Hi y’all! I’m Bailey Jean, a Texas girl born and raised and a recent graduate of Baylor University. In the past year I have worn many hats, from a live-in nanny, a children’s theatre director, and an Anthropologie sales gal all while adventuring in Seattle. This fall will bring me closer to home as I will attend graduate school, pursuing a masters in theatre at Oklahoma State. It is needless to say that in a whirlwind of transition it is the simple things that keep me stable and steady.
How do you take care of yourself so that you’re physically and mentally prepared to be your best self for others?
I have learned that rest is key, and that it has to do with FAR more than my sleep schedule. I am an extroverted introvert and after a full day of working retail or Alice in Wonderland rehearsal, I can tell when I need to recharge. Yes, hitting the hay early helps, but it is the morning that turns my day around. Instead of hitting the snooze button three times, if I’m up-and-at-’em at the first bell’s ring, I have more time to take my time getting ready. Listening to worship music during my morning routine and commute puts me in a good mood, and taking time to get in the word is the perfect dose of perspective to add grace to my day.
In your house, how do the mundane parts of life get done?
As a single gal, meal-planning for one is more difficult than you may think. I try to take care of grocery shopping on Sundays after church (and if I’m really feeling in-control I steer clear of Target; too many beautiful things find their way into my cart otherwise). I need quick meals on the go, and I find that writing them in to my planner keeps me from detouring to Chipotle in-between gigs.
What is one tradition or routine that’s really important to you? And why?
Every Wednesday my small group hosts a potluck dinner. We are given a theme on Sunday and each prepare our best dish (some go Pinterest-crazy and others simply put a new spin on Grandma’s classic recipes). This time is essential to my week and so refreshing! We gather around the table, catch up on life, and share many a laugh over a wide variety of food. There is a prize for best dish, by the way, and boy is my group competitive. But it’s all in good fun, and it’s this fun each week that gets me through to the weekend.
Your PICK SIX: What 6 products can you absolutely note live without?
1. Lara Casey’s PowerSheets: I am a list girl through and through, an avid note taker, and a firm believer that when you write something down it gets put into action. I LOVE these goal setting tools!
2. Project Life 6×8 Albums: I love to scrapbook but the 12×12 was too much for this season of life. My 6×8 albums are a fun way to capture the memories and adventures from my time in Seattle, and totally manageable with my small budget and space.
3. The Any.Do App: More lists, is anyone surprised? Literally crossing off items on my to-do list makes me feel more productive, and I love having this app at my fingertips. Plus you can earn rewards with the more items you cross off!
4. Root Plump by Big Sexy Hair: This project is a life- and time-saver! My hair is straight as a board and obstinate when it comes to holding a curl, so the extra volume this product gives is stellar. A few spritzes before drying in the morning and BAM! All day lift.
5. Rifle Paper Co Journals: I love a good journal, and pretty paper goods are a day-maker. I use the Rifle Paper journals for everything from to-do lists to party plans, big dreams and daily doings.
6. The Message Bible: One of my goals for 2014 is to reignite a love for scripture in my life, and this version has helped immensely. Even the most familiar verses and stories have been brought to new life. I highly recommend it!
Anything else you think our readers would love to know? Any additional tips or systems that help you keep it all together?
I struggled for a long time to become content in my season; I’m not the cute mom blogger of six who can tell you ten ways to keep the kitchen tidy, nor the newlywed with sage advice for building a home. But I have come to realize that even as a single college grad I can make my home meaningful as well as live a full yet simplified life! Invest in fun dishes, embrace your spontaneity, and make your healthy habits now. Today is the day, my friends! Don’t wait ;)
Follow along with Bailey:
Instagram: @baileyjeanrobert
Blog: http://www.braveloveblog.com
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The Simplicity Series features busy gals, in different stages of life, making what matters happen and tips and tricks they’ve found to be helpful. Simplicity is about building margin into your life and spending time on and with that which fuels your heart. While we love to share products and services that help us day to day, but simplicity is about HEART and intentionally choosing the thing that matters most (your TREASURE) more than anything money can buy. We wear many hats and we know you do too, so we’d love to hear your thoughts as well! For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:34
We want to know how you intentionally create joy in your life as well as the ways you make your busy life simpler. Submit your story here.
