TBR, Read Shelf, Mood Reader, DNF

In this series I explain terms used in the low impact movement, lifestyle terms, and other verbiage that I use on my blog and in my daily life. Here they are defined simply, in case they are new to readers. In some cases, I have done some research on them, but these definitions are mostly what I understand them to be and how I use them.

So clearly, BookTube (the offshoot of YouTube that’s all about books) is my new thing. Getting into a new niche community always comes with language that you learn as you go along. BookTube has those in spades. But they are not only for use in BookTube. These words and phrases can be used by all readers.

TBR
This term is used a lot on BookTube. Quite plainly it stands for “To Be Read”. This term refers to books you own and want to read (Physical TBR), books you’ve heard of and want to read (Mental TBR), or any number of lists or places where there are books that you want to read. Readers keep TBR lists, TBR shelfs, TBR spreadsheets. Readers have life time TBRs, monthly TBRs, or TBRs of specific styles and genres.
Personally since I have a lot of books that I have accumulated from thrifting, library sales, or books found or given to me, I only consider the books I’m actively planning on reading my TBR. I keep these on a shelf or two and swap them out either after reading, or after deciding I’m not ready to read them yet.

Read Shelf
This term is pretty self-explanitory, but often gets a little confusing bc when spoken it sounds like “red shelf”. A Read Shelf is where one keeps all their already read book, books that they have read or completed. Some readers only store books that they have actually read here, some put all the books on they own on these shelves. Some people are collectors and find their favorite editions to collect, some collect whole series whether they have read them or not. Many reader keep every book they have ever read but there are people who only keep what they enjoyed and get rid of low star reads. Just like collecting, each reader has their own flare for how they organize and decorate their Read Shelves. Alphabetical, by genre, by color, be length, are just a few ways people organize Read Shelves.
I try to keep only physical books that I enjoyed, culling every few months. I keep my shelves organized alphabetically.

Mood Reader
Again, this term is pretty clear. Mood Reader refers to a reader who chooses what to read by the mood they are in. Many readers make a TBR and stick to it or read to accomplish some goal, but mood readers read what they feel like reading when they feel like.
I’m definitely a mood reader, so I like to peruse my TBR piles, but what I pick depends on how I feel.

DNF
Standing for “Did Not Finish”, this term is used to describe a book that one started reading but didn’t finish. There are many reasons why someone doesn’t finish a book but some of the most commonly referred to in BookTube is not liking a book and stopping reading it, not being in the right mood for a book, or starting a book when you are already reading other which take precedence. DNF can be “ for now” or forever.
I don’t generally DNF, I try to finish all the books I start. But I will sometimes DNF for now. If I’m really not vibing with a book, it’s better for me to put it down for a while then struggle thru.

Do you use any of these reading terms or were they new to you? What other BookTube or reading terms do you use?

Authentic, Intentional, Mindful

In this series I explain terms used in the low impact movement, lifestyle terms, and other verbiage that I use on my blog and in my daily life. Simply, in case they are new to readers. In some cases, I have done some research on them, but these definitions are mostly what I understand them to be and how I use them.

Here at Mad Cat Quilts, you might see these words used often. For our definitions this month, I thought I would clarify three well used terms by explaining their definitions, what they mean, and how we use them.

https://www.instagram.com/singularity.sketchnote/

Authentic
”of undisputed origin; genuine.”
Living authentically refers to living a life that you want to live, not that is put forth as one you should live. It’s easy to get bogged down in the popular aspects of how life should be lead whether you are trying to achieve zero waste, homesteading, or a “normal” life. Someone is always selling somehting to make that life more achievable. Whether it’s product, a idea, a gadget, or an aesthetic, the media and other sales people want to tell you what’s best for you. Being authentic means being true to ones self, whether that truth is “cool” (hip, trendy, rich, beautiful, etc…) or not. Authenticity is not sustained by what you have, or how you look, but by being true to who you are.

Intentional
”done on purpose; deliberate.”
Living intentionally is how we manifest our authentic selves. By thinking about our purchases, decisions, actions, words, with intention we are able to better be our authentic selves. When something is thought out, thought about, examined and then put into action it is intentional. That is how we want to live.

