Minimalist in the Making

No Limits

2012-02-21T19:30:00.004-05:00

Self Respect

2012-02-20T09:30:00.001-05:00

Motivation Monday: Final Pre-Training Week

2012-02-20T01:00:00.006-05:00

So here we are at the final pre-training week. I know I'm ready to kick things up a notch, how about you? How are you coming along with the 10 pre-training steps?

What I've been doing so far has definitely been working for me. I simply started being more mindful about what I'm eating, concentrating on getting in the healthy stuff and being more motivated about increasing my activity levels. I don't even feel like I've been doing all that much, but just adding in a brisk walk, a bike ride, or even just walking the dog a little further than usual each day can make a big difference.

My first weigh-in on Friday...

Created by MyFitnessPal - Free Calorie Counter

I've been logging every bite I eat, my exercise, and water consumption religiously at Myfitnesspal. com. It takes me about 5 minutes at the end of the day. They also have convenient free phone apps making it easier to add as you go during the day. I downloaded the app, but generally just don't have time to add during my workdays, but do add as I go on weekends and in the evenings.

My Fitness Pal has really been eye opening for me. If you haven't done it yet in the pre-training steps I hope you will all go over and open your free account now. If you do, I'd love it if you'd add me as a friend. If you prefer to keep it private I think it will still be very beneficial just to see what your daily totals are, and maybe soak up some motivation from others there. Even if you aren't ready to make any changes yet, just try it this week and let me know what you think.

This is also the week to clip on your pedometer and log your daily steps. Again, this doesn't mean you have to have a specific goal - YET, just wear it all day and log how many steps you get in. It would be great if you would share here daily in the comment section of this post.

Anyone in?

Here's to a Motivated Monday. Together we can do it! :)

Make Time

2012-02-19T12:44:00.002-05:00

How's that for Motivation?!

Great Family Workout

2012-02-18T11:15:00.002-05:00

There is one thing we can't do on the computer (referring to my previous post - How things have changed) we can't workout on the computer.

Most of you know I've decided to concentrate on health and fitness from February - April. I've considered February a pre-training time to get back to healthy habits. I may not have been able to persuade many of you here to join me, but did get my two teenage boys to jump on board.

Yesterday evening they decided to start working out with me. The problem was that we all wanted to do different things. I wanted to get in a good walk - a couple miles with intervals, sprints in between or do a kickboxing routine. My older son wanted to do a weight workout and the younger wanted to have ride bikes and play some basketball. We decided to combine it all, plus some, into what I called our obstacle course workout.

We started with the old original Billy Blanks 8 minute Tae Bo workout. I still love that quick little workout, always gets me so motivated! It's a great warm up or mini routine all by itself.

After the 8 minute we alternated calling out the next activity and stayed at a very brisk pace. Our obstacle course included a one mile interval walk as fast as we could go, shooting baskets - timed challenge, bicep curls, squats, a bike race, push ups, jumping jacks, crunches, tricep extensions, lunges, calf raises, flexibility and balance challenges, zigzag races around cones, and ending with a cool down one mile moderate pace walk around the lake with the dog.

The entire workout from start to finish was 80 minutes. We had so much fun, it was more like a good old fashion afternoon of playing, and got we in a really fantastic workout at the same time. This is one workout that's definitely staying on my list of regular routines though my next 8-10 weeks of training, and hopefully beyond!

My first weigh-in...

Created by MyFitnessPal - Nutrition Facts For Foods

How things have changed

2012-02-18T08:45:00.001-05:00

Motivation Monday - Health and Fitness Challenge

2012-02-13T05:00:00.005-05:00

Last Monday I posted a series of 10 things I was going to do to get ready to go all out in health and fitness area and I suggested you to do the same. This week I have copied each step and added my own answers below each step. It's not to late to join in the fun!

1. Have a regular check up if you haven't done so recently. Not only to get the ok from your doc to start a fitness program, but also to find out what your cholesterol levels are, blood pressure, weight, and to address any other problems you are having that might get in the way of starting a new program.

My cholesterol was is normal range. I asked but can't remember the numbers. I need to call and have them send me a copy so I can compare it "after." My blood pressure was 120 over 80 which is normal range but a little higher than my usual. Weight 130, 12 pounds higher than my visit last year, but still in normal range. I'm all clear to work my butt off!

2. Go to Homefuse.net to calculate your body mass index (BMI), your waist-to-height ratio, your body fat levels, and your basal metabolic rate. I like the calculator at Homefuse because it takes your waist measurement and age into consideration for a much more accurate calculation.

I went to the website to do the calculations. My BMI or Body-Mass Index is 21.7 which is great. My Waist-to-Height Ratio is in the increased risk range at 49.2 (guess we all know now that I carry all my weight right in the middle). My Body Fat came in at 34.9 yikes! My Basal Metabolic Rate is 1296.

3. Take a before photo if you really want to give yourself some serious motivation. It will give you a major wake up call, I promise!

Photo taken, definitely not sharing!!

4. Get a pedometer if you don't already have one, very inexpensive ones can be purchased at any drug store. Wear it a few days over the next week or two to gauge your average steps per day. A steps per day challenge using a pedometer is in the near future, be ready!

Have mine and ready when the challenge begins :)

5. Be sure to get yourself a decent pair of sneakers if you don't already have some. They don't have to be expensive, just not worn out and with good support.

I didn't make it out shopping last week but it's on the list for this week. My sneakers definitely need to be replaced, they are super worn.

6. Take a pledge to be more mindful of what you eat - strive for good healthy meals, eating smaller portions more often in place of big meals, focus on getting in the good stuff such as the recommended daily intake of veggies especially, and reducing the amounts of processed foods.

I took the pledge and have done very well with eating this past week. I almost forgot how good health food tastes. I've really been loving eating healthier foods again!

7. Start increasing activity levels. I won't give any specific challenges for this yet, but you know they will be coming soon!

I've started walking again. I've mapped out a one mile walk to take with the dog, a two mile and a five mile to walk focused and briskly without the dog, also started biking again, usually 20 minutes at a moderate pace at a shot.

8. Go to My Fitness Pal to create a free account. At My Fitness Pal we can set goals and track our daily foods and exercise. It really seems to be a great site with tons of support and motivation.

This is a great tracking website! I'm not big on counting calories but at this site you track foods, exercise, and water consumption. At the end of the day when you hit save for the day it tells what you would weigh 5 weeks from that day if you ate and exercised the same everyday as you did for that day. It's pretty neat and although I can't see myself using it all the time I think it could be a really great tool. Try it! It also has a friends option there. Let me know if you sign up so we can be fitness friends :)

9. Take some time to seriously think about your own person health and fitness goals - be realistic.

My goals are to lose 12-15 pounds and get my muscle tone back. I plan to accomplish this in 8-10 weeks. I know it's realistic because I've done it many times. It's a lot of hard work, but I'm a big leaper, not a baby stepper.

10. Go one step further and decided why you want to focus on health and fitness - is it so you can fit into your skinny clothes, to set a good example for your family, to live a longer more healthy lifestyle?

Yep, those are all my reasons - along with desperately just wanting to feel comfortable in my own skin again, even if that's the only thing I'm wearing ;)

So there you have it. If you have started (or finished) working your way through the list during our pre-training time leave your answers in the comment section or leave a link if you've posted about it on your own blog.

Taking the first step is the hardest part. Now that's I've taken those steps I'm really excited about setting up my plan to go all out!

I will keep thinking, planning, and getting into my routines this week. I'll be back next Monday with my plan followed by weekly challenges every Monday. Will you be ready?

Together we can do it!

Big Leaps or Baby Steps

2012-02-11T15:48:00.003-05:00

I often come across blog posts or articles that are pro baby steps whether they are talking about decluttering, fitness or anything in between. I can see the sense in taking baby steps, taking things a little bit at a time, creating new habits over time, etc. but I can't seem to live it. I simply am not a baby step kind of person.

When I do things it has to be all or nothing. If I try to take the baby step road it goes from baby steps to no steps quickly. I like to take giant leaps. I like to commit to something for a set period of time and go all out, it's the way I tend to operate best.

I'm also a joiner. I love a good friendly challenge and enjoy participating with a partner or group. I think it makes things fun, motivational, and helps me to feel more accountable.

How about you? Do you have more success with big leaps or baby steps? Are you a joiner? If not, why?

Motivation Monday - Health and Fitness

2012-02-06T05:00:00.003-05:00

It's time to focus on health and fitness, time to focus on ourselves for a change.

I don't know about you, but I've really been slacking in this area of my life lately. I've been so consumed with work, decluttering, renovations, etc. that I just let everything to do with health and fitness go by the wayside.

I am going to use the next couple of weeks as somewhat of a pre-training/preparation period. I hope you will consider joining me.

During this pre-training time here are 10 things to do...

1. Have a regular check up if you haven't done so recently. Not only to get the ok from your doc to start a fitness program, but also to find out what your cholesterol levels are, blood pressure, weight, and to address any other problems you are having that might get in the way of starting a new program.

2. Go to Homefuse.net to calculate your body mass index (BMI), your waist-to-height ratio, your body fat levels, and your basal metabolic rate. I like the calculator at Homefuse because it takes your waist measurement and age into consideration for a much more accurate calculation.

3. Take a before photo if you really want to give yourself some serious motivation. It will give you a major wake up call, I promise!

4. Get a pedometer if you don't already have one, very inexpensive ones can be purchased at any drug store. Wear it a few days over the next week or two to gauge your average steps per day. A steps per day challenge using a pedometer is in the near future, be ready!

5. Be sure to get yourself a decent pair of sneakers if you don't already have some. They don't have to be expensive, just not worn out and with good support.

