Intentionally Arranging Our Minimalist Bookshelf (start with the small things)

Hello again! My name is Tracy @theChicHomemaker, and I'm a wife, a mother of two, and a warm welcome to my blog.

Today I am showing you a task I finished: arranging our bookshelf with the existing books I have from our other place, a few knick-knacks from our travels, and my certifications on some of the milestones I've achieved.

So we are still moving slowly in our new home, and I wanted this move to be more intentional by taking our time and not rushing into it.

We are starting with the small things. Because they are the biggest obstacles contributing to clutter, we first find their place in the house to get them out of the way. I'm sure you, my fellow homemakers, have heard of the saying, "a place for everything and everything in its place." Also, to make the shelf come to life, I've adorned it with green plants to give it a little contrast to the white background and give the frame a nice, cozy feel.

Here are some books I've collected through the years, notes from my Yoga Teacher Training in 2009, and even photo albums of the kids. I prefer to put the soft-covered ones in a closed cabinet, and for an accent shelf such as this one, hard-covered books work best as displays. It stands better, which makes it look neater and more organized.

So there you go; I'm most happy and proud with the turnout because I've managed to get intentional by turning it into a personal space for everything that means something to my family and me. I've also committed to keeping it minimal, and the plants helped simultaneously make the area look calm and pleasing to the eyes.

Living Chicly and Deliberately// A Homemaker's Dedication

I love early mornings. I'm always up before everyone else and start my day with coffee and reflections. I enjoy the quiet and solitude that it brings. It also gives me time to set my intentions and prepare for the day. So I count my blessings: another chance, another day to practice the art of living chicly and deliberately.

First of all, let's examine the word chicly. What does it mean? It means in a chic style or manner. It describes an act of doing something smartly and elegantly. As I apply the word to homemaking, "chicly" is what I practice in every action, behavior, and aspect of my home. Whether cleaning, laundry, watering the garden, cooking, or caring for my husband and children, I carry out my day slowly, deliberately, and chicly.

Being elegant is a mindset that has changed my outlook on making a home and life itself. How I present myself and complete my everyday tasks is an integral part of living elegantly. The dreadedness has become less and is replaced instead by motivation and inspiration.

Taking care of a home can be exhausting, but with a changed and positive attitude, it can be rewarding. After all, mundane chores are just as significant as any other job. Caring for the home while living an elevated life gives lessons about being in the present moment. Doing tedious work with intention enriches the experience of the task at hand. So when you step back and look at what you've done, you will experience a particular, almost calm joy, contentment, and satisfaction for a well-done job. Now, isn't that a wonderful and inspiring feeling to have? Well, it is for me, and I hope it could be for you too.

How I Present Myself

As a homemaker, I always remember not to neglect myself. Instead, I put effort into presenting myself at home in front of my husband and children. So even while I do my mundane chores, such as cooking, cleaning, and the laundry, I still wear my presentable clothes, put on light make-up and adorn myself with minimal jewelry.

Here in the Philippines, all year round is summer. So I choose clothing material that can last a long time for reuse.

I have been drawn to the 10-item capsule wardrobe concept from many influencers in my algorithm and learned from this. The French are experts, and they are on to something. (Well, in my case, I do 15, haha). They believe less is more, and now so do I. This notion has made me a responsible shopper. I choose quality materials with natural and authentic fibers such as natural linen, pure cotton, pure silk, or the cheaper alternative such as satin, and cashmere. I like supporting and buying from small local businesses. They are amazing. I advocate slow fashion now because you know it is done right to your body's measurements. There is no more impulse buying and suffering from buyer's remorse after. It's madness when you have excess in your closet with stuff you never get to use.😅 Whatever excess I had before, bags, clothes, shoes- I've sold and kept the ones that I like and have been using them every day now—no more holding it in the closet and saving it for that special occasion that usually never comes. This notion is where I practice the expression "Life is short" and even the term "Yolo "(it means "you only live once, "for short). It's using and reusing whatever you already have in your wardrobe.

The ten or 15 item capsule wardrobe is a brilliant concept. This idea, in turn, has made me find my true style, which I am comfortable with, and that is a flowy-minimal-chic style.

Here are some outfits in my wardrobe that I constantly reuse daily at home, which also applies when I go out for errands. :)

Here are the typical outfits I use daily. The fabrics are pure linen and cotton and they are all from two slow-fashion online shops that I follow on Instagram.

This is the Lily Dress in linen fabric.

Marseille Dress also in linen fabric.

This is called an Ochre dress but in a black color. Also in linen fabric

A simple black dress for hot summers that you can jazz up with espadrilles. You guessed it, linen again. :)

A natural beige linen custom dress.

Long white shirt dress.

Cotton Dresses in white and baby blue..

Cool white blouse and pants ensemble

...And a simple white linen V-neck top..

