Hi!

It's Sharon from Simply Home, back with a new edition of the Simple Things Digest.

On a Personal Note

I woke to the sound of birds chirping, regretting setting my alarm. Nine minutes later, the birds were back. Then again nine minutes after that. And another 9 minutes after that.

I’d signed up for a 10:45 vinyasa flow yoga class and went to bed eager to start the next morning getting my heart rate up and breaking a sweat.

But, 10:00 a.m. came a little too soon considering it was 5:00 a.m. before I was able to finally fall asleep.

I just won’t go. I told myself between snoozes. But, I couldn’t bring myself to stand up Lisa, the sweet yoga instructor. I also knew I’d have a much better day if I kept my plans.

So, I dragged myself out of bed, fumbled my way to my closet, shimmied into my yoga shorts and top, brushed my teeth, and threw on my glasses. No time to floss or wash yesterday’s makeup off my face.

I haven’t practiced vinyasa in a while, so during the third set of asanas (flow of yoga poses) I occasionally paused for a sip of water or to catch my breath in child's pose.

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Even so, I was so glad that I showed up for myself. That one decision flowed into making a healthy choice for lunch, followed by a very insightful journaling and meditation session. After which, I drove to my weekly massage appointment where we’re tending to a tight right hip and the resulting achilles tendonitis. (I’m very pleased to share my body is feeling the cumulative effect of the past six sessions, and I’m actually able to walk without limping.)

I came home and took a very relaxing epsom salt bath.

As I went to bed the night before, too tired to steam the dress I wanted to wear to the women's conference I was attending, I pivoted to my plan B outfit—an off-the-shoulder, black and white floral patterned top with cropped, black linen pants and a pair of pointed toe, black slingback sandals.

The next morning, I applied my makeup, including my version of a tutorial for “easy makeup for brown eyes,” slipped into my outfit, and pulled my hair back into a low, sleek ponytail. Large, silver hoop earrings finished off the outfit.

When I walked into the conference room, I felt pretty and confident.

After the conference, I went straight to a haircut appointment. (My regularly scheduled appointment was preempted by Hurricane Beryl.)

“How is it?” she asked as she pulled her hands down both sides of the hair next to my face, checking for evenness.

“Good,” I said. “But, I think I want to go a bit shorter,” I told her, motioning under my chin.

“Okay,” she said as she pulled out her scissors.

I nodded in approval at the shorter length.

“I want to take this section of hair to my cheekbone,” I told her as I lifted my bangs to demonstrate.

“Okay,” she said again, taking off the length.

I left the salon feeling an air of satisfaction, not just with the haircut, but in the fact that I spoke up and asked for what I wanted.

Later that evening, I thought about the idea of perfect self-expression--a phrase used by one of the speakers at the conference. It resonated with me because it's my ultimate goal for you (and me).

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I wondered if the notion of 'perfect' might lend itself to striving. I don’t want that for either of us. I'd rather we experience aligned self-expression.

Whether it's described as perfect or aligned, self-expression leads to feeling at home in your soul--what I call being 'simply home.'

Personal style is a big part of that.

Features

Continuing with August’s topic of personal style, I want to introduce you to a couple of pros who continually help me hone my style.

I believe you'll be as inspired by them as I am.
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My favorite interior designer Carla generously shares a wealth of tips and inspiration on her popular blog and on Instragram. I’ve learned so much from her over the years. Click the button below to see how she styled my built-in bookshelves. Read article

A very talented makeup artist I stumbled on Kate's Instagram account a year two ago. I find myself saving, and trying, so many of her tips. Every one I've tried has worked! My favorite has to be her makeup magic for under eye circles. Click below o watch. ​ Read article

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Join the Weeknight Recipe Exchange

In case you missed it, I created a Google doc where we can share our favorite weeknight recipes. I added several ideas for Taco Tuesday and a recipe for BBQ Baked Potatoes.

Thank you for joining me today. It's my pleasure to walk alongside you in your 'simply home' journey.

Wishing you simplicity and ease,