6. Take a pledge to be more mindful of what you eat - strive for good healthy meals, eating smaller portions more often in place of big meals, focus on getting in the good stuff such as the recommended daily intake of veggies especially, and reducing the amounts of processed foods.

7. Start increasing activity levels. I won't give any specific challenges for this yet, but you know they will be coming soon!

8. Go to My Fitness Pal to create a free account. At My Fitness Pal we can set goals and track our daily foods and exercise. It really seems to be a great site with tons of support and motivation.

9. Take some time to seriously think about your own person health and fitness goals - be realistic.

10. Go one step further and decided why you want to focus on health and fitness - is it so you can fit into your skinny clothes, to set a good example for your family, to live a longer more healthy lifestyle?

Make the commitment - leave a comment saying you are in! Be sure to come back every Monday to report your progress and join the weekly challenges. Together we can do it!

Rewind Time

2012-02-04T12:00:00.019-05:00

Just a little catch up time and thinking out loud today...

Home - Since we've been living in our new home it's been more about finishing projects, finding how I like things set up, moving things around, organizing and then changing it all again until I find what works best for us. I've just been keeping up with the general cleaning as I go. Last Saturday I realized that even with the house clutter free and minimalist it really needed a good top to bottom deep cleaning. I came to realize after working full speed from 7am until after 7pm that it's almost impossible to do a full deep cleaning here in one day. I love my stone flooring throughout the house, but ever try vacuuming and mopping almost 3000 square feet of flooring? How about taking down curtains to wash that are hung 12 feet high? I need to come up with a rotating schedule for the heavy cleaning instead of waiting until it really needs it. I will also add that having three inside kitties adds a whole other side to cleaning!

Work - I have been so buried at work lately. It goes beyond a full plate, it's a whole freaking table and it's stacked to the ceiling! My desk has been piled so high that I'm surprised anyone can see me sitting there. So what do I do in the middle of it all? I interview for the job I've been filling in for that has me so buried - too late to turn back now. Only someone who is not quite right would go for this job after having a six month trial to see what it's really all about. All the additional work, stress, and responsibility definitely isn't worth the extra money it pays. I guess it comes down to my love of a good challenge - it's either that or maybe I've really lost my mind.

Rental House - Thanks for all the decorating ideas and suggestions for the beach house. I now have someone renting there through the summer just as it is, no need for decorating until later. This works well for me and gives me time to get other things in order before having to worry about it. I was also able to keep my large converted two car garage storage area there. That was going to be a big problem to try to get everything out and deal with it in such a short time - now we have months instead of days to deal with it. It's a relief.

Blogging World - I want to invite everyone over to my food blog Seaside Simplicity for a Super Bowl party. I've been on blog break there since I started blogging here at Minimalist in the Making, but can't resist a good Super Bowl party. Stop by to get some great ideas for your party and add your recipes to the link up too!

Health and Fitness - February is the month I call pre-training time. It's a time I start really focusing on healthy habits (some that I have let slide more than a bit lately) in preparation for going all out during March and April. Think about joining me - start stretching, walking, and paying attention to what you are eating. I will fill you in with more details soon!

Right Now - It's another beautiful, bright, sunny, and breezy Florida day - 78 degrees and perfect! I have the windows and doors wide open. I'm spending my day today catching up on cleaning, laundry, and some blogging in between. I also have bills and paperwork to do, a car to clean out and wash, hair to highlight, and a dog to bathe. I am planning a 5 mile walk with intervals this afternoon, and I'm hoping to find time for some contemplation this evening. I feel like I've been flying by the seat of my pants lately. I desperately need sometime to think, plan, rest, and let my mind catch up with everything that's been going on in my world.

What's been going on with you?

Minimalist Kitchens

2012-01-29T19:41:00.004-05:00

Yesterday Miss A from Ragdoll in New York sent me an article from The New York Times - Design Perfectionists.

(photo credit)

I know it's much too stark for the average taste but I love it, although I do consider this more art than a living space. I would love a minimalist home that looks like art, but it's not very realistic for anyone who works full time, has a family, and a few too many pets (I'm a crazy cat lady :)

It takes a lot of work daily to keep a kitchen like this clean, I know because I have a white kitchen. Never mind "stuff", just the everyday cleaning of this kind of space is very time consuming.

I didn't chose our white kitchen, it was what we had to work with. We did a lot of renovations in the home, but I just couldn't see ripping out kitchen cabinets that are like new. I added warmer colors on the walls to soften things up and what I consider minimal accessories.

I love the look of my kitchen when it's spotless, but with a family I assure you that doesn't happen very often. I will never have another white kitchen if I have anything to do with it. I prefer low maintenance any day. Minimalism doesn't only come in white.

Did you notice that the microwave is the only stainless appliance and all the others are white? I originally had dreams of someday replacing all of them with stainless steel appliances. Much like the cabinets, the white appliances were all in working order other than the microwave. I decided to replace as needed instead of spending the money to replace things that didn't need replacing yet. So glad I took that road, I can't stand my stainless steel microwave! I can scrub, polish, and shine and it still looks all smudged all the time, even right after I clean it, before anyone even touches it. I wish I would have started with a stainless steel toaster instead - lesson learned.

When we decide something is what we would really love to have or change in our lives, big things or little things, we should choose very carefully and with much consideration. We can't base our lives on magazine images or even the so called experts. Everyone's walk in life is so different. We might love the look or idea of something, but it might be more of a pain than it's worth, sometimes much more. It's a good idea to ask around and learn from others, research carefully, and even try things out whenever possible before taking the plunge.

The grass really isn't greener on the other side - and the cabinets aren't any whiter either.

100 Things Challenge

2012-01-23T05:00:00.003-05:00

Here it is Monday again already!

I will say one thing - the hardest part is getting started. Once we take that step to start something it becomes easier immediately. This rule works with cleaning, decluttering, exercising, or any other changes we want to make or things that need to be done.

When I started my goal to get rid of 100 things this month I imagined so much work to accomplish it, but once I got started I've had no problem getting rid of at least 100 things a week if not more.

Take the first step if you haven't already. Do you have a junk drawer? If so, start there, you will be amazed at just how many items you can toss just from that one little drawer!

How many things can you part with this week?

Wishing you a Motivated Monday and a great week!

Help Me Decorate The Beach House

2012-01-15T14:32:00.020-05:00

We've reached the point in our renovations that we are finally ready to start decorating the home we are going to offer as a vacation rental home. Here are a few pictures of the main living areas as they are right now...

Keep in mind that the paint, flooring, and most furniture will be staying as is.

I think I am going to replace the dining room table with a smaller round white table with a glass top that I already have - it has an area underneath that I can fill with beach sand and shells to add to the casual beach house look, and maybe add some directors chairs or something equally as casual.

The art over the couch will go too, just doesn't fit no matter what theme I go with. I also have the option of slip covers for the couch and love seat. Now it's just a matter of adding a few things to pull it all together.

Sorry about the dark photos by the way, I took them right at sunset and don't have much lighting in the house at the moment.

I've posted 3 different themes in the 3 previous posts, all have way more "stuff" than I'll be using in my decorating. I want to keep things very minimal, especially since I'll be the one cleaning it between guests!

The photos in the 3 posts will give you a general idea of the themes I've been thinking about - Beachy, Nautical or Colorful Tropical.

If you were going to rent a vacation home in Florida near the beach which look would you prefer?

Decorating the Beach House - #3 Tropical

2012-01-15T14:31:00.006-05:00

Source: homeandfamilynetwork.com via Martha on Pinterest

Source: allpoolsandspas.net via Martha on Pinterest

Source: homedesigndecorplan.com via Martha on Pinterest

Source: arlingtonheightsremodeling.com via Martha on Pinterest

I know this style is a bit overwhelming and not the least bit of a minimalist look - but it does have a fun, beach party feel and since it's a vacation rental home I don't want to impose my own minimalist preference too much. I know kids would love this kind of look, but then again, not all of my guests will have children. I think some touches of bright colors might be fun to do without overdoing it.

Other options - #1 Beachy and #2 Nautical. Be sure to let me know which you like the best!

Decorating the Beach House - #2 Nautical

2012-01-15T14:30:00.005-05:00

Source: completely-coastal.com via Martha on Pinterest

Source: shabbychicblonde.com via Martha on Pinterest

Source: potterybarnkids.com via Martha on Pinterest

This look is my least favorite out of the 3 different styles. It looks nice but just not really my color preferences, besides I would have to start from scratch with this look, with the other two I have many things I already own that I can put to use in the overall decor.

Other options - #1 Beachy and #2 Colorful Tropical.

Let me know your preference!

Decorating the Beach House - #1 Beachy

2012-01-15T14:28:00.003-05:00

Source: etsy.com via Martha on Pinterest

Source: artessen.com via Martha on Pinterest

Source: hgtv.com via Martha on Pinterest

Source: philly.houzz.com via Martha on Pinterest

This look is probably my favorite. It's very much like I had the house decorated when we lived there. The problem is that I took my light birch wood dining room and living room furniture along with my sea-foam couch and love seat to my new house. All the black furniture currently in the home was our old sets from the media room. I'm just not so sure about making this kind of beachy look work with all the black. I know I would love it together but it's not a common mix, not so sure guests would feel the same. What do you think?

Other options #2 Nautical and #3 Colorful Tropical.

Motivation Monday - 100 Things Challenge

2012-01-09T05:00:00.004-05:00

The first week of the "Get Rid of 100 Things Challenge" has come to an end. Don't worry if you haven't been playing along or haven't accomplished it yet, this challenge is for the entire month of January. There are still 3 weeks left to accomplish the mission!

I'm proud to say that I have gone above and beyond already. During the first few days I took well over 100 items to Goodwill - they were mostly the boys outgrown clothes, games and books that they no longer wanted, one box filled with throw pillows, several sets of sheets for a full size bed that we no longer have, and another box was just filled with miscellaneous items.

