I’ve written about “Why Pretty Matters” for ourselves in this post here.
But today we’re talking why pretty matters in our surroundings.
When we’re over 50 and attempting to lose weight, we haven’t chosen a gentle path. Let’s be truthful with our own selves and remember: when losing after 50, we’re trekking the Matterhorn.
There’s no other group who has such a hard time losing and maintaining than women over 50. Being upfront with ourselves can bring a deep sigh of relief as in, phew, it’s not just my imagination, it really is hard to lose after 50.
Therefore every tweak we make to our own minds – i.e. habits — gives us crucial tools to stay confidently on our path of smart eating.
Pretty Backdrops to our Lives.
Embrace these tools that I’m about to detail. Remember what we’re shooting for: more support for ourselves as we lose after 50.
Beauty Tool One.
Two Christmases ago, I bought a gorgeous pink mug for myself and three friends. My hope was that we’d think of each other when drinking morning coffee.
That said, what do you eat on? Do you get a burst of happiness at using certain plates, cutlery and mugs? Dining on beauty is a hugely important tool.
If you don’t get a little thrill from a certain plate or mug, buy something special for just you. Let the family know: these are mine. If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll find gorgeous tableware for a song at a thrift store.
Beauty Tool Two.
Your bedroom. When you walk into your room does your heart beat, ooh, pretty? Or is it more like, this carpet needs cleaning.
Make your bed beautiful and/or cozy. And if you need to get your carpet cleaned: get your carpet cleaned.
Last winter I dove deep into cozy and bought an electric blanket and extra pillows for my bed, I also spread my grandmother’s knitted blanket on top. My bed might not make the pages of House Beautiful, but it screams comfort and happiness to me.
A friend bought beautiful new sheets for her bed. Smart.
Uplevel your bedroom, it’s an investment that pays off daily.
Beauty Tool Three.
These day a lot of us work from home. What is your desk situation? Is it pretty? Does it make you want to sit down and get to work?
My desk is in the living room. I know that sounds crazy, but if I were upstairs working in a bedroom office I’d never see my teens. They’re barely around as it is.
Here’s what I’ve done with my desk: I clean and tidy it daily and I put a vase of twinkle lights on as décor in place of a plant or flowers (that the cat would knock off for fun). My desk is also at the window that showcases the wild birds eating the seed I put out every morning.
Beauty Tool Four.
Your car. Is it clean? If not, join me in taking your car to get a bath every other month. At first the cost freaked me out, but in just one visit I understood the importance to my mental health. Lol. In alternate months, I clean it myself. And I de-trash it daily.
Beauty Tool Five.
Holiday décor. Might sound obvious, but every time I see something beautiful for the season like a pretty pumpkin, a Thanksgiving mantle, a lighted deer I get a jolt of happiness.
Beauty Tool Six.
Sounds kind of silly, but I have a pink ipod. I use it daily to listen to podcasts and I figured why not get a pink one? I’m not suggesting you buy expensive tech. But I am saying that beautifying the items you most use isn’t silly it’s just one more way to layer pretty into our lives.
The Real Agenda Behind Beautiful Surroundings.
Making your life beautiful isn’t frivolous. It’s required. When you choose gorgeous plates and mugs, when you create a cozy bed, when you make your world beautiful: you’re signalling to yourself in no uncertain that you are important and matter. (And sadly, the opposite teaches the opposite.)
Remember, we can do hard things. Beautifying our lives gives us a beautiful view as we trek losing after 50.
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Have a wonderful week, everyone!
♥, Wendy
P.S. Are you new to the Inspired Eater? Welcome!! This blog won’t make much sense until you first read the Aunt Bea post (and you’ll find Aunt Bea on this page to the right under my short bio). After you enter your email address, the Aunt Bea article will be sent to your email’s inbox. If it’s not there, you might check the spam folder. And always feel free to email me at Wendy@TheInspiredEater.com and I’ll get Aunt Bea right to you!
13 Comments
You have such a way of putting things Wendy! This post made me so happy just thinking of the ways I could pretty-up my life. Just like with L’Oreal, we’re worth it! Thanks for another round of fabulous inspiration!
Barbara!!
You’re like my own personal cheerleader!
Thank you for all of your kind words!
Wendy
Hi Wendy,
Love this post and I agree with everything. These are things that I’ve always done for myself. Even if I’m eating. Lean Cuisine I always plate on a beautiful dish. Makes me feel better.
Margie in CA
This is true! Happiness is in these small things! Thanks for this reminder.
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
This is a really encouraging post, thank you. I wholeheartedly agree with you that having items we deem beautiful is a great way to love ourselves. By the way, where are those lovely pink pumpkins from? I would like to have a few at my house.
Hi Mimi!!
The link under these pretty pumpkins is under the photo. ♥♥♥
Wendy
Thank you. I was able to purchase them & will be enjoying them soon. Have a beautiful day.
So wonderful to hear! They’re just darling. Enjoy!!
I love this. Enjoying our surroundings as much as possible can lift the mood so much – which can really help us stay on track with a healthy lifestyle.
Beautifully put!
I just started decorating for Fall and it gives me an uplift! Adding a bit here and there adds to the feeling or mood in my home.
I love your ideas Wendy!
jthanks for linking!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Thank you Jess!
Thank you Wendy. I love your perspective on how to approach the challenges of our 50s. Thanks so much for sharing with us the last few weeks. I am enjoying your posts. #HomeMattersParty