The Care and Keeping of Me

I don't understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little - if only out of politeness. And then, you never know, maybe that's the day she has a date with destiny. And it's best to be as pretty as possible for destiny.

Coco Chanel


I went to pilates this morning. As I was paying for my class I began to wonder how much time and money I spend on maintenance for me. I take pilates twice weekly, manicures every two weeks, pedicures once a month, highlights and haircut every eight weeks, eyebrow wax every three months, teeth cleaning and facials twice per year. Then, of course, I have a skin care routine and other personal care for home.

I realize that appearance shouldn't be so important to me, but it is, I can't deny it. I am a single woman who hopes to one day get married, I still want to look pretty. But as a woman who really wants to simplify I wonder: Is this too much? Should I give something up? Maybe, but I have decided not to for now. It is not stretching my budget so I don't have to worry about that. These luxuries make me feel good, they lift my spirits and, in the case of pilates and dental cleanings, help to keep me healthy.

Am I over the top? Do you have a maintenance program for you?

Puppy Love

Sorry I haven't posted for a few days but I have been a little busy. Meet Winston. He is taking up a lot of my time but hopefully soon I will be able to post again regularly.

Experiment

I have too much stuff. I have been cleaning out my closets, dressers, pantry, and other storage places and am appalled at the amount of things I have. I don't use most of it, a lot of it I didn't even know I had. I am embarrassed to admit this but I even had three copies of the same book (Eat, Pray, Love) and I haven't read any of them.

I have read on other simplicity blogs about people who have a one in one out rule. Meaning if they bring in something new something has to leave. I am adopting this policy today. I am going to keep only the amount of books that will fit on my bookshelf, if there is no room it has to go. Then, if I want a new book I have to get rid of one. I am limiting myself to 15 pairs of shoes and 10 handbags. If I want a new pair of shoes or a new bag an old one has to go. I don't really have that many clothes and not much jewelry so I am not going to worry about either of those categories. Also, I am not going to limit my scarves (I need one indulgence). I need to use up my skincare, makeup and bath products before I buy anything new, then I will replace only when empty.

I am canceling all my magazine subscriptions except Victoria, Budget Travel, Real Simple and Marie Claire. I can go to the library if I need to look at another magazine. In addition I am putting myself on a cash only budget, this will help me not buy things when when I am out.

I don't know if this will work or not but I have to give it a try. If you have any ideas that might be helpful let me know.

Thank You

Last week the lovely Annecychic over at My French Corner sent me the most beautiful gift, a lovely Moutet tea towel. It is so beautiful and is the perfect color for my kitchen. She received a gift from Stephanie at Bonjour Madame and posted a "pay it forward" post on her blog, offering to give the first three people to respond a Moutet towel. I was not one of the first three but she sent me one anyway. The towel arrived after a particularly difficult weekend and really put a smile on my face. She reminded me that there are people in this world who care about others. I would like to take this opportunity to thank her, your kindness means more to me than you will ever know.

In addition, I would like to thank each and every one of you who follow my blog, read it and post comments. It is always good to know that someone is listening. I have enjoyed reading all of your blogs and look forward to more fabulous posts from all of you. Your ideas, thoughts and comments have really helped me in my transition to a simpler life.

Like Annecychic, I plan to pay it forward but I am waiting until after I get back from Paris so I can find something really special to share.

Riding the Rails

The Darjeeling Limited is my favorite movie ever. I watch it at least once a week. It combines two of my favorite things: India and trains. I love to ride trains, I think it is very romantic and a reminder of times past when we weren't in such a hurry.

I had two dream trips I wanted to take when I was young, Paris and India. Since I have been to Paris (and I am going again this year) the only one left on my list is India. I have been hesitant to travel to India by myself. I want to tour India by train but I don't want to travel without a group. Today I found the perfect train tour, the Palace on Wheels.



The Palace on Wheels began service in 1982 and was designed to provide travelers with a taste of how Indian Royalty traveled. Each of the train's 14 coaches is named after a former princely state and is very luxuriously decorated. Each coach houses 4 bedrooms, a pantry, lounge area and two attendants to see to the travelers needs. Each bedroom has twin beds, in room music and private bath facilities. In addition there are two dining cars, a lounge, and a bar car.



The tour begins and ends in Delhi and takes travelers to probably the most famous site in India, the Taj Mahal.


I am hoping to be able to take this tour next year. It is not inexpensive but within reach if I watch my spending carefully. There are many other places I would like to see (Scandinavia, the Netherlands, Belgium, Russia, Japan) but if I never make it to these places I will not be disappointed. If I don't make it to India I will be very sad.

Do you have a dream trip?

Tea Time

I have a new tea set. I ordered it last week from Pierre Deux. I really like it and will use it this afternoon. I like the tradition of afternoon tea. It is really nice to just sit alone or with a friend, enjoy a cup of tea and a small treat, and just relax. When I have a chance to visit New York, Paris or London, I like to visit a tea salon. My favorite is Laduree in Paris. It is really gorgeous and I feel refined and elegant whenever I have tea there.



Do you like afternoon tea?

Farandole Necklace

I am keeping a list of things I want to look for when I am in Paris this fall. This necklace is at the top. If you visit Mai Tai's Picture Book you will see her wear this necklace often. I love all the looks she can make with this necklace and it was her pictures that inspired me to add this to my wish list. It is a solid silver necklace from Hermes in a very versatile length. The necklace can be worn as a single strand or doubled for a multi-chain look.

Now, I don't have any illusions that wearing this necklace will turn me into Mai Tai. It is, however, a classic piece that I can dress up or dress down and wear for many years. I think it will make a lovely 40th birthday gift to me.

Princess Grace

I have admired Princess Grace since I was a teenager. Though she was not born a princess, she is to me the very model of everything a princess should be: kind, regal, and a lady. She is my role model.

The first solo vacation I ever took was to Monaco. It was a wonderful trip and her presence is still strong even two decades after her passing. Two years ago, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of her death, the Principality of Monaco put together an exhibition of her personal belongings. When the exhibit traveled to Sotheby's in New York I had an opportunity to attend. It was amazing and I really got a better feel for who she was. My favorite item in the exhibit was a poem handwritten for Grace by a six year old Princess Stephanie. It touched my heart.

The picture below is of my Princess Grace accessory collection: my Kelly bag, my pearls and my Hermes Deo Juvante Monaco scarf (issued in 1958 to celebrate the anniversary of the Prince and Princess of Monaco's wedding.) They are my favorite wardrobe items and whenever I wear these items I feel a little like a Princess.