I've been so bad lately about taking photos of my progress. Once I start working I am going on high speed, I just don't think about it, and even if I did I just couldn't take the time to photograph each and every item (sorry Lydia). Someday when I have things a little more under control I will join 365 Less Things and then I will photograph everything leaving my home. Right now I just want the massive amounts of stuff out!

I do have one comparison photo to show from this week - a before and after at our vacation rental home. Mostly things were just moved around but I can guarantee at least another 10-20 items down for the challenge that went in the garbage or recycling...

A little decorating, a little more furniture exchanging, cleaning out the storage area, and we'll finally be ready for our first vacation renters!

I would love to hear about your progress this week. Wishing you a Motivated Monday!

Rewind Time

2012-01-08T00:00:00.002-05:00

This past week has been a rough one. I kicked off the new year with a nasty cold, we were back to work and school on Monday after a two week break (that's never any fun), and we had our first severe cold spell for this winter.

Along with the cold spell came a deep freeze, flaming power poles, and neighbors trees on fire - what unwanted excitement!

That was all followed by an all night power outage. I got up the next morning to find a frozen pool pump filter cracked in half, and I guess we overworked the central heat trying to rewarm the house after the power outage, which then caused the heater to kick the bucket by evening. As a result of it all, the cold I started out with has settled deep and painfully in my chest, I'm assuming bronchitis. Oh and I'm sure you don't want the details but my dog had some kind of stomach virus just to top things off.

It's really been one of those weeks!

Looking at the bright side (literally and figuratively) - the high today is back in the mid 70s, it's clear skies, bright and sunny this morning. I've already gone above and beyond my goal for The 100 Things Challenge for January, and after all the high dollar repairs I'm going to have to deal with I did put in my letter of intent to apply for the higher paying position without too much hesitation yesterday - wise decision or hasty one? I'm not real sure. I've been 50/50 on my decision. My time was up to make the decision, and then the latest happenings pushed me quickly over the edge. Let's just hope it's for the best.

One more bit of good news, there is a good chance that we have our first booking for February - June at our vacation rental home. Keep your fingers crossed for us!

Now we just have to get over there to finish up all the final projects and have things ready before February 1st. Problem is that's not going to be an easy feat, still lots to be done although we are in the final stages. The bigger problem is getting the one room which is a converted two car garage that we've been using for storage during renovations emptied - there's no place to put it until we can sort it and donate, sell or giveaway. My husband already has the garage at our house filled to the brim. I'm putting on my minimalist thinking cap and working on that this weekend.

That wraps it up for my week. How was yours?

Featuring: David Hass

2012-01-07T21:59:00.009-05:00

As we enter the second week of the New Year I know many of us are acting on or thinking about health and fitness goals. It doesn't matter if we are in great health or even if we are very ill, fitness will benefit each and every one of us!

David Hass is a cancer patient advocate for the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance. He writes and researches for the betterment of cancer patients around the United States.

Introducing David Hass...

Improve your Quality of Life with Exercise During and After Cancer Treatments

Living with cancer is an option, but living without it is better, which is why so many people diagnosed with cancer such as mesothelioma are inclined to begin cancer treatment as soon as possible. It is well known knowledge that the earlier you catch and diagnose cancer, the better your chances of survival. Mesothelioma doctors encourage their patients to undergo treatment to rid the body of cancer so that you can live cancer free and in remission.

However, what you don’t hear as much about when it comes to cancer is the importance of exercise and physical activity during and after treatment. You do know that the benefits of physical activity are numerous; your body is healthier, you feel better about yourself and your overall health is improved by exercising regularly. However, what you may not know is that once you are diagnosed with cancer you should keep on exercising in an effort to keep your body as healthy as possible, which increases your ability to respond well to the treatment and to improve your quality of life after your treatment is over and you are in remission.

Fatigue and depression are common during and after cancer treatments, and engaging in physical activity helps both. Patients undergoing radiation and chemotherapy are able to do far more when they are physically active than they can when they resign themselves to bed or to constant rest; being sick doesn’t mean you have to be inactive. The National Cancer Institute has documented a number of studies involving patients with cancer undergoing treatment and patients that have overcome cancer that weigh the profound differences between those that engage in physical activity and those that do not.

A cancer diagnosis means that there will be days you will not be able to do much in the way of physical activity and that is to be expected. However, any type of physical activity on days like this is beneficial, even if it means just walking around the living room couch once. The benefits of physical activity such as that obtained through yoga and pilates are numerous; better balance, better physicality and a better emotional standpoint make the fight against cancer easier and more bearable for patients suffering from this disease. The important thing is to remember that this is not a fight you have to lose; you can win the fight against cancer.

Stop by to visit David at Haas Blaag.

If you would like to be featured click here for more information. I will be posting the features in the order received and as time allows. Have a great day!

*Motivation Monday - New Challenges for 2012!

2012-01-02T05:00:00.005-05:00

Happy New Year to all!

I don't make New Year's resolutions but do love to look at the New Year as a fresh start. I have many things I'd like to accomplish this year and lots of changes ahead.

This year for Motivation Monday I'll be bringing you a new challenge the first Monday of each month. I hope you'll join me!

For the month of January - Get Rid of 100 Things Challenge!

Unlike the original 100 Things Challenge to get rid of everything we own other than 100 things we will start much smaller - how about a challenge to get rid of 100 things in the month of January?

It doesn't matter if you donate, sell, giveaway, throw in the garbage, or recycling - the goal is just to get 100 things out of your home no matter how big or small.

I will update you with my progress on Mondays throughout the month. Will you join me? It's more fun if we work as a team - together we can do it!

Wishing you a Motivated Monday and a Happy New Year!

*Also posted at The Motivation Station

Looking ahead to the New Year

2011-12-31T09:14:00.005-05:00

I have so much to think about regarding the upcoming year. One thing in particular that I'm really having a hard time with is whether or not to apply for position opening next week at work. I've been filling in for this position the first half of this school year, and now the job will be opening as a permanent position next week.

The pros - It's higher pay which is always a plus, but it would be especially great with the economy the way it is, the fact that my husband is still out on unpaid medical leave, and as I continue my journey to become debt free.

The downside - It's a twelve month position meaning there would be no more three and a half week vacation in the summer, one week off instead of two for winter break, and no spring break. Those things all go against my goals to live more simply, have more time and freedom. Through the years those frequent breaks have been the main benefit of working in the school system.

Then again, our retirement is based on our high five, our five highest paid years in the system. That's a huge consideration.

I originally went to work in the school system so I could work the same days and hours as my children. My daughter is now 24, oldest son graduates from high school this year, and the youngest is also in high school, they don't need me around on their breaks like they did when they were little. In fact I hardly see them! When they are on breaks they are off with their friends all day, up all night playing video games and going to bed around the time I get up. I guess the children really are no longer a big part of the consideration for this job decision. I will say that I sure would miss having those extra breaks.

Obviously this is really difficult decision for me. I'm going to have to think long and hard about putting in for the position or not. Any wise words for me?

A New Year Giveaway

2011-12-29T19:54:00.009-05:00

I was recently contacted by Liz from My Memories with a giveaway opportunity. Anytime I am contacted to do a giveaway I always take it into consideration if it's something that fits with the theme of my current blog and something my readers would be interested in before accepting.

Since many minimalists and those working toward similar goals are going more and more with digital only for their photos to help reduce clutter I thought some of you might be interested in some really great digital scrapbooking software.

As part of the giveaway I also received a copy My Memories V3 - the best just got better! I haven't had a chance to play around with it enough to present one of my creations here yet, but I really wanted to get this giveaway up for you before the New Year.

Here is what you need to do to enter: Go to My Memories, pick your favorite digital paper pack or layout, come back here to leave a comment telling me which one you chose, and be sure to leave your email address as well - that's it, it's that easy!

You have until 3pm on New Year's Day to enter. I will use Random.org to select a winner. The winner will be notified by email. Good luck! :)

Plans for this week

2011-12-29T10:13:00.009-05:00

This week is my favorite week of the year! As I mentioned in my post yesterday, all the hectic times are over. I've ignored all my dreaded projects, probably shouldn't have, but did out of necessity to save my sanity. Instead I've taken a few days to rest, relax, and do some of the enjoyable simple things that I normally can't squeeze in the time for. We've had champagne brunches, extravagant dinners, and taken time to just be for a change.

Now it's time to to get moving a bit to get back on track and things in order before kicking off the New Year.

Today I will be doing a good cleaning, catching up on paperwork, laundry, planning the menu for the boys New Years Eve party, menu planning for next week, and grocery shopping - Yes, I know, I'm trying hard to contain my excitement too.

In the days ahead, as the year comes to a close, I will take some time for looking back, assessing where I am at this point of my life, and thinking about changes I'd like to make. I generally don't make New Year's resolutions, but I do like to look at the New Year as a fresh start. After having the last two weeks off work each year, I'm usually well rested and ready to roll up my sleeves and get down to business!

What are your plans for the rest of this week?

Today in my life

2011-12-28T09:06:00.014-05:00

The best thing is that I have absolutely nothing planned today! That's so very rare in my life. Usually on weekdays the alarm is buzzing a 4am, I'm up, showered, dressed, and made my 45 minute commute to work by the time the the sun is just barely peeking over the horizon. I continue at full speed until I fall into bed at night. Not this week! I had last week off and this week as well. Last week was hectic, but now that holidays are over, everything has been cleaned up and put away, now there has finally been a little time to relax and enjoy.