Mindful
”conscious or aware of something. focusing one's awareness on the present moment, especially as part of a therapeutic or meditative technique.”
When we talk about mindfulness, we are mostly talking about being aware in the moment, of our actions, of the consequences, our intentions and out authentic selves. When we are mindful of ourselves and others and our impact on the world around us and on a global level we can live more authentically. We can be more conscious and conscientious, and live lives that are healthier for all.

Is this how you would define these terms?

https://www.instagram.com/singularity.sketchnote/

Fast Fashion, Slow Fashion, Ethical Fashion, Sustainable Fashion, Second Hand

In this series I explain terms used in the low impact movement, lifestyle terms, and other verbiage that I use on my blog and in my daily life. Simply, in case they are new to readers. In some cases, I have done some research on them, but these definitions are mostly what I understand them to be and how I use them.

Last month, we talked about capsule wardrobes and and some terms surrounding that idea. There are many reasons to keep a capsule wardrobe but one of the biggest reasons in the horrible impact the fashion industry has on the environment and our global community. Here are the explanation of some important terms to know as I understand them.

Fast Fashion
Most simply put, Fast Fashion is the business of making clothing as cheaply and quickly as possible to keep up with changing trends.
But the byproduct of fast fashion takes a horrendous toll on the planet and the global population. Sweatshops, inhumane conditions, slave labor, child imprisonment, millions of tons of wasted water, millions of tons of garbage in landfills, mircoplastics, air pollution from incineration, animal cruelty, land dispute, clear cropping, pollution of water, air and land, use of pesticides, are only some, not even all, of the terrible outcome of fast fashion. Almost all fashion brands use some or all of these methods but a general rule is the bigger, less expensive, more widely available clothing is going to be the worse for fast fashion’s damaging practices. A few brands to avoid at all costs are Forever Twenty One, H&M, Target, Walmart, Zara, Primark, to name only a few.

Slow Fashion
Slow Fashion is the reaction to the devastation Fast Fashion has created and a movement to return to better quality made, ethically produced, clothing and a return to personal style without the need to follow trends. Slow fashion suggests buying few items, that are better made and made in humane ways, and take better care of them throughout their lifespan to be able to have them longer and enjoy them more.

Ethical Fashion
By using the term Ethical Fashion, a brand is letting consumers know that the clothing was made under ethical conditions. This usually indicates that there were not sweat shop conditions and there were fair wages for workers used when creating these clothes. It may also indicate that no animals were harmed but to be sure, check that a brand is also vegan. It may also mean the clothing was made sustainably. Each company’s use of these terms is different so make sure to research the companies you buy from carefully.

Sustainable Fashion
This can fall under Ethical clothing or Slow Fashion but brands that specifically advertise that they are Sustainable use practices to reduce their impact on the world and environment. This can encompass less water usage, less pollutants released into the environment, better working conditions, use of renewable resources and more.

Second Hand
Second Hand clothing is clothing that people donate to thrift shops, churches, vintage shops, or other places that people can buy them. Second hand clothing is usually inexpensive, off season, and pre worn. Some say second hand clothing is the most sustainable and ethical bc it is reusing of clothes that others have gotten rid of. This is a very budget friendly way to shop, good if you like to try new things or new trends, and helps clothing get a longer life before ending up in landfill or incinerator. But as a whole society we must change the way we shop, stop buying fast fashion, stop allowing it to be made, in order to really solve the problem.

Did you find these terms helpful? If you want more info on these or ant terms we have explored please leave your questions in the comments!

Capsule Wardrobe, Curated Closet, One in One Out

In this series I explain terms used in the low impact movement, lifestyle terms, and other verbiage that I use on my blog and in my daily life. Simply, in case they are new to readers. In some cases, I have done some research on them, but these definitions are mostly what I understand them to be and how I use them.

April is here and I’ve made my 4th spring capsule wardrobe (16 capsules in total). I’m excited for another spring and another year of slow fashion, curating my closet, paring down all my clothes, and keeping a capsule. I talk a lot about these things on this blog and it’s an important part of a mindful, low impact existence. This seems like a good time to define these terms as I understand them.

