Change The Hip Mom Can Believe In

For as long as I can remember, I’ve craved change. I love buffets — a bit of this, some of that. As a young girl, I would rearrange my bedroom several times a year and would so frequently revamp my wardrobe in some way that even my classmates noticed that I never wore the same “outfit” twice.

You may not be wired like me, as easily accepting of change and in need of variety. But I do know that within our busy lives as moms, wives, and the many other titles we hold, a little change can be just the thing to liven up our daily grind and assuage our spring fever. Here are some inspirations for adding variety to your home, wardrobe and even yourself.

Home

Start by seeing your home for the first time again. Use a mirror and walk around the house literally seeing things from a different angle. This will give you an idea of what others see when they first walk into your home. You might notice something beautiful that in your eyes had become blasé. Try updating your décor seasonally or even rotating wall art. Even getting a new light fixture or lamp can change the look and feel of a room. I love the selection of lighting at IKEA for an inexpensive and beautiful addition. Also, check out the new online zine Lonny at www.LonnyMag.com for some fresh ideas.

Wardrobe

Whether you like it or not, the way we dress says a lot about who we are. It can be very easy to fall into a routine and wear workout wear (whether or not we actually exercised) all day or just a T-shirt and jeans with little thought given. A bit of attention paid when you get dressed in the morning can energize you throughout the day. Find what works for you, but don’t be afraid to try a new look. Invite your most stylish (and honest!) friend over to sort though your closet and help you find what will fare well through the decades and what to donate.

While shopping, if you find something that you look and feel great in, buy several. And each season, even if your look is classic, allow yourself some fun trends ala Forever 21. Check out my favorite fashion inspiration The Sartorialist at www.thesartorialist.blogspot.com. His cutting edge and quirky photographs of people around the world can inspire you to turn your closet into a design studio and create original looks.

You

Start dating again (yourself and your friends!). Hip Moms, surely if you are reading this article, you have accepted the fact that it is better for our sanity and our families’ to have some downtime for our passions and ourselves.

Like anything in life, it can be easy to fall into a rut with our friendships. Reconnect with an old friend or go out for coffee with an acquaintance from your yoga class or an interesting mom from your child’s class.

Start a Birthday Club, a great excuse to get out with friends and birthday present in one! Gather a group of friends — old or new — and celebrate each other’s birthdays once a month. In mine, the Birthday Girl(s) chose the venue for their month. And unlike a book club, there is nothing to cram for.

It’s easy to date yourself by trying a new exercise class (most offer a first time free), dancing lesson, or treat yourself to a vacation-worthy exotic treatment at a local spa. Feed your artistic side by attending a free lecture at Philbrook or by checking out smaller venues with local art. For details, visit philbrook.org, tulsagirlsartschool.org or livingarts.org and click on the events pages for information on upcoming events. You can even “Friend” these groups on Facebook to easily stay up-to-date on the latest exhibits.

With a bit of effort and creativity, you can turn these last humdrum winter days and into something for which a Hip Mom can get excited!