Nokomis Beach

The weather here along the south west Florida coast has been so wonderful - bright, sunny, breezy and temps in the 70s for weeks. I've absolutely loved being able to keep my windows and sliding glass doors wide open. Not to mention having the luxury of lounging out by the pool with a good book, strolling down the beach, long bike rides, and relaxing with a cold beer at the neighborhood tiki bar. Absolute perfection in my book!

I could spend some time working towards my minimalist goals this week, but I'm not going to even think about it right now. All the massive amounts of stuff I still have to deal with is all confined to certain areas - the dreaded areas that just make me want to run away screaming when I enter them, so I'm just going to avoid them this week. After this past year of constant decluttering, renovating two homes, my daughter moving in and out and back and forth, I think I deserve a week off without thinking about any of it.

What's going on in your life today?

Getting back in the groove

2011-12-27T11:30:00.009-05:00

I think over the holidays many people get out of their writing groove, I know I have. I came up with a couple simple prompts to use over the next few days to get moving again. I was going to use them all within a single post until I actually started writing and realized it would be way too long winded to cram into one single post. Instead I will be posting each separately over this week. I would love it if you would join me using these simple prompts for your own posts:

The holiday season...

Today in my life...

Plans for this week...

Looking ahead to the New Year...


Source: digsdigs.com via Martha on Pinterest

The holiday season...

It has been hectic, but not in the same way the holidays have been hectic in the past. This year our holiday season has been all about my boys chorus performances and dinner theater performances. I did a lot of volunteering, lots of cooking for the chorus kids, and lots of extra running around to pull things together. My oldest son also has a paying job as a choir member at one of our local churches so there were lots of holiday performances there as well. We were going at full speed day and night all month with the final performance ending at midnight on Christmas Eve.

Now that both of my boys are so involved in chorus I committed to playing a big part in their lives and interests this season in place of the usual holiday stuff. It meant being very much a minimalist with everything else holiday related which worked perfectly for me. It was all about what's really important instead of flashing lights, massive consumerism, and going into debt.

Friends, coworkers and extended family were very understanding and most in agreement about not exchanging gifts this year. I don't think any of us could afford it in this tough economy anyway. Although their reaction was quite different when they heard that I decided against putting up a tree as well. It has me puzzled why so many people freak out when they hear that. I had some beautiful centerpieces on my tables, poinsettias on each side of my entry, my mother's nativity in my dining room, and a few items that were made for me by friends on display. Very simple but beautiful and festive. What's the big huge deal about having a tree? Seriously, I'd love to know your thoughts about that.

I would love to hear about your holiday season too. Play along using my prompts at the top of this post, and be sure to leave me a comment if you do. Have a great day!

Featuring: Tamy

2011-12-08T16:00:00.002-05:00

I met Tamy online several years ago through our personal blogs. We were like minded in our thinking and over time together created two different team blogs - Our Krazy Kitchen which is a a group of 18 different food bloggers all with different food themes. We also created The Motivation Station which is a group of 7 bloggers offering each other motivation, support, and some fun challenges - working together on our goals adds a fun twist! Check them both out, we're always looking for new team members if you are interested!

Tamy has two personal blogs as well, 3 Sides of Crazy which is a little bit of everything and a lot of photography recently, and Always Eat on the Good China, Tamy's personal food blog.

Introducing Tamy...

Life can change in a heartbeat. Ever hear that phrase before? I always did, but wasn't sure what it really meant - until recently. Because of our travels around the country to care for family members and in search of a VA solution to red tape topped off by our extended stay in Texas because of my Ovarian cancer we have learned to live without many things. Those things are all in storage collecting dust. Every month I pay the bill to store these things. The things in storage are/were our prized possessions. The things still in the house are the pragmatic items. When it comes right down to it, we don't really need any of it.

My search for minimalism really began with my cancer diagnosis. I thought of all the unfinished projects, unread books and cherished family items that the boys would have no clue about without my notes and how I didn't have time to write out all those notes. Then I thought about those same family items and wondered if anyone after me really cares about them? Tradition just doesn't seem to be a strong point with boys in particular, but also with today's generation.

Our goal was to get back west with family so we came home to the snowy north with just what we had acquired along the way via a moving company that was a part of a huge scam, but that's another story yet. Besides being a scam that we are filing charges against, they lost furniture and boxes and have no remorse or desire to find them. They just want to throw money at it. The insurance doesn't begin to cover the damages to family pictures or missing furniture. In my younger years I would have been devastated by this. Now I just shake it off, deal with the paperwork and move on. In the big picture things just aren't worth the effort to get all worked up. Maybe it's my new lease on life, but either way I'm ecstatic to get my minimalist life going!

Our goal was to finish a few projects and sell the house. Things happen all the time that change our (collective term here - you may be next) grand plans. You know the old saying, "Man plans, God laughs". Well He's having one heck of a belly laugh on my account.

Minimalism

When we first started out, hubby and I rented a small cabin (small closet, single bed, couch, refrigerator, small table and a TV) in the mountains near Los Angeles. It was an old officer quarters - hot in the summer, cold in the winter and simple!! We had some of our happiest early moments in that cabin and have joked over the years about how we'd do it all over again. More than ever I'm convinced that I want less, less and less!! We've decided to sell everything we can and start a simpler life!

Now we'll not go back to a cabin like that, but we will go to smaller space, closer to family and spend more time living life, going places and appreciating the lack of things in our life that require our time and money.

Be sure to visit Tamy at 3 Sides of Crazy and Always Eat on the Good China.

If you would like to be featured click here for more information. I will be posting the features in the order received and as time allows. Have a great day!

Less is More

2011-12-04T19:30:00.010-05:00

Source: Uploaded by user via Martha on Pinterest

Very busy times for me this past week and for the next two upcoming weeks!

I've had to put all my minimalist projects on hold, even put all holiday stuff on hold in order to be fully present with my boys for their chorus performances. Both are really wonderful singers and both in the best, most unbelievable high school chorus. This year one is a freshman, the other a senior, the only year I will be able to see them perform together. They average six concerts a week at this time of year and also both have staring roles in a series of dinner theater performances.

This is a once in a lifetime time kind of thing for them and for me and my husband, it's our main focus right now - less holiday consumerism, more family time.

I may be a little scarce for a few weeks. This would be a great time for those of you who would like to be featured here to submit. Click here for more info.

No matter what your focus is right now, take time to breathe, enjoy your family and the season!

Featuring: Jessica

2011-11-29T05:30:00.002-05:00

I just recently discovered Jessica's excellent blog and immediately added her to my blogroll. Jessica blogs about minimalism, decluttering, saving money, minimalist design and small spaces - all the things I am currently working on! 

Introducing Jessica of mnmize... 

I  am an interior architect and designer fresh out of school and working  my way to becoming registered. I stumbled upon the idea of minimalism  while researching for ways to control my budget due to all these student  loans. As I've made the transition I've discovered that minimalism  equals more space, less stress, and endless possibilities for beautiful  design. mnmize was born. A blog about the benefits of minimalism not  only within your life and budget, but it's impact on your living space -  how to make the transition and design minimally and effectively. 

downsizing to a smaller place by Jessica | mnmize
After clearing out the clutter and excess furniture, are you noticing  just how much extra space you really have in your home? Before I  started focusing on minimalism, I could not wait to upsize to a roomier  apartment with an additional 200-400 square feet. But now.. I realize  just how perfect my current 600 SF apartment is for me. Not everyone is  cut out or comfortable living in such a small space, and I’m not sure  how much smaller I’d be willing to go, as I do live with two crazy cats  and a dog that would probably go stir crazy in an even smaller apartment  (any minimalist pet lovers out there with experience in this  situation?). But even so, I believe that everyone making the transition  to a minimalist lifestyle should consider whether downsizing their home  or apartment would be beneficial to them.
Here are some benefits to downsizing... Continue reading here

Be sure to stop by to visit Jessica at mnmize!

If you would like to be featured click here for more information. I will be posting the features in the order received and as time allows. Have a great day!

Help!

2011-11-25T22:50:00.013-05:00

I wrote earlier today about spending my day decluttering my collection of Christmas decorations and the much larger collection of my mother's Christmas stuff that I inherited. I thought it was going to be easy. I knew I didn't want 90% of my decorations and figured it would be the same with my mother's stuff.

I set out this afternoon collecting all of it in one place to get my project started. I started with my mother's things, all boxes I never even glanced at during my initial declutter of her home because it was already packed up and easier to just set aside for the moment. Boy did I ever get stuck almost immediately, just like with the rest of my mother's things, everything is antique, vintage, whatever you want to call it and most of it quite valuable.

For example, these are vintage Holt Howard 1958 candle holders. That doesn't mean a thing to me, yet on ebay they are going for $100 for the pair...

If anyone wants to send me a hundred bucks for these they are yours!

I had some things in a pile for the garbage thinking they were too old and beat up to even donate, but after my curiosity got the best of me, I checked on the value some of the "garbage" and turns out some I checked on were from as far back as the 1920's and definitely not garbage!

The problem is that there is so much that it would literally take me the rest of my life doing it full time to try to investigate every item and try to sell them. I can't just give it all away knowing the value, especially when we could really use the money, but I just don't have the time to spend dealing with it, and certainly don't have room to continue storing it all!

There are probably a good 30 or more boxes of just her Christmas stuff alone, and that's just a tiny corner - there are probably around 300 boxes all together. This is all the stuff left after the initial clean out!

Do I let it go in the name of minimalism or do I become a hoarder like my mother? I feel like there is little option in between. Quitting my job to turn it into a little business isn't an option, especially since I am the only one working. Garage sales for vintage stuff would be a joke, and if I tried to go through let's say a box a month to sell on ebay, 300 boxes would take 25 years to get through! Anything more than that would be impossible while working full time and the usual daily cooking, cleaning, laundry and all the extras that come along with having a family.

Any suggestions?

It should be called Black and Blue Friday!

