New Year Decluttering Challenge

I'm dreaming of a New Year's Decluttering Challenge.  If anyone else is anything like me, resolutions are strong at the beginning and tend to fade.  For that reason, I think a reverse decluttering challenge is in order.  Instead of a particular number of items that increases with the days, this challenge will focus on a time frame.  Whatever is the maximum amount of time you are willing to commit to decluttering, do it.  Use the following blog post and its questions to make decisions on what to purge.  http://embracingsimpleblog.com/12-questions-to-help-you-declutter/  The idea is to take time to master the questions when your resolve is strong.  Your efforts will be rewarded immediately; further decluttering will be easier and take less time.  Ideally, the progression will keep the ball rolling long into 2016.

My New Year starts right after Christmas.  My husband is on vacation every year to help and for motivation.  This weekend after being inspired by articles I found on families downsizing to tiny homes, I knew I could do better.

My first round of decluttering was those items hiding in plain sight.  Things I had ignored because they were part of the landscaping, so to speak.

My second pass had me going into the hiding places in the master bedroom.  Mainly I went through the nightstand drawer and under the bed.

Then I moved to the bookshelf and the guest room where the closet was calling my name the whole time.

And here's the closet before.  There is a possibility my mom will be staying with us for a time.  I wanted the room to be fully functional for her which meant clearing out the closet.

Here are the items I pulled to donate. The other stored items found a more appropriate home in the storage room in the basement, but it wasn't much.

Here is the closet after.

I was able to accomplish a lot over the weekend. With the questions from the article in mind along with the inspiration of whole families moving into spaces that were less that 900 sq. ft. and practice from decluttering throughout the year, I was on a mission.  Are you ready to declutter in the New Year?

I'm Ready

Courtney Carver is one of my favorite minimalist.  She is the founder of #project333 which is the inspiration for my capsule wardrobe.  She recently made a post entitled 10 Ways to Create a Routine with Joyful Discipline.  With the new year coming up quick, it's an excellently timed read.  The content is wonderful and, as I'm learning about creating posts for the general population, the site is a prime example of how to do things correctly.  Great job Courtney!!

I love routine and setting goals.  Courtney's concept of pivoting to change one's routines if they are not beneficial is critical.  She also uses the terms inflation and deflation for adjustments made to daily routines based on one's energy.  These concepts are similar to the spoon theory I use to address my energy crises.  I've learned the hard way that I need to establish a realistic base line.  I currently have a comfortable routine in place, would like to take steps to expand.

It just so happens, last month I invited several women to participate in a collaboration event. We will meet on a monthly basis with a different person hosting the event each time. The goal is to help the host with a task she assigns.  The group serves, has fun, bonds, and grows.  I'm excited to foster my relationships in this way.  I am both collaborating and rotating my routine, as Courtney suggests in her post. Winning!

Recently I accepted a position, three days a week, as a driver.  Believe it or not, this is job is a form of self care.  I chose this job because it has flexibility, fits my physical limitations, has a team atmosphere, and should never boring.  I will still have a day to "unroutine", in Courtney's terms.

While many people are focused on making subtractions in their schedules, I am confident making these additions.  I have made great progress in my minimalist journey and believe I am choosing wisely.  I am focused on self care and growing friendships.  The money I earn will be used toward goals set jointly by my husband and myself.  I'm ready!

I Choose

As I declutter and create "negative" or empty space, there are some that want me to fill it.  I want to Feng Shui everything.  I want empty space.  I have a dream of downsizing to a three bedroom home with 2 bathrooms.  Part of me believes if we downsized it we be a mental game that would thwart the need others have to fill our empty space.  I imagine the house being under 1500 sq. feet as I expect to have over night guests and would like to host gatherings.  And I want the basement for two reasons: 1) I live in the Midwest and want it as a tornado shelter 2) Part of my simple living goals include learning to can and dry food so I can buy only those foods offered from local farmers at the farmers' market.

Having only that which brings me joy in my home, my relationships, and my schedule is liberating.  Chores bring me joy.  I am taking care of my loved ones when I clean the bathroom, scoop poop, do laundry, buy food, and pay bills.  It's all good.  I don't have to spend time with negative people or fill my schedule with things I detest.  I choose.

