Not in My 20s Anymore but Still Making Plans

Okay, so I left my 20s years—no, decades—ago. In fact, I'm even past my 50s. But does that make me old? I don't think so. Old happens when you give up on life. Old happens when you quit learning new stuff. Old happens when you always look back at the life you lived rather than think about everything you have to look forward to.

That's not me. I'm still making plans for the future. Maybe most people wouldn't call me young, but they'd better not call me old—at least not to my face.

While some people might wait until New Year's Day to make "resolutions," I think we should keep our lists close and make changes as needed. So here goes. Rather than call these plans resolutions, I'll call them adjustable strategies to make life as good as it can be.

The Important Stuff

My family and faith will always come first, so I don't even have to write down any goals for that. I attend church, study my Bible, and keep a running dialogue with the Lord throughout the day.

We see our daughters, sons-in-law, and granddaughters every chance we get. I suppose we could do more, like plant ourselves on their couch and just stare at them until they exchange glances and roll their eyes, but I don't want anyone to remember me as the "crazy granny." So we go often and stay for just a couple of days. Then everyone is happy, and so far, we haven't had anyone pushing us out the door.

Other, Less Significant Stuff

One of the first things I'm planning is my next meal. Yes, I realize that's pretty basic, but we all have to eat, ya know? After cooking a bunch of Thanksgiving food and eating leftovers, I think we'll probably go out for dinner tonight. I got a Chili's gift card for my birthday last month, but we didn't have a chance to use it yet. 

Next, I'm planning my fitness routine for next year. I could write down some lofty goals of running 5 miles per day and doing 100 crunches. But I won't. One of the things I've learned over the years is to be realistic and understand that it's too easy to make excuses when the plan is too difficult. So I'll set a goal of walking 2 miles at least four days per week and jumping on my rebounder for 5 minutes every single day. If I do more, it's a bonus. 

Now back to eating. You didn't think I'd stop at my next meal, did you? I remember people from my grandmother's generation saying, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." Then that became a tired old saying that no one ever took seriously. But ya know what? An apple a day just might help keep the doctor away. Not only is each apple packed with fiber and vitamins, but it also fills us up and keeps us from eating too many brownies. So I'll eat more apples.

I'm tired of dieting, hoping for a svelte figure, but winding up frustrated. So I've decided to eat as healthy as possible most of the time, cut back portions, and indulge in an occasional treat without regret. I know this won't make me skinny, but a little bit of fat helps smooth out the wrinkles, right?

My wardrobe could use a bit more weeding too. I'll go through it again and get rid of anything that I'm sure I won't wear over the next year. That's hard for me, but it's time to do it. 

I'll continue writing etiquette articles for About.com, and fiction that reflects my worldviews. I believe that good manners are important but rather than worry about which fork to use, I'll double-down on the importance of kindness and showing respect for others. As for my fiction writing, I have a very long list of stories I want to write—some full-length fiction and some shorter novellas and novelettes. I doubt I'll get all of that done in 2016, but whatever doesn't get done I'll add to my 2017 list.

I've had several requests for more books in my Belles in the City series with Southern women moving to New York and charming everyone they meet. The mother of the heroine in my third book, Can't Fool Me Twice, is practically screaming for her own book. So I think I'll give her one. After all, everyone deserves a second chance, right?

 

Now It's Your Turn

What are some of your plans for next year? I promise I won't hold you to any of it. I'm just curious.

Update Your Wardrobe for Less

Photo by Kevinrosseel on Morguefile.com

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Every season, designers come out with must-haves that send many of us scurrying to the store to make sure we look current. I have to admit that I’ve wasted way more money than I should have on purchases that only lasted a single season. Over time, I’ve learned how to stay current without recklessly spending money that can go toward something more permanent.

The key is to start with a basic wardrobe filled with quality pieces that won’t go out of style. Then each season, add trendy items that complement what you already have. Rather than discard your entire wardrobe, you’ll replace just a few pieces, ultimately saving money, while being as stylish as ever.

Basic Wardrobe

Start with a basic wardrobe in your favorite neutrals and accent colors. I have pants in several basic colors—black, brown, navy, olive, and khaki. Add tank tops, T-shirts, and a white button-front shirt that make good standalone or layering pieces. A dress or two that can be worn alone or with a sweater or jacket will add more looks to your wardrobe. Two or three blazers, a cardigan, and a vest will help you mix and match for a variety of outfits. Other pieces you may want to add to your basic wardrobe over time include a trench coat, jeans, shorts, and capris. If you have a frequent need to dress more formally, you may want to have a long black skirt that can be paired with different tops and jackets.

Accessories

Accessories can pull together an outfit and take it from blah to exciting, fun, and glamorous. Swapping out your pearls for a chunky necklace gives your outfit a completely different look. Try on various accessories with your basic wardrobe to maximize your trendiness.

One of the biggest trends over the past several years has been accessorizing with scarves. Pick up a few rectangular and square scarves in your favorite accent colors and learn different ways to tie them.

Add trendy belts to change up your outfit. Wear skinny belts in layers with your favorite dress or layer a tank top, white button-front shirt, and a candy-colored wide belt for accent and a fresh new look.

Necklaces are the perfect pieces to fill in the frame created by a scoop neckline or V-neck top. Choose trendy pieces that are flattering to your skin tone.

Wear a single bracelet or stack several for more drama to get the current look without spending your entire paycheck. The arm will be the focal point, regardless of what else you’re wearing.

A cute, fashionable handbag can make the plainest outfit come alive. Carry an animal embossed leather bag with your black slacks, white top, and jewel-tone blazer for a current look. Or choose a metal mesh bag from Whiting & Davis to show a hint of edgy-glam style.

A new pair of shoes may be all you need to update your wardrobe. Look for the latest shoe fashions at discount sites such as Zappos or BlueFly.


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