Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Although this title has long been associated with the environment, we can use this same slogan for our wardrobe. Read more to learn how.

REDUCE

I’ve covered this in several posts. We need to go through our closets and drawers and get rid of those items that no longer fit, damaged, or simply unattractive when we wear them. By reducing the selections, we also reduce the amount of time needed to get ready. Reducing clutter brings in more positive energy and increases creativity needed to mix and match to create more stylish looks for your everyday life.

REUSE

Reusing or repurposing outfits is a great way to show the world your ability to style and accessorize your look. Separating two piece outfits and pairing them with others is the perfect way to reuse a piece of clothing. Take a two piece blazer and skirt set for example. Pair that blazer with a pair of jeans and a cute top and VIOLA! You have reused this item to make something super cute and more stylish.

RECYCLE

This one is actually a combination of the two previous sections. When reducing your wardrobe, recycle it by taking it to your local Goodwill or Salvation army. Gift those items to someone in need. Another way to look at this would be to get super creative and recycle the item into new garments. What do I mean? I love to sew. Take that oversized shirt, cut it, and make a super trendy crop top. Take your old sweats and make them into oversized cutoff shorts. The options are endless.

From a Hobby to a Business

Spring hobbies can bring about life-long changes to your finances and career.

This month is the season of new starts. You’ve done your spring cleaning. You’ve packed up all of the odds and ends that you realize no longer suit your purpose. And now you are on this new or rejuvenated path of your “more happier” self.

What does this new, happier self look like? Does she enjoy being outdoors more? Does she enjoy working out or doing yoga? Has she taken an interest in reading, styling, or some other niche that she can share with others?

Whatever it is, embrace this new version of you and share it with the world. Start a class or page to share your new interest with others. Research your new found interest and make it a niche that others can learn more about and share in your happiness.

April is about rebirth and rejuvenation. Keep this momentum and turn this into a passion instead of a hobby. Here are a few steps on how to turn your hobby into a profitable business:

1. Start Small. Don’t go quitting your day job just because you have found something new and exciting to do with your time. Build up a little money to help finance your new passion. You will need a solid financial foundation to building your business if you choose to go in this direction

2. Research the Market. Connect with others who are currently financially supported by this same passion. Networking is a great way to get creative ideas, minimize setbacks, and build rapport with others in the industry who can help catapult your business.

3. Keep innovating. Find your unique twist to your niche and run with it. No one will want to get the same service or product from you that they can get from 20 other providers. Focus on a specific niche and make it the cornerstone of your business.

4. Listen to feedback...even criticism. This is probably the most important thing to remember. Positive feedback is great but not so positive feedback is even better. As humans, we get comfortable with the great feelings of accomplishment. We become complacent and feel that we don’t need to work for greatness. Form a circle of supportive people (friends, family, others in the industry) and throw around ideas and suggestions. Take in the criticisms and grow from them. Maybe there are things that you fail to see in your enthusiasm.

5. Keep it simple. Start with your end in mind. It doesn’t have to be over the top and extravagant. Stay true to yourself and your new found brand. People will appreciate you and whatever you provide because they see the uniqueness you bring and the passion that you have for sharing it with others.

Eight Easter Weekend Ideas

Looking for ideas for this weekend? Here are eight super easy and inexpensive activities, crafts, and games for friends, family, or kiddos.

Easter weekend is here! Everyone is looking for fun outdoor activities for the family and friends. We are going to a RV resort not far from home with the kids and a few family friends. I am excited about decorating the cabin for Easter and the kids having their annual Easter egg hunt.

I normally make a wreath for the front door and boil eggs so we can dye and decorate them. However, this year has been so hectic that I haven’t had the time to do my normal “over-the-top” holiday mom routine.

So I located a few quick and easy substitutions that will make the kids happy and keep them occupied while we celebrate at the resort. I’ve included a mixture of crafts, games, and family activities that will have every begging to be invited over for your next family function. I’ve included links to all of the items below. I follow several of these amazing moms and you should too! Happy Easter Everyone.

1. 10 minute Easter Egg Wreath

2. Easy No-Sew Sock Bunnies

3. 2 ingredients Tie-Dye Easter Eggs

4. Fluffy Unicorn Slime

5. Catapulting Peeps

6. Easter Scavenger Hunt

7. Graham Cracker Easter Bird Houses

8. Easter Emoji Pictionary