I need to do a better job conveying the fact that I am on a minimalist mission and the benefits I have experienced so far because of it.  There seems to be some pushback from people who choose differently.  I'm really happy with my choices and my accomplishments.

For the record:
My house is much cleaner.  It is much easier and quicker to pick up.
Laundry is done regularly and is not the stressor it use to be before my capsule wardrobe.
I enjoy being in my kitchen and using my beloved tools to cook my family tasty meals.
I have time to love on my animals without feeling guilty about what needs to be done around the house.
I can host guests spur of the moment with my guest room prepped and the bathroom clean.
I waste far less food following a meal plan because I'm far less tired from not spinning my wheels.
I have time to foster authentic friendships.
I have time for self care, even if I'm not sure yet what to do.  I'm taking time to figure it out.
My family thinks I'm a rockstar superwoman and they're right!

Winter Capsule Wardrobe Week #3

I've enjoyed the cooler, yet sunny, weather this week.  I got to wear my sweaters and my coat.  I recycle my black slacks frequently as they are super comfortable and a great weight.  The jeans are getting more comfortable as I continue to heal from surgery.

Supporting My Love's Blue Mondays:

This outfit looked much better without one arm raised.  I love the sweater.

Chilly day before Christmas allowed me to wear my green sweater.  Doesn't get much sweeter.

Feel Good Friday did not disappoint.  It's hard to feel bad looking this good.

I love all my clothes, I really do.  Looking at these pictures, it's obvious that the last outfit compliments my shape the best by far.  I will keep that in mind as I move forward with my wardrobe in the spring.

Home is a Sanctuary

I enjoyed reading this poignant article entitled "How to create a luxurious life everyday life."  The article reinforced many of my current life choices, including my recent investment in stylish bras and panties.

1. Cook at Home - check.  I'm even branching out by making more meals that don't involve the crock pot to be more balanced, adding more spices, and trying new recipes.  The family is loving it.

2. Indulge in Cafe Time - good idea.  I've really wanted to join the coloring craze but when I'm home I find myself distracted by other things.  I think the cafe would be a great place to color and let my mind wonder.

3. Wear Luxurious Lingerie Everyday - check.  It may not be very swanky, but for my big girl body, I'm pleased I made the fore-mentioned investment in stylish undergarments.  I may have to look into something even more luxurious in the future.

4. Let Go of Busy - Done!

5. Cultivate a Capsule Wardrobe for Each Season - Couldn't agree more! I love my capsule wardrobe.  I also appreciate the word choice, "cultivate."  It takes some effort to find the perfect pieces but I believe it's totally worth it and so am I.  My wardrobe is an extension of love.

6.  Follow Your Own Schedule,  was an immediate - Done!  Then I read the description that included, "...listen to what is nudging you, calling your name and that is where you will find the unexpected beauty."  I'm not sure I have been doing that so I need to work on listening to what is calling me and finding unexpected beauty.

7. Discover a Personal Scent. - Alright! Time to revisit my avoidance of perfume.  Seriously, I stopped wearing it when my kids were infants because it was too much.  Now that they are young adults, I really should try again.  I like the thought of adding that touch.

8. Subscribe to Daily/Weekly/Monthly Periodicals.  This is far more challenging with my minimalist goals. The suggestion encourages regular learning and expansion of one's interests.  I may have to look into electronic versions.  I know Amazon Kindle offers numerous titles for free in the New Year as well as different times throughout the year.  Detective mode activated.  I don't want to spend money or clutter my home with subscriptions.

9. Save Time and Don't Wash Your Hair Everyday - True Dat!  My hair and scalp is much healthier when I give it regular rest between shampoos.

10. Invest in Quality Skin Care - Can I get an Amen!  I made this very investment earlier this year and it has been a true blessing.  I have subtracted acne from my face and I feel great.  I'm also subtracting some lines, dark circles, and unevenness in my complexion.  Forties are feeling fabulous!

11. Design a Workout Regimen to Look Forward To - Hit me where it hurts.  My current physical health issues make this out of the question for at least three months.  That being said, it will be the first thing I visit in the spring.