It's much easier and faster to get ready in the mornings now. Also, mixing and matching are more uncomplicated. I'm committed to simplifying my life, starting with an organized closet that is no longer overflowing with clothes. Not only is it satisfying to look at, but also chic.

Enviousness// A Homemaker's Realization

As the world has now opened up to travel, mostly without restrictions, people, families, and friends are all going abroad and sharing it on social media.

Ok, my family and I were able to travel just last March 2022 when the world started slowly opening up to traveling. We were very fortunate to have found a too-good-to-miss deal with flight ✈️ costs and hotel accommodations for four people. This was so surprising and maybe a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that may not happen again, so we just had to go. During that time, we had to go through several swab tests. Going there, being there, and coming back. We also had to show a lot of necessary health documents as well. But now, as I write this blog, voyaging is more accessible and more apparent. Family and friends have been sharing their visiting experiences in other countries; I cannot help but feel envious.

While we did travel abroad a few months back, our experience felt like it happened ages ago. I struggle with the green-eyed monster, as traveling the world is one of my many passions. It makes me long to globetrot again.

So how do I avoid being envious? While I continue to look at my family and my friends shared posts, instead of feeling jealous, I'm happy for them. I delight in the places they visit. But most of all, I remind myself that I am content where I am now. I am occupied with transitioning into a new house- setting it up, organizing, and turning it into a magical and loving space for my family. Someday when traveling is in the budget again, we can come home to a clean, orderly, comfortable, and stress-free home. After all, home is really where the heart is.

Here are some photos of our recent trip to Thailand. The kids absolutely loved it and want to return.

Leaving Manila at 12MN

Arrived at Changi airport in the wee hours of the morn to connect to Thailand..

During the flight..Everyone was a bit tired and sleepy still..

Touchdown Thailand. We went to Huahin which was a 3 hour drive from Bangkok. Not to mention the stop over we had for the Covid testing first before getting to the hotel.

Finally at the Hotel Sheraton. Settled in and having the breakfast buffet.

Our many days spent at the beach and pool while papa is off to work..

Dinner

More of the beach for me please.. and a seaside cocktail to go with it..

Days where I just enjoy the sun, sand and seabreeze while I watch the kids at play..

Such a memorable week for the kids..

Beach bums for the week and most grateful and happy to be out and about in another country..

Dining At Home

Now that I have looked at homemaking positively and accepted it as one of the most important jobs, I’ve begun to cook more and even baked some foods from scratch. Also, I have become more conscious of my budget for groceries and lessened eating out (only when necessary, like on special occasions). It’s cheaper, you can adjust your ingredients, and you can practice formality and dining etiquette at home with your family. I cook simple foods, yet I can make them a pleasant and formal dining experience. How? I set the table using my best cutlery, dishes, and napkins, sitting down without gadgets and enjoying each other’s company.

Here is a sample of our table setting at home. The cotton napkins I use as I journal this blog is no longer new from the constant washing. Haha! I also like changing up the plates according to season. Since we only have two seasons, these blue “knock-off Spode plates” from Claytan will do for fall. I will change my plates soon for Christmas and then next for summer. :)

I like to use rattan chargers as placemats. It just organizes everything on the table.

And here are some simple, mostly organic and healthy dishes I make at home that the whole family loves. Also, I prefer plating my kids’ meals. I know how much they can finish.

Pasta Bolognese

Pasta Carbonara

Organic Pork Sinigang

Organic Chicken Afritada

Vegetabel Ramen Noodle Soup

Homemade Cheese Pizza

Caesar Salad

Salmon and Veggies

Wagyu Steak and Veggies

Air-Fryed Organic Chicken and Sautéed Kangkong

Spam and Veggies (Yes, we eat spam from time to time.)

Organic Egg Sandwich with Air-Fryed Organic Potato Chips

Homemade Easy Pancakes

Puto Muffins

Coco Sugar Choc Chip Cookies

Blueberry Jam Muffins

Homemade Butterscotch Pudding with English Tea (I love me my version of hot milk tea in the afternoon)

No-Bake Granola Balls with Hot Milk Tea (always!)

I'm still learning many recipes along the way that I can make and that my husband and kids will love. And they are the reason why I'm doing what I'm doing.

Re-inspired and Going

Hello there! I'm back and able to journal my thoughts and newfound inspirations here on my blog again. Also, my Youtube channel, which has been relatively inactive for a while, was restored and "profile-edited" after 11 years. So I am okay with not having any subscribers, viewers, or readers. However, I am happy to send my newfound inspirations and thoughts into the cosmic void. A lot happened to me recently, such as discoveries in personal development, a change in mindset, a newly built home, and learning to live deliberately. I'm still figuring out where or how to start telling everything happening in my life. All I have to say is that they are good, and I am thankful for all that has come my way. I'll share them one at a time here on my blog, on my Youtube channel, and my Instagram. So thank you, cosmic void, for always lending an ear.