Capsule Wardrobe
The term capsule wardrobe was first coined in the 1970s, by shop owner, Susie Faux, but it was recently made most popular by Be More With Less and her Project 333.
The basic concept is that you have a wardrobe in 2-4 parts (depending on weather where you live), which you swap out seasaonally. You have a limited amout of clothing in each (and ideally all ethical and sustainable or second hand). People often keep to a color scheme and each piece goes with every other piece. This makes getting dressed simple, non-decisional and pleasant. The underlying factors are items that are versatile, easily picked out, and fit your personal style. A Capsule Wardrobe usually consists of a certain amount of clothing in each season, but what that number is depends on your personal preference. This is the basic concept but how far and deep you want to delve into a Capsule Wardrobes system is up to each person. Some choose to only include their basic everyday clothes, come include shoes, accessories and outer wear, some have special capsules for fancy dress, exercise, lounge, wear, etc… A CW can also help one determine their personal style if they feel like they have none. Buy making a CW each season, you more easily find what you like, what you don’t, what is comfortable and fits well. CW enthusiasts also suggest buying better made and more durable pieces, so that the items last longer, and you are able to enjoy them more. There is an emphasis on repair rather than buying new.

I’m not sure where this iinfo grafic originated, but this is an example of what one possible capsule might look like. Not a very practical one, but…

10 by 10
This phrase refers mainly to the idea of pairing down your Capsule Wardrobe even more on a semi regular basis. By taking 10 items, including shoes, accessories, and outer wear, and wearing only these items for 10 days, we now can stretch the potential or our daily capsule and our creativity. Some Capsule Wardrobe keepers will build a 10 by 10 wardrobe for special events, vacations, etc… some just use one periodically as inspiration and challenge. This concept was made popular by Style Bee (she may also be the inventor).

Curated Closet
Once you have made your capsule wardrobe to your satisfaction, you may end up with just a simple Curated Closet. This means that every item in your wardrobe goes with every other, each are practical, and make you feel good, fit well and are taken care of. A curated closet doesn’t require as much work as a Capsule, bc you only have one, as opposed to several to deal with. Even if you still end up switching items out seasonally, you now know that your wardrobe is complete. Having a simple pleasurable curated closet is one of the goals of a CW. It takes the stress and guess work out of getting dressed each day, the anxiety of having “nothing to wear” or nothing that fits and makes you feel good. It also takes the stress of shopping for items out of your process, bc most Curated Closets simply replace items as they can no longer be worn, but put little or no effort into coming up with new items, or styles to buy.

One In, One Out Rule
Many Capsule Wardrobe and Curated Closet methods believe in the idea of the One in, One Out Rule. It sounds just like what it is, which is when one items is brought into your wardrobe, one must be taken out. This way you never accumulate more items than you need.

Are the definitions or these terms as you understand them? Do you have a different definition? Or a question about a related word of phrase? Share in the comments!

Minimalism, Simple Living, Curated Living

In this series I explain terms used in the low impact movement, lifestyle terms, and other verbiage that I use on my blog and in my daily life, simply, in case they are new to readers. In some cases, I have done some research on them, but these definitions are mostly what I understand them to be and how I use them.

These terms are often used in conjunction with the low impact and zero waste movements. Have you heard them before?

Minimalism
Technically minimalism refers to movements in art, music, and literiture but here we use it to refer to a lifestyle that involves minimizing ones possessions, things, thoughts and activities that take up ones time to lead an easier, more simplified life. Minimalists often give up many material goods, have pared down wardrobes (some even adopt uniforms), declutter technology, thoughts and actions among other aspects of their lives. .The extent to which each individual minimalizes their life and surrounding is up to them. Some argue to be a true minimalist you have to have less than a certain number of things to qualify, but this theory is largly disputed. Ultimately, Minimalists are people who minimalize their lives as much as possible and to their own satisfaction.

Simple Living
”Simple living encompasses a number of different voluntary practices to simplify one's lifestyle. These may include, for example, reducing one's possessions, generally referred to as minimalism, or increasing self-sufficiency. Simple living may be characterized by individuals being satisfied with what they have rather than want.”
Simple living can be any number of ways to simplify ones life. Many people who fit into this category are minimalists, but many are not. Homesteaders also often fall into this category. But this is a much broader term to encompasses all who want to pare down their living to be more simple and less complicated. By leading a less complicated life, one strives to improve health and metal well being, as well as the health of the planet. Ultimately, someone who strives for Simple Living, strives for a sustainable, self sufficient, simplified life with mainly the essentials to their own satisfaction.

