My 2009 (Life)Style Resolutions

I picked up this idea from the Chicago-based "A Life of Style" blog and am hoping that posting my resolutions will help me stand by them.

* Develop my own signature style. My taste veers towards the classics but I am looking to add a trendier twist. Lipstick Jungle is a major inspiration.

* Sex up my shoes. I have decided to stand by my Converse (no pun intended) but my snow boots have to go as there are some cuter alternatives out there. I have already splurged on three pairs of tall boots for the fall and a couple of pairs of stilettos for the summer.

* Finish cleaning out my closet. I did a major hatchet job in November but there's more work to do as it is time to part with some old friends and forgotten pieces.

* Transition from a relaxer to natural hair. I may end up straightening my natural hair but would at least like to give myself the option of being a curly girlie.

* Schedule a makeover every six months. I am a recovering beauty addict who is now stuck in a makeup rut.

* Revise my Sunday evening beauty routine. I occasionally wash and set my hair for the week but am probably going to go the blowout route every other week. I am instead going to focus more on at home spa treatments. Nothing fancy, just a neat-and-nude mani and pedi, body exfoliation and enjoy a glass of wine.

* Dust off my cookbooks and head back to the kitchen. I am sooo tired of eating out and would like to cultivate better eating habits.

* Do more downward dogs. I would like to go to yoga, and maybe some cardio, at least once a week. I miss my gym. Sigh...

Om Shanti

I went to yoga yesterday for the first time in, er, six months or so. I was rather surprised to find that my body still knew when I should push further versus when to rest in a child's pose. 

I, however, was more surprised by how uplifting it felt to do a headstand. It was both the challenge of doing something that so out-of-the-ordinary with the confidence knowing that I pulled it off that made it feel so good. 

I sometimes think that I love the idea of taking care of myself more than the actuality of doing so as I often find excuses for why I can't do things. Nearly missed my yoga class because I had gotten so caught up in my errands that it became yet another "task." I also needed to come home immediately afterwards to pick up my son so there was a time constraint as well.

That said, I knew that if I missed this class I would miss the next one as well and that would put me in default of the commitment I had made to myself to go to the gym at least once a week. My penalty for two missed classes -- barring emergencies -- is to cancel my membership. Gulp!

So I went and am trying to figure out how I can make it to the gym next Tuesday. I am seriously eying a 7a pilates class as yoga conflicts with the inauguration. My then-infant son and I campaigned for Obama so I am very excited about watching him take office. Gotta prioritize!

I started writing my beauty resolutions over the weekend. Need to make a few revisions before I post that one.