FRIEDRICH brand) works great and does the job. Hope that helps. Peace out.
ReplyDeletegood to know!!! totally logging that information!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteBlythe, I think you should write a book called "Someone Teach Me All The Ways". Love your writing voice! And your funny sweet fam.
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks Katie!! Although I cant imagine what the book would be about except for that phrase over and over and over...
DeleteBarf on the AC quote but we are sweating to death here too! We just moved from Santa Monica to Pasadena and it feels like the Sahara over here. Any recommendations on camp sites in Big Sur? I could use a cool breeze!
ReplyDeleteYes!! Big Sur Cabins and Campgrounds is the best! We go there every year and snag the sites around the playground. Fun river to play in and $1 soft serve:)
DeleteLove the jacket options!! I've thought the same about the leather - do I go there? Love them all, but I think the military one from madewell is so you (well, the two days of you that I know, ha!). Those pull-ups...I wish they worked ;) We have those accidents too and it tests my patience - well, if I have any to begin with. I want to see this minimalist wardrobe! Glad you had fun on your vacay!
ReplyDeleteI think we both should get leather! ;)
DeleteOops! I posted this by accident under Mr. Stehly! I will repost here. Sorry!
ReplyDeleteHi!
In the event you haven't thought of it...
A great (better on many levels, I think, because Goodwill dumps a lot of stuff on third world countries and people "donate" lots of broken stuff, stained/ruined stuff etc. so that doesn't seem too nice...) than Goodwill is Catholic Social Services. You may consider calling your local Diocese for information on their needs. CSS is serving the poor and refugee populations that could badly use your unwanted clothes, household goods, and furniture...and where we live they will come and pick it up (from your house) and in many cases take it directly from your house to families in need. Just a thought! :)
great tip!! thank you!
DeleteLook into PTAC Heat Pump/Air Conditioner units. These are common in other countries. They attach to the wall so no ducts needed. Also, they are much more quiet and attractive than window units. I stayed in the most miserable room in Hong Kong, but when the host showed me how to turn on the air-conditioner, it chilled things right down. Just google it, lots of retailers selling them now.
ReplyDeleteblythe, i'm thinking that first leather jacket should be yours.
ReplyDeletealso i heard about the heat. it sounds wretched. i'll be complaining so so so much in february though so just wait. you haven't been reading my blog long enough for a boston winter, have you?
I like the way you think, girl.
DeleteBarbour forever! But then, my brother gets a 50% discount for me....so...but he bought that coat for a friend recently and OH, it is nice. Also, totally timeless. Ebay? Anyways, I feel you on the minimalism. My minivan is currently full of defunct Melissa and Doug toys, stuffed animals, and bags and bags of clothing. Goodwill tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteI have found an easy way to come up with a minimalist wardrobe... This year, decide that you are going to sew all of your kid's clothes and then just buy a couple of things here and there to "get you by until you get your amazing homemade wardrobe sewn up" and then never find time to get it sewn! Voila, minimalist wardrobe! And then just keep lying to yourself every year. (Though this year, I WILL get those twirl skirts sewn!)
ReplyDeleteYour husband is definitely a blessed man. I would love to be #1 in my wife's life but I come in somewhere behind her parents, her animals (dogs/cats) still after 15+ years of marriage. How do you answer the why don't have kids? We haven't been blessed yet I guess will have to work. As a Catholic couple it is rough on me as divorce would be the easy way out, but at the same time Ephesians states to Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. So I guess I am suppose to sacrifice my needs and wants for her.
ReplyDeleteOn a more happier note - we used to camp up and down the coast when I was a kid - last time I peed the sleeping I was 11 years old. Thankfully for me though it wasn't my sleeping bag I peed, but my fathers as I was dreaming and thought I was in the camp bathroom and therefore relieved myself. He was such a heavy sleeper he slept right through it, but wondered how the bag got wet the next morning. Surprised I didn't get punished for that one!!!
Thanks for your post! it contains quite a lot of things to learn! it's great that I known this site!
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