12. Find Time to Treasure Hunt - I do enjoy going on treasure hunts with and for friends.  I think if I apply it to myself, it will entail hunting for doable home improvements and that perfect thing for my dream home.

13. Be Sincere, Yet Kind - This is an ongoing process.  I do my best to be, in my word, authentic.  It is crucial to my personal values.  So glad to see it is on the list for a luxurious lifestyle.

14. Shop at Local Vendors and Boutiques - Yup, Yup.  I love my farmers' market and do my best to shop local.  A fabulous little clothing boutique just opened up very close to my home.  I was extra pleased that the shop owner has plus size options.  I purchased a top to wear for my Christmas events.

15.  Eat Real Food - As a Celiac, I eat very few processed foods.  They are quite expensive to purchase gluten free.  I will continue to explore seasonal food options to reach the maximum fresh flavor from the foods I prepare at home.

16. Elevate the Conversation - No gossiping or whining - Check.  I have started elevating the conversation at the dinner table to go beyond, "How was your day?"  Now I am hitting the hard topics  of sex, religion, and politics.  Yah, I went there!

17. Create an Evening Routine to Look Forward To - um, okay.  That requires a level of self care at the end of the day that is very challenging for me.  15 minutes?  I can, surely, do that.  Now to figure out what to do.

18. Schedule Regular Spa Appointments for Beauty and Health Maintenance - If my monthly haircut to maintain my pixie cut counts, I'm in.  I choose to spend my beauty budget on my wonderful skin care products.  There's an occasional trip to get a pedicure before a wedding or something.  I'm good with that.

19. Stock a Bar Cart for Spur-of-the-Moment Entertaining - My friends are not big drinkers, or drinkers at all really.  I do feel that keeping my house on the tidy side frees me up to make entertaining offers very spur of the moment so I will continue with that challenge and make it a point to open my home at least once a week to guests.

20. Fill Your Home With Inspired Music - That goes without saying in our home.  We are big music fans and love sharing our new finds.  Good to go!

Because many of the suggestions are done in the home, I found myself asking, "Is my home a sanctuary?"  I agree that our everyday lives should be something to enjoy and celebrate.  When subtracting or adding items in the New Year I can ask, "Does this add to my home feeling/being like a sanctuary?"

Adventure Fund

It has become clear to me that I would much rather collect memories than things.  I'm not talking about memorabilia either.  I like to do stuff rather than have stuff.  That boils down to asking myself whether the money I'm spending on stuff would be better saved so later I can have adventures.  My mission in the New Year will be to stay under budget as much as possible so I can contribute the maximum amount to my adventure fund.

One way I can save money would be to get rid of the storage unit I have not touched this year.  Yes, I have a storage unit. It's a great source of shame for me as I continue down my minimalism journey, but I have to remind myself that everything comes in time.  The storage unit is now in my sights.  There was an article I recently read here that gave the idea of considering the thrift store as one's storage unit.  To that I say, "Great Idea!"  I just figured out how I will purge the storage unit I have without feeling guilty.  Genius!!

I've hung on to things largely because my two young adult children will be moving into their own places soon.  I'm sure the money I've spent on the storage would purchase the items at the thrift store numerous times over.  My older child has a tentative move out date of February.  His application has been approved so I'm sure there will be those that argue the contents' time has finally come to be in use.  My plan is to take pictures of the items and if my son and his girlfriend want anything, I will save it at our house.  I will not have the additional bill in 2016.

My motivational question would be, "Would I rather put this money in my adventure fund?"  or "Is an adventure more important than this expense/purchase?"

Family Focus

During my presentation last week, I shared my personal motivation question when decluttering: Do I want my kids to deal with this if I die tomorrow?  It's been an important question during this first year of subtraction.  I believe this question will change in 2016.  My next few posts will be exploring what that question may be.  If you know your question, I would love to hear it.

This weekend I braved the mall with my mom, it was her wish.  I have already completed my Christmas shopping. The gifts I purchased this year were few in number, well thought out, and very meaningful.  I am pleased I had the time to find the right gifts, at the right price.  It's amazing what minimalism can do to help keep the family in focus.

