Lifestyle - Inspired Living SA

How to start "Living Green"

I loved this quote; it sums up exactly how I feel about the world around us!

“Going Green”, “Eco Living”, “Sustainable living” – no matter what you call it; we should all be doing our bit, to look after this beautiful planet we live on. There are so many ways that we can try and live sustainably, although most of it takes some time and effort. We as a family, are certainly not doing all we can on the “eco” front. We do recycle, we try and use mostly local organic produce, we use non-electric source – to heat our home but I am looking into other areas that we can improve on.

I found this amazing local website, “Liveeco”, which gives you great ideas on how you can “live green”. Simple things like adjusting the settings on your printer to save ink, dressing warmer indoors – so that you do not need heaters to generate heat, using organic beauty products that are not harmful to the environment: are but a few things we can endeavour to incorporate in our everyday lives. Click on the link above and have a look at the great concepts the site proposes.

So what are you doing to help save our planet and “live green”? The Earth is after all our children’s heritage.

Image Source: Pinterest

Fashion, Lifestyle

Jeans: Could you live without them?

Definition: ‘pants that are made from denim’

Origin: ‘The word “jeans” comes from the French phrase bleu de Gênes, literally the blue of Genoa. Jeans fabric, or denim, originated in the French town of Nîmes, from which ‘denim’ (de Nîmes) gets its name.’

History: ‘Some of the earliest American blue jeans were made by Jacob Davis, Calvin Rogers, and Levi Strauss in 1873. Starting in the 1950s, jeans, originally designed for the U.S. Army and working people, became popular among teenagers.’

When you first think about jeans, iconic brands like Levi’s, Calvin Klein, Lee, and Wrangler, come to mind. Newbies on the scene include: Diesel, Gap and True Religion Jeans. There are so many different cuts of jeans: skinny, tapered, straight leg, boot cut, curvy, maternity, and flare. Never mind the heavy price tag attached to some of the more popular brands of jeans.

‘Jeans’ or ‘denims’, as they are also known, are the ‘holy grail’ of a woman’s wardrobe. How can something so simple create such pleasure and pain in a woman’s life? All woman out there, know what I mean – we spend our lives in search of the “perfect pair of jeans”. When you find the right fit, it is cause to celebrate but it can be a long and arduous journey. I have been known to travel, as far afield as London to get the ‘right fit’!

I personally love and live in my jeans, ‘they’ should hand you a voucher for a life time supply, once you become a mother. They hide a multitude of sins and that includes: “lumps and Bumps”, that “muffin top” and sticky little hand prints.

Most men do not understand a woman’s relationship with her jeans and they are at a loss when you are devastated that your favourite pair has “shrunk” in the wash! There are many debates, as to what you would rescue in event of a fire; personally, my jeans would feature high up on my list! They are the first item I pack when I go on vacation and I then coordinate the rest of my wardrobe around them.

The greatest thing about jeans is that anyone can wear them; fat or thin, tall or short, oh and men too. If you are like me, a shorty, you have a pair to wear with flats and a pair to wear with heels; I should say ‘pairs’. You can dress them up or down depending on the occasion. Not to forget that there are jeans for style and those for comfort. I am sure we have all contemplated lying on our bed just to try and zip a pair closed – those would be the style pair!

By pure luck while I was writing this article I came across something that Mr Price had on their site, it is great to see I am not alone in my love of denim. Go to Mr Price in the Loop to have a look at their post featuring Wrangler Jeans.

So do not forget to ‘love’ and appreciate your jeans today, where would we be without them! I would be lost without mine!

Source: “Definition, Origin & History” – Wikipedia “Main content” – Supermom

Image Source: Pinterest

Fashion, Fashion, Lifestyle

Fashion – You have to "LOVE" it

I am truly in love with, the romantic, “love” inspired, fashion that seems to have taken world by storm. It can either be pretty, with lots of frilly lace or understated, with muted pastel tones. In fact there are no rules; the only requirement is that it oozes sensuality and romance.

This trend is nothing new, but it is possible that I am more aware of it, because I am the mother of two “fashion forward”, young girls. I have had my older daughter looking over my shoulder, whilst I was writing this blog, exclaiming “ooh I love that, it is all so pretty!” I have to admit that even though I would not wear a great deal of these items, I love the flouncy, frilliness of it all!

Your look can be classy and chic or vintage and Bohemian. Fabrics like chiffon and silk feature a great deal in many of the fashions, which although beautiful are not always practical, for a mom. I guess it is OK to dream.

If you feel that the whole look would be too much for you, then pairing a beautiful blouse with a pair of jeans could be an option.

The same trend can be seen in hair and makeup. The look in makeup is definitely ‘less is more’, muted natural shades, with pinks and corals featuring a great deal. Hair too is soft and natural, with lose flowing curls or swept up, with beautiful hair pins and floral accessories.

Jewellery is baroque inspired, with gold and pearls and lots of layers. Antique style earrings and ornate rings are a must; even ‘the brooch’, has made a grand comeback. Pretty floral or lacy scarves are also popular when accessorizing this look.

So the key is to have has as much fun as possible and unleash the “inner romantic” in you.

Image source: Pinterest and None via Fiona

Entertainment, Lifestyle

Books – I Don't Know How She Does It

I am in the process of reading a book, “I Don’t Know How She Does It” by Allison Pearson. It is a rather satirical take on motherhood, at times I am not sure whether I should laugh or cry. I love the blatant honesty that is portrayed; the situations that the main character in the book, Kate Reddy, finds herself in are so real. Even though unlike me, she is a working mom with two children, I can still relate to her expectations of life as a wife and mother. The story ultimately poses the question “Can you have it all: marriage, children and a career?”

The book has now been made into a movie, soon to be released, staring none other than Sarah Jessica Parker. I love her character in Sex in the City, and would probably see the movie just to see another one of her performances. The trailer is very funny and hopefully the movie will live up to expectations. So I will wait expectantly for the release thereof later this year. Have a look at the trailer below to see what to expect from the movie and if you have not read the book yet it is well worth it.