Tag: Mindfulness

My Year Tracking my Clothing Purchases

“We each buy almost 70 new clothing garments every year.” – Juliet B. Schor, Plentitude: The New Economics of True Wealth. After watching the CBC Marketplace clip about how many items of clothing we buy, I decided to track all my clothing purchases this year. As we wind down 2018, my list included 26 new items purchased including delicates and accessories (i.e. scarf, hat). I tracked shoes separately – three pairs purchased – a pair of open-toed shoes, a pair of Tretorns that cost $1.69 thanks to gift cards and a pair of winter boots for both work and casual. I also donated old clothes to my SIL’s family, the Salvation Army and Markham Recycles to give old textiles that could no longer be worn a new life. After no longer fitting a number of items in my closest or suited me, I definitely knew I had been much more mindful about what I purchased and was happy to see that was in fact the case. I will likely to continue to track in the new year.

Mindful Spending

Great read on mindful spending by Cait Flanders – author of The Year is Less. After I saw a CBC Marketplace segment at the beginning of the year saying that the average Canadian bought 70 new items of clothes every year, I decided to track all my clothing purchases this year to see what I was actually buying. As of August 24th, I have purchased 16 items plus two pairs of shoes – one only cost $1.69 thanks to gift cards. Many of my clothing purchases happened after I realized not all of my summer clothes fit and I needed a few new dresses to wear to work. I am sure as we change seasons again, I may need a few new work pieces and maybe another pair of work flats since I no longer fit all my old shoes as I am now a size bigger. Based on the number of old clothes I have donated over the last few years, tracking my purchases has made me much more aware of what I am buying and is helping to simplify what I actually genuinely need.

Shrimp, Asparagus and Dill Risotto

Risotto is an amazing comfort food and surprisingly simple to make once you have attempted it a few times. Yes it takes a long time and you need to be super attentive but there is something truly mindful about the process. I love this Shrimp, Asparagus and Dill Risotto recipe – a spring take on Italian comfort food.

Buon Appetito!

The Simple Joy of Nature 


Many people love being close to the water. Others love being close to the mountains. For me, it is being close to trees and nature. It soothes and nourishes my soul especially at sunset. Happy to discover this beautiful spot this evening and to be able to enjoy a quiet moment savouring one of life’s simple joys.