I'm a visual person , and nothing gives me greater visceral pleasure than seeing new-season stock expertly merchandised and a store all redecorated for spring. Seasonal change, and the idea of new, has been my nemesis though , for as long as I can remember. " Oh look, wonderful new things that I want to buy !!" My spring clothes are still packed away and so inaccessible right now that I have no idea what's in those boxes, and what my wardrobe will look like this summer.

Reading Angie's blog this morning, along with Janet's most recent post was a well-timed reminder to calm down and wait patiently until I can get out my s/s clothes and really see what's there. My vow to stop shopping this year has been tough - but in such a "first-world problem" way that it's almost laughable. I realized today that even though the stores are full of new merchandise in gorgeous new colours, buying before I've reviewed what I already have is what got me into a life-long habit of over-buying for certain seasons (spring and fall) out of sheer enthusiasm. My one real purchase in February was a belt, and I'm kind of pleased with myself that I can now wear one It's a black leather/gold hardware one vaguely "inspired by" the infamous GG buckle. Except mine cost all of $40.

My keto/intermittent fasting eating plan is going really well - I continue to lose weight albeit slower this past month than in January, which was intentional (i'm a little nervous about f-ing around with my metabolism ) . I'm down around 12 lbs . I drank no alcohol in January but have had a bit in February, which I have to admit does not make me feel good . Wine especially leaves me sluggish, congested , unable to sleep, and generally out of sorts. It's always a better idea than reality. I'm weaning out my wardrobe and have created a pretty big stack of winter things that no longer fit. Blazers , blouses and t-shirts are all much looser in the shoulders, arms and chest, although some are still fine and actually look better now than they did when I was heavier.

We talk about wide leg jeans and pants a lot here, and although I jumped on the bandwagon last summer and fall, I'm not really loving them . I didn't wear any of them this winter and just pulled out a pair of BR wide leg jeans in the new shorter length which I bought in fall and never wore, and honestly don't love the look. It's "OK" , but not quite me, somehow. I'm not going to feel too left out of that trend this summer, I suspect.

Instead of thinking about the things I wish I could buy (I'm also on a seriously reduced budget this year due to some changes in my work) , I'm going to propose that any birthday gifts this year (in June ) be a couple of things that I really need/want: new Birks and a swim suit are top of list right now. It's a total shift of mind set, and is LONG overdue.

And lastly, a new obsession with the women at RedLeopard.co.uk has me really focused on colour , and what is best for me. I thought I had it nailed down pretty well, but these women make you pay attention (I would LOVE to book one of their sessions in London one day ) . I'm paying a lot more attention to makeup colours, mixing my old cooler coloured clothes with warmer tones to make them work better, and to using better-coloured accessories. To say I am obsessed with these women is an understatement

Thanks for reading, if you made it this far. Happy to still be here and read the forum daily, even if I don't always comment. Trying to behave myself here