Monday, September 19, 2011

19th Day in a Chic September


For the month of September I plan to document daily steps I have taken towards a chic, elegant and healthy life. My goal is to keep uppermost in my mind the kind of life I want to live. I will be focusing on all the small things I do each day that lead me towards my goal, rather than away from it.

Here are today’s mini-chic accomplishments:

I decided last night as I climbed into bed that Monday would be a fresh start for me. I ate rather too much unchic food over the weekend - too many treat foods although meals were healthy. That is often my downfall.

So I decided on Monday I would be at my chicest at all times, and pretend I was being filmed or had people around me to see my actions, even if I was alone. If I couldn’t imagine Audrey Hepburn doing something, would I do it? Non!

After a day of this I have to say I feel less inclined towards tacky food and more in balance. One day down!

--

Tried the olive oil/body lotion idea as mentioned on Anne Barone’s reader letters page (Renee, third letter down). It took a day or two for the lotion and oil to mix, and I shook it whenever I thought of it. The first couple of pumps were a bit separated but after that it was perfect. The texture of the lotion has changed, of course, but is not oily like it would be if you used straight oil. I used pure olive oil rather than extra virgin because that's what I had.

It will take a bit more time to sink in than a normal lotion, but I can already tell this idea is a keeper. I have breakfast in my robe between shower and dressing so it’s fine for me. If you get dressed immediately after a shower you might want to save it for weekends or times when you can take a bit more time, or reduce the ratio of oil/lotion down to 1/4 or 1/5.

At the end of the day my skin feels lovely and soft, and more moisturised than a normal lotion. It gives a pretty sheen to the skin too.

--

I got my husband to drop off a big bag of hotel mini-toiletries and other new personal care items to a Womens Refuge coordinator. Even though he grumbled a bit at having to do my errand on his day off, I could tell when he rung me that he felt quite chuffed at her happy response. 'That's my good deed for the day' he said.

The coordinator told him they were having a pamper night for the women soon so it was a very timely donation. I’m going to have another look around to see if there is anything else I can donate.

--

Have been reading Jenny Craig’s Simple Pleasures book which I bought from the op shop for a few dollars recently. I’m not really into Jenny with all the packet mixes and all, but I love that this book has a section at the front entirely devoted to holistic ways to gain balance in your life.

I don’t really care for the recipes which make up the rest of the book but the first two-dozen pages are worth the price and why I bought the book!

Here's a snippet:

`Mindfulness takes simple pleasures to the next level.

A simple way to begin being mindful is to attend to your breathing habits. Think of your breath as your centre, and breathing as a way to quiet your mind, especially in times of stress. Take a moment and try this quick version of mindful breathing. Afterwards, notice how relaxed yet alert you feel!

Next time you take a walk, focus on your breath. Then add your posture or stride to your focus. Notice the difference awareness makes in your experience.'


and

'5 self-care essentials -

- Mindful breathing
- Rejuvenating rest
- Cleansing water
- Conscious eating
- Invigorating movement'


Jenny is years ahead of me - this book was published in 1998 and she is talking about minimising possessions, decluttering, simplifying and paring down the wardrobe to stress-free neutrals.

--

If you feel like you want to make September a chic month for you as well, please join me. You are welcome to share your mini-chic accomplishments for the day (or the previous day if you read in the morning) in the comments section. It would be lovely to have you along for the ride!

8 comments:

  1. Fiona, have you tried using almond oil--I am hooked on it. But I have read too that our favorite esthetician, Janet, is using straight olive oil on her skin. I like that fact that either product is 100% natural--NO chemicals--and that they have been used for centuries. Another book you may like is "The Truth About Beauty" by Kat James--excellent stuff. xxBliss

    ReplyDelete
  2. I have read that Italian women use pure olive oil as a beauty mask.
    Janet at the Gardener's Cottage is using it too.

    Those are great tips from Jenny Craig's book.
    Wouldn't it be nice if we lived mindfully all the time?
    (and ate that way too!)

    ReplyDelete
  3. fresh start Mondays! I love this idea :) generally speaking, mondays are disliked because they start off the week but really, they should be looked forward to as a clean slate every week! today will be my fresh start monday too! I think I'll finish room cleaning because I don't think Audrey would live in a room that is unkempt.
    ~lenna

    ReplyDelete
  4. Totally agree with Audrey's sentiments. And I agree with yours, giving toiletries to shelters is a splendid idea! Last year I donated all of my old prescription glasses to the Lions Club (they collect for people who need glasses but can't afford them), that was very important to me.

    I will have to try mixing olive oil with lotion, great idea!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Fantastic Idea with the olive oil....Here in Bahrain I see all sorts of oils in the beauty section I have yet to figure them all out. A lot of them are for hair...and also the perfume I have bought here is oil based so much nicer than the over powering sprays you buy at the stores in America ~Hope you have a fantastically Chic Week :) ~
    p.s. I just found your blog via another blogger Rebecca and I am following along now with your very cute blog!! I am a huge Hepburn fan!! :) I use her quotes all the time on my blog also LOL!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Bliss, I've not tried almond oil yet but know I have to, soon! Will check out the book thanks.

    Hostess, I did feel very Sophia Loren with my dewy olive oil skin.

    Lenna, Audrey's room would be tidy and airy! I read she loved all-white rooms with yellow accents.

    LR, I've seen the prescription glasses Lions one here too. If I still wore them I would donate to that (I had laser surgery ten years ago. One of my best decisions ever). I love it when you find a way to pass on things like this that otherwise you wouldn't know what to do with.

    Heather, welcome! Perfumed oils sound lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love this post... When I want to be my best self I also like to think that I am being filmed or being photographed while I'm out and about in my daily life. Sitting/standing up a little straighter and smiling at a stranger makes my day all the more chic... And happy too! Your blog is so inspirational, it's a daily must read for me!

    XO Lucy

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thank you Lucy, your wedding photos are beautiful! You both look so happy.

    ReplyDelete

Merci for your comment. Wishing you a chic day!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...