a new look, a new direction

After two years of blogging, a completely random assortment of posts, and a recent three-month break, I asked myself - what can I really bring to the blogging world that people will find interesting and useful? After bouncing around a few ideas, I realized I've slowly gained a passion for (trying to) simplify life:

decluttering my home
being content with what I already own
maintaining a budget along with budget-friendly ideas for the home
creating healthier eating habits
living "green" to be a good steward of this earth
a few other things that will come up along the way :)

Of course, all these things are quite easier said than done, so I want to be really honest and share my personal journey along the way, both triumphs and failures relapses.

I believe living a simpler lifestyle doesn't have to be all about the budget, salads, and recycling...there is definitely room for interpretation and of course, the occasional splurge, whether it's a physical item or an experience. Trust me...I know how to splurge.

I've been thinking about the "new blog" and talking about it with friends for quite a while, and even though I don't feel fully prepared to take on this new challenge, I figured the best way to start is...well, to just start!

In addition to this new direction, the blog needed a new look, courtesy of my friend Marina at Penny Lane Designs. I love the simplicity of the look, but it still has a little flair to add some interest...I hope that will reflect the content as well!

Let's see where this takes us...