American consumerism and my closet

I have an admission to make today.

I've been caught up in American consumerism, specifically when it comes to my closet.  I seem to always have my eye on more.  Another summer dress.  Another color of shorts, etc. It preoccupies me and I know it's wrong.

My closet is full of stuff yet I continually feel like I "have nothing to wear."

This summer I hope to minimize.

I want to purge the excess stuff

• The stuff that fit pre-kids
• The stuff that isn't flattering
• The stuff that I don't wear often
• The stuff I don't need

My hope is to get my closet down to a few good quality basics that I can wear consistently and keep it that way, starving my urge for more and happily using what I have.

When I purchase new things, I want to focus on quality pieces that will be staples for years to come instead of trendy things that I will only wear for one season.

My ultimate goal is to think less and less about what I wear and more and more about Jesus.  I am not there yet but I am working on it.

I hope to post some before and after photos to keep myself accountable.

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Matthew 6:25

Goals for my break

(view from my backyard a few days ago)

This year spring is bringing something new for me.

A break.

I've been teaching/writing Bible studies now for over a year without taking any time off and I am feeling the strain. I haven't blogged in months.  I spend most days just trying to keep up with the pace of life.

My goals for the spring/summer include:

• personal Bible study (with no agenda)
• morning walks 
• warm baths at the end of the day
• prayer
• tending my garden/adding some more plants
• finish memorizing Philippians 3
• reading alone and with the kids
• taking the kids to the pool
• focusing on exercise and nutrition
• rocking on the porch with a glass of tea and at least one friend
• outdoor cooking
• lots of laughing
• homemade ice cream
• getting to know neighbors on a deeper level
• blogging regularly
• playing games
• evening walks with the whole family

What do you do to relax?