Curated Living
This term can fall between the previous two or be something totally other. Curated living to me is just making sure that you are examining everything in your life, being mindful of what you keep in your life and take pleasure with all that you have. You might be a minimalist, or a homesteader, or you might have tons of items but each are picked with care and passion.

Are these terms familiar to you? Do they fit with what you think of these terms?

What are some other words and phases that you associate with the low impact movement?

Goals, Habits, Routines

In this series I explain low impact terms, lifestyle terms, and other verbiage that I use on my blog and in my daily life, simply, in case they are new to readers. In some cases, I have done some research on them, but these definitions are mostly what I understand them to be and how I use them.

My readers have heard me talk a lot about goals, habits and routines. For these simple everyday terms I have written the dictionary definition below and then gone into detail about how I use them.

Goal
”The object of a person's ambition or effort; an aim or desired result.”
Goals for me are anything I am striving to do. This can include creating a new habit, or building a new routine. It can also be saving money, traveling, or being productive. See some recent posts on goals here:

Habit
”A settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up.”
I try to create habits for things I want to be better at or practice. I want to have habits for productivity, learning, wellness and

Routine
”A sequence of actions regularly followed; a fixed program.”
I love to have routines! Utilizing routines help me keep my habits and meet my goals. Some routines I have are long and take hours to complete, some are short (like a leaving the house/checking the cats routine), some are rigid and some are more loose.

Are these the definitions you would use?

Vegetarian, Vegan, Plant Based, Flexitarian

People use the food, diet, and lifestyle related words Vegetarian, Vegan, Plant Based, and Flexitarian a lot these days. When I was growing up these were “new” terms but now, they are spoken like everyone knows what they mean. In this series I explain low impact terms like these, simply, in case they are new to you. I wanted to take some time and explain these food terms. I have done some research on them, but these definitions are mostly what I understand them as and how I use them.

When describing these terms I will speak of them as they pertain to people’s diets, only touching on lifestyle. But many of them can also be used to describe products, foods, and lifestyles, and more.

Vegetarian
People who eat a vegetarian diet do not eat any foods that require killing an animal to obtain. Vegetarians no not eat chicken, cow, pork, fish, insects, or any flesh of animals. Vegetarians do eat cheese, milk, eggs, honey, (and more) as well as lots of fruits and vegetables, grains, etc… Vegetarians do not use items that require the killing an animal, like leather and fur*.

Vegan
Vegans do not eat, wear, or promote in anyway anything that come from animals at all. Vegans do not eat meats, fish, eggs, honey, dairy… Or use any animal products like leather, beeswax, wool, silk, etc… Vegans can be and often are very stringent about making sure they are not exploiting animals in anyway in their lifestyle. Vegans do eat lots of fruits, veggies, grains, and foods created from those things.

Plant Based
From Wikipedia: “A plant-based diet is a diet based on foods derived from plants, including vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes and fruits, but with few or no animal products. The use of the phrase has changed over time, and examples can be found of the phrase "plant-based diet" being used to refer to vegan diets, which contain no food from animal sources, to vegetarian diets which include eggs and dairy but no meat, and to diets with varying amounts of animal-based foods, such as semi-vegetarian diets which contain small amounts of meat.”

Flexitarian
This is the newest term, entering the dictionary in 2012. This refers to anyone who generally has a meatless diet and/or lifestyle but might eat meat, fish, use leather, etc… depending on circumstance. Flexitarians might eat meat or dairy when going out to eat, or when they really want to try a dish or product, or when someone cooks them something or gives them a animal product present. Flexitarian eating and lifestyle, sometimes called semi vegetarian, is often used as a gateway to be more strictly vegetarian or vegan.

These basic terms have more nuances, but I think this is a good over view for anyone who is learning about these matters. Which diet or lifestyle do you fit in or aspire to?

What other Low impact terms are readers interested in learning about? Please leave your suggestions below!

*Often times vegetarians and vegans will use vintage leather, fur, etc…