2011-11-25T10:22:00.003-05:00

Source: southernbellaswaystosave.com via Martha on Pinterest

Just say no to Black Friday! Why not participate in White Friday with Miss Minimalist instead? I know I sure am, you couldn't pay me to go shopping today. White Friday is about taking the day for cleansing whether it's our body, mind, spirit or our home.

I say it's a great day for decluttering!

My goal today is to gather and declutter all my holiday decorations including all the holiday items I've inherited from my mother that I have yet to begin sorting through. I'm definitely into simplifying the holidays, this would be a great time to donate all those items I won't be using anymore.

How about you, will you be out shopping today? Are you working towards simplifying your holidays? If so, how?

Featuring: Josh Martin

2011-11-24T07:30:00.002-05:00

I have an special guest to feature on this Thanksgiving Day, Josh Martin of Josh Martin Ink. 

For Josh Thanksgiving has taken on a whole different meaning. In 2008, two days after Thanksgiving (in Canada), Josh had a bone marrow transplant  to treat leukemia. He was given a 20% chance of survival. Currently Josh is cancer free and sure appears to be living his life to the fullest!

Josh is hosting The Thanksgiving Project on his blog and hoping to have 1000 entries by the 30th of this month. Be sure to stop by to tell what you are thankful for today and spread the word! 

Josh's blog is one of the first I came across as I recently began my journey to minimalism. If there is anyone who can hand out advice on simplifying and finding balance in life, I'd have to say Josh is one who really knows knows about what's important!

Introducing Josh Martin 

Josh Martin Ink -- http://www.joshmartinink.com

Funny  stories. Good advice. Josh Martin uses humourous stories from his past  to illustrate points about simple living, balance and making the most  out of life. He's the author of two books: "Simple(ton) Living: Lessons  in balance from life's absurd moments" and "Balancing Priorities and  Prioritizing Balance: How to make room in life for what matters most".  Josh is a cancer survivor, moderate minimalist and card-carrying member  of the Sour Toe Cocktail Club.

Learn more about Josh here:
 http://joshmartinink.wordpress.com/about-2/

Be sure to stop by to visit Josh at Josh Martin Ink.

If you would like to be featured click here for more information. I will be posting the features in the order received and as time allows.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Featuring: Oz Girl

2011-11-23T14:53:00.010-05:00

Introducing Susan Garten better known as Oz Girl of City Gal Moves to Oz Land. Susan is another of my wonderful long time blogging friends. She is currently living in a beautiful rural area, yet still striving for simplicity (there goes my dream that simplicity just happens if we get out of the city ;-)  

Susan is also a terrific photographer, be sure to check out the links on her sidebar to see what a beautiful world she lives in when you pop over to visit.

I decided to slide Susan's unscheduled featured post in today since it deals with corporate greed and alternate ideas for Black Friday. Enjoy!

Profile

From City Lot to Country Acres.... it's been 3 years since I moved from the city to a rural existence. Most days, I absolutely love our isolated country life, but every once in awhile, a trip to the big city is essential to sate my hazelnut coffee thirst at Panera. :-)

Note to Self: Remember to Live Simply

Lately it seems like corporate greed is on the front page, in every shape and form. We see the protestors of the Occupy movement protesting this greed in a vague and rather unorganized protest - there doesn't really seem to be a defined strategy to their efforts.

Then on the opposite front we see news items over the last few days that several large corporate retail brands are planning on opening their stores Thursday evening, instead of waiting for their normal big opening on Friday morning.

Isn't this a prime example of corporate greed? I get weary of materialism being shoved down our throats 24/7. We've become so accustomed to this constant onslaught of WHAT WE NEED (really? do we need all this stuff???) that it's become difficult for us to take a step backwards and reassess what we really need to get by on a daily basis. Which is a lot less than we think.

And I'm just as guilty of this" I WANT" mentality as anyone else.

I had a pretty good handle on simplicity when I first moved to Kansas in 2008. Partly because I wasn't working and I really had to practice that philosophy.

Now that I've been working two jobs, to pay off debt of course, I seem to have lost sight of my "simple is better" philosophy the last few months.

I need to get back on track. Really, I do. So I'm going to start working on getting back to a simpler way of life. Again.

As an adjunct to this philosophy, and a pffffffft to large corporations everywhere, there are two events coming up this weekend that remind us to remember small and independent businesses everywhere.

The first event is Plaid Friday, brought to my attention by Jon Katz, one of my favorite dog book authors (A Dog Year, A Good Dog, Dog Days, etc.). Please click through to Jon's website to read all about Plaid Friday and how we can impact independent businesses for the better, in a world swimming with corporate greed.

The second event, Shop Small Saturday, is sponsored by American Express (I know, a BIG corporation.....sigh), but it does support small business and promotes the idea that we need to remember the independent businesses in our own hometowns. If you're an Amex card holder, you can sign up here (registration is limited!) and earn $25 back on your statement by spending $25 or more at an independent business near you. Last year, my husband and I ate at a small hometown Mexican restaurant with a large reputation, for free!

Meanwhile, I'm going to try really hard to get back to SIMPLE. My primary goal is to get out of debt, and ditch one of my two jobs. Working two jobs does not a happy camper make. I do appreciate that I have jobs in this economy, when so many people need just ONE job and can't find one. However, I will be happy when I can get back to just one job.

I'm taking Betty's previous post to heart, and me and the hubby will have a sit-down by the 1st of the year, and draw up a budget and a savings plan, and stick to it. While we both have jobs that we can be thankful for.

And I'm sticking to that story. :-)

Be sure to stop over to visit Susan at City Gal Moves to OZ Land!

If you would like to be featured click here for more information. I will be posting the features in the order received and as time allows. Have a great day!

Featuring: Betty's Budgeting 101

2011-11-22T07:30:00.018-05:00

Introducing Betty of a corgi in southern california. Betty is a long time blogging friend and one who is and always has been very encouraging and supportive. Betty blogs about her life in general with lots of posts featuring Koda, one of the most famous dogs in the blogsphere. Today Betty is sharing one of her posts on budgeting.
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Betty writes:

The majority of  you, if not all of you, are probably already on a budget and anything I write  about will be things you have done for years. But for me, this is really  seriously the first time as an adult that we really had to make some type of a  budget and stick with it. 

We attempted it several times,  but hubby had always made pretty good money and we never seemed to save for a  rainy day. I sure wish we had. My advice if you aren't saving or trying to cut  expenses, do start, even if employment sounds like it is going smoothly, but  just to get ahead and save some, just in case.

You all know that hubby quit  his job when we moved and was hoping to teach guitar lessons. It was really slow  for a bit, it is ever so slowly picking up just a tiny bit and he's up to six  students, which is what he had for a bit when he first started teaching back in  March. However, he was the main breadwinner, pretty much doubling what I made  and then some, so you can tell that we definitely needed to cut corners, which  we had started to do before we moved, as far as planning,  etc.

Before, in the good old days,  LOL, we would go out to eat pretty much every Friday night plus Saturday  evenings we'd bring back fast food after church, plus Sunday mornings we would  stop and get breakfast. Obviously now that has completely stopped, which has  been a big savings in itself. 

Before, we would spend close  to or over $200 a week at the store and when son's girlfriend lived with us, a  lot of weeks we got close to $300 a week. We just bought basically what we  wanted, tried to cutback a little and get store brands on some things, sales,  etc but if I wanted to try a new product or food, I would just try it regardless  of the cost.

This was definitely something  we had to cutback on, so we set a budget of $100 a week for groceries, figuring  it would just be the two of us, hubby and me, and we knew we would be cooking  all our food at home. 

This is where we have done the  best in savings. I know so many of you do this already and watch the sales  papers, but it is amazing how a little comparison shopping can save a lot of  money. 

We  have three main stores, Von's, Ralph's and Albertson's within a 5-mile radius  from where we live. The sales papers come in the mail on Monday. I look through   them during the week and see what is on sale at each store and what we need and  then come Saturday morning, since we usually shop Saturday afternoon, I put  together a menu for the week for dinners and then a shopping list for whichever  store we will do our main shopping at.

Of the three stores, Von's  seems to be the most consistent with good prices and great bargains so we do the  majority of our shopping there. For some other items at the two other stores,  we'll plan to maybe run in after we walk Koda or after his car rides that he  seems to get. We usually drive somewhere to walk him since we live in a busy  neighborhood and he likes barking at cars, buses, motorcycles, big trucks,  garbage trucks, etc. 

We have found that certain  deals sometimes aren't deals at all. A buy one, get one free deal sounds like a  great deal until you comparison shop and find that there may be another product  that is actually a better deal. 

Confession time here, I'm the  laziest person around. So it was so convenient to buy the boneless chicken  breasts already prepackaged, skin off, etc and have them ready for recipes or  however hubby was going to cook them. (Remember he is the cook here  :)

However, boneless chicken  breasts can be quite expensive. I have actually learned to buy the split breasts  with bone in and skin and even with not using the skin or bones, it still comes  out cheaper than the boneless breasts. We'll buy a pack of them and put them in  the crock pot and then shred the meat and use the meat for several meals over  the week, for instance chef salads, burritos, chicken BBQ sandwiches, etc.  

We have  also bought meat in bigger sizes, family pack or value pack they call them, and  then divide the meat in sizes we want for recipes. For instance, get a 4-pound  pack of ground beef and divide them into four 1-pound bags that we can use for  recipes. Can usually save a lot of money per pound that way.

We know what store brands work  better than others. Some it is better to buy the name brand, but on other  things, for instance napkins and some other paper products, store brands do work  okay.

We  have been able to keep our shopping expeditions close to the budget we set up  and sometimes less, depending on what we have stockpiled from the week before. I  use minimal coupons, mainly because most of the time the coupons you have to buy  two of something to get a discount and when you do the math, it really isn't a  good deal compared to a store brand on something. A few times I luck out and  have saved a bit with coupons, but not a lot.

