For the Fun of It

I'm learning and embracing the fact that minimalism looks different for everyone.  For example, most people would agree creating a meal plan for a week or more in advance helps keep the cost of groceries to a minimum.  Advanced meal planning was practical for me when life was busy.  It was not, however, exciting.  In this slower pace of life that I am enjoying, I like to find a new recipe every day.  I then go grocery shopping for just that recipe.  It's keeping my cost down because I'm excited to cook.  We stay out of the restaurants because I'm excited to cook and try new things.  I don't waste food because the recipe didn't strike my fancy that day.  I've been a stay at home mom for 20 years.  I'm just now spreading my wings and cooking for the fun of it.

What minimalism looks like will differ depending on the family.  It's not a competition.  Everyone is looking for that which brings them joy.  I have learned joy is not found in my stuff.  I want space for hosting my family and friends.  I do not intend to fill the space with stuff.  I do intend to fill it with love, acceptance, and anything else that supports our mission/goals.

My minimalist journey is going from feeling ashamed as I declutter/deown/decrayify, to feeling free and having fun as I enjoy life.  I'm not only cooking for the fun of it, I'm cleaning for the joy of it.  I'm taking care of myself for the love of it.  It's amazing what this new year is bringing into my life.  I am able to receive all the good because of all that I've let go.  Winning!

Bringing Sexy Back!

Various bloggers & authors continue to inspire me in my journey to minimize.  I went through our kitchen, yet again, and found even more stuff to donate.  I am amazed at what I thought I needed at one time versus what I really use.  There is still an amount of guilt when I evaluate an item.  I get past it much quicker and remind myself how much better and lighter I will feel once it is donated.  I'm also reminded of my choice to focus on self care and building relationships.  There is a snowball effect when I declutter to minimize with a purpose.

Long showers, lotions, and potions - I gave them all up (gladly, I will add) when I became a mom.  Now it's my time again and I'm bringing sexy back.  A bang up capsule wardrobe, perfume I've claimed as my own, along with a skin care regimen that is working wonders are all part of my plan to focus on self care.

My trusty slow cooker has also met its doom as I have challenged myself to find a new recipe each day to cook on the stove top and use my chef skills.  Healthier, new-to-us foods shall be on the menu and purchased locally whenever possible.  The pantry will miss being stuffed, I'm sure, but I've got big plans.  I shall be building relationships with the local farmers at the market asap.

I couldn't focus on myself before because I was overwhelmed with clutter.  I am happy that I have a new plan in the new year and I know everyone I love will benefit.  Winning!

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?"