There were a couple necessity items, bras & socks, on my list that were very manageable.  I was able to purchase them at one store.  I enjoyed the time I had with my mom at the mall because we were not urgently searching for just the right gift.  We drifted in and out of stores, chatting away.  I wasn't worried about making my next commitment or any chores that needed to be done.

As I reflect on our mall experience and my gift choices this year, I believe a compelling question for me in the coming year as I work to limit the items coming into my home, fill my calendar, and choose to fill my time, will need to keep a my family as my main focus.

Question #1 - Will this choice keep my family as my focus?

Winter Capsule Wardrobe Week #2

I faithfully dressed from my capsule wardrobe this week except the day I was out of commission.  I haven't worn my pearls in a while and I almost forgot how much I enjoy them.  It's been so warm that the first outfit is actually a cammy and a light weight, short sleeved cardigan.  I was still hot.

I decided to honor the sun and all its warmth with my sun shirt.  Thankfully I was able to remove the outer layer when the afternoon hit 65 degrees.  I enjoy my headbands too.

Simple outfit; no need for layers with the wonderful weather.

A little bit dressier outfit for my husband's Christmas party.  The scarf is from a hometown friend.  The shirt is from a boutique that opened up near me that has nice clothes for reasonable prices.  And did you notice the jeans?  That's right!  I wore jeans.  I also put on a layer of make-up. 

Speaking of Minimalism

Tuesday I had my first public speaking engagement on the topic of minimalism.  It was with a group of moms at a church.  I was so thankful for the opportunity to share what I've learned so far.  I prepared thoroughly but still found myself nervously wondering about all the things I could or "should" add on the morning of the presentation.  Then I reminded myself I was talking about minimalism.  If I couldn't minimize my presentation, I shouldn't be giving it.  I stuck to my script and followed my outline.  I only strayed once and it was for just a brief second, I promise.   I'm very happy to report that it went well.


Talking with the moms was very rewarding.  I was encouraged when they laughed with me about my imperfections.  They understood because they've been there.  There was a spirit of hope. I am inspired, even more, to continue my journey and find more opportunities to share.

Monday Decluttering Reset

The weekends are pleasantly full in our house.  Our kids are in and out with activities, my husband and I try to get out of the house for an activity, and the dogs love all the attention they get.  Inevitably, Monday is a reset with the amount of clean up there is to do.  I make the choice to save all cleaning until the work week because I consider housekeeping my job as I do not work outside the home.  The weekend if for the family.

The routine is different from my focused 15 minutes.  Monday is devoted to the decluttering reset so I can slowly progress through everything.  I start with a long shower with my favorite tunes.  I pamper myself with lotions and potions.  The house gets the same type of treatment.   It's very cathartic.

Here are the before and after pictures.

My husband asks me daily, "How did your day go?"  I usually give a neutral response of, "Ok."  The surprising thing is when I start to tell him what I've accomplished in a day, he always calls me on my neutral response.  He knows I'm a rockstar, even if I'm not sure.  Last month, I challenged myself to no whining.  This month I will choose to be positive and accept that I am enough.  Life is good.

Making the Most of the Thrift Store

I am making a conscious effort to reduce my carbon/environmental footprint.  I wouldn't go so far to call myself an environmental minimalist, but I'm starting.  I've decided to use the thrift store for as many items as I can.  Online shopping like Amazon is extremely convenient, but I'm determined to try the local thrift place that is near by first.  I don't go to the thrift store without a purpose.  I have specific items and a plan to use them with a relatively short time frame.  This is my way to combat clutter that takes up space.  Recently I have purchased:

1) Ice Cube Trays - I took a friend's advice to freeze milk and yogurt for daily power smoothies.  I actually went to a box store first and was not successful.  It opened my mind to the possibilities.

2) A basket and bows - I used in making a raffle basket for a charity.  The basket was $1 and so was the bag of bows.  I used it immediate upon getting home. I wish I had snagged a picture, it looked great when it was done.

3) Wrapping tissue - It's new and still in its original packaging.  With Christmas around the corner, I couldn't pass up the deal.  I used it the next day while wrapping present.