I do use a lot of the store  coupons where they offer items for less with the coupon they had in their sales  paper. Have gotten great deals that way.

We probably could cut the  budget just a tiny bit on the food but right now we are still allowing a few  treats, hubby likes his snacks, ice cream, popcorn, chips, trail mix and I like  a glass of wine most nights. We know if we need to cutback again, these extras  will be the first to go. We don't buy soda, we used to go through quite a bit of  that before but have pretty much broken that habit once we  moved.

it  does take time to comparison shop and I am the least patient person around. I  want to be in and out of the store, but shopping like this, you can't be since  you need to really look at pretty much every product there that you want and see  what is the best deal. So it takes a little while longer to shop, but the  savings do add up.

If and when hubby should ever  get a job where he might be bringing in more than he does now, we are going to  continue to eat and shop like this and start to actually save money and stock it  away in the bank. I wish we had done this sooner when the "money was good". We  would have been in a much better position to make this change that we  did.

I  think our biggest splurge that we do is the car rides we take with Koda, but we  do sight see on some of them and it is not for long periods of time.

Koda

We don't go  to movies, we don't go and buy anything for the house (LOL we don't need  anything for the house), and are careful with clothing and shoe purchases, just  getting the basics of what wears out. I've found too going to Goodwill or the  like is just great for getting some shirts for wear; working at home does have  that advantage that I don't have to "dress" for work (but I do dress, just jeans  and tee-shirts or sweatshirts).

Pretty much anything else, we  do try to conserve, but we do have to have internet since I work on it and we  did bundle our internet, cable and landline phone since it was less expensive  that way. 

So this is what has worked for  us. Nothing fancy; just being more smart and wise at the grocery store and not  eating out, which I have to say in the beginning I really missed not eating out,  but now when I happen to look at a menu in passing, or we have been out twice  with hubby's brother/wife (they picked up the tab), I look at the prices and  shudder at paying that much for a meal I know I can make less expensively at  home. 

So  my advice, even if you don't have to budget and watch what you spend, still  budget and watch what you spend, and do save for that rainy day. You just don't  know when it will come.

And I would be remiss to say  this, by no means are we destitute, we did have a little bit socked away we are  using to supplement expenses with what my salary doesn't cover and we don't have  to pay rent or house payment here, so that is a good chunk that we don't have to  worry about. 

But I know deep down God will  take care of our needs and meet them. His word says it and I believe it. Like I  have said to others though, what he thinks my needs are and what I think my  needs are could differ a little bit, but I do know he will provide, as he has so  faithfully done over the years. And I have to believe that God does want us down  here, because you guys sure knew I prayed my "hardest" to make sure it was in  his will. 

So that's Betty's budgeting  101. Again, I just wished I had started it years ago!

Be sure to stop over to visit Betty at a corgi in southern california.

If you would like to be featured click here for more information. I will be posting the features in the order received and as time allows. Have a great day!

 

Motivate Me!

2011-11-20T20:00:00.028-05:00

Source: google.ca via Chelsea on Pinterest

Do you have a blog you would like featured and added to the list that fits any of the categories below - other motivational categories can be added too if yours doesn't fit into any of these...

Minimalist Living, Simplicity, Health, Diet, Fitness, Budgeting, Eliminating Debt, Family Life, Finding Balance, Cleaning, Decluttering, Organizing, Frugal Living, Time Management, or Green Living.

I'd also like to include the following types of food blogs...

Vegetarian, Vegan, Healthy Meals, Batch Cooking, Freezer Meals, Frugal Meals, Super Simple Recipes.

If so, email me (mm.seasidesimplicity@gmail.com) with what you would like posted about you and/or your blog with "Feature Me" in the subject line - I will be posting your feature exactly as you present it in your email.

I would also be glad to feature specific posts under any of those categories if you have a more general/miscellaneous blog, and articles will be accepted even if you don't have a blog at all.

I will generally be posting the features in the order received and as time allows.

If you have any questions please send them in a separate email or in the comment section. I would also love for you to include a photo of yourself and/or an example that showcases what your blog or your current personal journey is all about, and if you do have a blog please don't forget to include the name and URL.

You don't have to be an expert to be featured, you can be just starting out or anywhere in between.

I can't wait to be motivated by you!

The best day...

2011-11-20T09:40:00.003-05:00

Source: flickr.com via Martha on Pinterest

No words needed

2011-11-19T17:13:00.002-05:00

Source: digsdigs.com via Martha on Pinterest

The Bonus Room

2011-11-15T20:30:00.012-05:00

I initially called this room A Pathway to Progress. It's a big bonus room at the back of the house. It's a really long and narrow room, no closets. The room is currently being used as a storage room as I go through things box by box as time allows. Eventually (the sooner the better) I want to turn it into an ultimate teen room for the boys.

We considered purchasing a pool table to put in there, but I think the novelty would wear out pretty quickly. What the boys are both really into in their little bit of free time are video games and having a place where all their friends can hang out and stay over on the weekends. I would rather make the room truly useful instead of really cool room that nobody will use again after a few weeks.

I came across this photo on Pinterest and really fell in love with this room, which coincidentally looks very similar in it's long, narrow construction...

I would call this a minimalist maximum room! It's definitely minimalist in design and overall contents as far as "stuff" is concerned, but maximum in comfy hanging out and/or sleeping space.

I can just picture a bunch of teens with big bowls of popcorn hanging out in a room like this watching movies and playing video games until they pass out - I can also picture taking over a room like this and telling the kids to take over the rest of the house instead!

Your thoughts?

Ironically

2011-11-09T20:30:00.014-05:00

A few days ago I posted a photo showing a very minimalist bedroom, it was a photo that really spoke to me in it's minimalism. In that post I mentioned how I love beds on the floor. Ironically, my bed is so high that I have to literally climb up into it. I seriously really should have steps.

I thought today would be a good time to show my actual bedroom. The photo below shows my beautiful lounge chair in my little reading corner of my bedroom...

It's a comfy little corner - or I should say it was until yesterday evening when my 15 year old asked to borrow my lounge chair since he just got a new video game and wanted a super comfy gaming chair in his room for the evening. He's still using it tonight.

How much do you want to bet that chair may never make it back to my room? If it doesn't, I'm ok with that. My little corner was created as kind of a dream corner for what I'd like to be doing, but realistically I haven't sat there once to relax and read since we moved into this house almost 4 months ago. If my son will put my awesome lounge chair to good use, it's his with my blessings.

For the ironic part, the photo above looks pretty normal right? Well, remember my previous post Finding your inner minimalist? Remember how I went on about loving beds on the floor? Keep in mind the word ironic here...

Suddenly my lounge chair and night stand look like small children's furniture compared to the gigantic, way up high off the floor bed. I assure you, the other furniture is normal, the bed on the other hand, not so much. You have now officially been introduced to what we call "The Spartacus Bed."

This bed is so high that it is literally up to my waist. If I have to get up in the middle of the night and then get back into bed, I kind of stand there and take a deep sigh before trying to accomplish the task of getting back up there half asleep. It's like a goal accomplished every time I'm able to make it back into the bed safely - it's no wonder I dream about having my bed on the floor!

Don't get me wrong here, I love our big Spartacus bed, but would still prefer my bed on the floor - I'm not sure why. Anyone up for some psychoanalysis?

Another benefit of the super high bed, once my little Yorkie settles in for the night he won't jump off without help - that's a good thing since he can't chase the cats through the house during the night. The kitties know this and enjoy spending the night hours torturing him. Gotta love our pets!

I consider my bedroom minimalist, not perfection minimalist (yet) but definitely Minimalist in the Making!

Finding your inner minimalist

2011-11-07T20:20:00.003-05:00

Source: blog.yimmyayo.com via Martha on Pinterest

When I looked at this photo my first thought was that it is a little too extreme for me - I said a little, but honestly not by much.

I absolutely love the bed on the floor. I don't really know why but I've always loved beds on the floor. I've also always been a big fan of no furniture in bedrooms. I like bedrooms to be all bed - small cozy rooms with barely enough space to walk around the bed whether it's on the floor or not.

The room above is a few feet longer than I would prefer, or even better keep it the same size but put together two queens or kings - I like my space to really get comfy!

If this were my room I would send the egg thingie in the corner off to a thrift store and would put gorgeous low maintenance tropical plants out in that little garden space for a focal point and to add some life to the look of the room without adding actual stuff in the room itself.

Of course with hubby I would have to have a giant flat screen TV on the wall, which would be ok with me as long as all the wires were hidden, wires showing is one of my biggest pet peeves.

I would probably add a small romantic sign over the bed. I would have lots more pillows, and my bedding would probably be white and much more fluffy like a giant cloud that would look just as comfy, inviting and perfect made or unmade.

How does this room make you feel and what would you change about it?

What brand of minimalist are you?

2011-11-06T20:45:00.006-05:00

I took the quote below from a comment my new friend Lydia wrote on my last post. Unfortunately Lydia doesn't current have a blog to direct you to, but I hope she will soon!

"I have embraced minimalism and it seems to speak to my soul. My brand of minimalism is to live with just what we need."

As I've explored minimalism it's obvious there are all different levels. I have lived some, am working toward others, with lots of clutter to get through and many goals to reach.

Of course minimalism with a family will look totally different than singles, couples, or married without kids, just as it will look different in retirement years - no matter what our situations, it will look different to each and every one of us.

Do you want to declutter and simplify, making a little more room for more time and freedom? Is it just a matter of aesthetics for you? Are your ideas of minimalism working your butt off so you can become debt free? Do you want a gigantic sleek space with no stuff in the way, or is your idea more about living in a small space with just what you absolutely need?

