The Elf Blog

Resolutions for Everyone

I don't usually make didactic pronouncements (I offer suggestions and helpful hint!), but here goes.

These are the New Year's resolutions I wish everyone would make:

• Begin each day with a confirmed intention to do at least one kind thing.  It doesn't have to be huge. Let someone go ahead of you. Say thank you (and mean it) to the clerk at the post office.  Call someone who needs to hear a cheerful voice.  Give an honest compliment.
• End each day by identifying at least one thing for which you are grateful.  Beginning day focused on acting kindly and ending it focused on gratitude will help make happiness your default setting.
• Use less, give more. 
• Before you pass on that email (or tweet or blog post, etc.), check out the veracity.  (I use www.snopes.com).  I get at least one email a week that is spreading a rumor.  Isn't there enough nastiness in the world without our adding to it?
• At least once in the year ahead, open your home and your heart to another human being.
• Absent evidence to the contrary, assume the best of people --including yourself.  Yes, some people will disappoint you and you might make yourself vulnerable, but you'll also be open to wonderful opportunities. And think of the time you'll save by not beating yourself up over an honest mistake!

Deep Breath Weekend

This is the last weekend before the holiday season begins in earnest.  Next Saturday is Halloween and then Thansgiving, Christmas, and New Years day follow in a rush.

So take this weekend to enjoy.  Rest.  Refresh,  Experience autumn.

Find the balance between work and play that will hold you through the craziness ahead.

Simple Pleasures

Sorry about no post yesterday.  I had some computer issues.

It's become more evident to me over the last few days that the very best things in life are the simple pleasures:  a scented candle, crisp apples, a soft blanket, a favorite song.

None of these things are necessarily expensive or fancy, but they give life comfort, joy, and elegance.

Rather than buying more STUFF and cluttering our living spaces, what would it mean to focus on simple pleasures?

What small things make you happy?

Summer Weekend

Next week, the blog will end it's summer schedule and we'll go back to almost daily posts. Even though it's not Labor Day yet (Labor Day 2009 is actually very late) and Fall doesn't really start until the equinox, in many ways, this feels like one of summer's last gasps.

So enjoy it.  Cook out on the grill.  Enjoy your hammock.  REad a novel.  Have some friends over.  Visit a farmers' market and enjoy the fresh produce.

Relax and refresh -- because next week, things start gearing up!

An Elf Recommendation

On my recent vacation, I visited a magical place.  No, not the North Pole.  In my world, that's a business trip!

I made two visits to the Spa at Colonial Williamsburg.  Any spa treatment comes with access to the steam room, hot tub, and lounges.  The amenities include everything from beauty products and chilled cloths dampened with lavender water to custom-blended teas and almonds.  (You can purchase the beauty products and teas at the spa boutique.  If you run out once you get home, they'll ship.)

The staff is solicitous and professional; thoroughly competent, yet charming and helpful. A wide variety of treatments are offered, so you have plenty of choice.  They even have a special suite where couples or mothers and daughters or best friends can receive treatments side-by-side.

There is one significant danger:  you may never want to leave, it's so relaxing and lovely.

Now, you'll notice this blog post isn't categorized as a money-saving venture.  Well, it isn't one.  This isn't an inexpoensive treat.  It's a splurge.  But it's worth it!

The Cost of Appearances

I've been thinking today about the amount of time and money I spend on appearances -- specifically salon-type services and health club memberships.  Think about it:  monthly gym fees, personal training appointments, hair cuts, manicures, pedicures, waxing, massages, facials.

As these things are among my little treats for myself, I always seem to justify the time and expense, but I wonder. 

Obviously, the gym membership can have health benefits and some basic grooming is a necessity.  But I still wonder if we go overboard.  What do you think?

Earth Day

I'll get back to go-to plans tomorrow, but I didn't want to let Earth Day go without saying something.

Taking care of the planet is part of living graciously.  Celebrating and giving gifts and cooking and the like don't need to be bad for the planet.   Here are some things you can do:

• Plan your menus (for family and company) around seasonal produce, especially produce that's grow locally and with as little chemical intervention as possible. Try to design menus to use up your ingredients to limit waste.
• When entertaining, use cloth napkins and real plates and silver and glassware to limit the use of paper products.
• Keep possessions in good repair and findable.  Not having to buy new things is a great way to reduce (and save money).
• Keep the house tidy and make sure that windows are sealed well, that doors fit properly, and that filters are clean.
• Plan your laundry and dish washing to minimize loads.
• Indulge in long hot baths, but try to balance it by keeping showers short.
• Change your attire, not the thermostat.

What are your ideas?

Simplicity

You know, it's been a bit more than a week since I did my spring cleaning and one observation has stayed with me: I have too much stuff!

My guess is that many of us suffer from this situation.  We see a good deal on something, so we buy extra.  We make an impulse purchase.  We want something desperately in the moment, so we buy it, and then we decide we really don't need it.  We don't discard or donate old things when we upgrade. For whatever reason, we just end up with more stuff than we need and more stuff than we have room to store.

That's led me to thinking about trying to live more simply, especially in these difficult economic times.  Between now and the end of June, I hope to go through my closets, discarding or donating things that no longer fit, are beyond repair, or that I just don't wear anymore.  My guess is that I'll also find clothes I've forgotten that I owned.  Also, any purchase I make must be a service, immediately consumable, or purchased for a clear and necessary purpose.

To keep myself accountable, I'll report on my progress at the end of each month.