4) Books - A friend of my daughter makes a version of an altered book by creating artwork on the pages of old books.  Sometimes the art relates to the story on the page and other times, it does not. I gave them to her the next time I saw her and she was delighted.

5) T-Shirts for a themed quilt - You might have noticed I'm into a turtle theme.  I would really like a t-shirt quilt along those lines sometime in the future.  I have started looking now so I only use what I love and not the items that are available when the time comes. This requires some storage space but I've made that choice

6) Pearls - enough said, right? I wear them regularly.

As you can see, I had a plan for each purchase.  I put the items to use within days, save the t-shirts for which I have a long term goal.  I use this same philosophy when going to a regular store.  The thrift store is wily because there's a sense that the item will not be there next time and certainly not for such a low price and there's always some use for it.

Go in to a store with a plan.  Don't purchase what you don't need.  Make use of the item(s) purchased asap.

Winter Capsule Wardrobe Week #1

I dressed to go out three times this week.  I'm definitely looking forward to my haircut next week.  It seemed my hair didn't want to behave.

I love my skin care products from Roden and Fields.

I have fought acne all my life and I finally have decluttered my face.  It's so nice to have smooth, clear skin!

My other good news is I dropped 11 pounds this week!  Yup, I'm happy to be gaining momentum toward my daily routine.  It helps keep the pounds off.

If it's on the floor, you don't need it no more.

Today I got back into the groove of laundry.  The Tide that I purchased prior to my surgery had a malfunction and decided to explode/leak everywhere.  People in the house noticed, but not the extent that it had leaked.  I found a nice puddle under the bag in front of the washer.  It feels amazing to have it all cleaned up.  I look forward to my daily laundry routine resuming now.

This is the first time I am showing my before and after pictures on my blog rather than just my supportive group of peeps on FB.  This is me and I'm real.  So is my struggle to manage things at times. The majority of the clothes on top of the washer need to be air dried.  We take that term very loosely in our house.  The mess on the floor was mostly things people other than me don't know how to wash or mismatched socks belonging to the youth.  Funny thing is, they don't wear matched socks so I threw them all in the wash along with the other items that could be washed and I deemed worth saving.

Obviously in had been put in the down position where it liked to leak.

It took me about 40 minutes to get to the results you see in the after picture.  Much more than my normal 15 minute focused clean up.  It was well worth it.  

(Side note: you can save a lot of money if you can live with a washer and dryer that don't match.)

After today, I may start a new motto:  "If it's on the floor, you don't need to no more."

Cha, Cha, Cha, Changes

I watched "Hoarding, Buried Alive" last night for the first time this year.  Last year I binged watched it until they started to repeat shows.  Some watch the show and say, "Thank God, I'm not that bad."  For me, it's very motivating.  I'm not in a hoarding situation and I never want material things to have power over me.

Last night's episode featured an older couple. They were forced to deal with their problem after the ambulance team reported them to to the county. The gurney wouldn't make it to the bedroom.  The wife admitted she was purposefully not taking her medication because she wanted to end her life.   The three adult children were the support group along with a licensed counselor.  It was so sad to see the mom focus on hoard items when her children were trying desperately to gain her attention.  The counselor then explained how addiction works and holds an immense power to consume the hoarder.  Then I got to thinking about my situation in a different way.  Yesterday morning, when I stepped on the scale, I hit an all time high number: 250.  Maybe I was watching this episode it an attempt to feel better about myself.  Maybe I have an addiction.

I made it a topic of my therapy session today.  My therapist reminded me that I deal with lot of health issues for which I take medication.  That medication is what peaked my weight in the first place.  In recent months, life has thrown a few emotional curve balls.  I had back-to-back surgeries and numerous medication changes, in November alone, to improve a chronic condition.  My therapist concluded that I have not misplaced an addiction because I didn't start with one.  Yes turned to comfort food in a time of stress and frustration.  It has added about 20 pounds to an already large number made by the meds.

I guess when I think about it, this is a journey and I have to tackle minimizing my stuff everyday.  Whether it's household items, emotional baggage, weight, memorabilia, food, or cyber clutter, it has to be dealt with on a regular basis.  And that's what I'm doing.  I'm not running from the situation.  I am positive I can make the changes needed to make the change needed.