Maybe you want to ditch it all to travel freely, or are you a homebody who would prefer the best amenities in your home no matter what the size? Is it about leaving a smaller footprint or totally living off the grid - or maybe somewhere in between?

What brand of minimalist are you?

Becoming a Minimalist

2011-11-04T20:30:00.014-04:00

I generally take my Friday evenings just to relax and enjoy, but then the rest of my weekends are always so jam packed that I often wonder why I look so forward to the weekends, when in reality I work harder on the weekends than I do during the week.

Don't get me wrong, I work very hard at work, but the work on the weekends is such hard, physical work, and much longer hours. Working my way to become a minimalist isn't easy!

I posted My Story last month right after starting this blog. It's a bit lengthy for a post, but still a very condensed version of how I got to the point I am at right now in my life. As much as I look forward to getting there, the journey itself just isn't a whole lot of fun.

Working to become a minimalist when it comes to "stuff" can be compared to eliminating debt or working to lose weight and getting in shape. In all instances, we didn't get to where we are in a day, or a week, or a month, or a year - chances are that we aren't going to be able to change it over night.

Realistically, no matter how hard we work towards these kind of goals it's going to be a process, and more than likely for most of us it's going to be a long and often even painful process - either physically, mentally, emotionally, or a combination. There is no magical way to just change these kind of things quickly.

We have to actively keep working towards what we want. We have to have goals and a plan to reach them, and most importantly, we have to know what we really want.

It's so difficult when we can't go all out on one goal if it puts the rest of our lives into turmoil. We have to somehow find balance. I think that's probably the biggest roadblock for most of us, there just isn't enough time left over in our busy days to work towards anything more than where we are and what we have right now, just keeping our heads above the water.

First things first, we have to really know what we really want and then decide if it's worth the work it will take to get it.

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I have a question for you. You can answer in the comment section or just give it some thought just for yourself...

What would your perfect life look like?

I was very surprised when I asked one of my best friends that question recently and she had no clue.

I know what my perfect life would look like, do you?
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The Ulitmate

2011-10-30T09:45:00.004-04:00

If I could choose my minimalist dream home this would be it...

Source: juztimage.com via Martha on Pinterest

What would your dream home look like?

Very Pinteresting

2011-10-29T20:15:00.007-04:00

A week or two ago I wrote about Technology and although I've given up Facebook and twitter there is one social media besides this blog that I have stuck with - Pinterest.

Pinterest has been really useful to me to collect ideas for design and decor for our home, our rental house, and minimalist inspiration as well...

Source: homedsgn.com via Martha on Pinterest

Pinterest is basically a virtual pin board. You can create as many different boards as you'd like all on one main page and then you browse the main page, click when you find something your interested in to pin it to your own board. Anything on the web can also be pinned, so instead of bookmarking you can pin it and it will show a photo as well. It's really a lot of fun!

When I first started using Pinterest, as I saw my boards develop I actually had a moment of self realization. I thought to myself "Ah, so that's who I really am." It was really very enlightening!

Follow this link to view my entire collection. Leave me a comment here with your email address if you'd like me to send you an invitation to start your own boards. Join me at Pinterest!

Reposted from mnmlist...

2011-10-29T20:00:00.001-04:00

mnmlist: minimalist protest

The Occupy Wall Street protesters are rapidly becoming the Occupy Earth protesters, and for good reason.

People are finally pushing back against the incredible influence that corporations have on every aspect of our lives. People are finding a voice for the frustrations of being powerless against the corporations.

And that’s a good thing. Corporations have taken control of our economy, our jobs, our political system, our environment, but much more than that: they now tell us how to entertain ourselves, how to spend time with others, how to show love for friends and family, how to look good and feel good about ourselves, how to communicate, how to educate our kids, how to spend our spare time, how to be in public spaces together, how to create and enjoy music and art.

Every minute of our lives is now spent with products of a corporation, and we are never alone.
How can we find our non-corporate voices? How can we protest against this?

We can take a stand.

The minimalist might protest simply by not buying corporate products. Don’t eat at corporate restaurants, or buy corporate coffee, or buy corporate clothes. Don’t have logos on everything you own. Don’t watch corporate entertainment — make your own! Find non-corporate ways to spend time with people. Find non-corporate ways to celebrate Christmas. Find non-corporate music to listen to, or create your own.

It’s possible. We still have our humanity. We can still breathe, but first we must create some breathing room.

The One a Day Challenge

2011-10-24T05:00:00.025-04:00

Last week I posted the new One a Day Challenge over at The Motivation Station where I host Motivation Monday every week.

For this challenge we were to pick one thing a day to declutter. It could be one bag, one box, one basket, one drawer, one shelf, one cabinet - or even just one single thing to donate.

I made good progress this past week, even better than expected. I thought I would share it here too.

I donated 8 boxes of miscellaneous craft, office, scrap-booking and and school supplies...

Realistically - I don't craft, I don't do any scrap-booking, and the kids school supplies were getting ancient. I don't think either of the boys will want Spiderman or Hot Wheels folders, little rounded tip scissors, or the massive supplies of crayons, markers, colored pencils, etc. now that they are in high school.

My office supplies were ridiculous too. I'm all for not having to buy what we already have, but when we have so much that it has to be packed away and can't find it when we need it is when we know we have too much.

Why was I saving all this stuff to begin with?!

I put some larger items down at the curb with a "free" sign this weekend. I didn't realize how far away I was for the photo but you can see them way, way down there to the right of the driveway, not much but a few things gone and out of my life!

Also while cleaning out the garage this weekend this is what will go to the garbage and recycling this week...

Last is a box of clothes. When I did the Closet Declutter Challenge for Motivation Monday mid August I left an empty box in my closet and vowed to put anything that didn't work for whatever reason in there immediately for donation. I have stuck to my rule, these have now been donated...

What did you declutter this week?

Would any of you like to join me here for a One a Day decluttering session this week? The challenge is just picking one thing a day to declutter - one bag, one box, one basket, one drawer, one shelf, one cabinet, or even just one single thing to put in the donation box - come on, let's do it!

Garage - Before and After

2011-10-22T13:52:00.001-04:00

The garage yesterday...

The garage today...

Progress!

Linking this post to Laura's 52 Weeks of Organizing.

Minimalist?

2011-10-20T13:34:00.001-04:00

Below is a photo of my current dining room. I'm interested in your honest thoughts about whether or not you would consider this space minimalist. Is it too stark, too much, or just about right in your opinion?

Something like this shows just how different the meaning of minimalism can be to each person.

I personally have little use for a formal dining room other than a place to store more stuff that I don't really want or need.

Having dinner with my family each evening is very important, it's often the only time we spend any quality time together in our busy days - but it doesn't happen in the dining room. I can't even remember the last time we used it for a holiday or entertaining.

For a formal dining room I guess I'd consider it minimalist, but do I personally need it, use it, or want it? Nope.

It will stay for now just because I already own the furniture and it looks nice in the space - but by the time I have finished my massive decluttering I hope put my home on the market and offer it for sale furnished.

What are your thoughts on this space?

Technology

2011-10-19T20:50:00.000-04:00

Technology is a such a huge part of our lives these days, but how much is too much?

One of my favorite devices is my cell phone. I have Sprint's version of a Smart Phone, as far as I'm concerned my phone is just as smart - and if it's not I don't know the difference so it's fine with me.

When it comes to minimizing, cell phones can be a minimalist dream because that one little phone can do away with all kinds of devices. Just to name a few...

Alarm Clock
GPS Device
Camera
Personal Planner
Calendar
Calculator
Land Line Phone
MP3 Player
Video Camera
Newspaper
Radio
Computer
Gaming Devices
Books
Internet Service
DVD player

Ok, so I still want my home computer and Internet service, the boys still want to play their X-Box Live on the big screen. Hubby the Netflix freak still wants to watch his movies on the big screen too - but it is nice to be able to give up the other items, and it's nice to be able to view my email and blog comments on my cell phone during the day.

Looking at the big picture from a frugal/minimalist perspective, it's a huge bonus that cell phones have so many features that we could go without all the other stuff if we had to or wanted to.

How about things like blogs, Facebook, twitter, etc.? For those of us who love the Internet these things can be beneficial ways to socialize and network - or huge time wasters.

I personally love blogging. It's what I do to relax instead of watching TV - I could be one of those TV smashing minimalists, but then I have all these TV loving men in the house, smashing the TVs wouldn't end well.

As far as social networking goes, I've tried getting into the swing of things, but I'm just not into it.

Tonight I went all minimalist on computer technology - I deactivated my Facebook and my twitter account ::gasp:: shocking I know, but it didn't hurt a bit. I actually feel like a weight was lifted off my shoulders!

I'd love to hear your thoughts on technology.

From one dreaded room to another

2011-10-18T20:00:00.001-04:00

A couple weeks ago I showed my Dreaded Room. It's were I've been working little by little each day, enough to create A Pathway to Progress. This weekend I'll be moving into yet another dreaded room, the garage...

My hubby has agreed to getting out there and letting me try to help him get his things decluttered and organized this weekend. My husband is not only a packrat, but he is also the world worst when it comes to organizing. He just keeps piling stuff on with no thoughts about being able to find something if he needs it, of course that always cancels out his reasons for saving things to begin with because he can't find them if we need them anyway. So frustrating. Wish me luck!

Update - before and after

A Pathway to Progress

2011-10-15T18:24:00.022-04:00

Along with my usual Saturday cleaning and laundry, as planned I spent a few hours in The Dreaded Room.

At this point it was about organizing the massive clutter just to be able to move around in there more than anything else. Today I just wanted to make space to be able to start working on things one box, bag, or stack at a time.

I went from this...

