Happy New Year! I hope your holiday season was fulfilling and fun! After a December packed with celebration and even travel or guests, January can often feel like a bit of a let down. It's also the time when we instinctively start looking forward to spring, counting the weeks and months to those longer, lighter days. (How long till Daylight Savings?)

Focusing On Today

This year I'm focusing on enjoying what's going on right now, rather than pining for a sunnier future. For example, I'm starting to embrace the rainy afternoons and the gray days and see them in a whole new light, so to speak. It's a great chance to settle in, read a good book, light a fire and sip a cup of tea. It's also the perfect time to start a project that has been looming, knowing that I have several months to bring it to fruition.

The Perfect Winter Project

I'd like to suggest that one of your winter project opportunities could be your closet. If you haven't already, try these simple ways to improve your wardrobe this winter instead of wishing your life away to spring:  

1. Get Your Clothing in Working Order
   Is everything in your wardrobe "camera ready"? By this I mean, can you put on an outfit from your closet in an instant and know that you look your best? Separate your closet into two areas: Area #1 is "perfect" - the pieces are ready to wear. Area #2 is "needs some attention" - mending, hemming, taking in, letting out, or having cleaned. Then gather up the #2 items and take them to the cleaner, the tailor, or the cobbler. Be honest with yourself about what work needs to be done, and when it's all is back in your closet you'll have confidence that everything's looking top-notch.
2. A Little Bit of Organization Will Reward You Every Single Morning
   Make sure that everything in your closet is hanging or folded in a way that lets you see everything without having to paw through it. This eliminates a lot of frustration when it's cold and rainy and you can't find the perfect sweater that would make your look complete. If you need to, take a trip to Target or The Container Store and buy some inexpensive clear bins and a label maker. Your clothes will stay folded and clean, and you'll always be able to find them.  
3. Fresh Eyes Can Lead to a Fresh Wardrobe
   Remember that the perfect wardrobe is in the eyes of the beholder. You probably don't need new "stuff" in order to make your look more interesting. Invite a good friend over to see your wardrobe in a new light and he or she can help you come up with some new looks you may not have thought of. Start with one piece (like a jacket, pants or a dress) and build around it. Use your imagination (and your friend's imagination!) and add accessories you may not have used before. Take pictures or notes and you'll find that you've added new options to your wardrobe, without spending a dime.

Here's to getting through the next few months without feeling the winter doldrums! I hope you spend some time examining your closet this season - you'll be surprised how much you benefit, after putting in just a little bit of work. Any opportunity to find, live, and embrace The Real You will only lead to a more positive day-to-day life.

Enjoy the moment!

The days are technically getting longer, but there's no denying it's still gray and will be for a while. I love the Sun Jar from Fire Escape Farms! Capture a bit of the sun during the day (there's more than you think) and enjoy a warmly glowing jar into the evening hours!
Find it online >  

I challenge you to pick up this cozy Calyso wrap from Barefoot Dreams (or something similar) and wear it around your house instead of that old, ratty bathrobe. You'll be amazed at how wonderful it is to relax or take care of your household in the evening in a beautiful, warm wrap. It's an instant lift!