Streamlining in 2013!

Source.  A surefire way to feel stressed trying to pick out an outfit.

I'm not one for New Year's Resolutions.  Just not my thing.  I prefer to set goals as I feel inspired to.  That said, I do find the new year a great time to reevaluate.  Maybe it's time to increase my weight training?   Read the 2 million books on my shelf (okay, a slight exaggeration)?  Draw more?  Who knows what the year will hold!  One thing, which seems pretty consistent in my life, is January heralds the urge to streamline, simplify, and minimize.  For me this means getting rid of stuff.

Stuff.  Stuff is clothing I no longer wear, jewellery that seems to be collecting dust every year, shoes that slip off my feet so they've been living on the shelf for quite some time.  It is also books I have read once and will likely not read again.But what to do with the stuff?    Donating it is always nice (although the Salvation Army is off my list, so I will be finding other charities).  Swapping with friends and family can be really fun--especially if you make a party out of it!  Selling it is also an option.  I have  some vintage items and supplies listed on Etsy (Shop: Alfie Cat Studio), and while it is nice to make a sale, I intentionally keep prices super low so it's not a real money maker.  Lately, I have been taking advantage of a new consignment shop in Saint John: Exchange on Germain.  It's mid to high end, so not every item I am culling makes it there.  So far, I have made about $50, which is not too shabby, seeing as I would have been giving away the items for free.  Today I brought a larger haul in and my closet is enjoying the extra breathing room.  There are some non-designer consignment stores I may check out as well.

Do I sometimes feel a twinge of remorse about parting with those really sexy shoes or that dress which no longer fits but is just as cute as ever?  Sure I do!  But really, what good are those shoes when I can't walk 3 steps without the left foot slipping out (did you know weight loss makes your feet smaller? I have lost some fantastic footwear because of this...) or that dress that just doesn't flatter?  And really, Jaclyn, do you need 5 black purses?

I have to admit, it can be quite freeing and exhilerating to purge!  Maybe I'll be able to convince the Mr. to part with some of his clothing I have never seen him in our time together.  But, I'm not holding my breath.