To this...

During this first session I came out with 2 large bags for the garbage, 3 boxes for donation, and the biggest bonus - a literal Pathway to Progress!

Linking this post to Laura's 52 Weeks of Organizing

The Meaning of Minimalism

2011-10-12T01:00:00.000-04:00

Minimalism means many different things to different people. I think most of us would like to slow down, have more time to relax and do the things we love. Minimizing is one way to help do that. It doesn't matter if we are taking about decluttering and minimizing our possessions, downsizing our homes, minimizing what we purchase - or all of the above.

Less is definitely more. It's more time, more freedom, and very possibly more money in our pockets.

For me minimalism doesn't mean I want to live without furniture other than a mattress on the floor. It doesn't mean owning only one plate and one set of utensils for each person in the family, or only owning enough clothes that will fit in a backpack. That's all a little too extreme for me. I still have children at home, work full time, and have no plans to travel the world anytime soon - but I do like clean uncluttered spaces that are very simply and minimally decorated with the things I really love and use.

Minimalism can be defined as "Design or style in which the simplest and fewest elements are used to create the maximum effect."

What does minimalism mean to you?

The Dreaded Room

2011-10-10T14:59:00.002-04:00

Do you remember when I posted Best and Worst showing one corner of the room where all my mother's belongings and leftovers that went unused when we moved are packed up and stored?

Today I'm going to bite the bullet and show you the whole embarrassing room.

This is just one of the many reasons I've become a Minimalist in the Making, what a nightmare!

Next weekend I'm going to work on clearing some space so I have at least have room to sit down in there and start the decluttering process.

Wish me luck!

My Story

2011-10-09T10:10:00.007-04:00

I thought I would share a condensed version of my story today to explain how and why I am on this journey to becoming a minimalist.

I was raised in a lot of clutter so when I grew up and went out on my own I was the opposite - very clean, organized and a minimalist.

Later I married Mr. Clutter and that's when it all began - again.

As I've mentioned in previous posts, Mr. Clutter is a pack-rat. He always says he's not a pack-rat, he just doesn't like to get rid of things - no really? ::rolling eyes:: So no matter how much decluttering I have done there were always entire rooms or areas of his junk.

My daughter (now 23 years old) was quite the little hoarder from the time she was very young. She wanted to save everything, sometimes even literal garbage. When she grew up and went away to college she left behind an entire attic, half of our large storage closet and one large bedroom closet packed wall to wall floor to ceiling all filled with the stuff she absolutely still couldn't part with. That was bad enough, but then 4 years later she moved back bringing along an entire two bedroom apartment full of furniture, all the stuff she took with her to begin with, all her boyfriend's stuff, the boyfriend himself, and anything new they had acquired.

Then my mother passed away last November, she had saved everything - and I mean everything! The initial declutter of her home took six weeks working day and night seven days a week. There was a trip to Goodwill with a full truck load at least once a day, the entire front curb was lined with trash on garbage days, and there was (and still is) an entire large room packed wall to wall floor to ceiling with boxes of things I couldn't get rid of for one reason or another the first time around.

Next the renovation began. My mother's home was never properly maintained between there being too much stuff packed up to get to anything and the fact that my mother couldn't accept how expensive repairs were these days. As a result there were roof leaks, tiles falling off the bathroom walls, termites, mold, and tons of other issues. The house had to be almost completely gutted, even many of the walls right down to the studs.

The plan was to do all the work ourselves since Mr. Clutter is also Mr. Construction, and then we would move into that home which is a larger house and has a pool.

Fast forward 11 months - We are moved in, all the major renovations are done, but still tons of little projects to complete. The large back room is still packed wall to wall floor to ceiling with what's left of my mother's belongings. The garage is packed wall to wall floor to ceiling with Mr. Clutter's construction stuff (update - round one of the garage clean up!)

The other house is now a total disaster area. Mr. Clutter was never good about regular maintenance so now that house also needs some major work inside and out. Plus when I packed to move I didn't pack any of his stuff that I considered junk. What that equals out to is about half of the stuff that was in that house while we lived there that was left behind. I have no idea what he's going to do with it all and don't care as long as it doesn't come into the home where we are living now.

During all these renovations Mr. Clutter has collected even more stuff - more tools, more construction materials, and probably just more junk. He hasn't made even the slightest attempt to start going through what was left behind to begin with, just keeps collecting and piling more up. He starts projects, leaves everything laying where he dropped it and then moves onto another project before finishing.

Currently the other house is jam packed with barely a path to get around through the entire house. Add the garage and back room full of stuff where we currently live now, and the attics at both homes are still full of stuff we haven't even thought about trying to get to yet.

Oh and my daughter - she dumped the boyfriend, left all her stuff behind and rode off into the sunset with a small suitcase in one hand, her kitty in the other to go live the life of a minimalist while traveling around the United States. Really?!

Looking at what's still left after almost a year of constant decluttering and all our hard labor is what has brought me to the point of wanting to return to a life of minimalism. I'm so tired of stuff, stuff, and more stuff!

I will show you the good, bad, and the ugly as I go. I know it's going to be a long, difficult journey but my mind is made up and I'm on my way!

I hope sharing my story and my journey will help others who may not know where to begin or have trouble letting go.

Best and Worst

2011-10-08T07:00:00.000-04:00

When my children were younger we would play a little game at dinner called Best and Worst. We would go around the table and take turns telling what the best and worst things were that happened that day. It was a great conversation starter, and highly suggested for a dinnertime ritual for anyone with young children. I've decided to bring that little game here as I work on decluttering, minimizing, and organizing. By playing Best and Worst I can cover the areas I'm still working on and still bring a positive spin on things by showing one of the areas that I've finished.

Hopefully by presenting it this way it will be more motivating. If I concentrated on only what's left to be done it would be depressing, especially since there is still so much! By including an area that was once just as bad but now finished proves that there really is hope and that it can be done!

Let's start with the Worst first. This is one corner of our big back room, these days often called a bonus room. This is the room we eventually plan to turn into a teen cave. You can see some of my ideas for the future teen cave on my Teen Cave Pin Board over at Pinterest. Here is how it looks now...
.

As you can see right now it's nothing more than a storage area (and remember this is just one corner!) I still don't know what to do with all the stuff. Everything in this area is what's left of my mother's belongings, all family heirlooms or other things that can't just be dropped off at a thrift store, other than a few extras that have been tossed back there in the moving process. As much as I don't believe in paying for storage units to keep stuff we aren't using, when I walk into that room I'm very tempted to do just that. All I can think is that it will probably take me years to get through it all - very frustrating.

This week's Best: My new laundry room

Left cabinet holds the pet supplies, middle is paper goods and right is cleaning and laundry supplies. The bins on the top are mostly still empty, the two on the left end hold extra light bulbs.

It's a really nice laundry room although I do miss having hanging space - but then again, that could be better in the long run since the hanging space in my old laundry room tended to turn into an unintended seasonal clothing storage area.

So there you have my Best and Worst. How about you, what are your Best and Worst areas this week?

Think about it...

2011-10-05T00:00:00.003-04:00

Nokomis Beach

Have you ever really given serious thought to why vacations are so enjoyable and so relaxing?

I think I know the answer. I don’t think it’s so much about where we travel as the fact that we are away from our stuff.

Why do most of us have so much stuff? The average person has either a garage, attic, basement, storage shed, or a combination of these things, and most jammed full. Some even have additional paid storage units for their stuff.

I have to ask, what good is all that stuff if we aren’t using it? Why do we continue to collect and save?

Even worse, many of us have clutter all around our homes not just stored away. What does that do to our overall well-being?

I know I find it very difficult to relax and I feel so stressed out when there is a lot of clutter around or when my surroundings are messy, too cluttered, or unorganized.

I can’t think of a better reason to begin the journey to minimize and simplify can you?

Marrying Mr Clutter

2011-10-03T00:30:00.010-04:00

And so it begins – Years ago I had a beautiful minimalist home. It was built on a 5 acre piece of property in the woods. The home was large, decorated in only black and white, no clutter to be found anywhere.

Then along comes Mr. Clutter.

Mr. Clutter is a pack-rat. Mr. Clutter also has no concept of putting things away or regularly maintaining things. Mr. Clutter loves to start projects but rarely finishes them.

Mr. Clutter seems to get worse as the years go by instead of better.

So how do I get back to a minimalist lifestyle while being married to Mr. Clutter? I don’t have the answer to that yet, I just know it is something that has to be done.

I know there are others out there in similar situations. Your thoughts, advice and ideas are more than welcome!

The Beginning

2011-10-01T23:30:00.007-04:00

Life is full of all kinds of stages and phases. These days things seem to be more hectic than ever, not just in my own life but in the whole world around me. There is so much beauty all around us too, if only we took time to see it, breathe it, and embrace it.

The problem is that most of us are going as fast as we can to get to where we need to be that we aren’t enjoying our journey – and really, the journey is the only thing we have in the end.

Do you spend your weekdays dreading getting up early, going to work, working all day, and then counting down to the weekend the whole week long – basically just wishing your life away? Then on the weekends do you spend your time cleaning, doing laundry, and getting things ready for the work week? I know I do all of these things. It’s all just a big vicious circle with no real living going on in between. What a shame that is.

I’m tired of living at such a hectic pace. Through the years I’ve learned to say no. I’ve learned how having routines can help. I’ve also learned that when I get the proper rest, eat right and workout on a regular basis that it makes me feel like there are more hours in the day because I’m healthier physically, mentally and emotionally. I know it’s time to get back to those things that I already know work to my benefit - yes, I've been slacking lately.

Beyond that, the main change I know I need to make right now is to minimize. The "stuff" is taking up all my time and and stressing me out beyond belief. I'm done!

This is my first post and where my journey will begin.